| July 19, 2017 | Vol. 12 | No. 29 |
 Council Update: Jeff Sanderson Steps Down, Salim Nice Appointed
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Salim Nice; click for more information
about City Council
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At last night's regular Council meeting (Monday, July 17), Mayor Bruce Bassett along with the entire Council recognized the service of outgoing Councilmember Jeff Sanderson, who was elected in December 2015 to a two-year term in Position number 4, after it was filled temporarily by Ms. Terry Pottmeyer.
Jeff Sanderson announced last month that he would step down after the mid-July meeting in order to "focus on important personal and business priorities." During his tenure, Council undertook significant and lasting issues: updating the 20-year vision for Town Center, a current rewrite of the residential development code, and hiring a permanent city manager. Sanderson was also one of the three councilmembers selected to serve on the negotiating subcommittee that secured a mitigation settlement with Sound Transit over light rail construction impacts.
Mayor Bassett applauded Sanderson for bringing "a thoughtful and fresh perspective to Council deliberations," and noted that he found his business-oriented perspective particularly helpful.
At last night's meeting, Council voted 6-0 to fill the vacated position immediately by appointing Salim Nice, who is currently running unopposed in the November election for Position No. 2. By State law, Mr. Nice may serve in this capacity until November 28, 2017, after which time the winner of the race for that position would be seated. Mr Nice will be seated in Position No. 2 per normal procedure at the first meeting in January 2018.
Salim Nice and his wife Janice Imrich-Nice are natives of Mercer Island who returned to raise their family. Mr. Nice serves as Managing Partner of a large tax advisory firm where he focuses on complex negotiations and multi-dimensional budget management. He has also been an active volunteer on the Town Center Visioning Committee, the Mercer Island Editorial Board, and with IOSA, a non-profit, community-based, community-supported oil spill response organization in Washington's San Juan Islands.
"I want to thank the City Council for their unanimous confirmation of my appointment last night. I am humbled by the support from Council, City staff, and community members who encouraged me along the way. I look forward to this opportunity to give back to a wonderful community that I care deeply about," stated Nice.
Learn more about Council Positions at: www.mercergov.org/Council |
Distracted Driving Law Effective July 23
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Click to learn more about the law
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Beginning
July 23, 2017, it will be
against the law for Washington drivers to use hand-held cell phones while they are driving. This includes
all electronic devices, even tablets, laptops and video games. Tickets for driving while using hand-held electronics will go on a driver's record and be reported to insurance providers.
City vehicles and employees will be following the new regulations and the City
encourages all residents to learn the new law -- patrols will be in effect.
No Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving:
- Even when stopped in traffic or at a traffic light
- No typing messages or accessing information
- No watching videos or using cameras
You CAN Use Your Device If You Are:
- Hands-free (such as using Bluetooth) and can start use by a single touch or swipe, without holding the phone
- Parked or out-of-the-flow of traffic
- Starting your GPS or music before you drive
- Contacting emergency services
Fines for Electronics DUI (E-DUI) Tickets:
A Driving Under the Influence of Electronics ticket (E-DUI) costs $136 for the first offense, and $234 for a second offense within 5 years.
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New Ballot Box Arrives in Time for August Primary
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Mercer Island's new ballot box
with walk-up or drive-up access; click to learn more.
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On July 12, King County Elections mailed ballots to registered voters for the August 1 Primary Election. Learn more about candidates and measures on the ballot here.
Just in time for that election, more ballot boxes have been placed around the region, and one has been installed at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (see photo) at 8236 SE 24th Street. The box will be open only during election periods each year, and accepts sealed ballots without the need for any first-class stamp.
As usual, ballots can also be returned by mail to King County Elections: these DO require a first-class stamp and must be postmarked by election day. Learn more here. |
New Speed Check Signs in Place
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A new speed check sign along West
Mercer Way; click to learn about other
City traffic calming programs
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Last week, the City's street team installed some new speed check signs along West Mercer Way (WMW) and on First Hill.
Locations were chosen based on requests for police enforcement by residents and observations by officers.
These grant-funded, solar-powered signs can be moved to other focus areas in a few months if the need arises, and the MIPD plans to pursue similar grant opportunities next year. These signs help remind the public that safety is "Job #1" for everyone.
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Proper Tree Restoration Helps Avoid Winter Power Outages
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The powerlines run through the middle of the photo; click to view project flyer
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The current evergreen trees are spaced too close together, have been repeatedly topped due to interference with high-voltage electricity transmission lines, and have developed disease and decay.
The decision to have these trees removed and replaced in the interest of public safety, uninterrupted utility services, and establishment of a more sustainable urban environment, is supported by several years of certified arborist and tree risk assessor reports tracking their decline. Utilizing a greater than 1:1 replacement ratio, the restoration planting will incorporate a mix of trees, shrubs, and groundcover that will require less maintenance and detrimental pruning, and will not reach the height of the powerlines.
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