1) The city council is figuring out how to pay for two sets of EPA violations by Seattle Public Utilities, one of which is likely to cost ratepayers "millions of dollars over the next few years," according to city council member Tim Burgess.

In a testy exchange at an  environment committee meeting earlier this week, Burgess demanded to know how much the settlements with the federal government would cost citizens on their utility bills; when a representative from the city's law department said that information was unavailable, the committee refused to move on the legislation.

2) Seattle Port Commission candidate Tom Albro, who owns the company that runs the downtown Seattle monorail, has been endorsed by several legislative district groups—Republican ones. The 30th and 36th District Republicans have officially endorsed Albro (who reportedly confirmed he was a Republican at a West Seattle Democratic meeting last month ); additionally, former 46th District Republicans chair Lisa Bailey confirmed by email that the group had "recommended" Albro (they don't officially do endorsements) because he was the only Port candidate who bothered to meet with them.

3) Speaking of Republicans, two Seattle Republican groups (the 46th and 43rd Districts) will be holding their annual picnic in Gasworks Park next Tuesday. On the list of attendees: City attorney Tom Carr and mayoral candidate James Donaldson.

4) Although all five candidates at yesterday's CityClub King County Exec forum said they would not support any tax increase to pay for services, the acting KC Executive, former Ron Sims chief of staff Kurt Triplett, just proposed exactly that—a $30 million sales tax increase that would go before voters in November. The PostGlobe's Kery Murakami has the scoop .

5) Speaking of the KC Executive forum, I promised yesterday that I'd announce a winner. I take it back: Looking over my notes, no one won yesterday's debate , although Susan Hutchison did stand out with her Republican speaking points (the business and occupation tax is "a terrible burden on businesses"; the critical areas ordinance is "a thorn in the side of our rural residents) and constant sidestepping of direct questions (asked whether she's a Republican, she responded, "There are things in both parties that I agree with and things that I don't care about.")

Fred Jarrett and Ross Hunter gave almost identical answers to every question (not surprising, since they're close friends and ideological allies); Dow Constantine was less sleepy than usual; and Larry Phillips toned down his usual aggro approach (leaping up to answer questions, hollering defensively) to impressive effect.

6) Stephanie Pure—former aide to ex-city council member Peter Steinbrueck, onetime legislative candidate, current staffer for the American Institute of Architects, and a personal friend—is being confirmed by the City Council next week as a member of the Pike Place Market Historical Commission. Congrats, Stephanie!

This morning's Morning Fizz brought to you by  Candidate Survivor .