Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sandbags: Need Help? Want to Help? Go to Training!
We want to help you prepare for potential flooding this year.
If you NEED HELP with sandbags or need assistance in the event of evacuation, please email us or call 253-373-0500.
If you WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER, please email us or call 253-373-0500.
We are currently putting together a list of neighbors needing assistance and a list of neighbors willing to help fill sandbags, transport sandbags, or offer assistance in the event of an evacuation. If you know of a neighbor who might need assistance and is not part of our Council, please share this information with them or email us with their contact information.
Don't Forget!
Complimentary Sand and Sandbags Available for Kent Residents
The City of Kent will begin making complimentary sand and sandbags available to Kent residents beginning Thursday, October 15. Empty sandbags, along with instructions for proper filling and placement, will be available for pick up at the City's Operations facility located at 5821 West James Street at the following dates and times:
If you NEED HELP with sandbags or need assistance in the event of evacuation, please email us or call 253-373-0500.
If you WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER, please email us or call 253-373-0500.
We are currently putting together a list of neighbors needing assistance and a list of neighbors willing to help fill sandbags, transport sandbags, or offer assistance in the event of an evacuation. If you know of a neighbor who might need assistance and is not part of our Council, please share this information with them or email us with their contact information.
Don't Forget!
Complimentary Sand and Sandbags Available for Kent Residents
The City of Kent will begin making complimentary sand and sandbags available to Kent residents beginning Thursday, October 15. Empty sandbags, along with instructions for proper filling and placement, will be available for pick up at the City's Operations facility located at 5821 West James Street at the following dates and times:
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Saturdays (10/17, 10/24 and 10/31 only): 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Once residents have their empty sandbags, they can fill them at one of the following sandbag filling stations during daylight hours only. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.
Old Panther Lake Elementary Site, 20831 108th Ave. SE
Earthworks Park, 742 E. Titus St.
Home Depot, 26120 104th Ave. SE
Totem Middle School, 26630 40th Ave. S.
Grandview Park, 3600 S. 228th St.
East Hill Fred Meyer, 10201 SE 240th St.
Residents will be limited to 100 bags per household. For more information, contact the City of Kent Public Works Department at 253-856-5600.
East Hill Fred Meyer, 10201 SE 240th St.
Residents will be limited to 100 bags per household. For more information, contact the City of Kent Public Works Department at 253-856-5600.
REMINDER: Sandbag Training for Neighborhood Councils
Dear Neighbors,
I am sure you have seen the media coverage regarding the increased risk of flooding for the Green River valley area this rainy season. The City is doing everything it can to prevent flooding along the levees, but we need your help in protecting private property.
As a neighborhood located in the valley, or at least a portion of it that is potentially affected, I would like to invite you to a special sandbag training on Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30pm.
The training will begin inside the Kent Senior Activity Center, located at 600 E. Smith St, with a short discussion about terminology that you may hear on the news, as well as a handouts for you to take home.
Then we will walk across the street to Earthworks Park to discuss proper ways to fill sandbags, how to build protective sandbag structures, and how to work safely. You will have the chance to practice those techniques, so dress accordingly.
Please note that this training is specifically for residents of the Lakes, Riverview, North Park, South Kent, Mill Creek and Scenic Hill Neighborhood Councils.
In order to ensure we have enough materials at the training, I’m requesting that people RSVP by email at hthomas@ci.kent.wa.us or phone at (253) 856-5559. Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.
Toni Azzola Neighborhood Program Coordinator
Neighborhoods | Office of the Mayor
220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032
Phone 253-856-5708 | Main 253-856-6700
www.KentNeighborhoodProgram.com
I am sure you have seen the media coverage regarding the increased risk of flooding for the Green River valley area this rainy season. The City is doing everything it can to prevent flooding along the levees, but we need your help in protecting private property.
As a neighborhood located in the valley, or at least a portion of it that is potentially affected, I would like to invite you to a special sandbag training on Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30pm.
The training will begin inside the Kent Senior Activity Center, located at 600 E. Smith St, with a short discussion about terminology that you may hear on the news, as well as a handouts for you to take home.
Then we will walk across the street to Earthworks Park to discuss proper ways to fill sandbags, how to build protective sandbag structures, and how to work safely. You will have the chance to practice those techniques, so dress accordingly.
