City to display big rigs at Touch a Truck on Saturday, Sept. 11

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville invites your family to Touch a Truck, an exciting annual event that lets kids see, touch and get behind the wheel of public works big rigs, police and fire vehicles and other heavy-duty equipment that children see out on the streets every day.

Touch a Truck will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Totem Middle School’s Asbery Field, 1605 7th St. NE. Admission is free.

Marysville Public Works, Police, Parks and Recreation and Marysville Fire District personnel will bring young people face to face with their favorite vehicles. Kids will have fun exploring dump trucks, a vactor truck, street sweeper, garbage trucks, police vehicles, fire engines, and many other vehicles, while learning about them from the skilled drivers and employee crews themselves.

“So come out and run the lights and sirens, honk the horns and kick the tires at Touch a Truck,” says Andrea Kingsford, Recreation Coordinator. “Remember to bring a camera.”

Marysville Noon Rotary Club and Camp Fire USA will offer special activities for kids and Marysville Kiwanis will have tasty treats for sale to raise money for local youth programs.

For more information call the Parks and Recreation Department at (360) 363-8400. Sirens and horns permitted from 10 a.m.-noon only. No pets, please.

Contact: Tracy Jeffries, Asst. Administrative Services Director
Phone: (360) 363-8000
Email: tjeffries@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 16, 2010

Interested citizens sought to fill vacant City Council seat

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville starting Aug. 18 will accept letters of interest from citizens interested in applying to fill a vacancy on the City Council.

Contact: Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux
Phone: (360) 363-8314
Email: rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 3, 2010

Marysville Police catch home burglers in the act

MARYSVILLE – Marysville Police officers arrested two men who had broken into a house located in the 11000 block of 51st Avenue early Tuesday morning.

The home is currently going through a foreclosure process and had not been occupied for a couple of years; however, it remained furnished and had other personal property in it after the owner, a 45-year-old Marysville woman who had lost her husband due to illness, vacated the residence.

Marysville Police received a report Monday that the house had been broken into and items were stolen at that time. Marysville detectives installed a silent portable alarm system after the report came, believing the thieves would return.

At about 2:00 a.m. the portable alarm activated and responding officers located and arrested a 32-year-old Bothell man on the front porch and a 35-year-old Marysville man who was hiding in an upstairs bedroom closet under some clothing.

Neither man could explain why they were in the residence.

Both men were booked into Snohomish County Jail for investigation of Second Degree Burglary.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux at (360) 363-8314 or e-mail rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux
Phone: (360) 363-8314
Email: rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 30, 2010

Marysville Police to file arson case with County Prosecutor's Office

MARYSVILLE – On Monday evening, July 26, a 13-year-old Marysville boy was brought to the Marysville Police Department by his parents where he admitted to police he was responsible for setting the July 23 Welco Lumber Yard fire.

On the day of the fire witnesses advised police they had seen a group of juveniles in the area just prior to the fire starting.

Three other Marysville boys, all 13, have also been identified as being with the suspect at the time of the fire but are being treated as witnesses.

The boy was released to the custody of his parents. Arson investigators will file the case with the Snohomish County Prosecutors Office early next week.

Damages to the building are estimated at $100,000; however, there are no plans to rebuild at the site. Clean-up of the site is estimated to be $15,000.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux at (360) 363-8314 or e-mail rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Dennis Kendall, Mayor
Phone: (360) 363-8000
Email: mayor@marysvillewa.gov

Gloria Hirashima, Chief Administrative Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8000
Email: ghirashima@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 28, 2010

MARYSVILLE – Mayor Dennis Kendall, whose leadership forged long-lasting intergovernmental partnerships and saw the community through continued rapid growth even through recent turbulent economic times, announced at the City Council meeting Monday night that he is stepping down after serving more than six years in office.

And, in a move to maintain continuity and a smooth transition within the Mayor’s Office and the City’s elected governing body, Councilmembers voted unanimously to appoint fellow Councilmember Jon Nehring to serve as Marysville’s next Mayor upon Kendall’s resignation. Nehring was elected to the Council in January 2002, and has served several years as Mayor Pro Tem, filling in for Kendall when other City business takes him outside the area.

“It is with considerable thought and consultation with my wife, Sue, and family that my resignation will be effective on Aug. 2,” Kendall says. “To each and every one of you, I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity and honor to serve as your Mayor.”

“I have had the experience of my life, working with so many outstanding people that serve our citizens in so many ways,” he adds. “I have always been proud to be Mayor of this community and been able to guide many accomplishments over these past years.”

From the moment he took office, the Mayor’s focus was to emphasize partnerships and cooperation, most markedly in the government-to-government alliance established between the City and Tulalip Tribes that remains strong, as well as Snohomish County and neighboring cities. His focus on investment in transportation and economic development has reaped dividends, including key roadway improvements, large-scale shopping centers and other businesses that contribute to quality of life.

During Kendall’s tenure, Marysville’s population rose from 28,370 to 58,040, largely through the complex Central Marysville and Sunnyside/Whiskey Ridge annexations.

Under powers of state law covering optional municipal code cities such as Marysville, the governing City Council retains the power to choose a qualified member from among the seated Council to assume the duties of Mayor on an interim basis, until the next municipal general election, which will be in fall 2011, City Attorney Grant Weed says. A majority vote was required by Council.

Kendall says he is confident that the City Council made the right choice in naming Nehring as his replacement, and that Nehring can count on having a strong team of committed public servants to back him.

He told the Council Monday night: “You will all be in great hands with the Chief Administrative Officer and her Directors. I have the utmost confidence in their leadership and know that each of you will continue to support them as you have me.”

I am proud of my affiliation with the City of Marysville, and I know you will continue to do great things.”

Nehring currently serves on the City’s Finance Committee, Community Transit Board of Directors, Vice Chair on the SERS Board and Snohomish County Tomorrow. He is active in youth sports programs. He and his wife, Marie-Anne, have two sons, Nicholas and Nate, and a daughter, Kristen.

Nehring’s ascent to the Mayor position requires that he resign his Council seat, which in turn will create another vacancy that the seated Council will likely fill in September, since the Council does not meet in August. In this event, both the Mayor’s position and newly-vacated Council position would be contested in the fall 2011 elections.

Contact: Dennis Kendall, Mayor
Phone: (360) 363-8000
Email: mayor@marysvillewa.gov

Gloria Hirashima, Chief Administrative Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8000
Email: ghirashima@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 28, 2010

Mayor honors all City employees as Employee of the Month for response
to June 9 flash rain storm and flooding that impacted community

MARYSVILLE – Mayor Dennis Kendall at the City Council meeting Monday night recognized all City employees and employee teams with Employee of the Month honors for their efficient response to the June 9 flash rain storm and flooding that impacted the community and damaged public facilities.

“I applaud our employees for their outstanding response, cleanup and assessment efforts during the June 9 flash rain storm that impacted the community of Marysville and caused flood damage to City public facilities,” the Mayor said.

