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MRSC PUBLICATIONS › NEWS › Municipal Research News - September 1992
 

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Municipal Research News

Resources for Washington's Cities and Towns
September 1992

Articles

MRSC Looks to the Future!

On Friday, September 11, 1992, MRSC board and staff members met to jointly formulate a new vision statement and set goals for the next 3-5 years.

MRSC has made some vigorous changes in the last year. The publications program has been redirected; administrative, library and information services have been automated; ties with municipal affiliates have been strengthened; and a field visit program was begun. These changes, coupled with the significantly increased demand on the inquiry services program (noted in previous newsletters), created the need for MRSC to take a hard look at future directions.

MRSC has always had the primary mission of providing research and information services to Washington's municipalities MRSC's goals have been directed toward delivering the statutorily defined services of the Municipal Research Council set out in the RCW and the activities enumerated in the contract between the Municipal Research Council and the Center.

MRSC's vision process was facilitated by Joyce Stewart, a professional group process consultant and, coincidentally, the current Mayor of Chelan. She used a consensus building process that started with individually held beliefs or values of the organization. It ended with the formulation of a single working set of principles that incorporated the values of the organization. The working draft mission statement of MRSC is "to make a positive contribution to the quality of local government in Washington state through research and information services."

Responding to the statement "MRSC will, in the next 3-5 years ...," members of the board and staff took on their next assignment using the same consensus building process. Each person first drafted an individual list which was merged and refined as the groups became larger. Finally a working draft was created.

The draft goals are:

  • to increase MRSC's information base and capabilities for service delivery;

  • to maintain excellence of research and meet new needs resulting from growth and change;

  • to expand the application of technology for more efficient and effective use of resources;

  • to assure MRSC's continued financial base and develop new funding options;

  • to improve and expand communi-cations;

  • to provide for progressive internal management.

The group also drafted strategies to accom-plish the goals. The staff will continue to refine the visionstatement, prioritize the goals, and further develop the strategies. They will then be submitted to the board for formal action.

Updates - Officials of Washington Cities Directory 1992 - 1993

Algona
Administrative Director - Diane Jenks

Bellevue
City Clerk - Myrna Basich

Blaine
Fax No. - (206) 332-8330
Councilmember Alma Wagner (in place of Janet Hansen)
Budget Officer - Janet Bland
Civil Service Secretary - Shirley Thorsteinson
Finance Director - Janet Bland
Public Works Director - Tory Tjersland
Purchasing Clerk - Louis Wyngaer

Brier
City Administrator - Norma Wilds
Clerk-Treasurer - Norma Wilds
Civil Service Secretary - Norma Wilds (name change from Norma Schulz)

Chehalis
Councilmember (MPT) - T.F. "Bud" Hatfield
Councilmember - Diana Howard (name change from Diana Guthrie)
Fire Chief - Vacant
Personnel Officer/Risk Manager - Joanne Schwartz
Water Superintendent - Vacant
Wastewater Superintendent - Vacant

Duvall
Councilmember Graham Currie (in place of Peggy Breen)

Ellensburg
City Administrator - Cynthia Curreri
City Attorney - Vacant

Marysville
Finance Director - Steve Wilson

Port Angeles
Planning Commission Chairperson - Cindy Souders

Tumwater
City Attorney - Jodi Hoffman

Woodland
Business Hours - 8:00am - 5:00pm
Civil Service Secretary - Frank P. Hogenhout (previously vacant position)
Clerk-Treasurer - Frank P. Hogenhout (previously vacant position)
Fire Chief - Edward Chapman

Investing Through LGIP

Cristin Reaves, LGIP Administrator State Treasurer's Office

One common problem in the investment arena is, "What exactly can I invest in?" What are all these floating rate notes, CD's, CMO's? By the time you merely muddle through what the acronyms stand for, your head is too confused to figure out how these securities actually work. However, the knowledge of what securities your local government can invest in and knowing how these securities operate is imperative for effective management and legal compliance.

Oftentimes local governments—through no fault of their own—do not have the background and training necessary to be well-versed in what is a legal, eligible investment. As a result, the entity invests in a security that is not an eligible investment for their public funds. Although the broker representing the client should know what that entity can invest in, many times this is not the case. For example, Treasury Bonds are legal; whereas Corporate Bonds are NOT legal. Also, in-state, fixed-rate certificates of deposit are legal; negotiable CD's are NOT. These are just a couple of examples; you should know them all. You can obtain a very helpful booklet from the State Treasurer's Office entitled, "Eligible Investments for Public Funds."

