Join Mayor Suzette Cooke at Airway Brewing Beer & Bistro in downtown Kent, 320 W. Harrison Street, on November 8, 5 pm – 6 pm with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony (must be 21 or over to attend).  The Bistro is scheduled to open in early November.

Friendly service and tasty beer make Airways Brewing Company a favorite with locals as well as beer enthusiasts from all over.  Their tap room, which opened on March 4, 2010, is located at 6644 S. 196th Street, Ste. 100 features full pints and growlers of their five standard beers: T-Tail Blonde Ale; Jet City ESB; First Class IPA; Starliner Stout and Sky Hag IPA.  Founder and brewer Alex Dittmar has had a lifelong passion for 60′s era jetliners as the names of his beers show.  Airways Brewing Company and now Airways Brewing Beer & Bistro is a combination of his love for airplanes, good beer and a connection with people from all over the world.

Please join Airways Brewing Co. for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 8 and welcome Airways Brewing Beer & Bistro to downtown Kent.

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.

If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars, or just enjoy a fun night out, mark your calendars! The Kent Parks Foundation and Arthur Murray Dance School are sponsoring “Dancing with the Stars Kent” on Saturday, October 22. Held in Green River Community College’s Cascade Room, the event begins at 5:30 pm and it features the following “celebrity” dancers:

1. Mayor Suzette Cooke
2. Kent City Councilwoman Deb Ranniger (sponsored by Allegro Performing Arts Academy)
3. Kent City Council President Jamie Perry (sponsored by Pacific Raceways)
4. Deputy Chief, King County Steve Strachan (sponsored by Great American Casino)
5. Representative Dave Upthegrove (sponsored by Pat’s Bar & Grill)
6. Kent Chamber President Andrea Keikkala (sponsored by Airways Brewing Company)
7. Timberwolves Receiver Jeremiah Captain (sponsored by Charley’s on Central)
8. Kiwanis Noon Club President Janet Stebbins (sponsored by Kiwanis Noon Club)
9. Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas (sponsored by Rotary Club of Kent Sunrise)
10. Kent Firefighter Marvin Oakcrum (sponsored by Gators Sports Bar and Grill)

Guest Judge:  Ken Sharp, owner of Minuteman Press of Kent

VIP Tickets are $100 and include dinner, wine, priority seating and voting rights in the People’s Choice Trophy Presentation; General admission tickets are $30 each.

Call 253-639-0124 to purchase tickets, or buy them online now –>  Click Here To Buy Tickets Now

Additional information is available on Facebook.

Donations will benefit the Kent Community Center’s music lab.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke is set to give her annual “State of the City” address this Wed., Feb. 2 (11:30 am) at ShoWare Center. Mayor Cooke will highlight 2010 accomplishments, as well as give an update on what’s happening in Kent now and in the near future. The address will be taped for viewing on Kent TV21 and will be reprised in an expanded format during the Mar. 15 Kent City Council meeting.

For more information about the event, which is being hosted by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, visit the City’s website online.

In a press release from Michelle Witham from the Mayor’s office, Mayor Suzette Cooke has named Ken Thomas as Kent’s newest Police Chief. He replaces Chief Steve Strachan who resigned at the end of December to take a position as Undersheriff for the King County Sheriff’s Department.

Ken Thomas Named Chief of Police for Kent

KENT, Wash. – January 19, 2011 – Ken Thomas, a 22-year police veteran with a history of innovative leadership and community outreach, will take the lead as the new Chief of Police for the City of Kent.

“Thomas’s leadership excellence and his ability to build strong relationships with diverse communities makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Police Department,” Mayor Suzette Cooke said. “Simply put, Ken is the right choice for our community and the right choice for the department.”

Currently serving as Captain of the 185-member department, Thomas is credited with leading Kent’s Community Oriented Policing Unit that has resulted in reduced residential burglaries and auto thefts.

“As a veteran of the department, he is very familiar with our community and neighborhoods, and recognizes our challenges,” Cooke said.

“I’m honored to be chosen for this position. I will do everything in my power to make Kent the safest city in the region,” Thomas said. “I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor and City Council, and every member of this great department, just as I’m looking forward to working with the community as a true partner in public safety.”

Four candidates were interviewed by three panels representing Kent’s diverse community, public safety professionals, and business and civic leaders.

“While each candidate’s breadth of experience and commitment were impressive, Ken Thomas was the overwhelming top choice of each of three panels,” said Cooke. “The panelists like the direction the department is going; the officers like the direction the department is going. We all want to keep the current momentum.”

Council President Jamie Perry said the entire Council supports the selection of Thomas. “He’s going to do a great job and he’s got the experience we need.”

Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Thomas will be sworn in as Chief within the next two weeks. He replaces Chief Steve Strachan, who resigned in December 2010 to serve as Chief Deputy of the King County Sheriff’s Office.

In a press release dated today from Michelle Witham, communications director for the City of Kent, Mayor Suzette Cooke announced that the finalists for the position of Kent Police Chief . They include  David Frazer of Rohnert Park, California; Jeffry Sale of Spokane; Kenneth Thomas of Puyallup; and Michael Villa of Auburn. The selected candidate will replace Chief Steve Strachan as Kent Police Chief. Strachan vacated the position on January 5 to take the position of King County Undersheriff.

“After careful consideration of the 18 applications, four finalists were selected to participate in on-site interviews,” Cooke said.

“Our screeners spent several hours reviewing the applications, determining minimum qualifications and compatibility of experience for our community.  We are pleased with the quality of the four finalists and look forward to concluding the interview process, and selecting our new Police Chief, hopefully by early March.”

Frazer, the only out-of-state candidate, brings 24 years of police, fire and emergency operations experience. His current position is Police Chief of McFarland, California, a city of approximately 13,000 located in the San Joaquin Valley, where he established a new department in 120 days after ceasing to contract with Kern County for police services.  Previously, Frazer was with the Rohnert Park, California Police Department (city population 43,000) where he served as Division Commander for the 78-member department since 1986.  (In the case of each city, the department population represents the total number of commissioned officers and full-time employees.) He holds a Masters Degree in Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California.

Sale, who has served since 2004 as Chief of the 25-member Police Department in Cheney, Washington, population 10,500 (20,000 when Central Washington University classes are in session), has 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 25 years with the Washington State Patrol.  He is credited with developing a multi-agency team to identify and provide services to at-risk youth and speaks nationally on law enforcement issues.  Sale is a graduate of Washington State University and the FBI National Academy.

Thomas, a 22-year veteran of the 185-member Kent Police Department, currently serves as Captain.  He is credited with leading the City’s Community Oriented Policing Unit resulting in reduced residential burglaries and auto thefts.  Thomas holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Development from Central Washington University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Villa brings 20 years of police experience to his current position as Assistant Police Chief for the City of Tukwila.  The 87-member department serves a population of 18,190 residents (140,000 daytime population).  Villa is credited with the development and implementation of a multi-pronged strategy which has resulted in a decrease of residential burglaries.  He saw active duty in the US Marine Corps Reserves, has a Business Degree from Central Washington University and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

The finalists will be interviewed January 13 by three separate panels, including one comprised of community members.

Read the press release online here.

Kent TV21 has created and is now showing “Welcome to Kent:  The Panther Lake Annexation” to discuss the city’s plans to annex the neighborhood on July 1, 2010. Featuring Mayor Suzette Cooke, planning director Fred Satterstrom and members of Citizens for Annexation to Kent, the program will discuss the annexation and how it will impact the community. To view the program, visit KentTV21 online.

Once the Panther Lake annexation of 24,000 residents is complete, the City of Kent will become the sixth largest city in the State of Washington. For more information about the annexation, visit the city’s online annexation resource.

Friday, February 12, 2010 — Today Indoor Football League Commissioner Tommy Benizio officially kicked off the 2010 IFL season at Kent’s ShoWare Center, home of the Kent Predators, one of two new IFL expansion teams.

“This is a great game and we can’t wait to unveil it,” Commissioner Benizio said. “We are real pleased to grow here in Kent.”

Benizio was one of half a dozen speakers at today’s press conference called by the Kent Predators to introduce Benizio, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of Football Operations Brian Brents, Head Coach William McCarthy, the Kent Predators football team and dance team.

“Welcome Kent,” Mayor Cooke said. “We are going to be a great team together. I love wolves and I love purple. We’re going to beat everybody!”

Ken Moninski, co-owner of the team, said the team is excited to call the new ShoWare Center home and welcomed everyone to come watch the fan-friendly game.

“We’re going to make the city proud,” he said. “The support here is phenomenal. We’ll have a very successful season on and off the field.”

Co-owner Kokalis agreed, citing the team’s commitment to the City of Kent and his enthusiasm about the staff, players, team and community partnerships.

“We’re going to make Kent the best community in the state of Washington,” Kokalis added.

Brents, who took the El Paso Generals to a 12 and 2 season in 2009, serves as the Kent Predators VP of Football Operations. He, too, showed his support of the team and community.

“This is exciting, y’all!”

One of Brents’ first tasks was to hire head coach William McCarthy, who previously served as assistant coach to the El Paso Generals. McCarthy said the community would love the fast-paced game and encouraged the crowd to attend the team’s first practice during training camp this Sunday at Wilson Playfields (132nd and 248th on Kent’s East Hill).

Defensive back Kevin Jones, who played football for Kentwood High School, said he is anxious to start the season.

“We’re playing this game not just for ourselves but for the whole community,” Jones said. “I’m glad to be home!”

The team’s first game is an away game on February 28 against the Billings Outlaws, the 2009 defending champions of the United Bowl. The Predators’ first home game will be at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.

“We’d like to put a sellout here,” Kokalis said.

For more information about the Kent Predators, visit the team online or contact Jim Granacker, VP of operations, at 253-239-3254.

Kent Predators Receiver Eric "Shampoo" Taylor and Mayor Suzette Cooke

In a press release from Jim Granacker, director of operations for the Kent Predators, the Kent Predators announced that the community and media are invited to attend a press conference this Friday, February 12 at ShoWare Center to meet members of the front office and coaching staff, including team owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of football operations and Predators head coach William McCarthy. The group will discuss their first season which kicks off with its first home game on Friday, March 12. In addition, Mayor Suzette Cooke will be available to answer questions regarding how the Predators’ presence in Kent will affect the community.

Also making an appearance is IFL Commissioner Tommy Benizio who will officially kick-off the league’s season tomorrow.

“Heading into the league’s second season, the IFL has quickly established itself as the nation’s premier indoor football league,” he stated in the February 10 press release.  “I am very excited to come to Kent to announce the kickoff of the 2010 campaign and to watch the Predators compete in our Pacific North Division this year.”

The Indoor Football League (IFL) was started in 2008 from a merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football Association. Two years later, the IFL consists of 25 teams in 13 states in six divisions. The IFL season is 14-games long and the season’s regular schedule runs from March through June. The season ends with playoffs in August, followed by the IFL United Bowl.

Refreshments will be served at 2:30 pm as informal announcements are made. The question and answer session will begin promptly at 3:00 pm.

For more information, contact Jim Granacker at 253-239-3254 or via email.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, Kent, Washington–Today Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke gave her annual State of the City Address at the February Kent Chamber membership luncheon. With a packed room at the ShoWare Center, Mayor Cooke revisited 2009.

“This past year was challenging, not just for this city, but for all governments, large and small,” Mayor Cooke said. “Kent, like all cities, worked under a tightening budget.”

She is, however, optimistic about three things:  1) that 2009 is over; 2) the economy appears to be recovering; and 3) flood season is ending. She recounted a number of the city‘s 2009 highs and lows, including:

1)  The popularity of ShoWare Center which brought 350,000 guests through its doors in 2009, including 60,000 guests who saw Disney on Ice at the new sports arena

2)  The implementation of the new CodeRED system which allows the city to make 60,000 emergency contacts per hour via phone, email and text message

3)  The four labor unions taking voluntary pay cuts to avoid staff reductions and to help the city save more than $1 million in 2009 spending

4)  2.8%, or $2.2 million, drop in revenue

5)  8.1%, or $1.5 million, drop in sales tax revenue

6)  Elimination of 56 positions within the city, about half of which resulted in layoffs. Other vacant positions were not filled.

7)  Expansion of Kent Station with the GRCC expansion

8)  1,677 Kent Parks volunteers

9)  4,000 volunteer hours spent removing graffiti

10)  Annexing Panther Lake to occur July 1, 2010, making Kent the sixth largest city in the state

In addition to these items, Mayor Cooke reviewed the 2010 budget, stating that public safety remains the city’s #1 priority. The 2010 budget is 5.6% less than the 2009 budget and it includes $1 million to be set aside for emergencies like potential flooding.

“Things are looking a lot better economically,” she added.

A topic of major concern was, of course, the flood risk of the Howard Hanson Dam. Once predicted at a 1 in 4 chance of flooding, the flood risk has dropped to 1 in 33. While this is a positive step, Mayor Cooke said, a permanent fix is not available for three to five years.

“Any kind of delay is simply unacceptable,” she added. “Until that dam is fixed, it is going to haunt us.”

To help control potential flooding, the city raised levies by three feet, successfully completing the task before the beginning of flood season last fall. In addition, Mayor Cooke thanked the community, business leaders and service groups for helping to spread the word about potential flood risks as well as helping one another fill sand bags and helping seniors and the disabled prepare for a flood.

Mayor Cooke singled out a number of city staff and community and business leaders for their support of the Kent community. She thanked them for their tireless service and for making Kent the great place that it is. One person instrumental in the city’s survival of a difficult year was Chief Administrative Officer John Hodgsen.

“John Hodgsen is an outstanding leader and worker in the city,” Mayor Cooke said.

The overall mood of the meeting was positive and Mayor Cooke left the audience with some new things to watch for:  a redesigned website, taking the inbox newsletter to an email format, and the second annual International Festival, set for June 26, and the Kent Refugee and Immigrant Forum.

“It’s 2010 and I’m smiling,” Mayor Cooke said.

The event was presented by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Allied Waste and co-sponsored by Kent Downtown Partnership. The program was taped to be shown on Kent TV21 at a later date.

According to a press release issued today by Michelle Witham of the City of Kent, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke will deliver her annual “State of the City” address on Wed., February 3 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s luncheon will be held at the ShoWare Center during the monthly Kent Chamber luncheon.

The mayor, who is beginning her second term in office, will focus on public safety, the local economy and quality of life for Kent residents. In addition, she will discuss highlights and accomplishments from 2009.

The cost per person is $20 which includes lunch. For those who can’t attend the event, it will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 21 and online at Kent TV 21.

For more information, visit the Kent Chamber online. To RSVP for the luncheon, contact Marge Williams at 253-854-1770.

We have a great day of family fun planned for guests of Kent Winterfest, A Holly Jolly Day in Kent, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 8 am to 6 pm. Here is our current schedule of events:

• 8 am – 2 pm: Holly Jolly All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast at Maggie’s on Meeker, sponsored by Kent AM Kiwanis
• 9 am – 5 pm: Holiday Parks Bazaar at Kent Commons
• 9 am – 7 pm: PediCabs
• 10 am – 7 pm (and 9 pm at Kent Station): Merchants Open for Holiday Shopping & Dining in downtown Kent and Kent Station
• 11 am: Holly Jolly One Mile Kids & Kritters Walk with Mayor Suzette Cooke and Kent4Health
• 11:30 am: KM Jazz Band on 2nd Avenue across from the Kent library
• 12 – 2 pm: Meet the Kent Fire Department at 2nd & Meeker
• 12 – 8 pm: Morford Family Holiday Carousel
• 1 – 5 pm: Horse drawn carriage
• 3 – 5 pm: SilverBells Carolers roving through Historic Downtown Kent
• 4 pm: Holiday Reading at Green River Community College
• 4:30 – 6:30 pm: Kent Lions’ Parade, Santa’s Arrival, 6-Foot Christmas Stocking Giveaway and Annual Tree Lighting
• 5:00: Allegro Performing Arts
• 5:15 pm: KM Jazz Choir, Sound Connection at 2nd Avenue across from the Kent library

Share your Holly Jolly spirit by bringing a nonperishable food item for the Kent Food Bank. For more info., visit Kent Winterfest online or call KDP at 253-813-6976.

With 21.22% of ballots cast by registered voters, Mayor Suzette Cooke was re-elected with 5,133 votes (68.8%) to Jim Berrios’ 2,309 votes (30.95%).

In other contested races, Dennis R. Higgins won Kent City Council Position No. 4 over Dana Ralph, and Elizabeth Albertson retained Kent City Council Position No. 6 over Geoff Koepp. Jamie Danielson, who ran for Kent City Council Position No. 2 unopposed, will retain her seat as well.

As of 8 p.m. last night, a total of 7,827 ballots had been received out of 36,888 registered voters. For complete election results, visit the King County Elections page.

Throughout this election season, I have attempted to remain neutral on iLoveKent.net. As a journalist who holds herself closely to the SPJ Code of Ethics, I felt it was important to present both sides fairly which I have done. I have also refrained from stating my personal opinion regarding who I am supporting in the Kent mayoral election. Those who know me well know that I made my vote without reservation.

Before I continue, let me disclose my relationships with both Mayor Suzette Cooke and mayoral candidate and KSD school board president Jim Berrios. I used to be a contractor for the city. I am no longer working with the city on projects, but I frequently interview city officials and employees for articles for publication. I have also interviewed Jim Berrios  for several stories I’ve written for publication, one local publication and a trade publication for the newspaper advertising industry.

Without divulging my personal choice for mayor, I ask you to consider the following when casting your vote (if you have not already done so):

• Each candidate’s record of service to the community:   Mayor Suzette Cooke as our mayor for the last four years with numerous community and governmental achievements, and Jim Berrios as a community volunteer, business owner and president of the KSD school board.

• Each candidate’s behavior during the campaign. Did your preferred candidate conduct him or herself honorably, focusing on the issues (e.g., budget, flooding, economy) rather than minutia?

• When faced with difficult decisions like how to handle flooding, manage transportation issues, boost our economy and settle the school district strike, did your candidate act in the community’s best interests?

• Does your candidate of choice have a plan for the next four years? If so, do you understand and agree with it?

• Is his or her campaign platform clear and does it benefit the community at large, or primarily special interest groups?

• Do you have any reservations whatsoever about your candidate’s loyalty?

As you consider these items, I ask you to also consider the media coverage and debates that have taken place. There has been a fair amount of mudslinging and the race has gotten ugly in some instances. From where I sit, that mud is coming from one side more than the other, however. That tells me a lot about the integrity of the candidates and how I can expect them to represent me and the City of Kent into the future.

I invite anyone to comment on the mayoral candidates and how they have (or have made) their choice for mayor of Kent.

Thanks for listening,

Call me naive but I was taught that candidates in any election should stand on their own merits and not rely on underhanded tactics, mudslinging or smear campaigns to win votes.

Because I work in a home office and I am sheltered from what’s going on in terms of water cooler talk and local gossip, I am always surprised to hear when candidates – or their volunteers – are behaving badly. Last week, for example, word was sent to me that the upcoming mayoral election between incumbent Mayor Suzette Cooke and opponent Jim Berrios is heating up.There are also two contested city council races that could turn contentious.

One side claims the other has started a phone calling campaign to bash the opposition. I’ve also heard that candidates are posturing and otherwise behaving differently than they would in a non-election year, and I’ve seen campaign signs from both signs vandalized, pulled out of the ground or removed altogether.

Regardless of who is behind this behavior, I find it appalling. We are all adults and capable of standing behind our record of achievements, our promises for the future and our commitment to the community. Why, then, must we resort to childish tactics to get noticed or to smear an opponent? Rather than getting me to dislike a smeared opponent, I am more likely to rally against the one who is having the public temper tantrum. That’s not the type of candidate I want to see in office. How about you?

~ Dana Neuts, publisher, iLoveKent.net

Friday, October 2 is CITY OF KENT night at the Seattle Thunderbirds

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Tri-City Americans
Friday, October 2, 2009
7:30 p.m.
ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032
Free parking on site and at Park-n-Ride lot across the street

$22 premium seats for only $18  (promo code:  “kent”)

For tickets, go to:  tickets.seattlethunderbirds.com.

More details here.

Watch Mayor Suzette Cooke drop the puck!

New information 10/2/09 from City of Kent:

Starting the weekend of October 10, the City will begin placement of 20,000 giant sandbags on 12 miles of Kent’s levees.

Each giant sandbag is 3×3 feet wide, stands 3 feet tall and weighs 1.7 tons, or 3,375 lbs. They will be covered with black vinyl plastic to help seal them and keep water from getting inside, as well as protect them from ultra-violet (UV) damage.

City staff will place an equal number of small sandbags to hold the plastic vinyl in place.

Originally posted 9/23/09:

Contact:
Michelle Witham, City of Kent
253-856-5709
mwitham@ci.kent.wa.us

Giant Sandbags Ordered to Help Prevent Flooding

Kent Mayor Takes Proactive Step to Protect Valley Residents and Businesses

KENT, Wash. – September 22, 2009 – With restrictions on the water pool level behind the Howard Hanson Dam, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, Chair of the King County Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee, took a proactive step to reduce potential flooding this winter in the Green River Valley.  “Our first line of defense should be to fight the flood at the levee – not in the Valley,” Cooke declared.  “It is much less costly to prevent flooding in the first place, than to suffer the financial and emotional expense of cleaning up after a flood.”

Cooke requested staff begin purchasing giant sandbags for placement on top of the Green River levee system within Kent’s city limits.   The City is coordinating its efforts with the US Army Corps of Engineers, King County and the other Valley cities of Auburn, Tukwila and Renton.

