Lakewood City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin For June 12

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

June 12, 2020

State proposes new hospital on Western State Hospital grounds

The state Department of Social and Health Services has proposed a complete reconstruction of Western State Hospital and its campus.

In the short term DSHS, which operates Western State, wants to temporarily expand the hospital capacity and build a new 350-bed forensic hospital on the property. This would include demolition of several existing buildings on the site.

The state also proposes building a second, 18-bed residential cottage at the Child Study and Treatment Center and a treatment and recreation center.

Long term, the state’s goal is to transition the hospital to serve primarily forensic patients (those who have been processed through the criminal justice system) and fewer civil commitment patients, which make up the majority of the approximately 850 patients on site today.

Lakewood is the lead agency for State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) review process for the application and as such is currently accepting public comment on the proposed changes.

Public comment period: June 10 to July 10, 2020. All persons may provide written comments about the proposal to:

City of LakewoodAttn: Community and Economic Development Department6000 Main Street SWLakewood, WA. 98499

Electronic comments can also be made via a project website at wshmasterplan.org or by email to Planning Manager Courtney Brunell at cbrunell@cityoflakewood.us.

Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., July 10, 2020. Any person wishing to become a party of record should include the request with their comments.

A public hearing date has not yet been set.

• View the proposed master plan update.
• View the notice of application.
• View the project website.

Read more about what is proposed.

Lakewood Farmers Market opens next week

Opening day of the Lakewood Farmers Market is a week away. New this year the market will be held at Fort Steilacoom Park in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball fields.

The market runs every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the park through Sept. 18, 2020.

The new location allows us to achieve social distancing and meet public health directives to keep the community safe during the current health crisis.

Layout of the market will offer drive-thru and walk-thru options for visitors. People can walk around the perimeter of the booths to purchase items, or they can drive through the middle of the market to pick up items they pre-ordered.

See the full lineup of vendors, learn how to pre-order items, and see food trucks and dessert options on the Farmers Market page.

Seeking volunteers

The city is seeking volunteers to help with the Farmers Market. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and excellent customer service is a must. Time commitment is Fridays from 2:30 to 7 p.m. from June 19 to Sept. 18. Volunteers must be able to stand for four hours and be outdoors in the elements. An on-site training will occur June 15 at 10 a.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. Community service hours are available for students.

Email smartinez@cityoflakewood.us if interested and indicate the dates you can volunteer.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord service members give back

Last month approximately 60 members of the U.S Army Company HHC 4-23 Infantry participated in a community service event in the city of Lakewood.

Initiated by Army personnel, the soldiers teamed up with city of Lakewood maintenance staff and Lakewood police officers. The newly formed group named the May 21 event: Operation Clean Sweep.

During the event several projects were identified in the city and teams of soldiers deployed to each site alongside Lakewood personnel. The event was very successful and resulted in some great work accomplished, which benefited the community.

As part of the cleanup project, which included painting over graffiti, supplies were purchased at Lakewood Hardware and Paint. This Lakewood business chipped in, donating five gallons of paint and discounted some of the supplies for the project.

As part of Operation Clean Sweep the following work was accomplished:

• An irrigation trench was built at Springbrook Park.
• A fence was installed at Oakbrook Park.
• Garbage was cleaned up from illegal dump sites along the 12300 block of Pacific Highway South at in the Tillicum neighborhood.
• Vegetation was trimmed at Harry Todd Park.
• A crew went to the private residence of a veteran living in Lakewood and performed various maintenance and cleanup tasks around his yard and house.

View a photo gallery from the day.

Phase 2 reopening guidelines

The Tacoma Pierce County Chamber and the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County have shared out the following resources for business to assist in re-opening and recovery.

Re-Opening Tool-Kits, and Recovery Resources

• www.backtoworktoolkit.com – A toolkit for reopening the office and getting back to work. Joint project led by Madrona alongside Seattle Venture Community, leading Tech, Retail, and Aerospace Companies in the region and lead the Seattle Metro and Bellevue Chambers of Commerce.
• Creating a Return to Work Action Plan – provide by Parker, Smith & Feek, thoughtful guidance (that follows CDC guidelines) and template for a company to use in creating their own back to work plan.
• www.ReboundAndRecovery.org – Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) site dedicated to information and resources in regards to business reopening and recovery.
• Reopening Business Digital Resource Center – US Chamber of Commerce portal for detailed information for businesses broken down by state, sector, and businesses in addition to tools and other resources.

