News

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 6/3/2011

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 03 June 2011 11:32

June 3, 2011
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Community Engagement Forum: On Thursday, May 26th Lt. Steve Mauer spent the day at the North Bellevue Community Center at a Community Engagement Forum sponsored by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Representatives from numerous cities attended to discuss the formation of a coordinated plan/program that will help all communities increase citizen participation in local government. Presentations were given on what cities and towns are currently doing do encourage participation, and also how communities envision citizen engagement. AWC will review the results of this forum and plan ongoing meetings to develop a program that all local communities can use and benefit from. Citizens who would like to be involved in our community can contact the Community Safety Resource Team (CSRT) at (253) 589-2489 for more information.
Childhood Development Workshop: The City hosted an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) training on Thursday, May 26th bringing over 100+ community partners from various professions together to learn about the impacts of adverse experiences on young brain development. The number of ACES a person has can determine behavioral issues throughout a young person’s life and into adulthood. Figuring out why kids do what they do (as well as why adults do what they do) can help staff be more compassionate as well as develop programs and policies to support participant behavior.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 5/27/2011

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 27 May 2011 17:21

May 27, 2011
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Memorial Day Service at Mountain View: The Memorial Day Service will be on Monday, May 30th at 2 PM in Mountain View's New Veterans Memorial Section. This event is presented by the Pierce County Veterans Advisory Council. Bagpipers and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord band will highlight the ceremonies. Citizens are urged to attend and honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation. More information can be found at http://www.mountainviewtacoma.com/Memorial_Day_125928.html .
146th Street Sewer Extension - Woodbrook: Work will resume next week on the 146th Street Sewer Extension Project on Tuesday May 31st. The project will be completed by NW Cascade, by change order, as a continuation of the work they completed in the Tillicum and Woodbrook neighborhoods. Construction is anticipated to last through September 2011.
CSO conducts Mock DUI Crash presentation for Lakes High School: CSO Gail Conelly conducted a highly successful Mock DUI Crash Scene presentation for Lakes High School on May 20th. This staged fatality crash is Phase I, with Phase II being the 'deceased' student's memorial service. The crash site section was held at 5000 Steilacoom Blvd, West Pierce Fire District Training Facility. The Lakewood Police Department, West Pierce Fire, Clover Park School District, Mountain View Funeral Home, and several student role players participated in this solemn event to provide education to students about the potential consequences of driving under the influence.
Abatements nearing completion: A number of abatements are nearing completion or have been completed in recent weeks, including three very difficult sites. Four dangerous building abatements have been completed in Tillicum and Woodbrook, including one that was complicated by the presence of chemical and metals contamination on the property, and a site with the remains of a meth-lab and a house with very high levels of methamphetamine contamination. Another of the sites was acquired through the NSP grant and will be redeveloped by Habitat for Humanity. A public nuisance cleanup has been completed in the Custer Road vicinity, removing a long-standing source of complaint.
Explorer Post receives Post of the Year Award: The Washington Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors Association (WLEEA) presented Post 253 with the Post of the Year Award during the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) luncheon in Yakima on Wednesday, May 25th. On May 26th, Pierce County Undersheriff Eileen Bisson, who was representing the Explorer Council, presented two Lakewood explorers with a charter certificate and a National Exploring Excellence Award at the City's quarterly employee recognition event.
Human Services Funding Advisory Board and Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board (CDBG) to hold joint meeting: The City's human services funding advisory board and the CDBG advisory board will conduct a joint meeting on June 22nd in the Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers at 6:30 PM. Representatives from Pierce County Community Services, Associated Ministries, and Habitat for Humanity will provide presentations. This joint meeting is the result of the community's desire to develop new partnerships between government agencies, non-profits and faith-based organizations. Agenda topics include:
- Status report on centralized homeless intake and prevention services.
- Introductory primer on CDBG, HOME, and NSP funding.
- Use of HOME funds to prevent homelessness.
- Habitat for Humanity housing projects in Tillicum.
Merchant Marine Flag Dedication: During the next regular council meeting on June 6th at 7pm, the City of Lakewood will dedicate the flag of the United States Merchant Marines in the Council Chambers. It will become a part of the permanent display of flags of the other armed services in recognition of the historical and contemporary accomplishments of the Merchant Marine in the defense and prosperity of the United States. Representatives from the United States Merchant Marine Academy - Alumni Association (Puget Sound Chapter) and the Tacoma Propeller Club are expected to attend and participate.
Save the Date for Lakewood 101: The Lakewood 101 debut will be conducted Thursday, June 16th from 6-8:30pm in the Council Chambers. Lakewood citizens are encouraged to attend and learn more about core city services such as streets, parks, and police and about the exciting challenges of economic redevelopment. Please consider participating in this new and informative "short course" in city government. Refreshments will be served at 5:30pm when the doors open. To RSVP, please call Rebecca Hendricks at 983-7829 or email rhendricks@cityoflakewood.us.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 5/13/2011

