Contributed by Michelle Wilmot, City of Kent, Community & Public Affairs

Mayor Suzette Cooke’s 2012 Budget Proposal to Kent City Council

Kent, Wash. – October 5, 2011 – Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke’s 2012 proposed budget was presented to the Kent City Council on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by Chief Administrative Officer John Hodgson.

In a prepared statement, Cooke said her budget is in line with the “new normal.”

“For nearly four years, city government has been in persistent contraction. Rising costs and deteriorating revenues have forced reductions in nearly every area our budget.

We’ve made significant cuts, we’ve reduced staff, we’ve cut programs — and hoped conditions would stabilize.  Instead, projections continually collapse.  As Arun Raha, our state’s economist and forecaster, recently stated, ‘a return to normalcy seems like mirage in the desert that keeps slipping away’. This unprecedented recession just won’t end.

Earlier this year, the Council established its strategic goals for 2012 including the ‘development and implementation of a sustainable funding model for city services.’  This budget proposal is reflective of that goal and the new economic reality.”

The proposed 2012 Operating Budget totals $141.7 million.

Cooke’s statement further noted the budget continues to make law enforcement and public safety a high priority. “Approximately 46% of the expenditures in the General Fund are dedicated to public safety, which includes police, corrections and courts.”

Highlights of the proposed budget

Top priorities maintained

• Law Enforcement:  No reductions in the number of sworn officers are proposed.
• Human Services:  Maintain 2011 funding levels for human services. With the departure of the fire department, the original 1% calculation would have been $733k.  An additional $95,600 keeps it whole for 2012.
• Infrastructure:  Preserve the City’s infrastructure assets, including utilities (water, sewer and drainage), streets, parks, facilities and technology.
• Economic Development:  Focus on increasing economic development opportunities that provide jobs for Kent residents.
•  Increase connections and communication with our residents: Aim to foster inclusiveness by celebrating our diversity and creating new gathering places.

Cost increases and required/contracted expenditures

* $500,000 towards repayment of a 2002 loan from the water fund related to land acquisition for Kent Station.
* $126,000 increase in animal control services provided by Regional Animal Services of King County, for a total cost of nearly $417,000 for 2012.  The city-county contract will end 12/31/2012.
* $110,000 increase for election services and $44,573 increase in voter registration services provided by King County.
* $172,000 new expense for custodial, maintenance and security screening costs for the newly acquired Aukeen Court/Municipal Court building.
* $572,000 in utility cost increases for city-owned facilities and parks (i.e. electricity, water, sewer, garbage, etc.), as well as neighborhood street lighting previously covered by Home Owners Associations.
* $343,000 increase for state-mandated pension costs.
* $373,000 increase for worker’s compensation costs, largely due to remaining fire department claims.  The City is still responsible for these outstanding claims, because they occurred prior to the formation of the Regional Fire Authority.

Cost savings/fee increases

•     Eliminate 20.5 vacant positions – $1,711,562
•     Restructure fees for permitting and development services – $400,000
•     Apply a technology fee to permitting, parks and utility billing transactions to maintain technology systems – $125,000.
•     Increase business license fees – $100,000.

Residents are encouraged to attend a public hearing on the 2012 budget on Tuesday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Council members will review the budget and likely adopt a final version at their December 13 meeting.

As a journalist, I am required by the SPJ Code of Ethics to remain impartial and to avoid getting personally involved with the news or newsmakers. Normally, this isn’t a problem for me since I typically write features, business profiles and other nonessential news pieces. This week, however, it is difficult for me not to speak out on the Amanda Knox case. Though my connection to Knox is insignificant in her story, I feel touched by her and by the news of her acquittal.

I started following the Amanda Knox case much like everyone else. I heard the story of Meredith Kercher’s tragic murder in 2007 in Perugia, Italy on local news. Sadly, such tragedies occur more often than they should so many of us were immune to the news. It was just another tragic and unnecessary death overseas. This story had a local twist though – one of the murder suspects was Amanda Knox, a beautiful, doe-eyed student from the University of Washington. Local news stations covered the story briefly, sometimes interviewing local students and Knox’s family who proclaimed Knox’s innocence. With little to base my opinion on, I presumed Knox was guilty and followed the story from a distance, not seeking out new information or facts in the case.

