Weekly Info Bulletins

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 7/23/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 23 July 2010 15:07

July 23, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Road Closure: 100th Street SW will be closed beginning Friday, July 23rd, at 8:00 p.m. and will re-open Saturday, July 24th, at 6:00 p.m. Transportation Systems, electrical sub, will be there as well, connecting the span wire and hanging new signal heads Saturday (tentative 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.). Our signal techs have been asked to put the signal on time in case loops are damaged during grinding and paving. An officer and flaggers will be on-site both days.
Sounder Rail Project Update: Starting on Monday, July 26th, Sound Transit's contractor will start the final reconstructing of the 108th St rail road over crossing. This reconstruction work will be done at night. The crossing will be closed to all traffic during the work hours which will start Monday night at 8:00 p.m. and continue to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. The nightly closures will continue through the rest of the week, through Friday night. Upon opening the crossing Saturday morning at 5:00 a.m. all the road improvements should be complete.
Pierce County Flood Control Zone District update: Eleven "invocations of jurisdiction" were filed at the Boundary Review Board at Pierce County questioning the boundaries of the proposed Flood Control Zone District. They include: Bonney Lake, Eatonville, Edgewood, Fircrest, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Key Peninsula Parks District, Milton, Peninsula Metro Parks District, Steilacoom and University Place. In addition, Roy submitted an opposition letter but did not actually file. In terms of process, the hearing will be scheduled for October at the earliest.
Police and CSRT attend LAAPAC event at Springbrook Park: On July 17th, CSRT members joined by Lakewood Police Officers and Explorers attended the annual Lakewood African American Police Advisory Committee (LAAPAC) "Come Out and Play" sports event at Springbrook Park. They played T-ball, basketball, soccer and also enjoyed a barbeque with about 30 neighborhood children.
Shoreline Master Plan: The Community Development Department held the first of ten public meetings to discuss the Shoreline Master Plan Update on July 20th. The intent of the meeting was to begin discussions with the residents living along the shoreline of Lake Steilacoom in addition to individuals who have expressed interest in the City's shoreline update process. About 450 notices were sent out in addition to notices posted. A total of 20 individuals attended to discuss many shoreline related topics, including maintenance of vegetation, state and federal regulations, bulkheads, nonconforming uses and structures, and impervious surface standards and setbacks. Three additional workshops are to be conducted for properties adjacent to Chambers and Clover Creek (August 12), Lake Louise and Waughop Lake (August 19) and American Lake (August 17). A workshop for property owners who reside around Gravelly Lake will also be scheduled. Upon completion of these meetings, the City's consultant will complete a Draft Shoreline Master Program for the public and governmental agencies to review and comment.
Lakeside Country Club Proposals: On July 21st, the Hearing Examiner held a public hearing for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. The applicant, Lakeside Country Club, is located on the north shore of American Lake and has proposed to make modifications to a legal nonconforming community dock. If approved, they would be allowed to replace their existing dock with a twelve (12) slip dock at a distance of 150 feet from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM). Twenty-nine people were in attendance for the public hearing. The Examiner now has 14 calendar days to render a decision. Upon receipt of this decision a 21-day appeal period will begin with the Department of Ecology.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 7/16/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 16 July 2010 14:42

July 16, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Railroad Crossing Closure: On Friday, July 23rd, starting at 8:00 p.m. and through Saturday, July 24th, to 6:00 p.m., the 100th Street RR crossing will be closed as Sound Transit's contractor will be removing the old rail along with grinding and asphalt patching.
Lakewood Legacy Plan Kicks Off: This week, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department kicked off the development of the Lakewood Legacy Plan, a long-range strategic park and recreation master plan, which will address the park and recreation needs of our community for the next 20 years. The plan will include community needs and issues, long-term direction, vision, mission, goals and priorities, near-term strategies and priorities for programs and operations, level of service standards for parks, maintenance and program services and implementation issues, such as partnerships, capital needs and potential funding sources. The new ad hoc committee called the Legacy Team, will be comprised of agency representatives, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members, city staff, individual residents and users of our programs and facilities. Legacy Team members will provide input and advice, and bring to the process experience and knowledge in the areas of park maintenance, recreation programming, transportation and trails, sports, special needs, human services, arts, cultural diversity, the environment, health and wellness, military and education.
CSRT Presentations: On July 8th, CSRT members presented to the Lakewood Family Support Center, where they discussed the Support Center as a resource, and on July 13th, Lt. Mauer made a presentation to the Clover Park Kiwanis about CSRT. The audiences were open to learning more and potentially assisting with the CSRT community service project, which is currently under development.
Port of Tacoma CEO reception: The mayor and city manager attended a Port-sponsored reception for its new CEO, John Wolfe, on July 13th in Tacoma. The Port has financially supported the City's Woodbrook business park feasibility study, and that matter will be further discussed with them in the near future.
CSRT and Senior center staff attend class on Hoarding: On July 1st, CSRT members along with Senior Center staff, attended a training class on hoarding, hosted by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. The training focused on various issues facing hoarders and resources available to assist in these situations.
Magazine Soliciting Complaint at Motel: CSRT responded this week to a complaint that there were magazine solicitors working out of a local motel, which was also the site of a fraudulent magazine soliciting business last year. CSRT members met on site and counseled the motel owner to observe warning signs when renting to these types of tenants. The owner reported 49 people occupying 26 rooms at the motel. The team contacted the owner of the soliciting business at his motel room. LPD officers and two Building Inspectors joined in the inspection. The sales owner had converted his motel room into an office and was given a criminal misdemeanor citation for operating a business without a business license. The Building Inspectors posted a stop work order on the motel unit for the illegal change of use of a motel room. The co-owners of the solicitation company checked out of the motel on the same evening and the rest of the employees checked out the following day.
Police Annual Award Ceremony: The Lakewood Police Department held its annual award ceremony on July 15th in the City Council Chambers, with about 150 officers, employees, volunteers, and family members in attendance.
Commissionings
- Lieutenant Jeffrey Alwine
- Lieutenant Christopher Lawler
- Sergeant Andrew Gildehaus
- Sergeant Steve Parr
- Officer Keith Czuleger
- Officer David Teves
Medal of Honor
For the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duties on November 29, 2009, the following officers were awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumous):
- Sgt. Mark Renninger
- Officer Tina Mae Griswold
- Officer Ronald W. Owens, Jr.
- Officer Gregory Richards
Purple Shield
- Officer Scott Novasky- for life-threatening injuries sustained in a serious traffic accident.
Life Saving Award
- Sgt Mark Eakes and Officer Jeff Martin - for rescuing a suicidal woman.
- Officer Arron Grant, Officer Gene Sievers, and Officer Jeremy James - for rescuing a suicidal woman.
- Officer James Lofland - for talking down and rescuing a suicidal man.
Medal of Meritorious Service
- Officer Jeffrey Carroll- for working tirelessly in supporting the department's CALEA accreditation.
Police Chief's Commendation
- Officer Adam Leonard - for his observation skills, attention to detail and thorough follow-up that led to the apprehension of an armed robbery suspect.
- Reserve Officer Dennis Folk and Reserve Officer Dale Thomas - for taking time off from their regular jobs to assist the department during the tragedy in late 2009.
- Lieutenant Alexandra Kasuske - for her work with numerous agencies to obtain all the funds available for the families of the fallen officers.
- Officer Tim Borchardt, Officer Karen Herritt, Officer Noah Dier, Officer Skeeter Manos, and Officer Brian Wurts and the Police Chief's Citizen Commendation to Mike Jankelson - for setting up the accounts to collect donations from the public for the families of the fallen officers.
- Officer Karen Herritt and Investigator Shirley McLamore - for their untiring effort, skilled investigative work and quick-thinking in apprehending a purse snatcher.
- Officer Jason Catlett - for his initiative, motivation and determination to establish a new procedure for search warrants.
- Investigator Brian Danley, Investigator Jon Waller, Investigator Andy Hall, Investigator Matt Brown, Investigator Jason Catlett and Detective Matt Renschler - for their investigation of a large scale Heroin Drug Trafficking Organization which brought the case to the Federal level.
- Investigator Rick Barnard - for his work to apprehend two bank robbery suspects and to recover the stolen money.
Police Chief's Citizen Commendation
- Michelle Fearings of State DRS - for processing the paperwork to ensure the four families of the fallen officers received all the benefits that were due.
- Ron Messenger and Dan Lasham of Mountain View Cemetery - for their exceptional compassion, consideration and concern for the families of the fallen officers, for police personnel and others around the world.
Core Values Award
- Officer Jeffrey Carroll- for taking the lead in coordinating the Lakewood Police attendance, participation, and representation at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. in May 2010.
Presentation of Accreditation Certificate
- Recognition for Chief Bret Farrar and Officer Jeff Carroll for their role in achieving full professional accreditation for the Lakewood Police Dept.
Medal of Valor
- Officer Brian Wurts- for attempting to rescue a suicidal man.
- Officer Andrew Hall - for stopping a fleeing suspect.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 7/2/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 02 July 2010 14:41

