Lakewood's City Manager Publishes Weekly Bulletin For July 17

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

July 17, 2020

City launches CARES Act Funding Dashboard

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 $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

In addition to the $1.79 from the CARES Act allocated by the state to the city, the city also received $350,611 from CARES Act funding made available through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). The city used these funds to developed a Business Loan Assistance Program. To learn more about this program click here.

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.

For a full display of the dashboard click here.

Final day to submit applications for the Lakewood Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant Program

Today is the final day to submit applications for the Lakewood Small Business Emergency Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant program. This program is designed to support local businesses and the economy. The program is funded with $607,640 from a portion of the City’s CARES Act stimulus package distribution.

The application deadline is today at 5:00 p.m.

To learn more about this program’s eligibility requirements, application process, and to download the application 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.

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.

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.

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.

Now accepting applications for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative

With the passage of Washington State Initiative 940 in November 2018 and SHB 1064 in 2019, incidents where the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm require an independent investigation. These independent investigations will be conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and state law requires that the “independent investigation” be completely separate from the involved agency.

Police agencies in Pierce County are meeting this requirement through creation of the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT).

The city is recruiting for the position(s) of Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative to assist the Lakewood Police Department in their role on the PCFIT.

Applicants may submit application materials to Joanna Nichols at jnichols@cityoflakewood.us.

Application materials must be received by 5:00 p.m. on July 23, 2020.

To read more about the position and how to apply click here.

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.

Return of Healthy Bucks at the Lakewood Farmers Market today at Fort Steilacoom Park

The fourth week of the Lakewood Farmers Market is here! In week three the city continued to see record sales, in total the market experienced an increase in sales of 20% compared to week three in 2019.

Starting this week, Healthy Bucks are back at the Lakewood Farmers Market. Healthy Bucks are good for $2.00 worth of fruits or veggies from any farm vendor. Children, 16 years and under, can pick up Health Bucks by the city of Lakewood booth at the entrance to the market. Get your children excited about trying new and healthy foods.

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.

View eligibility requirements and download the loan application from the Lakewood COVID-19 Business Assistance Loan Program website.

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. The following city services are available online:

Development Services & Permits

Business Licensing

Park & Shelter Reservations

Municipal Court Fines

Animal Licensing

Public Records Requests

Report information

Police reports and other items

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 20

• Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
• Thorne Lane on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
• Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
• Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Tuesday, July 21

• Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
• Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane 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.
• 41st Division Drive on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 22

• Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
• Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
• Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
• 41st Division Drive on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.

Thursday, July 23

• Northbound I-5 exit to 41st Division Drive will close from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.
• Southbound I-5 off- and on-ramps at Thorne Lane will close from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday.

Saturday, July 25

• 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

Next week is week two of Camp Create! There is still space available for campers! 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 3: July 20-24
• 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.

City Council July 20 meeting preview

Items on the July 20, 2020 Regular Session agenda include:

• Authorizing the execution of a contract with Communities in Schools (CIS) Lakewood to disburse $50,000 in Coronavirus Relief Fund Monies
• Authorizing the execution of a contract with Living Access Support Alliance (LASA) to disburse $407,640 in Coronavirus Relief Fund Monies
• Authorizing the execution of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local (AFSCME) #1938 for the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021
• Amending the 2020 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board work plan regarding use of motorized vehicles in City parks
• This is the date set for a public hearing regarding proposed code amendments that would reduce the time during which certain fireworks are allowed from July 3 through July 5 to specified hours on July 4 only
• Vacating the easterly fifty-six (56) feet of 148th Street SW right-of-way east of the intersection with Murray Rd SW
• Amending Title 3 of the Lakewood Municipal Code adding Chapter 3.39 Lake Management Districts which establishes the process to be used to collect assessments; assess penalties and interest on unpaid assessments; and impose liens on properties with unpaid assessments for Lake Management Districts
• Ordinance to consider taking the final action of authorizing legal proceedings if necessary to acquire by condemnation certain real property interests in the following subject properties identified as: 10005 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, Pierce County Tax Parcel No. 5400200141; 5309 100th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, Pierce County Tax Parcel No. 0219021036; 5401 100th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, Pierce County Tax Parcel No. 0219021066

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.

To participate in Public Comment and/or Public Testimony:

Public Comments and Public Testimony on Public Hearings will be accepted by mail, email or by live virtual comment.

Comments by mail or email: Send comments to Briana Schumacher, City Clerk at 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499 or bschumacher@cityoflakewood.us. Comments received up to one hour before the meeting will be provided to the City Council electronically.

Virtual Comments: If you would like to provide live Public Comments or Public Testimony during the meeting, you will need to join the Zoom meeting as an attendee by calling by telephone Dial +1(253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 868 7263 2373 or visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373.

By phone: For those participating by calling in by telephone (+1(253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 868 7263 2373), the Mayor will call on you during the Public Comment and/or Public Hearings portions of the agenda. When you are unmuted please provide your name and city of residence. Each speaker will be allowed (3) three minutes to speak during the Public Comment and at each Public Hearing.

By Zoom: For those using the zoom link (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373), upon entering the meeting, please enter your name or other chosen identifier. Use the “Raise Hand” feature to be called upon by the Mayor during the Public Comments and/or Public Hearings portions of the agenda. When you are unmuted please provide your name and city of residence. Each speaker will be allowed (3) three minutes to speak during the Public Comment and at each Public Hearings.

Outside of Public Comments and Public Hearings, all attendees on ZOOM will continue to have the ability to virtually raise your hand for the duration of the meeting. You will not be acknowledged and your microphone will remain muted except for when you are called upon. 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.

Onyx Drive

The city’s contractor has completed all curb and gutter west of 87th and will begin adding sidewalk in this segment starting next week.

The curb and gutter on the north side of Onyx from Garnet to Phillips is scheduled to be poured at the end of next week.

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.

Veterans Drive

The city’s contractor continued construction on sidewalk segments from Gravelly Lake Drive to Lake City Boulevard. The sidewalk segment from Lake City Boulevard to west of Alameda Avenue was graded. Curb and gutter is scheduled to be done early next week.

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.

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

Steilacoom Boulevard

The Steilacoom Boulevard Project is almost complete! This past Friday the city’s contractor added long lasting plastic pavement markings on the new pavement. The contractor will be completing a few touch-ups that may require periodic lane closures.

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 last week between Clover Park High School and Halcyon, and north of 112th and south of 108th streets. Chips will be laid down and then fog seal sprayed through July 21st. Lane stripping will occur the week after. 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 15, 62.1 percent of US households responded to the 2020 Census. Washington’s response rate is 67.5 percent. Pierce County’s response rate is 67.5 percent. The city of Lakewood’s 2020 Census response rate is 62.5 percent overall.

Two 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 June 30, Woodbrook-Tillicum has a response rate of 48.2% and Springbrook has a response rate of 40.3%. 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.

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