From the time the storm struck about 4:15 p.m., all departments were involved at some level in restoring public infrastructure and maintaining City services during and after the flooding. Public Works dispatched three vactor and street maintenance crews to work into the late-night hours clearing storm drains and alleviating flooding at key intersections, said Gloria Hirashima, Chief Administrative Officer. Police and Fire were summoned to some 45 calls related to flooding, Parks maintenance crews responded to a damaged gravel roadway and high waters that left a mess in Jennings Memorial Park’s Allen Creek corridor, Cedarcrest Golf Course sustained damage to sand-traps and pushed the irrigation system to the brink, and significant flooding at the Public Works Building downtown forced temporary relocation of the Community Development staff and files on the first floor to another City-owned building.

Chief Administrative Officer Gloria Hirashima commended employees for pulling together to keep public services running smoothly, with minimal disruption to citizens.

“All in all this was an excellent example of how city departments and employees work well as a team,” Hirashima said. “Employees maintained a positive attitude throughout this unexpected event.”

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400
Email: jballew@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 12, 2010

City, Belmark Homes dedicate new Shasta Ridge Park

MARYSVILLE - City of Marysville officials joined Belmark Homes representatives on June 11 for opening ceremonies for Shasta Ridge Park, the community’s newest city park. The 1.5-acre park, located at 3907 82nd Ave. NE in the Sunnyside area, features a playground, fitness station, a full-sized outdoor basketball court, picnic tables, benches and open space, with views overlooking the Puget Sound. “The park turned out fantastic, and is a win-win for the entire community and families as the Shasta Ridge neighborhood continues to grow,” says President Aaron Metcalf of Marysville-based Belmark Homes. The property donated for a city park equates to five housing lots. The neighborhood will eventually include 110 homes at final build out. Mayor Kendall says the partnership with Aaron and Belmark Homes has been exceptional in this instance, and historically. He commended them for dedicating property for the new park facility. Belmark donated Parkside Way Park in 2005 as part of that development along SR 528. Pictured from left: Marysville Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew, Belmark Project Manager Brodie Young, City Councilmember Carmen Rasmussen, Belmark President Aaron Metcalf, Mayor Dennis Kendall, Cascade Bank VP/Commercial Real Estate Officer Bill Raser, and City Councilmembers Donna Wright and Jon Nehring.

Contact: Tracy Jeffries, Asst. Administrative Services Director
Phone: (360) 363-8075
Email: tjeffries@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2010

City seeks citizens to fill positions on Park Board, Salary Commission

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville is seeking citizens to fill vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Salary Commission.

The Park Board position became open when Keith Armstrong, who served since April 2007, moved outside the area. The Park Board acts in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, City Council and Parks and Recreation Director. Issues typically include long-range park and facilities planning, capital improvements and rules and regulations governing parks properties and recreational activities.

The successful nominees will succeed Donald Card, who served the limit of two three-year terms. The Salary Commission is an independent seven-member board that conducts annual reviews of compensation for the elected Mayor and City Councilmembers.

Both successful appointees will serve three-year terms.

The Park Board meets at 7 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday during odd-numbered months (January, March, etc.) in Jennings Park Barn, 6915 Armar Road. The Salary Commission meets annually between January and March.

Candidates must be Marysville residents. Please submit a letter of interest for these vacancies in care of Assistant Administrative Services Director Tracy Jeffries at Marysville City Hall, 1049 State Ave., Marysville, WA 98270. Deadline to submit letters is 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 30. For more information please contact City Hall at (360) 363-8075.

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400
Email: jballew@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 26, 2010

Take the challenge: Join in 2nd annual
Marysville Healthy Communities Challenge Day June 5

MARYSVILLE - Leave your couch behind for an afternoon and join us for the 2nd annual free Marysville Healthy Communities Challenge Day, a fun-filled community fitness and health celebration in collaboration with Snohomish County Get Movin’, a winning combination of events to motivate you toward your health, nutrition and fitness goals.

The 2nd Annual Challenge Day will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 at Allen Creek Elementary School, 6505 60th Drive NE (SR 528). Get Movin’, the annual free summer program aimed at motivating families to adopt more active lifestyles, will also occur at the same Challenge Day location.

“Our goal is to make Marysville a more fit and health-conscious community,” Mayor Dennis Kendall says. “So take the challenge, and help us kick off a healthy summer at Challenge Day.”

Challenge Day will offer a full slate of interactive activities and events to help you get a head start on getting fit this summer including advice from several health and fitness agencies, kids art center and build-your-own planter boxes, how-to seminars on gardening, vegetable seeds and starter plant giveaways, healthy food vendors, hands-on activities and much more. This year’s count of 82 vendors is more than double those who participated in the inaugural 2009 event.

Events on the Main Stage include Laurie Sweet’s Hula Hoop Jamborees with free Hula Hoops at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Ropeworks jump rope demonstrations with free jump rope giveaways at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Zumba at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Kung Fu demonstration at 12:15 p.m. and a family concert at 2 p.m. featuring the zany antics of Seattle band Recess Monkey. Challenge Stage highlights include a talk on container vegetable gardening featuring Marysville’s own “Whistling Gardener” Steve Smith from Sunnyside Nursery, and the Growing Groceries program presented by WSU Snohomish County Extension Entomologist Sharon Collman.

Other activities throughout the day will include free bike safety checks for those who ride to the event, walking and running seminars, sports injury prevention and screenings from Summit Rehabilitation, Nintendo Wii demonstrations with a raffle giveaway, Marysville Youth Sports Clubs information, free family health screens from Marysville Family Medicine, and signup information and details about the popular Wilcox Farm Community Garden, and Sunnyside-area community garden guided by Marysville-Pilchuck High School students, both of which donate all or portions of harvests to the Marysville Community Food Bank.

This year’s event also merges the 411 community resources fair put on annually by the Marysville Community Coalition, offering a wide array of information connecting people with community assistance organizations and information.

Championed by Mayor Dennis Kendall, the Challenge Day event is also an opportunity to celebrate the successes thus far by the many individuals and organizations involved in the Marysville Healthy Communities Project. The project since 2007 has been aimed at reducing obesity in the community and the chronic diseases associated with it.

“The work being done through the Marysville Healthy Communities Project is making Marysville a more fit and health-conscious community,” Kendall says. “Through our community-based collaborative response, we are seeing real changes in lifestyle in Marysville that will reduce the obesity epidemic in our community, and the chronic diseases linked to it.”

For more information call (360) 363-8400, or visit the Marysville Healthy Communities Project web site at http://www.marysvillehealthycommunitiesproject.com.

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Email: dbuell@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 12, 2010

Residents invited to bring old throwaway personal documents to
free Community Shred Day on April 24

MARYSVILLE – With tax time and paperwork on your mind, now is a good time to toss out those sensitive personal and financial documents you have been storing that could make you an easier victim for identity thieves to prey on.