That changed 18 months ago when I met author Candace Dempsey at a journalism function in Seattle. Dempsey, an Italian American journalist, had written a book about the case titled “Murder in Italy.” After talking with Dempsey, my curiosity got the best of me and I agreed to read the book to form my own opinion. Reading through the first half of the book, I remained convinced that Knox was, indeed, guilty. This wasn’t based on any hard evidence, but rather the feeling that the suspect had exhibited some odd behavior during questioning (e.g., cartwheels in the police station). Granted, these unusual behaviors did not make her a murderess but they were offbeat enough to plant a healthy dose of skepticism.

As I progressed to the second half of the book, however, I quickly reversed my opinion. There was little, if any, evidence supporting the fact that Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito had committed the murder with or without a third suspect. In fact, it is probable that they were not even in the apartment the evening of the murder. According to Dempsey’s detailed research, the investigation was flawed and the convictions of Knox and Sollecito were based on circumstantial evidence. By the time I finished the book, I was infuriated at the injustice of the guilty verdicts and sad for the young couple who would spend a good portion of their young lives in an Italian prison, wrongly accused.

Yesterday those verdicts were reversed and Knox and Sollecito were released from prison after a painful four-year saga in and out of court. Sollecito headed for his Italian home, as Knox made her way back to the United States. As one who is relieved that the truth finally came out, I am happy for Knox and Sollecito and hope they can somehow find peace in their lives after having been wrongly persecuted. Sadly, it seems unlikely. After all, how do you turn two innocent lives upside down, accuse them of inhuman deeds, and callously toss them in prison without a shred of definitive evidence? Initially, I am sure good food, a soft, warm bed and being surrounded by loved ones are probably the first thoughts on Knox’s mind, but she’ll have to face her future with an albatross of a past hanging over her head. I cannot imagine the mental anguish she must be experiencing right now. Her release is bittersweet.

And, of course, there’s the Kercher family. Not to be forgotten in this tragedy, Meredith Kercher will never come home, and her parents will never experience the joy of seeing her again. They only know the pain of a tragic loss and a young life snuffed out much too quickly. Where is the justice for them? Only one convicted murderer, Rudy Guede, remains in prison for the grisly crime and he will be released after serving a 16 year sentence, reduced down from 30 years. Does his imprisonment provide closure for the family?

In this tragic story of murder and wrongful imprisonment, there are no winners. There is no justice.

[Note:  I was so impressed with Candace Dempsey's work and her ability to write about the facts surrounding the case without interjecting her own opinions that I wrote an unsolicited book review on "Murder in Italy." I encourage others to read it to learn more about the Amanda Knox case. I do not receive any compensation for promoting the book.]

Despite the gloomy weather, there were smiles all around at the demolition of the unfinished parking garage at the corner of Smith and 4th in downtown Kent today. Demolition of the structure took place at 11 a.m., after many months of legal wrangling to regain control of the property. The City of Kent now owns the property free and clear.

In place of the parking garage, the city is planning Kent City Center, a mixed used development with 164 apartments and 3,700 square feet of retail space and parking.

For more information about the project, visit KentCityCenter.com or contact Kurt Hanson in the City’s Economic Development Department.

*Note:  The picture to the right is not a photo of the actual demolition.

Get your hands dirty and join Kent Parks, Starbucks and REI to celebrate National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24 at Lake Fenwick Park, 25828 Lake Fenwick Road, Kent. Volunteers are needed to continue the environmental restoration of the Park’s 140 acres.   Kent has participated in National Public Lands Day for the last five years.  The event on September 24 will be held rain or shine, with orientation beginning at 9:00 am and projects continuing until 12 noon.

Last year was the largest National Public Lands Day in history.  Approximately 170,000 people volunteered at more than 2,000 sites across the nation.  They contributed to over $15 million in improvements to public lands.  The event began in 1994 with 700 volunteers.  It was established as a way to continue the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 3 million Americans who worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

All ages and abilities are welcome!  Registration is required for planning purposes; the deadline is September 21.  Contact 253-856-5110 or download a registration form at www.KentWAParks.com to volunteer.  Tools and gloves are supplied, but extra shovels and pruners are always welcome.  Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes or boots (no flip-flops or sandals allowed) and to dress for the weather.

The 4th Avenue and Meeker Street Starbucks is donating coffee and hot chocolate, as well as water and snacks, and each volunteer will receive an REI volunteer t-shirt.

