Lakewood City Manager’s Weekly Bulletin For March 5

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

March 9, 2021

Happy 25th Birthday Lakewood

On Monday, March 1, 2021 the City Council issued a Proclamation proclaiming the year of 2021 as a year of celebration of the City of Lakewood’s 25th Anniversary. To watch a video highlighting 25 years of cityhood visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61MoojdKyeQ&t=4s

25th Anniversary Art Contest Update

The City is still reviewing artist entries for the 25th Anniversary Art Contest and winners are expected to be announced on April 8, 2021.

Councilmember Patti Belle Sworn into Office

At the March 1, 2021 Lakewood City Council meeting newly appointed Councilwomen Patti Belle was sworn into office. Belle was sworn in by City of Kent Mayor Dana Ralph.

On February 22, 2021 the Lakewood City Council appointed Belle as Councilmember to represent Position 5 on the City Council. Belle was born and raised in Port Orchard, Washington and has lived in Pierce County for more than two decades and has called Lakewood home since 2018.

Councilmember Belle first entered the communications and marketing industry over 20 years ago. After more than 8 years with the Tacoma News Tribune, she moved on to the public sector where she joined the City of Kent. Currently working in the Office of Kent Mayor Dana Ralph as a manager on the City communications team, she has led national, award-winning visual communications and marketing teams in both the public and private sectors. She has served on the City of Lakewood Art’s Commission for 2 years and continues to work with a variety of freelance clients.

In addition to her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University, Councilmember Belle also holds a Project Management Certificate from the University of Washington and is a member of NATOA and WATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors/Washington Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors). While working for the McClatchy Company, she also facilitated and trained staff as a diversity educator.

As a Lakewood City Councilmember, Belle will do her part to partner with others, and deliver results for the people that rely on Lakewood’s services and programs, and legislate in a way that considers what’s best for all of its residents. She will focus on continuing to expand Lakewood’s economic base to not only increase local government revenue but create more local jobs and work to ensure Parks and Human Services programming stays healthy and supported. Lastly, she will continue to proactively communicate to residents what the City is doing to uphold the reputation of being transparent and accessible.

Councilmember Belle and her husband Ron have been married since 2010 and have one daughter.

Pierce County Human Services has received funding for rental and utility assistance for residents impacted by COVID-19

For more information, including required documentation; instructions for applying, FAQ’s and applications in other languages visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7142/Rental-Assistance. For those with no internet access call 2-1-1 to apply.

Proclamation issued recognizing Captain Rudolph Dambeck as Honorary City Attorney

On Monday, March 1, 2021 the City Council recognized Captain Rudolph Dambeck with a Proclamation designating him as Honorary City Attorney. CPT Dambeck is currently serving with the 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (Lancer Brigade), the City of Lakewood’s distinguished Community Connector. CPT Dambeck was the first ever U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps Officer to earn the coveted Expert Soldier Badge (ESB). The ESB is designed to improve lethality, recognize excellence in Soldier combat skills and increase individual, unit and overall Army readiness.

The City of Lakewood applauds and congratulates CPT Dambeck for his dedicated service and wishes him the very best as continues to lead by example.

Virtual Coffee with the Mayor – Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Please join Mayor Don Anderson on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. for Coffee with the Mayor. We will meet virtually via Zoom. Our guest speaker will be Tiffany Speir, Program Manager who will provide an update on the 2021 Comprehensive Plan amendments.

To participate in the meeting by Zoom visit: https://zoom.us/join and enter Meeting ID: 989 1276 5312 and Passcode: 471060 or call by Telephone: US: +1 253 215 8782 Meeting ID: 989 1276 5312and Passcode: 471060If you have any questions regarding accessing the virtual meeting please contact City Clerk Briana Schumacher at (253) 983-7705 or bschumacher@cityoflakewood.us.

Save the Date: Lakewood Spring Clean-up

Thorne Lane on-ramp to I-5 closes for 3 months

Travelers should prepare for a new stage of work on the I-5 Steilacoom-DuPont Road to Thorne Lane Corridor Improvements project. Once finished this construction will permanently change the way travelers exit to Berkeley Street and Thorne Lane.

Weather permitting, during the overnight hours of Friday, March 12, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound Interstate 5 for approximately three months.

This closure allows contractor Atkinson Construction to accelerate completion of work at Thorne Lane. The three-month ramp closure would create work zones that:

• Finish the roundabout connection from Union Avenue and to the new Thorne Lane high bridge,
• Complete the collector-distributor lane barrier that will guide travelers from a shared exit on southbound I-5 to Thorne Lane and Berkeley Street,
• Build a new Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5 from the new overpass.

Ramp closure detour:

• Travelers coming from Murray Road, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Logistics Gate or the Woodbrook neighborhood will detour via northbound I-5 to Gravelly Lake Drive, then onto southbound I-5.
• Tillicum travelers will use the Berkeley Street interchange to reach southbound I-5. They can also use the new Thorne Lane overpass and follow the same detour as travelers coming from Murray Road.

