Recently there have been reports of coyotes in the Village. Coyotes are present across nearly all of Washington, including urban and suburban areas. This is a general reminder to keep a close eye on children and small pets or to keep them inside if unsupervised. To minimize the risk, keep cats inside, keep dogs leashed, avoid early morning and late evening walks with your pets. Never run away from a coyote! Make loud noises, wave sticks, squirt it with a hose, or otherwise “haze” the coyote if it approaches. Stand tall, stare into the eyes of the coyote and shout at it. You also can throw something at it. 

If you witness a coyote attack on supervised pets or other aggressive behavior, the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages you report it to WDFW biologists and enforcement officers at: wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/report-observations.

In the event of an immediate public safety issue, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov. More information on living with coyotes is available on the WDFW website at: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/canis-latrans#conflict.

A huge thank you to Gail Knowles and Candice Soderquist for adding sparks of color by filling and hanging baskets full of fuchsias around the Village!

It is nearly time to perform annual tests of backflow prevention devices (BFD). BFDs are required on any system that is permanently connected to the Town’s water distribution lines, e.g., lawn sprinklers, fire sprinklers, and boilers, and must be tested annually. Many residents participate in an annual testing program organized by the Town, the fee for which will increase slightly to $48 per device. Participating residents are billed shortly after testing is complete for the appropriate amount based on the number of BFDs tested.

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 use your photos of the Village on the Town’s website to help keep it looking 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 persons; if they do, we have to obtain a release to use them.)

On Saturday June 14th, Bellevue will again host their now-annual Lake to Lake Bike Ride, a recreation ride where all riders are expected to follow the rules of the road and trail. Most riders opt for the short course; those who opt for the long course will pass through Beaux Arts along the arterial, i.e., 104th SE to SE 28th to 105th SE, between 9:30 am and 11 am. Bellevue anticipates that no more than 100 will opt for the longer ride. Please see the following map for the routes associated with this annual activity.

The Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday May 13th to discuss/act on the following:

• Middle Housing: Council continued their review of the latest draft materials and recommended additional revisions. They will hold a public hearing to review and act on the final draft at their June 10th Council meeting.
• Bellevue Franchise: Mayor Howes and Councilmember Stowe updated the Council on the status of negotiations with City of Bellevue.

Next Council meeting will be Tuesday June 10th at Councilmember Wheeler's house.

All necessary permits were issued last month for:

• 2808 107th Ave SE: building permit