One very popular, very safe, and very legal investment opportunity in the state of Washington is the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP). One reaction to the LGIP is, "I'm not joining the pool; I want my money across the street at my local bank." This is a very common misconception for some local govern- ments, primarily the smaller entities. Realistically, when you deposit your money in the bank across the street, they may turn around and invest the money across the state, across the country, across the world. Similarly, the LGIP invests your money whenever it can get a safe, reasonable return; however, the parameters of the LGIP are extremely stringent, making it virtually risk-free. What follows is an overview of the pool and a quick look at what it has to offer local governments.

The pool, operated by the State Treasurer's Office, was created by the Legislature in 1986 to enable local governments to earn a com-petitive rate of return while maintaining the safety of their excess funds. Originally, the pool was created with the smaller entity in mind. It compensates for the weaknesses inherent in being a smaller entity, such as having less access to the knowledge of the investment environment and, obviously, having less funds available for investment purposes. Despite this initial bias, the par-ticipation rate of larger entities is much higher than that of smaller entities. Ninety percent of cities with populations of over ten thousand and fifty-six percent ofcities under ten thousand are members.

The Pool has experienced continued growth and success since its inception. The average portfolio balance during the Pool's first year of operation was $188.9 million. During the past fiscal year 1992, the average grew to $1,681.6 million with an ending balance on June 30, 1992 of $2,180.1 million. In addition, participation of political subdivisions continues to flourish. The Pool currently has 292 participants, including cities, counties and special taxing districts. Effective since January 1990, participants have the option of opening a separate account in the Pool for bond proceeds to facilitate the arbitrage calculation process. Currently, there are 32 such accounts in the Pool.

One of the primary benefits of the LGIP is its ability to take advantage of Economies of scale intrinsic in the securities market.

Transaction costs fall, in percentage terms, as the size of the purchase increases. This produces a higher net rate of return. Also, the monies held with the Pool are completely liquid. Funds can be deposited into or withdrawn from the Pool on a daily basis as cash flow requires.

All transactions in the Pool are done by wire transfer. The minimum transaction amount is $5000 with no minimum account balance requirement. Investment earnings are distributed to pool participants on a monthly basis, calculated on their average daily balance for the month. Although the earnings rate is not set until month end, the current month-to-date rate can be obtained by contacting the LGIP at (800) 331-3284.

Pool investments consist of U.S. Government securities, Federal Agency securities, Bankers Acceptances, Repurchase Agreements, and Certificates of Deposit with qualified Washington State financial institutions. All security transactions are handled through a third party custodial bank acting on behalf of the State Treasurer and are done on a delivery versus payment basis. Securities purchased for the LGIP have a maturity of one year or less. The current average weighted days to maturity for the portfolio is 49 days.

Local governments throughout the state have been very pleased with the LGIP as an additional investment option. In creating the Local Government Investment Pool, entities have had the opportunity to participate in a highly successful investment vehicle that allows participants the maximum amount of flexibility in managing their funds while providing a competitive rate of return and security for their investments.

If you have any questions regarding the above information or any other inquiries about the Investment Pool, do not hesitate to call!

Call Toll Free!
1-800-331-3284

Update of State-Shared Revenues

Liquor Board Profits & Liquor Excise Taxes
Judith Cox, MRSC Finance Consultant

When Budget Suggestions for 1993 was pub-lished, updated numbers were not available from the Liquor Control Board for liquor board profits and liquor excise taxes. Those estimates have now been made. Please use the information below to revise Table 4 on page 17. Liquor board profits for 1992 are now estimated to be $7.56 per capita. The per capita estimate for liquor excise taxes for 1992 is $3.53. This makes the estimated total per capita state-shared revenues for 1992 equal to $53.81.

For 1993, per capita liquor board profits are estimated to be $7.18. The 1993 estimate for liquor excise taxes is $3.58 per capita. The estimated total per capita revenues for 1993 are $53.63.