The end resultsWhen work is finished, travelers on southbound I-5 will begin using the new shared exit to Thorne Lane and Berkeley Street. Drivers will also regain access to southbound I-5 from Thorne Lane from the east side of the highway instead of the west side of the highway. This change in the intersection design removes potential delays associated with the railroad.

This is a permanent change that travelers going to Madigan Army Medical Center, Camp Murray, Lakewood’s Tillicum and Woodbrook neighborhoods and JBLM’s Logistic Gate will need to make note of.

An updated construction schedule that lists overnight ramp closures for this project is available on Tacomatraffic.com. Before heading out the door, travelers can find the latest road conditions on the WSDOT app and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.

Call for Artists: Signal Cabinet Wrap Art

The City of Lakewood is seeking artists, including emerging artists, to propose an original design for reproduction and installation on signal cabinets in Lakewood. The wraps will deter graffiti and add visual interest and beauty to our shared streetscapes. Artwork can be submitted in any medium as long as it can be translated and digitally reproduced on a two- dimensional vinyl wrap. Each approved final design will be compensated at the rate of $700 for an original design, and include all necessary licensing rights. To view eligibility and submission requirements visit: https://cityoflakewood.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-02-11-Call-to-Arts-Utility-Box.pdf The deadline to respond is March 15, 2021 at midnight.

Lakewood City Council approves Emergency Payments for Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program

On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, the Lakewood City Council authorized the use of U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) grant funds to provide Coronavirus Relief Aid. The City will allocate $703,426.59 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding ($246,700.59 in CDBG-CV1 and $456,726 in CDBG-CV3) for the purpose of creating Emergency Payments for Rental and Mortgage Assistance for low- and moderate-income Lakewood residents who have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments.

The following program eligibility requirements will apply:

• The program will provide rental/mortgage assistance grants to low- and moderate-income households who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic causing them to fall behind on rent or mortgage payments;
• Only one grant per household to be provided for family listed as legal tenant or homeowner;
• Funds not to exceed $4,000 per eligible household for rent or mortgage due in arrears;
• Payments must be made directly to the provider on behalf of the family (e.g. landlord or mortgage lender);

It is anticipated that Lakewood residents can begin filing applications starting on March 16, 2021 through March 30, 2021 (the application filing period may be extended until all funds are expended). The initial review time is within 7 days of receipt of application. Application details and forms will be available at: https://cityoflakewood.us/community_economic_development/community-housing-programs/.

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first eligible, first completed basis, subject to available funding. Again, the program will remain open until all funds are exhausted.

For questions about this program contact Shannon Bennett, Program Coordinator at sbennett@cityoflakewood.us.

Lakewood Pierce County Library Reopens with Limited Technology Services

The Pierce County Library System reopened the Lakewood Library with limited technology services in its meeting room as part of a pilot project for reopening libraries according to the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery plan.

Make an appointment online or call the library to use technology or visit Lakewood Library during technology service hours. The building will be open:

• Sunday: 1-4 p.m.
• Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed for cleaning 1-3 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed for cleaning 1-3 p.m.

The Library System continues to encourage people to use the Library’s curbside service and pick up books, movies and other items as well as access the Library’s many online resources including e-books, audiobooks and e-sources for learning and enjoyment. Also, the Library System continues to invite people to join its online classes and events for early learners, students, teenagers and adults.

More information: Limited technology services www.piercecountylibrary.org/se...

JBLM-North Access Improvement Project – Phase I

In August of 2020 the City was notified this project was not successful in pursuit of the federal grant from the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA). Based on that, the project was broken into two phases for construction: Phase 1 – 200’ west of Interlaaken on Washington Boulevard east and then south to Nyanza; Phase II – 200’ west of Interlaaken on Washington Boulevard then west to Edgewood/North Gate Road to the JBLM North Gate property line.

In total, the project will rebuild a roughly 3.5-mile section of the Northgate Rd/Edgewood Ave/Washington Blvd corridor from the western city limit to Gravelly Lake Drive; Gravelly Lake Drive will be rebuilt from Washington Blvd to just north of Pacific Highway; Vernon Ave will be reconstructed from Veterans to Washington Blvd. Improvements include curb, sidewalk, planted medians, bike lanes and 10 roundabouts.

The City began advertising for the Phase 1 of the project, Gravelly Lake Drive from south of Nyanza up to and through the WA Blvd intersection then west to include the Interlaaken intersection on February 9, 2021 and the bid opening was held on March 9, 2021. City Council consideration to award a construction contract is scheduled for March 15, 2021. Please note that given the size and scope of this project, the timeline to construct is estimated to take up to 18 months. If construction were to begin in May 2021, completion is estimated to be October 2022.

Project updates to include the option to sign up for project updates can be found here.

