Politics & Government
City Of Lakewood Publishes Weekly Bulletin For July 24
Starting on July 6, the city is accepting applications for the 2021 Human Services Grants. The application deadline is August 22.
July 24, 2020
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To: Mayor, City Council
From: John J. Caulfield, City Manager
City Council allocates CARES Act funds to local partners
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress allocated federal funds to jurisdictions across the country with populations over 500,000. The state of Washington awarded $300 million of the state’s CARES Act funding to local governments that did not receive direct distributions, such as the city of Lakewood. Cities and counties with populations below 500,000 received a per capita distribution of $30 from the state.
Lakewood with an estimated population of 59,670 received an allocation of approximately $1.79 million from the state.
On June 15th the Lakewood City Council authorized the execution of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce to receive CARES Act funding and established funding principals to guide the allocation of this funding.
Funding principals adopted by the City Council were:
- Individual and Family Economic Resilience
- Business Assistance
- Vital Government Services
Under the funding principal of “Vital Government Services,” on July 6, the City Council authorized the allocation of $142,000 to West Pierce Fire and Rescue for the installation of bipolar ionization systems in seven (7) of their Lakewood facilities and for the purchase of portable UV-C lights.
Under the funding principal of “Individual and Family Economic Resilience,” on July 20, the City Council authorized the allocation of $407,640 to Living Access Support Alliance (LASA). LASA will use these funds for rental assistance for Lakewood residents. LASA will directly pay landlords and lenders for one month’s rent up to $1,500 per household. These funds will be available for Lakewood households with an income up to 120% of the area median income. It is anticipated these funds will help assist 175 Lakewood households.
Additionally, under the same principal, on July 20, the City Council authorized the allocation of $50,000 to Communities in Schools (CIS). CIS will use these funds to help provide eight weeks of summer case management, wellness checks, food and basic need deliveries, and the continuation of virtual mentor programming.
Other funds were allocated to Greater Lakes Mental Health, Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center, Tacoma Community House, YWCA, and the Pierce County Library.
Want to learn more about where funds are being allocated? The CARES Act Funding Dashboard provides an overview of how the city is allocating the CARES Act funding it received, including state and CDBG funds. To visit the dashboard, click here. For a full display of the dashboard click here.
Pierce County Parks Trails Day
This Saturday (7/25) is Pierce County Trails Day! Due to COVID-19, this year the city will not be hosting a trail event. However, the trails and parks in the city are open! We invite you to come explore our trails. To learn more about our trails and parks, visit here.
Better looks like winding trails and beautiful parks. View our Pierce County Trails Day video here.
Waughop Lake restoration continues with second “Alum” treatment
Last week, the city contractor’s applied a second, planned round of aluminum sulfate, commonly known as “alum”, treatment to the lake. This treatment was approved by the Department of Ecology. Alum treatment has been used for decades to treat water bodies and has been used for more than 200 years to treat drinking water.
The treatment is expected to be effective for five to 10 years, depending on environmental conditions. The city will continue to monitor the conditions of the lake.
To learn more about this treatment see page 16 of the Lakewood Connections Magazine.
Applications available for 2021 Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle
Changes to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, and some zoning code regulations such as property-specific zoning classifications, are allowable once per year under state law. As the first step in this process, the city invites interested parties to identify proposed changes. Afterward, the Lakewood Planning Commission and then City Council will review and confirm the list of amendments to be considered over the course of the year, including privately-initiated amendments. This list is known as the “Annual Comprehensive Plan Docket.”
Any individual, organization, business, or other group may propose an amendment. Proposals to amend the Comprehensive Plan and associated Zoning Code provisions must be submitted to the Lakewood Community & Economic Development Department between August 1 and August 28 for the 2021 amendment cycle. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered in the 2022 Comprehensive Plan Docket.
The application forms for the various types of amendments are available online.
Email Tiffany Speir, Planning Manager, Special Projects, or call her at (253) 983-7702, for more information.
Lakewood Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant Program
The city is no longer accepting applications for the Lakewood Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant program. In total, the City received 78 applications. The city is currently in the process of reviewing these applications for eligibility. To learn more about this program click here.
Lakewood COVID-19 business assistance loans now available
The city of Lakewood established an assistance program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is focused on providing much needed capital to sustain business operations and retain employees who may otherwise be laid off as a result of the current economic climate.
If your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to apply for assistance if you meet the criteria. The city will begin its first review of applications Friday, July 10, 2020. The program will remain open until all funds are exhausted.
View eligibility requirements and download the loan application from the Lakewood COVID-19 Business Assistance Loan Program website.