From Lt. Pat Lowery, PIO, Kent Police Department
253-856-5833

Kent Police to announce major break in Car Show shooting
Police Chief Thomas to release details at press conference Thursday

Kent, Washington, September 14, 2011 — Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas is inviting interested media to an 11 AM news conference on Thursday, September 15. At that time he will be updating the press regarding investigation of a gang-involved shooting that occurred at a local car show in late July. That shooting left twelve persons injured.

The news conference will be held at 23311 Pacific Highway South, the site of the shooting. Chief Thomas will be joined by regional law enforcement executives and City officials. He will announce a major breakthrough in the investigation and provide information about steps being taken to apprehend those involved.

The car show shooting took place on July 23. A physical disturbance led to several gang members firing guns into a large crowd of people. While many of those injured were gang members, several of the injured had no ties to gang activity but had merely come to view the cars.

Since those assaults, dozens of investigators have poured through evidence, surveillance video, and interviewed dozens of witnesses and victims in an effort to put together a clear picture of the events of that day. As a result, police are now working to capture those identified suspects.

“Law Enforcement agencies from throughout the region have dedicated significant resources to identify those involved in this incident and bring them to justice” noted Chief Thomas. “These arrests are just the first wave in an on-going effort to dismantle these violent gangs”. It’s anticipated that coordinated efforts spearheaded by the South King County Violent Gangs Initiative and other partnering agencies will bring additional arrests in the near future.

# # #

 Is your organization an arts, heritage and/or cultural King County-based non-profit?  4Culture is offering a funding opportunity for cultural facilities.  They are combining “big ticket” facilities requests of over $30,000 for both arts and heritage.

4Culture is a unique integration of the arts, heritage, preservation and public art, committed to advancing community through culture.  4Culture believes the arts are critical to a healthy community and that arts experiences should be accessible to all residents and visitors.  4Culture stimulates cultural activities and enhances the assets that distinguish a community as vibrant, unique and authentic.

The Heritage Cultural Facilities program funds projects providing strong heritage programming that focuses on the identification, collection, evaluation, preservation, restoration, exhibition, and/or interpretation of the County’s heritage resources.

The Arts Cultural Facilities program supports the purchase, development and renovation of arts and cultural facility projects.  A separate program provides funding for arts equipment.

4Culture Cultural Facilities Application deadline is September 14, 2011, 5 pm PST.   All applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop that will explain the step by step application process. To learn more about this funding opportunity for both Arts and Heritage Cultural Facilities, please email Deb Twersky at 4Culture.

From the City of Kent:

The public is invited to weigh in on Kent’s Comprehensive Plan and City Code by September 1, 2011.  The City needs input on what the Economic and Community Development Department should focus on in the coming year. 

“We need to know if the comprehensive plan and development regulations create any barriers to the city growing responsibly, equitably, and with environmental and neighborhood sensitivity,” said Fred Satterstrom, Kent’s Planning Director.  “This is the community’s opportunity to participate in making changes.” 

This annual review looks at the challenges that the City’s planning documents, land use plan and zoning maps, and regulations present to economic development and neighborhood vitality. 

The following online tools can help people to weigh in on this annual update.  The public is encouraged to visit the following links:

Submit a request for changes.

View additional details on creating a docket (or list) of suggested changes.

View the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan Map and Zoning Districts Map.

Contributed by Victoria Andrews of Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
253-856-5113

Neely-Soames Historic Homestead Celebrates Milestone with
Open House: August 20, 2011 10 am – 2 pm

July 25, 2011–This year marks the 10th anniversary of a ribbon-cutting ceremony that opened up the Neely-Soames Historic Homestead to the public for the first time. The

King County Master Gardeners, whose members lovingly maintain the heritage gardens and grounds, will help Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services celebrate with special activities at the annual public open house and tour, Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Photo by Dana E. Neuts, 2009

The homestead is located along the Green River Trail at 5311 S. 237th Place, just north of the Russell Road Athletic Complex. David Neely and his family settled in the Kent valley in 1854 and moved their home to its current location in 1885. Neely’s daughter Ruby was born in the house in 1895, and after she married Harry Soames, the couple lived there until her death in 1986. The bed she was born in, hand-carved by her father, is on display at the home.