Please note that this training is specifically for residents of the Lakes, Riverview, North Park, South Kent, Mill Creek and Scenic Hill Neighborhood Councils.
In order to ensure we have enough materials at the training, I’m requesting that people RSVP by email at hthomas@ci.kent.wa.us or phone at (253) 856-5559. Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.
Toni Azzola Neighborhood Program Coordinator
Neighborhoods | Office of the Mayor
220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032
Phone 253-856-5708 | Main 253-856-6700
www.KentNeighborhoodProgram.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Engineers continue caution at Howard Hanson Dam; conservation pool levels being brought down
Contact: Casondra Brewster 206-764-6958 or Public Affairs 206-764-3750
SEATTLE - Testing in conjunction with the conservation pool rise at Howard Hanson Dam is ongoing. With the recent findings and observations at higher levels in the reservoir pool, engineers are concerned that the right abutment is showing signs of internal erosion.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, has been in the midst of testing during its traditional summertime conservation pool raise. The pool reached an elevation last week of 1,169.2 feet and engineers saw renewed reasons to believe that the abutment is still weakened.
Of particular concern is the recent dye testing that shows that water is moving through the right abutment very fast at higher pool elevations. These tests indicate that there are preferential flow paths within the natural materials of the right abutment that could lead to internal erosion within the right abutment if water is held at these higher elevations for extended periods of time.
“This phenomenon continues to be troubling,” said Mamie Brouwer, Program Manager. However, there is no visual distress of the right abutment that has been observed, she said.
Although data collected below 1,157 feet seems to stay within normal ranges, elevations going higher seem to cause more seepage and uncertain water paths through the abutment.
Therefore, the Corps of Engineers has decided to release water from the dam over the course of the next two weeks, to bring the pool level down to 1,155 feet above sea level. This operation will result in reservoir outflows that are not expected to exceed 1,200 cubic feet per second based on current weather and hydrologic forecasts, which is within established thresholds. Residents along the river will not see significant changes in the river flows over the next two weeks
Around-the-clock monitoring continues, as will other data-collection processes during the pool draft.
“We do not understand how the water is traveling through the abutment,” Brouwer said. “We know that what we may be seeing fits the traditional definition of internal erosion.”
The Seattle District’s immediate objective is preparing for the upcoming fall/winter flood season. Preparations include continuing with plans to construct an interim seepage barrier wall and improving the drainage tunnel to control seepage through the most critical part of the right abutment, and continuing to monitor the pool throughout the draft. Simultaneously, the team has initiated test borings, geotechnical modeling and analysis to support planning for a long term repair project to address seepage.
Meanwhile the Seattle District Commander, Col. Anthony O. Wright, wants the downstream community residents to know that the risk for higher flood levels is significantly increased compared to what they are typically used to, until such time as the issues with the dam’s right abutment can be resolved.
“I can’t stress enough our number one mission here is public safety,” Wright said. “We will continue to keep Green River Valley leaders and first responders informed. We ask that residents contact their community leaders and get as much information as possible on how to prepare for such a contingency.”
Wright was referring to the Corps’ efforts of working closely with King County and the downstream cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila to prepare for the fall/winter flood season with the increased risk of higher-than-standard flows from the dam.
“Regardless of the possibility of increased flow rates from the dam,” said Dam Safety Program Manager, Rob Romocki, “It truly is important for the communities to understand that this is a river valley and the potential for flooding exists even when Howard Hanson Dam has full operational capacity and the levees work as they should. So, it’s easy to see the risk increasing when the dam has a lowered operational capacity.”
Information on flood preparedness may be found at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare/FloodPlan_GRiverBasin.aspx
Thursday, June 18, 2009
City Council Vote on Property Tax Waiver Angers Neighbors
Although many of the neighbors received very short notice that the City Council would be voting to approve an ordinance to give downtown developers of multi-family, mixed-use housing complexes of 30 or more units a property-tax waiver of eight years, several were able to Tuesday evenings City Council meeting.
Unfortunately, no one was allowed to speak before the vote leaving most of the neighbors angry that not only were they not allowed to speak at this meeting but that they also had not received information about being allowed to give input on this topic at previous Planning and Economic Development Committee meetings.
On June 12, the Kent Reporter reported that the Council would be voting on the ordinance.
* Photo by Charles Cortes, Kent Reporter
Friday, May 1, 2009
Learn About Howard Hanson Dam, Green River Safety Monday, May 11
KENT, Wash. – April 29, 2009 - A public meeting about flood safety and developments related to the Howard Hanson Dam operations on the Green River will be held Monday, May 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Kent Campus of Green River Community College, Room 238, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a depression on the right abutment of the Howard Hanson Dam which provides flood risk reduction and water storage on the Green River. Until the Corps’ evaluation is complete, the dam will be unable to hold as much water behind it during heavy rains or snowmelt and more water will need to be released than in the past.
While the Corps notes there is no risk for dam failure, an increased risk of flooding is possible due to its diminished storage capacity.
The meeting will include an open house from 6:00-6:30 p.m., followed by presentations from 6:30–7:30 p.m., then close with a question and answer session from 7:30-8:00 p.m.
Scheduled presentations include:
· An update on the damage assessment, operations changes and possible river impacts by Mamie Brouwer, Howard Hanson Dam Right Abutment Integrity Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
· King County Flood Warning Center operations, enhanced response activities and what residents can do to stay informed by Section Manager, Steve Bleifuhs;
· The current status of emergency coordination plans and resident notification by Dominic Marzano, Division Chief, Kent Emergency Management;
· The facts about flood insurance and resources available to residents and businesses to protect themselves and their property by Jeff Woodward, Regional Insurance Specialist, FEMA.
More information about the Howard Hanson Dam situation can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans or by calling 253-856-4440.
The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population of nearly 87,000. 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.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a depression on the right abutment of the Howard Hanson Dam which provides flood risk reduction and water storage on the Green River. Until the Corps’ evaluation is complete, the dam will be unable to hold as much water behind it during heavy rains or snowmelt and more water will need to be released than in the past.
While the Corps notes there is no risk for dam failure, an increased risk of flooding is possible due to its diminished storage capacity.
The meeting will include an open house from 6:00-6:30 p.m., followed by presentations from 6:30–7:30 p.m., then close with a question and answer session from 7:30-8:00 p.m.
Scheduled presentations include:
· An update on the damage assessment, operations changes and possible river impacts by Mamie Brouwer, Howard Hanson Dam Right Abutment Integrity Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
· King County Flood Warning Center operations, enhanced response activities and what residents can do to stay informed by Section Manager, Steve Bleifuhs;
· The current status of emergency coordination plans and resident notification by Dominic Marzano, Division Chief, Kent Emergency Management;
· The facts about flood insurance and resources available to residents and businesses to protect themselves and their property by Jeff Woodward, Regional Insurance Specialist, FEMA.
More information about the Howard Hanson Dam situation can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans or by calling 253-856-4440.
The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population of nearly 87,000. 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.
Kent Plans in Place to Respond to H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
Kent, Wash. – May 1, 2009 – Following a meeting of the City of Kent Leadership and Communication Teams, the City is now moving forward and taking the steps necessary to provide for area residents, businesses, as well as city employees in the event of a wide-spread flu outbreak.
“The health and safety of our employees and the public we serve are the highest priorities for city officials,” said John Hodgson, Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer. To help ensure the continued operation of city functions and to keep the public informed, the following steps have been initiated:
1. The City’s Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan is being reviewed to ensure vital services are maintained.
2. Emergency lines of succession are in place to ensure critical administrative and service positions are filled.
3. The City regularly communicates with Seattle/King County Public Health, the Kent and Federal Way School Districts, and other agencies to keep up-to-date on the latest H1N1 information.
4. Kent Emergency Management is monitoring the H1N1 situation and is prepared to activate its Emergency Communications Center if necessary.
5. The City of Kent web page will be regularly updated with the latest information and links on H1N1.
Captain Kyle Ohashi of Kent Fire has been designated Public Information Officer for matters concerning the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for the media and public. He can be reached at any time by calling 206-972-4082. Michelle Witham, City Community and Public Affairs Manager, has been assigned as the primary contact for internal communications relating to the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for city employees.
