Lakewood City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin For May 8

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

May 8, 2020

Lakewood SummerFEST canceled, other city-run events modified due to COVID-19

The health and safety of the Lakewood community is our highest priority. It is through this lens that the city reviewed its planned events for 2020 to determine which could be held in accordance with current available city resources and public health recommendations, including proper social distancing to minimize public interactions and help keep people safe.

Based on current conditions, the city made the difficult decision to cancel a number of upcoming events, including our signature summer celebration: Lakewood SummerFEST.

After reviewing different scenarios, it was determined SummerFEST, which last year drew nearly 50,000 people, could not be held in a way where social distancing practices could be achieved.

This is the first time in more than two decades that SummerFEST will not be held at Fort Steilacoom Park. While we are sad that we won’t be able to celebrate the summer with our residents, we know that this was the right decision needed at this time to keep our community healthy.

Similarly, the inaugural Lakewood Night Market is canceled. Like many of our residents, the city was looking forward to kicking off this new market in 2020. But after careful consideration it was decided to postpone the event so that it can be launched with all the fanfare it deserves next year. We look forward to an even bigger opening night celebration in 2021.

Other event cancellations include the annual Ray Evans Memorial Fishing event, previously scheduled for May 18. We hope to bring this event back to the shoreline of American Lake Park in 2021.

Read more about what events are canceled or postponed.

Parking at American Lake, Harry Todd parks now open

The city reopened the parking lots of American Lake and Harry Todd parks May 8, 2020 to relieve anticipated parking pressure on the surrounding neighborhoods due to the warm weather and likelihood that people would visit the shoreline.

These lots were previously closed to limit people gathering in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Under Gov. Jay Inslee’s extension of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, the following still applies at all Lakewood parks:

• Limit stay to 2 hours.
• Practice social distancing.
• Restrooms are closed.
• Pack out all trash.
• Playgrounds are off limits.
• Picnic shelters are closed.
• Sports courts are closed.
• Sports fields are closed.
• Group gatherings with people outside your household are prohibited.

Please also bring and wear masks for instances when social distancing cannot be achieved, and bring your own hand sanitizer/disinfectant as park restrooms are closed and there is no place to wash hands.

For those using the launch at American Lake, only one boat at a time is allowed on the dock and users are asked to wear gloves when using the kiosk to purchase a daily use pass.

All park visitors are asked to please limit your stay to no more than 2 hours. This allows others to visit safely. Because the restrooms are closed, visitors are also reminded to “go before you go” and please pack out all trash.

Lakewood Police will have its Marine Services Unit on American Lake this weekend to reinforce the order and ensure people are abiding by the public health guidelines. The department’s bicycle patrol will also be at Fort Steilacoom Park to enforce the order and make sure people are abiding by the modified park rules and public health guidelines.

The city thanks everyone for abiding by the rules so that we can continue to keep our parks open and provide a safe place for people to be active and help alleviate some of the isolation we are feeling at this time.

Lakewood Municipal Court Judge appointed to Pierce County Superior Court

From the Governor’s Office: This week Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Susan Adams to the Pierce County Superior Court. She replaces Judge Helen Whitener, who was recently appointed to the Washington Supreme Court.

Adams was appointed to her current position at Municipal Court judge in January 2017. Before that, from 2005 to 2017, Adams served as the founding director of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, a comprehensive service center for victims of domestic violence and their children. And earlier, Adams worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney with the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office from 1991 through 2005.

Read more.

Extending thanks to healthcare workers

The city thanks the many healthcare workers in our community for their continued commitment to providing care and for being on the frontlines daily.

Lakewood police officers showed their appreciation to Western State Hospital workers on May 7 alongside West Pierce Fire & Rescue crews. The healthcare workers at Western State work in an incredibly challenging environment made even more difficult by the introduction of COVID-19. We’re proud of them and the work they do, and hope our crews made their days just a little bit brighter by stopping by.

Also, many of the signs displayed were made by our officers’ kids. Thanks to them, too, for the great signs!