Please note two things. First, although the estimate for liquor board profits fell by a con-siderable amount, the higher liquor excise tax estimate partially offsets this decrease. On a net basis, the decrease for the two revenue sources together is $0.29 per capita for 1992 and $0.25 per capita for 1993. SEcond, to make the 1993 estimate for liquor profits, the controller had to guesstimate what expenditure level the legislature would allow for the Liquor Control Board for state fiscal year 1994. The last six months of calendar year 1993 is the first six months of the state fiscal year 1994. Since the state has not adopted its budget for that period yet, we don't know what expenditure level will be approved. Why is this important? Because liquor board profits are the difference between revenues and board expenditures. If the legislature approves a lower level of expenditure than assumed in the numbers above, then the profits will be higher and cities and towns will get more money in 1993. On the other hand, if the legislature approves a higher level of expenditure, the actual receipts by cities and towns in 1993 will be lower than shown above.

Municipal Newsletters!

by Lynne De Merritt

Why have a newsletter?

In an era marked by governmental distrust and alienation, with citizens seeking ways to be heard and demanding better service from local government, there is a need to enhance communications with constituents. Municipali- ties need to have a communications strategy that evokes a positive image, informs, and involves residents.

Part of that strategy may be a newsletter. It is a direct means for a municipality to communi-cate with its residents. An advantage is that in-formation is not interpreted by news media. Newsletters are valuable in communities not served by local daily newspapers. In suburban communities they may supplement information provided by media which may not have time or inclination to convey information to the degree desired.

Who's publishing newsletters?

MRSC doesn't have a comprehensive list, but the following cities and towns are sending us newsletters. They are an excellent source to keep our staff informed of city happenings and they provide samples for other cities to review.

Bainbridge Island - City News, (quarterly); Bellevue - It's Your City (three times a year); Bellevue Bulletin, (monthly); Highlights from Blaine City Hall, (monthly); Centralia - City Talk, (quarterly); Clyde Hill News, (bi-monthly); Kent - City Line, (quarterly); Kirkland - City Update, (spring & fall); Lacey Life, (nine times a year); Leavenworth - City Notebook, (quarterly); Longview City signals (bimonthly, sent with utility bills); Mill Creek -Current, (monthly); Normandy Park - City Scene,(three issues a year); Port Angeles City Report, (bimonthly); Focus on Redmond, (quarterly); Tacoma - Grapevine: A Newsletter for Neighborhoods, prepared by the Community Development Department, (irregular).; Tukwila - Hazelnut, (every ten weeks); Steilacoom - Around the Town; Union Gap - Old Town News, (monthly).

What's in the newsletters?

A variety of information designed to inform residents and promote the city or town gov-ernment. The newsletter can keep the public informed on government activities, point out opportunities for participation, and help citizens understand issues. Some of features noted in Washington municipal newsletters are listed below:

  • Summaries of "what's going on in city hall;"
  • Comments from the mayor or city manager;
  • Feature stories on a city department or person;
  • Messages from departments about changes, problems, enforcement, or procedures;
  • Annual report to citizens, also quarterly and six month reports;
  • Budget highlights;
  • Opinion polls, surveys, questionnaires - Seen recently—A Bainbridge Island insert, "Which street light do your prefer?" asked readers to look at two street light drawings, mark the preferred style, and mail the form back to city hall.—Kirkland inserted a "Cable Tele-vision Survey," mailer with prepaid postage.—Langley asked citizens to call city hall and register an opinion on a recent land use issue. Everett included an "Everett Vision & Issues Survey;"
  • Notices of board meetings and hearings;
  • Park, recreation, and library activities;
  • Community center news;
  • Summary of new ordinances passed by the city council;
  • Calendar of events for the community;
  • Updates on solid waste and recycling activities;
  • New service programs
  • New committees and citizen advisory boards and their activities
  • Informative articles on current land use topics facing the city related to annexation, growth management, and future uses of specific properties
  • Articles on impact of new state and/or federal laws that affect the city
  • City directory
  • Gifts and other bequests to the city
  • Coupons for service requests or complaints

Tips on creating a newsletter.

First, look at the municipality's overall communications strategy. Who is the target audience? What is the purpose of the newsletter? What does the city want to achieve or promote with the newsletter? Does it convey the city's mission? What is the overall message? Is there a way to measure its effectiveness?