“The City of Kent is committed to the safety of its residents, visitors, and businesses. Although no confirmed cases of H1N1 have been documented in Washington State, 13 probable cases have been identified,” Hodgson said. Further information on the H1N1 virus, as well as steps on prevention and treatment, can be found at the following:
King County Public Information Call Center (9 am-5 pm) 1-877-903-5464
www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the CDC 24 hour info line 1-800-232-4636/1-888-232-6348 TTY
www.doh.wa.gov/swineflu
“The health and safety of our employees and the public we serve are the highest priorities for city officials,” said John Hodgson, Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer. To help ensure the continued operation of city functions and to keep the public informed, the following steps have been initiated:
1. The City’s Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan is being reviewed to ensure vital services are maintained.
2. Emergency lines of succession are in place to ensure critical administrative and service positions are filled.
3. The City regularly communicates with Seattle/King County Public Health, the Kent and Federal Way School Districts, and other agencies to keep up-to-date on the latest H1N1 information.
4. Kent Emergency Management is monitoring the H1N1 situation and is prepared to activate its Emergency Communications Center if necessary.
5. The City of Kent web page will be regularly updated with the latest information and links on H1N1.
Captain Kyle Ohashi of Kent Fire has been designated Public Information Officer for matters concerning the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for the media and public. He can be reached at any time by calling 206-972-4082. Michelle Witham, City Community and Public Affairs Manager, has been assigned as the primary contact for internal communications relating to the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for city employees.
“The City of Kent is committed to the safety of its residents, visitors, and businesses. Although no confirmed cases of H1N1 have been documented in Washington State, 13 probable cases have been identified,” Hodgson said. Further information on the H1N1 virus, as well as steps on prevention and treatment, can be found at the following:
King County Public Information Call Center (9 am-5 pm) 1-877-903-5464
www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the CDC 24 hour info line 1-800-232-4636/1-888-232-6348 TTY
www.doh.wa.gov/swineflu
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine Flu Information
To All City Staff and Neighbors:
The federal government has declared a public health emergency due to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. Here in the United States, 40 cases of swine flu have been identified and all are under control.
Washington State DEM and King County DEM are in monitoring mode. We in Kent EMD are monitoring the situation as well and will keep you up to date on any critical information or actions. For now we highly encourage city staff to review the general precautions connected with personal protection from flu virus:
We encourage city staff to review COOP plans and we in EMD will be reviewing threshold indicators such as; reported sick employee volumes - fire and EMS call volumes – other public health warnings and findings; for action planning and determination of any next steps by city leadership.
Thank you and stay safe
City of Kent
Emergency Management Division (EMD)
Ph: 253.856.4440
Fax: 253.856.4119
E-Mail: KentEMD@ci.kent.wa.us
The federal government has declared a public health emergency due to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. Here in the United States, 40 cases of swine flu have been identified and all are under control.
Washington State DEM and King County DEM are in monitoring mode. We in Kent EMD are monitoring the situation as well and will keep you up to date on any critical information or actions. For now we highly encourage city staff to review the general precautions connected with personal protection from flu virus:
- Cover your cough or sneeze using the arm method – if you use a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash after use;
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective;
- Avoid close contact with anyone who appears sick;
- If you get sick especially with a fever and respiratory issues, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing first
We encourage city staff to review COOP plans and we in EMD will be reviewing threshold indicators such as; reported sick employee volumes - fire and EMS call volumes – other public health warnings and findings; for action planning and determination of any next steps by city leadership.
Thank you and stay safe
City of Kent
Emergency Management Division (EMD)
Ph: 253.856.4440
Fax: 253.856.4119
E-Mail: KentEMD@ci.kent.wa.us
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
U.S. Army Corps on March 31 at Auburn Green River Community College, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Please share this meeting notice that King County is hosting at the Auburn Green River campus with your neighborhoods!
King County and the King County Flood District are co-sponsoring a public meeting in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps on March 31 at Green River Community College, from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting is chiefly intended to provide additional information to unincorporated area Green River Valley residents, but it will be open to all. The meeting will include presentations from the Corps, King County ECC and King County Flood Warning staff and will cover:
Please contact Logan Harris, Public Affairs Manager with King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks at 206-263-6550.
