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January 20, 2006

Dear Neighbor,

I know you have had problems with power outages recently. I want to keep you up to date on what is happening, why it is happening and how we are working with Seattle City Light to resolve the issues.

I understand there were four power outages between January 1 and January 10, 2006, and that two of these were for extended periods of time. From what we have learned from Seattle City Light, the outages have been caused by a variety of reasons: a fallen tree from private property, fallen limbs from trees in the right of way and an equipment failure at a transformer that could have been caused by a fallen limb.

There has been an increase in the amount of tree related damage for several reasons.

The recent rain has made trees more susceptible to wind damage and because of the amount of water surrounding the root systems. ·
Many of the trees in your area are Alders. Alders have a life span of about 50-60 years, and many of the alders in our City are approaching this age.
In the past few years windstorms have been less severe than usual, leaving more limbs on the tress for a longer period of time.
In 2002 Seattle City Light reduced its tree-trimming budget. This resulted in a disruption of the usual four-year trimming cycle. However, in 2002, over 2 million dollars was put back into the tree-trimming budget and Seattle City Light is back on schedule.

Seattle City Light is trimming trees in NE 197th street. In addition, Seattle City Light is identifying trees with damage adjacent to the power lines and these trees may be removed. The utility has the authority to remove trees that are dead or dangerous on or adjacent to the right of way. Seattle City Light has sent notices to homeowners requesting the right of entry to private property to examine trees. Homeowners along the street are being very cooperative. The City has requested Seattle City Light to provide
the City with a site plan identifying the damaged and removed trees.

Several residents have asked if Seattle City Light is neglecting Lake Forest Park. Seattle City Light has assured us this is not true and that the City being treated the same as all other service areas. We have been told that the Lake Forest Park sections within SeattleCity Light were redesigned and rebuilt in the 1970’s after purchase from Puget Power and are the same as the rest of the system.

What should you do if you have a power problem? The best contact is Seattle City Light Customer Service (206) 684-3000. Call this number if you have a power outage or if you see anything that may cause a power outage including overhanging branches, or leaning trees.

I will be meeting face to face with Seattle City Light staff to insure that we maintain our working relationships, identify ways to minimize or eliminate the causes of outages and discuss ways to improve information to our citizens and Seattle City Light customers. I will keep you posted on the progress of those discussions.

Together we can keep the lights on.

January 1, 2006

Happy New Year!

I am pleased that the City budget passed. The City is in sound fiscal shape and I anticipate this year will be filled with exciting prospects. The budget includes sewering unsewered areas, NE 178th corridor safety improvements, continued work on the Town Center, and the Burke-Gilman Trail.

More information on the budget is available at http://www.cityoflfp.com/city/budget/default.html.

I hope you will join me in welcoming the new City Councilmembers at their inauguration on January 9 or at the first Council meeting on Thursday, January 12.

I want to remind you that there are several tax assistance programs. This is especially important for working families who may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. If you think you might be eligible, visit a community tax preparation site at Hopelink in Bothell, the Lake Forest Park/Shoreline Senior Center or the Shoreline Library. There will be more information on the City website and at City Hall.


	January, 2006: Letter to Residents: Power Outages 2006 City Budget Update Inauguration of City Councilmembers From the Computer of Mayor Dave
	January 20, 2006 Dear Neighbor, I know you have had problems with power outages recently. I want to keep you up to date on what is happening, why it is happening and how we are working with Seattle City Light to resolve the issues. I understand there were four power outages between January 1 and January 10, 2006, and that two of these were for extended periods of time. From what we have learned from Seattle City Light, the outages have been caused by a variety of reasons: a fallen tree from private property, fallen limbs from trees in the right of way and an equipment failure at a transformer that could have been caused by a fallen limb. There has been an increase in the amount of tree related damage for several reasons. The recent rain has made trees more susceptible to wind damage and because of the amount of water surrounding the root systems. · Many of the trees in your area are Alders. Alders have a life span of about 50-60 years, and many of the alders in our City are approaching this age. In the past few years windstorms have been less severe than usual, leaving more limbs on the tress for a longer period of time. In 2002 Seattle City Light reduced its tree-trimming budget. This resulted in a disruption of the usual four-year trimming cycle. However, in 2002, over 2 million dollars was put back into the tree-trimming budget and Seattle City Light is back on schedule. Seattle City Light is trimming trees in NE 197th street. In addition, Seattle City Light is identifying trees with damage adjacent to the power lines and these trees may be removed. The utility has the authority to remove trees that are dead or dangerous on or adjacent to the right of way. Seattle City Light has sent notices to homeowners requesting the right of entry to private property to examine trees. Homeowners along the street are being very cooperative. The City has requested Seattle City Light to provide the City with a site plan identifying the damaged and removed trees. Several residents have asked if Seattle City Light is neglecting Lake Forest Park. Seattle City Light has assured us this is not true and that the City being treated the same as all other service areas. We have been told that the Lake Forest Park sections within SeattleCity Light were redesigned and rebuilt in the 1970’s after purchase from Puget Power and are the same as the rest of the system. What should you do if you have a power problem? The best contact is Seattle City Light Customer Service (206) 684-3000. Call this number if you have a power outage or if you see anything that may cause a power outage including overhanging branches, or leaning trees. I will be meeting face to face with Seattle City Light staff to insure that we maintain our working relationships, identify ways to minimize or eliminate the causes of outages and discuss ways to improve information to our citizens and Seattle City Light customers. I will keep you posted on the progress of those discussions. Together we can keep the lights on. January 1, 2006 Happy New Year! I am pleased that the City budget passed. The City is in sound fiscal shape and I anticipate this year will be filled with exciting prospects. The budget includes sewering unsewered areas, NE 178th corridor safety improvements, continued work on the Town Center, and the Burke-Gilman Trail. More information on the budget is available at http://www.cityoflfp.com/city/budget/default.html. I hope you will join me in welcoming the new City Councilmembers at their inauguration on January 9 or at the first Council meeting on Thursday, January 12. I want to remind you that there are several tax assistance programs. This is especially important for working families who may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. If you think you might be eligible, visit a community tax preparation site at Hopelink in Bothell, the Lake Forest Park/Shoreline Senior Center or the Shoreline Library. There will be more information on the City website and at City Hall.
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