City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin: Oct. 15, 2021

Families enjoyed Truck & Tractor Day last Saturday

Steilacoom Boulevard will endure a lengthy closure for sewer repairs soon. A holiday drive-through light parade is coming up on Dec. 11, and a community cleanup on Nov. 6 & 7. If you’re behind on bills, assistance is available. Pierce County wants residents to participate in a survey about the future of work & the effects of COVID-19 on commuting. City Council held two meetings this week to discuss finances and legislative priorities.

Pierce County crews performed an emergency sewer repair in July, now a permanent repair is required.

Section of Steilacoom Boulevard to Close At Length for Sewer Repair

Work will begin in early November and may take three months.

Pierce County crews intend to begin repairs on the collapsed sewer beneath Steilacoom Boulevard in early November. This will involve a prolonged closure of Steilacoom between Lakewood & Bridgeport.

The sewer main beneath the roadway collapsed in July. A temporary bypass was established to maintain service. Crews will now perform a permanent repair of the main buried deep beneath the roadway.

Visit the Pierce County project page to sign up for email updates.

Rent, Mortgage, Utility, and Business Assistance Still Available.

Various relief programs may help residents and businesses recover from the pandemic.

Information on rent assistance, mortgage assistance, and home repair programs may be found on the City’s website. The statewide eviction moratorium expires Oct. 31.

The statewide utility shutoff moratorium is has expired. Customers may now be disconnected for nonpayment. Utilities may offer payment plans or other assistance

Washington State Department of Commerce Small Business Flex Fund lends small businesses up to $150,000 in low-interest, no-fee loans.

Groups are encouraged to apply to build a holiday parade display.

Drive-Through Holiday Light Parade Coming to Lakewood Dec. 11

Businesses & organizations are encouraged to apply to build a display.

The City of Lakewood will celebrate the holidays with a “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 displays constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations.

Interested groups are invited to apply to build floats. Applications must be received by Monday, Nov. 29 at 5:00 PM.

How Has Work Been Affected by the Pandemic?

Pierce County “Future of Work” survey to assess technology & infrastructure needs of the future workforce.

The pandemic caused a 46.3% reduction in the number of trips over 5 miles in Washington State, as of August 2020. The pandemic necessitated telework, but if this shift is permanent, the county must assess if infrastructure and technology are adequate to support this new future.

Take the survey here.

​Lakewood Events Uniting the Community

Bookmark the City’s events calendar to keep track of upcoming events.

Recent City events have been big hits: Truck & Tractor Day and the City’s 25th Anniversary Celebration drew big crowds.

Bookmark the City’s event calendar or import the calendar into Outlook, iCal, or other calendar apps.

Truck & Tractor Day Photos

2110 Truck & Tractor Day

25th Anniversary Photos

2109 25th Anniversary

Upcoming Events

Local businesses and organizations may apply to build a holiday light display at the Dec. 11 Holiday Parade.

CITY COUNCIL SUMMARY

The Lakewood City Council had two meetings this week: a study session on Monday, Oct. 11 and a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

On the 11th, City Council met with the Arts Commission to discuss their 2022 work plans. They considered budget adjustments for the 2021-2022 biennium and discussed a very small property tax levy increase ($3.50 annually per household). The council then discussed the designation of new funds, including some programs to help grow small businesses.

On the 13th, City Council reviewed legislative priorities for 2022. The City intends to work with local, state, and national governments to pursue infrastructure improvements, recover from the pandemic, assist with JBLM land use issues, improve local transit, improve housing affordability, and support national defense.

COVID-19

Roads

  • Steilacoom & Lakewood: Sewer repair will resume on Nov. 1, requiring a prolonged closure of Steilacoom between Lakewood & Bridgeport. Traffic will detour North to Custer.
  • Steilacoom & Custer: Various utilities are still moving overhead lines to new poles. Once complete, sidewalk work in this area will proceed. Expect occasional delays.
  • Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: The new roundabout at Gravelly Lake & Nyanza should open in November. Afterwards, Gravelly Lake will open and Nyanza will close – read this update for specifics.

Parks

Notes