Measure Information - King County

November 4, 2008 General Election

City of Mercer Island

60% yes vote and a minimum turnout of 3,676 voters (Wash. Const. art. VII, sec. 2(b)).

Proposition No. 1
General Obligation Parks and Open Space Bonds

The City Council of the City of Mercer Island adopted Ordinance No. 08-07 concerning a parks and open space bond proposition. This proposition authorizes the City to restore and improve Luther Burbank Park, improve existing parks and facilities, upgrade sportsfields, develop trails and upgrade swim facilities; to issue its general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000, maturing within a maximum of 20 years; and to levy property taxes annually in excess of regular property tax levies to repay such bonds. Should this proposition be:

APPROVED
REJECTED

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

If approved by voters, the proposition would authorize the City of Mercer Island to incur indebtedness up to $12,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance park improvements. This includes shoreline restoration, waterfront improvements, trail development, playground replacement and other improvements at Luther Burbank Park; ballfield improvements at South Mercer Playfields and Island Crest Park; trail development at Engstrom Open Space and other areas; development of a small dog off-leash area; swim beach improvements; and Mary Wayte Pool upgrades. Projects would be phased in over the next nine years beginning in 2009. To support the increase in operations and maintenance costs that will result from implementing some of the projects, an additional operations and maintenance measure will also be on the November 2008 ballot.

The project list was developed using a citizen-driven process. In 2007, the Mercer Island City Council appointed a Citizens Stakeholder Committee to develop a list of park projects that could be funded through a levy lid lift and/or bond levy. In addition, the Committee relied on park master plans, studies, staff expertise, and a citizen survey of 700 residents.

The bonds would mature within 20 years and be repaid by annual property tax levies in excess of regular property tax levies at an estimated average of 9.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. For the owner of an average valued Mercer Island home of $1 million, the estimated annual tax for the Bond is $94.44.

Statement For

The character of Mercer Island is enhanced by its parks, open spaces and recreational facilities. Luther Burbank, Pioneer and other parks provide for shoreline and forest walks, lake and wetland access and sporting and recreational activities including baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse plus music, theatre and many family and school activities. Opportunities are for all ages. But improvements are needed. The northern shore of Luther Burbank Park is eroding, ballfield demand exceeds availability and beach and playground equipment need improvements for safety and pleasure. A citizen committee representing broad Mercer Island interests identified needed improvements. These include shoreline restoration and waterfront, playground, wetland and dog off-leash improvements at Luther Burbank Park; playground upgrades (turf, lighting, and drainage) at the Sound Mercer Playfields and Island Crest Park; and trail and connection improvements at other swim beaches and a Mary Wayte Pool upgrade. Ordinance 08-07 finances these improvements through 20 year General Obligation Bonds not to exceed $12 million, ($94.44 annually for a $1.0 million home) which cover the full capital improvement costs. We urge you and all you know to support this Ordinance which will greatly enhance the livability and recreational opportunities for us all.

Rebuttal of Statement Against

The opposition fails to recognize the long-term needs of our parks. Finances are very important hence Proposition No. 1 which integrates projects in a timely and cost effective manner. The Opposition statement is self-contradictory referring to “surpluses” and “unprecedented burdens” without noting that one offsets the other. The language, such as “slush fund” and “well connected special interests,” is both inaccurate and unworthy. Vote “yes” for the future of Mercer Island.

STATEMENT PREPARED BY: Joe Wallis, Bryan Cairns, Julie Crow

Statement Against

These bonds create a parks slush fund to be used as the City Council dictates. The list of possible projects “may” or may not be constructed from this fund. The bond resolution language and Council discussion at its August 4^th meeting make clear that this and future Councils can do whatever they want.

In the 2007/8 biennium, the City funded a lighted, artificial field at the middle school and $1.3 million of Luther Burbank shoreline and dog-area improvements. The 2009/10 biennial budget now under consideration can be used for more lighted, artificial fields and park and dog-area improvements if the Council chooses. The City averages over $1 million of surplus per year with $1.5 million now uncommitted in the Capital Reserve Fund.

Islanders face unprecedented financial burdens: the $20,000,000+ sewer lake line, the massive $17.9 billion Sound Transit 2, tolling on I-90, and many others.

Now is not the time to pile on additional taxes for projects that should be funded from the City’s considerable resources. Rather than create a slush fund to satisfy well-connected special interests, if the Council believes a specific project cannot be funded, it should be placed on the ballot individually for a vote.

Rebuttal Of Statement For

On August 4th, Councilmember Grausz joked that the bonds were so vague they could fund a golf course in Pioneer Park! Bonds could fund lighted, artificial fields at Luther Burbank. Islanders have disapproved this Council’s “improvements.” If a project is too expensive to fit within the budget, it should be voted by an Island majority rather than included in a slush fund for the Council to choose. Visit www.livewithinbudget.org for additional details and documentation.

STATEMENT PREPARED BY: Marty Gale, Ira Appelman, Thornton Gale

Complete Text of Resolution

CITY OF MERCER ISLAND, WASHINGTON

ORDINANCE NO. 08-07

AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of Mercer Island, Washington, providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City at an election to be held on November 4, 2008, of a proposition authorizing the City to issue its general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $12,000,000 to improve, develop, construct and equip open space and park and recreation facilities, and levy excess property taxes in connection therewith.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mercer Island, Washington (the “City”) has reviewed the recommendations of the Parks Levy Stakeholder Committee for the improvement, development, construction and equipping of various City parks and recreation facilities (the “Park Improvements); and

WHEREAS, in order to provide all or a part of the funds to provide financing for the Park Improvements, it is deemed necessary and advisable that the City issue and sell its unlimited tax levy general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $12,000,000 (the “Bonds”); and

WHEREAS, the constitution and laws of the State of Washington provide that the question of whether or not the City may issue such Bonds be submitted to the qualified electors of the City for their ratification or rejection;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERCER ISLAND, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Findings. The City Council hereby finds that the best interests of the residents of the City require the City to improve, develop, construct and equip open space and park and recreation facilities identified in Section 2 below, at the time and in the order and in the manner deemed most necessary and advisable by the City (the “Park Improvements”).

Section 2. Park Improvements. The City shall provide funds for the Park Improvements within the City and identified below. The City’s share of the total project cost is estimated not to exceed $12,000,000. The Park Improvements may include the following:

• Luther Burbank shoreline restoration

• South Mercer playfields drainage, turf and lighting upgrades

• Island Crest Park ballfield turf upgrades

• Luther Burbank waterfront improvements

• Luther Burbank playground replacement

• Engstrom open space trail

• Small dog off leash area

• Luther Burbank swim beach improvements

• Luther Burbank north wetland and boardwalk

• Trail Enhancements

• Luther Burbank trail connections

• Other parks swim beach improvements

• Mary Wayte Pool upgrades

The cost of all necessary appraisals, negotiation, closing, architectural, engineering, financial, legal and other consulting services, inspection and testing, administrative and relocation expenses and other costs incurred in connection with the foregoing capital improvements shall be deemed a part of the capital costs of such improvements. Such improvements shall be complete with all necessary equipment and appurtenances.

The City shall determine the exact specifications for the Park Improvements as well as the timing, order and manner of completing the projects. The City Council may alter, make substitutions to and amend such project descriptions as it determines is in the best interests of the City and consistent with the general descriptions provided herein. The City Council shall determine the application of moneys available for the various Park Improvements set forth above so as to accomplish, as nearly as may be, all of the Park Improvements.

If the City Council shall determine that it has become impractical to acquire, construct or equip all or any portion of the Park Improvements by reason of changed conditions, incompatible development, costs substantially in excess of the amount of bond proceeds or tax levies estimated to be available, or acquisition by a superior governmental authority, the City shall not be required to acquire, construct or equip such portions. If all of the Park Improvements have been constructed or acquired or duly provided for, or found to be impractical, the City may apply the Bond proceeds (including earnings thereon) or any portion thereof to other park and recreation capital purposes or to the redemption of the Bonds as the City Council in its discretion, shall determine.

In the event that the proceeds of sale of the Bonds, plus any other money of the City legally available therefor, are insufficient to accomplish all of the Park Improvements, the City shall use the available funds for paying the cost of those portions of the projects deemed by the City Council most necessary and in the best interest of the City.

Section 3. Authorization of Bonds. For the purpose of providing all or a part of the funds necessary to pay the costs of the Park Improvements, together with incidental costs and costs related to the sale and issuance of the Bonds, the City shall issue and sell its general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $12,000,000. The Bonds shall be issued in an amount not exceeding the amount approved by the electors of the City and not exceeding the amount permitted by the constitution and laws of the State of Washington. The balance, if any, of the cost of the Park Improvements shall be paid out of any other legally available funds. The Bond proceeds (and earnings thereon) shall be used to pay the costs of Park Improvements, together with incidental costs and costs related to the sale and issuance of the Bonds, and shall not be used for the replacement of equipment or for other than a capital purpose.

Section 4. Details of Bonds. The Bonds provided for in Section 3 hereof shall be issued in such amounts and at such time or times as deemed necessary and advisable by the City Council and as permitted by law. The Bonds may be issued in one or more series and shall bear interest payable at a rate or rates authorized by the City Council. The Bonds shall mature in such amounts and at such times within a maximum term of 20 years from date of issue of a series, all as authorized by the City Council and as provided by law. The Bonds shall be general obligations of the City and, unless paid from other sources, both principal of and interest on the Bonds shall be payable out of annual tax levies to be made upon all the taxable property within the City without limitation as to rate or amount and in excess of any constitutional or statutory tax limitations. The exact date, form, terms, maturities, covenants and manner of sale of the Bonds shall be as hereafter fixed by ordinance or ordinances of the City Council. After voter approval of the Bond proposition and in anticipation of the issuance of such Bonds, the City may issue short-term obligations as authorized by chapter 39.50 RCW.

Section 5. Bond Election. It is hereby found that the best interests of the inhabitants of the City require the submission to the qualified electors of the City of a proposition authorizing the City to issue Bonds for the purposes of funding the Park Improvements, at an election to be held on November 4, 2008. The Director of Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division, as ex officio supervisor of elections in King County, Washington, is hereby requested to assume jurisdiction of and to call and conduct the election to be held within the City and to submit to the qualified electors of the City the proposition hereinafter set forth.

The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed, not less than 84 days prior to such election date, to certify the proposition to the King County Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division in substantially the following form:

CITY OF MERCER ISLAND

PROPOSITION NO. 1

GENERAL OBLIGATION PARKS AND

OPEN SPACE BONDS

The City Council of the City of Mercer Island adopted Ordinance No. 08-07 concerning a parks and open space bond proposition. This proposition authorizes the City to restore and improve Luther Burbank Park, improve existing parks and facilities, upgrade sportsfields, develop trails and upgrade swim facilities; to issue its general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000, maturing within a maximum of 20 years; and to levy property taxes annually in excess of regular property tax levies to repay such bonds. Should this proposition be:

APPROVED? ..................|__|
REJECTED? .................. |__|

Certification of such proposition by the City Clerk to the Director of Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division, in accordance with law, prior to the date of such election, and any other acts consistent with the authority, and prior to the effective date, of this ordinance, are hereby ratified.

Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect five days after its passage, approval and publication as required by law.

PASSED by the City Council of the City of Mercer Island, Washington, at a regular open public meeting thereof held this 4^th

day of August, 2008.