Lakewood City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin For June 26

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

June 27, 2020

Summer Lakewood Connections Magazine is here!

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, Summer Nights at the Pavilion (concert series), 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.

Gov. Inslee announces statewide mask mandate

Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced a statewide mandatory face covering order that will take effect Friday, June 26. To learn more about the statewide mandate visit here.

Lakewood Farmers Market continues today

Opening day at the Lakewood Farmers Market was a huge success with 28 vendors, including 11 farmers and flower vendors, 9 processors, and 8 food trucks. Today’s market will feature a total of 38 vendors!

Like last week, the Lakewood Farmers Market will be 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.

Unlike last week, the Lakewood Farmers Market today will not have a drive-thru option. 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 from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 18, 2020, with the exception of next Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July.

See the full lineup of vendors, including food trucks and dessert options on the Farmers Market page.

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 reviewing 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.

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.

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.

As part of this project, this weekend, weather permitting, contractor crews working for WSDOT will cause weekend closure of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Madigan Gate.

Travelers who use the Madigan Gate to access JBLM will need to use an alternate gate from 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27 to 11 p.m. Sunday, June 28 for paving. Southbound I-5 exit to Berkeley Street will close from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday. Northbound I-5 off- and on-ramps at Berkeley Street will close from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Drivers will detour on northbound I-5 to Thorne Lane.

Additional construction information, including other overnight closures, for the week of June 29 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.

Station District Subarea Plan survey closes June 26

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.

Take the SURVEY! Answer questions about the area around the Lakewood Sounder Station. The survey takes about 10 minutes. The survey is open until July 15, 2020

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 summer concert series lineup announced

The city of Lakewood is excited to announce its summer concert lineup for the 2020 season. This year we expanded our free summer concert series to seven weeks, allowing our community to come together and enjoy a variety of entertainment at our Pavilion in the Park.

Concerts will be Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m. starting July 16 through Aug. 27, 2020 at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the Pavilion lawn to see some of the region’s best live entertainment!

Due to public health guidelines around social distancing, space may be limited and social distancing of at least six feet between people required.

View the full lineup.

Public comment sought on Western State Hospital update

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

Public comment will be accepted until July 10.

• View the proposed master plan update.
• View the notice of application.
• View the project website.
• Read more about what is proposed and how to comment.

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 (WPFR) 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.

For more information on fireworks visit WPFR’s website here.

City Council July 6 meeting preview

There is no City Council meeting scheduled for June 29, 2020. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for July 6, 2020.

Items on the July 6, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting agenda include:

• Clover Park School District Report
• Appointing Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board members (tentative)
• Appoint Lodging Tax Advisory Committee members (tentative)
• This is the date for a public hearing to consider the proposed vacation of the easterly fifty-six (56) feet of 148th Street SW right-of-way east of the intersection with Murray Rd SW
• Ordinance adopting the 2020 Annual Development Regulations and Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) code amendments

If there is an extension of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) waiver by the state legislative leadership beyond July 1 then the Lakewood City Council will meet virtually for its July 6, 2020 regular meeting.

If the waiver is not extended, in-person attendance by members of the public will be allowed at City Hall, in addition to continuing to offer City Council meetings online.

Currently, due to the stay home order, the 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. Again, this could change effective July 1. As of right now, 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.

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.

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

Curb and gutter was poured this week from Gravelly Lake to around Lake City Boulevard. The contractor will be paving the first lift of asphalt in this section this upcoming Tuesday.

The first segment detour and the detour of Vernon between Kenwood and Veterans Drive remain in place. As a reminder only those living within (and services for) the closure limits are allowed access. Closures are expected to last a few more weeks and will reopen to through traffic once the base lift of asphalt is in place.

Work will continue in the reopened segments with intermittent lane closures.

Read more about this project.

Onyx Drive

Tacoma Power continues relocating infrastructure east of Coral Lane and anticipates work will be completed within the next week.

Curb and gutter was poured the end of last week on the south side of the road west of 87th Street. Curb and gutter will be poured on the south side of Onyx from Garnet Lane to Phillips Road today.

The contractor will begin prepping for curb and gutter on the north side of Onyx west of 87th Street next week. The speed limit from Garnet Lane to Phillips Road has been reduced to 25 MPH.

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

Paving was completed on Steilacoom Blvd at the end of last week. Crews continue to open holes in the new roadway to adjust the valves and drains to street level. Crews began placing topsoil and mulch in areas behind the sidewalks and curbs. Permanent pavement markings will be installed in two weeks, once the pavement is cured.

This upcoming Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30, the intersections at Phillips Road and 88th Street may be congested as road work continues. Police officers will provide traffic control at each intersection while crews work one these intersections. Final traffic markings will be installed in early July.

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 begins July 6

The city’s 2020 Chip Seal program will begin July 6, and is concentrated between Clover Park High School and Halcyon, and north of 112th and south of 108th streets. Work is expected to take two weeks.

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 June 18, 61.5 percent of US households responded to the 2020 Census. Washington’s response rate is 66.9 percent, as is Pierce County’s. The city of Lakewood’s 2020 Census response rate is 62 percent overall.

The city is preparing to send in-home mailers to its undercounted neighborhoods to help increase participation in the count.

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 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.

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