Mercer Island City Council schedules spring recycling event and blood drive in March

The Mercer Island City Council held a regular hybrid meeting on March 4, 2025, addressing several community initiatives and administrative matters. Key discussions included upcoming events, a successful job fair, and the appointment of a new member to the Arts Council.

City officials announced a spring recycling event scheduled for March 29, where residents can dispose of old appliances and household items. The Youth and Family Services (YFS) Foundation will also be present to accept donations. Additionally, a blood drive in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest is set for March 10 at the community center, encouraging community participation.

The meeting highlighted the success of the recent senior resource fair, which featured 55 vendors and was well-attended, according to Council Member Andrew. The event was supported by various local sponsors, including Aljoya and the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation.

In response to ongoing challenges in hiring seasonal staff, the city organized a job fair that attracted around 30 candidates, successfully filling vacancies in the utility team and progressing with interviews for parks and trails teams.

The council also addressed administrative matters, including the approval of the consent agenda, which encompassed payroll certifications and various agreements. A significant decision was the appointment of Katie Kratzner to the Arts Council, filling a vacant position through a voting process among council members.

The meeting concluded with a public hearing on interim regulations related to unit lot subdivisions, allowing community members to voice their opinions on the matter. The council remains committed to engaging with residents and addressing local needs through these initiatives.