Thank you for reading Monroe This Week.

This week’s edition includes details on the local recognition of Independence Day, safety tips and information on firework regulations from both the City and Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, the publication of the Choose Monroe magazine, the kickoff of Parks and Recreation Month, the upcoming unpermitted temporary sign cleanup, the resumption of 25 mph speed limits on Main Street, the return of the Music in the Park series today, registration for the Tri Monroe Triathlon, the Evergreen Speedway's USA Birthday Bash, and a summary of the June 28 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,

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

I would like to wish all Monroe residents a safe and happy Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared the original thirteen American colonies as free, united and independent states. This Declaration of Independence followed a vote of the Congress two days prior to approve a resolution of independence. America has been called the Great Experiment, as the democratic form of government established by the newly free nation was and is the first of its kind.

This Fourth of July, please celebrate Independence Day. Please get together with one another – with family, friends, and neighbors. Given the summer heat, please consider using alternatives to personal fireworks and, if you use them, only use legal fireworks. Be safe and have a Happy Independence Day!

JULY 4TH SAFETY INFORMATION FROM THE CITY

Annually, residents ask questions about the City’s fireworks regulations. The City allows fireworks on the Fourth of July between 9:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.; fireworks are prohibited in any City park (MMC 9.28.70). To further protect our community’s new investment, the Lake Tye Synthetic Turf Fields will be locked promptly at 5:00 p.m. on July 4th. The fields will re-open July 5th. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We also feel it is valuable to have some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on our website so that people can have access to these questions and responses. You can read the FAQs on fireworks laws and tips on the City’s website or in this informational flyer. As noted in the FAQs, the City Council has not authorized me or a qualified staff member, like a fire marshal, to declare an emergency to prohibit fireworks, and State Law prohibits changes to local fireworks laws from becoming effective for one year. 

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS FROM SRFR

As the July 4th holiday approaches, Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and ask residents to use extreme caution if you plan to use fireworks. If you choose to discharge fireworks, make sure that you have a bucket of water nearby to soak spent and unused fireworks before discarding them appropriately. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest for our local emergency responders. To help leave phone lines open for emergencies, you can call the Snohomish County non-emergency phone number - 425-407-3999 - to report the illegal discharge of fireworks. Please do not call 911 unless there is an immediate threat to life or property. You can learn more about the laws and regulations within our jurisdiction by visiting the Fire District's website or viewing their Consumer Fireworks FAQs flyer.

CHOOSE MONROE HITS MAILBOXES THIS WEEKEND

The Summer edition of the Choose Monroe magazine is out! This publication is everything and all Monroe. Hear from local organizations such as Evergreen Health Monroe, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, and our local Sno-Isle Library. Learn about local non-profits and American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) fund recipients. Then our feature articles this issue include welcoming Modern Home Furnishings to Monroe and a complete listing of all our City parks. All Monroe residents should be receiving a copy in the mail over the weekend. If you don't receive one, or you live outside city limits, you can find copies at your local businesses, visitor center, city hall, library, YMCA and more locations starting next week. An online edition is available here.

JULY KICKS OFF PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH

July is Parks and Recreation Month and we’re rising up for parks and recreation at the City of Monroe. Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Parks and Rec Month to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time parks and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time, seasonal, and volunteer workers — that maintain our country’s local, state, and community parks. Each Friday this month we will be highlighting our community's Park Department facts. Keep an eye on the City’s Facebook page for our #FeatureFridays.

UPCOMING UNPERMITTED TEMPORARY SIGN CLEANUP

In an effort to keep Monroe beautiful and clutter free, the City of Monroe will be conducting a pickup of unpermitted temporary signs on Wednesday, July 13. If you are currently using temporary signs, please contact the Community Development Department prior to Wednesday, July 13 - by phone at (360) 863-4501, or by email at landuse@monroewa.gov - to obtain your no-fee permit, which includes a label with an expiration date. You can download an application on the City's website. Temporary signs include A-Frames, banners, directional, inflatable or stake signs. Feather banners, such as those pictured above, are not permitted in the City.

MAIN STREET SPEED LIMITS RETURN TO 25 MPH

With the arrival of summer, earlier this week the speed limit signs on Main Street were returned to 25 mph. These speed limits in the area will remain for the duration of the summer break for our local schools. Please drive safe!

SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES RETURNS TODAY

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce's hit summer series, Music in the Park, returns tonight! Taking place each Friday in July, Music in the Park will feature a musical act and an on-site food truck each week at Lake Tye Park. The full 2021 lineup is:

Artist:

• July 1: Laurel Canyon Legacy (electric folk)
• July 8: Harvey Creek Band (country)
• July 22: The Soul Searching Band (soul)
• July 29: Hairnation (rock)

Food Truck/Beverages:

• July 1: Anthony's Finn and Los Tamaahlas / Dreadnought Brewing
• July 1: Anthony's Finn and Buddy Burger / Bugu Brewing
• July 1: Anthony's Finn and Cheese Pit / Crooked Label Brewing
• July 1: Black Sea and Smokin' Dough / Good Brewing

The beer garden and food trucks will open each week at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts at 7:00 p.m. You won't want to miss out!

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR TRI MONROE TRIATHLON

USA Triathlon is bringing their Youth and Junior Development Series to Monroe in just two weeks! Taking place at Lake Tye Park and Fryelands Blvd, the pre-race events will be held on July 15 with the triathlon to follow on July 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “Junior” triathletes are between the ages of 16 and 19, while “youth” triathletes are between the ages of 13 and 15, both with racing ages determined on December 31 of the competition year. USA Triathlon’s mission is to encourage young triathletes to dream, plan, and reach towards their goals. Tri Monroe is one of four regional races that serves as a qualifier for the USAT Youth Elite and Junior Elite National Championship, and we are excited to host this special event in one of our beautiful city parks. For more information or to register, please visit their website. Registration is open until July 15. 

USA BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE EVERGREEN SPEEDWAY

This Fourth of July classic returns with all of the fan favorites including bus and boat races, demo derby, hornet races, an amazing firework show, and of course, the infamous Mr. Dizzy! Born and raised right here in Monroe, Mr. Dizzy began doing small stunts for his home track, Evergreen Speedway, and quickly expanded his performances to venues across the western United States; he has since been seen all across the country and as far as Costa Rica. He has appeared in multiple television shows and holds numerous world records. You won't want to miss out! Get tickets here today.

JUNE 28 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

The City Council met in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 28. The following items were discussed and acted upon during the meeting:

Announcements/Presentations:

• Jon Greninger, Superintendent, Snohomish County Public Works Solid Waste Division, gave a presentation to review proposed amendments to the County’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan and discussed next steps in the process

Public Hearing:

• Required public hearing for Ordinance No. 014/2022, Adopting Emergency Interim Zoning Amendments to Chapter 22.12 MMC, Definitions

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

• City Council Meeting Minutes for June 14 and June 21, 2022
• Accounts Payable/ACH payments through June 22, 2022
• Ordinance No. 018/2022 amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 to account for new or decreased revenues and expenditures
• Paid Family Medical Leave policy, in accordance with Washington law
• 2022 Planning Commission work plan
• 2022 Annual Road Maintenance Project, M2022-0003, construction contract in the amount of $606,430 to Lakeridge Paving Company
• Supplement Agreement No. 2 with The Blueline Group to include Construction Management services for the 2022 Annual Road Maintenance capital project, M2022-0003
• Madison Combined Sewer Separation Project construction contract in the amount of $2,869,226.94 to Marshbank Construction, Inc.
• General services agreement with Snohomish County for traffic control services during the 2022 Evergreen State Fair
• Lodging tax award recommendations as provided by the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)

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

• My appointment of Scot Noel to Park Board position 7 
• Resolution 2022-007 amending the 2022 Master Fee Schedule 
• Resolution 2022-008 designating Trombley Park as the name for the future park informally known as “North Hill Area Neighborhood Park”
• First reading of Ordinance 019/2022 amending Monroe Municipal Code (MMC) 14.01 “Flood Hazard Area Regulations”
• Purchase and sale contract for Venture Property 
• Ordinance 020/2022 adopting the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual of Western Washington
• Round two of ARP funding recommendations 
• First reading of Ordinance 021/2022 Downtown Fee Waiver Program Extension 

Mayor/Administrative Reports:

• City Administrator Deborah Knight reported:
• City offices are closed on July 4, and the July 5 City Council meetings have been cancelled
• Fireworks regulation flyers would be distributed at the Farmers Market and local fireworks stands
• I reported:
• The flag plaza at City Hall should be completed in early August
• I have Issued a Proclamation recognizing and celebrating the Fourth of July as Independence Day

Staff Reports:

• Police
• Finance
• Human Resources/IT

The July 5, 2022 City Council Study Session Meeting is CANCELLED. The City Council will next meet in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 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 July 12 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.