City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin, December 11, 2020

To: Mayor, City Council
From: John J. Caulfield, City Manager

City looking for candidates to fill anticipated Lakewood City Council vacancy

It is anticipated that there will be a vacancy on the Lakewood City Council (Position 5) on December 31, 2020 when Councilmember John Simpson’s resignation becomes effective. Pursuant to RCW 42.12.070 the City Council will have 90 days to appoint a qualified candidate to fill the vacant position.

City Council Position 5 is up for election in the 2021 General Election. The person elected for this position will assume office immediately after the 2021 General Election is certified.

The City asks Lakewood residents interested in filling this anticipated vacancy on the Lakewood City Council to submit the following:

  • A one-page (1) letter of interest confirming their Lakewood residency, identifying why they are interested in serving the community in this capacity, and summarizing their qualifications.
  • Candidates should also attach a resume to this letter of interest.

Applicants must ensure these documents are received by the City Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Documents may be mailed to Lakewood City Hall, Attention: City Clerk 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499 or emailed to Attention: City Clerk at [email protected].   

The Lakewood City Council’s goal is to appoint a new councilmember to this anticipated vacancy no later than the March 15, 2021 Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting.

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!

City recognizes Congressman Denny Heck for leadership and service

At the December 7, 2020 Lakewood City Council Regular Meeting, the Lakewood City Council recognized Congressman Denny Heck for his work on issues impacting and affecting Lakewood and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

The full proclamation can be read here.

Congressman Heck has served in the United States House of Representatives as Washington state’s first 10th Congressional District Representative since 2013.

During his time in this office, Congressman Heck has continually exhibited exemplary leadership espoused by his commitment to improve the quality of life for the residents of Lakewood and service members and families of JBLM.

In the proclamation, the Lakewood City Council expressed its deep appreciation to Congressman Heck for his work on advancing legislation to create programs that would improve defense communities, like Lakewood, by making critical investments to improve transportation and infrastructure systems, as well as his work in enhancing housing opportunities in the South Sound, assisting with emergency services, and improving military mission readiness.

Congressman Heck, along with other Washington state congressional delegates, were instrumental in the creation and advancement of the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) and the authorization of $50 million in funding for this program in 2020.

Throughout 2020, Congressman Heck worked tirelessly to enhance this program. He has also advocated for full funding of the Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) at the state level.

Congressman Heck served on the House Financial Service Committee and House Permanent Selection Committee on Intelligence.

“We are losing a congressman that is easy to work with, extremely responsive… But most of all we are losing a great friend to Lakewood.

I hope that we can interact regularly in your new role.

Now I’m sure you have a pile of proclamations a mile high. I would like to say the difference about this one is that we mean it.”

Mayor Don Anderson’s comments to outgoing Congressman Denny Heck

We extend our best wishes to Denny Heck as he transitions into his new role as Lieutenant Governor of Washington. We look forward to working with him in Olympia.

South Sound 911 recognized for responses to brush fires in September

At the December 7, 2020 Lakewood City Council meeting, the Lakewood City Council also recognized South Sound 911 for its response to a series of brush fires throughout Pierce County in September.

During this emergency, South Sound 911 first responders calmly, efficiently, and orderly handled a high volume of calls.

The full proclamation can be read here.

South Sound 911 was formed when five 911 centers consolidated to provide better protection for first responders and safer communities.

The agency answers over 900,000 emergency and non-emergency calls annually for 19 law enforcement and 19 fire/EMS agencies.

In 2021, the agency expects to complete construction of its new state-of-the-art facility, a public safety communications center in Tacoma.

The City’s Reverse Parade of Lights is this Saturday (12/12)!

Don’t miss it or else “yule” be sorry!

Join us this Saturday, December 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lakewood Towne Center for the City’s “Reverse” Parade of Lights.

What is a reverse parade?

Typically, the City’s Parade of Lights features a variety of floats, local marching bands, and classic cars that travel on a parade route through Downtown Lakewood with spectators lining up on the streets to view the procession.

Due to COVID-19, to ensure social distancing, we are turning the Parade upside down or more aptly in “reverse.” The “Reverse” Parade of Lights will feature a stationary display of floats and vehicles lined up along Lakewood Towne Center.

Spectators will drive-thru the perimeter of Lakewood Towne Center to view the floats and vehicles. Santa will be there!