One of the oldest houses in Kent, the Neely-Soames Homestead was listed on the State Register of Historic Homes in 1977. It underwent significant renovations in 1999 and 2000, supported by the Washington State Historical Society, King County and the city of Kent. Eight Eagle Scout projects added an informational kiosk, a grape arbor with benches, a picket fence, a trellis for hops, picnic tables and historic photographs.

The home can be rented for meetings and small events. But the gardens are open to the public year-round, with all flowers and vegetables clearly marked. Since 2004, employees of Hawkeye Consultants, a Kent-based company, have volunteered to help the Master Gardeners harvest the gardens and do other projects as part of the city’s Adopt-a-Park program.

For more information about the open house or to receive a self-guided walking tour of the gardens, call 253-856-5110.

Contributed by the Kent Police Department

Residential burglaries in Kent are on the rise! In particular, Kent burglary trends have shown that homes of Asian families are targeted because of unsecured valuables. Recently there have residential burglaries during the day time, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Burglars are gaining access by punching holes in smaller windows next to front doors, punching holes in windows or smashing/prying rear slider doors. In each incident, cash, jewelry, and other valuable items have been targeted; especially “hidden” quantities of money. In some cases, the burglars knock or ring the door bell first. If no one answers, they are going to the back of the house to gain entrance through the sliding glass door.

Here are some ways to help prevent from becoming a victim:

- If you choose to keep cash and other important items in your home, keep them locked in a safe. You may also use a safe deposit box at a bank.

- Keep valuables such as purses, laptops, iPods, and jewelry out of plain sight from windows and doors and locked up if possible.

- Keep all windows and doors locked whether home or not, including back sliding doors.

- Install protective window film to smaller windows next to doors. This helps prevent breaking of glass and denying access to inside of front door.

- Do not leave your garage door open, even if you are at home.

It is important that neighbors be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood. Whenever you see anything suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately and then notify security. We encourage residents to call 9-1-1 even when something suspicious, such as an unknown person or car in the neighborhood, is occurring.

For more information go to www.kentpoliceceu.com, or contact Stacy Judd with the Kent Police Department at (253)856-5883.

There are ADT Ohio security systems available which provide 24/7 home monitoring protection.

From Lt. Pat Lowery, Kent Police Department

Auburn Man Killed in Officer Involved Shooting
Man shot while confronting officer with knife.

Auburn, Wash. – May 8, 2011 – A 47 year old Auburn man is dead after being shot by an Auburn Police Officer late Saturday night. The shot came after the man threatened the officer with a knife. The incident took place at 10:22 PM in the 1400 block of Harvey Road NE.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Auburn officer stopped a red Honda coupe for a traffic violation on a north Auburn street. Within moments of the stop, the driver of the Honda exited the car and confronted the officer with a knife in his hand. The officer fired his handgun, striking the man.

Auburn firefighters and paramedics arrived within minutes and worked to revive the man. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center with life threatening injuries. He died a short time later.

A female passenger in the Honda was uninjured. She is cooperating with investigators who hope she might lend some explanation as to why the man brandished the knife. The police officer was also uninjured

The Kent Police Department has been called in to conduct the investigation of this incident, a routine response for critical incidents. Details are still being collected and the area around the intersection remains closed to all traffic. Kent investigators will be working through the night collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation.

A 58 year old Kent man was shot and killed in downtown Kent by a three-year veteran of the Kent Police Department this morning. According to Federal Way Public Information Officer Cathy Schrock, the incident began before 9 am when the deceased asked a local cab driver to take him to various spots in the area. The cab driver discovered that the passenger had a long gun in his lap, and he became suspicious. The driver asked another cab driver to meet him near the transit center for back-up. Upon his arrival at the first cab’s location 301 Railroad Avenue North, the first cab driver exited his vehicle and and placed a call to 9-1-1 at 9:10 am.

A Kent police officer arrived on the scene near the Kent Transit Center approximately two minutes later. The suspect had exited the vehicle and his weapon was visible to the officer. The officer issued verbal commands to the suspect, who did not follow the orders. A second police offer arrived on the scene. When the suspect reached to his waist for the weapon, the first officer fired a shot, killing the man.

