Debbie Page Black Diamond City Council Position 7

08/22/2025

Dear Neighbors,

Tonight is my final council meeting representing each of you.

As I prepared for tonight, my heart is overflowed with gratitude and reflection.

For the past four years, serving on your City Council has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

When I first arrived in Black Diamond in 2019, I knew only one person. Today, I can walk through our neighborhoods, stop by the bakery, visit the museum, or stroll with my dogs, and everywhere I go, I'm greeted by friendly faces and warm smiles. This transformation from stranger to neighbor has been nothing short of magical.

You welcomed me with open arms and trusted me to champion, advocate, and fight for what matters most to our community. That trust has never been taken lightly, and representing each of you has been an absolute privilege.

As Black Diamond continues to grow and evolve, I encourage all of you to stay engaged, stay kind to one another, and hold onto what makes our city so extraordinarily special. Growth doesn't have to mean losing our charm, with enough people committed to preserving the essence of Black Diamond, we can embrace positive change while maintaining the heart and soul that drew us all here.

Thank you for the countless acts of kindness, for believing in me, and for creating a community where neighbors truly care for one another.

While my time in this role is ending due to relocating out of the area, my love for Black Diamond and its people will remain forever.

With deep gratitude and warmest regards,
Debbie Page
Black Diamond City Council Position 7

08/08/2025

Next week (Thursday) there is a Council Work Session regarding BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems).

I will be out of town for a client commitment and have submitted my opposition statement for BESS in Black Diamond to the City Clerk to be on record - this is more than a nimby statement.
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Statement Regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems in Black Diamond from Debbie Page, Black Diamond City Council Position 7

As a member of the Black Diamond City Council, I respectfully oppose the development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within our community based on the following concerns:

Inefficient Use of Valuable Commercial Real Estate

Black Diamond's limited commercial and industrial zoned land represents a precious resource for our community's economic development. BESS facilities, while requiring substantial acreage, operate as essentially unmanned industrial installations that:

Occupy large parcels of land with minimal productive activity

Generate no foot traffic or ancillary business opportunities

Preclude higher-value commercial or industrial development that could better serve our community

Fail to maximize the economic potential of strategically located business-zoned properties

Our scarce commercial real estate should prioritize developments that create vibrant business districts, attract complementary enterprises, and foster economic ecosystems rather than passive infrastructure.

Public Safety Considerations

Large-scale battery storage facilities present legitimate safety concerns that warrant careful consideration:

Fire Risk: Lithium-ion battery fires burn extremely hot, are difficult to extinguish, and can reignite days after initial suppression

Toxic Gas Emissions: Battery fires can release hydrogen fluoride and other hazardous gases requiring specialized emergency response capabilities

Emergency Response Challenges: Our local fire and emergency services may require additional training, equipment, and resources to safely respond to BESS-related incidents

Proximity to Residential Areas: The potential impact on nearby neighborhoods during emergency situations requires thorough risk assessment

These facilities demand robust safety protocols and emergency preparedness that may strain our current public safety infrastructure.

Limited Long-Term Economic Benefits

While BESS projects may generate substantial one-time revenues through development agreements or impact fees, they offer minimal ongoing economic value to our community:

Limited Job Creation:

BESS facilities require minimal ongoing staffing (we have heard from Aypa one person who would not be full time on site)

Most maintenance and technical work is performed by outside contractors

No meaningful contribution to local employment opportunities

Minimal Recurring Revenue:

Property tax revenue, while potentially significant initially, does not grow with community needs

No ongoing business-to-business relationships or supply chain benefits

No customer traffic or secondary economic activity

Opportunity Cost:

Space occupied by BESS could accommodate businesses providing dozens of permanent jobs

Lost potential for developments that generate ongoing sales tax revenue

Foregone opportunities for businesses that attract additional commercial investment

Conclusion

While I recognize the broader societal benefits of renewable energy infrastructure, Black Diamond must prioritize developments that align with our community's long-term economic interests and safety considerations. Our limited commercial real estate should be reserved for enterprises that create lasting employment opportunities, generate sustained economic activity, and enhance our community's vitality.

I believe our community is better served by maintaining the current moratorium on BESS facilities and focusing our economic development efforts on attracting businesses that will provide meaningful, long-term benefits to our residents and local economy.

07/25/2025

It was a great day for everyone!

