City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin In Lakewood

From the City of Lakewood:

February 28, 2020

At 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, design-build contractor Atkinson Construction will close the northbound and southbound Interstate 5 off- and on-ramps to Berkeley Street and the existing Berkeley Street overpass. The around-the-clock closure of this interchange to all travelers allows crews to connect the new overpass to the Madigan Army Medical Center gate.

During the weekend closure:

• Tillicum residents and businesses will use the Thorne Lane interchange to access I-5.
• Travelers who use the Madigan
  Gate will use alternate gates such as Lewis Main Gate at 41st Division Drive or
  the Logistics Gate off of Murray Road Southwest to reach Joint Base
  Lewis-McChord.

What happens Monday, March 2?

• At 5 a.m. Monday, March 2, the new Berkeley Street overpass and the new off- and on- ramps will open to travelers, with one exception. Commuters coming from Tillicum or Camp Murray will not be able to turn left from the new Berkeley Street overpass to northbound I-5. They will temporarily detour to Thorne Lane to reach northbound I-5. This detour will remain in place until Monday, March 16

Read more about the closure, see maps of the detours and next steps.

Lakewood

Council to vote on 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax increase March 2

At its regular meeting Monday, March 2, 2020 the Lakewood City Council is
expected to review and vote on an ordinance that proposes a 1/10 of 1 percent
tax increase dedicated to funding mental health and chemical dependency
services in the city.

The tax is being considered as part of a separate review of Substitute House
Bill 1406, which was adopted by the state Legislature during the 2019 legislative
session. This law provides a revenue stream to help fund affordable housing for
counties, cities and towns that choose to participate. The money comes from the
state’s existing 6.5 percent sales tax and is not a new tax.

In order to receive the full tax credit allowed under SHB 1406, a
participating jurisdiction must pass a qualifying local tax.

A qualifying local tax is a local property tax or sales tax imposed by a
jurisdiction separate from the requirements of SHB 1406, to address affordable
housing or related issues.

The City Council requested additional information about the 1/10th
of 1 percent mental health and chemical dependency sales tax and debated it at
its Feb. 24, 2020 study session.

Following a roughly 45-minute discussion, City Council members agreed to
bring the proposed tax increase to a full vote of the council at its March 2,
2020 regular meeting.

Members of the public who would like to comment on the proposed ordinance
will have the opportunity during the regular public comment period at the start
of the meeting to comment. Meetings are held in Council Chambers, 6000 Main St
SW, and being at 7 p.m.

Read more and listen the City Council discussion from its Feb. 24, 2020 study session.

Hidden Heroes Week 6: Ursula Burns and Harold Moss

Week 6 of the Lakewood
MLK Committee’s Hidden Heroes campaign highlights national hero Ursula Burns
and local hero from neighboring Tacoma, Harold Moss. With Black History Month
drawing to a close, this is the last of the Hidden Heroes.

The Lakewood MLK
Committee thanks everyone who took the time to read about these influential
individuals and who shared their stories with others. If you have suggestions
or ideas about local and national heroes to highlight for the 2021 campaign,
please send an email to Communications Manager Brynn Grimley, bgrimley@cityoflakewood.us.

Read about these leaders.

Lakewood
receives refund from AWC

Peter King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities, addressed the Lakewood City Council at its Feb. 18 meeting announcing the city would receive $51,655 from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

The money is a refund
awarded to the city as part of AWC’s Workers’ Comp Retro Program, which the
city is a member.

In 2020 AWC distributed
$1.5 million in refunds to 115 municipalities across Washington, the largest
refund in its 15-year history. Refunds are disbursed base on workers’
compensation claims within each jurisdiction.

The AWC Workers’ Comp Retro Program provides training and tools
that empower employers to lower risks for on-the-job injuries. The focus on
injury prevention and safety reduces a municipality’s overall workers’
compensation costs.

2020 Stormwater Management Program Update

The City of Lakewood is
updating its Stormwater Management Program that will continue to guide efforts
to further improve the water quality of our City’s stormwater discharges.

