Letters to the editor
September 2, 2009
Council should
approve hotel zoning
I encourage the North Bend City Council to approve an amendment to current zoning regulations that would allow a hotel facility at Exit 31.
Our city needs safe, clean and attractive new businesses as we continue to grow in a responsible and responsive manner. A hotel at the proposed location serves the needs of the city, surrounding communities and tourists, offering accommodations sorely lacking at this time.
By working closely with the property owner, developer and franchisee, the city can require design and building improvements that result in a project that addresses and mitigates impact to surrounding property owners, while meeting our growing community needs. Requirements could include specific orientation of the hotel building and parking lot, as well as screening plantings, berms and other landscaping improvements. Requirements for directional and low impact lighting and adequate security features will further integrate the hotel into the community. Use of a complimentary shuttle can reduce trips and offer a gateway to the many services and features of our town. Intelligent design can provide innovative features that are fiscally and environmentally responsible.
Detractors suggest a better use for this proposed site could be another strip mall. In addition to creating many more car trips, the ability to control the type of tenant and financial “staying power” makes this a much less attractive plan. And let’s face it, we have plenty of strip malls now with vacancies.
Let’s look for cooperative and intelligent ways to incorporate a much needed and long desired hotel into our great community!
Jeri J. Cranney,
North Bend
‘New kids’ shouldn’t get final word on hotel
We can certainly understand the dilemma that George Wyrsch is facing. It’s always the “new kids on the block” that complain. If I recall correctly, it was less than 20 years ago when Forester Woods development began (after Wyrsch bought the property with the intentions of building the hotel). It appears Wyrsch’s family has been helping develop North Bend for almost a century, when it was clearly a wide spot on the road. Now the new kids are attempting to dictate the policies.
However, the real problem is with the bureaucrats, those who make the rules and change the rules. Then there are those that will eventually lord over the building permit process. They love delays. This way they can justify their existence by stretching a process out as long as they can.
They know they are going to grant permission for the hotel or other development on the 8.8 acres. They will use this bickering to the maximum in order to spend millions of our taxpayer dollars for this and other issues that come before them.
A homeowner down the road from exit 31.
Chris Klineburger,
North Bend
You can help in our fight
You can help in our fight
This year marks the 10th anniversary of our daughter Kaitie’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis. For the first few years, we saw steady improvement, her weight, energy and overall health improving. Unfortunately, the past few years have brought on the inevitable decline that comes with CF as it gradually damages her respiratory and digestive systems.
Snoqualmie Valley Great Strides is once again gearing up for our fall walk on Sept. 26, with check-in at 10 a.m. and the walk at 11. The 2008 walk met our goal of $45,000, so, despite rough economic times, we’re setting this year’s goal at $50,000. We hope you’ll be able to help us.
We know times are tough for everyone. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has seen a drop in corporate sponsorship dollars. That means we need to increase the number of smaller donations we collect.
Great Strides is one of the foundation’s main fundraising avenues and in such an important time of research, we can’t afford to have any research funding delayed or canceled.
So, here’s what we’re asking:
1. Join Kaitie’s Kingdom at http://www.cff.org/great_strides/CathyGallagher and click on the button to join our team. Set a fundraising goal and use the Web site tools to send out letters and/or e-mails to your family and friends asking them to support our efforts to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
2. Make a donation — Our team goal is $10,000, in honor of the 10 years since Kaitie’s diagnosis. A $100 donation will sponsor a hand-crafted rose in the 65-Roses Garden. Click on the donation button on our Web page or send a check payable to CFF to Kaitie’s Kingdom Great Strides Team, P.O. Box 669, Snoqualmie, WA 98065.
3. Come support us at the walk Sept. 26. It’s an easy two-mile circuit along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, followed by a barbecue lunch from Sherm’s BBQ. Everyone who raises $100 will also receive a Great Strides T-shirt.
Thank you for your past, current and future support and for making a huge difference in the lives of those who have this deadly disease.
The Gallaghers
Snoqualmie
Letters about health care reform is misguided
You printed two letters Aug. 13 that did nothing to shed any light on the current health care reform bill before Congress.
The writer of one letter stated that those with severe health conditions would have their access to care “rationed” and quotes HR 3200 in support of this position.
Rather than limiting individuals to $5,000 being available for their care, individuals will not have to pay more than this amount per year. This is a great boon for people so out-of-pocket expenses don’t drive them into bankruptcy.
The hysteria around the “end-of-life counseling” section of the bill makes it appear that this counseling will include a panel of government bureaucrats who will have the power to refuse life-saving treatment to those they deem “bad risks” in order to save money. This provision merely says that a counseling session where living wills can be discussed will be paid for by the government, not the patient.
Another argument a letter writer advanced for opposing the bill is “if the current health care proposal is passed as written, it would lead to taxpayer supported abortions.” The letter writer does not even offer any proof of this contention — it is merely fear-mongering and should be treated as such.
A second letter takes the position that “not once in my life have I ever felt it was OK, or even my right, to take money from others to subsidize my life.” The writer must feel tremendous guilt over having taken money from others to subsidize his or her public education, use of public transportation, roads and highways, police and fire services, public libraries. Need I go on?
I would respectfully ask that all who are truly interested in finding out what state-subsidized universal health coverage for all citizens looks like in practice read about such coverage in Europe and Canada.
And please ask yourself this question: If the concept of universal health care is such a bad idea, why isn’t it opposed by any of the conservative political parties in the developed industrial world — except in the United States?
Mickey Gallagher
Snoqualmie
From www.snovalleystar.com:
I am so happy to see Sandy Smelser, CVES counselor, recognized with an ASCD award. She tirelessly has worked with many children I know. Always giving them an alternative way to view situations and give them a foundation for early conflict resolution.
My two sons have been a part of Mrs. Smelser’s ASB, Reading Rotation & Peer Mediator programs. They’ve also been able to talk to her when they’ve needed to. She’s helped them through times of grieving and celebrated their successes with them.
Mrs. Smelser has partnered my children to help other children speak, read and grieve. I believe she’s building character and opening doors of communication in so many kids. Teaching them Life Skills.
Sandy has been a loving support to CVES and I want to personally thank Rich McCullough for bringing her to us.
Congratulations Sandy! You are an inspiration. I’ve watched you influence and change lives. The most important lives that need guidance. Our youth?
Lanice Gillard
Snoqualmie
Council should approve hotel zoning
I encourage the North Bend City Council to approve an amendment to current zoning regulations that would allow a hotel facility at Exit 31.
Our city needs safe, clean and attractive new businesses as we continue to grow in a responsible and responsive manner. A hotel at the proposed location serves the needs of the city, surrounding communities and tourists, offering accommodations sorely lacking at this time.
By working closely with the property owner, developer and franchisee, the city can require design and building improvements that result in a project that addresses and mitigates impact to surrounding property owners, while meeting our growing community needs. Requirements could include specific orientation of the hotel building and parking lot, as well as screening plantings, berms and other landscaping improvements. Requirements for directional and low impact lighting and adequate security features will further integrate the hotel into the community. Use of a complimentary shuttle can reduce trips and offer a gateway to the many services and features of our town. Intelligent design can provide innovative features that are fiscally and environmentally responsible.
Detractors suggest a better use for this proposed site could be another strip mall. In addition to creating many more car trips, the ability to control the type of tenant and financial “staying power” makes this a much less attractive plan. And let’s face it, we have plenty of strip malls now with vacancies.
Let’s look for cooperative and intelligent ways to incorporate a much needed and long desired hotel into our great community!
Jeri J. Cranney,
North Bend
‘New kids’ shouldn’t get final word on hotel
We can certainly understand the dilemma that George Wyrsch is facing. It’s always the “new kids on the block” that complain. If I recall correctly, it was less than 20 years ago when Forester Woods development began (after Wyrsch bought the property with the intentions of building the hotel). It appears Wyrsch’s family has been helping develop North Bend for almost a century, when it was clearly a wide spot on the road. Now the new kids are attempting to dictate the policies.
However, the real problem is with the bureaucrats, those who make the rules and change the rules. Then there are those that will eventually lord over the building permit process. They love delays. This way they can justify their existence by stretching a process out as long as they can.
They know they are going to grant permission for the hotel or other development on the 8.8 acres. They will use this bickering to the maximum in order to spend millions of our taxpayer dollars for this and other issues that come before them.
A homeowner down the road from exit 31.
Chris Klineburger,
North Bend
You can help in our fight
You can help in our fight
This year marks the 10th anniversary of our daughter Kaitie’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis. For the first few years, we saw steady improvement, her weight, energy and overall health improving. Unfortunately, the past few years have brought on the inevitable decline that comes with CF as it gradually damages her respiratory and digestive systems.