Marysville residents are invited to bring documents for free disposal to the annual Community Shred Day. The event will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 in the Marysville Municipal Court parking lot, 1015 State Ave. April 24 also happens to be Earth Day, so you will also be doing a good turn for the environment by recycling. The City of Marysville, HomeStreet Bank, Rodland Toyota and Shred-It, are proudly partnering in this event to help raise awareness about identity theft.

“Our Community Shred Day is a way for us to encourage citizens to dispose of old documents that could put them at risk of identity theft if they wound up in the wrong hands,” Mayor Dennis Kendall says. “We don’t want identity thieves to make a victim out of you.”

Shred It will post two trucks at the site until 1 p.m., but could leave sooner once the trucks are full, so come early. Certain restrictions apply to Marysville participants, says Doug Buell, Community Information Officer. Document destruction is first come, first served, limited to personal documents only (no business documents, please), with a limit of six boxes per person. No drop-offs of boxes permitted. Participants must stay with boxes until shredded, to prevent theft or rummaging.

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the U.S. The average victim will spend 750 hours and $1,000 trying to repair the damage. Washington state currently ranks 8th in the nation in identity theft, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

The shredding event is only one of many ways you can make a clean sweep of things this spring.

Around the community on April 24, Marysville First Assembly Church at 4705 Grove St. from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until full) will provide dumpsters on site with help from SVR Construction to accept spring cleaning trash (not including mattresses or couches) and appliances, accepting donations for the Northwest Center, and offering free car washes and lunch. Servpro’s new Marysville branch, in cooperation with PC Recycle, will be accepting old computers, electronics and peripheral devices April 24 as part of the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting at its new location at 13421 39th Ave. NE. Activities kick off at Servpro at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake fundraiser to support the Northwest Burn Foundation.

For more information call Buell at (360) 363-8086.

(Bring a canned, non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Marysville Community Food Bank. Food bank barrels stationed at all locations; Salvation Army clothing barrel(s) available at Shred event.)

Identity Theft – What should you shred?
In short, destroy all sensitive information including junk mail and paperwork that includes:

• Account numbers
• Addresses
• Birth dates
• E-mail addresses
• Names
• Passwords and PINs
• Phone numbers
• Signatures
• Social Security Numbers

What Can I bring to shred?

• Address labels from junk mail and magazines
• ATM receipts
• Bank statements
• Birth certificate copies
• Canceled and voided checks
• Credit and charge card bills, carbon copies, summaries and receipts
• Credit reports and histories
• Employee pay stubs
• Employment records
• Expired credit and identification cards including driver’s licenses, college IDs, military IDs, employee badges, medical insurance cards, etc. (If your shredder can’t handle plastic, cut up cards with a scissors before discarding them.)
• Expired passports and visas
• Legal documents
• Insurance documents
• Investment, stock and property transactions • Medical and dental records
• Papers with a Social Security number
• Pre-approved credit card applications
• Receipts with checking account numbers
• Report cards
• Signatures (such as those found on leases, contracts, letters)
• Tax forms
• Utility bills (telephone, gas, electric, water, cable TV, Internet)

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400
Email: jballew@marysvillewa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2010

Arbor Day Foundation names Marysville Tree City USA community

MARYSVILLE – Marysville was recently recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as the newest Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. This is the first year that Marysville has earned the national designation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Marysville met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“The city is proud to receive this award,” says Mayor Dennis Kendall. “Designation as a Tree City recognizes the work of citizens, community volunteers, civic groups, City elected leaders and staff, and others who plant and care for the community’s trees all year-round.”

The Mayor at the March 22 City Council meeting proclaimed April 10 as Arbor Day in Marysville, with many group tree plantings scheduled on that day and over the next two weeks. The City in the past has regularly coordinated major tree planting projects with nonprofit and business partners that can be seen in places such as Jennings Memorial and Jennings Nature Park, and other parks and play areas around Marysville.

Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew says trees are an important asset in Marysville for a variety of reasons.

“They beautify our community, enhance the economic vitality of our business areas, increase property values, promote cleaner air, and provide shelter and habitat to all sorts of local wildlife,” Ballew says.

The Community Development Department, City Council and Planning Commission have reinforced their commitment to urban forestry by adopting landscaping development and design standards that encourage retention of native trees when projects are built, and incorporating trees and vegetation in other street-side urban design projects.

A total of 977 trees were planted in 2009 through residential, commercial and various construction projects as well as organized community plantings through the year, Ballew says.

Kendall thanked builders and the development community for their concentrated efforts to partner with the City to incorporate trees and landscaping into their projects.

“We commend Marysville’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest,” said John Rosenow, Chief Executive and founder of the Arbor Day foundation. “Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”

Communities like Marysville that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:

• Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
• Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
• Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.
• Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes and neighborhoods.

More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 5, 2010

Motorists advised of full closure of 47th Avenue from 7th to Grove Street starting April 12

MARYSVILLE – Marysville Public Works advises motorists that 47th Avenue NE from 7th Street to Grove Street will be closed starting Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 16, weather permitting.

General Contractor Faber Brothers will reconstruct, grind and pave a section of roadway located near Liberty Elementary and Marysville Middle School.

“The contractor needs a few rain-free days to complete the paving work,” says Doug Buell, Community Information Officer.

Provisions will be made for emergency vehicles and local access to homes and apartments, but all other traffic will be required to use posted detours, Buell says. Public Works staff and the contractor are coordinating with the Marysville School District to minimize traffic inconvenience.

The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of April, adding sidewalks on both sides of the street from Armar Road to Grove, a parking lane, bike lanes, marked crosswalks and drainage improvements, Buell says.

For more information, contact City Project Manager Jeff Laycock at (360) 363-8274.

Contact: Dennis Kendall, Mayor
Phone: (360) 363-8000

Mary Swenson, Chief Administrative Officer
(360) 363-8000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 1, 2010

City's chief administrator announces retirement after 32 1/2-year career

MARYSVILLE – Mary Swenson, the City’s Chief Administrative Officer since 2001, announced today that she is retiring from a career in public service that spanned 32 ½ years – all of it with the City of Marysville.

While she will miss the relationships and challenges that kept the job enjoyable, Swenson says that after much deliberation this was the opportune time for both the City and herself to take advantage of being able to retire.

“I am leaving this job I love at the best possible time,” says Swenson. “The City is in excellent shape. Every department without exception is in a great position and directed by very talented individuals. Mayor Kendall and our City Councilmembers are some of the best individuals I have had the privilege of working with and I am confident their good work will continue to benefit the citizens of Marysville.”

Reflecting on her career, Swenson thanked the citizens, Mayor, City Council, Department Directors and city employees for “the confidence and overwhelming support that they placed in her.”

During her long tenure as the City’s chief administrator, as well as the City Clerk and assistant administrator positions that preceded her rise to the top post, Swenson forged strong relationships with the Tulalip Tribes, neighboring jurisdictions, Snohomish County, state and federal lawmakers, and equally importantly, the city employees.

Mayor Dennis Kendall accepted the resignation of the chief administrator who has been his right-hand since he came into office in 2003.

"This is a significant loss for the City,” says the Mayor. “Mary has been a tremendous asset to Marysville, and I’ll miss the counsel and guidance she provided me day in and day out. Her leadership, experience and expertise will be missed.”

Over her career, Swenson gained a reputation throughout the organization as the “go-to” person on almost every facet of City operations. As her position grew, she developed skills in a wide range of areas including economic development, risk management, communications, personnel management, labor negotiations, contract management, budgeting, and special projects.

The Mayor will be recommending current Community Development Director Gloria Hirashima to the City Council to replace Swenson as Chief Administrative Officer. The Chief Administrative Officer position requires City Council confirmation. Hirashima has served as the City’s Community Development Director for more than 18 years.

“Gloria has gained a solid reputation in the region and she brings all the qualities to the job that will make her an exceptional administrator”, Kendall says.

UPDATE: The City Council on March 1 voted unanimously to officially approve the Mayor's appointment of Hirashima to the Chief Administrative Officer position.

Tracy Jeffries, Asst. Administrative Services Director
(360) 363-8000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 1, 2010

City of Marysville accepting applications for hotel-motel tax tourism grant funds

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville is accepting applications for the City’s 2010 Hotel/Motel Tax Grant Program.

The program is open to applicants from any qualified private nonprofit entity that has demonstrated an ability to accomplish the proposed project. This includes agencies such as historical societies, art groups, chambers of commerce, museums and galleries, youth activity organizations, service clubs, and other groups. Eligible applicants must demonstrate evidence of non-profit status, and proposed projects must comply with state statutes governing the use of Hotel/Motel Tax funds.

For a copy of the City of Marysville Hotel/Motel Tax Policy, which contains information regarding project availability, application procedures and application forms, please visit the City website at http://marysvillewa.gov, then click on the City Information & Records tab, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 1049 State Ave., or call (360) 363-8000.

Deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 24. Applications received after this time and date may not be eligible for funding.

Contact: Sandy Langdon, Finance Director
Phone: (360) 363-8000

Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009

City, National League of Cities team up to offer Prescription Discount Card

MARYSVILLE – MARYSVILLE – In partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC), the City of Marysville starting Dec. 30 will offer a discount card that gives residents an average 20 percent savings on prescription drugs. Anyone without health insurance or a traditional benefits plan, and those with prescriptions not covered by insurance, qualify.

This Prescription Discount Card is made available to residents by the City of Marysville in collaboration with the National League of Cities (NLC) and is made possible through Marysville’s membership in NLC.

“In today’s economic climate, when many people are watching what they spend, the NLC prescription discount card will offer significant savings on the purchase of prescription medications for our residents,” says Mayor Dennis Kendall. “Regardless of whether a person has prescription coverage, this program can make it simpler for our residents to afford the drugs they need to deal with short-term illnesses or stay healthy by managing a chronic condition.”

This money-saving card is free to all Marysville residents, regardless of age, income or existing health insurance. The program is administered by CVS Caremark. Using this card can save residents an average 20 percent off the regular retail price of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies, City Finance Director Sandy Langdon says.

The card is good at participating pharmacies in Marysville such as Bartell’s, Rite Aid, Everett Clinic, grocers pharmacies and most local independents including Hilton and Quil Ceda pharmacies. Please click Discount Card to access the program online, discover the savings, learn more about the program, check drugs prices and locate participating pharmacies.

Residents may also pick up these cards at:
• Marysville City Hall, 1049 State Ave.
• Marysville Municipal Court, 1015 State Ave.
• Ken Baxter Senior/Community Center, 514 Delta Ave.
• Sno-Isle Marysville Regional Public Library, 6120 Grove St.

You can also download a copy on the City website at http://marysvillewa.gov/CitizenInfo/prescription.htm.

This is not insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies including Walgreens, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart) and most local independent pharmacies. By using this card, participants agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. Savings may vary by drug and pharmacy. For more information, please call this toll free number: 1 (888) 620-1749.

Contact: Sandy Langdon, Finance Director
Phone: (360) 363-8000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Dec. 21, 2009

City of Marysville, Financial Planning Manager earn finance awards

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville and City Financial Planning Manager were recognized recently with certificates of financial achievement by the Government Finance Officer Association of the U.S. and Canada (GFOA).

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the City for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). A CAFR is a government financial statement that looks at long-term financial trends and goes beyond minimums established for public sector employees. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management, says GFOA Spokesman Stephen Gauthier.

Financial Planning Manager Denise Gritton, for the second year in a row, was singled out for an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement for preparing the CAFR. Gritton has worked for the City since February 2001, and was recognized by Finance Director Sandy Langdon at a City Council meeting earlier this month.

GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving about 17,000 government finance professionals, with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

Contact: Police Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux
Phone: (360) 363-8314

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009

Marysville Police investigating robbery at ice cream shop

MARYSVILLE – Police are investigating the robbery of Coldstone Creamery located in the Lakewood Crossing Shopping Center in north Marysville.

A lone male walked into the shop and demanded money. He lifted up his shirt and displayed a weapon. The suspect took the money from the employee and fled out the back door.

Officers responded and a K-9 was called to the scene but was unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a male in his 20’s, about 5'8", with a thin build. He had a dark-colored bandana pulled down over his face and was wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie with stripes.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to call the Marysville Police Detective Division at (360) 363-8326.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux at (360) 363-8314 or e-mail rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400
Mike Robinson, Parks Maintenance Manager
Phone: (360) 363-8406

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009

Marysville Parks, Boy Scouts team up to recycle Christmas trees

MARYSVILLE – Want to recycle your Christmas tree? Marysville Parks and Recreation Department and Marysville-area Boy Scout troops can help.

When the holidays are over and you’re ready to take down the Christmas tree, the City of Marysville and Boy Scouts in our community encourage you to recycle your tree by leaving it at curbside for pickup. You will be helping Scouts raise funds for their activities, and giving your tree new life as recycled mulch and chips that will be used for the City’s off-leash park and surrounding trails.

Boy Scouts with Troops 80, 81, 82, 84 and 419 in Marysville will pick up your tree between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9 only. Please have your tree at curbside by 8 a.m.

Participating is easy, says Jim Ballew, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, which partners with the scouts. Look for a donation envelope at your door prior to the tree pickup dates. When you’re ready to have your green tree collected (no flocking or tinsel allowed), leave it at the curb the night before pickup. Scouts will deliver it to Strawberry Fields Athletic Park, 6302 152nd St. NE. Donations are optional.

If you prefer, you can also bring your tree directly Strawberry Fields athletic complex, 6302 152nd St. NE, serving Marysville residents in the north end.

For more information about this program call the Marysville Parks Office at (360) 651-5085.

City employees will reduce the trees to chips that will be recycled as bark to spruce up city parks and provide trail materials, which would otherwise wind up in a landfill, Ballew says.

If Scouts miss a tree on the designated pickup dates, residents may call the program director at (360 ) 659-6334 and it will be picked up.

Contact: Gloria Hirashima, Community Development Director
Phone: (360) 363-8100
Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Dec. 14, 2009

GIS Administrator David Doop named Employee of Month for November

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville is pleased announce GIS Administrator Dave Doop as Employee of the Month in November for his mapping services and helping to create and maintain several databases in use by Public Works and other City departments.

Doop has served as the City’s GIS Administrator since June 1998. A Geographic Information System (GIS) allows residents, City employees and visitors to visually display City data through maps and overlaid layers of various data, using mapping software and a variety of online tools. Some current uses of GIS in Marysville include infrastructure management, public works, growth planning and street improvements.

Doop’s job is to provide mapping services for the City and he helps to create and maintain several in-house databases for Public Works. He has devoted significant time and energy toward building computer systems to help Public Works better track operational information needed for planning and reporting, says Gloria Hirashima, Community Development Director.

This past year, Doop expanded the capability of the Public Works “work management system” database that he designed to accommodate daily work reports from crew members so that the department can run more accurately and thoroughly capture daily operation information. One area where this database will increase efficiency is in tracking response to designated ice and snow routes and zones in the event of a snowstorm. Doop is working to integrate reports to meet the department’s planning needs.

In addition, he designed and maintains the Engineering requisitions database and has spearheaded the effort to increase Public Works content on the City’s website, developing processes to make the posting of information as easy as possible.

“Dave genuinely cares about creating useful, usable systems that will benefit Public Works and, consequently, the City as a whole,” said Mayor Dennis Kendall at a recent City Council meeting where Doop was honored. “He is an asset to the City and worthy of accommodation.”

Dave is an avid bicycle rider/commuter and is an advocate for physical activity and bike commuting, both activities supporting larger City interests. In his spare time he also likes to travel, hike and play guitar – he is especially talented in Jazz and Rhythm and Blues styles.

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400
Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009

Marysville Healthy Communities Project, Marysville School District
announce next free swimming night Dec. 18 at high school pool

MARYSVILLE – The Marysville Healthy Communities Project and partner Marysville School District invite families to attend the last free swim of the year scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 at the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Pool, 5611 108th St. NE. Swimming is free for the first 200 who attend.

The occasional series of free swims is a Marysville Healthy Communities Project initiative to offer free recreational opportunities that help all ages get healthier and more fit, says Jim Ballew, Marysville Parks and Recreation Director. The previous swim drew nearly 200 participants.

The HC Project asks participants to help support the Marysville Community Food Bank by donating a nutritious canned food item to the swims. For more details about the HC Project, visit the website at http://www.marysvillehealthycommunitiesproject.com.

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400
Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009

Families invited to join the magic of Merrysville for the Holidays winter festival Dec. 5

No Electric Lights Parade this year

MARYSVILLE – Step into a winter wonderland of magical lights, sounds and savory treats during the 21^st Annual Merrysville for the Holidays winter celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5 in downtown Marysville.

The City of Marysville invites you and your family to this free annual community event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave. While there will be no Electric Lights Parade this year, plenty of other holiday surprises await.

The evening opens with an Arts and Crafts Bazaar in the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center, crafts for the kids, and a community bonfire. Bring your camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:30-7 p.m., or strike a memorable family pose in six specially constructed holiday display scenes around the park from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Sponsors Vinaccio Coffee and retirement community Merrill Gardens will provide coffee and cookies throughout the event, while Marysville Kiwanis Club will have a bevy of food and beverages available for purchase. Other treats, hot drinks and crafts will be available for purchase inside the Ken Baxter Senior Community Center, with proceeds benefitting activities at the center.

At 7 p.m., the lighting of the Comeford Park water tower will officially usher in the start of the holiday season in Marysville. Musical entertainment follows featuring holiday Celtic music from A Well Known Stranger.

“Dress warm and come prepared to help us kick off the holiday season in the spirit of fun and giving,” Ballew says.

Festival sponsors also remind visitors to support Operation Marysville Community Christmas (OMCC). Volunteers will be on hand to accept donated non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped gifts. Items will be distributed to families in need prior the Christmas holiday.

For more information, please call Marysville Parks and Recreation at (360) 363-8400.

Contact: Terry Hawley, Operations Manager
Phone: (360) 363-8161

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 9, 2009

Scheduled garbage pickup day will change for some customers

MARYSVILLE – To help keep the cost of solid waste pickup as low as possible, the City of Marysville recently conducted a study of daily curbside residential pick-up routes to look for ways to increase efficiency.

The study revealed by modifying some routes the City could save on fuel costs; avoid adding unnecessary emissions in the air and help prevent future maintenance costs on the trucks by eliminating miles driven, says Terry Hawley, Operations Manager.

The new routes and pickup day will go in effect on July 1, 2009.

As a result, scheduled pickup days for some residents will change, Hawley says. Taped banner notices will be sealed on the lids of customers’ cans if their pickup day is going to change from their current scheduled day. Customers will be notified between June 15-26 on the collection day prior to the change.

Waste Management NW is working closely with the City to ensure that curbside recycling and yard waste pickup are on the same day as regular garbage to avoid residents from having to place cans out on different days.

The City is sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. If the switch in days causes a can to be missed, City solid waste trucks will pick up the missed can at no extra charge.

For more information contact City Operations Manager Terry Hawley at (360) 363-8161 or e-mail thawley@marysvillewa.gov

Contact: Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux
Phone: 360.363.8314

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 9, 2009

UPDATED INFORMATION-HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION - Marysville Police Investigate Homicide

MARYSVILLE – Marysville Police detectives continue to investigate the homicide of a 73-year-old Marysville woman.

Police have learned that credit cards belonging to the victim were used in Snohomish County during the past weekend. By use of surveillance photos investigators believe 25-year-old Snohomish County resident, Joshua Gilliam is the person in the photo.

Gilliam is currently a suspect in the fraudulent use of the victim’s credit cards and want to question him. Detectives also would like to determine his level of involvement, if any, in the homicide and consider him a Person of Strong Interest.

Gilliam is listed as 5-08 and around 200 pounds. He has sandy blonde to light brown hair, and blue eyes.

In addition, Marysville Police are attempting to identify an unknown male subject who was captured in a store photo with Gilliam. He is being listed as a Person of Interest.

The attached photo depicts Gilliam in the lower left corner and the unidentified subject in the center of the photo.

"Investigators are asking for the public’s help in this case. We want to locate Joshua Gilliam and bring him back to Marysville for questioning. And we must identify the second subject and determine his whereabouts."

Should anyone have any information related to this investigation they are asked to contact Marysville Police detectives at 360.363.8350.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux at 360.363.8314 or e-mail rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov

Contact: Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux
Phone: 360.363.8314

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 8, 2009

Marysville Police Investigate Homicide - June 8, 2009

MARYSVILLE – Marysville police are investigating the death of a 73-year-old Marysville woman found in her home this morning.

A family member went to the victim’s residence to check on her after not hearing from her over the weekend. The family member discovered the victim and called 911 for a medical response about 10:45 this morning. Fire District personnel called for police shortly after determining the victim was deceased.

"It is safe to say the deceased was a victim of violence. At this point it is very early in the investigation and investigators are trying to piece together what happened."

Police are requesting the help of the public in locating a vehicle associated with the investigation. We are looking for a 1998 Buick Century, WA license 125JTN. The vehicle is red in color. Should someone locate the vehicle or have information about its whereabouts, they should immediately call 911.

Anyone who has information regarding the investigation itself should contact Marysville Police investigators at 360.363.8350.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux at 360.363.8314 or e-mail rlamoureux@marysvillewa.gov

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2009

Mayor awarded with Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership

OLYMPIA – Marysville Mayor Dennis Kendall recently received an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

Kendall completed more than 60 hours of training credits to earn the distinction and demonstrated valuable service to their community, AWC official say.

The program is designed to enhance the ability of elected municipal officials. The program provides mayors and councilmembers with knowledge and skills required for effective governance. To earn the certificate, the official attends a variety of AWC-sponsored municipal workshops, including sessions on land use planning, personnel and leadership.

Originally elected in December 2003, Kendall is now serving his second term as Mayor. Among his board positions, Kendall serves on the Community Transit Board of Directors and is past-chair, the county Department of Emergency Management Council and Snohomish County United Way Board. He Co-Chairs Snohomish County Tomorrow, and was appointed by the Governor in 2007 to the Public Works Trust Fund Board, He and his wife, Sue, have lived in Marysville for more than 30 years.

AWC is a nonprofit, non-partisan corporation that represents Washington’s cities and towns before the state legislature, state executive branch and with regulatory agencies.

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 29, 2009

Annual summer lawn watering restrictions take effect in June

MARYSVILLE – Annual summer lawn watering restrictions will take effect in June to encourage Marysville-area utility customers to be water smart this summer when rolling out the hoses and turning on sprinklers.

The City recently mailed the 2009 Summer Lawn Watering Calendar to utility customers. To use the calendar, customers only need to match the last two digits in their house address with one of the calendar’s three colors - green for 00-15, yellow for 16-32 or blue for 33-99 - and water on those assigned days only.

Marysville has implemented the state-mandated, mandatory annual lawn watering program since 1990. It applies during the months of June through September.

Water systems the size of Marysville’s or larger are required by the state Department of Ecology and Department of Health to include water conservation plans in their long-range utility planning, says Doug Buell, Community information Officer. Marysville serves water to more than 16,400 households and businesses.

To request a copy of the lawn watering calendar, please call (360) 363-8000. Copies are also available at City Hall at 1049 State Ave. and the Public Works Building at 80 Columbia Ave. The calendar is also viewable and available to download on the City website at http://marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 29, 2009

Annual summer lawn watering restrictions take effect in June

MARYSVILLE – Annual summer lawn watering restrictions will take effect in June to encourage Marysville-area utility customers to be water smart this summer when rolling out the hoses and turning on sprinklers.

The City recently mailed the 2009 Summer Lawn Watering Calendar to utility customers. To use the calendar, customers only need to match the last two digits in their house address with one of the calendar’s three colors - green for 00-15, yellow for 16-32 or blue for 33-99 - and water on those assigned days only.

Marysville has implemented the state-mandated, mandatory annual lawn watering program since 1990. It applies during the months of June through September.

Water systems the size of Marysville’s or larger are required by the state Department of Ecology and Department of Health to include water conservation plans in their long-range utility planning, says Doug Buell, Community information Officer. Marysville serves water to more than 16,400 households and businesses.

To request a copy of the lawn watering calendar, please call (360) 363-8000. Copies are also available at City Hall at 1049 State Ave. and the Public Works Building at 80 Columbia Ave. The calendar is also viewable and available to download on the City website at http://marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086
Cell: (425) 754-3641

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 21, 2009

Join in the fun at Healthy Communities Challenge Day on June 6
Advice from Northwest gardening guru, KING 5-TV’s Ciscoe Morris, Concert featuring Emmy-award winning songwriter Tim Noah

MARYSVILLE – Leave your couch behind for an afternoon and join us for the free Marysville Healthy Communities Challenge Day, a fun-filled community fitness and health celebration in collaboration with Snohomish County Get Movin’, a winning combination of events to motivate you toward your health, nutrition and fitness goals.

The first-ever Challenge Day will be 1-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 at Allen Creek Elementary School, 6505 60th Drive NE (SR 528). Get Movin’, the annual free summer program aimed at motivating families to adopt more active lifestyles, will run 1-3 p.m. across the street from Challenge Day at the Marysville/North County YMCA, 6420 60th Drive NE.

Challenge Day will offer a full bill of activities and events to help you get a head start on getting fit this summer including advice from several health and fitness agencies, kids art center, how-to seminars on gardening, vegetable seeds and starter plant giveaways, healthy food vendors, a fun walk, a healthy community barbecue fundraiser, hands-on activities and much more.

On the main stage in the Allen Creek Elementary Courtyard, Northwest gardening guru Ciscoe Morris from KING 5-TV’s “Gardening with Ciscoe” will share tips for how to grow healthy vegetables from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and lead young people in prepping their own planter boxes provided at the event. Emmy-award winning songwriter and children’s entertainer Tim Noah will appear live in concert at 5:30 p.m.

Other activities throughout the day will include a Marysville Mile Walk on the Jennings Park Loop, free bike safety checks for those who ride to the event, walking and running seminars, sports injury prevention and screenings from Summit Rehabilitation, Nintendo Wii demonstrations with a raffle giveaway, Marysville Youth Sports Clubs information, free family health screens from Marysville Family Medicine, and signup information and details about the new community garden in Marysville, Wilcox Farm Community Garden.

As part of the festivities, a community healthy barbecue and fundraiser, with food donated and prepared courtesy of Let’s Dish in Marysville, is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Allen Creek Elementary. All proceeds will benefit the Marysville Community Food Bank.

Championed by Mayor Dennis Kendall, the Challenge Day event is also an opportunity to celebrate the successes thus far by the many individuals and organizations involved in the Marysville Healthy Communities Project.

“The work being done through the Marysville Healthy Communities Project is making Marysville a more fit and health-conscious community,” says Mayor Kendall. “Through our community-based collaborative response, we are seeing real changes in lifestyle in Marysville that will reduce the obesity epidemic in our community, and the chronic diseases linked to it. Our goal is to make Marysville a more fit and health-conscious community, so we hope you will attend the Healthy Communities Challenge Day event on June 6 to show that you are with us, and ready to kick off a healthy summer.”