The event will feature floats/cars from:

  • US Army (Humvees & more!)
  • America United Pageants
  • Original House of Donuts
  • City of Lakewood
  • West Pierce Fire and Rescue
  • Genes Towing
  • Braudway Towing
  • Pierce Transit
  • Bricks For Kids
  • Tucci & Sons
  • Clover Park School District
  • “Lakewood Moms”Pinnacle Lumber
  • Outlaw Fire Rescue LLC
  • Lakes HS Cheer Team
  • Larchmont Christian Ministries
  • Wheels of Boom (Seahawk/Seattle sports themed vehicles)
  • And more!

Reverse Parade route: Parade goers will enter behind Panera Bread and drive along the perimeter road toward City Hall. Floats will be located to the right of vehicles, inside the parking lot behind Target. Santa will be located near Hops n’ Drops. Participants will exit using Main St SW.

Can’t make it to the “Reverse” Parade of Lights in-person? We’ve got you covered. The City will be live streaming the event on its Facebook page.

Stocking Stuffer: Latest Lakewood Connections Magazine arrives

Check your stocking…or mailbox for the latest edition of the City’s Lakewood Connections Magazine. Magazines should be in resident mailboxes this week.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find in this edition of the Connections Magazine:

  • Lakewood continues proactive approach on state priorities.
  • Gimhae provides extraordinary gift to tackle COVID-19.
  • All Rise! Meet Judge Lisa Mansfield.
  • Crime continues to drop in 2020.
  • It Takes a Village: Creating a sustainable human services system in Lakewood.
  • What’s going on around town: Updates on the latest City projects and major developments.
  • Summer Jam: Lakewood Farmers Market shines.
  • Winter is coming & the City is ready!
  • Over the line? Learn more about your property lines.
  • Upcoming Events, including the City’s 18th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony (virtual)

Want to read the magazine now? You can view it here.

City’s COVID-19 Emergency HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA)

The City’s COVID-19 Emergency HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program will provide financial assistance to low income individuals and families in Lakewood who are experiencing a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program provides one-time payments of up to $4,000 per qualifying household to help pay past-due rent from March 13, 2020 through December 31, 2020. No assistance may be provided after December 31, 2020.

To learn more about this program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, click here.

Completed applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., December 11, 2020.

State wide restrictions to curb COVID spread extend to January & new economic support announced

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee extended current COVID-19 restrictions through January 4. The intent of the restrictions is to decrease the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country. Read more about the new restrictions here.

Additional funds for Round 3 of the Working Washington Small Business grant program announced:

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Gov. Jay Inslee also announced that an additional $50 million will be allocated to Round 3 of the Working Washington Small Business grants, bring the total available for this round to $100 million.

This program prioritizes industries recently shut down, such as restaurants and fitness centers, as well as businesses that have been devastatingly impacted throughout the pandemic, like music and event venues.

Who can apply for Round 3?

These grants are prioritized for:

  • Small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019
    AND
    Businesses in the sectors that are most impacted by the recent public health measures or sectors that have experienced significant, cumulative impacts. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys and music and event venues.
  • Certain nonprofits may also be eligible if they have a primary business activity that falls into a similar category as noted above. Example – a nonprofit full-service restaurant or nonprofit music venue.
  • If Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants from the priority pool, and funds remain, we may be able to provide grants to additional businesses or nonprofits from other sectors or who have annual revenues larger than $5 million.

The application describes additional criteria. Business owners with multiple locations can apply for each location that has its own unique UBI number.

What does the grant pay for:

The maximum award grant will be up to $20,000.

The grant can only cover expenses or costs incurred due to COVID-19 and that were necessary to continue business operations. The application includes an eligibility checklist with the following criteria:

  • The expense is connected to the COVID-19 emergency.
  • The expense is “necessary” to continue business operations.
  • The expense is not filling a short fall in government revenues. (i.e. taxes, licenses, state, county, federal and/or city fees)
  • The Business will self–attest that the expense is not funded by any other funder, whether private, State or Federal.
  • The business wouldn’t be requesting assistance with expenses if they had not been impacted COVID-19.

The application has more detail regarding what expenses are covered by this grant.

How to apply:

  • The online application portal will open this week and a link to the application will appear on this page.
  • Priority will be given to applications received by 5 p.m., Dec. 11, 2020. If Commerce is able to fund all the applicants who submit by that time, we may be able to consider applicants who submit after the 11th.

