Weekly Info Bulletins

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/28/05

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Thursday, 27 October 2005 17:00

October 28, 2005

WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN

To: Mayor and Members of the Council

From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Community Arson Meeting: In reference to the recent arsons, a meeting was held on October 24th at the Mt. Vernon Village Condos, with about 100 in attendance. LPD and Safe Streets participated. The fire department discussed how the fires occurred and the way they respond to fires. They then moved into fire prevention. The Police Department gave an update on our side of the investigation and then presented on crime prevention and safety tips.
Pierce County Responder Updates: The School Resource Officers have contacted all the Middle and Elementary Schools and updated the information currently on file for Pierce Responder, a work in progress with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The information was used in the two day meetings with Prepared Response. All schools are mapped and have tactical plans.
Tillicum/American Lake Gardens Community Service Center Anniversary: The city manager and LPD community resource officer attended the 20th anniversary celebration for the community center on October 28th. A number of present and past board members were present, and the City’s support for the community center was the subject of a number of appreciative comments.
Pumpkin Patch: The Lakewood Pumpkin Patch was held last Saturday, at the Lakewood Fire Station 2-1 on Steilacoom Blvd. Lakewood Police participated in the event. There was a lot of fun for all of those who attended. The attendees were able to go around to different booths, learning about fire safety, boating safety, 911, and child passenger safety. The Pierce County Child Passenger Safety Team was present, conducting a free car seat check.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/21/05

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Thursday, 20 October 2005 17:00

October 21, 2005

WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN

To: Mayor and Members of the Council

From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys: The WSAMA Conference was attended by Heidi Wachter, Rocio Guerra and Mike McKenzie of the Legal Department on October 12-14, City Attorney Heidi Wachter was asked to chair a task force to review the Attorney General’s draft model rules on public disclosure and also serve on a committee to revise the publication of the public law ethics primer. She has also been appointed editor of the land use section of a model forms book being produced by MRSC.
Project Update: Sentinel Dr / Steilacoom Blvd / 87^th Ave (Western State Hospital – LID 1102: This project was let out to bid on October 18th, with bid opening scheduled for November 1st; it includes street frontage improvements (primarily curb & gutter and sidewalk) on Sentinel Dr and 87th Ave and street and pathway lighting improvements along Steilacoom. Because the street and path lighting system utilizes significant amounts of PVC conduit, which is in short supply due to major manufacturing facilities being destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, Public Works was considering temporarily shelving the project. After further consideration, Public Works decided to bid the project to evaluate the bidding climate. If bids come in extremely high, we may choose to reject all bids and hold the project until next Spring.
Tillicum After School Program: This program, which combines academics, fitness and fun, will begin on Halloween, October 31st. Tillicum students are referred to the program by their teachers. The program is a result of the collaboration of Communities in Schools, the USDA snack program, the Clover Park School District and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. It features a one hour classroom session that emphasizes reading and math skills and a follow-up recreation session that incorporates the skills practiced in the classroom.
Woodbrook Late Nite Program: This popular Weed & Seed funded program presented in conjunction with the Parks & Recreation Department will begin October 21st. Open to Woodbrook Middle School students only, this program provides a fun, safe environment where they feel welcome and can enjoy recreational activities. Registration is required through the school office.
Schooner’s Tavern: LPD has been working with the Schooner’s Tavern on a Voluntary Crime Prevention Plan. The cooperation with Schooner’s has been extraordinary and it has proven to help reduce violent and general calls for service at the facility during this time frame, and Schooner’s manager has become co-chair of the Lakewood Police Bar Owners Association. This is an example of cooperative work with a business in ensuring that the owners, management and employees understood and implemented the “Raising the Bar” best practices.
LPD “Play of the Week”: Last weekend, LPD received information that a Lakewood prisoner serving time at Wapato Jail had escaped by walking away from a work crew. The escaped prisoner had been seen at Meadow Road. Officers responded, but he had left the area. Later, information was received that he was possibly hiding out at a house in Lakewood located on 78th St West. Several officers responded but learned they were about an hour late. Surveillance was also set up at the escapee’s mother’s house in Lakewood, where his truck was parked in front and word was that he had been trying all day to get the keys to the truck. Later units converged on the 78th St West address and located the escapee in the carport; he was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Pierce County Jail for Escape 1st degree.
Public Works Grant Applications submitted (all listed in the 6-year TIP):

Safe Routes to Schools Program – Lochburn Middle School: The City supported Clover Park School District’s application for this grant which will include: a) sidewalks along one side of 86th Street SW from Bridgeport to Lochburn; b) yellow flashing lights along Steilacoom Blvd.; and c) educational materials and resources for encouraging safe walking and bicycling to school. The City dedicated $50,000 toward this project as designated in the 6-Year TIP (2006-2011).
South Tacoma Way / 88^th Street Intersection and Corridor Safety Program: The City applied for funding to provide modifications to this intersection including driveway relocation to line up with the existing 3-legged signal. Other signal and access control improvements are proposed. The City anticipates matching funds to come from the adjacent property owner who approached the City in helping provide such improvements.
Motor Avenue / Whitman Avenue Intersection and Corridor Safety Program: The City of Lakewood applied for funding to construct a 4-leg mast-arm traffic signal at this intersection. This intersection has historically been the City’s top accident location. The traffic signal will provide a controlled intersection and be consistent with the adjacent signal system through the Central Business District (CBD).
Custer Road / John Dower Road Intersection and Corridor Safety Program: The City of Lakewood applied for funding to provide protected left turn pocket and signalization on Custer Road.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/7/05

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Thursday, 06 October 2005 17:00

October 7, 2005

WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN

To: Mayor and Members of the Council

From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Steilacoom Lake Public Meeting: City staff will participate in LSIC’s public meeting on October 11th at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers to discuss the framework for an aquatic vegetation management plan for Steilacoom Lake. This cooperative effort is part of the recently-approved agreement with LSIC.
Domestic Violence Healing Field: In honor of Washington residents who have lost their lives to family violence, The Lakewood Partnership Against Domestic Violence and the Business Masters Exchange Club of Pierce County presented a “Domestic Violence Healing Field” on the grassy area adjacent to City Hall on October 3-5, 2005. A brief dedication ceremony was held on October 3rd in the Council Chambers.
LPD Officers assist Puyallup Police Shooting Investigation: Puyallup Police officers became involved in a shoot-out with two burglars in their city on Friday, September 30th in the afternoon. As part of the Crime Response Unit agreement between our two cities, Puyallup requested assistance with their investigation. LPD detectives headed to the scene immediately, followed by two LPD traffic unit members with the “Total Station” mapping instrument. Leadership from the Puyallup Police Department has thanked LPD for all of our assistance and praised their work.
LPD officers on the radio. Angel Figueroa and CSO Melissa Wagner spoke at a Spanish radio spot on 1360AM Radio Sol, about the relationship between the Lakewood Police and the Latinos of the Lakewood Community and the collaboration between the two groups. They also addressed the need for Latino Youth in our Lakewood Police Explorer Program, and attended the Spanish Mass at St. Francis Cabrini on October 2nd.
Loss Prevention Meeting Recap: On September 28th, the Lakeview District NPO and CSO held a Loss Prevention meeting for the large businesses and Property Managers in the Lakewood Towne Center. We had 20 attendees representing 15 businesses. Topics included: Business Crime Trends, Preparing for the Holiday Season, and the issues included in the Crime Free Business Catalog. We received positive feedback from the attendees, with a firm commitment to meet quarterly. A phone tree will be put in place by November 1st, for businesses to share information as crimes and suspicious circumstances arise.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/14/05

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Thursday, 13 October 2005 17:00

October 14, 2005

WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN

To: Mayor and Members of the Council

From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Construction Update: Street improvements (LID 1103) at the Pacific Hwy and Gravelly Lake Drive intersection began this week. Construction is scheduled to last approximately one month. The project includes the installation of street pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks and one street light along the Pac Hwy/Gravelly Lake Dr frontages of the Union 76 gas station/mini-mart. Also included are curb radii and related sidewalk improvements on the northwest corner.

