Over 50 guests attended a recognition event for volunteers serving on city boards, commissions and committees that was held Wednesday, January 31 at Ballinger Clubhouse.
A dinner prepared and served by city staff was provided to the volunteers who have served over the past year including members of the City Hall Advisory Committee, Arts Advisory Commission, Community Policing Board, Civil Service Commission, Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission (RPAC), and Neighborhood Parks Improvement Subcommittee (NPIS).
The Mayor and City Manager commenced the program by thanking the volunteers for their service. After dinner city officials shared the top highlights and achievements from the past year as well as stories about some of the long-term volunteers. Specifically recognized were Planning Commission Chair Alice Kier who has provided 25 consecutive years of combined service on the Planning Commission and Downtown Revitalization Committee. Alice took the opportunity to express her appreciation of the people in this community who have participated over the years.
Recreation and Parks Commissioner Keith Edholm was recognized with nearly 24 consecutive years on RPAC and it was noted that he and his wife Carol have been at nearly every park clean up and major city event during that time. Belinda Riba was recognized as a representative of the NPIS with about 22 years of consecutive service.
The program concluded by celebrating the passage of a bond measure to fund the Civic Campus project which includes a new City Hall and Police Station expansion. The City Hall Advisory Committee was included in the event this year for their tremendous work and community outreach to educate the public and receive input about the project. The measure received nearly 70% of the vote that required 60% to pass.
“The volunteers that serve on our boards, commissions and committees are the heart and soul of Mountlake Terrace,” stated Community Relations Director Virginia Olsen. “Many of them serve our community in so many ways in addition to the hours they devote on these boards. They make the City of Mountlake Terrace a wonderful place to live and to work and I can’t thank them enough for their service!”
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