The program is part of
the City’s compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
permit or NPDES, which is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act.

The program establishes
the local regulations, maintenance and administrative procedures, and
educational and outreach programs that the City will continue to act upon to
address and reduce pollution from stormwater discharges. The Washington State
Department of Ecology administers the program in our state.

The public is encouraged
to review and comment on Lakewood’s Draft 2020 Stormwater Management Program by March 15, 2020. Hard copies are available
for review at the Public Works Engineering Department, 2nd floor, Lakewood City
Hall, 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.

Send written comments to:
Attn: 2020 Stormwater Management Program Update
Public Works Engineering Dept.
City of Lakewood
6000 Main St. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499

Email comments should be directed to Engineering Services Manager, Greg Vigoren.

Lakewood accepts Platinum Healthy Community
Award for its Colonial Plaza

The city of Lakewood was
awarded the Platinum Healthy Community Award from the Tacoma-Pierce County
Health Department for its Colonial Plaza redevelopment project.

Deputy Mayor Jason Whalen
accepted the award on behalf of the Lakewood City Council during the Pierce
County Regional Council General Assembly meeting held on Feb. 20, 2020 at the
Pierce County Skills Center.

The Healthy Communities
Award recognizes local jurisdictions that make a special effort to influence
the health of their communities.

The Colonial Plaza
project was recognized because of its enhancement of the quality of life for
Lakewood residents and visitors.

Read more.

Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan

Lakewood Planning Commission will hold a
public hearing for people to comment on 13 proposed amendments to the 2020
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. The meeting is March 4, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in
Council Chambers, 6000 Main Street SW.

Comments may be submitted in writing or
through public testimony at the public hearing.

View the 13 proposed amendments.

For more information contact Tiffany Speir,
Long Range & Strategic Planning Manager, 253-983-7702 or email tspeir@cityoflakewood.us.

2nd open house planned for Washington

Boulevard

A second open house will be held Thursday,
March 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the public to ask questions about a planned
road improvement project that will rebuild a 3.5-mile corridor from the city’s
western border with Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Gravelly Lake Drive.

The meeting will be in Council Chambers at
City Hall, 6000 Main St SW. City staff will be at the meeting to answer
questions and provide information about what is planned.

As proposed, the project will add up to 10
roundabouts at the intersections along Washington Boulevard and will make
additional improvements along Gravelly Lake Drive.

The project will improve this busy section of
roadway that serves as a major thoroughfare to and from the military base.
Safety improvements include sidewalks and dedicated bicycle facilities, as well
as roundabouts to slow speeders. The elimination of lights through the corridor
will also result in a cost savings to the city.

To read more about what is planned, and to
stay up to date on what is happening with the project, visit the JBLM-North Access road improvement
page.

Thank you Fort Steilacoom Park volunteers

The February volunteer habitat restoration event at Fort
Steilacoom Park saw a large crowd: 18 people came to help remove invasive
species from the park.

Thank you to all the volunteers who came together to help
rid the park of these invasive and non-native plants, which make it impossible
for native species to thrive.

Want to get involved? The group meets the fourth Saturday
of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to work at the park, one area at a time. They target invasive plants like ivy and
scotch broom with the goal to eliminate it from the park.

This is a great opportunity to achieve
community service hours and give back to the community while also meeting your
neighbors.

The next meet up is Saturday, March 28, 2020. Meet
at the tractor by the barns in Fort Steilacoom Park. Wear layers, bring water
and snacks and a pair of leather gloves and pruners if you have them. Have
questions? Contact Nikki York at nyork@cityoflakewood.us or 253-983-7887.

Census 2020: Invitations hit mailboxes in March

Next month the U.S. Census Bureau will mail to
every household in America an invitation to complete the 2020 Census.

New this year people can fill out the Census
online, in addition to over the phone or by mail. Information about how to fill
out the Census will be delivered via mail.

Invitations are expected to be mailed between
March 12-20. A reminder letter will be mailed March 16-24 and if households
don’t respond by then, a follow up postcard will be mailed March 26 to April 3.

April 1 is Census Day, this is when people are
encouraged to have their Census complete. For those who don’t respond by April
1, a reminder letter and paper questionnaire will be mailed April 8-16 and a
final reminder postcard will be sent April 20-27 before someone from the U.S.
Census Bureau follows up in person.

The U.S. Census consists of 10 questions. It
is quick and easy to take and has a big impact on the future of our community.

See what
questions will be asked on the 2020 Census.

Read more about the census, see a timeline or
learn more about temporary work available through the U.S.
Census Bureau.

Seeking volunteers for the Lakewood Promise Advisory

Board

The Lakewood City Council is seeking
volunteers to fill two vacancies on the Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board, with the term beginning May 21,
2020.

View the roles and
responsibilities, meeting times and terms of the vacant positions.

Interested applicants can submit an
application form found here. Applications will be accepted
through Friday, April 3, 2020.

Save the date: Cops vs. Teachers

The 11th Annual Cops vs.
Teachers Charity Basketball Game is scheduled for Friday, March 27 at Lakes
High School in the gym.

The raffle begins at 5 p.m. and tip-off is
6:30 p.m.

Law enforcement from across Pierce County,
including Lakewood, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Fife, DuPont, Steilacoom and Tacoma
will take the court in an effort to defeat teachers and administrators from
local school districts – and raise money for a worthy cause. This year’s game
will include a guest appearance by Lakes High School graduate and current
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive linebacker Zach Banner, who will play against his
father Clover Park School District Superintendent Ron Banner.

This year’s event supports the family of
Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Cooper Dyson. Dyson was killed Dec. 21, 2019
when he lost control of his vehicle while responding to a call from fellow
deputies requesting backup. Dyson was 25 years old. He leaves behind a wife,
3-year-old son and newborn daughter.

Proceeds from the charity basketball game will
go to support the Dyson family through an account set up by the Pierce County
Sheriff’s Department.

Individuals or businesses who want to learn
more about how they can help, or who want to donate to the raffle, can contact
Baron Coleman at bcoleman@cloverpark.k12.wa.us or 253-583-5550.

Champions for Youth breakfast is March 4

Communities in Schools Lakewood is hosting its
annual Champions for Youth Breakfast on March 4 at 7 a.m. at Clover Park
Technical College’s McGavick Center.

This free event encourages the community to
come together to support the work done by Communities in Schools mentors and
leaders in the Clover Park School District to help students achieve academic
success.

The event will include performances by Clover
Park students, including the Clover Park High School Steel Drum Ensemble,
student speeches and scholarship announcements. Donations collected at the
event will go the work of the organization to support and surround Lakewood
students with services and guidance to help empower them to stay in school and
find success.

Visit the Communities in Schools website to register and
learn more.

CHI Franciscan offers free Health Talk

CHI Franciscan is offering a free Health Talk
for the community at St. Clare Hospital on March 19 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The event will feature Dr. Bryan Marchant, an
orthopedic surgeon who will talk about shoulder pain and available treatment
options, including surgery and what to expect during recovery. The talk will be
held at the Resource Center Classroom at St. Clare Hospital, 4908 112th St SW

Full details of
the event can be found online.

Seeking vendors for Lakewood Night Market

The city of Lakewood is seeking vendors to
support its new Night Market, held the first and third Friday of the month from
3 to 7 p.m. at the Colonial Plaza.

Opening day is April 17. The market runs until Oct. 2.

Similar to the daytime summer Farmers Market,
local vendors will sell handmade items alongside local farmers. With
plenty of free parking, this market is not to be missed.

Want to be a vendor? Submit this vendor application. View the Night Market website for market dates and market updates.

2020 Lakewood Farmers Market opening day is June 2

Join us on opening day and receive a free
canvas tote and other giveaways!

The Lakewood Farmers Market is a great
opportunity to shop local and support over a dozen local farmers. Enjoy live
entertainment and children’s activities each week and grab lunch from food
trucks and enjoy the sunshine while you eat outside around the fountain at
Lakewood City Hall.

