Feb. 8, 2023
Celebration was the theme of the Lakewood City Council’s Feb. 6, 2023 regular meeting.
The evening started with a celebration of Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro, including a drop-in event for the Lakewood community to wish him farewell as he heads into retirement. Council offered him special recognition with a proclamation acknowledging his nearly 30-year law enforcement career, most of which was spent serving, protecting and leading in Lakewood.
Council also read a proclamation celebrating and declaring February as Black History Month. In its proclamation Council highlighted the 2023 Black History Month theme of “Black Resistance” noting that by resisting historic and ongoing oppression over the centuries and advocating for the right to be treated and seen as equal Black Americans have achieved triumphs, successes, and progress at dismantling unfair and unequitable systems.
The final celebration came with a commissioning ceremony for seven members of the Lakewood Police Department. This included promotions for six officers and the addition of a new officer to the department. Those recognized and commissioned at the meeting were:
- Lieutenant Jeremy Prater
- Sergeant Kevin Clark
- Sergeant Jessica Fitzgerald
- Sergeant Ryan Moody
- Sergeant Vince Sivankeo
- Detective Michael Merrill
- Officer Heather Wilkinson
Council action: Council took action on two motions. The first, 2023-14, authorized execution of an agreement between the cities of Lakewood, University Place, the Town of Steilacoom and Pierce County Fire District 3 (West Pierce Fire & Rescue) for emergency management services. The second, 2023-15, authorized allocation of $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act monies to support the Living Access Support Alliance (LASA) Gravelly Lake Commons affordable housing project.
Reports: Council reviewed the city’s third quarter 2022 financial report.
Watch: Lakewood City Council Feb. 6, 2023 Regular meeting
What’s on deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. for a study session. Tentative agenda items include:
- Lakewood Multicultural Coalition Update
- Joint Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board meeting
- Review of 4th Quarter (2022) Police Report
- Park Signs, Reader Board and Wayfinding Signs Update
- Street Ends Report
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.
