City Manager's Weekly Bulletin Nov. 4, 2022 text overset on an image of burnt orange tree leaves

Lakewood Manager’s Bulletin: Nov. 4, 2022

Lakewood Fall Cleanup is this weekend

The Lakewood Fall Community Cleanup is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.)

Bring trash, junk and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94th Street SW. This event is for Lakewood residents only; a utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items yourself, bag all loose items and wear proper footwear.

Additional rules:

  • 5 minute time limit to unload items
  • No box vans or vehicles taller than 7 feet
  • Trailers over 4-feet by 8-feet prohibited
  • Unsafe vehicles may be cited

View a list of accepted and non-accepted items.


We’re ready for the wind and rain

In preparation of the predicted heavy rain, gusty winds and possible flooding, we sent out our street sweeper to make additional trips to known problem areas in the city to help lessen the likelihood of flooding due to clogged storm drains

Our crews are also driving through the city to check on areas and respond as needed throughout the day Friday. We have on-call personnel and additional staff at the ready, should any issues arise after regular business hours and over the weekend.


Celebrate Veterans Day with us

The city of Lakewood will host a Veteran’s Day ceremony as part of the regular City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 starting at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and join in this recognition that will feature Clover Park High School’s JROTC presenting the colors and the Lakes High School Choir singing the Armed Forces Medley and other songs.


Council Corner: What’s on Deck

The Lakewood City Council will meet Monday at 7 p.m. for a regular meeting.

Agenda items include:

  • A proclamation recognizing Nov. 11, 2022 as Veterans Day and the month of November as Veterans Appreciation Month Proclamation and a proclamation recognizing the Korean Women’s Association (KWA) 50 year anniversary.
  • Reports from the Lakewood Youth Council and the Clover Park School District.
  • Public hearings on:
    • The proposed 2023 Property Tax Levy
    • Proposed Year-End (2022) budget adjustment
    • Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget
  • Final consideration on Ordinance No. 775 related to the city’s tree preservation code
  • A resolution considering the Garry Oak as the official city tree
  • Reports by the City Manager: Review of 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket

How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (dial (253) 215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.


New program: Yoga & Meditation at the Pavilion

Live your best life! The city of Lakewood is excited to announce a new program it is piloting at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Starting Nov. 14, 2022 we will offer $5 yoga inside our beautiful Pavilion. Whether you are a first-timer to yoga or an experienced yogi, this event is meant for everyone. Our skilled instructor is ready adapt classes to meet every level.

Classes run Monday through Thursday from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. We’re also offering a second class Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. starting Nov. 21 and running through Dec. 26, 2022.

The first 100 people to be a “first time yogi” will get a free #LoveLakewood t-shirt.

Initial class schedule:

  • Mondays: 4:15-5:15 p.m. Gentle Yoga, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Vinyasa, all levels (Monday Vinyasa class offered on a trial basis Nov. 21-Dec. 26 only)
  • Tuesdays: 4:15-5:15 p.m. Vinyasa, all levels
  • Wednesdays: 4:15-5:15 p.m. Yin Yang
  • Thursdays: 4:15-5:15 p.m. Gentle Yoga
  • Saturdays: 10-11 a.m. Vinyasa, all levels

Find out more, including a link to pre-register online.


Save the date: [email protected] artist reception

Join the city of Lakewood in celebrating seven local Latino artists whose artwork in currently on display in Lakewood City Hall.

We’ll host an artist reception Dec. 5, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. The artist will join us to share their work and talk with guests. Light refreshments will be served. The artwork will be on display in the City Hall foyer and front hall, as well as in the Council office. The public is invited to visit City Hall during operating hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the pieces.


Now accepting: McGavick Conference Center ‘City Days’ applications

The city of Lakewood is now accepting applications for the use of a 2023 City Day at the McGavick Conference Center. Please read the policy and application materials for more information. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 and applicants will be notified as to the approval or denial of the application by Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.

Complete applications can be emailed directly to City Clerk Briana Schumacher (preferred) or delivered via mail to Lakewood City Hall, Attn: City Clerk, 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499.

If you have any questions regarding the application or approval process, please contact City Clerk Briana Schumacher at 253-983-7705 or [email protected].


Celebrate the Pierce County Business Accelerator Program

Meet some of the most ambitious and diverse entrepreneurs and business leaders in Pierce County. Find new business partners, catering connections, eager clients, and new Pierce County products and services you didn’t know you needed!

Attend this sure to be unforgettable showcase celebration of the Pierce County Business Accelerator Program Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at the McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW.

Launched in 2021, more than 200 entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the county have participated in the six-week program. The program fosters innovation and creates wealth-building opportunities with a focus on Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), veteran, and women-owned businesses. The city of Lakewood contributed $500,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to support this program.

Attendance at the event is free, but guests are asked to register online. Learn more about the program.


Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen talks libraries

The future of the downtown Lakewood library will be the topic of conversation Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. with Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen and Pierce County Library System Executive Director Gretchen Caserotti.

Join in person at the Rotunda at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Updates and next steps will be addressed and people can ask questions to learn more.


Access library services in Lakewood

From book talks for adults and tech help, to family story time for all ages, the Pierce County Library System offers pop-up libraries and other services to the community, despite the closure of its downtown library branch building. Some programs are at the Tillicum Community Center, while others are at Lakewood City Hall.  The Library System encourages people to visit nearby DuPont, Steilacoom, Tillicum and University Place libraries for access to books and programs.

Visit lakewoodlib.pcls.us for up-to-date info on services and locations. Sign up to receive Lakewood and Tillicum building updates.


Wanted: Entries for Holiday Parade of Lights

Lakewood’s annual Holiday Parade of Lights and annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony return to Lakewood Towne Center this December and we need you to join the parade!

We are accepting applications now for those who want to be part of the fun. Sign up your business, organization, youth group or team and gain great visibility in front of the roughly 7,000 people that line the route specifically to see the floats and displays as they make their way to Lakewood City Hall.

Awards will be given for floats/displays in the categories of “Most Original”, “Most Spirited”, and “Best Overall Appearance”.

This year’s event is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The parade ends at Lakewood City Hall in time for the countdown to light the city Christmas tree.

Interested? Fill out at a parade application today.


Road project update

JBLM-North Access Improvement

  • Phase 1: Once all utility poles are removed the city’s contractor will pour the final sidewalk panels south of Nyanza Road.
  • Phase 2: The city’s contractor is scheduled to pave Washington Boulevard between Edgewood and Vernon avenues Nov. 21-22, depending on weather (no heavy rains and temperatures above 35 degrees). The intersection of Washington Boulevard and Edgewood Avenue is expected to open on Nov. 22 (assuming paving occurs on schedule). The city negotiated with the contractor to open this roadway for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Following Thanksgiving, the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Vernon Avenue will close the morning of Nov. 28, 2022 and work on this intersection will begin.

Steilacoom Blvd, Weller to Custer: Sidewalk construction will stop on this project for the winter. This is due to a delay in when new signals will be available, which is the result of a number of factors outside the city and contractor’s control. During this down time the contractor is expected to continue working on the wall installation on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Phillips and Weller roads so the project is ready when the poles are delivered.


Upcoming city events

  • Nov. 5-6, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Lakewood Fall Community Cleanup at Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94th Street SW.
  • Nov. 14, 4:15 p.m.: Love Lakewood Yoga & Meditation at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW.
  • Dec. 5, 2022, 5-7 p.m.: [email protected] City Hall artist reception to meet and view artwork from seven local artists at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Light refreshments provided.
  • Dec. 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Lakewood Holiday Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting, downtown Lakewood and Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW.