New appointments to Community Alliance in Sultan

The Sultan City Council has approved two new Sultan Community Alliance appointments.

Sultan Mayor John Seehuus recommended Brandon Lasby and Kelsie Kypreos for the five-year appointments, according to the city.

“I admire the community enrichment events that showcase our wonderful city,” Lasby wrote in his application. “It would be an honor and privilege to serve on the community alliance board.”

Former Mayor Carolyn Eslick started the group four years ago. She held a block watch and follow-up meetings, according to the city. She invited representatives from all local sectors.

“The Sultan Community Alliance came together out of community need,” according to a city news release. “In June of 2014, there was extensive public outcry over an increase in the homeless population, and what was perceived as a higher rate of petty crimes including car prowls and theft.”

The Sultan Community Task Force was formed first, and met weekly. Eslick eventually turned over the role to another community member, according to the city.

“Now known as the Sultan Community Alliance, the group has transitioned from reactive strategies to proactive solutions meant to build community,” according to the city.

Lasby has lived in Sultan for a decade. He and his wife are raising their three kids.

He received the city’s Volunteer Spotlight award in February, according to the release. Lasby is a member of the Sky Valley Pokémoners, which hosts cleanup efforts in Osprey Park, including an Earth Day event that earned Sultan the distinction of Washington’s only official Pokémon GO site.

Kypreos has spent her life in the Sky Valley. She has volunteered with the community alliance for two years.

“I feel passionate about the work the Alliance is doing, and would like to continue my involvement in a more official capacity,” she wrote in her application.

Kypreos has coached youth soccer and basketball, and volunteers for the Sultan School District and Monroe social services nonprofit Take the Next Step, according to the city.

Their roles as members are to make recommendations to the mayor and city council. They will work to represent their community, specifically to protect public spaces.

The alliance operates under the city’s nonprofit status umbrella, according to the city. It can accept tax-deductible charitable donations, and specific grants and contributions will be put into a separate designated account.

The Sultan City Council will review and approve all expenditures.

“I am delighted to have such engaged community members,” said Seehuus in the release. “Kelsie and Brandon will make excellent additions to the Alliance board and I am excited for what they bring to the table.”