Find additional information from the Governor’s Office here.

Registration now open for Lakewood’s Camp Create

This low-cost summer day camp offered by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July to Aug. 14. It is open to children ages 5 to 12 years.

Camps run in one-week intervals; campers can register for just one week, or the full summer schedule. Cost is $99 per week.

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.

Be safe this 4th of July

Independence Day is just around the corner and the city of Lakewood and West Pierce Fire & Rescue want the community to celebrate safely. Each year thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – fires, devastating burns, other injuries, and even death.

The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home – period. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the majority of public fireworks displays have been canceled.

July 4 is the busiest day of the year for West Pierce Fire & Rescue and Lakewood police. Please be smart, don’t mix alcohol and explosives, keep children away from fireworks and remember we already have extremely dry conditions so be mindful not only about where you light your fireworks, but also where they will fall.

Use of legal fireworks is allowed in Lakewood from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3, 4 and 5 and on Dec. 31.

Click the images to see what is legal and what is illegal.

• Washington State Patrol Fire Protection Bureau/Office of the State Fire Marshal
• Washington State Patrol Fire Protection Bureau/Office of the State Fire Marshal

Lakewood Senior Activity Center: Yoga with Fay

The Lakewood Senior Activity Center released its third exercise class video to offer the opportunity for its members to remain active while at home.

The center remains closed, but staff want to make sure its members stay connected.

Center staff misses its members and hopes people are finding ways to remain active — whether through online exercise classes like this, walks outside or by completing favorite activities like knitting, woodworking, painting photography.

Please take check in on each other, stay active and LSAC staff hope to be able to see all its members’ smiling faces soon.

Enjoy this chair Yoga class with Fay.

City Council June 15 virtual meeting preview

The Lakewood City Council will meet virtually for its June 15, 2020 regular meeting.

Items on the agenda include:

• Approving the 2021-2022 Human Services funding process
• Authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce, to receive $1,179,100.00 in Coronavirus Relief Funds
• Authorizing the execution of the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) Memorandum of Understanding
• Public hearing: 2020 Annual Development Regulations and Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) code amendments
• Authorizing the acquisition of real property under threat of condemnation or by condemnation for park purposes; authorizing payment thereof from the City’s General Fund or from such other monies that the City may have available or attain for the acquisition; providing for severability; and establishing an effective date
• Adopting amendments to the 2020 Lakewood Comprehensive Plan including the future land use map and zoning map and Lakewood Municipal Code Title 18A
• Adopting the Six-Year (2021-2026) Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program
• Establishing funding principles and a budget to guide the expenditure of Coronavirus Relief Funds distributed to the City of Lakewood by Washington State
• Review of City Council meeting attendance in person or virtual

Due to the stay home order, the Lakewood City Council is holding its meetings virtually so that the city can continue to conduct necessary business. Under the order in-person attendance by members of the public is NOT permitted at this time.

Residents can virtually attend City Council meetings by watching them live on the city’s YouTube channel starting at 7 p.m.

Those who do not have access to YouTube can call in by telephone via Zoom: Dial +1 (253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 151-082-920.

City Council meeting agenda and materials can be found here.

Transportation updates

The city’s road improvement projects are allowed under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

Veterans Drive

This week the city’s contractor Miles Resources continue to remove the roadway from Gravelly Lake Drive to Lake City Boulevard. Crushed rock is in place to accommodate local access. Stormwater infrastructure installation continued this week and is anticipated to be completed soon, after which time the contractor will begin prepping for the installation of curb and gutter.

The first segment detour remains in place as does the detour of Vernon Avenue between Kenwood and Veterans Drive.

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.

This project is being completed in segments, with sections of the road closed for four to five weeks while work is completed. Work will continue in the reopened segments with intermittent lane closures.

Read more about this project.

Onyx Drive

Comcast will begin its relocation efforts next week and anticipates three weeks of work. It will coordinate service interruptions directly with customers.