King County and the King County Flood District are co-sponsoring a public meeting in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps on March 31 at Green River Community College, from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting is chiefly intended to provide additional information to unincorporated area Green River Valley residents, but it will be open to all. The meeting will include presentations from the Corps, King County ECC and King County Flood Warning staff and will cover:
- Dam operations and potential impacts in the event of flooding
- What is being done in King County to respond to possible impacts
- Resources available to residents to help protect themselves and their property against flood risks, and
- Q&A
Please contact Logan Harris, Public Affairs Manager with King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks at 206-263-6550.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
SECOND ANNUAL PLANT EXCHANGE
SATURDAY MARCH 21ST
~
10AM - 12PM
Rain or Shine!
Trade Extra Plants from Your Garden for New Plants!
Meet your neighbors and share some plants during our Second Annual Plant
Exchange! Thinning your beds? Redesigning your gardens? This is a great way
to share extra plants and bulbs in exchange for new ones for both the novice
and experienced gardener!
H O W T O P A R T I C I P A T E :~
10AM - 12PM
Rain or Shine!
Trade Extra Plants from Your Garden for New Plants!
Meet your neighbors and share some plants during our Second Annual Plant
Exchange! Thinning your beds? Redesigning your gardens? This is a great way
to share extra plants and bulbs in exchange for new ones for both the novice
and experienced gardener!
- Bring at least 1-2 plants to trade. Of course, bring more if you can!
- Please identify and label your plants. Some markers and labels will be available if you forget!
- Bring some dirt and pots to bring your plants home!
Location: The Smith's @ 425 Jason Ave N
Call or email NgocDzung at 253-373-0500!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Alley closure James to Temparance
Alley closure from James St to Temperance St
- What: Close alley to replace gas main in road. The contractor will bring garbage cans to side street or collection. Open cut of Cedar street required - 3' X 5'
- Who: Pilchuck Contractors Inc., for Puget Sound Energy
- When: Starting Thursday Feb 12th, for approximately two weeks.
- Where: In alley between Jason Ave and Prospect Ave, from James St to Temperance St.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mill Creek Drainage Meeting Tuesday, February 10th
We’re getting together to talk about the Mill Creek drainage
with City of Kent staff, due to the recent water over the roadways. Your input is important so we can work together on these main issues that affect our neighborhood.
Please join Mayor Cooke, Mike Mactutis, Environmental Engineer Manager and myself at City Hall on Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30pm.
We will explain what we are doing to improve drainage, timeline for future improvements, WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife polices and then explore strategies.
Please see the attached flyer. If you have questions, please feel to call or email Mike Mactutis at 253-856-5520 or myself. I hope to see you there.
Neighborhood Program Coordinator
Office of the Mayor
220 Fourth Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-5708
with City of Kent staff, due to the recent water over the roadways. Your input is important so we can work together on these main issues that affect our neighborhood.
Please join Mayor Cooke, Mike Mactutis, Environmental Engineer Manager and myself at City Hall on Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30pm.
We will explain what we are doing to improve drainage, timeline for future improvements, WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife polices and then explore strategies.
Please see the attached flyer. If you have questions, please feel to call or email Mike Mactutis at 253-856-5520 or myself. I hope to see you there.
Memorial Park Neighbors
We’re getting together to talk about the Mill Creek drainage with City of Kent staff, due to the recent
water over the roadways. Your input is important so we can work together on these main issues that affect our neighborhood.
Don’t miss this gathering of your neighbors
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Chambers East and West
220 Fourth Avenue South
AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE:
1. Welcome Mayor Cooke
2. Mill Creek Drainage
1. What we are doing to improve drainage
2. Timeline for future improvements
3. WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife polices
4. Exploring strategies
3. Meet your neighbors
Toni AzzolaWe’re getting together to talk about the Mill Creek drainage with City of Kent staff, due to the recent
water over the roadways. Your input is important so we can work together on these main issues that affect our neighborhood.
