City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin: Nov. 5, 2021

Lakewood Headlines for Nov. 5, 2021

Lakewood residents may bring trash and recyclables for free disposal at the Community Cleanup this weekend. A Tacoma hotel will convert to a homeless shelter soon – residents are invited to a Q&A session on Nov. 22. A business forum will discuss important updates next Wednesday, Nov. 10. City Council recognized November as Veterans Appreciation Month. Work on Steilacoom Blvd. has begun, requiring closure through February. The statewide eviction moratorium has expired, but assistance is still available.

Residents May Bring Trash & Recyclables to Community Cleanup This Weekend

The City of Lakewood will host a Community Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7.

City of Lakewood Fall Community Cleanup
3869 94th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Saturday, Nov. 6 & Sunday, Nov. 7
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The spring event attracted thousands of participants and demand overwhelmed the event. In response, a five-minute unloading time limit is in effect. Participants should carefully review the event rules before planning the trip.

Click this image to review event rules

Tacoma Comfort Inn Purchased for Emergency Shelter

The 94-room inn will accommodate up to 120 individuals

The Comfort Inn at 8620 S Hosmer Street has been purchased for emergency shelter and future permanent supportive housing. The 94-room shelter will accommodate up to 120 people.

Lakewood’s Long-Range Planning Manager Tiffany Speir discusses the shelter in an interview.

Residents had a lot of questions about the purchase – Ms. Speir took the time to respond to many of them in a video interview.

Community Q&A Session to Occur Monday, Nov. 22

Residents are invited to a Q&A session on Monday, Nov. 22 to discuss plans for the shelter and ask questions. To attend, contact Darren Pen at [email protected] with your contact information.

Discover Business Trends, Resources on Nov. 10

Business leaders are invited to discuss assistance, regulatory changes, market trends, hiring practices, and other timely topics at a Business Resources Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 10.

The event is hosted by Pierce County, Economic Development Board Tacoma Pierce County, and the City of Lakewood. Guests will include Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, and Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson.

Eviction Moratorium Expires

The statewide eviction moratorium expired on Oct. 31. Tenants may now be evicted for nonpayment of rent.

Assistance is still available; call 2-1-1 immediately if behind on bills.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Parade of Lights: Saturday, Dec. 11

The City of Lakewood will celebrate the holidays with a drive-through “Parade of Lights” on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. Visitors will drive through a maze of holiday floats constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations.

Reel Fest ’96 Film Competition: February 2022

Aspiring actors and directors are invited to join Lakewood’s upcoming film contest: Reel Life ’96. Participating groups in this fast-paced contest must create a 4-minute film in 4 days based on a theme. Participants of any experience level are invited.

Lakewood’s Holiday Parade of Lights will occur on Dec. 11

CITY COUNCIL SUMMARY

Next Meeting: Monday, Nov. 8 (Regular Session)

Prior Meeting: Monday, Nov. 1 (Regular Session)

On Monday, Nov. 1, the Lakewood City Council commemorated November as Veterans Appreciation Month. The Lakewood Youth Council reported on their observations of youth mental health status and discussed opportunities to better engage local youth.

The council made several appointments: Darryl Owens and Phillip Rashcke will serve on the Lakewood Arts Commission, Megan Dempsey will serve on the Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board, and Brian Parsons will serve on the Planning Commission.

The council accepted new legislative priorities and agreed to purchase property to expand Wards Lake Park.

Several public hearings were held: one to accept comments on the American Rescue Plan Act ordinance and another on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket, including revisions to Lakewood’s tree preservation code.

The council authorized several additional agreements. Clover Park School District was issued funds for the 2021 Warriors of Change program. Habitat for Humanity was issued funds for an affordable housing project. Pierce County was issued funds for a BIPOC business accelerator program. West Pierce Fire & Rescue was issued funds for equipment.

City Manager John Caulfield briefed the council on progress of Point Defiance Bypass rail activity, and the potential reopening of the Lakewood Senior Activity Center next year – Pierce County legal staff have occupied the space throughout the pandemic.

COVID-19 & Relief Programs

  • Virus Activity: Local virus activity and hospitalizations are improving.
  • Health Guidance: TPCHD implores residents to get vaccinated, mask up, and practice social distancing.
  • Vaccine Locations: The Towne Center Vaccine Clinic is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 10330 59th Avenue Southwest, STE B, Lakewood, WA 98499.
  • Vaccine Eligibility: Children ages 5-11 are now vaccine eligible, and the CDC encourages vaccination for this age group.

Roads

  • Steilacoom & Lakewood: Steilacoom Blvd. will remain closed through February between Lakewood Dr. and Gravelly Lake Dr.
  • Steilacoom & Custer: Utilities are still moving overhead lines to new poles. Once complete, sidewalk work in this area will begin. Occasional lane closures will be required.
  • Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Nyanza Rd. has reopened. Crews will begin work on a new roundabout at Gravelly Lake & Veterans, which is expected to be complete by February.
  • I-5: WSDOT recently completed HOV improvements near Lakewood and JBLM and reports significant reduction of congestion and delays.
Lakewood Public Works staff observe Pierce County crews beginning to dig up Steilacoom Blvd to prepare for sewer repair.

Parks

  • Wards Lake Park Expansion: On Nov. 1, the Lakewood City Council agreed to acquire property to expand Wards Lake Park.

Notes