Honoring veterans this weekend
A note from City Manager John Caulfield:
Monday evening, the Lakewood City Council issued a proclamation proclaiming Nov. 11, 2023 as Veterans Day and the month of November 2023 as Veterans Appreciation Month.
As we approach Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to honor and recognize the significance of this day and extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served in the United States military. This day reminds us of the selfless service of our veterans and their unwavering dedication to our nation.
To our colleagues who are veterans, we are immensely proud to have you as part of our team. Your sacrifices and commitment to our nation’s values and freedom are a testament to your courage and dedication. Your experiences and the skills you’ve developed in the military, leadership, discipline, and teamwork are invaluable. We thank each of you for your service and for the sacrifices you and your families have made.
Please know that we recognize your contributions not just today, but every day. Our commitment to supporting veterans within and outside our organization remains steadfast.
Fall Community Cleanup is Saturday/Sunday
Bring trash, junk and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s Fall Community Cleanup this weekend from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.).
This event is for Lakewood residents only; a utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items yourself, bag all loose items and wear proper footwear. Find a list of what is and is not accepted online.
Additional rules:
- 5 minute time limit to unload items
- No box vans or vehicles taller than 7 feet
- Trailers over 4-feet by 8-feet prohibited
- Unsafe vehicles may be cited
Lakewood Artist Reception Nov. 20
Visit Lakewood City Hall Monday, Nov. 20 from 5-7 p.m. to meet local artists Rene Julio and Roberto Sanchez.
Each has their own unique style and stories to share about how they find inspiration to create their various pieces of art.
The artists will be at the event and will have hands-on activities for people to try. All are welcome to join us for this drop-in, free event. We’ll have light refreshments and music.
The reception is held in the foyer of Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW.
Fallen Officer Food Drive is Nov. 29
The 14th annual Lakewood Police Department Fallen Officer Food Drive and 7th annual Blood Drive is Nov. 29, 2023 from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On this day visit the parking lot across the street from the Lakewood Police Station (9401 Lakewood Dr. SW) to drop off non-perishable food items. All items will be donated to Emergency Food Network. The food network serves all of Pierce County, providing items to smaller food banks in various cities and unincorporated areas.
If you are unable to stop by on Nov. 29, donations will be accepted leading up to the event. Donation bins will be at these locations:
- Blue Steele Coffee Company, 11401 Steele St.
- Classy Chassis Xpress Lube, 7609 Custer Road W.
- Classic Coffee in Lakewood, 7609 Custer Road W.
- Classic Coffee in University Place, 4828 Bridgeport Way W.
- Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St. SW (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Lakewood Police Station, 9401 Lakewood Dr. SW (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Our region is currently facing a significant blood shortage. If you are able, please consider donating blood to help Bloodworks NW replenish the supply. Blood donations are by appointment only.Please sign up today.
Council Corner: Nov. 6, 2023 recap
Native American Heritage Month. At its regular meeting the Lakewood City Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and strengthening government-to-government relationships with our tribal neighbors, including the Nisqually Tribe. Council took time to call out and recognize the contributions of Indigenous people and how they are woven deeply into the rich tapestry of our city. The Council was honored to present a proclamation recognizing Native American Heritage Month to Nisqually Indian Tribe representative Hweqwidi Hanford McCloud. Read the proclamation.
Veteran’s recognition. Council issued two proclamations recognizing United States veterans. The first declared Nov. 11, 2023 as Veterans Day and the month of November 2023 as Veterans Appreciation Month. Council was joined by Maj. Brian Molloy, Brigade Executive Officer of the 2/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, who received the proclamation. Council was happy to share its support for our veterans with our community connector, the 2/2. Read the proclamation.
Operation Green Light for Veterans. Joining other municipalities across the country, Lakewood issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 6-11, 2023 as Operation Green Light for Veterans week. Easter Iuli, Department Services Officer with the American Legion Department of Washington, accepted the proclamation aimed at raising awareness and recognition for our veterans and the organizations like the American Legion that support them. Read the proclamation.
Gomer Roseman. The final proclamation of the evening was presented to long-time Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity employee Gomer Roseman. Roseman recently retired from his role as Director of site development and construction. Under his leadership 41 Habitat homes were built in Lakewood and another 12 are planned for construction. Council congratulated him on a long career that changed people’s lives and improved neighborhoods. Read the proclamation.
Business Showcase: AA Meats. The November Business Showcase was awarded to Tammy Faelnar, owner of AA Meats. From summer barbeque cookouts to holiday family meals, AA Meats has had the time and dedication to provide countless memorable meals to the Lakewood community while engraining themselves in the history of the city. Read more.