Snoqualmie Valley Great Strides is once again gearing up for our fall walk on Sept. 26, with check-in at 10 a.m. and the walk at 11. The 2008 walk met our goal of $45,000, so, despite rough economic times, we’re setting this year’s goal at $50,000. We hope you’ll be able to help us.
We know times are tough for everyone. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has seen a drop in corporate sponsorship dollars. That means we need to increase the number of smaller donations we collect.
Great Strides is one of the foundation’s main fundraising avenues and in such an important time of research, we can’t afford to have any research funding delayed or canceled.
So, here’s what we’re asking:
1. Join Kaitie’s Kingdom at http://www.cff.org/great_strides/CathyGallagher and click on the button to join our team. Set a fundraising goal and use the Web site tools to send out letters and/or e-mails to your family and friends asking them to support our efforts to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
2. Make a donation — Our team goal is $10,000, in honor of the 10 years since Kaitie’s diagnosis. A $100 donation will sponsor a hand-crafted rose in the 65-Roses Garden. Click on the donation button on our Web page or send a check payable to CFF to Kaitie’s Kingdom Great Strides Team, P.O. Box 669, Snoqualmie, WA 98065.
3. Come support us at the walk Sept. 26. It’s an easy two-mile circuit along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, followed by a barbecue lunch from Sherm’s BBQ. Everyone who raises $100 will also receive a Great Strides T-shirt.
Thank you for your past, current and future support and for making a huge difference in the lives of those who have this deadly disease.
The Gallaghers
Snoqualmie
Letters about health care reform is misguided
You printed two letters Aug. 13 that did nothing to shed any light on the current health care reform bill before Congress.
The writer of one letter stated that those with severe health conditions would have their access to care “rationed” and quotes HR 3200 in support of this position.
Rather than limiting individuals to $5,000 being available for their care, individuals will not have to pay more than this amount per year. This is a great boon for people so out-of-pocket expenses don’t drive them into bankruptcy.
The hysteria around the “end-of-life counseling” section of the bill makes it appear that this counseling will include a panel of government bureaucrats who will have the power to refuse life-saving treatment to those they deem “bad risks” in order to save money. This provision merely says that a counseling session where living wills can be discussed will be paid for by the government, not the patient.
Another argument a letter writer advanced for opposing the bill is “if the current health care proposal is passed as written, it would lead to taxpayer supported abortions.” The letter writer does not even offer any proof of this contention — it is merely fear-mongering and should be treated as such.
A second letter takes the position that “not once in my life have I ever felt it was OK, or even my right, to take money from others to subsidize my life.” The writer must feel tremendous guilt over having taken money from others to subsidize his or her public education, use of public transportation, roads and highways, police and fire services, public libraries. Need I go on?
I would respectfully ask that all who are truly interested in finding out what state-subsidized universal health coverage for all citizens looks like in practice read about such coverage in Europe and Canada.
And please ask yourself this question: If the concept of universal health care is such a bad idea, why isn’t it opposed by any of the conservative political parties in the developed industrial world — except in the United States?
Mickey Gallagher
Snoqualmie
From www.snovalleystar.com:
I am so happy to see Sandy Smelser, CVES counselor, recognized with an ASCD award. She tirelessly has worked with many children I know. Always giving them an alternative way to view situations and give them a foundation for early conflict resolution.
My two sons have been a part of Mrs. Smelser’s ASB, Reading Rotation & Peer Mediator programs. They’ve also been able to talk to her when they’ve needed to. She’s helped them through times of grieving and celebrated their successes with them.
Mrs. Smelser has partnered my children to help other children speak, read and grieve. I believe she’s building character and opening doors of communication in so many kids. Teaching them Life Skills.
Sandy has been a loving support to CVES and I want to personally thank Rich McCullough for bringing her to us.
Congratulations Sandy! You are an inspiration. I’ve watched you influence and change lives. The most important lives that need guidance. Our youth?
Lanice Gillard
Snoqualmie
Editorial: Mothballing parks is not the answer we need
September 2, 2009
We’re certainly glad to know that King County has no plans to mothball parks in the North Bend/Snoqualmie area. But the way King County Executive Kurt Triplett decided on which parks to cut maintenance has us concerned.
Triplett has selected 39 parks in urban unincorporated areas for mothballing. This means 39 neighborhood parks will have fenced-off playgrounds and locked restrooms, overgrown weeds, grass and brush, and no trash pickup. Mothballed neighborhood parks will certainly hurt property values to nearby homes.
