LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Monday, August 4, 1997
City of Lakewood
City Council Chambers
10510 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Harrison called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: 7 - Mayor Bill Harrison; Deputy Mayor Claudia Thomas (arrived at 7:30 p.m.); Councilmembers Ann Kirk Davis; Colleen Henry; José Palmas; Doug Richardson (arrived at 7:05 p.m.) and Sherri Thomas.
Staff Present: City Manager D. Scott Rohlfs; Deputy City Manager Andy Neiditz; Finance and Systems Director Galen Kidd; Community Development Director David Bugher; Principal Planner Roger Blaylock; Engineering Manager Bill Larkin; Police Lt. Eileen Bisson; and Administrative Secretary Juli Neher.
Staff Present: City Manager D. Scott Rohlfs; Deputy City Manager Andy Neiditz; Finance and Systems Director Galen Kidd; Community Development Director David Bugher; Principal Planner Roger Blaylock; Engineering Manager Bill Larkin; Police Lt. Eileen Bisson; and Administrative Secretary Juli Neher.
FLAG SALUTE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Bill Kittrell by request of Mayor Harrison.
REPORTS BY THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rohlfs provided an update on narrowing Farwest Drive to put in bicycle lanes/pedestrian walkways. He indicated that Engineering Manager Larkin will be sending out a letter to property owners in the area inviting them to a public meeting to address concerns they may have before work begins.
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Councilmember Richardson arrived at 7:05 p.m.
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City Manager Rohlfs then called on Deputy City Manager Neiditz who reported that in response to a citizen's concern regarding the availability of fuel for boaters on American Lake, the Russell Landing Marina on Fort Lewis property is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. to all boaters.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -2- August 4, 1997
Deputy City Manager Neiditz reported that Deputy Boyle will be coordinating transportation for Councilmembers who wish to participate in the "National Night Out Against Crime" celebrations being held throughout the city on Tuesday, August 5, 1997. He asked Councilmembers to meet Deputy Boyle at the precinct at 6:00 p.m. to be escorted to the various celebration sites.
Deputy City Manager Neiditz reported on an incident at American Lake North Park on Sunday afternoon, August 3, 1997, regarding unruly individuals in the water and on the float. There were several hundred people in the park and approximately 70 people in the water. He reported that two police officers responded and were able to remove the individuals that the lifeguards felt were causing the problem. Deputy City Manager Neiditz explained that the access to the beach area was closed when police deputies arrived and did not reopen due to the time being near the end of the lifeguards' shift. He also reported that during this time, the parking lot was full and parking lot attendants were turning people away. A number of citations were issued for illegally parked vehicles outside the park. No one was arrested regarding the incident at the beach, but some individuals were asked to leave the park.
Discussion ensued on the type of behavior of the individuals that were asked to leave the park; whether anyone was injured during the incident; the signs which are posted in the parks prohibiting unacceptable behavior; and the circumstances during which a small number of people caused park facilities to be closed to the rest of the citizens.
Mayor Harrison asked staff to contact the citizen who expressed concern about the gas dock on American Lake being closed and to advise him about the availability of fuel at the Russell Landing Marina.
PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation recognizing Jack Asby as the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year."
Mayor Harrison presented a proclamation to Mr. Jack Asby recognizing him as the first ever Lakewood Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year."
Proclamation declaring the week of August 1-7, 1997, as National Clown Week.
Mayor Harrison presented a proclamation declaring the week of August 1-7, 1997, as National Clown Week, to four members of the Clover Park Clown Alley clowns.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -3- August 4, 1997
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Mayor Harrison introduced Mr. Peter Punzi, the new Managing Director of Lakewold Gardens, and welcomed him to Lakewood.
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Pedestrian Roadshow briefing.
Principal Planner Roger Blaylock explained that Lakewood is the only city in Region 10 to have a "Train-the-Trainer" program to be conducted over the next three days. On Wednesday, August 6, 1997, at 5:30 p.m., the Pedestrian Roadshow, the public participation element of the program, will be held at the Pierce Transit Training Room at 6132 Motor Avenue. He indicated that approximately 40 people have been invited to the Roadshow, including the Planning Advisory Board, members of the City Council, Clover Park School District, a bus driver, PTA representatives, advocates for youth, news media and
representatives from the Town of Steilacoom and the City of University Place. He indicated that there were a few available spaces remaining and invited citizens to attend.
