Update from the Mayor…

LS Mayor Brett Gailey touches base on the City’s ballot measure, departmental updates and social media posts

Mayor Brett Gailey (foreground) with Russ Wright and John Spencer (background). Photo art by KTH/J425.

LS Mayor Brett Gailey sent out an update today via the City’s news feed. He gives updates on Public Works, Police and Parks… makes reference to (and rebuts) social media posts and asks voters to “take a hard look” at the City’s ballot issue: a transportation benefit district funded by a sales tax increase. You can find more info on the TBD ballot measure here. The rest is verbatim from the Mayor (note to self: figure out which social media posts he’s talking about):

From Mayor Brett Gailey:

I wanted to give you a quick update on the city and clarify an issue as we move into the holiday season.  As we change from a long summer into our fall and winter, we are blessed with upcoming opportunities to spend time with family and those close to us.  I hope we all take the time to enjoy this great city we all call home in the coming months.   

Some department highlights include:

- Public Works Department continues to make progress with accreditation and prepping the city for winter by clearing storm water drains and street sweeping.

The Police Department continues to work hard to ensure our safety.  We are short six police officers and encourage qualified applicants who would like to work in our city.

We are fortunate to have created a Parks Department with Parks Director Sarah Garceau who is making her mark by assessing our current park inventory.  This will lead to an enhanced maintenance schedule with a focus on safety and ensuring inclusive equipment in our parks.   

There are some social media posts I would like to address.  Recently a letter of non-compliance was issued by WSDOT to the city surrounding ADA issues.  We have been and will continue to work through these issues with WSDOT.  For clarity’s sake, we have not lost one dollar of Federal grant money due to this letter and we will have compliancy prior to the use of the current awarded Federal money for the Main St. Capital Project in 2024. 

Currently, you should have received your November 8th ballot.  Please take a hard look at the sales tax initiative to fund the Lake Stevens Transportation Benefit District (TBD).  This TBD will fund many of the much-needed sidewalk projects often discussed around the city.  This money stays local and will increase the safety of our city.  See the below link where you will find the project list. 

I want to thank all of you for making our city welcoming and a place people want to live.  I walk throughout the city and meet new citizens who often tell me they moved to Lake Stevens because of the friendly people, schools, and feeling of community.  Thank you to all who volunteer their time, reach out to the neighbor, or just smile at a stranger, all of which makes our city a place people enjoy living.   

Warmest Holiday Wishes 

Brett