MICEC to close during city drill | City briefs

Published 10:32 am Tuesday, August 18, 2015

MICEC to close during city drill

On Thursday, Aug. 20, city staff, first responders, School District officials and regional agency partners will conduct a training exercise at various locations on the Island, including Lakeridge Elementary, City Hall, and the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC).

The MICEC, the North Luther Burbank Parking lot, Lakeridge Elementary, and the 7200-7800 block of 84th Ave S.E. will be closed on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Signage will be posted on the south end to detour Island Point residents eastbound on S.E. 78th to Island Crest Way.

Building on a two-year exercise plan named “Operation Safe Community,” this year’s full-scale exercise will simulate an act of violence in a school. Mercer Island Police and Fire, School District and City staff, and regional partners, will all test their response capabilities.

If any residents have any questions or concerns regarding this practice event, please contact City of Mercer Island Emergency Preparedness Officer Jennifer Franklin at 206-275-7905, or jennifer.franklin@mercergov.org.

Residents asked to conserve water

Seattle Public Utility (SPU – the provider of Mercer Island’s water supply) raised the water conservation stage to “Voluntary” from “Advisory.”

Based on continued hot weather, SPU believes additional conservation measures are now merited, including: letting lawns turn gold and go dormant, reducing the length of showers and turning off water features and fountains.

Officials also recommend continuing the following practices: watering plants and gardens before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m., washing only full loads of laundry and dishes and checking toilets for silent leaks.

See more tips at www.savingwater.org.

Update: Based on continued hot weather, SPU believes additional conservation measures are necessary to ensure adequate supply through the end of summer.

SPU recently elevated the water conservation status to “Voluntary” from “Advisory.” The next stage is “Mandatory.”

The city has already let most non-essential areas begin to turn gold and go dormant, and more conservation measures are underway.

Metro’s In Motion coming to MI

Since 2004, King County Metro’s In Motion Program has helped over 20,000 people in 32 King County neighborhoods increase their use of travel alternatives.

Collectively, these projects have saved 148,430 gallons of gas and kept more than 1,400 tons of climate-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

In mid-September, King County Metro will be partnering with Mercer Island to invite residents to learn more about their transportation options.  By participating in this free program, you and your neighbors will learn about new ways to travel around the Island (and beyond) by bus, bike, foot, or carpool. Prizes and rewards are also part of the program!

Check your mailbox for information coming soon, or visit the program online.

If you’d like to learn about driving a Metro-provided carpool van, and getting a reserved parking space at the North Mercer Way Park & Ride, email vanpool@kingcounty.gov or call 206-625-4500.