Our officers and West Pierce crews made a similar visit to St. Clare Hospital as a group in April and drove through the parking lot to say thank you for their hard work.

Hospital workers were also treated to a special flyover by the 62nd Airlift Wing, which showed its thanks by flying in formation from Madigan Army Medical Center to Shelton and then north to Everett before sweeping south to Seattle and the eastside and finally returning to McChord Field.

American Lake Boat Launch annual pass sales resume

The American Lake Boat Launch is open and daily rates apply. The city is once again accepting applications for seasonal boat launch passes, although due to COVID-19 and the current closure of city facilities, applications will only be accepted via email or mail.

Find the application and more information.

City Council May 11 virtual meeting preview

At its May 11 virtual study session the Lakewood City Council will receive an update on the Lakewood Landing project, which proposes redevelopment of a section of commercial property fronting Pacific Highway.

The council will also receive an update on the 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program. This is the document that outlines upcoming road improvement projects planned for the city, including available and anticipated funding and provides a rough timeline for when the road projects may be completed.

The council will also hear from Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro, who will provide a review of the first quarter 2020 police report, which once again shows that overall crime in Lakewood continues to decline.

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.

Planning Commission meets virtually May 13

The Planning Commission’s May 6 meeting was moved to May 13 to accommodate the recent extension of the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation.

The commission continues to hold its regularly scheduled meetings to ensure essential city functions continue. Due to the extension of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order the commission will continue to operate in a virtual setting.

Residents can virtually attend Planning Commission meetings by watching them live on the city’s YouTube channel.

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: 886-9816-3817.

View the agenda.

May 20 meeting

At its May 20 meeting the Lakewood Planning Commission will hold two public hearings, one on potential amendments to the Downtown Subarea Plan, Planned Action Ordinance and Hybrid Form-Based Code (codified at LMC Title 18B) and a second hearing on the annual development regulation amendments.

Public testimony for public hearings are currently only being accepted via mail or email at this time. Email is strongly encouraged. Comments should be sent to Karen Devereaux, Commission Clerk, at kdevereaux@cityoflakewood.us. Comments received up to six hours before the meeting will be provided to the Planning Commission electronically. Comments received after that deadline will be provided to the commission after the meeting.

For further information, contact Tiffany Speir, Long Range & Strategic Planning Manager (253) 983-7702; tspeir@cityoflakewood.us.

View the annual development regulation amendments.

Transportation updates

The city’s contractors working on road improvement projects on Onyx Drive and Steilacoom Boulevard continue with their work, which could impact travel for those accessing essential services.

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

Steilacoom Boulevard

Patching was done this week along 88th Street SW to fill in the gap between the edges of the old road and the new curb. Work was also completed at the intersection of Phillips Road and Steilacoom Boulevard to install conduit.

This project will complete 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.

Onyx Drive

Removal of all the large trees along Onyx Drive within the project area is complete. The contractor is now working on the west end of the job, stripping the areas for the new sidewalk and continues to install storm water facilities.

Next week Tacoma Power, HCI (formerly Click!) and Comcast will begin relocating their facilities. This will result in planned outages. The utility providers will provide notice for when the planned outages will occur. All three companies are working together to coordinate relocation efforts to minimize impacts.

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

City of Lakewood wants to hear from businesses

The city of Lakewood’s Economic Development Department wants to hear from businesses in our community to understand how they have been impacted by COVID-19.

Business owners are asked to complete this short survey to help the city better understand how COVID-19 has affected your operations.

The survey will take less than four minutes. Take the survey now.

There is a wealth of information out there for businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the city knows it can be daunting to keep track of what opportunities are available, what funding sources are tapped out and where to turn for assistance. An updated list of resources is at cityoflakewood.us/covid19.

Lakewood’s Economic Development team is also available to help. Contact Economic Development Manager Becky Newton at bnewton@cityoflakewood.us or by calling 253-254-1204.

University of Washington COVID-19 Mobility Survey

The University of Washington is looking for the public to take part in a survey that looks at how the lives of Washingtonians have changed as a result of COVID-19.

