Video Recording Agenda Packet A student group recently completed a survey of Lakewood residents about climate change. The survey generated 212 responses representing a range of ages, incomes, and races. 91% of respondents believe that the global climate is changing, and 89% attribute that to humanity. The survey revealed attitudes towards climate change and challenges in reaching underrepresented populations. The …

Video Recording Agenda Packet The meeting began with a moment of silence for the victims of domestic terrorism incidents in Buffalo, New York and Laguna Woods, California. Eleven were killed in separate racially-motivated attacks. City Council proclaimed the week of May 15, 2022 as National Public Works Week. The City’s Public Works Engineering Director Paul Bucich accepted the proclamation and …

Video Recording Agenda Packet City Council proclaimed the week of May 2 as ‘Water Week’ and acknowledged the efforts of the Lakewood Water District to serve residents clean and safe water. City Council proclaimed May as Hunger Awareness Month. Emergency Food Network Development Director Elizabeth Howe noted that May is the end of the school year, and many families lose …

Agenda Packet Video Recording City Council is considering enhancing the process to rename a public park or facility. Last year, a resident submitted an application to rename Fort Steilacoom Park. All such applications trigger a public notice. Many opposed the notion of renaming the park. The process worked well to notify the community and invite opinion. The application was unanimously …

Agenda Packet Video Recording Parks Appreciation Day is this Saturday, April 23. The City will host a volunteer day to perform spring cleaning at local parks. The City Council issued a proclamation to recognize the occasion. The proclamation was accepted by Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Chair Jason Gerwen. Governmental Affairs Consultant Shelley Helder reviewed the recent state legislative session. …

Agenda Packet Video Recording Pierce Transit plans to expand Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Proposed BRT routes would better connect Lakewood to downtown Tacoma, Tacoma Mall, and South Hill Mall. Proposed route enhancements would improve transit access in the Tillicum and Springbrook neighborhoods. Pierce Transit is researching electrification with the goal of running a zero-emissions bus network. Judge Lisa Mansfield presented …

Agenda Packet Video Recording The City Council commemorated the 54th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act with a proclamation. Passed in 1968, the law is the foundation for many anti-discrimination protections. The proclamation was received by Sean Martin, CEO of the Pierce County Realtors’ Association. Executive Director Deborah Grady and Board Chair Julie Door presented an overview of South Sound …

Video Recording Agenda Packet The meeting began with a review of proposed improvements to the Fort Steilacoom Park baseball fields by Parks & Recreation Director Mary Dodsworth. The largest field would host the Pierce College Raiders baseball program, regional tournaments, and public play. In the original proposal, $3.2 million in improvements would be half-funded by Pierce College and half-funded by …

Video Recording Agenda Packet The meeting began with a proclamation to recognize March as Women’s History Month. Councilmember Linda Farmer read the proclamation with Liupapa Laulu, a senior from Clover Park High School. “We have ten daughters collectively as a council, and believe me when I say that we hope they all have the opportunity to become leaders and thrive.”– …

Video Recording Agenda Packet Chief Information Officer Ken White began the meeting with a presentation of the City’s six-year IT plan. The plan encompasses the upkeep and modernization of hardware and software. Notable projects include police body cameras, property surveillance cameras, and cybersecurity improvements. White noted increased nefarious attempts to access City networks, all thwarted. IT staff continue to harden …

Video Recording Agenda Packet Slide Deck City Council gathered for a retreat focused on the topic of homelessness. The meeting began with a presentation by Long Range & Strategic Planning Manager Tiffany Speir, who reviewed socioeconomic factors contributing to increased homelessness. Lakewood’s 2021 Housing Report revealed local vulnerabilities: more residents rent than the county average, and Lakewood’s vacancy rate is …

Video Recording Agenda Packet City Council declared March “Red Cross Month” and acknowledged the historic efforts of the American Red Cross to meet the mission of its founder, Clara Barton: “You must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it.” City Council also issued a proclamation to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of Lakeview Light & Power. …

Housing Program Manager Jeff Gumm briefed City Council on investments of federal CDBG and HOME program funds in Lakewood. CDBG and HOME funds support several critical programs: emergency rent & mortgage assistance, emergency home repairs, affordable housing development, small business assistance, and support for emergency shelter providers. The City’s Emergency Rental Assistance program helped 149 households (379 individuals) preserve their …

The meeting of Feb. 22, 2022 began with a business showcase highlighting positive net business growth in Lakewood: 2021 ended with 138 more businesses in Lakewood than it started with. Communications Manager Jim Kopriva showcased two businesses that had recently opened their doors. A construction contract was issued for the 2022 Stormwater Repair Project, and an agreement was authorized to …

The meeting of Feb. 14 began with a tour of Lakewood’s new permit portal. Lakewood now shares a familiar interface with the Pierce County PALS system. Users may research permit history, pay fees, schedule appointments, request updates, and perform other tasks from a single dashboard. Assistant City Manager Dave Bugher reviewed the City’s Climate Change Work Plan. Recommended by the …

The meeting of Feb. 7, 2022 began with a proclamation to acknowledge a 20-year Sister Cities relationship between the City of Lakewood, Washington, and Okinawa City, Japan. Connie Coleman-Lacadie accepted the proclamation and shared a video of an Eisa performance by an Okinawan performing arts group. Eisa is a traditional Okinawan folk dance. The City Council also issued a proclamation …

Monday’s meeting began with a presentation from Partners for Parks on the progress of its early efforts to renovate one of the historic barns at Fort Steilacoom Park, perhaps converting it to a multi-use community space. Early study data seems to support the feasibility of a restoration project. Partners for Parks estimates a cost of $7.5 million and presented some …

Tuesday night’s City Council meeting began eventfully with a commissioning ceremony for a new class of Lakewood Police Department officers. LPD welcomed 16 new officers including 10 entry-level officers and 6 lateral officers. Two officers were promoted to detective. Chief Zaro presented two awards. David Boyd was awarded the Police Chief’s Citizen Commendation for 17 years of service on the …