Tag: Government

A Major Voting Pet Peeve

Carl Setzer

Ok, if you’re a candidate running for office unopposed, I still expect you to fill out a candidate’s statement for the voter’s guide. This is something that deeply irks me.

When you can’t be bothered with writing a few paragraphs, you’re telling me you take my vote for granted. Um, nope…you won’t get mine.

I believe there is a minimum number of votes a candidate needs in order to get elected, even if they’re unopposed. If so, then getting zero votes, or getting 2 votes (thanks mom!),even without another candidate, would mean you lost. Which I think is appropriate.

My leaving that bullet blank may not inhibit candidate X from attaining office. However, I hope it does. Don’t take your constituents for granted!

City of Lynnwood Project Open House Next Thursday

Carl Setzer

These may not be the most exciting events, but they’re pretty important opportunities to understand city construction projects and know (in advance) how they’ll impact you.

 

Lynnwood Washington

PROJECT OPEN HOUSE NOTICE

2018 Paving Program – Chip Seal

Thursday, January 18, 2018

 5:30 pm  – 7:30 pm

Lynnwood City Hall, Council Chambers

19100 44th Ave W. Lynnwood WA

Project Information

Starting April 2018, the City of Lynnwood will be doing paving work to preserve streets throughout the city.  Chip sealing is a key part of the City’s preservation program to maximize the life of our roads. It is used in cities and counties across the country as a cost-effective method of pavement preservation. New technology and better mix designs have improved chip sealing products, minimizing its impacts and maximizing its effectiveness. The treatment extends the life of each road by seven to ten years and provides a new sealed surface, at a fraction of the cost of an asphalt overlay.

overlay map 2018

For more information contact Project Manager, Ngan Ha Yang 425-670-5209 or 
e-mail NYang@LynnwoodWA.gov or visit the project website.

Follow us on Twitter @LynnwoodStreets.

The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations may request written materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility accommodations, or other reasonable accommodations by contacting Project Manager Ngan Ha Yang at (425) 670-5209 or by e-mail at NYang@LynnwoodWA.gov by January 16, 2018. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the event sponsor through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day This Saturday

Carl Setzer

Perhaps you, like me, has a medicine cabinet filled with expired medications you have had no idea what to do with. The garbage, as well as the toilet, we know are terrible.

So, here’s a solution: the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 29th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

In south Snohomish County, we can head to Mountlake Terrace’s police department located at 5906 232nd St SW, Mountlake Terrace.

If you don’t live close to Terrace, this link will help you find a closer participating location.

 

 

 

Slowing Moving Day In Everett

Carl Setzer

It was a weird day to be at the Snohomish County administrative offices.

One: for some strange reason, tons of people were submitting plans/requests for permits. Not sure the causality of that. But the line was LOONNGGG.

Two: there was plenty of media presence, most likely due to this story: “Cascade Mall shooter dies in apparent jail suicide“. Mr. Cetin was being held in the Snohomish County jail, part of the admin complex.

Three: I heard that they were interviewing jurors for a major case. Not sure the whos or whats of that rumor, but there you go.

Four: I’m sure related to all the above, there was no parking in the county’s garage.

Last but not least, there was a gnarly accident on the corner of Oakes and Pacific, so Oakes wasn’t getting through, and people were being routed around Pacific.

Made for a slow moving day, but got some key stuff done. Not going to complain too loudly.

Lynnwood’s Development and Business Services Office

Carl Setzer

I’m pleased that the City of Lynnwood is reinvigorating (?) the word of the Permit Center (FYI, this office is not by the city offices on 44th by the library. Rather, it’s just south of 196th, kitty-corner to Goodwill). Hopefully, they can smooth out/simplify the permitting process and keep the dynamic business environment that is Lynnwood vibrant. Our little city is growing, and I’m confident details like this help.

 

 

Lynnwood Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Over the Counter Reviews Return to Lynnwood’s Development and Business Services in February

LYNNWOOD, WA (January 13, 2016) – The City of Lynnwood is pleased to announce that Lynnwood Development and Business Services, formerly known as the Lynnwood Permit Center, now offers Over the Counter (OTC) plan review to expedite and simplify your projects. The OTC review is intended for smaller, less complicated projects that can be reviewed quickly.

Beginning February 2, the OTC reviews will be held every Tuesday from 9:00am – 11:00am at the Development and Business Services Center located at 4114 198th ST SW, STE 7, Lynnwood, WA.

Projects that may qualify for Over the Counter review include:

  • Small residential additions and remodels
  • Most decks, carports, porch covers and sheds
  • Plumbing and mechanical for residential
  • Commercial mechanical roof top unit (RTU) replacements
  • Simple tenant improvements (to be determined by plan reviewer)
  • Plumbing and mechanical for tenant improvements

For more information on Over the Counter plan review and the types of required documents, visit our Business & Development Services webpage.

About Lynnwood Development & Business Services:

Lynnwood Development & Business Services is home to four departments working together to help homeowners, businesses, and developers succeed with their development projects.