Shoppers will find everything from organic
produce and kettle corn to handmade ice cream, crafts and a selection of local
wine and beer.

Located close to the I-5 corridor, the market
is also convenient for travelers and commuters who want to swing in for fresh,
healthy food on the go. Plenty of free parking.

What to be a vendor? Submit your application today.

SummerFEST 2020 vendor applications now available

Applications for market vendors and food
vendors are now available for SummerFEST 2020.

Over the course of the all-day event more than
40,000 people visit Fort Steilacoom Park to participate in the fun — most of it
free! There is live entertainment on two stages, including cultural
performances at the Lakewood Sister Cities International Festival, a kid zone
with inflatable toys and pony rides, food trucks, market vendors, a classic car
show, roaming entertainers, free activities, movie at night and more.

Market vendors can participate in the free
Passport to Sports & Arts, which sends passport holders on a scavenger hunt
through the festival to different vendor booths to try a new sport or arts and
crafts activity. This is a great way for children to learn a new skill, and
vendors to get their product in front of a larger audience.

Download the market vendor application and the food vendor application today. Deadline to submit a hard copy is May 15, 2020.

Veterans Brick Update

Did you purchase a brick to be engraved on the
Veterans Memorial located outside Lakewood City Hall in Lakewood Towne Center?

The bricks will be engraved in the spring,
once the weather warms up and dries out. In order for the on-site engraver to
do the work it needs to be dry and temperatures must be above 50 degrees.

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:

• Lakewoood’s Promise Advisory Board: 2
  vacancies. Deadline: April 3, 2020.
• Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board: 2
  vacancies. Open until filled.
• Lodging Tax Advisory Board: 4
  vacancies. Deadline: April 30, 2020.

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

The City Council meets every Monday beginning
at 7 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 6000 Main Street SW.

Watch the City Council live during meetings on the city of Lakewood YouTube Channel. Miss a meeting? You can also find past meetings under the Playlists tab for City Council Meetings.

March 2, 2020 Regular Meeting

• Youth Council Report
• Clover Park School District Report
• Authorizing award of a construction contract to Northwest Cascade, Inc., in the amount of $1,148,148, for the construction of the Steilacoom Boulevard – 88th Street SW Overlay project
• Authorizing the execution of a collective bargaining agreement with the Lakewood Police Management Guild from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022
• An Ordinance relating to Local Sales or Use Taxes and authorizing 0.1% Sales or Use Tax for Chemical Dependency or Mental Health Treatment Services or Therapeutic Courts
• An Ordinance relating to Local Sales or Use Taxes; Authorizing the Maximum Capacity of the Tax Authorized Under the Provisions of Substitute House Bill 1406 (hereinafter Chapter 338, Laws of 2019) for Affordable and Supportive Housing; Adopting a New Chapter 3.25 of the Lakewood Municipal Code, “Sales and Use Tax – Credit Against Prior Tax”; Authorizing the City Manager to Contract with the State of Washington to Collect the Tax Imposed by this Ordinance; Requesting Compliance with RCW 82.14.055; Directing the City Clerk to Transmit the Adopted Ordinance to the Department of Revenue; and Requesting the City Manager to Report Annually to the Department of Commerce on the Collection and Use of Revenues Received
• Reports by the City Manager – Transportation Capital Improvement Program Update
• Reports by the City Manager – Parks Capital Improvement Program Update
• Reports by the City Manager – Review code updates regarding the Legal Department

March 7, 2020 (Saturday), 8:30 a.m., City Council Retreat

• Goal Setting for 2021-2022 Biennium

March 9, 2020 Study Session

• Pierce Transit Long Range Plan – Mr. Darin Stavish, Principal Planner
• Review of 2020 SSMCP Work Plan
• Rental Housing Safety Program and Electrical Update
• Review of sectional and intersection treatments for the JBLM North Access Improvement Project -Washington Blvd and Gravelly Lake Drive

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.