Tacoma Power has begun relocating infrastructure east of Coral Lane and anticipates work will be completed within three weeks. An outage affecting approximately 12 customers will be necessary. Tacoma Power will contact the affected customers directly.

The city’s contractor continues to install stormwater infrastructure east of Garnet Lane and is prepping for curb on the south side of Onyx west of 87th Street. Curb and gutter is scheduled to be poured Thursday and Friday (June 18 and 19).

Intermittent lane closures will continue along both segments of the project.

Read more about the Onyx Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.

Steilacoom Boulevard

Due to weather, the planned paving work had to be rescheduled this week. Final adjustment of new vehicle detection cameras were installed Friday at the Weller Road and Phillips Road intersections.

The rescheduled paving work is anticipated for Tuesday and Wednesday (June 16 and 17) and is weather dependent. Drivers should expect longer than usual commute times from 8 a.m. until about 2 p.m., especially during peak morning and midday hours while this work is done.

Once the paving is complete a 21-day pavement curing period will begin. During this time full use of the road will open up and temporary markings will be in place. Once the period concludes permanent road markings will be installed.

This project completes storm drainage improvements and add curbs. A future project will widen Steilacoom Blvd./88th St. between Weller Rd. and Custer Rd. for the eventual inclusion of bike facilities and 5-foot wide concrete sidewalks, street lighting, a traffic signal upgrade, along with bridge modifications to Chambers Creek Bridge and pavement rehabilitation and overlay.

Pavement markers

This week road crews began replacing faded roadway markings at various locations throughout the city. They are scheduled to start a citywide roadway re-striping effort at the end of June/start of July. Once done they will then install new reflective raised pavement markers on various roads.

WSDOT Transportation updates

New roadway surface coming to SR 512 this summer

Travelers who use both directions of state Route 512 between Pacific Avenue/SR 7 and Canyon Road will need to plan for extra travel time during the overnight hours this summer.

Contractor crews working for the state Department of Transportation will begin removing and replacing three miles of worn asphalt on both directions of SR 512 between Tacoma and Puyallup starting Monday, June 15. Crews will also make repairs to bridge joints at the Waller Road overpass.

During the project, crews will close one lane during overnight hours, reducing the highway to one lane in each direction through the work zone.

Read more.

Changes coming to northbound I-5 in Lakewood

An upcoming northbound Interstate 5 traffic shift marks the first step in permanently raising the highway nearly 14 feet at the new Berkeley Street overpass in Lakewood.

During the overnight hours of Friday, June 19, design-build contractor Atkinson Construction will relocate all northbound I-5 lanes to a new location between the Berkeley Street overpass and approaching the Thorne Lane intersection.

Friday, June 19

• 9 p.m.: single lane closures on northbound I-5 approaching Berkeley Street begin.
• 10:15 p.m.: both the off- and on-ramp to Berkeley Street will close. The exit to Thorne Lane will close during overnight hours once the exit to Berkeley Street reopens. The two exits will not be closed at the same time.
• 11:59 p.m.: two lanes will close on northbound I-5, reducing the interstate to a single lane.

All ramps will reopen by 7:45 a.m. Saturday, June 20. All lanes will reopen by 8 a.m.

The work requires dry weather and could be rescheduled to Saturday, June 20, or the next available dry weekend.

This is the first of several traffic shifts that allow crews to widen I-5 and raise the elevation of the highway above the water table. The Washington State Department of Transportation published a blog about the upcoming work scheduled for this summer.

Travelers are encouraged to watch their speeds and give crews the room they need to work. As a reminder, a temporary speed limit reduction to 50 mph on I-5 from mileposts 121.9 to 124.1 is in place.

Additional overnight ramp closures for the week of June 15 are listed for this project on Tacomatraffic.com. Before heading out the door, travelers can find the latest information on the WSDOT app and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.

Help United Way, help our community

The coronavirus is taking a toll on every aspect of our lives and our community. Because of COVID-19, the most vulnerable people in Pierce County, especially ALICE (Asset Limited Income-Constrained Employed) families, who are living paycheck-to-paycheck, is increasing.Additionally, there are people who need help today that have never needed help before.