Some #RealEstate Thoughts on the #CFPB

Carl Setzer

We in the real estate business have been hearing TONS about the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) lately. The biggest piece for us has been the changes in the required disclosure documents that will be launching “soon”. Mainly, the required documentation has been cleaned up/made less confusing (and I think they’ve done a reasonably good job at that part). (More details in the video below.) However, I do have some concerns.

As a fan of federalism, I am not too keen on this organization being (relatively?) clear of Congressional oversight. I highly value the mission and role of the org, but also deeply value governmental transparency and accountability. I would like to see more of that with the CFPB, even considering the partisan and often grandstanding nature of Congress. But that’s another issue.

Lynnwood’s Mayor Smith’s State of the City 2015

Carl Setzer
City of Lynnwood Logo

Doesn’t look like I’ll be able to make it, but here’s a great chance to be “in the know”.

Lynnwood Washington
SOC

You’re invited to join Mayor Nicola Smith on Tuesday, June 2 from 8-9:30am at the Lynnwood Convention Center as she delivers her 2015 State of the City Address.

Mayor Smith will be joined by Emcee Jim Stephanson of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County, with remarks by: Jean Hales of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Lynnwood City Council President Loren Simmonds, Lynnwood resident and volunteer Ed dos Remedios, and Owner of Lynnwood Acura Jim Marino.

This event is free to the community, but registration is strongly encouraged. Visit theEconomic Alliance events page to register.

For more information on the State of the City Address, visit us online or contact
Julie Moore at jmoore@ci.lynnwood.wa.us or 425-670-5023.

Beware: Jury Duty Scam

Carl Setzer

From the City of Lynnwood:

LYNNWOOD, WA (May 8, 2015) – Judge Stephen E. Moore and the Lynnwood Municipal Court want to alert Lynnwood residents to a jury duty scam that has become more prevalent across the country and around Washington. We value our citizens willing to serve on jury duty a great deal, and are very concerned that you might become victims of a scam artist out to take your money, and using the name of the court to do so.

Please be aware that citizens in several Washington Counties as well as around the country have lost large sums of money. Here is how it usually happens: an individual calls or e-mails and claims that you have missed jury duty. As a result, they indicate a warrant has been issued for your arrest and/or that the Sheriff is en route to arrest you, and demands payment, a credit card number, or a social security number for failure to appear for jury duty. 

Court officers will never ask for payment over the phone or by e-mail. Court officials will never ask for you to purchase a pre-paid card, provide cash or a check to pay for failure to appear for jury duty. Never give out personal information by phone or e-mail. Please report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency. For more information, visit www.courts.wa.gov. 

City of Lynnwood Purchases Seabrook Property for Environmental Conservation

Carl Setzer
Neighbors and Community Members

This makes me happy and proud!

City of Lynnwood Purchases Seabrook Property for Environmental Conservation,
ensuring environmental preservation in perpetuity

LYNNWOOD, WA (March 23, 2015) – The City of Lynnwood is please to announce that the title transfer of the the Seabrook Heights Property from West View Properties, Inc to the City of Lynnwood has been completed. Thanks to a $5 million Snohomish County Conservation Futures grant awarded to the City of Lynnwood in 2013 and $1 million from the City, the purchase of this piece of land was possible. This area of land was slated for residential development and the City’s purchase will ensure the natural environment is preserved in perpetuity.

The Seabrook Heights Property is located within Lynnwood’s Municipal Urban Growth Area on the northern boundary of Lund’s Gulch, south of Fisher Road, and north of Meadowdale Beach Park. The property is north of, and contiguous to 77.23 acres of open space that the City of Lynnwood and the Brackett’s Landing Foundation acquired from 1996-2004 with Conservation Futures Funds.

The Seabrook Property displays many of the same physical characteristics, wildlife and habitat as Lund’s Gulch and Meadowdale Beach Park. It is heavily wooded with second growth forest of Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Alder; hosts a native understory, steep slopes, and wetlands; and includes partial views to Puget Sound. One third of the property slopes downhill with gradients between 33-78%. The site supports a variety of wildlife including nesting eagles, and serves as a migration route for land birds and other mammals.

For many years, residents of the surrounding area have fought against the development of the Seabrook Heights property using their own money and resources. The planned development included 70 homes in this environmentally sensitive, landslide hazard area. The potential for landslides caused by increased runoff would pose a real threat to the downhill properties and to the habitat of Lunds Gulch Creek. The proposed development would have caused increased runoff, potentially causing causing severe hydrologic impacts to these properties and their wetland resources.

Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Sordel states, “Lynnwood currently manages over 350 acres of parks and open space, including 77 acres of open space in Lund’s Gulch, and we are absolutely thrilled to add the Seabrook Property under our stewardship and conservation. We want to commend the community members that fought so hard to preserve this area’s natural environment and also thank Snohomish County for their generous grant. The City of Lynnwood will take great care of this wetland and wildlife habitat and ensure it’s conservation for our future generations.”

For more information on the City of Lynnwood’s Parks, Trails and Open Space, visit us at www.PlayLynnwood.com.