Here is a checklist of the information you’ll need to have ready:

  • Copy of valid government-issued photo I.D.
  • For tribal-member owned businesses: license or certification if business activity is conducted outside the tribal jurisdiction; letter or certification from the tribe recognizing you as a business if business activity is within the tribal jurisdiction.
  • NAICS code or clear description of your primary business activity. A NAICS code is helpful, but not necessary. If you have never used a NAICS code, you can learn more here: What is a NAICS Code? and explore NAICS codes to see which one fits your business.

Apply for Round 3 of the Working Washington Small Business Grant here.

Pierce County Superior Court to participate in pilot Eviction Resolution Program

Many landlords and tenants have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Currently there are both federal and state mandates in place prohibiting evictions based on the nonpayment of rent.  Once those mandates end, Pierce County expects a large number of eviction cases to be filed in Superior Court. 

To address this anticipated increase in eviction cases, Pierce County Superior Court has established a no cost Eviction Resolution Program (ERP) which will require parties to engage in problem-solving steps before the cases come to court.  

The ERP is being offered at no cost.  It is funded from federal CARES Act monies. 

In Pierce County, Tacoma-Pierce County Housing Justice Project and Pierce County Center for Dialogue and Resolution are providing the staffing for this program. 

Learn more about the ERP here and Pierce County’s participation in this program here.

New DOH program coming soon: Care Connect Washington

The Washington State Department of Health announced the launching of a new service, Care Connect Washington, on December 9, 2020.

Care Connect Washington is a program for people who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed and need support to isolate or quarantine at home.

Care coordinators will connect people to community-based services, such as:

  • medication delivery
  • health care
  • help applying for unemployment
  • local housing agencies
  • food banks
  • childcare providers
  • and more

The Washington Department of Health, working with local health jurisdictions and their partners, will introduce Care Connect Washington on a region-by-region basis.

Care Connect Washington is funded by federal monies supporting the COVID-19 response in Washington state.

To learn more about Care Connection Washington, click here.

Watch the City’s Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting Event

On Monday, December 7, 2020 the Lakewood City Council virtually lit the City’s Christmas Tree located outside of City Hall at 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.

The virtual event featured holiday messages from the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and members of the Lakewood City Council, music by a local artist, and the Grinch helping light the Christmas tree!

Watch the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting here:

City Council reviewed legislative priorities with State legislators

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, the Lakewood City Council held a special meeting with Lakewood’s state legislators. Present at this meeting were Senator Steve Conway (29th District), Representative Mari Leavitt (28th), Representative Steve Kirby (29th), and Representative-elect Dan Bronoske (28th).

At the meeting, we reviewed and discussed the City’s 2021-2022 State Legislative Agenda and Manual.

Legislative priorities for the City in 2021 include:

  • Creating an economic development tool that could be used to advance Lakewood Landing.
  • Funding to continue the highly successful Western State Hospital Community Partnership Program.
  • Capital funding for:
    • Expanding services at Living Access Support Alliance (LASA)
    • Improving ADA access at American Lake Park
    • Improving Wards Lake Park
    • A multimodal transportation study to consider practical solutions to increase multimodal connectivity and decrease congestion along the I-5 corridor between DuPont and Lakewood.

To learn more about the City’s 2021-2022 State Legislative Agenda, as well as the City’s 2021 Federal priorities, click here.

Let’s raise the woof to Protect Our Pets

Protect Our Pets (POP), a local organization that helps our four legged friends, raised $1,473 in donations for the new restroom facility outside of the award winning Fort Steilacoom Park Dog Park. This project is part of the larger Fort Steilacoom Park Angle Lane Improvement Project. A restroom in this area was frequently requested by park users.  The estimated cost of the restroom is $500,000.

POP has been instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Fort Steilacoom Dog Park.  In 2005, the organization helped build the fenced 22-acre dog park and, to this day, they continue to provide regular monitoring and maintenance of the park.

The Fort Steilacoom Dog Park opened in 2006 and continues to draw visitors from throughout South Puget Sound. Since opening it has received numerous accolades, including being named “Best Dog Park” in Western Washington in 2017 by King 5’s Evening Magazine and Best Dog Park in the South Sound by South Sound Magazine.

Landscaped with bushes, trees and logs, and furnished with water fountains and benches, the dog park is the perfect playground for dogs of all sizes. It even includes a separate fenced area for small dogs.

POP continues to accept donations for this project. If you would like to support this project through POP, you can send a check to:

Protect Our Pets, P.O. Box 97111, Lakewood, WA 98497

-or-

provide a donation online at GoFundMe.com. 