As for mechanics, the March 1992 issue of Minnesota Cities featured city communications. One of the articles, "How to Produce a City Newsletter," contained the following tips:

  • Keep your page layout as open as possible.

  • White space makes the newsletter easier and less fatiguing to read; try to avoid crowded or cluttered look.

  • Use a clear, crisp, to-the-point writing style. Watch spelling and grammar. Guides such as Strunk and White's Elements of Style, The Chicago Manual of Style, or the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual are suggested.

  • Be accurate - recheck statements of fact; avoid opinions unless they are clearly labeled as such.

  • Make sure type size is big enough to read without strain—type of 12-14 points for body text is recommended.

  • Reproduce or print your newsletter with as much quality as you can afford.

  • Keep content varied and interesting.

  • Invent ways for reader to tell you what they think.

  • Be dependable—set a publication schedule and stick to it.

What does a newsletter cost?

Costs vary depending on type of paper, print process, distribution size, and whether done in-house or on a contract basis. For comparison purposes the newsletters of five cities have been selected. Bellevue (pop 88,580), Blaine (pop. 2,730), Kirkland (pop. 41,390), Longview (pop. 32,030) and Union Gap (pop 3,110).

  • The Bellevue Bulletin is published monthly, in-house, for a special target group of com-munity leaders including busi-nesses, service organizations, schools, churches, and other groups. Costs for printing, folding, wordprocessing, layout and postage average $1500 per month or $20,000 per year. It's Your City is published three times a year. Circulation is 48,000 households. The format is 8 pages, half-sheet newsprint. Printing is contracted out. It is produced and delivered for 17 cents per copy or approximately $8,000 per issue. Postage at the lowest bulk rate is 10.5 cents per copy. It con-tains a wide variety of information including new city programs, city services, and general community information. The September 1992 issue contained information on two levies on public safety and crime prevention and Bellevue's comprehensive plan revision.

  • Blaine's Highlights is written in house by Mary Cazabon on a monthly basis. Printing is done on the outside for approximately $200 an issue. Folding, adding of inserts and mailing labels is done by the Senior Citizen Center for $75 an issue. Postage at, 16.5 cents per copy, is around $200 an issue.

  • Kirkland's City Update is published three times a year, averaging nine pages per issue. The newsletter contains photographs and graphics which add to the costs of production, but provide interest and enhance the articles. Circulation is 27,500, but approximately 29,000 copies are run. Costs run between $11,000-12,000 per issue. Copywriting and layout is contracted out as well as mailing services.

  • Longview's City Signals is a one page newsletter produced quar-terly by the city manager's office using the PageMaker software program. It is printed in-house and mailed to 12,000 residents with the utility bill. It is relatively inexpensive to produce at about $3,000 per year. Because of its inclusion with the utility bill there are no extra costs for postage.

  • Union Gap's Old Town News is prepared bi-monthly in-house by Julie Bresson, the city's bookkeeper. The newsletter is commercially printed on Astrobrights stock of different color for each issue. Collating, folding, stapling, and addressing is done by volunteers at the senior citizen center. Fourteen hundred copies of Old Town News are mailed to businesses and residents in the city. Costs per issue are $200 for printing and the bulk mailing charge of 14.8 cents per copy with a total of approximately $408 per issue.

References available in MRSC's library.

Communications policies and public relations are taking on an increased importance in the public sector. Since newsletters are a means to carry out the broader mission of enhanced communications, both topics are included among the references.

Basics of public relations for small communities. (MIS Report No. 4/78) ICMA, 1978.

"Communications," Minnesota Cities, March 1992. pp. 5-15

Editing your newsletter: a guide to writing, design and production, by Mark Beach. 2d edition. Portland, Ore.: Coast-to-Coast Books, 1982. 122 p.

Effective communication: getting the message across. (ICMA Municipal Management Series) ICMA, 1983. 229 p.

Practical promotion: strategies for improving services and image. International City/County Management Association, 1992. 257 p.

Ask MRSC

This column contains summaries of recent inquiries answered by MRSC con-sultants. The detailed legal analysis has been simpli-fied; however, if a complete copy of the inquiry response is desired, please contact the Center.

AGE LIMITS - May fire department limit age of volunteer fire fighters to those who are under 40?

