News

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.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 6/18/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 18 June 2010 16:07

June 18, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Public Works Construction/Traffic Update:
- Gravelly Lake Drive Ph 2 - 100th to Bridgeport - night work:
  Patching at night - June 23-June 24.
  Grinding and paving at night - June 28 - July 1. Notices being hand delivered to all adjacent property owners today.
- Tillicum/Woodbrook/ALG Sewer Ph 2 - Forcemain Connection - Gravelly Lake Drive Patch - night work:
  Gravelly Lake Drive and Pacific Hwy Permanent Patching: Currently scheduled for evenings of June 22- June 24.
- Pacific Highway - RR xing to Bridgeport Way - night work:
  Overlay work - June 29-July 1 (two of those nights).
- Pacific Highway (Gravelly Lake Drive to RR Bridge); AND Gravelly Lake Drive - I-5 ramps to north of Pacific Hwy:
  Overlay work: one night July 6-8:
- Bridgeport Way RR Crossing:
  RR crossing at Bridgeport being replaced - and will shut down the road completely starting Friday, June 25, 8 PM and be opened late Sunday night (June 27). A "shoe fly" temporary road has been constructed for emergency vehicle access (primarily for ambulances to get to St. Clare Hospital). Sound Transit and their Contractor have notified property owners and emergency service providers.
Developers Briefing: The first of a series of three monthly briefings for developers was conducted on June 18th by the city manager and economic development staff. About 18 were in attendance, and staff and consultants presented information about redevelopment opportunities on Pacific Highway.
Meeting with Garrison Commander: The city manager met with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison Commander, the deputy garrison commander, and the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) at Fort Lewis on June 15th to review lines of communication and coordination between the City, the installation, and the other regional entities in the DoD-funded Office of Economic Adjustment planning process.
Demo of Burned Out Building on South Tacoma Way: The demolition of a large, burned-out commercial building complex at the 8400 block of South Tacoma Way is progressing quickly, apparently in response to an abatement order. The site had become a dumping ground and attractive nuisance, and the owners had stopped communicating with the City several months ago. The fences were pulled open, people started dumping on the site, and others were entering the dangerous remains to remove metals. A Notice and Order to Abate Public Nuisance and Dangerous Buildings was issued on May 13. This order informed the owners that clean-up was required, or the City would perform the clean-up and bill them for the cost. There was no response from the owner, but two days before the June 13 deadline, a contractor obtained a demolition permit. The demolition is moving quickly and is nearly complete.
6th Annual Helmets vs. Shields Charity Basketball Game: The 6th annual Helmets vs. Shields charity basketball game is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at Pierce College at 6:00 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to come out and watch the firefighters and police officers battle on the court to raise money for charity. This year's game is dedicated in memory of our four fallen heroes. A new halftime event has just been announced to include the assistant police chief getting his head shaved in support of Chief Bret Farrar and his wife Cindy, who are both battling cancer. All of the proceeds from this portion of the event will go to the American Cancer Society.
City staff to address Parks Safety Issues: The CSRT is working with the Parks and Police departments to develop a plan to address various issues at Lakewood parks. The first step was to identify the major issues of concern: tagging/graffiti, drinking, illegal drugs, fishing issues, parking issues and after-hours use of parks and improper use of the skate parks by bicycle users. The plan to tackle these issues includes the use of police officers in plain clothes, in uniform and at different times, dates and locations. There is also a plan to use volunteers to help identify problem people in a timely manner so they can be dealt with accordingly.
Norwegian city planner visits City Hall: A municipal planner from the Oslo area of Norway visited the Community Development department on June 17th to review Lakewood's model of planning and development. Anette Bastnes was one of four Group Study Exchange participants hosted by the Lakewood Rotary Club on a 4-week vocational tour of our area.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 6/4/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 04 June 2010 17:51

June 4, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Open House at Lakewood Senior Activity Center: The open house on June 3rd was well attended by over 125, as participants were able to interact with agency representatives and also display their artwork and other features of the Senior Activity Center. About 25 service agencies presented information, including agencies specializing in senior services. CSRT staff presented a Safety Fair which provided information on burglary prevention, identity theft/fraud, vehicle prowl prevention, fireworks and neighborhood associations to attendees.
Echelon Apartments Open: The Community Development Dept has issued Certificates of Occupancy to FNW Inc, for a 254 unit apartment complex known as Echelon. The project is located at the northeast corner of Lakewood Dr SW and Steilacoom Blvd SW. The complex includes 17 different apartment buildings, a recreation center, gymnasium, exercise room, outdoor pool, two outdoor play areas for children and a large open space area among large mature Oak Trees. The mayor, city manager, several councilmembers and other City staff members attended a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 26th.
Wal-Mart Stores Phase 2 ground-breaking: The mayor, city manager, and councilmembers Thomas and Moss, and other City staff, participated along with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, at the groundbreaking ceremony for Wal-Mart's Phase 2 addition of about 40,000 square feet. The addition, which will include a full grocery market, will be on the north side of the current facility.
Memorial Day Service at Mountainview: Mayor Richardson, along with Councilmembers Thomas, Moss, and Whalen, and the city manager, attended the special Lakewood Memorial Day Event on May 31st in the new Veterans Memorial Section. Bagpipers and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord bugler were highlights of the ceremonies and the keynote speaker was Colonel Mike Johnson of the Washington National Guard.
Input to WSDOT for environmental assessment (EA) for Pt Defiance Bypass/Amtrak proposal: The City is coordinating efforts with neighboring cities of Dupont and Tacoma to ensure that concerns about impacts of the proposed project will be provided by all three cities in the on-going environmental assessment process.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 6/11/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 11 June 2010 12:09

June 11, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Search Warrants served in Lakewood for DEA: Lakewood Special Ops, working with Grays Harbor Drug TF, Thurston County Drug TF, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) served 20+ search warrants in the Puget Sound Region on June 9th. A total of four residences and a business were involved in the City of Lakewood. These warrants were the result of a year-long investigation. A very large quantity of narcotics and cash were seized, along with vehicles and other property. The DEA held a press conference releasing more details at the Federal Courthouse in Tacoma on June 10th.
Waughop Lake debrief: City staff met with representatives of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept, as well as Sen. Mike Carrell, Rep Tami Green, and a rep from Rep Troy Kelley's office, to review this week the algae conditions at Lake Waughop in Fort Steilacoom Park. The Health Dept agreed to revise the signage posted to advise persons fishing to "catch and release", and will also discuss with State Fish & Wildlife the question of whether to discontinue stocking the lake with fish. The concern over algae continues, and the City will be working with DSHS, Pierce County, and Pierce College over long-term options for treatment and funding strategies.
"Flame of Hope" for Special Olympics: On June 4th, over 50 runners delivered the "Flame of Hope" to the summer Special Olympics at JB Lewis-McChord. The torch was run through the City of Lakewood after leaving the station. Prior to the run, a medal of honor was presented to Kim Renninger for Mark Renninger's past contributions to the success of the torch run in Lakewood over the past 6 years. Three torches arrived at Lakewood to make one for the run on base. They came from Spokane, Tri Cities and the Peninsula.
Lakewood Relay for Life - Huge Success: Dozens of city staff members, their families and supporters participated in the American Cancer Society's 18-hour Relay for Life on June 4th and 5th. Dubbed "Show Me Your Hands! - Team Lakewood" in honor of Police Chief Bret Farrar and his wife, Cindy, the City's relay team raised more than $5,000 for cancer research in just two weeks. The whole event raised more than $144,000.
LPD Promotion: Sgt. Chris Lawler was promoted to Lieutenant on June 1st, 2010. Lt. Lawler will oversee the Criminal Investigations Unit and will also be the department's public information officer.
Soldiers' property recovered at motel: On May 31st, staff at the Rainier Inn Motel recognized behavior by new guests as suspicious, and suspected them of possessing stolen property. Through cooperative efforts between the motel staff, patrol officers, and investigative personnel the property was identified as that belonging to soldiers returning from Korea and stolen from a cargo shipping container. The property was recovered and will be returned to the soldiers and several subjects are in custody.
LPD and CSRT staff conducts Educational Safety Fair for Old Navy Store: On June 5th LPD and CSRT staff conducted an Educational Safety Fair for Old Navy. They handed out over 100 safety bags that included coloring books, crayons, sticker police badges, child size LPD Frisbees. Further information for adults was provided including child identification stickers for windows, gun locks for parents, ID theft pamphlets, boater safety info, maps, personnel safety tips, and child passenger safety cards. "Intoxication goggles" were used to provide an educational opportunity for young adults to experience the simulated impairment of intoxication.
CSRT Staff participate in Mock DUI Crash Education/Awareness Event: CSRT staff participated in a Mock DUI Crash education/awareness event on Friday June 11th. This event is held annually in conjunction with Lakewood Fire Dept, Mountain View Memorial Cemetery, and Lakes High School to educate our graduating senior class on the dangers of drinking and driving. It begins with a mock 2 car head-on crash, with both vehicles being full of students. The students are extricated and treated at the crash site, with one student dying. Police and Fire are on scene, and funeral directors from Mountain View remove the body of the student that has died. The entire event is narrated as it progresses. The day ends with a funeral being held for the student that died, with their family and favorite teachers speaking at the memorial service. The event is intended to raise awareness of the effects of underage drinking and driving, and the consequences.
CSRT presentation to community groups: Lt. Steve Mauer, Supervisor of the Community Safety Resource Team (CSRT) presented at the Lakewood Collaboration meeting on June 9th. Over 55 human service providers were in attendance. He also presented this week at Lakewood United and the Coffee with the Mayor group on June 11th. The presentation focused on the efforts of the City to take a more concentrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the concerns of Lakewood citizens.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 5/28/10

