Are you interested in changing your pickup schedule for recycling and/or yard-waste from alternating weeks to EVERY WEEK? Mayor Howes is discussing schedule changes with Republic Services and wants your input.  Current rates are posted on the UTC website here (see pg. 23); however, Villagers should be aware that rates for the collection of organics are in review due to cost increases at Cedar Grove.

Switching from the current schedule to weekly pickup increases collection rates as follows:

• WEEKLY RECYLCING RATES would increase approx. 24% from $11.15/ mo. to $13.85/mo. (This increase would apply to ALL Republic Services customers in Beaux Arts.)
• WEEKLY YARD-WASTE RATES would increase approx. 35% from $9.99/mo. to $13.53/mo. (This increase would only affect those who subscribe to yard-waste pickup and does not include the possible rate increase mentioned above.)

Please take a moment to indicate whether you support this service change by emailing Clerk/Treasurer Spens.

It is nearly time to perform annual tests of backflow prevention devices (BFD). These devices are required on any system that is permanently connected to the Town’s water distribution lines, e.g., lawn sprinklers, fire sprinklers, and boilers. All BFDs must be tested every year, and many residents participate in the Town’s testing program. Last year’s testing fee was $46 per device; we have no information yet on this year’s fee. If you wish to join the Town’s testing program OR you have participated in the past and no longer wish to participate in the Town’s program, please contract Clerk/Treasurer Sue Ann Spens to let her know.

We love to receive photos of our lovely Village to use on the Town’s website and keep it fresh. If you have any you would be willing to share, please contact Clerk/Treasurer Sue Ann Spens for more details. (Pictures should not include identifiable people; if they do, we have to obtain a release to use them.)

The Council met on Tuesday March 12th to discuss/act on the following:

• Held an informal visit with King County Councilwoman Claudia Balducci and learned about the County Council’s work on regional issues.
• Continued it public hearing on an ordinance amending the Zoning Code as mandated by the State Legislature. The hearing was continued to the Council’s April 2nd meeting.
• Approved plans improvements to the Glen Path.
• Postponed discussion of recent SEPA rule changes to the April 2nd meeting.
• Held a final review of proposed improvements to the Glen Path and authorized the project to proceed to bid.
• Passed an ordinance amending the Construction Code to clarify permit exemptions. The amendments make it clear that ALL projects, even those that are exempt from the need for a permit, must comply with the Town’s Zoning Code.

All necessary permits were issued last month for:

• 2804 107th Ave SE: mechanical/ plumbing permit
• 10023 SE 27th St: mechanical/ plumbing permit