Thank you for reading Monroe This Week.

This week’s edition includes details on the local recognition of Juneteenth, the City's recruiting efforts for a code enforcement position, the upcoming Monroe Farmers Market Kids Day, the return of the Monroe Fair Days Parade and Market, the 2022 Dream Builders Car Show on Sunday, a story of neighbors helping neighbors, and a summary of the June 14 City Council meeting.

Please contact me with any and all feedback regarding the articles below. I can be reached at GThomas@MonroeWA.gov.

Yours in Service,

CITY RECOGNIZES JUNETEENTH THIS SUNDAY

On Tuesday, June 14, I issued a Proclamation recognizing Juneteenth here in the City of Monroe. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, setting in motion the end of slavery in the United States. Word of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed in reaching authorities and African Americans in the South and Southwest by some two and a half years, to June 19, 1865. This date is now recognized nationally as the oldest known public celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. I encourage you to read the full text of the Proclamation, and to become more familiar with the significance of this celebration in African American history and in the heritage of our nation and City.

The Monroe Equity Council will be celebrating Juneteenth from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. tomorrow at Sky River Park. There will be food, education, and a small vendor presence!

CITY RECRUITING FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT POSITION

The City of Monroe is currently recruiting for a Code Enforcement position. The individual in this position will investigate and enforce local and State codes and ordinances for compliance. This is achieved through onsite inspections, phone and digital communications to provide education, voluntary compliance, and issuance of infractions and citations when needed. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in  urban planning, law enforcement, criminal justice, construction management, or a closely related field or equivalent combination of related education and experience in code enforcement practices. For more information and to apply, please visit the City's website.

MONROE FARMERS MARKET  KIDS DAY COMING UP

Come celebrate the start of summer at the Monroe Farmers Market Kids Day which is just 3 weeks away! There will be a scavenger hunt, treats, petting zoo, face-painting and fun for all. They only have a few booth spaces left for Monroe kids to set up shop at the Market. If your kids are into arts, crafts, jewelry, and more, email Kelly at KWarren@ChooseMonroe.com to sign up for a spot!

MONROE FAIR DAYS PARADE RETURNS

The Monroe Fair Days Parade is finally back! After 84 years, the theme this year is "The Show Must Go On". Everyone's favorite summertime event will take place on Saturday, August 27 and feature appearances and performances from the Monroe High School Cheerleaders, the drift and drag cars from Evergreen Speedway, the Seafair Pirates, Horses of IXTAPA Monroe, multiple princesses, the Boys and Girls Club, various equestrian teams, and many more! Starting at 11:00 a.m., the parade will take place along West Main Street. There will also be a Fair Days Market held that day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Wagner Performing Arts Center. Both parade and market registration are now available here, and you can contact the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Director Janelle Drews via telephone at 360-794-5488 or email at Director@Choosemonroe.com for more information.

2022 DREAM BUILDERS CAR SHOW ON SUNDAY

The 8th annual Dream Builders Car Show returns to the Evergreen Speedway on Sunday! Since the founding of this event in 2014, over $400,000 has been raised for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County. There will be so much to do and see including power wheel drags, burnout contests, live racing, and more! The event will also feature a beer garden and kid zone. Stop by and enjoy a great Father's Day!

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Volunteers of America, ECEAP Monroe recently brought the Sky Valley Food Bank the most amazing thank you note and gift basket. Each week, the food bank supports the VOA's program by providing the preschool students weekend backpacks full of nutritional food. The food bank would like to say a special thank you to all of the donors that continue to support their programs. This is just one of many examples of truly involved and invested partners in Monroe, and we are happy to have them in our community.

JUNE 14 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

The City Council met in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 14. The following items were discussed and acted upon during the meeting:

Consent Agenda – Items considered routine and approved by one vote:

• City Council Meeting Minutes for May 24, 2022
• Accounts Payable/ACH payments through June 8, 2022
• May 2022 Payroll
• Accept WWTP Roof Replacement Project and authorize the start of the 45-Day Lien Period
• Release of retainage bond upon filing of Notice of Completion and receipt of State of Washington releases
• Authorize Mayor to Approve the Consultant Agreement with RH2 Engineering, Inc. for the Design of the 177th Ave Sewer Line Replacement Project
• Ordinance No. 013/2022 Amending Monroe Municipal Code (MMC) Title 12.36.180, Variances; Second Reading
• Authorize the Mayor or designee to sign a contract amendment with Automated Funds Transfer Services (AFTS) for lockbox services 

New Business – reviewed, discussed and approved the following new items:

• First reading of Ordinance 018/2022 - 2022 Budget Amendment 
• Setting the initial meeting for the North 41 Annexation for June 28, 2022 

Mayor/Administrative Reports:

• City Administrator Deborah Knight reported that:
• Monroe received the 2021 Wastewater Treatment Plant outstanding performance award and thanked the WWTP staff for all their work
• The AWC Annual Conference is June 21-24
• Many clear priorities came out of the Snohomish County District 5 Roadshow event (an event to garner feedback on what the County should do with ARP funds)
• The gateways signs have been installed
• City offices are closed on June 20 in observance of Juneteenth

• Mayor Pro Tem Gamble read a Proclamation recognizing Father's Day this Sunday

Staff Reports:

• Economic Development
• Human Services
• Parks
• Public Works

The City Council will next meet in a Regular Study Session Meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person at City Hall and remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the June 21 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.