Fall recycling event collects 59 tons
Last month’s city-sponsored fall recycling event was a public success. In total, 963 carloads of recyclable material were brought to the Mercer Island boat launch on Oct. 24. The total amount of material collected was 111,754 pounds or nearly 59 tons. This averages out to 116 pounds of material per vehicle. The event also provided a collection opportunity for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (YFS). Approximately 900 pounds of food were collected and $2,170 in donations, the most YFS has ever received in one day. The city sends a generous “thank-you” to all those who participated in last month’s event.
Mercer Island recycling events, provided for the convenience of Island residents, happen twice a year. The events are part of the city’s commitment to waste reduction and other sustainable practices for a healthy environment. Please visit www.mercergov.org/sustainability for more information.
Temporary encampment ordinance up for public review
About 50 people attended a community meeting on Oct. 22 to share their experiences with Tent City Four’s three-month visit in 2008. The forum was a chance for the public to provide comments and learn about the city’s draft ordinance regarding temporary encampments on Mercer Island. The meeting was also an opportunity to provide formal comments under the State Environmental Policy Act regarding the draft ordinance. Last week’s meeting was not the last chance that the public has to speak out on Tent City and the related city ordinance. The following public testimony opportunities are scheduled for the coming months: Nov. 18, Planning Commission public hearing; Dec. 2, anticipated date for the Planning Commission’s recommendation to the City Council (the public is invited to attend and speak during “appearances”); Jan. 4, staff briefing to the City Council with the Planning Commission recommendation; Jan. 18, public hearing for the proposed ordinance and first reading; Feb. 1, second reading of the ordinance (possible adoption or scheduled for further readings).
For more information, contact Deputy City Manager James Mason, at 275-7661, or james.mason@mercergov.org, or visit www.mercergov.org.
Beatles tribute band to play on MI, Nov. 14
Creme Tangerine, (www.cremetangerine.com), the premier Beatles tribute band, is coming to Mercer Island at 7 p.m., on Nov. 14, at the Community Center at Mercer View to do a benefit concert for the Mercer Island Girls Basketball Booster Club to raise awareness and support for Islanders girls basketball. The club sponsors all girls from grades 1-12 in year-round training opportunities/clinics in addition to supporting programs such as Junior Hoopsters, Select Girls Basketball and MIHS teams.
The event, Beatles for Basketball, will feature the timeless music of the Beatles by one of the top Beatles tribute bands in the country plus a silent auction and raffle of items such as: weekend packages, hotel stays, Seattle Storm and Husky tickets, in addition to more.
Tickets are $100 per couple and $60 for individuals. The community is invited to come together and show support for MI girls basketball. To RSVP, go to www.migb.org.
