REPORTER
Mercer Island www.mi-reporter.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2016 WEDNESDAY, MARCH3,20, 2013| |75¢ 75¢
MISD asks for levy lift extension
Give from the heart next week
Send in special election ballots by Feb. 9 There are two Mercer Island School District levies on the ballot: one for capital projects and one for school transportation. Postmark ballots by Feb. 9. Results will be posted at 8:15 p.m. See www.kingcounty.gov/ elections for more.
By Joe Livarchik
jlivarchik@mi-reporter.com
Get CPR certified Sign up on the city’s website for a First Aid and Adult CPR class, to be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the north fire station. The cost is $55. For more, call 206-275-7607.
Pancake breakfast on Sunday Get all-you-can-eat pancakes for $5 for one person, $15 for a family and $3 for a senior when Boy Scout Troop 457 holds its annual pancake breakfast. The event is from 8:30 a.m.noon on Feb. 7 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Some want Islandwide vote for MICA By Katie Metzger
kmetzger@mi-reporter.com
The only item of regular business on the Mercer Island City Council’s Feb. 1 agenda was a discussion of an advisory vote on the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) use of the recycling center site at Mercerdale Park. MICA and the city have been working on a draft lease since July 2015 for the land, which also includes Bicentennial Park and a portion of the wooded area to the south of the abandoned recycling center. Concerns about leasing a portion of public park land to MICA — a private nonprofit that promises numerous benefits for the city and the community — were raised throughout the 2015 general elec-
tion, and many speakers have attended recent council meetings to voice both support and reservations about the planned arts center. Newly-elected Councilmembers Jeff Sanderson and Dave Wisenteiner proposed that the council discuss holding an advisory vote to gauge community support before signing the lease. “If approved by a council majority vote, the exact language of an advisory vote ballot measure would be subject to further review and revision by the city attorney at a future date,” according to the Feb. 1 agenda. The meeting was held after Reporter deadline. If the council were to put the project before the voters, it would be in the form of a ballot measure.
SCHOOL LEVIES | PAGE 9
REPORTER
Sixty students will act, sing, dance and narrate this 90-minue extravaganza. Tickets are $5 at the door. The show will be at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4-5 in the West Mercer Elementary gym.
The results of an advisory vote are non-binding and do not change local law, but have historically changed lawmakers’ opinions. On two issues where Mercer Island held advisory votes — putting a golf course in Pioneer Park and City Hall in Mercerdale Park — Islanders rejected the plans. That history of protecting parks prompted the formation of the citizen group Concerned Citizens for Mercer Island Parks. “As the Island becomes completely built out, there is more and more pressure to use our parks as vacant, free land for a variety of interest groups. If we don’t protect our parks, they will disappear,” said group leader Ira Appelman. “The final decision should not be made by various groups lobbying the City Council but should be made by the voters in an Islandwide vote, and that is what we seek.” The group endorsed Wisenteiner in the election, who
Mercer Island
West Mercer to present ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
Katie Metzger/Staff Photo
Giving from the Heart, an annual event supporting Youth and Family Services, is on Feb. 10. Attend a fundraising breakfast, purchase glass hearts or shop at selected businesses to support the cause. See page 11 for more and register online at www.miyfs.org.
STARTING AT $39/YEAR
Meet local artists and find unique handmade gifts at the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Gallery’s opening for its exhibit, “Tell-Tale Heart.” The reception is from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the gallery, 2836 78th Ave. SE.
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MIVAL gallery reception is Feb. 4
With the state’s levy lid lift expiring at the end of 2017, the Mercer Island School District expects to face a 4 percent funding loss, or roughly $1.8 million. At the school board’s retreat Jan. 26, Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano expressed urgency to board members toward sending a message to Olympia regarding a timely resolution to levy funding that won’t harm the school district. “I would suggest to you as individuals to contact your local representatives and share your thoughts with them,” Plano told board members. Plano recently traveled to Olympia to testify in favor of House Bill 2698, which would delay implementation of revisions to the school levy lid and local effort assistance. The bill is currently placed on second reading in
SUBSCRIPTIONS
MI | THIS WEEK
Serving Since1947 1947 Servingthe theMercer MercerIsland Island Community community since
MICA | PAGE 6
In In business business since since1987 1987and andcelebrating celebrating15 15 years years as as your your Mercer MercerIsland Islandneighbor! neighbor! Join Join us us for for aa celebration celebrationwith with doughnuts, doughnuts, coffee coffeeand andjuice juice Friday, Friday, February February 5th 5th 8:00 8:00am am--11:00 11:00am am
2448 76th Ave SE, Suite 107 - Mercer Island 275-2700 2448 76th Ave SE, Suite 107 - Mercer Island(206) (206) 275-2700