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 13 May 2011 01:00

May 13, 2011
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

CSRT presents self-defense class to DSHS employees: Lt. Steve Mauer and CSO Gail Conelly, along with Animal Control Officer Correne Buck, presented a condensed self-defense class for employees at the DSHS building next door to City Hall on May 12th. Information presented included the importance of awareness, tools available, targets to use, as well as training on strikes and kicks. This class is normally the fourth in a series of classes. Attendees were invited to register for the next Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training series.
State of the Streets presentation: Desiree Winkler, Transportation Division Manager, presented the State of the Streets to the Lakewood United meeting on May 12th. A number of audience questions were answered regarding how pavement ratings are determined, how utility taxes and franchise fees are allocated, and the escalating cost of streets maintenance.
Paralegal earns AWC Certificate of Wellness Leadership: Paralegal Rebecca Hendricks earned the Certificate of Wellness Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust. This program requires the completion of 30 Certificate of Wellness Leadership credits, and a culmination exam. This certificate recognizes professional development in municipal workplace health promotion.
South Sound Military & Communities Partnership: The steering committee of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership met on May 13th to review the work plan for the JBLM Growth Coordination Plan. The steering committee includes JBLM and the administrators from Pierce and Thurston Counties, the cities of Lakewood, Tacoma, Lacey, and DuPont, the Clover Park School District, and other regional entities, chaired by the Lakewood city manager. The group is also setting the agenda for the new Elected Officials Council to meet in June, convened by the Lakewood Mayor, the Pierce County Executive, and the chair of the Thurston County Board of Commissioners.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 5/20/2011

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 20 May 2011 01:00

May 20, 2011
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Memorial Day Service at Mountain View: Lakewood residents are encouraged to attend a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30th at 2 PM in Mountain View's New Veterans Memorial Section at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW in Lakewood. This event is presented by the Pierce County Veterans Advisory Council. Bagpipers and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord band will highlight the ceremonies. Citizens are urged to attend and honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation. More information can be found at http://www.mountainviewtacoma.com/Memorial_Day_125928.html.
City benefits from Governor's Capital Transportation Budget: The recently-signed bill provides Lakewood with about $3 million for the Connector Project, which includes a pedestrian bridge adjacent to our train station, and improvements of Kendrick St SW with curbs, gutters, and sidewalks to 111th. Also included is $257,000 for sidewalks along John Dower Road to support the elementary school.
Economic Development Director receives Certificate of Appreciation: Economic Development Manager Ellie Chambers-Grady received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau (TRCVB) this week for her service on its Board of Directors. She contributed to the TRCVB's gaining accolades to include DMAI Accreditation, the City of Destiny Award, Art Popham Award, and Top Places to Work Finalist.
Onyx in Oakbrook Traffic Control Survey: Following up on a neighborhood traffic control issue in the Oakbrook Area on Onyx Drive between Phillips Rd and Turquoise Drive, Public Works recently sent out a letter and survey to about 200 fronting property owners there seeking their input on three possible traffic calming options. Public Works had already verified via traffic studies that the situation warranted action under the City's Neighborhood Traffic Control Program (NTCP) and that Phase 1 measures (installation of raised pavement markers along the centerline and fog line of the road coupled with targeted Police enforcement) had been unsuccessful in reducing excessive speeds.
LPD attends National Law Enforcement Week in DC: Last week was National Law Enforcement Officer Week in Washington DC and several members of the LPD Staff were in attendance. Sergeant Eakes and Officers Porche, Fraser, and Hector participated in the Police Unity Tour for the second time this year. Hundreds of officers from around the country rode their bicycles from New Jersey to Washington DC for the National Law Enforcement Memorial Week, averaging about 100 miles per day. The money raised from this fundraiser supports the maintenance of the LE Memorial wall and the new Law Enforcement Museum. Also participating in the memorial activities was Chief Farrar and his wife Cindy, Officer Carroll, Lt Hoffman, and Sergeant Shadow.

