Accomplishments
New Burke-Gillman Bike Trail Tunnel
Here are some of the things I have accomplished as a member of the city council team:
Improving Kenmore Parks, Trails and Open Space
- Added a new 47- acre park on Swamp Creek, for open space, trails and natural habitat
- Supported acquiring “Twin Springs” Park (the current Brightwater site)
- Improved Log Boom Park; new playground, restroom and Kenmore Heritage history walk
- Supported Rhododendron Park improvements, including a new restroom facility
- Voted to continue subsidizing the Carole Ann Wald Pool at 25K annually
- Working on connecting parks, trails and open space for a more walkable city.
Protecting the Character of our Single Family Neighborhoods
- Updated “infill” regulations to address citizen concerns about big houses being built on small lots, very close to existing homes. Increased minimum lot sizes, side and back yard set backs.
- Changed the tree regulations to give developers more incentive to retain existing trees and to require more replacement trees in new subdivisions.
- Supported 35 foot heights along 181st in the community business zone.
Stewarding our Environment
- Revised the tree ordinance, increased the tree density required for replanting by 50%.
- Represent Kenmore on the Salmon Recovery Council ( WRIA8)
- Applied for and received 80K in grants to support salmon habitat restoration in the new Swamp Creek Park.
- Included a rain garden, vegetative roof and solar panels as demonstration projects in the new city hall building.
- Passed an updated Critical Areas Ordinance, which establishes setbacks and buffers for wetlands and other critical areas.
- Opposed building a ball-field in Wallace Swamp Creek Park.
Revitalizing our new “Main Street”
Some of you may be thinking “Does Kenmore have a main street?”
- 181st Street is becoming Kenmore’s new main street. 181st is going to have a new fire station, library, city hall and relocated post office. Sidewalks and trees are part of the plan, with some diagonal parking in front of a new revitalized Kenmore Village.
Advocating for Safer Roads for Cars, Bikes and Pedestrians
- The biggest mess and frustration most of us deal with every day is the work on highway SR 522. The construction is a big hassle, but the improvements are needed to increase safety and reduce accidents on SR 522.
- Supported building the Burke-Gillman Trail Bike tunnel under 73rd Avenue NE to separate bikes from cars and dump trucks!
- Advocated for installing a light at the intersection of 181st and 61st. (still working on funding)
Promoting Kenmore’s Economic Health
- As a councilmember, I voted to make economic development a top priority for Kenmore. Since then a citizen advisory committee has been working on developing an economic plan to promote Kenmore and bring new businesses to our city.
- Voted for construction of a new city hall building, the bids came in 5 million dollars under budget!
Increasing Citizen Participation and Communication
- I am a stong believer in giving citizens an opportunity to participate in government and as a member of the city council, have appointed at least a dozen citizens to various boards and commissions.
- Since I have been a councilmember, I have had a part in establishing a Library Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Public Art Committee, Shoreline Citizens Advisory Committee and an Economic Development Committee.
- Other ways I have increased communication are: updated city website, electronic news letters and options to subscribe to email updates through the new city website.
- I also personally publish a news blog on Kenmore at http://Kenmoreblog.net to answer the question “What’s Happening in Kenmore?”
- I seek out different community groups to gain a broad range of perspectives on issues, and meet regularly with Kenmore citizens to discuss their concerns and ideas.
Building Community through Special Events
- Among the many Kenmore special events, one that I initiated was the Fourth of July Fireworks display. I love the Fourth and felt that since there is a ban on personal fireworks it makes sense to have a local public display over the lake.
- A new special event will be Jack V. Crawford “Courtesy is Contagious” day October 24, in memory of Kenmore’s first mayor who passed away last December. My hope is that it will be a wonderful reminder of Mayor Crawford’s legacy of courtesy in Kenmore.
Serving as Kenmore’s representative on:
- Eastside Transportation Partnership (alt)
- WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council
- Northshore Parks and Recreation Service Area
- Kenmore’s Library Advisory Board
- previously served on the Executive Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council
Dennis Mendrey
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
June 8th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Dear Councilwoman Laurie Sperry,
I am glad you have chosen to re-run for another term. I see you as someone concerned with our environment and how it effects our quality of life in Kenmore.
Since my family and I moved to Kenmore almost 15 years ago we continue to still hear “Oh! Kenmore”, “Someday Lakepointe” and “if we can just get rid of the concrete plant”. I believe all three of these comments originate from our lake front industrial complex, viewed by over 50,000 car a day along Hyw. 522. With the concrete plant being the center and focal point that negitively effects Kenmore’s lack of economic growth, because of it’s environmentally hazardous pollutants to our community. I also believe for most of Kenmore north of the plant we are tired of the cities lack of environmental action and resolve to change this adverse condition. If someone were to chose to run on a platform of environmental soundness they would have a very large constituents behind them, to win and more importantly change how most see Kenmore.
Working together toward a better Kenmore,
Dennis
[...] have almost four years of experience on the Kenmore City Council. I have a proven record of accomplishments as a [...]
[...] have almost four years of experience on the Kenmore City Council. I have a proven record of accomplishments as a [...]