The United Way of Pierce County (UWPC) is committed to helping those in our community who need it most. Even before the crisis hit, 1 in 3 residents in Pierce County struggled to make ends meet, even though they were working. They can be your neighbors, family, friends, coworkers and others.

UWPC is providing individuals, including the increasing number of ALICE families with children, much-needed services such the South Sound 211 helpline for critical resources that move people out of crisis and into self-sufficiency. For the last 9 weeks UUPC has seen a 215% increase at the South Sound 211 call center where almost all contacts have been related to the new world we live in.

To help support UWPC and to help our neighbors in need, considering making a gift. If you would like to help us in other ways, please contact UWPC at 253-272-4263.

If you wish to make your donation by check, please mail your check to:

United Way of Pierce CountyPO Box 2215Tacoma, WA 98401

Station District Subarea Plan

The future of Lakewood’s Station District is in the public’s hands. Input from residents, business owners and developers will help the city develop a subarea plan which will guide future development within this designated area.

The goal for the district is to craft a plan that is grounded in the first-hand experiences of the community it will serve. This phase of engagement will run from now until June 26, 2020.

Take the SURVEY! Answer questions about the area around the Lakewood Sounder Station. The survey takes about 10 minutes.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Participate in the WALKSHOP! To understand community priorities, we need volunteers to explore the Station District — in a safe, socially distanced way — and report back about your experience. Make it a family adventure, we even have a worksheet for kids to fill out.

DOWNLOAD WALKSHOP WORKSHEET

DOWNLOAD THE KIDS’ WORKSHEET

Lakewood Youth Council: Now accepting applications

The city is currently accepting applications for its Youth Council for the 2020-2021 school year. Completed applications are due no later than Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m.

The city’s Youth Council conveys to the Lakewood City Council issues having city-wide impact to youth. Members are responsible for a monthly report to City Council and may participate on a variety of city committees, study groups and task forces.

Qualifications for becoming a Youth Council member is any combination equivalent to:

• Entering High School student in good academic standing, including a good attendance record, past leadership experience and/or involvement in school or community organizations and/or events desired.
• Attend a school in Lakewood or reside in Lakewood.

Read more about the Lakewood Youth Council and download the application.

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.

There are three ways that people can respond to the census:

• Respond online atwww.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 Town Center?

We hope to see the bricks engraved this summer, dependent on weather and the status of any stay home orders around COVID-19.

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: 2 vacancies. Open until filled.
• Lodging Tax Advisory Board: 4 vacancies. Deadline: Open until filled.
• Planning Commission: 1 vacancy (unexpired term through Dec. 15, 2021). Open until filled.
• Youth Council: Accepting applications through June 19. Find the application here.

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.

Upcoming Council Meetings

Under the current stay home order, 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 call in to listen by telephone via Zoom: Dial +1(253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 151082920.

Participation in public comments and public testimony on public hearings will only be accepted via email at this time. Comments should be sent to City Clerk, Briana Schumacher at bschumacher@cityoflakewood.us. Comments received up to one hour before the meeting will be provided to the City Council electronically. Comments received after that deadline will be provided to the City Council after the meeting.

June 15, 2020 Regular Meeting

• Approving the 2021-2022 Human Services funding process
• Authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce, to receive $1,179,100.00 in Coronavirus Relief Funds
• Authorizing the execution of the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) Memorandum of Understanding
• This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2020 Annual Development Regulations and Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) code amendments
• Authorizing the acquisition of real property under threat of condemnation or by condemnation for park purposes; authorizing payment thereof from the City’s General Fund or from such other monies that the City may have available or attain for the acquisition; providing for severability; and establishing an effective date
• Adopting amendments to the 2020 Lakewood Comprehensive Plan including the future land use map and zoning map and Lakewood Municipal Code Title 18A
• Adopting the Six-Year (2021-2026) Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program
• Establishing funding principles and a budget to guide the expenditure of Coronavirus Relief Funds distributed to the City of Lakewood by Washington State
• Reports by the City Manager – Review of City Council meeting attendance in person or virtual

June 22, 2020 Study Session

• 1st Quarter Financial Report
• COVID-19 Financial Update
• Western State Hospital Master Facility Plan Update

View the full agenda packet.

This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.