The City would like to express our gratitude and sincerest appreciation to everyone who has donated to this project.  Thank you.

The $1.1 million Fort Steilacoom Park Angle Lane Improvement Project includes the construction of a new parking lot, signage, and trail head improvements near Elwood and Angle Lane; resurfacing Angle Lane from Elwood to Waughop Lake Road and a new restroom, plaza, and trailhead signage near the Waughop Lake trail parking lot and main entry to the dog park. This project was included in the Legacy Plan, the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.

To date, gates at the new parking lot near Elwood are installed and the new parking lot on Angle Lane is now open to the public for use.  To see a video of the new parking lot, click here.   

It is anticipated that the restroom will be completed by the end of 2020.  There has been minimal impact to park users, especially dog park guests, during this construction project.  The City is working with the Nisqually Tribe to add benches and other site amenities to this plaza. 

MyLakewood311 gets an update

MyLakewood311, the City’s free mobile app, was updated this week to make it compatible with the latest Apple operating system. 

Like any other app when updated, users will need to download the latest version of the app on their iPhones and tablets.  This can be done by going to the App Store and selecting “Update All” or by finding MyLakewood311 and selecting “Update.” 

MyLakewood311 allows you to access information about Lakewood at your fingertips including the ability to contact us whenever, wherever.

See an issue in Lakewood you want the City to know about? 

Use this app to report it to the City by filling out a new request form.  Forms can be filled out for issues like:

  • Potholes
  • Illegal dumping in the rights-of-way
  • Park and recreation concerns
  • Noise and nuisance complaints
  • Abandoned vehicles

The app allows you to track the City’s response to the request and much more.

Don’t have MyLakewood311?  No worries – you can download the app in the iTunes App Store or on Google Play.

Don’t want to use the app? Again, no worries – you can still report an issue using the city’s online ticket submission form or by calling City Hall at 253-589-2489.

Letters to Santa

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is helping get letters to Santa!

Santa is coming to town! However, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, he won’t be able to visit WPFR stations this year. He is looking forward to hearing from each child and told us he plans to take the letters submitted back to the North Pole with him and personally answer as many as he can.

Parents/Guardians:
– Please visit www.westpierce.org/santa to submit your child’s letter to Santa by December 16th. This way he can respond prior to the big night.
– Please submit a separate entry per child, as Santa will respond to each child individually.

Looking for a template for your letter to Santa? There is one available on the webpage!

This program is made possible by West Pierce CARES, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated by the employees of West Pierce Fire & Rescue. The programs run by West Pierce CARES support those in the Lakewood, University Place and Steilacoom communities and is funded solely through grants and donations. No taxpayer dollars are utilized. 

WA Notify app launched to help stop COVID-19 spread

Washington residents now have a new way to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Washington Exposure Notifications — WA Notify — is a completely private feature on smartphones that can inform people if they have been exposed to COVID-19 by another user who later tests positive.

Gov. Jay Inslee, along with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), announced the launch of WA Notify on November 30. The app is a simple, anonymous exposure notification tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19. By adding WA Notify to their smartphones, Washington residents will be alerted if they spent time near another WA Notify user who later tests positive for COVID-19. 

WA Notify uses privacy-preserving technology jointly developed by Google and Apple and works without collecting or revealing any location or personal data.

You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by adding WA Notify to your phone today. Studies show that the more people who use it, the more effective it is.

Read more on WA Notify here.

Temporary outdoor seating application process for Lakewood restaurants

On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced a four-week set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country. The restrictions aim to slow the spread of COVID cases and to help protect vital hospital and medical systems in the state from becoming overwhelmed.

The new restrictions close all restaurants and bars in the state for indoor dine-in service.

Outdoor dining and to-go service are permitted, provided that all outdoor dining must comply with the requirements of the Outdoor Dining Guidance. Table size for outdoor dining is limited to a maximum of five (5) people. These modified restaurant and bar restrictions went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

In August, the City created a process to accommodate temporary outdoor seating for existing restaurants and bars in Lakewood. The applications can be found here: Temporary Outdoor seating application.  

Here is an overview of the current review process:

Step 1: Please submit all application materials to [email protected]

Step 2: A member of the City of Lakewood’s development services team, as well as, West Pierce Fire and Rescue will review the proposal documents and respond within 14 days.  The City’s development service team will review the application for the following elements:

1. Parking spaces.

2. For all tents, planning will review that tents are 20’ from lot lines, that barrier free access is maintained, that sidewalk clearance exists, that there is a barrier in place to prevent cars from driving into tables. If all of the requirements are met, planning will approve.

3. For overnight structures, planning will complete review of abovementioned items and if all items are complete will forward the completed application to building to review the structural elements of the tent. Assuming the tent is structurally compliant, building will approve.

Step 3: Approval will be sent via email to the individual who submitted the proposal. Approved proposals will be stamped digitally.

For tents over 400 square feet, applicants must call West Pierce Fire and Rescue, 253-983-4583, to schedule an inspection of tent installation.

Step 4: Approvals are granted for 90 days, and are subject to renewal.

WARNING: The owner is responsible for adhering to the rules and regulations of all other agencies with jurisdiction, including: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Governor of Washington. Additional requirements may be imposed by other agencies with jurisdiction. For additional information, please contact these individual agencies.

Changes and temporary closures coming to north and southbound I-5 in Lakewood

The state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is rebuilding the interchanges at Thorne Lane and Berkeley Street, and adding lanes to I-5.  Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time into their trips and give work crews a brake by paying attention while traveling through work zones. All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.

Pierce County I-5 Closures:

  • Friday, Dec. 11 from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
    • Gravelly Lake Drive on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close.
    • Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane will close.
  • Friday, Dec. 11 from 11:59 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
    • Southbound I-5 will be reduced to a single lane from Gravelly Lake Drive to 41st Division Drive.
  • Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
    • Gravelly Lake Drive on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close.
    • Southbound I-5 exit to Thorne Lane will close.
  • Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11:59 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
    • Southbound I-5 will be reduced to a single lane from Gravelly Lake Drive to 41st Division Drive.

Before heading out the door, travelers can also find the latest information on the Pierce and Thurston County travel planner, the WSDOT app and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.

I-5 JBLM Vicinity Congestion Relief Project Online Public Meeting

WSDOT invites you to participate in an online open house for I-5 improvements at Steilacoom-DuPont Road/Exit 119.

Comments via the online open house will be accepted now through Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Want to participate, visit: https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/jblm/Public invited to online open house for I-5 improvements at Steilacoom-DuPont Road/Exit 119

COVID-19 related resources:

Pierce County COVID-19 Relief Programs & Resources

For the latest information on Pierce County COVID-19 relief programs and resources, see here.

Programs include:


$10,000 Business Rollback Relief Grant Applications close Dec. 11th at 5:00 p.m.
Apply for a grant if your business has been impacted by recent rollbacks to offset costs of business disruption (eligibility limited to certain business types).
Free PPE to Protect Employees and Customers
Request disposable, non-surgical masks and a no-touch infrared forehead ther

Pierce County Phase Status

Pierce County remains in Phase 2 of the “Safe Start” plan.    Pierce County is still well above the State Department of Health (DOH) threshold of 25 cases per 100,000 with a 14-day case rate of 461.3 per 100,000. To access the TPCHD’s COVID-19 in Pierce County dashboard click here.

Phase 2 reopening guidelines

The Tacoma Pierce County Chamber and the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County have shared resources for business to assist in re-opening and recovery. View more.

Washington Listens supports people affected by the stress of COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, Washington has launched Washington Listens, a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress due to the pandemic. People who call the Washington Listens support line will speak with a support specialist and get connected to community resources in their area. The program is anonymous.

The Washington Listens support line is 1-833-681-0211. It is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method.

Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org

Transportation updates

Onyx Drive: The Onyx Drive Improvement Project is rebuilding 1.55 miles of roadway from Onyx Drive from 97th Avenue to 87th Avenue and from Garnet Lane to Phillips Road.

Key features of the project include:

  • 12 foot travel lane in each direction.
  • 8 foot wide shared sidewalk on the south side of the road with a two foot roadside buffer.
  • 6-foot wide sidewalk on the north side of the road. Street lighting suitable for the residential setting.
  • Realignment of the Onyx Drive/Phillip Road intersection. Raised crosswalks at the intersections of:
    • 97th Avenue
    • 78th Street
    • Coral Lane
  • Radar feedback signs.
  • Locking cluster mailboxes.

Work on this project is in the home stretch!  Final elements that remain outstanding include: installing mailboxes, a few minor punch list items and clean up. 