To curb rising COVID-19 cases, changes coming to the “Safe Start” Plan
Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced changes to “Safe Start,” Washington’s phased approach to reopening. The changes target activities that data have shown provide a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure. In an attempt to curb rising case numbers, the governor and secretary are changing guidance and regulations around restaurants, bars, and fitness centers, as well as weddings and funerals. To learn more about rollbacks visit here.
Weddings and funerals
Ceremonies will remain permitted, but receptions are prohibited. Ceremonies must adhere to current guidance; for all phases, maximum indoor occupancy is 20%, or up to 30 people, whichever is less, as long as social distancing can be observed. These changes take effect on August 6, 2020.
Restaurants and Bars
Indoor dining is limited to household members. Outdoor dining and take-away remains available for small parties from different households. Restaurants must also close gaming and social areas, such as pool tables, dart boards and video games. Bars will be closed for indoor service, but can continue outdoor service. Alcohol service inside of restaurants must end by 10 p.m. These changes take effect on July 30, 2020.
Gyms and Fitness Centers
In Phase 2, only five individuals — not including staff — will be allowed for indoor fitness services at a time. This includes gyms, fitness studios, and indoor pools, ice rinks, volleyball courts, and tennis facilities. These are limited to small group instruction or private training. These changes take effect on July 30, 2020.
Face coverings
Face coverings are required in all common spaces, such as elevators, hallways and shared spaces in apartment buildings, university housing and hotels, as well as congregate setting such as nursing homes.
Eviction moratorium extension
Governor Inslee also announced an extension of the state’s eviction moratorium to Oct. 15. Details on the extension will be released in the coming days.
Additional COVID-19 related resources:
Phase 2 reopening guidelines
The Tacoma Pierce County Chamber and the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County have shared resources for business to assist in re-opening and recovery. View more.
Pierce County Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program
Pierce County small businesses who have experienced significant economic injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for this loan program if they meet program criteria. View more.
Free Personal Protection Equipment for businesses
Pierce County is offering FREE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to businesses physically located in Pierce County to help them comply with COVID-19 worksite-specific safety practices in order to protect employees and customers. View more.
Now accepting applications for 2021 Human Services Grants
Since incorporation, the City of Lakewood has supported low-income and vulnerable citizens by partnering with and funding community-based organizations to provide basic health, housing and human services.
As one element of this, the city designates 1 percent of its general fund to support human services in the Lakewood community.
Starting on July 6, 2020, the city is accepting applications for the 2021 Human Services Grants. The application deadline is August 22, 2020.
Applicants must be a non-profit health or human services organization or public entity serving Lakewood residents. All funding proposals must align with one of the city’s human services funding strategies:
- Emotional supports and youth programming
- Access to health and behavioral health services
- Housing assistance and homeless prevention
- Crisis stabilization and advocacy
- Access to Food
Additional information is available on the City’s website at https://cityoflakewood.us/community-services/human-services-grants.
Free Aerospace Business Resources webinar!
On Tuesday, July 28, 2020 the Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board is hosting a free webinar highlight new and existing programs for businesses seeking to identify opportunities to impact their top-line revenue and grow. A variety of resources will be shared including the business retention and expansion program (BRE), grant dollars funded by the Economic Development Administration to help traded sector firms better compete with imports, and workforce solutions strategies. Presenters include:
- Maddie Merton, VP, Business Retention and Expansion, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County (EDB)
- Ken Wenninger, Director of Client Development, Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
- Teresa Delicino, Director of Business Solutions, WorkForce Central
For more information on this webinar visit here.
Summer Nights at the Pavilion (concert series) postponed
With Pierce County remaining in Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start Plan, the city has decided to postpone the Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert dates in July (7/16, 7/23 and 7/30). The city continues to plan for concerts in August, if regulations and conditions allow.
The Lakewood Farmers Market continues to see record sales
The Lakewood Farmers Market continues to crush previous sales records. In week four, the Lakewood Farmers Market experienced an increase in sales of 36% compared to week four of 2019. Each week this year the Lakewood Farmers Market has experienced increased sales from the preceding week.
Today’s market is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball fields.
Holding the Lakewood Farmers Market here allows us to achieve social distancing and meet public health directives to keep the community safe during the current health crisis. Fort Steilacoom Park has plenty of free parking available for shoppers. Market goers can walk around the parking lot to access booths and purchase items or pick up items that were pre-ordered.
The market runs every Friday at Fort Steilacoom Park from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 18, 2020.
See the full lineup of vendors, including food trucks and dessert options on the Farmers Market page.
Read all about it – Summer Lakewood Connections Magazine
The latest edition of the city’s Lakewood Connections Magazine is here!
In this most recent edition you’ll find a listing of all our 2020 city sponsored events, including dates and times. Events include the Lakewood Farmers Market, Drive-in movies, and more!
Other highlights in the Lakewood Connections Magazine include updates on the Lakewood Station Subarea Plan, Lakewood Landing development opportunity, the proposed Western State Master Plan, fireworks in Lakewood, park improvements, roadway improvements and restoring Waughop Lake.
Want to read the magazine now? You can view a pdf version or check it out on flipbook.
Online city services
While city facilities continue to remain closed, the majority of the city’s operations have continued with minimal impacts to the public as city staff continue to serve customers via email, phone, and virtual meetings. The following city services are available online:
City Council July 20 meeting preview
Items on the July 27, 2020 Study Session agenda include:
- Review of 2nd Quarter Police Report
- Abatement Program Update
- Amending the CDBG CARES Act Program (Replacing Deferred Loans with Grants)
The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) waiver by the state legislative leadership was extended on July 7 until August 1, 2020. As a result, Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers will not be open for City Council meetings until August 3. For more information on the waiver extension see here.
Residents can virtually attend City Council meetings by watching them live on the city’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityoflakewoodwa
Those who do not have access to YouTube can participate via Zoom by either calling by telephone: Dial +1(253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 868 7263 2373 or visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373.
City Council meeting agenda and materials can be found here: https://cityoflakewood.us/city-council/city-council-agendas/.
Changes and temporary closures coming to north and southbound I-5 in Lakewood
The state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is rebuilding the interchanges at Thorne Lane and Berkeley Street, and adding lanes to I-5.
Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time into their trips and give work crews a brake by paying attention while traveling through work zones. All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.
Night ramp closures are schedule for the following dates this upcoming week:
Monday, July 27
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
- Berkeley Street on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 28
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Berkeley Street on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
- Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 29
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
- Berkeley Street on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
Thursday, July 30
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
- Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
Friday, July 31
- Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
- Southbound I-5 exit to Berkeley Street will close from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday, August 1
- Thorne Lane on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close from 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
- Northbound I-5 exit to Gravelly Lake Drive will close from 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
Additional construction information, including other overnight closures, for the week of July 5 are listed on Tacomatraffic.com.
Travelers are encouraged to watch their speeds and give crews the room they need to work. A temporary speed limit reduction from 60 mph to 50 mph is in place on I-5 from mileposts 121.9 to 124.1.
Before heading out the door, travelers can find the latest information on the WSDOT app and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.
Registration remains open for Lakewood’s Camp Create
There is still space available for campers at Camp Create! Camp Create is a low-cost summer day camp offered by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. Camps run in one-week intervals; campers can register for just one week, or the full summer schedule. Cost is $99 per week. The camp is open to children ages 5 to 12 years. Camp weeks are:
- Week 4: July 27-31
- Week 5: August 3-7
- Week 6: August 10-14
New this year the camp will be held at the Lakewood Senior Activity Center, 9112 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Camp will adhere to current public health guidelines outlined by the state Department of Health and the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction as it relates to childcare services.
Download and fill out the registration packet, then email to Cameron Fairfield.
Transportation updates
The city’s road improvement projects are allowed under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
Onyx Drive
The city’s contractor has completed all curb and gutter west of 87th. The city’s contractor will begin pouring curb and gutter on the north side of the road from Garnet to Phillips starting today (7/25). The contractor continues to install sidewalks and driveways throughout both segments of the project.
Intermittent lane closures will continue along both segments of the project until September. Expect up to 10 minute delays as the contractor pours curb and gutter. Additionally, the speed limit from Garnet Lane to Phillips Road has been reduced to 25 MPH.
Read more about the Onyx Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.
Steilacoom Boulevard
The Steilacoom Boulevard Project close to complete! The contractor will be working to adjust a crosswalk button at the Phillips Road intersection in the near future. This will cause a lane closure for one day.
Veterans Drive
The city’s contractor paved the base lift of asphalt from Lake City Boulevard to west of Alameda Avenue. The contractor continues to install sidewalk and driveways in the section from Gravelly Lake Drive to west of Alameda Avenue. This work will continue for the next couple of weeks. The old roadway was demolished to Highland Avenue. The contractor will pour curb and gutter in this section late next week.
As a reminder only those living within (and providing services for) the closure limits are allowed access. The closure is expected to last a total of four to five weeks. It is anticipated the base lift for the closed section will be completed the final week of June. Once that work is complete the closure will be lifted.
Read more about the Veterans Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.
