From the Mayor’s (Ron Lucas) Desk
The Town Council is finishing the 2011/12 budget this month. Council has added their ideas and comments, and listened to residents at several meetings. Next month, I will detail the final budget decisions and any changes to the levels of service plus our capital project list.
The Town welcomes Ron Schaub from the Pierce County Sheriff’s department as the Public Safety Director. Chief Schaub has my confidence and trust. He was selected from an outstanding group of six candidates from the Lakewood and PC Sheriffs’ agencies. Having developed an outstanding record of service and skill, Chief Schaub will further enhance the departments training program, advance officer professional development, and continue the level of service you expect .
Town road/sewer crews continue preparations for an expected wet and stormy winter. Street basins have been inspected and cleared; storm water routes have been cleared; and some drainage systems rebuilt. You can help by collecting and bagging leaves in your yards or removing leaves from street storm drains. Please do not blow or pile leaves in the street.
The culvert repair on Martin Street is complete and the material used will last a century plus. We will cover the hillside with erosion control material to stabilize the hill for the winter. In the spring, staff will coordinate the planting of trees and native plants to permanently stabilize the hill.
If you visit Sunnyside Beach Park, you might notice several repairs and upgrades to the large pavilion and restroom areas which will enhance the structures use. Expect more park improvements and work in 2011. The Parks Task Force is scheduled to present their 2011 work plan at the January 4th Council meeting. Come and hear what is in store and how you can be involved.
An early alert!! Steilacoom All-Comers Community Christmas Sing and Play Along is scheduled for Sunday, 19 December 2010 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Steilacoom Town Hall 1717 Lafayette St. No rehearsals are necessary. Just bring your musical instruments, music stands, and enthusiasm. All ability levels welcome. 4-part music and song sheets will be provided. Contact Nancy Henderson, 584-7284 or at nehenders@comcast.net to get involved.
The Steilacoom Café has new ownership and a new name……Two Teaspoons Café. Stop by and say hello to the new owners, Katie Karlstrom and Nyki Delorme. The Café’s hours are Saturday/Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM and Monday – Friday from 6 AM to 3 PM. As always, support local business!
The Town of Steilacoom joined a dozen cities and towns plus parks districts this month in challenging the Pierce County Council’s decision on the boundaries of a countywide Flood Control District with taxing authority which provides, we believe, no benefit to our residents. The details and specifics of this flood control district are not decided or established but the boundaries and taxing authority was set….we objected. I hope the Boundary Review Board supports our collective position later this month and returns the plan to the Pierce County Council and they start over.
I continue to receive inquiries about the heavy traffic in the morning and afternoon in Town. Two factors have increased the traffic. First, is the return of so many soldiers to JBLM this summer for which we are very thankful. Second is the I-5 corridor from the Nisqually River north to highway 512. This section of the Interstate is a mess and will only change when federal/ state transportation funding makes it a priority. Transportation recommendations and solutions are being completed soon, but the actual work is very much in the future.
November 2nd is Election Day. Please take the time to become informed and vote.
COUNCIL AGENDA
11/2
– BPA Substation Assessment
– Utility Rate Modifications
– BPA – Energy Smart Agreement
COUNCIL ACTION
Minutes to the Town Council meetings once approved are posted on the Town’s website at: townofsteilacoom.org and located under: Town Offices > Town Council > Council Meetings
SCARECROWS OF STEILACOOM
This year’s scarecrow contest winners are: residential category – the Garrett Family on 5th St. (a scuba diver). Community category was won by the students at Cherrydale elementary School. They created several scarecrows around the school in various sporting garb. The business category was won by Dr. Tom McAvoy’s dental practice. There a flying ghost scarecrow is looking for a lost golf ball. Winners will receive daffodil bulbs, from the Steilacoom Garden Club, which sponsored the contest. Thanks to all who participated in this year’s “spirited” event. Be sure to drive around town to enjoy the many scarecrows on display.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
In November, the teen program sponsored by the Friends of Steilacoom Library features Henna Arts. Come join us at the Steilacoom Pierce County Library on Monday, November 1, between 2:30p.m. and 4:30p.m. Light snacks are provided and all teens are welcomed.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Keep at least 72 hours worth of emergency supplies, adequate for each person in your household, stocked in an easy to access location. Include:
1. Bottled water (one gallon/person/day)
2. Food/ baby food
3. Manual can opener
4. Camp stove, fuel and matches
5. First Aid kit
6. Fire extinguisher
7. Portable radio
8. Flashlight
9. Spare batteries
10. Blankets or sleeping bags
11. Essential medicines and glasses
12. Moist towelettes, garbage bags
13. Pet supplies
SCOUT FOOD DRIVE
The Scouts will be distributing sacks on October 23rd and collecting non-perishable food and toiletries on October 30th for the Steilacoom Food Pantry. All items will be used locally.
PUMPKINS ON PARADE
The SHMA is sponsoring a Jack-o-Lantern display to be held on the 31st at the Museum complex on Rainier and Main Street. All children in the area are invited to use their creativity in carving a Jack-o-Lantern to be lit and displayed for the public to view. Participants can drop off their Jack-o-Lanterns at the museum on the 29th between 4 and 5 pm or on the 31st from 12-4 pm. Viewing hours 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
RED RIBBON HOLIDAY BAZAAR
The Steilacoom High School Booster Club is hosting the 13th annual Red Ribbon Holiday Bazaar on December 4th from 9am to 3 pm. The event will feature handmade arts and crafts as well as other items great for holiday gift giving and enjoyment. Steilacoom Historical Museum calendars and cards will be available as well as Steilacoom Boy Scout troop wreaths. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day by students from Steilacoom and Dupont Schools. SHS Key club will provide crafts for children as well as pictures with Santa for a small fee. Vendors interested in renting a space should contact Bettye Craft @ redribbonbazaar@hotmail.com or at 582-7260.
SHSD NEWS
The District’s newsletter, “Good News”, may be viewed at www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Access the link “About the District” for information about topics ranging from new administrators to schedules to tips, and lots more.
FIRESIDE GALLERY NOVEMBER ARTIST The Fireside Gallery will host the Rainier League of Arts. This art league is comprised of various artists working in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. Their subjects range from landscapes and portraits to abstract images.
ANTIQUES APPRAISAL
Save the Date – November 13 from 12:30 to 2:30 SHMA presents an Antiques Appraisal by Joe Lawson of Hamilton Auctions. General items will be appraised for $5 each, limit three items. Bring your treasures and collectables to the lower level entrance of the Museum.
CLOCK AND WATCH ROADSHOW
On November 20 from 1-4 PM, SHMA is sponsoring a Clock and Watch Roadshow, at the lower level of the Museum. Appraisals and information will be presented by the Mt. Rainier Chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
HOUSEHOLD POLLUTION PREVENTION
Household stormwater pollution happens when contaminants from our homes and cars go down the storm drain. This can happen through illegal dumping into storm drains, or more commonly, when rainwater washes pollutants and other
debris from our yards and driveways to the storm drain and into our streams, lakes, and wetlands. Common sources
of household pollution are motor oil and antifreeze left on driveways, soapy water from car washing, fertilizers and pesticides in lawns and pet waste left in yards.
What Can I Do?
You can protect our water quality by following these simple, but effective steps.
Around the House properly dispose of household chemicals. Never wash or pour chemicals, cleaners, or solvents into the storm drain. It is toxic to aquatic life and it is also illegal. Take antifreeze, solvents, gas, brake fluid, and other hazardous substances to an approved location. Two approved locations include;
Hidden Valley Transfer Station, Hazardous Waste Facility, 17925 Meridian Street East, Puyallup, WA (253) 847-7555
Tacoma Hazardous Waste Facility, 3510 South Mullen, Tacoma, WA (253) 591-5543
There is no fee to dispose of household hazardous waste at the Hidden Valley Transfer Station Hazardous Waste Facility and Tacoma Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility, but you must show proof of Pierce
County residency (driver’s license). Materials accepted at Hidden Valley and Tacoma Landfill; antifreeze, automotive products, cooking oil, flammable liquids, fluorescent light bulbs, glues, household cleaners, motor oil (used), ni-cad batteries, oil based paints, yard chemicals, pet products.
Sweep your driveway.
Sweep up debris instead of hosing off or pressure washing your driveway. Not only is the sediment harmful, but there can also be residue from vehicles on the driveway.
Wash your car on a lawn or at a licensed facility. Car wash water contains dirt, road grime, heavy metals, oils and soaps which are toxic to fish and aquatic life. Sending soap runoff down the driveway and into a storm drain is harmful to the environment.
Maintain your vehicle.
The liquids from leaky cars are harmful to aquatic life and are washed directly into the storm drain every time it rains. Test to see if your vehicle is leaking by placing clean cardboard on the ground under your engine and checking it the next day. Repair all leaks as soon as they are discovered.
Properly dispose of oil and other auto waste at an approved waste facility. Don’t pour liquids down the drain.
Clean up Spills. Use kitty litter, sawdust, or commercial absorbent pads to dry up any spilled liquid, then sweep it up and place it in the garbage. Don’t wash it into the street or storm drain.
In the Lawn or Garden
Pick up after your pets. The rainwater can wash bacteria and parasites from pet waste into the storm drain which flows untreated into our natural waterways.
Avoid pesticides and herbicides when possible. Not only is it better for the health of our lakes and streams, but it is also better for the health of your family. If you must use pesticides, use them sparingly and only where needed to ensure excess will not be washed into the storm drain. Always follow the directions on the label. Use organic, time-release fertilizers. These fertilizers slowly release nutrients to your lawn, reducing the amount of pollutants washed into our waterways.
Dispose of yard waste properly.
Compost yard debris or have it hauled away. Yard debris can release excess nutrients which promotes algae growth in the waterways. Use a mulching mower. By using a mulching lawnmower you can decrease your use of fertilizers by 25 percent. Around the neighborhood, pick up litter. Clean up any trash to reduce the chance of litter or contaminants entering the storm water system.
Report pollution.
It is illegal to dump chemicals or other materials in the storm drain. lf you notice illegal dumping, call the Public Works Department at 581-1912.