Don’t miss this gathering of your neighbors
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Chambers East and West
220 Fourth Avenue South
AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE:
1. Welcome Mayor Cooke
2. Mill Creek Drainage
1. What we are doing to improve drainage
2. Timeline for future improvements
3. WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife polices
4. Exploring strategies
3. Meet your neighbors
Neighborhood Program Coordinator
Office of the Mayor
220 Fourth Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-5708
Monday, January 12, 2009
Flooding of Mill Creek
From the City regarding recent flooding:
The Earthworks Park Dam did work as it is intended. The most significant amount of rainfall that we received was on Wednesday and the dam was holding back water that evening. The rainfall let up around midnight and the dam was drained out by morning. The storm event was a large one, but not extremely large, which is why the dam didn’t completely fill, and why it drained out before morning. The dam improvements that were done this past summer will serve to hold additional water during larger storm events such as the twenty five to one hundred year events where we would receive three to four inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The local rainfall this past Wednesday, Jan. 7th was approximately two inches.
The Dam does not, by itself, control the flooding on Mill Creek. There is a larger dam on the top of the hill which also holds water, and the City’s Green River Natural Resource Area along the Green River also holds flood water from Mill Creek during storms. These facilities were functioning during this storm as well.
The City does have areas of improvement needed in its flood protection system. Changes over the years in land use and environmental regulations have created many of these needs, and the City has recently adopted a new Drainage Master Plan with capital improvement projects to deal with those. Much of the flood protection work in the Drainage Master Plan is focused on Mill Creek, including enlarging the Upper Mill Creek Dam, enlarging and restoring the Mill Creek channel through the valley and improving the Green River Natural Resource Area to function more efficiently during storm events. These improvements, many of which are very significant in size, will be going into construction over the next ten years with the highest priority going first.
The Earthworks Park Dam did work as it is intended. The most significant amount of rainfall that we received was on Wednesday and the dam was holding back water that evening. The rainfall let up around midnight and the dam was drained out by morning. The storm event was a large one, but not extremely large, which is why the dam didn’t completely fill, and why it drained out before morning. The dam improvements that were done this past summer will serve to hold additional water during larger storm events such as the twenty five to one hundred year events where we would receive three to four inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The local rainfall this past Wednesday, Jan. 7th was approximately two inches.
The Dam does not, by itself, control the flooding on Mill Creek. There is a larger dam on the top of the hill which also holds water, and the City’s Green River Natural Resource Area along the Green River also holds flood water from Mill Creek during storms. These facilities were functioning during this storm as well.
The City does have areas of improvement needed in its flood protection system. Changes over the years in land use and environmental regulations have created many of these needs, and the City has recently adopted a new Drainage Master Plan with capital improvement projects to deal with those. Much of the flood protection work in the Drainage Master Plan is focused on Mill Creek, including enlarging the Upper Mill Creek Dam, enlarging and restoring the Mill Creek channel through the valley and improving the Green River Natural Resource Area to function more efficiently during storm events. These improvements, many of which are very significant in size, will be going into construction over the next ten years with the highest priority going first.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Mill Creek neighborhood supports the installation of traffic circles!
December 2008 was a memorable month for many reasons. In addition to the heaviest snow accumulation in 2 decades, it was also the month the Mill Creek neighborhood voted on whether or not to install two traffic circles in the neighborhood. For the past year, many neighbors have worked with the city’s Residential Traffic Calming Program (RTCP) conducting studies, making phone calls to other neighbors, attending meetings and volunteering their time and energy toward determining an appropriate traffic calming technique for the area. Ballots were sent out in early December and returns were tallied throughout the month. The neighborhood voted in favor of installing the traffic circles.
In general, traffic circles are very effective in moderating speeds, can have a positive aesthetic value, reduce collisions at the treated intersection, and can calm two streets at once. Traffic circles influence drivers upstream and downstream from the device by creating a visual impression, real or imagined, that a street is not intended for through traffic. Emergency vehicles can maneuver around traffic circles but they have no effect on local access.
Engineering design is underway and the actual construction of two traffic circles on Jason Avenue North between James Street and Smith Street should start in late spring or early summer, barring any complications.
In general, traffic circles are very effective in moderating speeds, can have a positive aesthetic value, reduce collisions at the treated intersection, and can calm two streets at once. Traffic circles influence drivers upstream and downstream from the device by creating a visual impression, real or imagined, that a street is not intended for through traffic. Emergency vehicles can maneuver around traffic circles but they have no effect on local access.
Engineering design is underway and the actual construction of two traffic circles on Jason Avenue North between James Street and Smith Street should start in late spring or early summer, barring any complications.
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