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 28 May 2010 16:23

May 28, 2010
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Lakewood Memorial Day Event: All citizens are encouraged to attend the Memorial Day event on Monday, May 31st at 2 PM in Mountain View's New Veterans Memorial Section. Bagpipers and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord bugler will highlight the ceremonies along with Master of Ceremonies, Dennis Jones, and this year's keynote speaker, Colonel Mike Johnson of the Washington National Guard. Plenty of free parking and seating will be available. For more information, see www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
City Hall to observe Memorial Day: City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 31st in observation of Memorial Day.
"Show me your hands!" Team Lakewood on June 4th: Relay For Life is the main fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. Employees of the City of Lakewood have formed a team called "Show Me Your Hands - Team Lakewood." All proceeds raised from the team will be donated to the American Cancer Society in honor of Chief Bret Farrar and his wife, Cindy Salazar, both of whom have recently been diagnosed with cancer. This is an opportunity to provide them with moral support and to be part of a life-changing event. The event kicks off at 6pm on June 4th at Clover Park High School's Harry Lang Stadium and continues until noon the following day. Please visit www.cityoflakewood.us to learn more, contribute, or participate.
Discovery Trail Dedication on June 5th: Join city officials on June 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park to dedicate the Discovery Trail. This interpretive program recognizes the historic significance of Fort Steilacoom Park through markers, signage and interactive elements. Fort Steilacoom Park is 340 acres and played a significant role in the history of Washington State, provides active and passive recreation and is home to abundant native plants and wildlife. Visit www.cityoflakewood.us for more information.
Safe Kids Coalition Information: CSRT staff participated in a monthly Safe Kids Coalition meeting and received training on "Kids and Car Seats" conducted by staff from Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. A recent survey revealed that of the 719 elementary age children observed riding locally in vehicles, 120 were riding in the front seat. State Law states that children are required to ride in the back seat of a vehicle until the age of 13, unless it is impractical to do so.
JBLM Education Technical Site Visit: Program staff from the DoD's Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) joined the Clover Park School superintendent, representatives of other school districts, and City staff in touring and reviewing schools on and around the military installation on May 24-25. The review is part of an assessment of the impacts of base growth, as well as recommendations for capital improvements in CPSD school facilities, in the OEA-funded, City-administered planning process. The JBLM growth coordination participant list includes numerous agencies and entities in both Pierce and Thurston counties.
General Barry McCaffrey Visits Lakewood: General (Ret.) Barry McCaffrey joined Mayor Richardson and the city manager on Monday to commemorate the 5-year anniversary of Tacoma Treatment Solutions, located in Lakewood at 9500 Front Street. This clinic treats some of the most difficult cases of addiction. One of the speakers giving testimony that day, a woman in her 40's, recalled how she had been living on the streets addicted to heroin. She had no shoes at one point and was only focused on getting that day's fix; she had nearly lost her feet and legs to a MRSA infection and had to learn to walk and talk again. She credited the center with getting her life back in order. Her professional appearance belied any hints of that past. General McCaffrey, the former "Drug Czar" during President Clinton's administration, remarked that police are often the best group in a community to identify addicts and to steer them toward treatment

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