Stormwater Outfall Retrofit Project
The city’s contractor started working on three sites around Carp Lake yesterday (7/23) installing water quality units. The sites are in the vicinity of the cul-de-sacs of 96th Ave SW, 93rd Ave SW, and 119th St SW. To the best of the contractor’s ability, residents in those areas will be able to access driveways before and after the contractor’s working day.
Pavement patching
The City of Lakewood’s contractor, Asphalt Patch, completed the 2020 patching program and will paint striping shortly. O&M crews will continue to patch streets as needed throughout the year.
Chip Seal in-progress
The city’s 2020 Chip Seal program began two weeks ago between Clover Park High School and Halcyon, and north of 112th and south of 108th streets. The city’s contractor laid down road chips and will be completing the fog seal this Saturday (7/25). Lane stripping will occur next week. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of July.
Census 2020: Be counted
The Census Bureau is continuing to reach out to those who have not filled out the Census yet in an effort to make sure everyone is counted. In light of COVID-19, the bureau recently announced the deadline to complete the census was extended to Oct. 31, 2020.
As of July 23, 62.4 percent of US households responded to the 2020 Census. Washington’s response rate is 67.7 percent. Pierce County’s response rate is 67.8 percent. The city of Lakewood’s 2020 Census response rate is 62.8 percent overall.
Three weeks ago, the city sent out a second round of 6,500 mailers to the Woodbrook/Tillicum and Springbrook neighborhoods to help increase participation in the count.
As of July 23, Woodbrook-Tillicum has a response rate of 49.3% and Springbrook has a response rate of 41.1%. In the 2010 Census, these areas had response rates of 28.4% and 34.3% respectively.
There are three ways that people can respond to the census:
- Respond online at www.2020census.gov.
- Call a toll-free number (4 a.m. to 11 p.m. PT)
- English, 844.330.2020
- Spanish, 844.468.2020
- Other languages available, please contact me for information
- Return by Mail
How to help or get help
Looking for ways to help your community during this time? Or are you looking for assistance?
Pierce County created a website with information about how to donate to area food banks, including Emergency Food Network based in Lakewood, and a fund set up specifically to assist the human services needs facing our community in light of COVID-19 impacts.
There are also resources for individuals and businesses looking for more information about available financing and public assistance options. View the website.
Veterans Brick Update
Did you purchase a brick to be engraved on the Veterans Memorial located outside Lakewood City Hall in Lakewood Towne Center?
We hope to see the bricks engraved this summer, dependent on weather.
Thank you to everyone who purchased a brick for your patience while volunteers continued with the brick sales to be able to engrave them all at one time.
Volunteers were able to sell 153 of the 242 bricks remaining at the memorial. They are grateful for the community’s support of veterans and proud to see this memorial that was dedicated in 2003 by a citizen-led committee come closer to completion.
Join a community advisory board
Do you like to give back to the community? Are you looking to get better connected to Lakewood? Have some free time you want to fill? Consider joining one of the city’s community advisory boards. Board members often have experience or expertise they can lend, can meet on a monthly basis and can commit to serving a full term, or longer.
Boards with openings:
- Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board: up to 5 vacancies. Open until filled.
- Lodging Tax Advisory Board: 4 vacancies. Open until filled.
- Planning Commission: 1 vacancy (unexpired term through Dec. 15, 2021). Open until filled.
- Public Safety Advisory Committee: 3 vacancies:
- 1 vacancy (expired three-year term through Aug. 6, 2023). Open until filled.
- 2 vacancies (unexpired three-year term through Aug. 6, 2021). Open until filled.
Board and commission descriptions, meeting schedule and application form can be found online.
Stay up to date with MyLakewood311
Did you know Lakewood has its own free mobile app? All you need to know about the city is at your fingertips. Updates on road projects and detours around the city and other city announcements can be found under the “Public Announcements” header.
Contact the city using the “submit a new request” button and select from the appropriate category. The app allows you to track city staff’s response to your request and follow it through the process.
Please only submit one request per item – submitting multiple requests for the same item slows the review process. Note: This app is not monitored 24/7. If you are reporting an emergency that needs immediate assistance please call 911.
Download it now in the iTunes App Store or on Google Play.
Stay connected with e-mail notifications
Get the latest news and updates from the city of Lakewood delivered directly to your inbox. To subscribe click here.
You can subscribe to the following city newsfeeds:
- City Manager’s Weekly Bulletins (Weekly)
- City Council Agendas and Meeting Schedules (Weekly)
- Lakewood Connections and Recreation Brochures (Quarterly)
- Public Notices
- Coffee with the Mayor (Monthly)
- Bids, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Qualifications (RFQs)
This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.