Schrock said the family of the deceased arrived at the scene following the incident and identified him. However, his name will not be disclosed to the public until the medical examiner releases it. In addition, the names of the Kent police officers who were involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave, protocol following officer-involved shootings. Their names will be disclosed in approximately 24 to 48 hours.

Shortly after the incident began, the Federal Way Police Department was called to the scene. They requested media support around 11 am. According to Schrock, requesting support from neighboring law enforcement departments is customary when a police officer is involved in a shooting.

Schrock said more information will be available Thursday or Friday. For more information, contact Schrock at piorequest@cityoffederalway.com.

Contributed by the Kent Police Department

Are you interested in starting a neighborhood blockwatch?

The Kent Police Department is hosting a city wide informational meeting on the benefits of starting and maintaining a neighborhood block watch.

Neighborhood Block Watch 101
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Kent City Hall Council Chambers

Why Attend?

• interested in starting a neighborhood block watch
• interested in re-starting an already formed block watch
• needing a refresher on maintaining a neighborhood block watch
• interested in hearing from other block watch captains and what has worked and what hasn’t
• interested in hearing about Kent crime trends and what residents can do to help prevent crime in their neighborhoods

What You Can Do Ahead of Time:

• find a neighbor or two to attend with you
• notify neighbors that you will be attending and bringing back information
• start mapping the neighborhood and forming a phone tree for each block watch (a block watch is 10-20 homes)

Please RSVP by April 8th to your Neighborhood Sector contact:

East Hill/Panther Lake Area: Stacy Judd at (253) 856-5883

Valley Area/West Hill: Sara Wood at (253) 856-5851

*This format is replacing individual neighborhood meetings. However, public education specialists will continue to visit block watches when crime trend concerns occur.

Photo by Victoria Andrews

Volunteers met throughout Kent on Saturday, March 19, 2011 to rid the city of unwanted graffiti. Seventy volunteers showed up for the event to remove graffiti from 40 different locations throughout Kent. The event was a huge success. The City of Kent would like to give a special thanks to the downtown Starbucks who donated cocoa, coffee, and pastry goodies for all the volunteers.

Supplies were provided by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation and the six 5-gallon buckets of paint used were donated by Ski’s Painting Inc. Volunteers included  people around the Kent area, several Rotary Club members and students from Kent high schools.

For more information, visit the City of Kent’s Graffiti website.

DUI Patrols on statewide from March 11 – 20, 2011

Law enforcement throughout King County will be out on the roadways between March 11 and 20 to arrest drunk drivers who are out partying during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Participating in these St. Patrick’s Day patrols are the Algona, Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Burien, Clyde Hill, Covington, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seatac, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Tukwila Police Departments, and the Washington State Patrol.

Last year, during this same time period, a total number of 281 DUI arrests were made in King County.

In Washington State, the most frequent factor contributing to traffic deaths is still driver impairment. In 2009, traffic crashes killed 491 people on Washington’s roadways.  Impaired drivers accounted for 53.8 percent of the total (264 deaths).

“Drunk or drugged driving remains the leading cause of death in traffic crashes. These preventable crashes can be eliminated if everyone works to become a part of the solution,” said Lowell Porter, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Another factor is the time of day that traffic deaths involving impaired drivers occur. More than two-thirds of impaired-driver-involved fatal collisions occurred during nighttime hours (6 pm to 6 am) in Washington (67.4 percent from 2000-2009).

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Kent residents are invited to learn more about their Police Department starting on April 20, 2011. The Community Police Academy is delivered in a series of classes that offer straightforward, candid information regarding daily and specialized operations of the Police Department, while defing the agency’s role in the community. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m to 9:00p.m and are instructed by department members and civilian experts. There is a one Saturday session which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Center and the 9-1-1 facilities at Valley communications Center. After attending the first three classes, participants are also eligible for a ride-along with a Kent Police Officer. Classes are held at the Kent Police/Fire Training Center, 24611 116th Ave. SE in Kent.  A wide range of topics will be discussed to include patrol and traffic enforcement, detective and special investigations, SWAT, canine and other specialized Police functions. Thee will also be instruction on recruitment, hiring and training of Kent Police Officers. There is no cost for participating in the Community Police Academy. It is open to Adults 18 and over and you will need to pass a background check. Applications are available at the Kent Police Department, 220 4th Ave. S or the Kent Police Website at: www.ci.kent.wa.us/communitypoliceacademy. For general questions Please contact Cesi Velez at 253-856-5884.

