July 5, 2023
City Council Reviewing Agreement for Regional Fire Services
Last month, the City Council directed the City Manager to begin negotiations with Eastside Fire & Rescue as part of the process to explore regional fire services for the Mercer Island community. City Manager Bon issued a letter to the community on Friday, June 30 outlining the latest progress, where an agenda bill and resolution for an agreement with Eastside Fire & Rescue will be considered by the City Council at this evening’s Council Meeting.  

If the City Council adopts the resolution in the agenda bill, and upon approval by the Eastside Fire & Rescue Board, the City of Mercer Island will formally enter into an agreement with Eastside Fire & Rescue for fire and emergency medical services. 

Read City Manager Bon’s letter for more information on this step in the process and why she believes this opportunity will enhance services for Mercer Island residents and businesses, reduce costs, and improve resources and opportunities for our firefighters. Islanders can watch this evening’s Council Meeting live or get updates on Council’s decision through the project’s Let’s Talk page.  
Additional I-90 Ramp Closures Taking Place
WSDOT is conducting several necessary ramp closures that will impact traffic flow on Mercer Island, including two closures this week related to the I-90 Sunset Creek fish passage project.

From 10:00pm to 5:00am overnight tonight, July 5, and tomorrow, July 6, the ramps from northbound and southbound I-405 to eastbound I-90 will be closed.
Islanders can get additional details on these closures using WSDOT’s Real-time Travel Map.
Don't Miss Summer Celebration
Mercer Island's largest event, Summer Celebration, is coming up on July 15! This year features the return of the community parade, live music, art vendors, kids' activities, community booths, food trucks, the signature fireworks show, and more. Mark your calendars and save the date!

Limited paid parking is available at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center as a fundraiser to support the event. Parking is $30 (pre-event) and $40 (day-of), with proceeds going directly to Summer Celebration festivities.

A special thanks to sponsors: Mercer Island Martial Arts, The Mercer Apartment Homes, Mercer Island Community Fund, The Park at Belle Harbour, ParentMap, Jake Jacobson, Windermere MI, and Luther Burbank Savings for supporting the event, and to Island Books, John L. Scott Mercer Island, and Island Treats for making the parade possible.
Plan for King County Metro Service Reductions
Starting September 2, King County Metro bus service Route 216 will be temporarily suspended as part of a broad service-reduction effort to relieve pressure on King County Metro’s workforce. Route 216 shuttles riders from Bear Creek, Issaquah, and Mercer Island to Downtown Seattle.

Metro is seeking to prevent last-minute cancellations and improve reliability for riders by ensuring staff are available for the highest-used routes. You can learn more on King County Metro's website.
Reminder: Apply to Serve on the Arts Commission
Help shape the future of the Island in unique ways by sharing your expertise or perspective on a Mercer Island board or commission. Currently, there is a vacant position on the Arts Council with applications to serve open now through August 25, 2023.

Candidates must be current residents of Mercer Island, unless otherwise specified by the Mercer Island City Code. Learn more about the Arts Council and how to submit an application on the City Website.
City Snapshot
Check out the latest from our official social media profiles:
Follow our official social media channels: