News

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/15/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 15 October 2010 14:29

October 15, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Ground broken for Fallen Officer Memorial: Ground was officially broken on October 13th at the Lakewood Police Department for the Fallen Officer Memorial which is scheduled to be unveiled on November 29th, the one year anniversary of the death of our four fallen officers. The project will be completed with the generous donation of time, money, and supplies by ART Rasmussen Architecture, Porter Brothers Construction, and Quiring Monuments, as well as others.
Police attend opening of new "Real Time Crime Center": Lieutenant's Alwine and Lawler traveled to New York City this week to visit the New York Police Department's (NYPD) new $11 million Crime Center which is located adjacent to the Emergency Operations Center in Police Headquarters. The center will conduct rapid analysis of homicides and shootings citywide beginning July 18. The Real Time Center will track all crime and responses to it, providing a real-time picture of police resources and their availability throughout the city. This will be an important management and crime-fighting resource. The Lakewood Police Department was invited to participate in this invaluable opportunity by LESA and all expenses were included in the invitation.
Assistant Police Chief speaks at Tacoma Pierce County Chaplains Luncheon: Assistant Chief Mike Zaro spoke at the Tacoma Pierce County Chaplains Luncheon on Saturday October 9th. This annual luncheon is for all Chaplains in the Tacoma-Pierce County area and is held to celebrate those people who donate so much of their time and effort to help us and to help those who we meet during their darkest hours- our chaplains. Their services are an invaluable asset to every department and it was an honor to stand and personally thank them for all they do.
Legal Staff makes presentation to Pierce Transit Police Officers: On October 7, Assistant City Attorney Anita Booker-Hay made a presentation to Pierce Transit Police Officers. The presentation included tips about report writing, in court testimony and a criminal law update.
4th Stryker Brigade "Raiders" Uncasing Ceremony: The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Manager and Staff attended the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Uncasing Ceremony on Thursday, October 7 on Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). The 4th Stryker Brigade was deployed from August 2009 to August 2010 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was the Brigade's second deployment to Iraq. During the Redeployment Ceremony, the brigade uncased their colors, signifying the completion of its deployment and its return to JBLM.
U.S. Army Col John Norris speaks at Coffee with the Mayor: At the October 8 Coffee with the Mayor, Col. Norris, Commander of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, gave a presentation on the 4th Brigade's mission in Iraq. The presentation was very informative. About 30 people attended.
CSRT attends North Lakewood Neighborhood Association Meeting: CSRT members CSO Gail Conelly and CEO Doug Price attended the North Lakewood (LD06) Neighborhood Association meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at the Oakbrook Elementary School Library. Sgt Thom Stewart with the LPD Special Assault Unit gave a presentation on domestic violence in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There were also four political candidates available to introduce themselves as well as answer questions about their thoughts on the various initiatives on the ballot. There were approximately 27 residents in attendance, to include several exchange students from Costa Rica, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India, who were learning about how our local government works.
Healthy Worksite Summit: Cheryl Thompson, Dawn Avcular, Rebecca Hendricks and Tammi Dove attended the 24th Annual Healthy Worksite Summit in Bellevue on October 12-13. Dawn Avcular was awarded the AWC Certificate of Wellness Leadership. CWL candidates must complete 30 CWL credits, pass a culminating exam, and report about their use of wellness promotion skills in the workplace.
Annual Washington Association of Public Records Officers Conference: At the annual Washington Association of Public Records Officers (WAPRO) conference hosted by Lakewood, Associate City Attorney Matt Kaser was a speaker on the Law Enforcement Records panel, and Ann-Marie Evans, paralegal was in attendance

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/8/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 08 October 2010 15:40

October 8, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Domestic Violence Awareness Open House: In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Legal Department hosted an Open House on October 6th to promote Awareness about Domestic Violence. Kevin Rundle, YWCA Director of Legal Services, and Cindy Johnson, Victim Advocate for the YWCA, made a presentation about their partnership with the City and the services the YWCA provides for victims of domestic violence in both Lakewood and University Place.
Lakewood hosts Public Records Officers conference: The annual Washington Association of Public Records Officers (WAPRO) conference was hosted at the CPTC McGavick Center in Lakewood this week. Lakewood City Clerk Alice Bush is the president of the association, and the city manager presented a welcome to the attendees.
CSRT attends Washington Association of Code Enforcement's (WACE) Annual Education Conference: CSRT's three code enforcement officers, attorney, and paralegal attended the Washington Association of Code Enforcement (WACE) annual education conference September 22 - 24, attending sessions on officer safety, abatements, "scenic vistas act" sign enforcement, identifying and contacting banks and agents for enforcement on foreclosure properties, animal hoarding, and mobile home park landlord/tenant law. Mike Savage and Doug Price were invited to sit on a panel for discussion of abatement procedures and participated in a round-table discussion of mobile home park enforcement issues. Staff also had opportunities to discuss the CSRT concept and Lakewood's extensive collaboration with community partners and other enforcement agencies.
City manager meets with Tillicum-Woodbrook Neighborhood Association (TWNA): At its regular monthly meeting on October 7th, the TWNA hosted a 90-minute Q & A session with the city manager regarding the Tillicum neighborhood plan, communication with the City, the sewer project, transportation issues, JBLM traffic problems, and the Camp Murray gate. Human services coordinator Kim Dodds presented special recognition certificates to several Tillicum citizens for their exemplary volunteer efforts.
29th Annual Civil Service Conference: Lakewood Civil Service Commissioners David Boyd and Dennis Roden, along with Civil Service secretary/chief examiner Dawn Avcular attended the annual Civil Service Conference in Yakima on October 1st.
Staff attends state planners association annual conference: On October 4-6, senior planner Dan Penrose attended the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association's annual conference in Kennewick, where he was a speaker at the "Keys to Collaboration for Regional Economic Development" session. He shared Lakewood's role in crafting a regional response to growth at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He also gave a similar presentation to Lakewood United on October 7th, highlighting proposed concepts to alleviate congestion on Interstate 5 adjacent to JBLM.
IPMA_HR Training in Seattle: HR director Debra Young attended the International Public Management Association-HR (IPMA) training conference in Seattle this week. As a presiding officer of the Western Region IPMA-HR, she assisted at the conference and attended sessions on The FISH! Philosophy, Maximizing Employee Engagement, and Engaging Organizations through Emotional Intelligence.
CSRT provides training to CERT: CSRT staff Gail Conelly provided Disaster Organization and Disaster Psychology training to 25 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members on September 30th. This was the last class before their disaster drill and graduation, which was held on October 2nd. The CERT training is sponsored and facilitated by the Lakewood Fire Dept.
CSRT conducts Blood Borne Pathogens Training Classes: CSRT member Gail Conelly conducted three blood borne pathogens training classes for 57 employees of the Lakewood Police Department and CSRT members on October 6TH. This class is the second in a series held throughout the year, which is mandatory for certain City employees.
LPD joins Auto Theft Task Force at the Fair: Members of the Lakewood Police Department, along with other partnering agencies, staffed an educational booth at the 2010 Puyallup Fair, September 10-26, with over a million attendees. The goal was to raise awareness and to educate citizens on how to prevent being a victim of auto theft. To help that cause, there were 182 Anti-Theft Clubs given out, as well as one free LoJack System.
Justice Dept funding for car cameras: The Police Department received a grant from Justice Assistance for $79,730 to purchase in-car cameras. We are studying the various models in use and looking for the features most desirable for our department at this time.
LPD Forensic Training in the community: Det. Bryan Johnson, Forensic Services Manager, did training on "Evidence Preservation for Fire and EMS" to approximately 25 Lakewood Fire and UP Fire Medic Staff on September 21st. Fire personnel requested the training to assist them in preserving all types of evidence they encounter at scenes. On October 4-5, he also did a presentation on "Forensic Investigation" to three 7th and 8th grade technology classes at Harrison Prep School in Lakewood. The students are interested in Forensics.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 9/24/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 24 September 2010 16:11

September 24, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

CSRT staffs booth at All City Tailgate: CSRT staffed a booth at the All City Tailgate on September 17th, where approximately 75 goodie bags with safety information were handed out to children, and community and public safety information was available for citizens. The crowd was impressive, particularly in view of the weather. Still, the crowds remained in a sea of umbrellas and plastic ponchos. The acts on the main stage included Native American tribal dancers, singers, Pacific Islander dancers, cheerleader exhibitions, and local leaders.
CPSD and City meet to review coordination: The mayor and city manager met with the school superintendent and the school board president on September 23rd to review the coordination and information sharing between the City and the District.
City manager briefs EDB: On September 24th, the city manager provided an update to the board of the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County regarding developments in Woodbrook, Tillicum, and Pac Hwy/Ponders. The on-going OEA-sponsored growth coordination planning for Joint Base Lewis McChord was also reviewed.
CSRT/Police conduct Safety and Law Class: On September 17th, Neighborhood Patrol Officer Jeremy Vahle and CSRT member Mike Miller conducted a half-hour orientation on safety and general laws to a class of approximately 80 International Education students at Pierce College. The students learned how and when to use 9-1-1, what to expect from police contact and personal safety tips for on and off campus. Also covered were DUI, seatbelt and cell phone laws, rights and responsibilities of pedestrians and bicycle riders.
Adopt-a-Company Social: About 150 soldiers and sponsors attended the City's reception for the 4.2 Stryker Brigade on September 23rd in the Council Chambers. COL John Norris and Mayor Richardson presided. There are 46 businesses or agencies in Lakewood who have sponsored soldiers and families under the Adopt-a-Company program.
CSRT hosts LOCAL monthly meeting: CSRT hosted the Lakewood Organization of Community Active Landlords' (LOCAL) monthly meeting on September 21st. Neighborhood Patrol Officer Brian Wurts gave a presentation on methamphetamine, including statistics, signs landlords/managers can look for, and what landlords/managers can do who to call if methamphetamine is an issue on their property. The presentation was well received by the 25 attendees. The next meeting will be held at 11am on October 19th at Lakewood police station.
City Human Services helps family in need: The American Red Cross contacted Human Services to assist a family identified as needing support during the recent Laurel Garden relocations. The family had no food and no source of income. Human Services contacted Emergency Food Network who coordinated food relief for the family with Resource Distribution Council meeting immediate food needs. Additionally, Human Services worked with DSHS who provided emergency relief assistance to the family and re-qualified them for food stamps and cash assistance. While the husband continues to seek employment, the wife has been referred to begin the process of finding employment. The husband was recently medically released from the Army after suffering a significant back injury in Iraq.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 10/1/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 01 October 2010 17:18

October 1, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

CSRT attends PCSD "Active Killer" training at CPTC: On September 24th, CSRT Leader Lt Steve Mauer attended a training session for Clover Park Technical College provided by Pierce County Deputy Jesus Villahermosa, who instructed the staff on preparation and response to an "Active Killer" situation. This phenomenon has evolved from shooters alone to subjects bringing knives and stabbing multiple victims. The goal of the class was to get the staff to mentally prepare themselves if anything like this should occur at CPTC. Lt. Mauer was there to advise the staff that LPD is working with the college to develop agreements on emergency management and response to an Active Killer situation.
CSRT participates with Sound Transit in "High Rail Tour": CSRT Leader Lt. Steve Mauer and Community Service Officer Dawn McGinnis participated in September 27th in a "High Rail Tour" of the railroad tracks between Clover Creek Dr and the end of the line in Tacoma. The purpose of the meeting was to see what Sound Transit is doing for the new rail project and to discuss cooperation with Lakewood and the military on ways to inform as many people as possible about the rail system and the potential safety issues.
HR Director attends Washington Public Employers Labor Relations Association (WAPELRA) Conference: HR director Debra Young attended the Washington Public Employers Labor Relations Association (WAPELRA) annual fall conference. The theme of the conference was Creating Sustainable Labor Relations, even in tough economic conditions.
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Annual Convention: City attorney Heidi Wachter, ass't city attorney Anita Booker-Hay and associate city attorney Matt Kaser attended the annual Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Convention in Leavenworth on September 17-19. Mr. Kaser presented a Criminal Law Update, providing Pierce County's criminal law practitioners an overview of changes in the criminal law from the Washington and federal appellate courts.
City meets with Pac Hwy owners and developers: In the fourth of a series of briefings, the city manager, economic development staff and consultants met on September 30th with property owners and potential developers along the Ponders/Pac Hwy corridor to discuss options for redevelopment.
Federal Small Business Administrator (SBA) administrator meets with City: SBA Administrator Calvin Goings met this week at City Hall with councilmembers Mike Brandstetter and Mary Moss, and city management staff, as well as Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, to review SBA programs to assist small business development, and to review Lakewood's economic development priorities.
City and Applebee's staff conduct fundraiser for Washington State Special Olympics: On September 23rd, members of the Lakewood Police Department teamed up with the management and staff of the Lakewood Applebee's for a 4-hour fund raiser for the Washington State Special Olympics. Thanks to Investigator Michelle Hector, Officer Jeff Johnson, Reserve Officer Dennis Folk and Property Supervisor Rick Wade as well as the management and staff of Applebee's, a total $2,188 was raised for Special Olympics. In addition, five members of the Military Police, JBLM, led by Lt Robert Rothrock, in conjunction with LPD teamed up with the Tacoma Applebee's and raised $1,288 for Special Olympics.
CSRT helps Hope Academy with safety patrol program: CSRT members assisted The Hope Academy with their safety patrol program on September 28th. The children arrive at school at 730am to ensure the safety of their fellow schoolmates who walk to school. There were approximately 20 children who tried out for the program. The children had several practice sessions in the gym where they simulated crossing situations. Then the children were tested outside at the actual crossing location. The safety patrol program is an important function for safety, but also in teaching the kids responsibility and dependability.
City staff assists in emergency relocation of Tillicum family: Human Services assisted the City's Building Inspection division by providing emergency relocation to a family living in Tillicum. The apartment manager received a criminal citation on the scene for housing individuals in an improperly zoned building that posed a serious life safety risk. Relocation assistance was made available through a State grant. The City partners with Lakewood Area Shelter Association to provide case management and permanent placement assistance.
City attorney at WSBA: On September 29th, city attorney Heidi Wachter attended an Administrative Law CLE offered by the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). She currently serves on the WSBA CLE Committee and will chair the committee in 2011.
Lakewood presents at Seattle University Law School: The Legal Department and City Clerk's Office has partnered with Seattle University School of Law to provide opportunities for third year law students participating in the Externship Program to obtain work experience in the City's Legal Department in exchange for law school credit. As a part of this partnership, ass't city attorney Anita Booker-Hay made a presentation to the Externship class at Seattle University Law School on September 28th in an effort to promote their understanding of the practical aspects of a legal career in the public sector. Her presentation included information about the jury selection process, plea bargains and other practice tips.
Bates invites staff to join advisory committee: Cheryl Thompson, administrative assistant for the Legal Department, has accepted an invitation from Bates Technological College to join their Administrative Office Assistant Advisory Committee. The committee is composed of administrative professionals from the community and acts in an advisory capacity regarding the content and general operation of the Administrative Office Assistant program offered at Bates.
CSRT meets with Lakewood Industrial Park staff regarding parking: CSRT Leader Lt Steve Mauer conducted a meeting on September 28th with a management/security team from the Lakewood Industrial Park (LIP) to discuss ongoing parking issues. The LIP has had issues with drivers who make deliveries and then park their trucks inside the Park to sleep. The park does not have enough room for overnight parking. Management has informed the tenants that drivers cannot park and sleep. Despite this, there is still an issue with some drivers who refuse to leave. The result of the meeting was a better understanding of the problem and steps that can be taken by the LIP to address the issue on their own. Patrol officers will respond and take appropriate action to remove the drivers if the drivers refuse the lawful request by LIP security.
Lakewood Seniors "Meet & Greet" Soldiers: The Lakewood Senior Activity Center hosted a "Meet & Greet" on September 28th for their adopted Dark horse Troop and welcomed home the soldiers after a year-long deployment to Iraq. Councilmember Mary Moss opened the ceremony with a welcome home and appreciation for the Troop, and LPD Officer Cheri Gumm sang the National Anthem. The Center made a gift for each of the soldiers, who had been pen pals during their deployment. The Center will continue to stay involved with the Dark horse Troop.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 9/17/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 17 September 2010 15:42

September 17, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

City acquires property for redevelopment in Tillicum: The City has completed the acquisition of a former nuisance property in Tillicum for redevelopment under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. In a 2007 abatement, the City of Lakewood demolished two houses and two mobile homes on the property, all of which were heavily contaminated from methamphetamine activity. Pierce County foreclosed the property for unpaid property taxes in December 2009, declared it surplus, and sold it to the City. Purchase of the property will also return approximately $38,000 to the City's abatement fund. Additionally, the City expects to close on the purchase of a nearby property tomorrow. A dangerous building abatement is pending against this property. In partnership with the City, Habitat for Humanity will build at least three new housing units on each of the properties. Having been nuisances to the community for many years, these properties will contribute much-needed, quality, new low-income housing.
University Place Municipal Court Transition Update: City staff provided a briefing on September 16th to the UP Public Safety Commission regarding the timelines and progress on the transition to Lakewood's provision of court services to UP starting in 2011. The Lakewood representatives included Judge Heller and court administrator Deana Wright, as well as legal department staff Mike Savage and Rebecca Hendricks, and the subjects included citation forms, "legacy" or carry-over cases, defendant transport, evidence holding, enabling ordinances, judicial information system (JIS) integration. The transition plan is on schedule.
CSRT conducts Starlite Swap Meet Business Sweep: On Sunday, September 12th, the Community Safety & Resources Team (CSRT) coordinated a business sweep of the Starlite drive-in swap meet. The team consisted of 17 City employees as well as officials from the Liquor Control Board, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and the Lakewood Fire Department. The purpose was to contact all vendors to confirm that they had valid business licenses and that the swap meet was in full compliance with City regulations. The teams documented information for evaluation this week. A meeting has been set up later this month with the owner of the Starlite to discuss results of the sweep.
Developers Briefing: The third in a series of briefings for developers and interested investors for the Pacific Highway area was conducted in City Hall on September 16th, with about 20 in attendance. The focus was on the City's EB-5 designation, a program of the federal gov't to provide incentives for foreign investment in targeted areas. Lakewood joins areas of Seattle and Tacoma with this designation.
City staff assists with multi-unit fire: Human Services staff responded to a multi-unit fire on September 3rd providing emergency relief assistance to three families immediately forced from their homes. Two families suffered total losses. Through emergency grant funds, the City was able to provide assistance to the Lakewood Fire Department ensuring the victims of these fires will be transitioned to permanent housing. Lakewood Area Shelter Association has partnered with the City to provide housing relocation assistance. In addition, Caring for Kids and the Clover Park School District have been providing critical assistance to the families. Additional resources have been provided through the City's CSRT.
Hudtloff Middle School reconstruction: The Clover Park School District is engaged in the planning process for the reconstruction of Hudtloff Middle School. City staff attended neighborhood meetings held by CPSD on September 8th and 15th to discuss the plans. Neighbors have indicated concerns about the proximity of the proposed new school buildings to properties to the north. The project plans include retention of existing trees and supplemental landscaping along the north property line intended to help buffer this visual impact. The new school has been designed so that it can be constructed while leaving the existing school buildings in place. The old school would be demolished after construction of the new building is complete so that school operations can continue during construction. New ball fields, vehicle and bus circulation routes, and parking areas would eventually be constructed in the area currently occupied by the existing school buildings. The school district is acting as the SEPA lead agency for the project, however final approval of a public facilities permit by the City will be required. The public facilities permit is a discretionary entitlement granted by the City's hearing examiner. City staff is working with the school district regarding the project design; however the public facilities permit application has not yet been submitted. CPSD hopes to get the public facilities permit issued by March 2011 and construct the building between June 2011 and June 2012.
CSRT provides CPR/AED Training to Police: On September 8th, CSRT member Gail Conelly provided CPR/AED training to members of the Police Department. Three classes were held, for a total of 49 students. This is the second in a series of trainings for department members. The next training will be held on October 6th.
CSRT attends Lakeview Hope Academy's Tunnel of Hope: On September 8th, CSRT members Gail Conelly and Dawn McGinnis attended the Lakeview Hope Academy's Tunnel of Hope, along with Lakewood Fire Department personnel, Clover Park School District staff and other mentors from the community. Attendees welcomed back students for their first day of school, offering them encouragement and support for a great school year.
CSRT inspection of Woodbrook neighborhood apartment: A complaint involving a small apartment complex in the Woodbrook neighborhood led to an inspection by a CSRT code enforcement officer in May of 2010. The false front was dilapidated and unsightly; there were discarded items on the property and overgrown vegetation as well as some minor building issues. As a result of the code enforcement officer working with the property owner throughout the summer, the trash was removed, the vegetation was brought under control, and the false front replaced and painted, making what was once an eyesore now a satisfactory part of the neighborhood.
Police Co-Host Virginia Tech Massacre Debriefing: On September 15th, the Lakewood Police Department co-hosted with the Bellevue Police Department a one-day training/debriefing on the 2007 Virginia Tech Massacre. Lt Anthony Wilson with the Blacksburg Police Department, who attended the FBI National Academy with Assistant Chief Mike Zaro, was a first responder to the Virginia Tech shootings; on Wednesday he spoke to nearly 100 law enforcement officers from LPD, Bellevue PD, and other surrounding agencies about the shootings as well as the aftermath and where the department stands today in terms of healing and lessons learned. The opportunity to co-host this training afforded us the ability to send over 20 of our officers, at no cost, to an extremely valuable and educational training.

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