Principal Planner Blaylock then introduced Ms. Sharon Price, area engineer for the Federal Highway Administration. She indicated that the Federal Highway Administration administers funding for highway projects and that in the last few years they have branched into the area for pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The projects are generated at the local level and funding received is based on projects selected by the local communities which make it through the metropolitan planning process and the local metropolitan planning organization. She explained that the Roadshow addresses pedestrian safety and is designed to provide local communities with information to make sound decisions regarding pedestrian issues.
Ms. Price announced that Mr. Dan Burden, with Walkable Communities, Inc., a nationally recognized expert on pedestrian accommodation and walkable communities, will be conducting the Roadshow.
Principal Planner Blaylock noted that in the past six years, there have been approximately 200 pedestrian-related accidents with ten fatalities in Lakewood. He indicated that the people attending the Roadshow will take a walking tour of the central area to look at various intersections and problem areas.
Youth Advisor Report.
There was no report.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -4- August 4, 1997
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Speaking before the Council were:
Dee Jansen, 10918 Glenwood, complimented the Council and staff on the work done on the sign code in Lakewood which improves the appearance of Lakewood. She then distributed a handout regarding sign code restrictions on the placement of "home for sale" signs. She spoke against the restrictions and spoke in favor of generic sale and directional signs as a possible solution to the problem.
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Deputy Mayor Thomas arrived at 7:30 p.m.
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Richard Rabisa, #2 Thornewood Lane SW, spoke about the good response to a complaint about roots in the roadway. He also spoke about the status of the clean-up efforts in Tillicum; the increase in the number of cargo containers; and canvases that are being used as unsightly garages or canopies.
Michael Harbert, 5112 58th Avenue W, broker/owner of Washington Buy & Sell, spoke against the sign code restrictions on directional signs, commercial sign sizes and set-back requirements. He spoke in favor of generic signs for real estate sales.
Michael Harbert, 5112 58th Avenue W, broker/owner of Washington Buy & Sell, spoke against the sign code restrictions on directional signs, commercial sign sizes and set-back requirements. He spoke in favor of generic signs for real estate sales.
Forrest Thompson, 14716 Portland Avenue, spoke about the clean sweep of Tillicum being cut short and the citizens of Tillicum being left with the impression that the code enforcement was selective; the need for code enforcement on the weekends and fining sign code violators; the large, rowdy crowds on the streets in Tillicum on weekends; and the City Hall signs which remain on the People's Plaza building.
C O N S E N T A G E N D A
A. Approval of the minutes of the City Council meeting of July 21, 1997.
B. Approval of the minutes of the City Council Study Session of July 28, 1997.
C. Approval of claim vouchers in the amount of $900,518.89 for the period ending July 30, 1997.
Amending Section 3.40.040 of the Lakewood Municipal Code relative to increasing the Parks Department change account from $100 to $175.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -5- August 4, 1997
Setting Monday, August 18, 1997, at approximately 7:00 p.m., as the date for a public hearing by the City Council to consider the extension of the moratorium on the filing of applications for licenses, permits and approvals for adult entertainment businesses to February 28, 1998.
Councilmember Palmas questioned whether any Councilmembers had reviewed the claim vouchers since there were no approval signatures indicated on the printout. Discussion ensued on the current staffing situation in the Finance Department; the timing required for printing the agenda packet; and providing Councilmembers with an updated signature page at the time of the Council meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER DAVIS MOVED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HENRY. VOICE VOTE WAS TAKEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
R E G U L A R A G E N D A
APPOINTMENTS
Confirming the appointment of Jim Crabbe to the Economic Development Advisory Board through February 11, 2000.
DEPUTY MAYOR THOMAS MOVED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF JIM CRABBE TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD THROUGH FEBRUARY 11, 2000. SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS. VOICE VOTE WAS TAKEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
None.
BRIEFING BY THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rohlfs informed the Council that the language on realty signs in the sign code came from the Board of Realtors. In the case of "for sale by owner" signs, City Manager Rohlfs reported that Community Development Director Bugher has advised him that the City has been allowing, on a case by case basis, the placement of signs on private property on the nearest traffic way even though the distance may be more than 1000' in order to comply with the intent of the code.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -6- August 4, 1997
City Manager Rohlfs commented on the preemption of the Tillicum enforcement. He reported that two of the code enforcement officers were pulled away to deal with a criminal matter and the third officer was serving jury duty. He further indicated that although the criminal matter has been cleared, one of the officers has a serious illness in the family. City Manager Rohlfs stated that staff will be continuing the Tillicum enforcement once these other circumstances are resolved.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Henry announced that the blue ribbon scheduled at the Bed of Roses on Wednesday, August 6, 1997, has been canceled due to a death in the family and will be rescheduled.