The Lakewood Water District has started a water main upgrade project on Pacific Highway from Bridgeport Way to 112th St. The project is estimated to last 3 months. Their work is the result of a coordinated City/District effort to minimize future dig-ups of the City’s pending the Pac Hwy reconstruction improvement project.
Planning Advisory Board: This week the Planning Advisory Board conducted a kick-off meeting regarding work release and essential public facilities, with about 40 people in attendance. The public participation plan was reviewed, along with proposed timelines, and growth hearings board decisions regarding work release. Attendees included citizens from both Steilacoom and Lakewood, and representatives from the Steilacoom City Council, the Historical Steilacoom School District, Department of Corrections, Keep Lakewood and Steilacoom Safe (KLASS), and Progress House.
Colonial Motel: With the combined support of the Lakewood Fire District, LPD, the State Department of Health, and the State Department of Labor & Industries, the City’s Building Official declared the Colonial Motel unsafe this week. Inspections revealed numerous and imminent life safety violations which compelled the immediate closure of all commercial/residential operations. Both the City’s Building Official and the State’s electrical inspection field supervisor caused power to be disconnected because of imminent fire and shock hazards. About 60 tenants were affected by this action, and were assisted in relocation by the City’s human services staff along with local volunteers. A very special thanks go to Martha Larkin, Melissa Cordeiro, the Lakewood Area Shelter Association (LASA), representatives from the Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities (TACID), and Network Tacoma.
American Lake Boat Launch: The City of Lakewood received notice that we may receive a $600,000 state grant to redevelop the boat launch located at American Lake Park. Site improvements will include demolishing and removing the structures on the property, adding parking, redoing the circulation pattern to open up access to the three launch ramps, adding transient dock facilities and other park amenities. Total project estimate is $800,000. The American Lake Improvement Club donated $5,000 towards the project. Staff is looking for additional resources to fund the remainder of the project. Our intent is to begin construction in late spring and finish before the summer boating season.
Walk Across Washington: Lakewood was one of92 cities participated in the Association of Washington Cities’ Walk Across Washington, with 69 walkers including 50 staff members. Our walkers ranged in age from babies in strollers to active older adults from the Lakewood Senior Center, and they walked together from City Hall to Active Park on Wednesday at noon. This walk kicked off a six week walking program which challenges everyone to continue a commitment to physical activity.
Closure of Papayas: A notice and order to revoke their business license for one year was served October 10th on the Papaya tavern on South Tacoma Way, due to on-going criminal activity. The owners have 10 days to close the business or request a hearing.
Gang Training at Clover Park High School: LPD has prepared a gang training presentation for CPSD staff and will present it at the High School this week for the first time, as a prelude to training in both high and middle schools.
Police Chief speaks to Neighborhood Meeting: On October 3rd, Chief Saunders was the speaker at a neighborhood association meeting at the Lakewood Oaks Development, with about 20-25 people present. Chief Saunders spoke about goals including responsiveness to speeders and property crime.
First meeting of the Regional Vice Task Force: Representatives from LPD, Fife PD, King Co Sheriff, the PC Health Dept, Safe Streets, attended the first meeting of the Regional Vice Task Force in Fife this week. The intent is to follow these strategy sessions with a multi-jurisdictional prostitution emphasis each month. The task force will conduct its first full operation in November. The first John School will also launch in November.
Chiefs meet with Ft Lewis commanders: Lakewood Police Senior Leadership held a successful meeting on October 12th, with Colonel John Lehr, commander of the 2 Cavalry Regiment, LTC Alfredo Mycue, his 2nd Squadron commander, and their Command Sergeants Major of the 2nd Calvary Brigade to discuss cooperative programs to ensure the safety and discipline of soldiers and their families while in Lakewood.
WSP Meets with LPD: Thursday, October 13th, Lakewood Command Staff met with Lieutenant Julie Johnson of the Washington State Patrol and two of her command Sergeants to discuss State and City law enforcement cooperation.
Patrol Play of the Week: On October 8th, at 0549 hours Sgt. Kolp, Officers Wurts, Wiley, and Herritt were dispatched to a possible vehicle prowl in progress at 8308 Berkley Street. The reporting party indicated she had witnessed two subjects break the passenger side window of a vehicle and were stealing multiple items. The officers observed a subject inside the vehicle. That subject was immediately taken into custody and search incident to arrest showed the suspect had possession of the victim’s credit card. After securing that subject, the officers began looking for the second subject, who was located in some nearby bushes and also had possession of several of the victim’s items. The charges include Theft 2nd, Theft 3rd, Vehicle Prowling, Malicious Mischief 3rd and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon. Another great example of Lakewood’s Finest!
Special Olympics Final Talley: The funds raised from LPD’s four Special Olympics fund-raisers in 2005 exceed $5,000, gaining us honor unit recognition. The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference will be held this month in Minneapolis. Honor agencies are allowed one member to attend at conference expense; Sergeant Alex Kasuske led our effort and will represent us.
Diversity Grant. Thanks to a Diversity Grant from the Association of Washington Cities, interested employees attended two workshops on September 29th. . Participants in the first class, You and Your Cultural Awareness, learned how cultural norms affect the workplace, and The Gender Communications Differences workshop promoted the best possible communication and understanding between men and women in the workplace.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 9/30/05

