I live in Brier, a small city in South Snohomish County, Washington State, I served on the City Planning Commission about 10 years a go and know quite a few of the citizens. We have lived here for 20+ years. It is a unique environment as we have only a 1/2 block business district and are virtually a community of single famiy houses on 1/4 acre or larger lots. It is semi-rural in the midst of a dense urban area. We have a horse arena in our city park. It was in disrepair about 10 years ago and my son took on it's renewal as his Eagle Project. It is now used and enjoyed by all of South Snohomish County as the only horse arena in the area. We have a six man Police Department and a new City Offices building was built about 4 years ago. Sounds great, and it is.... follow me below the fold.
I have heard through a very reliable source that our Mayor and City Council had taken steps to disband the Brier Police Department
I e-mailed our Mayor whom I am on a first name basis with. I told him that I had heard this information and was it rumor or true. His only reply to my e-mail (less than 10 minutes after I sent it) was "Who told you this rumor." Nothing else, nada.
I replied to his e-mail and told him I had overheard this conversation at a very well attended Community Night Out that happened this week. The person that was telling me this information is a very reliable source and would have reason to be in the know. No response, 2 days later and no response. I have since blanket e-mailed the City Council with this information. I have e-mailed the Mayor and said that his lack of response was disturbing and that I was taking this to be a confirmation of the information being at least partly true.
I have contacted about 20 people in the area and no one has heard about this, including former Council members. Every single person that I have talked to has been horrified and appalled at the prospect of losing our Police Department.
I have gone through the minutes of the City Council meeting and can find no discussion of this in any public meeting. There is one meeting where Executive session was called to discuss the Police negotiations. The meeting was opened and closed in the same minute. I am starting to think that this was an off the record decision, with no Public input or knowledge.
I am curious as to what the rest of you think. Am i over-reacting? Any suggestions on what to do next? There is a Council Meeting onTuesday and I know at least 20-30 people will show up with questions. Any other ideas would be welcome.