For more information call (360) 363-8400, or visit the Marysville Healthy Communities Project web site at http://www.marysvillehealthycommunitiesproject.com.

Sponsored by the Marysville Healthy Communities Project, City of Marysville, Marysville/North County YMCA, Marysville School District, Get Movin’, Sno-Isle Libraries, Marysville Family Medicine, Marysville Globe, Community Transit, Summit Rehabilitation and Let’s Dish.

Contact: Lt. Jeff Goldman
Phone: 360.363.8310

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2009

Marysville Police investigate robbery and assault on May 15

MARYSVILLE – On May 15, 2009 at approximately 0824 hrs, the Marysville Police Department responded to a report of an assault and robbery in the area of an apartment complex located in the 1200 block of State Avenue NE in the City of Marysville. The male victim stated he received a ride from a citizen from the original scene of the incident to this location where he requested friends to contact aid for his injuries.

This 20 year old male victim with an address from the Mount Vernon area stated that he was struck on the head and stabbed by unknown assailants while standing at the bus stop located at 4th Street and 47th Avenue. Furthermore, the victim alleges he was robbed of an undetermined amount of money. He sustained injuries to his head and stab wounds to his arm and leg. He was transported with non-life threatening injuries via ambulance to Colby Campus for treatment.

The victim was uncooperative with the officers on scene and did not want to pursue charges at this time. The original scene of the incident is still in question, although the police believe this was not a random act of violence.

Investigation on this robbery will be conducted by the Marysville Police Department Detective Division. (360) 363-8300

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Lt. Jeff Goldman at 360.363.8310 or e-mail jgoldman@marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Cmdr. Ralph Krusey
Phone: (360) 363-8313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2009

Marysville Police investigate death of infant

MARYSVILLE – On May 14, 2009 at approximately 1:00 PM Marysville Police and Fire responded to a 911 call of a fifteen month old infant that was unresponsive in the 7400 block of 47th Avenue NE. Marysville Fire District reported that the infant was deceased and unresponsive on their arrival.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner responded to the location and removed the infant. An autopsy was conducted this morning and the results indicate that the death was not from natural causes and are the result of blunt trauma. A final Medical Examiner’s Report has not been completed and may take several more weeks to complete.

Marysville Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstance surrounding the death. Anyone having any information regarding this case should contact Marysville Detective John Hendrickson at (360) 363-8365.

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2009

Denise Gritton named City of Marysville Employee of the Month

MARYSVILLE – Financial Planning Manager Denise Gritton has been named Employee of the Month for April for the pivotal research role she played in assembling financial information that netted two prestigious finance awards for the Finance Department and City.

Mayor Dennis Kendall presented her with the award at the April 13 City Council meeting, while her husband, Randy, and Finance co-workers looked on.

Among her duties, Gritton, an 8-year veteran in the department, is responsible for process and accounting of financial information for the City, payroll, accounts payable and receivables.

Last fall, the City received the 2008 Washington Finance Officers Association (WFOA) Budget Award. Just last month, Finance officials were notified that the City was awarded the Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for Marysville’s 2007 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting (CAFR). A CAFR represents and reflects the City’s financial operations and condition to City residents, elected officials, management personnel, financial institutions, bonding houses and other parties interested in the financial affairs of the City. The document is also useful for identifying long-term statistical trends.

Gritton was instrumental in collecting, preparing and coordinating the additional information necessary to meet the criteria of these awards, says Finance Director Sandy Langdon, who nominated Gritton. This additional information is required when preparing a bond issue; having the information historically as the City moves forward will be a tremendous asset to Marysville in the bonding community, as well as any assessment of current bond ratings, Langdon added.

"Successful completion of these awards indicates that we have taken our financial status to a higher level of reporting," Langdon said.

This accomplishment was not easy. The budget award requires that more than 40 criteria be met - this CAFR has more than 130 items.

Both documents require analysis of the criteria for meaning and presentation and submittal within a very short time frame from adoption and completion.

Gritton accomplished this work while successfully completing her regular duties and responsibilities as well as the several special projects that Langdon has assigned her.

"I am sure Denise would tell you that she could not have done it alone," the Mayor said at the Council meeting. "Information was needed from other departments, districts, the county, and the state, but it was her persistence that made the difference."

Various City Councilmembers and Directors thanked Gritton for working with them on financial and budgetary issues.

Employee of the Month

Denise Gritton
Financial Planning Manager

Contact: Jeffries, Asst. Administrative Services Director
Phone: (360) 363-8000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 13, 2009

City seeks applicants for hotel-motel tax tourism grants

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville is now accepting applications for its Hotel-Motel Tax Grant Program.

The grants help fund projects that stimulate tourism in Marysville and are paid for by a portion of the 1 percent sales tax on hotel and motel rooms located in Marysville. Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to supply at least 25 percent of the total project cost.

The program is open to applicants from any qualified nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated an ability to accomplish the proposed projects. Agencies such as historical societies, art groups, chambers of commerce, youth activity organizations and service clubs are general examples of eligible groups, a number of which have received grant funding for their tourism-related projects, promotion and marketing. Pursuant to chapter 67.28 RCW, project must comply with state statutes governing use of the tax funds.

To obtain a copy of the Marysville Hotel-Motel Tax Policy packet, which includes information about project availability, procedures and application forms, please visit the City Information and Records tab on the City website, contact the City Clerk’s Office in Marysville City Hall, 1049 State Ave., or call (360) 363-8000.

Applications are reviewed by the Hotel-Motel Tax Fund Committee. The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. Friday, May 1. Applications received after this time may not be eligible for funding.

Contact: Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: (360) 363-8400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 13, 2009

Marysville Healthy Communities Project extends free swimming to pools at the high school, YMCA

MARYSVILLE – In its latest efforts to offer free, fitness-related recreational opportunities to residents, Marysville Healthy Communities Project partners have added more free swimming dates – and a second pool – to help all ages get healthier.

The next series of free swims starts on Friday, April 24 from 7-9 p.m. at the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Pool, 5611 108th St. NE, with subsequent Friday dates scheduled for May 29 and June 26. Swimming is free for the first 200 who attend.

Due to popular demand in free family swim program, the Marysville/North County YMCA will begin opening its pool for free swims starting on Saturday, April 25 from 1-4 p.m., with May 30 and June 27 dates to follow. The YMCA is located at 6420 60th Drive NE. Ages 16 years and older must present photo identification at check-in; 15 years and under must be with an adult and pass a swim test.

"The Marysville School District and Marysville YMCA are key partners in the Healthy Communities Project goal to give residents more access to low-cost recreational opportunities, and a way to become healthier and more physically fit," says Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director.

The HC Project asks participants to help support the Marysville Community Food Bank by donating a nutritious canned food item to the swims. For more details about the HC Project, visit the website at http://www.marysvillehealthycommunitiesproject.com.