Triplet’s selection process is purely political. He wants to force homeowner groups and nearby cities to take over the parks. Why he thinks city budgets have extra funds for park maintenance is a mystery.
All county residents pay their share (about $20/year) of a six-year parks maintenance levy passed in 2007 to fund regional facilities like Marymoor Park, the aquatic center and trail system, and rural unincorporated parks like those in North Bend and Snoqualmie. Those in urban unincorporated areas —typically neighborhood parks — have had maintenance funded by the general budget.
King County officials are quick to point out that the county spends $21 million per year subsidizing urban-level services — including park maintenance — to properties in potential annexation areas. Yet they don’t say how much they are collecting in property taxes, other taxes and fees from those same areas.
A couple of decades ago, King County paid for all park maintenance in unincorporated areas, without a special parks levy. Then it got dependent on voters who couldn’t say no to their parks, freeing tax dollars to be spent on other programs and services. Now the county is ready to wash its hands of its last urban parks.
There are better ways to meet the budget crisis.
Start with selling some of King County’s 25,000 acres of parklands, much of it still undeveloped. Go ahead and transfer ownership of urban parks to cities or organizations willing to take them on. But continue to care for the remaining neighborhood parks, those very parks that best fit the parks system’s mission: to serve communities and enhance quality of life.
We’re certainly glad to know that King County has no plans to mothball parks in the North Bend/Snoqualmie area. But the way King County Executive Kurt Triplett decided on which parks to cut maintenance has us concerned.
Triplett has selected 39 parks in urban unincorporated areas for mothballing. This means 39 neighborhood parks will have fenced-off playgrounds and locked restrooms, overgrown weeds, grass and brush, and no trash pickup. Mothballed neighborhood parks will certainly hurt property values to nearby homes. Read more
Annexation, new rules force change for owner
September 2, 2009
Art gallery relocates from house to garage
North Bend’s Tanner Annexation has had an unusual impact on at least one business owner – Spotted Owl Gallery owner Bob Antone had to move his art gallery from his home to the garage.
Spotted Owl Gallery owner Bob Antone says new rules he’s forced to follow because of an annexation have caused him to move his business. By Michael Bayless Rowe
First day of school
September 2, 2009
The bus stop at the Forster Woods neighborhood had more than 30 students line up for their first day of school. Abby Hamilton carries a bouquet for her teacher, as her friend Ginger Harris gets ready to carry her big purple backpack onto the bus, driven by Karen Goldenberger.
Athletes’ wives walk for charity
September 2, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
A fog bank covering the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course on Aug. 29 did not stop the Walk With the Wives for Charity event.
The group of PGA Tour and Seattle Seahawks wives walked to raise money for the Heart Institute at the Virginia Mason Medical Center.
“The Seahawks Women’s Association is proud and excited to have worked with the Champions Tour wives to create this unique event,” said Shannon Mora, president of the Seahawks Women’s Association. “The dollars raised for The Heart Institute by the Boeing Classic in the event’s brief history is impressive to say the least and if through the ‘Walk With the Wives’ we can assist them in their efforts to make a positive impact on people’s lives, that’s really what this is all about.”
“The Champions Tour wives are happy to be able to give back to the communities that support our tour,” said Christy Kite, wife of two-time Boeing Classic tournament winner Tom Kite.
Speaking before the walk got underway, Virginia Mason cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Gold, told the group that it was important to reduce heart disease deaths.
“Heart disease is the number one killer in America. It affects all,” Gold said.
Gold said that unlike most investments these days, exercise makes good on its promise of two for one returns on people’s health.
Michael Bayless Rowe: mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
A fog bank covering the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course on Aug. 29 did not stop the Walk With the Wives for Charity event.
The group of PGA Tour and Seattle Seahawks wives walked to raise money for the Heart Institute at the Virginia Mason Medical Center.
Hotel opponents say mayor has conflict of interest
September 2, 2009
By Michael Bayless Rowe
Opponents of a hotel south of Interstate 90’s exit 31 say North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing and City Council members are too close to businessman George Wyrsch.
Hearing disputes that he is under the control of any particular business interest.
“If I was in George Wyrsch’s pocket, why wasn’t this done four or five years ago?” Hearing asked rhetorically.