Such an age restriction may violate state and/or federal laws against age discrimination. First, the federal Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits discrimi-nation of individuals over the age of forty. SEcond, RCW 49.44.090(1) makes it an unfair practice to refuse to hire or to terminate any individual between the ages of forty and seventy based solely on age. At first glance, these two provisions would appear to prohibit setting any maximum age limits.

State law says, however, that "employers may establish reasonable minimum and/or maxi-mum age limits with respect to candidates for positions if the positions are of such a nature as to require extraordinary physical effort, endur-ance, condition or training, subject to the approval of the executive secretary of the Wash-ington state human rights commission or the director of labor and industries." (RCW 49.44.090(1)). See also WAC 162-16-020(2)(a). This requirement is termed a "bona fide occu-pational qualification." A similar exemption is contained in federal law.

The burden is on the city as employer to prove that it is a bona fide occupational quali-fication for a fire fighter to be under the age of forty. This may be very difficult to establish, although some maximum age may be defensible. It would be preferable to require a physical examination as part of the hiring procedure, which could include certain job-related tests of physical agility and strength. (Inquiry No. 92-4290)

ANNEXATION--Do the county land use regulations apply to a subdivision if it is annexed to the city after preliminary plat approval?

Yes. The vesting rights statute for sub-divisions requires that the city apply the county land use regulations in effect at the time a fully completed application for preliminary plat ap-proval was submitted to the county. RCW 58.17.033. This would cover all county zoning regulations, such as setbacks, maximum lot coverage and so on. For further information see the general discussion that appears in Information Bulletin No. 465, "The Effect of Annexation on Vested Right". (Inquiry No. 92-4051)

BACKGROUND CHECK--May city make criminal background check of reserve fire department applicants?

Yes, in our opinion, it may. Generally employers are limited in the type of pre-employment inquiries that can be made as to an applicant's arrest and conviction record. Law enforcement agencies are exempt from such restrictions. A firefighter is a "police officer" pursuant to RCW 19.27.031(3) and may arrest pursuant to RCW 10.31.100; see also RCW 46.61.015. In our opinion, a firefighter would be a "law enforcement officer" for purposes of the state discrimination laws, and thus inquiries as to his or her arrests and convictions would be permissible. (Inquiry No. 92-3856)

BUSINESS LICENSE--May a city require a business license from a private business located on port property?

Yes. We are not aware of any provision that would exempt a private business from obtaining a city business license just because they are located on port property. The requirement for a business license would seem to apply to all private businesses, even if located on govern-mental property. (Inquiry No. 92-3925)

COUNCILMANIC VACANCY--Who fills a councilmanic vacancy if there is not a quorum in a town?

The Office of the Governor would have to fill the vacancy so that a quorum exists to fill the rest of the vacancies. See RCW 43.09.010(2).

For code cities there is a specific state statute which applies. RCW 35A.12.050 provides that the remaining members of a city council may appoint persons to fill councilmanic vacancies even if the membership is reduced below the number required for a quorum. This means that the Office of the Governor would not need to be contacted to fill a vacancy on the council in a code city unless all of the councilmembers resigned and there were no remaining councilmembers at all on the council. (Inquiry No. 92-3929)

EMPLOYMENT--May city hire applicant who applied for position after "cut-off" date?

Yes. There is no state law that specifically tells cities how to conduct their employment selection process. There is no requirement that the city advertise, nor that applications be accepted only during a limited, specified time period. Unless the city council has adopted hiring procedures providing otherwise, nothing would prohibit the receipt and review of a "late" application; the only violation would be of an informal, self-imposed rule. Presumably the city could reject all of the candidates from the original pool, and then just hire whomever it wished. The only thing the city cannot do is to discriminate based on certain factors, such as race, marital status, and age. If all of the candidates who submitted applications after the cut-off date are screened and treated equally, there would not appear to be any discrimination. (Inquiry No. 92-3147)

FLSA--Do hours worked include sick leave days for overtime calculations under the FLSA?

No. For overtime calculations, the FLSA does not include as working time hours where the employee is compensated but does not work, such as sick leave days, vacation, holidays, jury time and so on. The forty hours must be hours actually worked before overtime applies. (Inquiry No. 92-3831)

ZONING--Must port comply with city zoning regulations over airport?

A review of the pertinent court decisions and statutory authority suggests that the city's zoning would apply. One's analysis should begin with a review of Everett v. Snohomish County, 112 Wn.2d 433, 772 P.2d 992 (1989) and its companion case Olympic View v. Snohomish County, 112 Wn.2d 445, 772 P.2d 998 (1989). In both cases, the court was asked to address the extent to which one government entity must comply with the zoning of another. After discussing four possible approaches to the question, the court adopted a legislative intent approach. Has the legislature expressed an intent as to where certain uses should be located or that local zoning should not control?

There is neither an intent indicated by the legislature that airports be located in any particular area, nor that cities be preempted from zoning airports or port district operations. A port district's power to acquire and operate airports is furnished by RCW 53.08.020, but that statute does not set any detailed standards as to where airports can or must be located. If anything, chapter 14.02 RCW seems to recognize the need to zone airports. Applying the legislative intent test, it appears that a city's zoning would control over a port district's plan to locate an airport. (Inquiry No. 92-4242)

From the Library ...

The publications listed below are available for two-week loan. Contact Lois Weed, MRSC Library, at (206) 827-4334.

Are you ready? Your guide to disaster preparedness, by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Washington, D.C.: FEMA, March 1992. 94 p. [PS 1.1000 A755 1992]

Customer service in local government: challenges for planners and managers, by Bruce W. McClendon. Chicago: APA Planners Press, 1992. 226 p. [PR 4.0000 C855 1992]

Enterprise zones: a cure for urban America, by the American Planning Association. Chicago: APA, June 1992. 2 p. APA Public Investment Series. [PL 0.0000 A6pi 6/92]

Growing greener cities: a tree-planting handbook, by Gary Moll and Stanley Young. Los Angeles: Living Planet Press, 1992. 126 p. [PL 5.7200 G775 1992]

Handbook on traffic mitigation: guidelines for local governments, employers, developers and multitenant building managers for implementing travel demand management measures. St Paul, Minn.: Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities Area, 1989. [UT 3.1000 H355 1989]

Improving local services through intergovernmental and intersectoral cooperation, by the Coalition to Improve Management in State and Local Government. Pittsburgh, Pa.: The Coalition, January 1992. 68 p. [IG 5.0000 I455 1992]

Local officials guide: goal setting--steps to progress, by John C. Darrington. Washington, D.C.: National League of Cities, March 1992. 30 p. [PL 1.4000 L655 1992]

LRT/land use coordination: the land use element of the Regional Transit Board's light rail transit coordination plan. St. Paul, Minn.: Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities, 1990.82 p. [UT 4.2000 L755

NOT in our backyards: community action for health and the environment, by Nicholas Freudenberg. New York: Monthly Review Press, 1984. 304 p. [PL 8.3710 N655 1984]

Preparing for Economic vitality: a guidance document for including Economic considerations in local comprehensive plans,prepared by Forward Washington. Tacoma, Wash.: Forward Washington, Feb. 19, 1992. 14 p. [PL 6.2000 P755 1992 **]

Public works management practices, compiled by Hilary Green, Rita E. Knorr, and James D. Thorne and Advisory Committee members. Chicago: American Public Works Association, August 1991. 126 p. [PW 1.0000 P865 1991]

Solid waste contract negotiation handbook, prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) by Bureau of Governmental Research, University of Oregon. Washington, D.C.: U.S. EPA, May 1992. 76 p. [UR 3.2100 S755 1992]

Water quality: urban runoff solutions, written by Laurel Berman, Connie Hartline, Nancy Ryan, and James D. Thorne, P.E. Chicago: The APWA Research Foundation, May 1991. 58 p. [US 5.0000 W3851 1991]

Workbook for preparing or updating a master plan and/or preparing a growth management plan, prepared by Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. for Michigan Society of Planning Officials. Rochester, Mich.: Michigan Society of Planning Officials, March 1992. [PL 8.6200 W655 1992]

Resource Sharing - The Washington Cities' Information Partnership

Copies of the following items are available from MRSC's library. Should your city or town have a publication, new service, or procedure that can be shared with other municipalities, please provide information to MRSC for inclusion in the next issue of the newsletter.

From Bellingham - Visions for Bellingham, a 12-page newsletter describing the vision and goals drafted by delegates to Visions for Bellingham.