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 13, 2009

City buys historic school property, baseball field for future youth center

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville purchased the former 10th Street School property and baseball field from the Marysville School District in January, a move that could soon open the doors for a much-needed drop-in youth center.

The $1.7 million purchase of the 2.5-acre property in the 1000 block between Beach and Cedar avenues includes the main building and gymnasium at 12,852 square feet, and Rudy Wright Memorial Field.

Mayor Dennis Kendall, who championed the purchase, said the opportunity to buy the building that once served local youth as the original Marysville YMCA was a deal too good to pass up. He had a goal over the last few years to bring a Boys and Girls Club to Marysville; now discussions are under way with Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County to make it happen.

"Thanks to the partnership we're building with the Boys and Girls Club, this is going to make a real difference for our community's youth," Kendall says.

The immediate neighborhoods to the facility include several apartment complexes, duplexes, residences and low-income households that are occupied by families with young children and teens. The Mayor says the new facility will give them a place to call their own, offering programs, recreation, and a safe place to go during after-school hours and on weekends.

"A lot of parents are commuting nowadays, and they want to know that their children have a safe and positive place to learn, recreate and to be mentored," says Kendall. "The Boys and Girls Club will be able to offer programs on a limited scale initially, inspiring young people and having an influencing impact on their lives, which is what their organization does so well.”

The 10th Street property has a storied history in Marysville, says Doug Buell, Community Information Officer. In 1906, voters approved a $6,000 bond to build the city’s first high school there. Marysville High School opened a year later, with a graduating class of two students. It was only used as a high school until 1914, then reopened as the Marysville YMCA in the early 1960s. The YMCA building was transferred to the School District in the 1990s when the existing YMCA opened at SR 528 and 60th Drive NE. The 10th Street School, a music-oriented option school, relocated to the Marysville Secondary Campus at 27th Avenue NE in Tulalip, when that campus opened in May 2008.

Community leaders have already committed funds to offer limited programs starting next month at the Boys and Girls Club, Kendall says. City leaders are also seeking state capital budget funding from the legislature to improve the facility.

"It will take a lot of people and groups in the community to pull this together, but it will be a worthwhile investment in our youth," Kendall says.

Side note: Marysville Little League has scheduled a re-dedication of Rudy Wright Memorial Field for 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The Mayor, City Council and other local dignitaries will be in attendance. The ball park is located at 10th Street and Cedar Avenue.

Contact: Cmdr. Ralph Krusey
Phone: 360.363.8313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 10, 2009

Marysville Police report a Home Invasion Robbery during the early morning hours - April 10, 2009

MARYSVILLE – Marysville Police are seeking the public’s help identifying the perpetrators in a home invasion robbery early Friday morning, a crime that ended when a tied-up teenager alone in the house escaped and was able to call police.

The robbery occurred about 3 a.m. when two unidentified males forcefully entered a residence in the 7100 block of 70th Avenue NE in Marysville. The 15-year-old male victim was home asleep when he was awaked by noises downstairs, Cmdr. Ralph Krusey says. The two males threatened the teen with a handgun, then bound him in a separate room while the suspects searched the house.

The victim managed to escape, then run to a neighbor’s house and call police, Krusey says. The suspects fled the scene before officers arrived.

The robbery does not appear to be a random incident, Krusey says. Both suspects were described as Caucasian, wearing ski masks, with medium builds and standing about 5’10’.

Marysville Police Detectives are continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone having information regarding this incident or suspects should contact Detective Charles Smith at (360) 363-8302.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Ralph Krusey at (360) 363-8313 or e-mail rkrusey@marysvillewa.gov.

Contact: Cmdr. Ralph Krusey
Phone: 360.363.8313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2009

Marysville Police hold information meeting for Level II Sex Offender on March 31, 2009

MARYSVILLE – The Marysville Police Department will be holding a public notification meeting to release information regarding a Level II Sex Offender residing within the city limits of Marysville. William Lester Blalock has registered as a sex offender with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and will be residing in the 15400 Block of 51st Avenue NE, Marysville. Blalock is a 61 year old white male who is approximately 6’2” and 195 pounds. He has brown hair and green colored eyes.

The public meeting will be held Tuesday March 31, 2009 beginning at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Marysville Public Safety Building located at 1635 Grove St.

According to records Blalock pled guilty to the crime of Child Molestation 1st degree in Snohomish County Superior Court on April 22, 2004 and was given term of 67 months in prison. His victim was a 6 year-old female who was known to him.

This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public. Level II Sex Offenders are those offenders whose risk assessments indicate a potential risk of re-offense within the community at large.

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Cmdr. Ralph Krusey at 360.363.8313 or e-mail rkrusey@marysvillewa.gov

Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer
Phone: (360) 363-8086

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 7, 2009

City website now features web-streamed online community movie videos showcasing Marysville-Tulalip area

MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville official website went live this week with a series of short video clips that give visitors, newcomers, businesses and residents a virtual video tour of the Marysville-Tulalip area with a simple mouse click.

The City, Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce and CGI Communications, Inc. entered into a multimedia partnership to showcase the community by developing the series of web-streamed videos that are now viewable on the City website at http://marysvillewa.gov. Click on the Marysville Video TourBook graphic to select the video of your choice to watch.

The one-minute streaming video segments feature a welcome from Mayor Dennis Kendall, quality of life, recreation and things to do, economic development, education, Marysville Healthy Communities Project, accommodations and other topics that market Marysville and Tulalip to prospective visitors, newcomers, businesses and residents. The videos will also be available soon on the Marysville-Tulalip Chamber website at http://www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com.

"This online series of web clips is a great way to market to the rest of the world the quality of life and diverse, growing economy that make the Marysville-Tulalip area an outstanding place to live, work, invest, play and recreate," Mayor Kendall says.

The program is offered in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Association of Washington Cities. The videos were shot at no cost to the City, says Doug Buell, Community Information Officer. Local businesses purchased advertising space and their own video ads in the background around the video player screen as the movie streams.

Contact: Lt. Jeff Goldman
Phone: 360.363.8310

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4, 2009

Marysville Police respond to an automobile verses pedestrian collision on March 4

MARYSVILLE – On March 4, 2009 at approximately 2000 hrs, the Marysville Police Department was dispatched to a Car/Pedestrian Collision at 47th Ave and Grove Street.

Witnesses stated that a male pedestrian, along with a friend, was attempting to cross against the light eastbound across 47th Avenue and was struck by a Pick-up truck. The pedestrian received injuries to his head and was airlifted to Harborview Hospital. Witnesses stated that the pedestrian was dressed in dark colored clothing.

The pedestrian was identified as a 14 year old Marysville resident.

Investigation into this collision will be conducted by the Marysville Police Department Traffic Unit. (360) 363-8300

Further inquiries regarding this press release should be directed to Lt. Jeff Goldman at 360.363.8310 or e-mail jgoldman@marysvillewa.gov.

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