07/24/2025

Here’s some family fun this weekend!

🔍 Don't forget! Lake Sawyer's First-Ever Scavenger Hunt IS This Saturday. We’re thrilled to launch an exciting new community tradition—our very first Lake Sawyer Scavenger Hunt!
🗓️ Saturday, July 26 | 10 AM – 5 PM

Whether you're competitive or just curious, it's the perfect way to enjoy a fun, float-filled day on the lake before the evening dock concert.

🧭 How It Works
This is not a timed race—you can start any time between 10 AM and 5 PM.

Complete creative challenges and answer trivia questions around the lake.

Each completed task earns entries into a prize drawing—the more you complete, the better your chances to win!

💡 Tip: A motorized boat may help you get around faster, but paddleboards, kayaks, and floaties are all welcome.
Just remember to follow Boat Fast Hours Rules!

Participating teams completing the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a Lake Day Gift Basket worth $130! The prize includes $50 in local gift cards, two Hydroflask insulated tumblers donated by Kelly Latte's, and some other essentials for a fun day at the lake.

☕ Haven’t checked out Kelly Latte’s new spot by the Lake Sawyer Grocery Store yet? Now’s the perfect excuse! Swing by, fuel up, and join in the hunt. It’s a great way to explore, connect, and maybe even win big!

🕙 The hunt goes live SATURDAY at 10 AM, July 26!
To join in, simply scan the QR code above. You’ll be prompted to download the Actionbound app, which will guide your team through the scavenger hunt once it’s live.

⏱️ Plan for about 1.5 hours to complete all the challenges—perfect timing before the evening concert!

🚨 Important: Be sure to include your dock number in your team name so we can easily contact prize winners after the event.

❓ Have Questions? Reach out to Emily at 253-653-1675 or Kathy at 425-417-8992.

Let the adventure begin! 🔍🌤️

Let’s make some memories—see you on the lake!

07/19/2025

One of the best days in the City of Black Diamond!!

The grand opening and dedication of the KJ Gardner skate park!

Thank you to everyone who played a part in the creation of this beautiful asset and special thanks to our Public Works department and Grindline Skateparks!

Ride On! 🛹

07/14/2025

Today the city lost a gem. Condolences to all who loved him.

City of Black Diamond Mourns the Passing of Former Mayor Howard Botts

It is with deep sorrow that the City of Black Diamond joins the family, friends, and community in mourning the passing of Howard Botts, who died on July 14, 2025, at the age of 94.

Howard Botts dedicated more than two decades of his life to public service, including serving on the City’s Planning Commission, and an extraordinary 27-year tenure as Mayor of Black Diamond. His steadfast leadership, integrity, and commitment to the community left a lasting impact on the city he loved and served so faithfully.

Mayor Botts was widely respected by colleagues and community members alike. His vision and dedication helped shape Black Diamond into the place we know today. He will be deeply missed.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who were touched by his life and legacy.

-Carol Benson, Mayor, City of Black Diamond

07/14/2025

See YOU Saturday!!

◆Please join the City of Black Diamond in celebrating the grand opening of KJ Gardner Skatepark!◆

The grand opening event will take place on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at 11:00am at KJ Gardner Skatepark, 32298 Railroad Ave. See you there!

06/30/2025

Join us for the KJ Gardner Skate Park Grand Opening!! July 19 11am!

Please join the City of Black Diamond in celebrating the grand opening of KJ Gardner Skatepark!The grand opening event w

06/27/2025

Of all the decisions and love that I’ve put into this position- THIS is the one that is legacy building.

Tonight we officially proclaimed the new skate park as the KJ Gardner Skate Park and it was such a full circle moment to have his mom there.

I remember when this project was just getting started and I met with her and a couple of other residents and the impact it left.

Please save the date and join an epic celebration on July 19th at 11am at the KJ Gardner Skatepark Grand Opening and Dedication!

The city will be providing additional details soon. 🛹

06/22/2025

We stopped tonight and pressed our faces to the fence to see how close we are.

The Mister is pals with some peeps close to the creation of this project so it’s been fun on a thousand levels to watch.

My heart swells to think of all the fun to come here.

The city is working on the formal announcement - but save the date - July 19th - (I’m impatient and and an entrepreneur we just kinda get things done🤪) for the formal dedication and grand opening.

🛹