From Blaine - A six page brochure describing the city including geographic data, utilities, communications, educational facilities, community facilities, annual festivities, local government ser

vices, business financing data, foreign trade zones, banks, realtors, leasing contacts, Economic development, and city staff contacts. A questionnaire drafted to stimulate ideas prior to neighborhood meetings to discuss traffic, land use, city services, and possible actions the city could take to address concerns.

From Everson - A questionnaire, Looking Ahead, was furnished to city residents to assist in the comprehensive planning process. The questionnaire contains 31 items of both a general and specific nature about the city.

From Mercer Island - A field guide to Mercer Island's critical areas, February 1992.

From Olympia - The city has initiated two innovative projects with a long-term global perspective. The sustainable city project was started Earth Day 1991 as a follow-up to the Washington Environmental 2010 Action Agenda. A global change climate project completed its first phase with the adoption of a Six Year Plan March 17, 1992. Publications include:

City of Olympia's Response to the Challenge of Global Climate Change: Background Report to the Olympia City Council, December 1991.

City of Olympia's Response to the Challenge of Global Climate Change: Final Report of the Global Warming TaskForce to the Olympia City Council, December 1991

City of Olympia, Washington Testimony Public Hearing on the Earth Summit, November 13, 1991

First Steps Toward a Sustainable Community, June 1991.

Olympia Sustainable City Program: Overview, December 18, 1991.

From Port Angeles - Personnel policy and procedures manual, 1992.

From Poulsbo - Interim capital facilities plan, June 1992.

From Prosser - Personnel policies prepared by the Personnel Committee of the City Council, July 1992.

From Redmond - Welcome to Our Community. A brochure providing a profile of Redmond, structure of city government, hearing from citizens, advisory boards and commissions, organizational chart, functions of city departments, city council meetings, guide to outside services, and a brief history of Redmond. A Guide to Services in Redmond lists telephone numbers for city services as well as services provided by other government jurisdictions. The reverse side of the page lists areas where citizens can participate in city government.

From Snohomish County - Residential development handbook for Snohomish County communities: techniques to increase liveability, affordability and community liability, May 1992.

From Tumwater - Legal Opinions of the City Attorney dating from 1990 and City of Tum-water polices and Procedures dating from 1986.

From Vancouver - Local residents can receive timely details on City of Vancouver news and events by calling Info-Line, The Columbian newspaper's 24-hour phone-in information service. Callers dial up the Info-Line then enter the city's four digit extension. The city line provides council agenda roundups, special event details, meeting announcements, hearings, neighborhood activities, and other city related news. The city updates its information weekly or sooner, if need arises. Though free to the user, the city pays a charge of $150 per month. For further information contact Marilyn Westlake, City of Vancouver Community Resources & Public Information, (206) 696-8222.

From Yakima - City Annual Report to the Community which is published in the local newspaper in July. A Service Request Form used for citizen questions or complaints. One copy is sent to the appropriate division or department and one copy to the administrative assistant to the city manager who follows up with the division/department and citizen. Three videos: Assessing Your Irrigation Rates, Yakima Transit: Downtown Transfer Center & Downtown Trolleys, and Visioning Yakima 2010.

From The City/County Managers' Show and Tell Session, 1992 WCMA Summer Conference at Sun Mountain, August 21, 1992

  • Bothell - Public information brochure describing city departments and services; Declaration of Community Values Regarding Racial Harassment

  • Clallam County - Economic Development Strategic Plan for the Years 1992-2020

  • Clyde Hill - "View Protection Ordinance"

  • Fircrest - Vegetation Collection Program

  • Kennewick - Police Merchant Alert enrollment information; Fire Department Self-Inspection form; Radio Communication: The Kennewick System

  • Kirkland - Employee Transportation Management Program; Hazard-Free Community Program; "Over-the-counter" Municipal Bonds; Employee Survey

  • Marysville - Adopt-a-Street program forms; Seniors Against Crime brochure

  • Ocean Shores - "Adopt a Fire Hydrant Program" brochures

  • Renton - Volunteer Yearbook: 1991-1992

  • Richland - Public Works Department Local Improvement Direct Petition forms; Outline of Richland's Environmental Quality Program (REQP)

  • Tumwater - Annexation Cost/Benefit Analysis; Interim Impact Fee Program; Growth Management Act Work Program

New Ordinances Received by MRSC

The Center's library prepares a monthly list of recently enacted ordinances received from cities and towns. For a copy of ordinances listed here or the complete list, call the MRSC Library at (206) 827-4334.

