A big THANK YOU to all the Town Clean-up participants! Slowly, progress is being made in invasive plant removal. (Keep on yanking out spurge laurel, ivy, and blackberries). All workers were grateful when Gail D'Alessio came by offering coffee, donuts, and an opportunity to chat. Special thanks goes to project leaders: Joe McNulty for work within the Glen Path, Julia Morse & Pam Whatmore for the thorough cleanup along 104th north of SE 27th, to Aaron Sharp for taking down smaller failed trees, and to the chainsaw gang who, with Aaron, worked at 5-corners. They did an awesome job whipping the area back into shape when they removed all evidence of the dead tree that had fallen across SE 28th the day before! 

If you have a storm drain or catch basin near your home, please be sure to monitor and use a rake to clear leaves, limbs, and debris from the area. Place leaves in your yard debris bin for easy removal and recycling. If you witness a problem on public property such as a potential tree fall, a hedge that restricts street visibility, or clogged storm drains, please contact Town Hall or the Building Dept. In the event of an emergency or large hazard such as a fallen traffic sign or downed tree blocking a roadway, please call 9-1-1.

The Council met on Tuesday November 8, 2022. Before beginning the meeting, Mayor Howes asked the Council to observe a moment of silence in honor of Chuck Lowry. They then discussed the following:

• New Public Defender: The Council ratified the selection of Stein, Lotzkar, and Starr to serve as the Town’s public defender.
• Comprehensive Plan Update Schedule / Contingencies. The Council and Town Planner Schroeder discussed further details about the statutory update to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. The update process will last about two years, during which residents will be asked to offer comments and insights at Planning Commission and Council meetings.
• Proposed Parks Levy Projects / Ideas. The Council discussed the four proposed ideas in more detail.
• Proposed 2023 Budget: The Council held its second public hearing on the Proposed 2023 Budget. As part of the discussion, they decided to postpone work on the water line under 104th Ave SE while looking into funding sources, including grants.
• Water Rate Increase: The Council briefly discussed the possible need for a rate increase to fund the Water Department’s ongoing maintenance needs. By law, the Water Department must be self-supporting and may not use tax proceeds to fund their work. Councilmember Stowe will complete a rate study for the Council’s review and discussion sometime in 2023.
• Shared Tree Policy: The Council postponed this discussion to the December Council meeting.

All necessary permits were issued last month for:

• 2730 160th Pl SE: mechanical permit
• 2739 106th Pl SE: mechanical permit
• 2712 107th Ave SE: mechanical permit
• 2804 107th Ave SE: mechanical permit