2005 Snohomish County News
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon signed the County’s Comprehensive Plan creating a blueprint for managing growth over the next 20 years.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s plans to spark a new biodiesel industry in the County takes its first step as county vehicles began yesterday fueling up with biodiesel B-20 blend.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, under a unique grant funding arrangement with the Washington State Department of Ecology, has signed an Agreement to split 50/50, a full-time Environmental Habitat Restoration Crew with the Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force to improve water quality in Snohomish County.
The Snohomish County Council voted to approve the update of the county’s Comprehensive Plan on December 21 to accommodate the county’s forecasted growth over the next 20 years. The state Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the county to update the Comprehensive Plan, first adopted in 1995, at least once every ten years. This milestone included action on 27 ordinances and three motions.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has submitted to County Council an Interlocal Agreement that would preserve the right of the Town of Darrington to continue managing and operating its popular Darrington Archery Range, water tower and associated water lines.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has announced a property acquisition deal that would significantly expand parks and recreation activities in Monroe.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon announced the award of a $132,500 grant by the State of Washington Department of Ecology, on behalf of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and County Auditor Bob Terwilliger have submitted to County Council a motion to convert the County to an all mail-out election system.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon presented Director of Basic Needs Services for Volunteers of America Western Washington, Bill Humphreys with a $6,070.94 and 2,000 pounds of food donated by Snohomish County employees.
Snohomish County’s Internet web services will be unavailable Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, 2005 while the county completes moving all its computer systems into a new data center facility.
December 7, 2005
Snohomish County has recently won several grant awards aimed at protecting and improving air quality and fish and wildlife habitat in Snohomish County.
The Snohomish County Council will re-open a public hearing to take public testimony on a group of proposed amendments to the Planning Commission Recommendations on the 10-Year Update of the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 7, at 1:30 p.m. in the Jackson Board Room on the 8th Floor of the County Administration Building East, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s proposed 2006 budget was adopted today by the Snohomish County Council, with only minor changes.
November 21, 2005
The Snohomish County Council unanimously adopted a 2006 budget with an increased emphasis on public safety and transportation. In addition, the council’s budget makes key investments in parks, ball fields and trails to meet the needs of Snohomish County residents and re-establishes the county’s commitment to agriculture that was proposed to be cut.
Executive Reardon is seeking residents engaged and interested in agriculture to apply for nomination to the Snohomish County’s Agricultural Advisory Board.
Growing Success for Snohomish County Agriculture: Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has issued a final call to farmers and others interested in local agriculture to register for the County’s second annual Focus on Farming Conference, entitled “Growing Success for Snohomish County Agriculture.”
October 28, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, today, cut the ribbon officially opening the new Lundeen Park Way extension to through-traffic.
October 25, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon is ramping up his effort to improve the economic health of the Snohomish County farming community.
October 25, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, and members of the County Council will officially open the new Lundeen Park Way extension at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Friday, October 28 from 2 to 2:30 pm.
October 24, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has made good on his promise to veto a salary hike for elected County officials. The County Council approved the pay raises at the October 19 meeting.
October 24, 2005
The Snohomish County Auditor's Office – Licensing Division and Animal Control Services will be closed all day on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 for staff training.
October 19, 2005
The Snohomish County Council moved closer to increasing developer fees to target some of the county’s most congested roads. The council unanimously endorsed a proposal, requested by Councilmember Jeff Sax, to increase the fees developers pay for traffic mitigation. The proposal will come back to the council for final action in December when the county’s Ten Year Update of its Comprehensive Plan is considered.
October 17, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, today celebrated the inaugural use of the Victim Information and Notification System Everyday (VINE) program, aimed at informing victims of crimes of the time and date of an adult offender’s release or transfer from Snohomish County and Lynnwood jail facilities.
October 14, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon is recommending to County Council a proposal for the 2006 Budget to fund five new Criminal Deputy Prosecutors to help keep pace with a growing felony caseload.
October 13, 2005
On Sunday, October 30th, Snohomish County truly goes to the dogs (and cats too); particularly for those whose owners would rather not lose them.
October 10, 2005
The Snohomish County Council is expected to take action on Monday October 17th on a motion that authorizes the County Executive to sign an agreement with King County to process the permits and regulate the proposed Brightwater Treatment plant.
October 5, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, Mukilteo Mayor Don Doran and Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson today announced the names of the persons selected for the Mediated Role Determination Review panel. The panel is tasked with making recommendations on the current and future role of the Snohomish County Airport.