City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 5/6/2011

Details: Category: Weekly Info Bulletins; Published on Friday, 06 May 2011 14:12

May 6, 2011
WEEKLY INFO BULLETIN
To: Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Andrew Neiditz, City Manager

Lakewood wins Municipal Excellence Award from Association of Washington Cities (AWC): The City of Lakewood will earn recognition through the 2011 Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Municipal Excellence Award in the “public safety” category. In February 2010, the City launched a pioneering program to merge the neighborhood policing and code enforcement programs into the Community Safety Resource Team (CSRT). This award recognizes innovative and effective city programs that improve the quality of life in their communities. The award will be presented at the AWC annual conference in Spokane next month.
City manager meets with federal officials: The city manager participated in the 26th annual Washington-to-Washington Conference sponsored by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce this week. He presented information about the recently-completed Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) Growth Coordination Plan in meetings on Capitol Hill with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and joined with County Executive Pat McCarthy and Council Chair Roger Bush in meetings with U. S. Representatives Adam Smith and Norm Dicks. In the Pentagon, meetings with the Ass’t Secretary of the Army Hammack (Installation, Environment, and Energy) and Ass’t Secretary of the Air Force Yonkers (Installations, Environment, and Logistics) were held to further coordinate the issues concerning JBLM and the community. Those discussions included highway construction projects, school improvement proposals, and clear zone property issues around the north end of the McChord runway.
Pierce County Law Enforcement Memorial: The Pierce County Law Enforcement Annual Memorial was held at the Clover Park Technical College Sharon McGavick Student and Conference Center on May 5th. The ceremony honored law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and those who continue to serve.
Chief throws first pitch at Relay for Life Night at Cheney Stadium: The Police Chief and his wife Cindy will be throwing out the first pitch at the Relay for Life Night at the Tacoma Rainier’s game on May 6th at 7:05 p.m. at the new Cheney Stadium. For the third straight year the Tacoma Rainiers are helping Relay For Life raise awareness to ensure that those lives lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
Court staff attends Misdemeanant Corrections Association Conference: Probation Officer Jeanette Matthews attended the annual Misdemeanant Corrections Association (MCA) conference April 18-20. She was recognized for her work on a committee that created the first set of state standards for probation departments in Washington. She was also nominated to serve as an education coordinator/MCA board member and if elected in July, she will serve the board for 2 years planning training sessions and conferences for probation officers throughout Washington State.
Executive Ass’t to be installed as IAAP chapter treasurer: Executive Ass’t Deanne Wegmann will be formally installed as treasurer for the Mount Rainier Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) for 2011- 2012. IAAP is a not-for-profit professional association for office professionals with approximately 28,000 members and affiliates and nearly 600 chapters worldwide. Their mission is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.
Lakewood Youths participate in Tacoma Kids Marathon: Fifteen 2nd and 3rd grade students from the Tyee Park After School program participated in the Tacoma Kids Marathon on Sunday May 1st. This program, funded through a grant by the Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department and staffed by the City’s recreation staff, features healthy snacks, games and activities, and the opportunity to participate in events such as the marathon. All the participants must complete at least 25 challenges to be eligible to participate in the 1.2 mile race held in conjunction with the full marathon. The challenges include physical activity but also exercising good behavior, reading, helping with chores and eating healthy food.
LPD participates in Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Fundraiser: LPD Lt Steve Mauer participated in the Annual Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" fundraiser on April 29th. A group of over 100 men (and women) participated in the walk and raised about $50,000 for the agency. Mauer raised the most money of any individual for this important cause.
CSRT participates in Disaster Preparation Day Event: On April 30th, CSO Gail Conelly and Lt Steve Mauer participated with West Pierce Fire in a Disaster Preparation Day event held in the Lakewood Lowes parking lot. The goal was to provide information to citizens about how to prepare themselves and their families for an emergency or disaster. Numerous local businesses donated portions of a family emergency kit that was raffled off in a participation drawing. The event was well attended and received.
Officers selected for Officer(s) of the Month Awards: Chief Farrar nominated Dave Butts and Ryan Hamilton for Officer(s) of the Month through Q13 Fox’s Washington’s Most Wanted. They were selected and presented with the awards this week at the Q13 news studios. They received the award for their proactive patrol work and specifically, their work on the case that helped Sgt. Rich Hall break open the Wards Lake homicide case. Their names are on a plaque at Q13 and they received two very nice awards. They were interviewed by David Rose from WMW and it will run on Q13 later this week. It will also be on the website at the link below. The Q13 weather person called in sick, so Dave and Ryan filled it to do the forecast…they both predicted rain. http://www.q13fox.com/mostwanted

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