Happy Friday, North Bend! Welcome to the newest edition of your Weekly Recap. Remember to click linked headlines for articles and posts.
The community is invited to join City staff and elected officials for the November 21 City Council meeting at 7 p.m.: Topics include:
- Ordinance – Adopting '24 Property Tax Levy
- Ordinance – Adopting '23-'24 Mid-Biennial Budget Modification
- A Resolution – adopting the 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan for '24-'29
- A Motion – authorizing an amendment to the Republic Services contract
- An Ordinance – amending the taxes, rates and fees schedule relating solid waste and recycling rates
- A Motion – authorizing a contract for city attorney services
- Council Vacancy and Appointment, including interviews, an Executive Session to evaluate candidate qualifications, Appointment and Oath of Office
Holly Days, North Bend’s winter festival, returns on December 2: The North Bend Downtown Foundation invites you to join in on the ever-heartwarming, outdoor old-fashioned festival and tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 2. In addition to the official tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Pro Tem Heather Koellen, activities will include fireside s’mores, festive glow bracelets, hot cocoa, local live entertainment emceed by Councilmember Mary Miller, complimentary photos with Santa, and crafting with local nonprofit organizations. To safely accommodate everyone, the City of North Bend will be closing a few blocks of the downtown historic area.
ICYMI: On Tuesday, Mayor McFarland, Council, staff, and community met for the November 14 Special City Council meeting. Topics included:
- Council Vacancy and Appointment, including interviews, an Executive Session to evaluate candidate qualifications
- A presentation on Affordable Housing Alternatives
Brian Lynch appointed as permanent Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Chief: On November 13, 2023, Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross announced she had appointed Interim Police Chief Brian Lynch to be the permanent chief of the Snoqualmie Police Department, effective December 1, 2023, pending Snoqualmie City Council confirmation.
City earns Risk Management Award: This fall, the Association of Washington Cities Risk Management Service Agency (RMSA) recognized the City of North Bend for its work in governmental risk management practices by protecting property and liability risks and cost. As one of 106 members of RMSA, North Bend works together to solve problems before they happen and protect its members’ futures when they do. Doing so promotes stronger, more resilient communities.
Bloodworks Northwest is hosting a blood drive on Monday: On November 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastside Fire and Rescue Headquarters in Issaquah, there will be a blood drive! To schedule your donation, please use the QR code below, or visit https://tinyurl.com/mrybvzhw.
Congratulations, Ofcs Spears, Ward, and Peter: On November 14, Officer M. Peter graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Basic Law Enforcement Academy, having completed 720 hours of basic training. Ofc. Peter started his field training this week and will continue with this on-the-job training for three-to-four months with a specially trained Field Training Officer watching, offering feedback, and conducting daily evaluations of the new officer's performance. Ofcs Spears and Ward have successfully completed their three-to-four-month field training and have now been assigned to their patrol squads for solo patrol!
City and Snoqualmie Fire Department troubleshooting and repairing flashing “warning” street signs: The City of North Bend and the Snoqualmie Fire Department are troubleshooting and repairing flashing beacon “warning” street signs this month.
Help keep your neighborhood storm drains and culverts clear: City crews work hard to keep storm drains and culverts clear of leaves and other debris, but with thousands of these in North Bend, we could use your help. Fallen leaves pile up on storm drains on our streets, blocking rainwater from draining, which can lead to neighborhood flooding.
November is Flood Awareness Month and Kindness Month in North Bend:
- Flood Awareness Month – Mayor McFarland invites all residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to join him in learning preventative steps and preparedness techniques that can preserve your home and the lives of those you love.
- Kindness Month – The City recognizes that kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of religion, politics, and gender, and that, through simple acts of kindness, we can promote healthy behavior and positive dynamics within our community. The Empower Youth Network's Youth Suicide Prevention program, which includes the #BeKindSV campaign, makes our schools, communities and state stronger by facilitating meaningful change through simple acts of kindness.
Keep up with the City on social media: One of the easiest ways to keep up with City happenings and breaking news is to follow us on social media. We are active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also find the City on NextDoor HERE.