September 30, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today delivered a 2006 budget that focuses on investing in the County’s future while respecting its past.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon will present his recommended 2006 County budget at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 30, 2005.
The Snohomish County Council will be considering the Planning Commission’s Recommendations on the 10-Year Update to the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan, a requirement of the state Growth Management Act (GMA). The County Council will accept testimony from citizens in a series of Public Hearings scheduled during the first week in October.
Lodging tax funds will promote events and activities around the County.
Snohomish County Councilmember Jeff Sax has requested that an increase in traffic mitigation fees paid by new development be considered during the county’s update of its Comprehensive Plan this fall.
This year’s summit is on “Growing Success for Snohomish County Agriculture”.
Free event will offer citizens a first-hand opportunity to learn more about Native American culture.
The Snohomish County Council has unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that clears the way for county employees to donate to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Vote clears way to having independent Department of Emergency Management join Snohomish County government.
Voters should have the opportunity to decide how County elections are held in the future, Reardon says.
Snohomish County Sheriff prepares to answer the call.
August 26, 2005
Youth baseball, soccer players will not have to bear fees for fields located on commercial farmlands
State gives matching money to build new link between Arlington and the Skagit County line
August 18, 2005
Hereth family of Snohomish and Hillis family of Arlington to receive awards for more than a century of farming.
August 17, 2005
County Executive says public, private contribution of $65,000 will help launch futurist aviation center grand opening.
August 16, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon Monday asked that a pay increase recommended by an independent salary commission be lowered so it is in line with raises being offered to County employees.
July 6, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today announced that he has hired City of Everett Attorney Mark Soine to fill the highest appointed post in his administration, Deputy Executive.
June 29, 2005
Council Wins At Growth Hearing Board
The Snohomish County Council was pleased to learn that a challenge of the county’s 7-year review actions from 2004 by environmentalist group Futurewise (aka: 1,000 Friends of Washington) was dismissed by the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board with prejudice.
June 22, 2005
Snohomish County today launched a discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs. The county is making free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.
June 16, 2005
The Snohomish County Council has voted 5 to 0 to allow for an open space status, granting them property tax exemptions to the North and South Snohomish Little Leagues, which own and play on fields just east of Snohomish.
June 15, 2005
A top international biotech executive says his company chose to locate in Snohomish County because of speedy permitting, excellent local and state assistance, skilled workers and a concentration of other biotech firms.
June 15, 2005
Governor Gregoire and Executive Reardon meet with 787 subcontractors; Boeing announces billions in sales, says Everett’s 767 line likely to remain open, cites growing interest in bigger 747.
June 9, 2005
On Friday, June 3, Snohomish County released the preliminary draft of its revised Critical Areas Regulations (CAR) for public review. A companion piece, the draft Summary of Best Available Science (BAS) document, was published simultaneously.
June 1, 2005
The Snohomish County Council will dedicate its new board room on Friday in the memory of the late Senator Henry M. Jackson.
May 31, 2005
Attorney General Rob McKenna will be visiting Snohomish County this Friday to discuss his statewide anti-meth strategy, "Operation Allied Meth," with the Law & Justice Cabinet prior to touring Snohomish County’s new jail.
May 23, 2005
County Project to Widen 112th Street SW From Two to Five Lanes
Alternate routes available during construction in the Everett-Mukilteo area.
May 20, 2005
Beginning in mid-June, teams of college students will fan out across the suburbs of unincorporated Snohomish County to conduct a pet canvass in order to maximize opportunities to reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners through having them properly licensed.
May 17, 2005
The Snohomish County Council officially recognized Saturday, May 21st, 2005 as 'Armed Forces Day' in Snohomish County, honoring the men and women serving our country in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard as well as those serving in the National Guard and reserves.
May 16, 2005
The Snohomish County Council today unanimously approved a resolution designating May 15th through May 21st, 2005 as National Police Week, and May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.
May 13, 2005
Nothing’s changing at Naval Station Everett. That’s the preliminary announcement today by the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), which this morning revealed the list of installations Pentagon officials want shut down or realigned in a massive restructuring of U.S. and global military priorities.
May 9, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today announced that he will nominate Richard Marin, an Edmonds City Council member, to serve on the Sound Transit Board of Directors.
May 9, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon told a community meeting Thursday that the mayors of Mukilteo and Everett will join him in a review of the nearly three-decades-old document that determines aviation uses at Paine Field.