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Thursday, 29 September 2005 17:00

September 30, 2005

WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN

To: Mayor and Members of the Council

From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

100 Best Communities Recognition: Lakewood was recognized nationally as one of 100 best communities for young people, along with Pierce County, by America’s Promise. We now have a chance to become a finalist in the next competitive selection process.
AWC Regional Meeting: Councilmember Thomas, Candice Bock, and the city manager attended the AWC regional meeting on September 28th in Tacoma. Topics discussed included legislative priorities and the apparent resolution of the streamlined sales tax proposal controversy between impacted and non-impacted cities.
Progress House alternatives: The mayor and city manager participated in a discussion at the County Executive’s office concerning the feasibility of locating the Progress House work release program at the county jail.
Executive Assistant Charleen Jacobs: The City wished Charleen well on her last day, September 30th, as she prepares for a new job challenge at Tacoma Public Utilities. She will be missed. Diane Jensen of the City Attorney’s office will be acting Executive Assistant starting October 3rd.
Economic Development Update: Economic development administrator Hannan met with staff this week from Rushforth construction to update them on current and potential development and construction opportunities in Lakewood. City staff has held a half dozen briefing and city updates with other Pierce County engineering, investment and construction companies.
Certified Local Government: On September 22nd, the US Department of Interior approved the City’s Certified Local Government (CLG) application. CLG status allows the City to apply for historic preservation grants. Many types of projects are eligible for funding. By way of example these include staff work for historic preservation commissions, preparation of preservation plans, publication of historic sites inventories, and development of publications for walking/driving tours, and rehabilitation or restoration of properties individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Morningtree Apartment Shooting: On September 20th, Lakewood Police held a Community Meeting at the Morningtree Park Apartments in reference to the shooting that occurred there on September 3rd. A total of 31 people attended the meeting. Citizens were pleased and their concerns calmed. We gave them the opportunity to provide input on the police response and all were impressed with how quick officers arrived and how well they performed their job.
Community Policing Teams Attend Safe Streets “Community Asset Mapping Workshop”: On Saturday, September 24th most of the Neighborhood Police Officers, Community Service Officers, District Administrators, and a healthy dose of Blockwatch leaders attended a workshop devoted toward learning how to identify and mobilize resources in neighborhoods for safety and improved quality of life. The workshop was sponsored by Safe Streets, and provided a wealth of useful information and techniques for community mobilization.
North East District Community Policing Strategy Workshops are happening on September 29 and early October: As part of developing a “resident-driven” community policing strategy for the North East District (LD03), LPD and Safe Streets co-hosted a community workshop on September 29. Over 50 people attended. The workshops focus are to collect feedback about desired community policing priorities, as well as to identify district residents who are willing to “roll up their sleeves” and pitch in to achieve solutions to these priorities.
Lakewood Economic Development and Police Staff Attend 10^th Annual “Tae Kwon Do Day” festival: Assistant Chief Dave Hall, Officer Austin Lee, and Economic Development Administrator Joe Hannan were recognized at the 10th annual Tae Kwon Do Day festival, which was held on Saturday evening, September. 24th.
Adult Family Homes Update: The Planning Advisory Board conducted a public meeting on September 28th to review the uniform permitting, inspection and enforcement procedures for residentially based, personal care and business activities located in residential zoning districts. About 100 interested persons were present at the meeting. Written comments were received from DSHS, and a representative of adult family home interests. The PAB also considered the establishment of a task force to evaluate 11 specific topics related to adult family homes and group homes. Many of these have broad public policy implications, namely dispersion and spacing requirements with built-in exceptions for reasonable accommodation, developing reasonable accommodation guidelines, and the use of financial subsidies as a tool to disperse residentially based personal care facilities. Once the board finalizes its recommendations, they will be forwarded to Council.
Work Release/PAB Update: On October 12th, the Planning Advisory Board will conduct a kick-off meeting regarding land use regulations related to work release facilities within Lakewood. This meeting is part of the adopted public participation plan approved by the city council. Those attending will be provided with a history leading up to the current moratorium as well as an explanation on land use and public involvement. An initial contact list has been prepared and will be expanded upon in the coming months.