100th Street vacation meeting date set
The Lakewood City Council postponed action on an ordinance requesting the city vacate a portion of 100th Street SW leading to Lake Steilacoom.
The new date for City Council consideration is Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at 7 p.m. That is when the City Council will review and discuss the ordinance.
The Planning and Public Works Department recommended postponement to give the applicant time to submit a complete appraisal. Lakewood Municipal Code has specific requirements that must be met for the City Council to decide a street vacation request. This includes an appraisal completed by an approved appraiser.
When a street vacation occurs, the compensation received by the city must be fair market value or full appraisal value. This prevents the potential gifting of public funds.
A notification was sent to the applicant with this information, giving them time to submit the appraisal that adheres to the city’s requirements.
Final Summer Concert is Tuesday
Our final concert in the 2024 Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series is Tuesday, Aug. 27. If you haven’t been to a concert yet, don’t miss it!
Head to Fort Steilacoom Park Tuesday for a high-energy evening of dance hits performed by Mr. Pink. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Make sure to stop by the Lakewood Farmers Market before the show. The market runs every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. through Sept. 17 at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Check out local vendors and enjoy local entertainment. Shop the market, grab dinner and head to the Pavilion lawn for a fun-filled, family-friendly evening.
Celebrating 20 years of the Lakewood Police Department
This month the Lakewood Police Department marks the 20th anniversary of its formation.
To celebrate this milestone members of the Lakewood Police Department will be at the Lakewood Farmers Market Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 2-6 p.m. The department will be stationed across the lawn from the Pavilion and near the market parking area.
Stop by to meet our officers, climb on big equipment, check out photos from the department over the years and get free Lakewood police swag. Officers will be there starting at 2 p.m.
TPU offers one-time bill credit to eligible customers
During the 2024 Legislative Session, the State appropriated $150 million for the Washington Families Clean Energy Grant Program. This funding comes from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). This program provides qualifying utility customers with a one-time, $200 bill credit to help with energy costs. These credits will be applied until funding runs out.
Tacoma Power was awarded approximately $7.4 million, to be credited to qualifying customer accounts by Sept. 15th, 2024.
Tacoma Power customers can learn about and apply for the bill credit at www.MyTPU.org/CCACredit. This application must be filled out and signed no later than September 2, 2024.
Fiesta de la Familia is Sept. 7
The city’s third annual Fiesta de la Familia is taking over Fort Steilacoom Park on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12-6 p.m.
Head to the park to enjoy a day filled with rich cultural traditions from different countries representing and celebrating Hispanic heritage. There will be live performances on the Pavilion stage, an opportunity to learn traditional dances, and free activities for all.
Children are encouraged to wear a costume or dress in traditional attire to celebrate their heritage and participate in the Children’s Parade. The parade will be led by Alma from PBS Kids. Participants will walk through the park at 3 p.m. Those who want to participate/walk in the parade should gather at the Pavilion at 2:45 p.m.
New to the event this year is a performance by horses and riders from the Skagit Latin Dancing Horses Association. They begin at 1 p.m.
Other activities include:
- Community Offrenda, honor loved ones with personal mementos
- Tree of Life
- Student art displays
- Art displays by local Latino/a artists
- Interactive poetry station
- Face painting
- Vuelta La Luna Circus roaming entertainment
- Fairy catcher
Registration is now open for the Night Owl’s car show at the Fiesta. This year’s theme is “Trunk or Treat”. There are 25 awards up for grabs, including Best in Show. Move in is 11 a.m. Awards will be announced 4 p.m. Email [email protected] and include your first and last name to pre-register at the $20 fee. Day-of registration is $25. Payment is accepted the day of the show.
Find the full schedule of events online.
Comprehensive Plan review
TheCity of Lakewood began its required periodic review of its Comprehensive Plan in September 2022. That work included public meetings and review by the Lakewood Planning Commission of new planning documents and policies and new regulatory documents.
The Planning Commission sent its recommendation to the Lakewood City Council at its July 10, 2024 meeting. The City Council began its review of the recommendation July 22, 2024 at a study session.
The City Council will continue its review of the proposed changes and updates on the following dates. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.:
- Aug. 26 Study Session.
- Sept. 3 Public Hearing. In-person or virtual comments will be accepted live. Written comments must be sent by noon, Sept. 3 to be entered on the record. Email comments to City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected].
- Sept. 9 Study Session.
- Sep. 16 Regular Meeting. The Lakewood City Council is expected to take final action on the update at this meeting.