May 5, 2005
Citizens are invited to attend Open Houses on May 17 and 18 to learn about the County’s Shoreline Management Program (SMP) and find out how the County will be updating the existing program to meet new state guidelines.
April 28, 2005
Construction at the 'T' intersection at Machias Road and OK Mill Road will reach a critical juncture over the next week and a half, Snohomish County Public Works reports.
April 28, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s initiative to remake the County into a premier e-government is paying public dividends: Contractors are already saving time and money by filing building permits on-line.
April 26, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today outlined how state action will benefit local citizens -- particularly multi-million dollar roads projects aimed at relieving traffic congestion on key highways and another that lays the groundwork for a new four-year university.
April 21, 2005
Cities in the independent agency charged with planning for security and emergencies such as terrorist attacks, earthquakes or floods - voted today to dissolve the organization, a move that paves the way to transferring management duties to Snohomish County.
April 20, 2005
Snohomish County has scheduled three public workshops to gather citizens’ views on issues being addressed in a state-mandated update of the County’s Critical Areas Regulations (CAR).
April 19, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today called the Target Corp.’s decision to voluntarily restrict pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines a significant victory, one that will convince other retailers to join his anti-methamphetamine campaign.
April 18, 2005
The Snohomish County Council took unanimous action today to require that all wastewater facilities built or upgraded in the county meet strict odor control standards and are seismically safe.
April 14, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today called Wednesday’s vandalism of an Everett family’s home shameful.
April 13, 2005
Just in time for opening weekend at the North & South Snohomish Little League fields, the Washington State Senate passed HB 2241 late last night, which authorizes limited recreational use of agricultural lands.
April 12, 2005
The Snohomish County Council had another victorious day in Thurston County Court today with regard litigation with King County over its Essential Public Facilities (EPF) ordinance.
April 11, 2005
Comprehensive Plan update strikes necessary balance between future population growth and economic needs, Reardon says.
April 5, 2005
Reardon says County willing partner in helping cities renovate downtowns Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today signed a multi-million dollar land deal that brings Monroe city leaders’ dream of a new downtown center one step closer to reality.
April 5, 2005
Snohomish County Councilman Jeff Sax joined Mayor Donetta Walser and Executive Aaron Reardon today to sign the final papers selling the North Kelsey property to the City of Monroe.
April 1, 2005
The Highway 9 Community Coalition today recognized Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and his staff for their unwavering efforts to resolve neighborhood issues that surfaced after a casino opened outside Lake Stevens.
March 31, 2005
Snohomish County Councilman Jeff Sax honored Jim Bloss of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Snohomish County Affiliate, at the 14th annual Monroe Chamber of Commerce Community Awards. Sax presented Bloss with a plaque and thanked him for all of his hard work in the community.
March 31, 2005
Hundreds of community volunteers, equestrians, cyclists, joggers and outdoor recreation advocates will join Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and other elected officials at opening ceremonies for the newest 10.3 mile stretch of the County’s Centennial Trail.
March 23, 2005
A county code amendment first adopted by the Snohomish County Council in 2002, doubling the period of time to appeal property tax assessments from 30 days to 60 days, is now permanent. The original action – one of the first taken by the council after a change in leadership – included an expiration date of March 29, 2005. The action approved Wednesday, March 23rd at a County Council hearing removed the "sunset" provision.
March 22, 2005
The Snohomish County Council had its day in Thurston County Court last week regarding litigation with King County over its Essential Public Facilities (EPF) ordinance.
March 17, 2005
Reardon signs executive order that jumpstarts recommendations aimed at helping farmers; a great way to kick off National Ag Week and Agriculture Week in Snohomish County.
March 17, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has proclaimed
March 20 through March 26 ‘Agriculture Week in Snohomish
County,’ to honor the area’s 1,200 farmers and a $126 million-ayear
industry.
March 15, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon will unveil his administration’s Agriculture Action Plan during a press conference Thursday, March 17 at Twin City Foods.
March 9, 2005
Themes of Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s 2005 State of the County address include a County budget that’s back on track and in the black, a sharp focus on job creation, a new entrepreneurialism that’s saving taxpayer dollars and a greater emphasis on community security.
March 9, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today will announce an antimethamphetamine initiative aimed at voluntarily restricting access to a key ingredient needed to cook the lethal drug.
March 8, 2005
2005 property tax information
Property taxes to be collected this year by all taxing districts in Snohomish County will show an overall 6.5% increase over last year according to County Assessor Cindy Portmann.
March 4, 2005
Kiewit Pacific Co., expected to bid on Everett I-5 project, is looking for subcontractors.
