LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
AND LEGISLATORS MINUTES
November 18, 2011
City of Lakewood
Lakewood City Hall
3rd Floor, Executive Conference Room 3A
6000 Main Street SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS
Deputy Mayor Don Anderson called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
ATTENDANCE
Councilmembers Present: 5 – Deputy Mayor Don Anderson; Councilmembers Mary Moss, Jason Whalen, Walter Neary and Claudia Thomas.
Incoming Councilmember Present: 1 – Marie Barth (arrived late)
Staff Members Present: 3 – Andrew Neiditz, City Manager; Heidi Wachter, City Attorney and Mike Savage, Director of Communications & Government Relations.
Consultant Present: 1 – Briahna Taylor, Consultant
Legislators Representative Present: 4 – Tami Green, Representative 28th District and Connie Ladenburg, Representative 29th District, Senator Mike Carrell, 28th District and Senator Steve Conway, 29th District.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Protect the City from Negative Impacts of State Budget Cuts
Ms. Briahna Taylor reported on the legislative priorities for the 2011-2012 session.
Discussion ensued on the State budget, the legislative special session and the impacts to the City. Senator Mike Carrell asked about the City’s reductions compared to other cities and the State.
Deputy Mayor Anderson indicated that the City of Lakewood started out with leaner staff compared to comparable cities.
Senator Conway described the severity of the budget situation and asked for data regarding per capita General Fund support among the City of Lakewood, City of Tacoma and the City of Seattle.
Senator Carrell asked for breakdowns on staffing cuts and revenue streams over the years noting when the Police Department was formed in-house.
Deputy Mayor Anderson requested recognition for the City of Lakewood for being fiscally prudent.
Senator Carrell inquired about the impacts of grants.
Deputy Mayor Anderson asked about increasing the flexibility with funds.
Impacts from Western State Hospital
Representative Green questioned the ability to maintain the status quo.
Communications Director Mike Savage indicated there is fair share legislation in place to prevent an undue distribution of halfway houses in Lakewood. Deputy Mayor Anderson noted that it doesn't prevent criminals from deciding to stay here.
Senator Conway stated there is an interest in revitalizing the special commitment center at McNeil Island.
Defend Against Increased Court Costs
University Place Municipal Court at Lakewood was cited as an example of success.
Transportation Funding and Expand Infrastructure in Tillicum and Woodbrook Neighborhoods were taken together
Discussion ensued on at-grade crossings by anticipated trains being a concern; and the significance of military bases and their impact.
Supporting Combating Criminal Street Gangs.
Representative Ladenburg noted that there is limited support for existing legislation but there is a genuine interest in the issue.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m. by Deputy Mayor Anderson
_____________________________________
DON ANDERSON, DEPUTY MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________
ALICE M. BUSH, MMC
CITY CLERK
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