Thank you for reading Monroe This Week.

This week’s edition includes details on the Tri Monroe event and Fryelands Boulevard road closure tomorrow, an ARP success story featuring Miracles and Memories Academy, the Comprehensive Officer Resilience Program recently hosted at the Monroe Police Department, the recent feature of city parks in the newest edition of the Choose Monroe magazine, the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and a summary of the July 12 City Council meeting.

Please contact me with any and all feedback regarding the articles below. I can be reached at GThomas@MonroeWA.gov.

Yours in Service,

TRI MONROE EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE TOMORROW

The Tri Monroe Triathlon, hosted by Finish Strong Events, returns to Lake Tye Park tomorrow. This USA Triathlon (USAT) Elite Youth and Junior Cup event is also a West Coast qualifier. Junior athletes from countries all over the world come to Lake Tye to compete. Head to the event to watch some of the best junior athletes from countries all over the world compete.

ROAD CLOSURE REMINDER: Fryelands Blvd. will be closed between Tye Street and Currie Road from 6:30am - 3:00pm; a detour will be provided. 

ARP FUNDS SUPPORT FAMILY SERVICES TO THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

Miracles and Memories Academy is a family service center that provides respite care to individuals with disabilities. They also offer support groups for moms with special needs children, and Individualized Educational Planning (IEP) support for families that need help navigating the school district process. 

The City of Monroe was recently able to fulfill a portion of Miracles and Memories’ request for funds in round one of ARP applications. They had applied for funds to expand services and add before and after school childcare. Executive Director Tinna Pamanian shared that the funds they were awarded have made all the difference in being able to continue to serve their clients over the past six months. Clients and family members have shared with us at the City how much they value the services and programs provided by Miracles and Memories Academy.

The City of Monroe is grateful of the work of Miracles and Memories Academy to include individuals with disabilities and their families in our community in a meaningful way. I will share further stories of how ARP funds are impacting our community in future editions of Monroe This Week.

MONROE PD HOSTS OFFICER RESILIENCE PROGRAM

This week, the Monroe Police Department was hosted a Comprehensive Officer Resilience Program, attended by law enforcement professionals across Washington, the Northwest United States, and Canada. Several of our own Monroe Police Officers were able to attend the training, focused on training them to be stewards of health, wellness, and resilience to our organization, people, and community. The course, sponsored by the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. (FBINAA) is one of many premier training programs offered by FBINAA and we were fortunate to host them here.

LOCAL PARKS FEATURED IN CHOOSE MONROE

Have you read our article in the Choose Monroe magazine featuring Monroe Parks? We have 16 parks within city limits. Learn about what neighborhood park is closest to you, then stop by to help us celebrate Park and Recreation Month by creating a new park memory!

As I shared in a recent edition of Monroe This Week, the second feature article welcomes Modern Home Furnishings to Monroe, and includes a spotlight on Hispanic-owned businesses in our community. Check out the magazine for these articles and more, everything and all Monroe!

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE GOES LIVE

Beginning July 16, 2022, you can call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). It will be confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

You can dial 988 if you are having: thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. You can also dial 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 will not replace any crisis call centers in Washington state. It is an addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers. The current NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will remain active along with 988.

SENIOR CENTER RAINBOW BINGO TOMORROW

The Monroe Community Senior Center is excited to put the fun back in fundraising at Rainbow Bingo on Saturday, July 16 at 5:00 p.m. This 21+ event will include games, music, cash prizes, and loaded nachos to name a few things. Bingo packets will be sold at the door for $5 and beer, wine, and margaritas will be available for purchase inside. Get your tickets for this classic now at mcsc.org.

JUNE 12 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

The City Council met in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, July 12. The following items were discussed and acted upon during the meeting:

Announcements/Presentations:

• Lisa LaPlante, Chief Administrative Officer, and Megan Wirsching, Chief Nursing Officer, gave a presentation to review the state of EvergreenHealth Monroe, including: a brief history of Monroe facilities, the service area and governance of EvergreenHealth Monroe, and their systems and services. They also provided information on their behavioral health services, and programs that City ARP funding has supported.

Consent Agenda – items considered routine and approved by one vote:

• City Council Meeting Minutes for June 28, 2022
• Accounts Payable/ACH claims through June 22, 2022
• June 2022 payroll
• Resolution 2022-009 acknowledging and reaffirming the City's adoption of the 2021 update of the Snohomish County Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan
• Adoption of Ordinance 021/2022, extending for an additional one year period the temporary elimination of fees for certain permits associated with development in the downtown area
• Consultant Agreement with KBA for Madison Sewer Separation Project Construction Management Services
• Adoption of Ordinance 019/2022, amending Chapter 14.01 of the Monroe Municipal Code (MMC) Flood Hazard Area Regulations; updating the City's Floodplain Regulations in order to incorporate the new Community Rating System (CRS) Class 8 Prerequisite
• Resolution No. 2022-012, accepting notice of intention to commence annexation of a parcel commonly known as the Conner property

New Business – reviewed, discussed and approved the following item:

• Resolution No. 2022-010, amending the Cost Allocation Plan for Interfund Fees

Mayor/Administrative Reports:

• City Administrator Deborah Knight reported:
• August 2 meetings have been cancelled for National Night Out
• There will be a fireworks update at the July 26 meeting
• State legislators from the 12th Legislative District will be in Monroe on July 21 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Monroe Coffee Company
• The US-2 non-motorized path project has been delayed due to issues involving WSDOT and will not be completed by the Fair

• I reported:
• I am working with the VFW to coordinate a Purple Heart Flag raising event on Purple Heart Day, August 7
• Efforts that myself and the City can support to improve school safety and inclusiveness, and that I am working with the Monroe School District to that end
• I am working with staff on the planned fireworks update

Staff Reports:

• Public Works
• Parks
• Economic Development
• Human Services

The City Council will next meet in a Regular Study Session Meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person at City Hall and remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the July 19 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.