This includes asking how people’s travel and shopping habits have changed, how people are completing their work, whether people have been laid off, and how they are managing the stay home directive.

Results from the survey will provide information on how to potentially reduce traffic congestion in the region and air pollution after the threat of COVID-19 is gone. Findings will also be added to other data and analysis used to help shape regional transportation plans.

Take the survey.

Notice of Vacancy: Planning Commission

The city of Lakewood is accepting applications to fill one vacancy on its Planning Commission. The vacancy will fill an unexpired term through December 15, 2021. Applications can be found here or by contacting the City Clerk at 253-983-7705.

Census 2020: There’ still time

We want to step up our community response rate to the 2020 census, and we can only do that with your help!

The 2020 census is easier than ever to complete. It only takes a few minutes to submit your response online at my2020census.gov. Be prepared to complete the census in one sitting, as the system does not allow you to save your progress. See the questions the Census will ask.

It just takes a few minutes to bring great benefits to our community.

If you haven’t completed your household’s form this month the Census Bureau will start contacting people and will continue through July to be sure everyone is counted.

Once you’ve submitted your form, spread the word to friends and neighbors and encourage them to complete their response too.

Join the Pierce County Library System Board of Trustees

Looking for an opportunity to give back to the Pierce County community and help lead valued services for 614,000 children and adults? Apply to be a Board of Trustee with the Pierce County Library System.

“If you are an engaged leader, seeking a community-focused way to give back and be a significant part of your community, you are an ideal candidate for the Library’s Board of Trustees,” said Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The successful applicant will help shape and guide library service throughout unincorporated Pierce County and 15 cities and towns annexed to the Library System.”

The Board of Trustees oversee the Library System’s commitment to thoughtfully invest the public’s funds in highly valued library services‒services the public selected as their top priorities.

Trustees’ responsibilities include:

• Advocating for library services.
• Setting goals and charting courses.
• Approving budgets.
• Adopting policies.
• Planning for future directions.

Trustees must live in the Library’s service area. Trustees are non-paid positions and are appointed to a five-year term, with an opportunity to serve up to two consecutive terms.

Learn more. Applications must be received by Friday, May 15, 2020.

Lakewood scenes for your next Zoom conference call

Conducting a lot of video conference calls lately? We have some great virtual backgrounds for you to try for your next Zoom meeting!

Download our Lakewood themed background today.

TO ADD TO ZOOM

Download and save one or all of the images below. Open your Zoom account, and under the settings menu look for the option “Virtual Backgrounds”.

Click “Add Image” then select the image you want.

For system requirements and troubleshooting, read more from Zoom here.

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.

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.

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.

May 11, 2020 Study Session

• Lakewood Landing Update
• Review of Small Wireless Facility Franchise Agreement with New Cingular Wireless, LLC (AT&T)
• Review of Six-Year (2021-2026) Transportation Improvement Program
• Review of 1st Quarter (2020) Police Report

May 18, 2020 Regular Meeting

• Awarding a bid for the Harry Todd Waterfront Restoration project
• Awarding a bid for the Fort Steilacoom Park Angle Lane South project
• Awarding a bid for the 2020 Chip Seal program
• Awarding a bid for the 2020 Roadway Patching project
• Awarding a bid for the 2019 CDBG Streetlight Project
• Appoint Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board members (tentative)
• Appoint Lodging Tax Advisory Committee members (tentative)
• This is the date set for a public hearing on FY 2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan and Five-Year (2020-2024) Consolidated Plan
• This is the date set for a public hearing on the Small Wireless Facility Franchise Agreement with New Cingular Wireless, LLC (AT&T)
• Adopt 2020 Lakewood Parks and Recreation Legacy Plan
• Resolution(s) authorizing grant funding assistance through the Recreation and Conservation Office
• Unfinished Business – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) small business loan criteria (tentative)
• Reports by the City Manager – Lakewood Station District Subarea Plan Update

Review the City Council agenda packet

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