Council Corner: Aug. 19 meeting recap
Police Commissioning and Commendation Ceremony. The City Council’s regular meeting started with the swearing in of seven Lakewood police officers. The commissioning was followed by recognition of Lakewood police and civilians who went above and beyond to help their neighbors and protect the community. Read more.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue Recognition. West Pierce Fire and Rescue recognized Pierce Transit and Little Church on the Prairie at the City Council meeting. Both agencies assisted displaced Lakewood residents with temporary shelter, food and water after a recent emergency. Most recently, during the Hidden Lake Apartments fire last month, Pierce Transit provided a bus to park at the scene to temporarily shelter displaced residents while fire and rescue personnel set up an evacuation shelter. Little Church on the Prairie offered food, water and assistance. Read more from Pierce Transit.
Reports by the City Manager: Review of City Council meeting schedule. The City Council discussed its meeting schedule, including the frequency of meetings and start times. Information was shared about other cities and how often legislative bodies meet. Only four of 19 Pierce County cities meet every week – including Lakewood. The cities of Bonney Lake, Lakewood and Sumner hold two regular meetings and two study sessions. The city of Tacoma holds both regular meetings and study sessions weekly. Among cities of comparable size, only the cities of Lakewood and Lacey meet weekly, alternating between regular meetings and study sessions. It was recommended the Lakewood City Council change its meeting schedule to the first and third Monday of the month with a 6 p.m. start and combine its study session and regular meeting to be held concurrently. The Lakewood City Council will determine its 2025 meeting schedule at a future meeting.
The City Council acted on the following:
- Approved the agreement between the City of Lakewood and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority for the Lakewood Station Access Improvements Funding Agreements.
- Authorized the execution of an interlocal agreement with Clover Park School District for the purchase of fuel.
- Approved the 2025-2026 City Council Goals and Priorities.
- Held a Public Hearing on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review.
- Postponed action on Ordinance No. 810, considering the proposed vacation of a portion of 100th Street SW lying west of Dekoven Drive and east of Steilacoom Lake. Item postponed to Sept. 16, 2024 meeting.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 for a study session at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Review of City Hall Beam Replacement
- Review of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Status Report
- 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review Discussion
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
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary that includes a look at total calls for service the Lakewood Police Department responded to for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Last week’s City Manager’s Bulletin did not include the Police Chief’s Corner summary for Aug. 6-13. It is provided below, along with the Aug. 13-20 summary.
Weekly Summary, Aug. 6-13, 2024
- Calls for Service: 990
- Arrests: 43
- Violent Crime: 28
- Property Crime: 84
- Traffic Stops: 127
- Collisions (reportable): 15
Weekly Summary, Aug. 13-20, 2024
- Calls for Service: 931
- Arrests: 46
- Violent Crime: 33
- Property Crime: 65
- Traffic Stops: 80
- Collisions (reportable): 15
Community events
Save the date: Harvest Hoedown at the H-Barn
Partners for Parks is hosting a “Harvest Hoedown” Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. to help raise money for its H-Barn restoration project.
This fun-filled, family-friendly event will have live country music, family activities, a festive farm atmosphere, dancing, food trucks and a raffle. Cost is $10 per person. Children eight years and under are free.
The nonprofit Partners for Parks is raising $3.5 million to contribute toward restoration of the historic H-Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. The group has raised $2.1 million toward its final goal. Learn more about its efforts and purchase tickets online.
Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)
The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.
If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.
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.
Now Hiring!
There are a variety of positions available for hard workers looking to join the City of Lakewood team. 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
Interlaaken Bridge repair
The City’s contractor has completed the pile cap replacements and will begin working on the timber stringers next week. In-water work is expected to conclude by the end of September. After the in-water work is completed, Quigg Brothers will replace multiple pedestrian/guardrail posts. Once all work is complete, the bridge will be reopened to traffic.
Steilacoom Boulevard (Weller Road to 87th Ave SW)
Work continued this week by Tacoma Public Utilities to replace 38 utility poles along Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller Road and 87th Ave SW. While TPU is doing this work drivers should expect lane closures as the poles are installed over the next three to four months. Road construction will begin this fall on this stretch of roadway for a $6 million road improvement project. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.
Hipkins Road
Hipkins is closed from 104th to Cross Lane and will remain closed through the duration of the rest of the work; detours are in place. The contractor continues installing services. Preparation for asphalt and concrete work is ongoing.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Concrete crews have completed installing new pedestrian access routes. Pedestrian luminaires are expected to arrive mid- to late-fall. This project is in suspension while the luminaires are being procured; crews will be on-site intermittently for maintenance of the work zone.
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
Remaining work includes the installation of a new signal bridge (current signal installation is scheduled for early-mid September).
84th and Pine
The contractor has installed the new signals. Striping and cleanup work remain on this project.