Mercer Island to host council candidate info session

Are you thinking about running for the Mercer Island City Council? Do you have questions about the position?

Join city staff from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on May 11 at City Hall to learn more about the the job description, and the unique role of the council member. Basic information about serving on the City Council is available at www.mercergov.org/Page.asp?NavID=3174.

To become a council candidate, you must complete and file a Declaration of Candidacy with King County Elections, meet the qualifications for the office at the time of filing, and be registered to vote in the city of Mercer Island. Online and in-person candidate filing starts at 9 a.m. on May 15 and ends at 4 p.m. on May 19.

Council to move meetings to Tuesdays

At its May 1 meeting, the Mercer Island City Council discussed amendments to its Rules of Procedure. The most significant change is that council meetings will move from Mondays to Tuesdays. City staff said the changes are projected to go into effect in September.

The council also decided to change its weekly agenda for meetings, adding a “City Manager Report” before appearances, which is a time when anyone can address the council. City Manager Julie Underwood said she would use that time to give general updates on city business, and potentially respond to comments made in appearances at the previous meeting.

The council also decided that each member will be responsible for picking up their meeting packets, which had previously been delivered by Mercer Island police officers.

For more, see www.mercergov.org/CouncilMeetings.

Char Fox scholarships now available for female students

Now in its second year, the Char Fox Girl Forward Award is available through Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) to an Island girl or woman (age 16 and up) planning advanced academic or vocational education.

The award of $1,000-2,000 will help a diverse group of women and girls who demonstrate a positive attitude and strong commitment to learning get a solid start in their careers by financing tuition, books or housing.

All applicants must be female, a resident of Mercer Island, and enrolled in either a vocational or academic program. Paper applications are available at the MIYFS offices in the Luther Burbank Administrative Building; the deadline is May 15.

For questions or applications, contact Cheryl Manriquez, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services coordinator, at 206-275-7869 or cheryl.manriquez@mercergov.org.