Wyrsch is seeking a change to city land use restrictions that would allow him to build a hotel south of I-90. He has been in conversations with Hilton Hotels about building a four-story, 78-room hotel to serve travelers, tourists, and guests of area residents.
Mayor Hearing said that part of his job is to promote economic development. He said that he is not promoting economic development for the sake of development, but promoting what he calls “good development” to improve the sustainability of city finances.
One of North Bend’s goals is to grow its sales tax revenue stream by attracting more tourist dollars. A hotel would help North Bend keep more tourist and traveler dollars in the city, instead of watching that money leave town and drive down the road at the end of the day, said Hearing.
The neighborhood of Forster Woods has lined up against the proposed hotel near their homes. Dan Ahner and Jason Gram, who respectively are president and vice-president of the Forster Woods Home Owner’s Association, said they are not opposed to hotel development in the city. They both said that they are in favor of a hotel in North Bend, just not near their homes.
The concerns raised by Forster Woods residents include traffic and safety impacts, the possibility that a hotel would block views and cause light pollution, and lead to more crime near their neighborhood.
Mayor Hearing disagreed with the opponents of Wyrsch’s proposed hotel who say that it could increase crime near their homes. He also said that the ultimate decision on whether the hotel is allowed south of the interstate isn’t up to him. That decision will go to the City Council.
A 2003 change to city land use regulations restricts hotel development to the north side of the interstate, which prevents Wyrsch from moving his project forward. He approached the city in 2008 to get the restriction lifted, but was turned down by the city’s planning commission.
Wyrsch plans to go back before the planning commission on Sept. 24 to ask again for the restriction to be changed. The planning commission will hold a public hearing on the issue before making a decision. The planning commission could recommend a change to the restriction. If the request is denied, Wyrsch can appeal the decision to the council.
Hearing said that there may be other opportunities for hotel development in the city, but Wyrsch is the one coming forward to build now.
“If someone else were showing up I’d be supporting them, too,” Hearing said.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. To comment on this story, go to www.snovalleystar.com.
Opponents of a hotel south of Interstate 90’s exit 31 say North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing and City Council members are too close to businessman George Wyrsch.
Hearing disputes that he is under the control of any particular business interest.
“If I was in George Wyrsch’s pocket, why wasn’t this done four or five years ago?” Hearing asked rhetorically.
Wyrsch is seeking a change to city land use restrictions that would allow him to build a hotel south of I-90. He has been in conversations with Hilton Hotels about building a four-story, 78-room hotel to serve travelers, tourists, and guests of area residents. Read more
Community group to get about $500,000 to fight drug abuse
September 2, 2009
By Laura Geggel
The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network now has money to fund its anti-substance abuse campaign. The network learned Aug. 27 that the federal government had awarded it and the Healthy Community Coalition years 6-10 of the Drug Free Communities funding.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy awarded $21 million to 161 organizations nationally and about $500,000 to the network. The 161 grant recipients were selected from 417 applicants through a competitive peer review process.
The grant comes at a time of financial hardship. In 2009, the state legislature provided the network with $54,000, which helped fund its programs and contracted staff. It is slated to receive only $26,000 in 2010 and $34,000 in 2011.
The Drug Free Communities grant will alleviate some of the network’s financial strains. The grant is provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Director Gil Kerlikowske, is Seattle’s former chief of police.
“The Drug Free Communities program embodies the Obama Administration’s dedication to preventing drug abuse in youth before it starts,” Kerlikowske said in a press release. “Evidence shows that communities receiving DFC funding have lower instances of youth using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. I commend the community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, health care professionals, and law enforcement officials who work tirelessly to prevent and reduce youth drug use across the nation through DFC-funded coalitions”
The network will use the grant to address substance abuse both in the Snoqualmie Valley and Riverview school districts. The campaign will focus on addressing the norms and behavior that shape a healthy, caring community. Enlisting in the help of teenagers, the network will also examine the conditions that influence adolescents’ choices to abuse drugs.
The network has already facilitated the Snoqualmie Valley Youth Council, a group of students encouraging healthy habits and community building. It also partners with other local agencies to provide free parenting classes and works with middle school students on substance-use prevention.
“We really want to promote that most kids make healthy choices,” said Executive Director Kristy Sullivan.
With local matching dollars and in-kind volunteerism and services, the grant is valued at more than $1 million over the next five years.
The next coalition meeting is scheduled at the Snoqualmie Valley School District office at 8001 S.E. Silva Ave., Snoqualmie at 2 p.m. Sept. 10.