The mailboxes will be installed during the week of December 14 to the 18.  Once installed, the US Postal Service will create the mailbox keys for the locks.  The US Postal Service and City staff are currently working on a way to get mailbox keys to the affected residents.

Intermittent lane closures will continue until all work is complete.

Read more about the Onyx Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.

Veterans Drive: This project rebuilds 1.63 miles of Veterans Drive into a two lane road with curb, gutter, sidewalk, bike/pedestrian path, streetlights, and landscaping. The project adds roundabouts to three key intersections.

This week the base lift of asphalt was poured on Veterans Drive. The contractor will be laying the final lift of asphalt in early 2021, weather permitting.

In the interim, construction work will continue on this project throughout the winter and, as a result, there will be periodic lane and/or whole section closures throughout the next few months.  

Left turn restrictions at Veterans and Gravelly Lake Drive will be removed shortly. However, detour signage will remain up in effort to reduce the level of traffic within the project’s limits.  Unless the contractor is actively working in the section between Edgewood and the American Lake Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VA), the North Lake and American Avenue detour will not be necessary. 

To read more about the Veterans Drive project and see overhead shots of the project on the project website.

The contractor also continues to work on the American Lake Park parking lot.  When completed, in addition to improving traffic flow through the parking lot, this project will add 6 ADA parking stalls to the lot and create a ADA walkway from the road to the park restroom. The restrooms at the park will remain closed due to this work. Parking at the park is currently limited to the boat launch area.

City Council December 14, 2020 meeting preview

The Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) waiver by the state legislative leadership was extended through January 19 for jurisdictions not in Phase 3 of the “Safe Start” Plan.  Pierce County is currently in Phase 2.  As a result, City Hall Council Chambers will not be open for City Council meetings.

Residents can virtually attend City Council meetings by watching them live on the city’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityoflakewoodwa

Those who do not have access to YouTube can participate via Zoom by either calling by telephone: Dial +1(253) 215- 8782 and enter participant ID: 868 7263 2373.

To learn more about how to provide public comment and/or public testimony at City Council Regular Meetings, click here.

Items on the December 14, 2020 City Council Study Session agenda include:

  • Behavioral Health Process Update
  • 3rd Quarter Financial Report
  • Public Art and Special Events Update
  • Second review of South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHAP)

The following Lakewood City Council meetings are cancelled:

  • December 21, 2020 – City Council Regular Meeting
  • December 28, 2020 – City Council Study Session

Items tentatively scheduled on the January 4, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting agenda include:

  • Proclamation declaring January 18, 2021 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and February as Black History Month – Ms. Kimi Ginn
  • Youth Council Report
  • Clover Park School District Report
  • Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with the Port of Tacoma regarding the 146th Street reconstruction project
  • Authorizing the execution of an extension to the agreement with BERK and Associates for the completion of the Lakewood Station District Subarea Plan project
  • Appoint Community Services Advisory Board members (tentative)
  • Appoint Planning Commission members (tentative)
  • Appoint Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members (tentative)
  • Reports by the City Manager – Review interlocal agreement with Pierce College

Join a community advisory board

Do you like to give back to the community? Are you looking to get better connected to Lakewood? Have some free time you want to fill? Consider joining one of the city’s community advisory boards. Board members often have experience or expertise they can lend, can meet on a monthly basis and can commit to serving a full term, or longer.

Boards with openings:

  • Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board: Up to 5 vacancies. Open until filled.

Board and commission descriptions, meeting schedule and application form can be found online. 

Stay up to date with MyLakewood311

Did you know Lakewood has its own free mobile app? All you need to know about the city is at your fingertips. Updates on road projects and detours around the city and other city announcements can be found under the “Public Announcements” header.

Contact the city using the “submit a new request” button and select from the appropriate category. The app allows you to track city staff’s response to your request and follow it through the process.

Please only submit one request per item – submitting multiple requests for the same item slows the review process. Note: This app is not monitored 24/7. If you are reporting an emergency that needs immediate assistance, please call 911.

Download it now in the iTunes App Store or on Google Play.

Stay connected with e-mail notifications

Get the latest news and updates from the city of Lakewood delivered directly to your inbox. To subscribe click here.

You can subscribe to the following city newsfeeds:

  • City Manager’s Weekly Bulletins (Weekly)
  • City Council Agendas and Meeting Schedules (Weekly)
  • Lakewood Connections and Recreation Brochures (Quarterly)
  • Public Notices
  • Coffee with the Mayor (Monthly)
  • Bids, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Qualifications (RFQs)