Steilacoom BLVD (Weller to Custer)

Phase one of this project is complete. Phase two, the installation of sidewalks along this area, is anticipated to being in spring/summer 2021 and will be constructed in two phases due to funding sources, all within the construction season in 2021.

Onyx Drive

Work began in April 2020 on this 1.55-mile project that improves the road with curb and gutter on both sides, adds bicycle and pedestrian facilities, includes street lighting on one side of the road and associated storm drainage upgrades. The city’s contractor completed the bulk of the work on this project and is now working on completing a few minor punch list items! In late December, mailboxes along Onyx Drive were installed. The postal service has been installing locks in the group mailboxes and residents are eager to make use of them. We are waiting on the final parcel locks to be installed before they keys are distributed to residents.

Veteran’s Drive

This project rebuilds 1.63 miles of Veterans Drive into a two lane section with curb, gutter, sidewalk, bike/pedestrian path, streetlights, and landscape strip if ROW allows. Roundabouts have been added to three key intersections, and the new cluster mailboxes are almost fully installed. The contractor is working on installation of irrigation, street lights, and sidewalk construction between the American Lake Park and the VA Hospital entrance. By the end of February 2020, all items should be completed except for the final lift of asphalt from the Lake City business district to the VA Hospital entrance. The contractor will place the project on hold until early spring and come back and finish the roadway and any final punchlist items.

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 an ADA walkway from the road to the park restroom. Parking at the park is currently limited to the boat launch area.

Lakewood Drive Sidewalk Project

The Public Works Engineering Department has issued a contract for construction of sidewalks on Lakewood Drive between Steilacoom Boulevard and Flett Creek. The contractor initiated work late February 2021 and will be done in two months. Speeds have been restricted to 25 mph throughout the work zone.

100th Street SW and Lakewood Drive Traffic Signal

The Public Works Engineering Department has issued a contract to rebuild the traffic signal at the intersection of 100th Street SW and Lakewood Drive an install sidewalks on the north side of 100th from the Chick-Fil-A sidewalk to the Lakewood Drive intersection. Additional fill in sidewalk will be constructed on the south side east and west of the intersection. The contractor will commence work in mid-March.

112th/111th Street Project

The Public Works Engineering Department has issued a contract to reconstruct 112th/111th streets between Bridgeport Way and Kendrick Street. New roadway surface, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and illumination will be constructed. The contractor will start work on March 10th and the roadway will be closed to all traffic except local access only until mid-May.

108th Street Overlay

The Public Works Engineering Department will be constructing an overlay project for 108th between Lakeview Drive and Pacific Hwy. This work will be a grind and overlay to refresh the driving surface. PWE is currently working with Lakewood Water District on two major crossings to be constructed prior to the road project and expect to see that work conducted on a weekend with a full road shutdown in the next few weeks. A contractor has been hired with an expected start date in late March.

Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery Plan

The Puget Sound Region, which includes Pierce County, remains in Phase 2. The table below highlights the various activities allowed in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Plan.

To remain in Phase 2, regions must meet at least 3 metrics:

• Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population
• Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K population
• ICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%
• COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%.

All aboard – the Lakewood Station District Subarea Plan is moving toward adoption!

The Lakewood Station District Subarea Plan, Development Code and Planned Action are all moving toward adoption! You can view the latest draft of the materials here. The City Council will begin its review on March 8 and will hold a public hearing on the Station District Subarea package on April 5 at 7:00 pm. View background information and all the latest at www.lakewoodstation.org

COVID-19 vaccine distribution remains in progress

K-12 educators and licensed child care workers added to Washington’s current vaccination phase

Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington State Department of Health have added K-12 educators and licensed childcare workers to Washington’s current vaccination phase, which is Phase 1b tier 1, effective as of March 2, 2021.

Those eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Washington are:

• Workers in health care at high risk for COVID-19
• First responders at high risk for COVID-19
• People who live or work in long-term care settings
• People age 65 and older
• People who live in multigenerational housing
• K-12 educators/staff
• Child care workers

Wondering if you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine? Try FindYourPhaseWA.org

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) here.

As we have since the beginning of this pandemic, the City continues to follow guidance from our trusted medical experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the TPCHD.

Below are some links to reliable sources that provide information on the vaccine. The CDC site, in particular, has a range of information, to include detailed scientific data on the safety and efficacy of the current vaccine.

CDC Website

Washington State DOH vaccine information

Washington State DOH vaccination – Phase 1a

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department vaccine information

City Council March 8, 2021 meeting preview

• South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHAP) Update – Mr. John Howell, Cedar River Group
• Annual Housing Report
• 2020 Business Retention and Expansion Report
• Review Lakewood Station District Subarea Plan

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 visiting zoom.us or 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.

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 6 vacancies. Open until filled.
• Planning Commission: One vacancy to fill an unexpired term through December 15, 2021.

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.

This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.