September 21, 2018

Dear Friends,

The days are getting shorter and the leaves are starting to change color and fall. Autumn is upon us and I would like to wish everyone a season filled with joy!

In this issue of my e-newsletter you’ll find information about an upcoming sidewalk construction project beginning next Monday, an innovative approach to the criminal justice system now available in Redmond, a few public meetings and events, and some important safety tips to consider.

The King County Council is now beginning its work on the county’s biennial budget for 2019-2020. The public plays a key role in this process so I would like to personally invite you to attend a public Budget Committee meeting at Chief Kanim Middle School on October 4th at 6:30 pm. We would appreciate your attendance for a chance to learn about budgeting in the county and to get your thoughts.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you. It’s always a pleasure to represent you and all of District 3.

Kathy Lambert

In this Issue:

      1. NE Novelty Hill Road sidewalk construction beginning 9/24
      2. Community Court Redmond
      3. Carnation Treatment Plant award
      4. Budget meeting Oct 4 at 6:30 p.m.
      5. Home safety tips 2018
      6. Community repair event tomorrow at the Woodinville Library
      7. Grant opportunity for Unincorporated Area projects
      8. Assistance available to help customers pay their PSE bills

1. NE Novelty Hill Road sidewalk construction beginning 9/24

Starting this Monday, September 24, construction of a new sidewalk to increase pedestrian safety will take place on the south side of NE Novelty Hill Road between Redmond Ridge Drive NE and Trilogy Parkway NE near Redmond. The eastbound lane, adjacent to the construction area, may be restricted occasionally for a short period between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Motorists should expect delays. The work is expected to finish on Friday, October 19 at 5 p.m., but is weather dependent. I am very pleased that this project is now underway!

2. Community Court Redmond

Judge Paglisotti presiding. Please click on the video above to watch the court in action.

I am very proud to announce a new approach that we are using in King County to help identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. The goal is to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and to reduce recidivism.

Community Court is used as a resource to increase collaboration between the criminal justice system and other systems, such as mental health, substance use disorder, human services, housing, employment and education. The team uses a collaborative approach and develops a personalized treatment plan for each participant.

It is located right here at the Redmond Library and it is open to the public for volunteers and those needing services. It is open weekly, every Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

For more information please visit the website: https://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/district-court/Community%20Court%20in%20Redmond.aspx

3. Carnation Treatment Plant award

King County received the “Outstanding Performance Award” for the Carnation Treatment Plant. This means the plant had perfect compliance with strict state and federal environmental permitting standards in 2017. Congratulations!

For more information please visit this link: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/newsroom/newsreleases/2018/August/16-carnation-awards-2018.aspx

4. Budget meeting October 4 at 6:30 pm

The Council is beginning our work on budget deliberations with the goal of adopting a county budget prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. We want to get your feedback during this important process! The Budget and Fiscal Management Committee will host a meeting in District 3 as an opportunity to keep the community up to date on the process and to hear from you, the constituents, regarding your priorities. We really need your input!

The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 4th at 6:30 pm at Chief Kanim Middle School in Fall City. Your attendance is much appreciated!

5. Home safety tips 2018

This autumn please keep these tips in mind to protect your home from burglary:

• Keep doors, windows, and screens locked, day and night, home or away.
• Burn a light visible from the street at night in your doorway. When away, leave a light burning, preferably with a timing device.
• Never allow strangers or solicitors in your home. Always ask for credentials first, then check them out by phone.
• Encourage your neighbors’ cooperation in watching each other’s homes when you or they are away.
• If you suspect a burglar has entered your home while you are there, quietly call the police at once. DO NOT try to apprehend an intruder by yourself (if possible).
• Learn all you can about crime prevention techniques, and cooperate fully with your local police.
• Notify your local police if you intend to be away for several days.

Thank you to the American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens who have shared these helpful tips.

6. Community repair event tomorrow at the Woodinville Library

The King County EcoConsumer program sponsors free repair events around King County where people can bring small household items and clothing. Their experienced all-purpose fixers and sewing fixers will work on them, and can help you learn repair tips as well. They are coming to the Woodinville Library this Saturday, September 22nd from 10 am to 1 pm.

7. Grant opportunity for Unincorporated Area projects

Executive Constantine recently announced the availability of $90,000 in Community Service Area Program grant funding for educational, cultural, and environmental projects to benefit residents of unincorporated areas! The funding is available for projects costing less than $5000. Examples include events such as concerts or festivals, neighborhood improvement projects such as tree planting or clean up, youth and senior programs or signs for a neighborhood.

For more information on eligibility and requirements and to apply for this grant please visit the following website: https://www.kingcounty.gov/initiatives/community-service-areas/engagement-grants.aspx

Applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, October 26th!

8. Assistance available to help customers pay their PSE bills

Income eligible Puget Sound Energy customers can receive assistance paying their energy bills. The financial assistance comes from PSE’s Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP). Depending on income and household size, a qualified PSE customer can receive up to $1000 in utility-bill credits.

“This assistance is available for customers who may need it, and we want to make sure they know about it,” said Greg Zeller, PSE director of Customer Care. “We are encouraging anyone who is income-eligible to contact their community agency to apply for this available assistance; they are expecting you.”

To make an appointment to ask for HELP assistance, PSE customers can find the community-action agency nearest them by calling 1-866-223-5425 or viewing a list of agencies on pse.com/assistance.