March 3, 2005
County Executive, County Council sign resolution praising humanitarian mission of USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Shoup.
March 1, 2005
Snohomish County District and Municipal Courts to give defendants a one month amnesty in which to clear up penalties.
March 1, 2005
Executive Reardon will present his 2005 "State of the County" address to the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce, a speech that will set the tone for his administration’s second year.
February 28, 2005
A Tsunami Summit is set for Thursday, March 10 at the Everett Historic Theatre.
February 22, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today urged Congress to quickly approve anti-methamphetamine legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-WA., that would pump hundreds of millions of federal dollars into the fight against meth.
February 18, 2005
Residents in the Lynnwood/Bothell area are invited to attend an informal public hearing March 1 to learn about and comment on the proposed State Route (SR) 524 Road Improvements project and the project-related Environmental Assessment (EA) document.
February 14, 2005
Assessor Announces Volunteer Program
Cindy Portmann, County Assessor, is pleased to announce today that her office has partnered with the Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) to train volunteers to assist seniors and disabled citizens in applying for a property tax exemption.
February 14, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today named 10 representatives from the agriculture community who will vet an action plan aimed at expanding farming’s role in the County economy.
February 7, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said today he would join the Snohomish County PUD and the state’s congressional delegation to fight a multi-million electric rate increase backed by the Bush administration.
February 7, 2005
The Snohomish County Auditor's Office announced today animal-related complaints can now be filed on line. County Animal Control officers will respond.
February 7, 2005
Snohomish County residents with knowledge of property values are invited to submit their nominations for appointment to the county’s Board of Equalization. Nominations are due by Friday, Feb. 25.
February 7, 2005
County, City leaders on ‘joint mission’ to Washington, D.C.
Snohomish County Executive Reardon, Everett Mayor Stephanson, Marysville Mayor Kendall to meet with high-ranking officials on Naval Station Everett’s military value Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson and Marysville Mayor Dennis Kendall are leading a delegation to Washington, D.C. this week for meetings to update civilian Pentagon officials on Naval Station Everett’s military value.
February 4, 2005
Sauk River Bridge Open House set for Feb. 15
Snohomish County Public Works invites the public to attend an Open House on Tuesday, February 15 to learn about preliminary design plans to replace Sauk River Bridge #414. The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Darrington Community Center Dining Room at 1085 Fir Street in Darrington.
January 31, 2005
Citizens will soon be able to apply for building permits on-line, a development which Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon says will make working with the County more convenient, more efficient and less costly.
January 28, 2005
Snohomish County employees opened their hearts and their wallets to donate $8,092 to respond to devastation following the late December earthquakes and resulting tsunamis in South Asia.
January 27, 2005
The Tulalip Tribes, dairy farmers and Snohomish County shared an award today for a local partnership that boosts agriculture’s economic prospects even as it advances salmon recovery.
January 26, 2005
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today said he backs a measure aimed at bringing a four-year university to Snohomish County.
January 21, 2005
He leaves Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office to serve as senior policy advisor.
January 19, 2005
The soaring cost of prescription drugs is taking its toll on families and individuals throughout Snohomish County. That’s why Snohomish County acted today to establish a discount prescription drug program.
January 19, 2005
The Snohomish County Council today instructed the county’s prosecuting attorney to withdraw three motions made on behalf of the county in the lawsuit over the Washington State Governor’s race.
January 18, 2005
Housing Authority Seeks New Board Member
Residents of east Snohomish County with an interest in low-income housing issues are encouraged to apply for a vacancy on the county Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners. Deadline for application is Friday, Feb. 4th.
January 12, 2005
County residents interested in helping determine salary levels for the county’s elected officials are invited to apply for nomination to the Citizens’ Commission of Salaries of Elected Officials. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 28.
January 7, 2005
Snohomish County has received notice that it is fully in compliance with the state growth management act and the threat of $9 million in sanctions has been erased.
January 6, 2005
Reardon, Snohomish County Council join to give employees way to help survivors and rebuild communities.
January 5, 2005
The Snohomish County Council took action today clarifying that land at Island Crossing remains designated for agricultural and rural uses consistent with a decision of the Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board. Governor Locke last week instructed the State Treasurer to withhold approximately $9 million in roads funding unless the county complied.
January 3, 2005
The Snohomish County Auditor's Office announced today that effective January 3, 2005; a new animal services hotline will be available to citizens to report animal related complaints in unincorporated Snohomish County. The number is 425-388-3440.