July 2, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Summerfest a Huge Success: We estimate about 11,000 attendees at the City's 9th annual Summerfest in Fort Steilacoom Park on June 25-26-27. There was a Junior Boot Camp on Friday, which included crafts and scavenger hunt, sponsored by City recreation staff and Army Strong. Saturday was the main day, with a KIDZ zone, petting zoo, live entertainment on two stages, and a car show and motorcycle rally. Over 100 vendors participated, including a number of community agencies. The Community Safety and Resource Team (CSRT) staffed a booth at which team members spoke to citizens about a variety of safety issues and district contact information. On Sunday, over 300 people ran in a 5K run sponsored by Army Strong. The Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department had the support of a number of partner agencies and departments in managing a very successful event.
AWC Annual Conference: Lakewood was represented at the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) annual conference in Vancouver WA on June 23-25, with the city manager and communications director Jeff Brewster, and also Council Members Mary Moss and Walter Neary, who was a speaker in a session on social media. AWC represents all 281 cities and towns in Washington State, and provides legislative support, professional development and training, as well as insurance services. Other conference workshops included sessions on economic development, health care, labor relations, photo enforcement, and "the new normal" with the changed economic conditions.
WCIA conducts annual City Audit: The City's insurance provider, WCIA, conducted their annual audit of our liability and property insurance claims. The City has just completed one year in the risk pool and as our data collects over a longer period, we will compare our claim loss to other comparable entities to identify any areas we could improve. Each year a different department is selected to undergo an in-depth review of current practices. The purpose of this audit is to determine where the City may be at a higher risk for liability/potential law suits. This year the Human Resources Department was selected. There were 326 processes, forms, or policies evaluated. The Human Resources Department had an above average audit which resulted in a few minor issues to be addressed.
Pacific Neighborhood Association Update: City staff attended the Pacific Neighborhood Association on June 29th at the Garden Park Apartments in Springbrook. Speakers included State Rep. Steve Conway from the 29th District as well as Larry Saunders from the Lakewood First Lions. Communications director Jeff Brewster spoke about the summer playground program at Springbrook Park, which is sponsored by Lakewood First Lions, St. Leo's Food Connection and Lakewood Parks & Recreation. They work together to bring lunch and activities to the children in the neighborhood from June 28th to August 19th - Monday through Thursdays. CSO Gail Conelly talked about the importance of Block Watch programs, as well as Fireworks Safety, and Vehicle Prowl/Theft Prevention. A new Secretary and Member at Large were selected by the members. The next general meeting will be held on August 31st.
WSDOT kicks off Advisory Committee: In regards to the Point Defiance Bypass project, WSDOT officially launched this week the first meeting of both the Executive advisory committee and the technical advisory committee, which include representatives of the City as well as other entities. The City's scoping letter raises issues related to land use, traffic and circulation, safety, noise and vibration, economic development, and environmental justice. The environmental assessment process is estimated to take 12-18 months.
Tacoma Metropolitan Development Council Housing First Program in Lakewood: CSRT, Human Services staff, and asst city manager Dave Bugher met with representatives of the Tacoma Metropolitan Development Council (MDC), to share information and learn more about MDC's Housing First program in Lakewood. The meeting was very productive and a new partnership was established. City and MDC staff are excited about MDC joining Lakewood's growing collaboration of enforcement and human services agencies. This group is developing an increasingly comprehensive approach to community safety and to ensuring Lakewood's most vulnerable citizens have access to safe, secure housing and human services.
Travel writer features Lakewood: Jim Moore, travel writer and his photographer spouse Pam, toured Lakewood on June 30th and July 1st. They played golf at Chambers Bay golf course, toured Thornwood Castle and Lakewold Gardens and enjoyed a personally guided tour of American Lake and Fort Steilacoom Park with Mary Dodsworth and Ellie Chambers-Grady. The tour arrangements were coordinated in advance with the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau and City of Lakewood Staff. The La Quinta was generous in hosting them. The article highlighting great tourism attractions in our area will appear in the Oregonian.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 7/9/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 09 July 2010 16:23