According to Larry Blanchard, Kent’s Public Works Director, these structures are a proven method to assist in flood-fighting.  “Giant sandbags have been successfully used around the country to manage the flow of water,” Blanchard said.  “They would be up to three feet high and weigh 3,500 pounds each.  They are easily installed and can be placed on top of Kent’s levees to increase their height.”

A recent engineering survey of the levee elevation indicated with every one foot increase in height of the river bank, the Green River gains an additional 1,000 CFS (cubic feet per second) capacity.  “The giant sandbags will provide additional capacity in the Green River, allowing us to protect ourselves up to 13,900 CFS with three feet of free board space above the river’s main flow level,” Blanchard said.

The City previously considered using giant water-filled bladders, or aqua-dams, to line the levee system but determined that sandbags are more sturdy.  Aqua-dams may be used as a second line of defense.

Kent officials are still preparing for potential flooding this winter due to concerns about the Howard Hanson Dam after sink holes were discovered in its right abutment last January.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who has responsibility for the dam, has warned that it will not be able to hold back as much water as in the past during heavy rains, therefore increasing the risk of flooding downstream.

“Even with giant sandbags in place along the levees, every resident and business in the Green River Valley needs to purchase flood insurance and devise a plan for evacuation,” Cooke said.  “Emergency measures are linked to our web site, www.choosekent.com, and being distributed through numerous meetings and mailings.  While the dam itself is not under our jurisdiction, the City is doing all that it can within its authority to prevent a disaster.”

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

First sports arena in North America to be awarded LEED® Gold Rating by the U.S. Green Building Council

The City of Kent learned today ShoWare Center, its new multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility, has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This designation makes ShoWare Center the first sports arena in North America to achieve such a rating.

“I’m extremely proud of this achievement,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. “Receiving LEED Gold certification reaffirms our efforts to balance economic development with being good stewards of the environment. It’s also pretty cool to be the first on the continent!”

LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national certification program for developing high-performance sustainable buildings that provide immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.

Points are awarded in six environmental categories as defined by LEED: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design.

Ben Wolters, Kent’s Economic Development Director and project lead for the City said throughout planning and construction, the City, along with Mortenson Construction, LMN Architects, and Seattle Thunderbirds were targeting a Silver rating, requiring 33 points. “Because of a tremendous commitment by the entire team, the project earned 40 points, with a perfect score for innovation and design,” Wolters added.

Highlights of ShoWare Center’s green features include:
• Premium parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and car and vanpools
• Low-flowing water fixtures and dual-flush toilets exceed 40% water savings when compared to similar buildings
• Native plant landscaping that doesn’t require watering
• Energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation and ice-making equipment reducing energy use by over 37%
• More than 90% of the construction debris was recycled
• Constructed using more than 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified wood
• Low volatile organic compound paints and adhesives were used to minimize indoor contaminants that exacerbate respiratory problems
• Excess heat rejected from the ice-making equipment is used to warm the ground under the ice rink to maintain the integrity of the foundation

Designed by LMN Architects with consultation by Paladino and Company, one the leading green building consultants in the United States, the City went above and beyond the minimum requirements to achieve a Silver rating for the building.

“While building “green” costs significantly more upfront, ultimately the City will see a cost savings in the long run,” Wolters said. “LEED buildings cost less to operate and maintain and are energy and water efficient.”

ShoWare Center has received several awards since opening in January including the American Institute of Architects Civic Design Award and Green Building of America Award by the Real Estate & Construction Review.

Additional information on Center’s green building features and images are available at www.showarecenter.com.

More information on the LEED green building certification system is available at www.usgbc.org/LEED.

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population or 88,380. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks, an exceptional school district, and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information about the City of Kent, please visit www.choosekent.com.

At the Kent Downtown Partnership’s annual Dinner and Silent Auction, the KDP announced this year’s winners in various categories for business leadership. Among this year’s winners:

Mayor Suzette Cooke, for her leadership in bringing the ShoWare Center to Kent

Frankie Keyes, for design for the facade renovation of three buildings on First Avenue South

Karl Beavers, owner of Children’s Bookshop (corner of Meeker and Second Ave. South), for design and storefront improvements

Steve and Donna St. Louis, owners of Earthworks Gem Design Studio, as Best Retailer

Mychal Boiser, Kona Kai Coffee Co., as Best Restaurant

John Hinds, Kent Station general manager, and Greg Haffner, partner at Curran Law Firm, President’s Awards

Sue Froyd (AAA Pest Control, Maggie’s on Meeker and Bittersweet Restaurant), Dee Moschel Business Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

Source:  The Business Report