Public hearings. Council held three public hearings on:
- 2023 Annual Development Regulation code amendments
- Proposed code amendments to the Lakewood Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program
- 2024 Property Tax Levy Ordinance
Action items. Council took action on:
- Approved the 2024 Federal, State and County Legislative Agenda and Policy Manual
- Authorized an agreement with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs for state governmental affairs
- Authorized an agreement with Johnston Group for federal governmental affairs
- Authorized the award of a construction contract to R.L. Alia, Inc., for $2,615,490.84, to build the Ardmore/Whitman/93rd Street project
- Authorized a contract amendment with Robert Droll Landscape Architects to support additional design for the American Lake Park improvement project
- Authorized an employment agreement with John J. Caulfield for City Manager services.
- Appointed Jeff Cox to serve on the American Lake – Lake Management District No. 1 Advisory Committee through June 2, 2024
- Approved the Tax Increment Area boundary and infrastructure needs
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 for a study session at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Review of 2023-2024 Mid-Biennial Budget
- Review of 2024 Lodging Tax funding recommendations
- Review of 2024 Fee Schedule amendments
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Police Chief’s Corner
Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith wants Lakewood residents to know how the department is working for them. Each week he shares a summary that includes a look at total calls for service for the prior week and the types of crimes reported and responded to by police.
The intent of the summary is to share a snapshot of how the department works each week to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Weekly Summary, Oct. 31-Nov. 7, 2023
- Calls for Service: 946
- Arrests: 43
- Violent Crime: 35
- Property Crime: 99
- Traffic Stops: 106
- Collisions (reportable): 25
Comprehensive Plan Open House
As part of the city’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review process there will be a public open house Nov. 15, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. The event is hybrid, offering in-person and virtual attendance.
The open house will review the process and general requirements governing the 2024 Periodic Review update. The event will last 45 minutes.
Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall in Council Chambers, 6000 Main Street SW. Attend virtually through Zoom. Or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID 873 5008 5037. Use passcode 751617 to join the meeting.
Stay up to date on the process by signing up to receive email updates.
City Days now open for McGavick Center
The City of Lakewood is accepting applications for the use of a 2024 City Day at the Clover Park Technical College McGavick Conference Center. Please click here to view the policy and application materials. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 30, 2023. Applicants will be notified as to the approval or denial of the application by Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.
Complete applications can be emailed directly to City Clerk Briana Schumacher or can be delivered in person or by mail to Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499.
If you have any questions regarding the application or process, please contact City Clerk Briana Schumacher by email at [email protected] or by phone at 253-983-7705.
Join an advisory board or commission
Lakewood Planning Commission vacancy
Interested in getting involved in city government? There are four vacancies on the Lakewood Planning Commission. Applications are now available for consideration for this all-volunteer commission.
If appointed, the term begins Dec. 16, 2023 and is for five years. The roles and responsibilities of the position are described in the Notice of Vacancy.
Interested? Submit your application by 5 p.m. Nov. 10, 2023. Find the application online.
Lakewood Civil Service Commission vacancy
Join the Lakewood Civil Service Commission and work alongside other volunteers to help with the selection process and appointment of Lakewood police officers. Commission members also assist with the promotion or demotion of officers.
The commission meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. There is one vacancy that needs to be filled. Deadline to apply is Nov, 24, 2023.
Find out more about what the position requires its qualifications and the application online.
Be in our holiday parade
Interested in getting your product or goods in front of Lakewood residents?
The application period is also open for anyone interested in participating in our annual holiday celebration. The Holiday Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting is Dec. 9, 2023 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
This success of this event relies on community participation. Individuals, groups, businesses, nonprofits, organizations, cub scouts, sports teams, school groups – everyone is invited to join the parade! Apply by Nov. 27. Find more details in the parade entry application.
Sign up for Lakewood Alert
The City of Lakewood uses an alert service: Lakewood Alert to notify residents of important information.
If there is an emergency in the city that requires public notification, we will use this alert system to send out information related to the emergency. An example of when we recently used this is the Aug. 16 fire in Fort Steilacoom Park. In partnership with West Pierce Fire & Rescue and our West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition, we used the system to notify people of voluntary evacuation orders.
Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.
Find out more and sign up today.
Work for the city of Lakewood
We’re hiring! Looking to change careers? Looking for a new job? Ready to re-enter the job market?
Join the city of Lakewood! We have a variety of positions open across multiple departments. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work.
Find a current list of open positions online.
Road project updates
Washington Boulevard
Paving began this week and will continue into Monday or Tuesday of next week. This work is weather dependent and could change. Once done, concrete pours for sidewalks, driveways and ADA ramps will follow. The City expects to announce a road reopening date soon, stay tuned.
Angle Lane/Elwood Drive
No work is planned next week. The contractor is waiting for tree planting and the remaining lights to be installed later this month.
Union Ave: Orchard to Spruce Street
Puget Sound Energy will replace four poles on Union Avenue next week. Flaggers will be in the area to control traffic when this happens. Expect minor traffic disruptions. Once this work is completed the contractor will return to pour the remaining sidewalk that was blocked by the old poles. In mid-December the light poles will be installed.