Councilmember Henry reported that the first meeting of the Events Ad Hoc Committee to discuss the City Christmas Party will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 1997.
Councilmember Henry indicated that Councilmember Richardson will be the guest speaker at the Chamber breakfast on Thursday, August 7, 1997.
Councilmember Henry announced that she will be attending a civic leaders tour with the Air Combat Control from Langley, Virginia.
She stated that she will be gone on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, August 6, 7 and 8, 1997, but will be back to co-host a meeting with Nancy Watkins of the Tacoma-Pierce County Visitor and Convention Bureau for the tourism clients such as Lakewold Gardens, Lakewood Motor Inn, Western Inn and the Economic Development Advisory Board to discuss needs for Lakewood regarding advertising, Internet access and brochures.
Councilmember Davis commented on the town hall meeting with Senator Slade Gorton that she attended on Saturday, August 2, 1997. She commented on the quality of questions asked during the meeting and that it would be good to involve such articulate people in Lakewood who have not yet been involved in cityhood.
Councilmember Richardson questioned whether the controversy regarding oak trees versus evergreen trees had been resolved.
Councilmember Richardson reported that he would be unable to attend the "Night Out" celebrations because of a previously scheduled Battalion Command meeting. He state that he would be able to attend the delayed "Night Out" on August 24, 1997, at the Meadows.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -7- August 4, 1997
Councilmember Thomas reported that a citizen had written to the Council regarding his strong opposition to signs in the city. She indicated that the citizen reported that he had recently had a friend return for a visit from the Midwest who marveled at how good and clean Lakewood looked since he visited a couple a years ago.
Councilmember Thomas asked for a status on the improvements of Bridgeport Way and Pacific Avenue. City Manager Rohlfs replied that landscaping work is planned to begin near the end of September. City Manager Rohlfs also indicated that that Engineering Manager Larkin and the landscape architect who works with the Keep Lakewood Beautiful Committee are resolving design issues for the Gravelly Lake Drive and Nyanza project.
Councilmember Thomas asked if something can be done about getting the City Hall signs at People's Plaza removed. City Manager Rohlfs replied that the sign code requires signs to be removed within thirty days after a business moves or closes. He indicated that a letter can be written to the owners of People's Plaza indicating that the signs need to be removed.
Councilmember Palmas commented on a letter in the informational bullets by Community Development Director Bugher about the status report on uncontrolled weeds which stated that there is currently no budget for abatement. Councilmember Palmas questioned whether this was a request for funds or a budget item. City Manager Rohlfs replied that the City's response has been on a complaint-only basis, usually resulting in voluntary compliance. He indicated that the cost for cleaning up properties such as foreclosures where there is no responsible party and no voluntary compliance, the City can perform the work and place a lien against the sale of the property. He indicated that this process may be somewhat lengthy and costly and the City's lien may come after mortgage and tax liens, making it possible that the City would not recover expenses in a timely manner or at all. Discussion ensued on Council's goal-setting process for the budget; and the contingency nature of funds budgeted for this purpose.
Councilmember Palmas commented on statistics in the Legal Department's semi-annual report which indicated that 30 percent of all assaults county-wide occur in Lakewood which has only ten percent of the county's population. He questioned whether there are policy issues that should be addressed as a result of this finding. City Manager Rohlfs responded that the statistic refers only to those assaults handled by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and does not include assaults handled by other jurisdictions in the county.
Councilmember Palmas asked about the recent arson fires in the City. Police Lt. Eileen Bisson reported that there have been no arson fires reported in the last week. City Manager Rohlfs also reported that these crimes seem to go in cycles and that a couple of arrests have been made.
Lakewood City Council Minutes -8- August 4, 1997
Councilmember Palmas recognized Councilmember Henry for being named "Distinguished Citizen of the Year" by McChord Air Force Base.
Mayor Harrison commented on the rejection of the City's CUGA recommendation by Pierce County and asked what is the next step in the process. City Manager Rohlfs indicated that staff will be preparing a response with additional information supporting the City's position. He also indicated that the planning staff is checking throughout the state on the designations of military installations, finding thus far that Fairchild in Spokane and Bremerton Naval Shipyard are designated as "urban." Mayor Harrison asked that the letter from Ft. Lewis be forwarded to McChord.
Mayor Harrison reported that the Lake City community held their "Night Out" last night and reported a good turnout. He noted that there are now twelve celebrations planned in Lakewood neighborhoods for Tuesday, August 5, 1997, and suggested that Councilmembers attempt to provide a presence at all sites.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
_____________________________________
BILL HARRISON, MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________
ALICE M. BUSH, CMC
CITY CLERK
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