Lakewood City Council Highlights: Dedication of the Merchant Marine Flag, 911 Project and 100k for Park

Dedication of Merchant Marine Flags

A new flag was dedicated to the U.S. Merchant Marines of the Armed Forces at Monday's Lakewood City Council meeting, accompanying nine others pledged to the city. Merchant Marines were operated by either the government or the private sector and engaged in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States, according to wikipedia.org.

The Merchant Marine flag along with the Veteran's Memorial outside city hall were funded with private money, according to Jeff Brewster, Lakewood communications manager. Maj. Gen. William Razz Waff dedicated the flag to the city about a year ago, Brewster said.

"The U.S. Merchant Marine flag deserved a place amongst the other flags of the armed forces due to formal congressional recognition that deemed it appropriate and the fact that merchant marines have made great sacrifices over the years in defense of the nation," Brewster said.

Mayor Douglas Richardson mentioned its absence and the need to join the other flags.

City officials said they strive to get military protocol correct since Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast, rests in Lakewood's backyard. Jim Feltrup, 1946 graduate of the Merchant Marines Academy and World War II veteran, dedicated the flag for its placement on Monday.

Deputy Mayor Don  Anderson and Councilmember Mike Brandstetter each had older relatives who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine, so there was a personal connection with at least two councilmembers, Brewster said.

South Sound 911 communication system update

Most City Council members entertained the idea of approving the , but they tabled it for language modification. Kevin Phelps, Deputy County Executive, recommended the establishment of a new, consolidated police and fire emergency communication system throughout the region. Ken Sharp, West Pierce Fire & Rescue chief and Bret Farrar, Lakewood police chief, also supported the project. If approved by the Tacoma City and County Council, it would go to voters during the November election.

Partners for Parks Dedicates $500k to children's playground

Mike Anderson, Partner for Parks president, presented a $100,000 check to The City of Lakewood for the at Fort Steilacoom Park. The non-profit organization focused its fundraising efforts on building a new restroom facility that was built in 2005 by more than 1,500 community volunteers.

Lakewood Youth Council report

The delivered their report on activities they've participated in over the last month. Some received plaques for their graduation in the program. A couple of the City Council members including Claudia Thomas, who helped create the youth organization, applauded their efforts.

Clover Park School District report

A member of the Clover Park School District delivered a report consisting of several items but mainly and the upcoming high school graduations of Lakes, Clover Park and Harrison Prep. It should be noted that the district's graduation rates have nearly doubled since 2002, increasing from 42 percent to nearly 80 this year.