City Parks and Rec Guide all electronic, all online

The City has placed its 2014 Summer Recreation Guide online. Such a move aims to save money and help the city’s operations become more sustainable the city says.

“This will save many hundreds of pounds of paper each issue, as well as postage and transportation to approximately 9,000 households. The cost savings will be reinvested by the city into more Parks and Recreation programming,” a press release said.

Registration for all spring and summer courses has begun online; in person (at the Community Center) or phone registration begins March 24.  Call (206) 275-7609 for more information or online at www.mercergov.org.

Spring recycling day is March 29

Just in time for Spring cleaning, the city’s recycling event is coming up. It is a chance to safely dispose of the old equipment and household items that are cluttering your basement or garage.

The city will hold its half-yearly recycling day between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., March 29 at the Mercer Island Boat Launch under the western shore of Lake Washington under East Channel Bridge at 3600 N. Mercer Way.

The service is free to Island residents, but those who drop off items are asked to bring along non-perishable food items or a cash donation to support the Youth and Family Services food pantry.

Make sure you check which items are allowed and which items will require a disposal fee by checking the rules posted online at www.mercergov.org.

Residents can also buy a rain barrel at a highly discounted rate, just $25. These are available at City Hall.

City settles suit with former City attorney

The Mercer Island City Council recently voted to settle allegations of Public Records violations brought by Bob Sterbank, a former Mercer Island employee who separated from the city over six years ago.  Mr. Sterbank is currently the City Attorney for the City of Snoqualmie.

Sterbank settled with the city for $45,000. In the agreement, the city does not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the matter.

It has been an unpleasant task for the city.

“The Council, City leadership and I are deeply frustrated to be spending time and taxpayer dollars on this, but unfortunately we all know that it’s often better to settle claims rather than pile up legal bills while pursuing a desired outcome,” said Mercer Island Mayor, Bruce Bassett.“This settlement closes a very difficult chapter and allows us to get on with the work our citizens expect and deserve.”

In 2008, Sterbank received a severance check for $137,500 after he resigned — the equivalent of more than a year’s salary, less than a year after he was hired.

The Mayor said the city  is committed to transparency and the correct applications of the laws.