July 9, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Freedom's Crossing Presentation: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Garrison Commander Colonel Thomas Brittain and Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) representative Joe Guiffreda gave an update on the JBLM Freedom's Crossing (Lifestyle Center) at the July 9th "Coffee with the Mayor". There were about 35 people in attendance, including business people who were able to get questions clarified about the JBLM proposal.
Senior Center Mystery Trip: Over 45 older adults from the Lakewood Senior Activity Center boarded a motor coach Wednesday, July 7th for a Mystery Trip. The group was surprised by our educational trip to the State Patrol Training Academy. It was very enlightening and the group has an even greater respect for our law enforcement. Staff and volunteers wore Lakewood Police Department Junior badges to show our support for our Police Department, but our tour guide promptly handed out Junior State Patrol Badges for everyone. The group enjoyed a lunch out on the town after our tour.
United Way develops program to serve families of soldiers: The city manager met with United Way CEO Rick Allen and Helen Myrick from the United Way of Tacoma-Pierce County to discuss a program proposal to focus about $5 million in federal funds to provide service to families of deployed soldiers. Our area's project would be one of two pilot projects in the nation, the other one in New Jersey.
Public records process review: The city manager and legal staff met with the president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government and the State Attorney General's ombudsman this week, to further improve the City staff's efforts to meet requests for public documents. The city manager also met with the publisher of The News Tribune last week to reiterate the City's commitment not only to comply with State law but to foster open government. The City continues its discussions with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to propose improvements to State requirements for handling public documents.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 6/25/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 25 June 2010 16:32

June 25, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

LPD Officers present at Regional Gang Conference: Officers Sean Conlon and Jeff Martin were key presenters at a regional gang conference in Tacoma. They taught gang history, conducting gang contacts and gang interviewing. Detective Paynter, a known regional Juggalo expert, presented information on that gang.
Lakewood Senior Center hosts Senior Market Voucher Program: The Lakewood Senior Activity Center partnered with Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care to help distribute Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers. The program is funded by the US Department of Agriculture, State of Washington, and Pierce County. The check vouchers are valid at farmers markets and provide fruits and vegetables for lower income seniors and supports local farming by increasing the use of these farmers markets and roadside stands. The Center distributed over 60 vouchers this year to seniors in our community.
Human Services, CSRT, and Community Agencies Working Together: Human Services collaborated with the Community Safety & Resources Team (CSRT) and several community partners including Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, Aging and Long-term Care, Adult Protective Services, Lakeview Light and Power, Lakewood Area Shelter Association, Good Samaritan Behavioral Healthcare Services and Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center to assist several citizens living in threatening conditions. Human Services was able to get the power restored to an apartment complex currently in foreclosure, whose residents had been without power for several days and provided support services to a woman who had become quite ill due to living conditions created by an extreme case of hoarding.
Lakewood Treasure Hunt Winners! Congratulations to Rose G. and Kiersten M. for finding the hidden medallion in the City's first treasure hunt. The first clue was published in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Summer brochure and the search was on. Clues were posted weekly on the city website to guide participants to the medallion. The winners won a variety of gift cards to local eateries and to REI. Go to www.lakewoodparksandrec.com to see all the clues (with answers) and a picture of the winners.
United States Honor Flag Presentation at LPD: As part of a three-day tour of Washington State, the United States Honor Flag was present for a ceremony at the Lakewood Police Department on June 21st. The ceremony honored Lakewood's four fallen officers and fallen service members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This one flag has flown over ground zero, police departments, military bases, fire departments, the US Capitol, US Presidential Libraries, US Military Bases in Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq and has flown with American pilots in combat zones since September 2001. The flag raising ceremony began at 3:30 PM and ended with the flag moving to the PD lobby, where it was under watch until 8:00PM. The public was welcomed to attend. Additional information about the United States Honor Flag can be located at www.ushonorflag.org.
Fir Acres Mobile Home Park update: The City met with the Fir Acres Mobile Home Park Homeowners' Association, their attorneys, and a representative of the Low-Income Housing Institute on June 23rs. The badly deteriorated park is in tax and mortgage foreclosure, with a trustee sale currently scheduled for August 20, having already been rescheduled twice. Proposed sales of the property have not succeeded. The current owner's failure to pay utility bills resulted in the power being temporarily cut off to the entire property last week. A receiver has now been court-appointed to collect rents and pay bills on behalf of the investors, but there is no single entity in a position to correct the park's deficiencies. City staff continue to monitor and assess the conditions.
Safety Patrol graduation: Sgt. John Unfred and CSRT member Dawn McGinnis participated in the graduation ceremony of the Safety Patrol at the Hope Academy. This was the last assembly of the year, and several awards were handed out, including 19 certificates to graduates. The Safety Patrol kids are out every day at 7:30am to help other children cross the street safely. The City officers received a warm welcome and were invited back to attend the swearing in of the next Safety Patrol.
Police Dept hosts Defensive Tactics Course: The Police Department hosted and instructed a regional defensive tactics field instructor course, which was 40 hours long and was attended by officers from Forks, the Liquor Control Board, Tacoma, Pierce Transit, and Federal Way. The course focuses on how to teach defensive tactics procedures. The DT cadre is completing its first field instructor course.