CIRCUSES, CARNIVALS, FAIRS - Lynnwood Ordinance No. 1906 regulates temporary special events, circuses, carnivals, and parades in the City, and amends municipal code. Passed 7/92. (LR 7.4500)

CONDUCT - PUBLIC OFFICIALS - Richland Ordinance No. 15-92 sets forth rules of conduct for public officials of the city, and adds new sections to the municipal code. Passed 5/92. (G 5.8000)

DENSITY - Langley Ordinance No. 623B establishes the method of calculating development densities, and amends municipal code. Passed 6/92. (PL 8.3500)

DESIGN REVIEW - MULTI FAMILY DEVELOPMENTS - Lacey Ordinance No. 944 adopts a design review process for multi family developments to encourage the development of visually sensitive developments; to encourage multifamily developments that will contribute to the stability and integrity of a safe and attractive neighborhood; to recognize that aesthetic considerations along with environmental review contribute towards an enhanced environment; and to recognize that aesthetic considerations are appropriate in order to protect property values of adjacent properties and to ensure that multifamily developments contribute to desirable neighborhood character. Passed 7/92. (HO 7.0000)

FARMLAND - OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION - Bainbridge Island Ordinance No. 92-14 relates to the protection and preservation of farmlands and open space, and establishes a program to purchase the development rights. Passed 6/92. (PL 5.2800)

GRAFFITI - SeaTac Ordinance No. 92-1025 provides for removal of graffiti from public and private properties, and creates a new chapter of the municipal code. Passed 6/92. (PS 7.1100)

HISTORIC BUILDINGS CODE - Black Diamond Ordi-nance No. 460 adopts the Washington State Historic Building Code. Passed 6/92. (C 5.1010)

HISTORIC PRESERVATION - Ritzville Ordinance No. 856 provides for the preservation of structures, districts and sites of particular age or historical significance, creates a historic commission and a register of historic places, regulates modifications and/or demolition of such historic features, and provides for monitoring of special property tax valuations of such places and properties. Passed 1/92. (PL 10.3000)

HISTORIC DISTRICT - Snoqualmie Ordinance No. 681 establishes an overlay zone for the historic districts of the city, establishes regulations for the historic districts, and adds a new chapter to the municipal code. Passed 2/92. (PL 8.3130)

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - SeaTac Ordinance No. 92-1024 creates a Human Relations Commission, sets forth membership requirements, responsibilities, and procedures for the Commission, and adds a new chapter to the municipal code. Passed 6/92. (H 5.1000)

IMPACT MITIGATION - SCHOOLS - Mukilteo Ordinance No. 716 provides for the mitigation of development impacts on schools and school districts, provides for school impacts to be considered in the approval of subdivisions and short subdivisions, adds a new chapter to municipal code, and provides for the amendment of the City's SEPA policies. Passed 4/92. (PL 7.4300)

PURCHASING - RECYCLED PRODUCT PREFERENCE - Mill Creek Resolution No. 92-150 encourages the purchase of re-cycled and recyclable products by the City, provides for a price pre-ference for recycled products, and establishes content standards.

Passed 6/92. (F 8.1100)

REIMBURSEMENTS - Edmonds Ordinance No. 2893 establishes a policy of the authori-zation of travel for city business and payment of related expenses, and amends municipal code. Passed 7/92. (PE 7.5300)

STREET UTILITY - Kent Ordinance No. 3034 establishes the existing street system of the city as a public utility, provides for the levying and collection of street utility charges, creates a street utility fund. Passed 4/92. (S 1.2500)

STREET VENDORS - Lynden Ordinance No. 910 establishes street vending regulations, and adds a new chapter to the municipal code. Passed 6/92. (LR 68.0000)

SUBDIVISIONS - RURAL - Kalama Ordinance No. 815 creates rural subdivision standards, and amends the City's subdivision ordinance. Passed 7/92. (PL 7.2000)

TEMPORARY BUILDINGS - Lynnwood Ordi-nance No. 1907 regulates the use of tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures used in connection with any temporary activity, and adds a new chapter to the municipal code. Passed 7/92. (C 5.1400)