June 5, 2019 | Vol. 14 | No. 23
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 Council Appoints Jessi Bon as Interim City Manager
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Interim City Manager Jessi Bon; click to learn more about the City Manager's Office
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The City Council is pleased to announce the official appointment of Jessi Bon as Interim City Manager, beginning on June 8, 2019, following the recent resignation of current City Manager Julie Underwood.
Jessi joined the City ten months ago as its Parks and Recreation Director and has over 20 years of experience in local municipal government. Most recently she served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Sammamish, and prior to that was its Director of Parks and Recreation for 10 years.
"As a Council and as a community we have substantial decisions and opportunity before us," said Mayor Debbie Bertlin, "and we are fortunate to have Jessi already on staff. Her breadth of experience, professionalism and understanding of the Island as a resident will serve us well. I look forward to working with her even more closely during this interim period."
For the length of the interim appointment, the responsibility of running the Parks and Recreation Department will be shared by existing staff. Once the Interim City Manager is in place, Council will
develop a timeline and recruitment process for a permanent hire.
"I am honored to serve as Interim City Manager," Jessi said. "Julie is a strong and experienced leader. It has been a privilege working with her and I'm grateful for the energy and vision she brought to the city."
Jessi has lived on Mercer Island since 2010 with her husband Mike (an Island native), and their three daughters. She earned a B.S. from Western Washington University and a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University.
"There's no doubt that Mercer Island faces a tough road ahead, but I believe in this community. It is a special place, brimming with character and engaged, creative, and resilient residents. I'm ready to help lead this community through these challenges not only as Interim City Manager but as a neighbor."
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Understanding Small Cell Installations
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A small cell installation;
click to learn more
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Small cell antennas (see photo) typically support the expansion of the 5G wireless communication network, and are commonly mounted on existing utility poles, along with a small equipment box.
In 2016, the City of Mercer Island received applications for
39 T-Mobile small cell antennas; most of these T-Mobile small cells were installed between late 2017 and late 2018 by Crown Castle, a sub-contractor;
see T-Mobile map.
Just recently, the City received applications for an additional
46 Verizon small cell antennas that would again be installed by Crown Castle (WA-CLEC, LLC);
see Verizon map. These new 2019 installations will need to comply with the City's
interim small cell rules, adopted in January of 2019.
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New Boards and Commissions Appointments
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Click to view a list of new assignments
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Earlier this spring, the City invited residents to apply for positions on several volunteer advisory boards. These boards and commissions rely on community involvement to help improve the overall livability of Mercer Island.
Appointments to four boards and commissions were made by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and affirmed by the City Council at last night's Regular Meeting. Board members typically spend approximately ten hours a month on various duties. Thirteen new or continuing assignments were made for the following roles:
View a full list of new assignments here. |
Nominations Open for Flash Family Inspirational Award
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Click here for 2019 nomination form
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Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019
Flash Family Inspirational Award (FFIA), which honors a Mercer Island senior adult (55 and older) who exemplifies the spirit of good sportsmanship or community leadership, and who possesses an optimistic attitude and friendly demeanor while acting as a role model to others. The City invites all residents to nominate a citizen they believe should be recognized for embodying the spirit of this award.
As Phil Flash once said, this award should be given to a community member who "Keeps busy, exercises, eats healthy food, never, ever sweats the small stuff, and always stays positive." Phil Flash, a community artist and activist, passed away in April 2015.
The winning recipient of the FFIA is recognized for their contribution to the community at a City Council meeting and also receives a gift that enhances his or her interests. His or her name will be added to the perpetual FFIA plaque, which hangs inside the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.
Nomination forms are
available online or in person at the Community Center or the Youth & Family Services office in Luther Burbank Park. You can request forms to be mailed by calling (206) 275-7749. The deadline for submissions is
Friday, June 28, 2019.
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Help Stop the Spread of Knotweed
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A close-up of invasive knotweed;
click to learn more
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Knotweed is a major threat to ecosystems throughout Western Washington. This noxious, invasive weed chokes out native vegetation, increases erosion, degrades water quality and damages habitat for fish and wildlife - and it's found across Mercer Island!...
Come learn how to tackle knotweed on your property: the King County Noxious Weed Program and the City's Parks and Recreation Department are hosting free Wednesday workshops on June 12, 19, and 26, from 6:30-8:30pm. Click here to find one near you and register online.
Attendees will learn how knotweed spreads, how and when to control it, what is being done to fight it locally, and what opportunities for habitat restoration may be available for your own land. Register online here.
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