Kent, City Public Works and Police Department are asking for your help in solving a huge mystery in the City of Kent. Where have all the storm drain grates disappeared to? The city is very worried as this type of crime puts the citizens at risk. When the storm drain grate or manhole cover is missing it leaves a large hole for people or animals to fall into. Vehicles can even encounter large damage by driving over an open storm drain. The grates weigh between 80 to 106 pounds and manhole covers are typically around 113 pounds. To report missing grates or covers, please contact Public Work Operations at 253-856-5600 or if you have any information regarding the thefts please call the Kent Police Department Tip line at 253-856-5808.

“Updated 3/1/2011. The family of the Kent Police Officer Rob McCuistion has invited the public to attend a memorial celebration of Rob’s life this Saturday March 5, 2011. Services will start at 11:00AM at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108 Avenue SE, in Kent. Saturday’s service will incorporate traditional Police Honors while also recognizing Rob’s considerable achievements and contributions in life. “

On February 24th, 2011 Kent Police department lost one of it’s own. Officer Robin McCuistion was driving home early Thursday morning when his car left he roadway on Kersey Way Se in Auburn. The car traveled down a steep embarnkment and struck a tree where he died at the scene from his injuries. Officer McCuistion has been with the Kent Police department since August of 1997 where he spent his career on street patrol and response. He also was a Field Training Officer, working with police recruits preparing them for their street assignments. Officer McCuistion is survived by his wife and three grown children.

The City of Kent is opening the Severe Weather Shelter (SWS) tonight at Kent Lutheran Church for the evenings of Wednesday February 23rd, Thursday February 24th, and Friday February 25th due to predicted dangerously low temperatures and snow.

Kent Lutheran Church

336 2nd Avenue South

Kent, WA 98032-5849

9 P.M. – Check-in and registration

7 A.M. – shelter closes, clients must vacate

Priority is given to homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles, but the SWS is also available for single women and men (separate sleeping space has been prepared for single men, women, and for families with children). The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff, and volunteers from Kent Lutheran Church and the Kent community.

The SWS will open at 9 P.M. Clients must register at the door. As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of all clients and staff and the broader community will apply.

Please help distribute this announcement.

City of Kent, Housing and Human Services

253-856-5070

February 1, 2011

To Whom It May Concern,

I attended the Economic Development Committee meeting held on January 24, 2011, and was pleased that the board is willing to review the Traffic Mitigation fees, as to the effect they will have in attracting new business in Kent.

I do feel however the graphs, showing new investors in our city, to be a bit deceptive.

First of all, Redmond should not have been included. It is not in the same economic situation as the valley cities and it skews the results.

Secondly, without Redmond, Kent would have the highest utility rates due to the exorbitant drainage fees. Kent collects approximately. $1,027,380.00 per month from commercial accounts, $260,000.00 per month from residential accounts, and $29,000.00 from the state just for storm drainage. Of the 1,316,183.94 funds collected each month for storm drainage, business are paying 78% of this amount. If our property were in Auburn, we would pay $249.00 per month. If in Renton, it would be $288.00 per month. Here in Kent, we pay $746.00 per month.

Thirdly, there was no mention of the newly enacted Regional Fire Tax. This new fee for our business is $9,400.00 per year. That amount is hard to afford for us because, since 2008, our business is down 25%. Renton does not have the Regional Fire Tax, so there is no extra charge of this type in Renton.

Also I wonder about the 4.2 million dollars that the City of Kent saved by going to the Regional Fire Authority. Is the monies saved going to defray the expenses or going to hire more employees?

With all these factors, I find it hard to believe any company knowing the above facts would feel welcome in Kent, further hurting our local economy.

If money is needed so badly for roads and storm drainage, why is 25% of the monies collected for these services being spent on a $49,000,000.00 Operational Facility? That the people in this area can ill afford? How much has already been spent on this for Engineering and Utilities? If our roads and storm drainage needs so much repair why is this money used for this new very expensive facility

As a business owner, I strongly urge you to reconsider the TIF and other fees you expect companies to spend to maintain & grow in Kent. In this economy we cannot afford such expenses. Thank you for your time.

Cordially,

Delores Christianson
Owner of Central Avenue Mini Storage (Kent, WA)