The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network now has money to fund its anti-substance abuse campaign. The network learned Aug. 27 that the federal government had awarded it and the Healthy Community Coalition years 6-10 of the Drug Free Communities funding.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy awarded $21 million to 161 organizations nationally and about $500,000 to the network. The 161 grant recipients were selected from 417 applicants through a competitive peer review process. Read more
School board approves budget cuts
September 2, 2009
By Laura Geggel
This year’s Snoqualmie School District budget was unanimously approved Aug. 27 but not without controversy.
Five custodians lost their jobs and the remaining 21 custodians received pay cuts. The middle school extra curricular program lost $300,000, forcing the district to start a pay-to-play policy for both clubs and sports. The district cut 11 teaching positions.
In positive news, the district will have a floating librarian among its secondary schools. Initially, all four middle school and high school librarians were laid off or reassigned to the classroom. Now, former Chief Kanim Middle School Librarian Janna Treisman will spend one day per week at each of the middle schools and two days per week at Mount Si High School.
Although there are about six fewer full-time teachers this year, the district is still spending about $112,000 more on its certified teacher salaries compared to last year because of the Snoqualmie Education Association’s contract guaranteeing higher salaries.
According to the union contract negotiated in 2008, teachers will see a one percent raise this year.
Teacher salaries, in addition to other items such as school supplies, are paid for by the general fund. Overall, the general fund cuts were part of a $3.35 million reduction the Snoqualmie Valley School Board approved, in response to both state and local deficits.
Federal stimulus funds
At a cursory glance, the 2009-10 approved budget looks higher than last year, even after all of the state and local cuts.
Federal stimulus dollars have made all of the difference.
But the federal funds are restricted, meaning the district can only spend them on specific programs, such as student services for the special education department and schools with low-income students, otherwise known as Title I schools.
The federal funds will only last for two years. Still, the district is glad to have them. Ten years ago, the state initially funded 60 percent of the district’s revenue. Now, that number has dropped to 52 percent.
“Federal government and other” funds now make up 13 percent of the school budget, up from 4 percent a decade ago.
“The district is having to rely more on alternative revenue sources,” said Ron Ellis, the district’s business director.
District has a low ending balance
After all is said and done, the district has some money left over. Some of that money is reserved, but the unreserved ending fund balance can be used for other purposes or emergencies. Ellis said school district business managers across the state recommend that districts have an unreserved ending fund balance of at least 5 percent of the general fund.
The Snoqualmie district will have a projected ending fund balance of unreserved money of about $2.1 million, or 3.9 percent of the general fund budget of $53.8 million.
Ellis explained the importance of maintaining a reasonable unreserved ending fund balance. For example, the district built an extra $1.5 million unreserved ending fund balance to prepare for the first year of operating costs associated with opening a new middle school.
The unreserved ending fund balance also came in handy when the winter floods damaged school property. The district used the fund to pay for the repairs upfront. Insurance is expected to pay the district back in November.
Both of these events have decreased the ending fund balance, but also serve as examples of the fund’s importance.
“We’re had the perfect storm of situations happen in our district in 2008-09,” Ellis said.
Laura Geggel: 392-6434 .221, lgeggel@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
This year’s Snoqualmie School District budget was unanimously approved Aug. 27 but not without controversy.
Five custodians lost their jobs and the remaining 21 custodians received pay cuts. The middle school extra curricular program lost $300,000, forcing the district to start a pay-to-play policy for both clubs and sports. The district cut 11 teaching positions. Read more
School district eyes two levy requests on February ballot
September 2, 2009
Two levies set to expire in 2010
By Laura Geggel
Both of Snoqualmie Valley School District’s levies will expire in 2010.
The district will not renew its technology levy, which passed in 2006 and lasted one year.
The transportation levy pays for new school buses. After looking at state funding and enrollment projections, Transportation Director Jim Garhart noted the district could wait before running another transportation levy.
“We can’t guarantee that we won’t come back in 2014 and ask for a levy at that time,” Business Director Ron Ellis said at the Aug. 27 Snoqualmie Valley School Board meeting.
Voters will likely see the other two levies, the technology levy and the maintenance and operations levy, on the ballot Feb. 9.
The district put its first technology levy before voters in 2006, years after neighboring districts began implementing their own technology levies. For example, Issaquah School District passed a four-year, $2 million technology levy in 1988 and a six-year, $6 million technology levy in 1992.
