Snohomish County NewsSorticulture’s cool stuff
Doug Ramsey Photo
Ben Fulmer, 6, of Lynnwood checks out a glass and water garden sculpture on display at this year’s Sorticulture at Everett’s Legion Park June 12. The annual three-day garden and arts festival, in its 12th year, combines local artists and garden nurseries with live entertainment and food from local eateries. This year’s event featured a wide variety of native Northwest plants as well as some unusual ones along with glass and kinetic art sculptures.
Farmers market opens at new venue
Doug Ramsey Photo
Asmerra Williams, 2, of Mountlake Terrace looks up as her mother reaches out for an ice cream bar from the Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company booth at the opening day of the Mukilteo Farmers Market June 3. With temperatures reaching 82 degrees, ice cream was a big seller as the market opened at its new location at Lighthouse Park. The market is open every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.
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Mukilteo Fire looking to partner with Lynnwood Fire
MUKILTEO - After rejecting Snohomish County Fire District 1’s offer to join the district, the Mukilteo Fire Department is in negotiations to share personnel with Lynnwood Fire Department.
Mukilteo and Lynnwood’s fire departments have discussed hiring a joint medical services officer to oversee the emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics, a joint on-duty battalion chief, — filled by multiple people — license authority and contract fire and EMT personnel if Mukilteo’s proposed annexation is approved.
Mukilteo Fire Chief Mike Springer said Lynnwood is a good match because the department is well established and provides a variety of services including training, public education, medical, search and rescue and fire.
Springer said if both cities’ plans for annexation go through, each city will be able to provide seamless fire service.
Lynnwood’s annexation plans involve adding approximately 27,000 people by stretching its north, south and east borders 3,500 acres combined, according to media reports.
The Boundary Review Board approved Lynnwood’s proposal last month.
“It makes sense for us,” he said. “We will physically touch borders if both annexations go through.”
And while talks are stalled between District 1 and Mukilteo Fire Department on how to staff Station 23 if Mukilteo’s annexation is approved, Lynnwood Fire Department has offered to help staff the station.
If Mukilteo’s annexation is approved, Mukilteo would inherit Station 23 near Lake Serene currently staffed by District 1. Lynnwood Fire Department officials have proposed staffing Station 23 temporarily, which would cut down on costs for Mukilteo.
Mukilteo officials were scheduled to present its annexation proposal to the county Boundary Review Board (BRB) June 16, after press time.
District 1 officials said last week they were planning on attending to rebut the proposal.
Springer said he wanted to have negotiations with Lynnwood Fire Department officials before the BRB meeting to present how fire services will be provided to the annexed area, which would bring in 11,000 people and several businesses along Highway 99, south of the city.
Lynnwood firefighter Greg McKee said working with other fire departments is more cost efficient and firefighters benefit from additional exposure to emergency calls.
McKee said both departments will find a solution that works and will not duplicate services.
Mukilteo would pay for the licensing agreement and hiring a medical services officer and people to fill the battalion chief position. They would be Lynnwood employees.
District 1 commissioner Jim Kenny said the partnership between Mukilteo and Lynnwood is a form of regionalization, which he can support.
Kenny said Station 23 is one of the busiest stations because of high call volumes at motels and RV parks along Highway 99.
Crews broke ground six weeks ago on a fire station at the corner of Highway 99 and 156th Street because Station 23 is outdated, Kenny said.
The Lynnwood Fire Department will staff the new station at Highway 99 and 156th Street.
Last month, Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine rejected District 1 commissioners’ offer to join the district to provide regional service to south Snohomish County.
The offer was extended regardless if Mukilteo’s annexation occurs.
District 1 commissioners proposed charging the city $4.3 million per year for services.
Kenny said the district and fire department have not met since the rejection.
“The door is still open,” he said. “They are our neighbors.”
BY KATIE MURDOCH