“Our former Superintendent Rich McCullough was reluctant about the tax burden,” said Technology Director Jeff Hogan. “We just really took it slow.”
Snoqualmie Valley managed without a technology levy for so long partly because Group Health Cooperative donated its old computers to the district in 2002.
The District Technical Advisory Committee, a group of seven parents and 14 staff members, is working on a four-year technology-spending plan it can recommend to the school board this fall. The plan will include technology replacement cycles, staff development, technology support and infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Hogan said he looks forward to formatting refresh cycles for the district’s technology. The district has about 2,000 computers, which Hogan would like to see replaced in staggered cycles lasting five years.
“We’ve never had any refresh cycles because we’ve never had any money,” Hogan said.
Newer computers will not only provide students with better and faster technology but also decrease the district’s electricity bill. Hogan said he would like to set up several computer monitors and keyboards that hook up to one hard drive, saving even more money and energy.
“They’re very green, very efficient,” Hogan said.
The district is heavily reliant on the maintenance and operations levy, which amounts to about 20 percent of the general fund.
If the levies are to be considered in the Feb. 9 election, the school board will likely approve the levy resolution in October. Ballots would be mailed Jan. 22. Valley Voters for Education would head a campaign educating voters about the two levies.
To pass, each levy would need 50 plus 1 percent of the vote.
The district is still unsure how long it wants each levy to last. The maximum levy time — four years — could put the school district in a bind if the state legislature decides to increase the levy lid. Snoqualmie Valley’s current levy lid is 24 percent, lower than in neighboring school districts.
Snoqualmie Vallie School District Superintendent Joel Aune said the district will likely run a levy as high as the lid will allow.
“We know the challenges that our district faces,” Aune said. “We are at this fairly significant disadvantage to generate revenue. Our per-pupil (funding) from the state is significantly less than some of our neighboring districts.”
Laura Geggel: 392-6434 .221, lgeggel@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Both of Snoqualmie Valley School District’s levies will expire in 2010.
The district will not renew its transportation levy, which passed in 2006 and lasted one year.
The transportation levy pays for new school buses. After looking at state funding and enrollment projections, Transportation Director Jim Garhart noted the district could wait before running another transportation levy. Read more
Volunteers scheduled to work on Three Forks area
September 2, 2009
Staff report
More than 200 volunteers from Microsoft will help restore natural areas and build trails in the Mountains to Sound Greenway, as part of the United Way’s Day of Caring Sept. 11.
In the Snoqualmie Valley, the volunteers will work at Three Forks Natural Area and the Little Si Trail. Along Interstate 90, volunteers will work in Olallie State Park at the Twin Falls Trail and at Lake Sammamish State Park.
At Three Forks Natural Area volunteers will restore wetlands near the Snoqualmie River by removing invasive blackberries and other weeds to protect new native trees recently planted at the park.
Three Forks is where the North, Middle and South Forks of the Snoqualmie River converge. The park is owned and maintained by King County, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, cougars, deer, eagles, and river otters. The park has more than five miles of riverfront and is surrounded by the Snoqualmie Forest and Mount Si. An extension of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail runs through the west side of the natural area.
Volunteers will work to improve and perform maintenance on the trail at Little Si. The mountain lies in the shadow of Mt. Si, has a 1,576 foot elevation and is managed by the state.
Many hikers go up the trail, and Greenway volunteers have worked to maintain the trail for the last two years.
“We run volunteer events all year long,” Greenway Executive Director Cynthia Welti said. “By volunteering, corporate group members get to know the special places in the Mountains to Sound Greenway and contribute to making them accessible for people and healthy for wildlife.”
Volunteers have logged more than 5,000 hours making the trail sustainable. The volunteers have built rock turnpikes and steps, repaired drainage and replaced signs.
The Mountains to Sound Greenway connects natural areas along the I-90 corridor from Seattle to Thorp.
The Day of Caring is an annual event sponsored by United Way. Volunteers across the country take on different community service projects.
More than 200 volunteers from Microsoft will help restore natural areas and build trails in the Mountains to Sound Greenway, as part of the United Way’s Day of Caring Sept. 11.
In the Snoqualmie Valley, the volunteers will work at Three Forks Natural Area and the Little Si Trail. Along Interstate 90, volunteers will work in Olallie State Park at the Twin Falls Trail and at Lake Sammamish State Park. Read more
