By Dawn Masko, City Administrator, City of DuPont
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first 2011 edition of the City Administrator’s Friday Letter.
1. Radar Trailer. The City’s computerized radar trailer will be delivered to the Police Department on January 13th. This will greatly assist the department in responding to speeding complaints. The trailer has the capability of recording speeds and vehicle counts in 15 minute increments so it will also be very helpful in conducting a variety of traffic studies.
2. Settlement Discussions Update
On January 6th, 2011, the parties to a 1994 Settlement Agreement regarding the CalPortland sand and gravel mine continued settlement discussions in an effort to resolve all issues and disputes concerning the proposed mining expansion’s consistency with the 1994 Settlement Agreement and other issues of concern to the parties. The parties anticipate completing discussions/mediation as expeditiously as possible. If agreement is reached, the parties will coordinate on an annoucement describing any proposed settlement agreement for public review.
3. DuPont Museum & Historical Society Update
* Over the holidays, permanent fencing was installed around the Dynamite Train and canopy, replacing temporary barriers and fencing. The new fence is part of Phase II of the train canopy project, funded by the Washington State Heritage Capitol Projects Fund grant and a 2008 appropriation from the Washington State Legislature. Handicap accessible walkways and permanent light fixtures will complete the project later this year. The Historical Society will work on creating interpretive signage for the display.
* City Public Works crews installed the Museum’s new reader board that showcases hours of operation, museum news, heritage events, and brochures and maps for visitors.
* Mark your calendar for the DuPont Historical Society’s Annual Cherry Blossom Tea and Fashion Show slated for Saturday, April 30th at 2:00 PM at Chloe Clark Elementary. This year’s theme will be a Tribute to the Women of the Greatest Generation and will feature fashions, displays and memorabilia from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s.
* The DuPont Museum is currently seeking volunteers. If you would like to be a museum tour guide or assist in the office, create displays, or help with any events and fundraisers, contact Joh Jones, Museum Manager at (253) 964-2399 or Lee McDonald, Historical Society President at (253) 267-5267.
* Become a member of the DuPont Historical Society and help promote our history. Memberships are $20/individual and $35/family per year. Also, check out our museum gift shop for unique heritage gifts and books.
4. Upcoming Meetings – Week of January 10th – 14th
* Planning Agency Meeting Monday, January 10th at 7:00 PM
* Tourism Board Meeting Tuesday, January 11th at 1:00 PM
* City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 11th at 7:00 PM
5. Council Agenda Items – January 11th, 2011
* Presentation: Parks & Recreation Agency Annual Report
* Appointment: Re-Appointment of Hugh Long to Parks & Recreation Agency
* Consent Agenda Items: Council Meeting Minutes; Claims Vouchers List; Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) Resolution; Surplus Property Resolution; Contract Award for Catch Basin Vactoring.
* Unfinished Business: Resolution Opposing Flood Control Zone District; Police Collective Bargaining Agreement
6. Parks & Recreation
* Parks & Recreation is happy to announce Spring Break Soccer Camp, April 4th thru 8th! Registration forms will be available online beginning January 15th. The City is partnering with Challenger Sports to make this possible. Camp will be held at DuPont PowderWorks Park. Challenger Sports will return in August for our annual Summer Soccer Camp. Watch for details at www.ci.dupont.wa.us.
* Going Green? Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Shamrock Family Fun, Walk & Roll scheduled for Saturday, March 12th. This is a great way to continue with your New Year’s resolution of healthier living! The walk begins promptly at 10:00 AM. Prizes for the walk are being gladly accepted. Please contact Parks & Recreation at (253) 912-5245 if you would like to donate prizes. This is a great opportunity to promote your business locally. The first 50 walkers will receive a goody bag packed with ideas for healthier living! Registration forms are available at City Hall (1700 Civic Drive) or on the City’s website.
* The Tourism Board is please to announce July 16th as the date of our Summer Car Show. Back by popular demand, this year’s show will occur at Clocktower Park. Are you a car lover? Volunteers and ideas are always welcome! Please contact Gina Irvin if you would like to volunteer to help at irvjam@msn.com.
7. Lot Y Archaeological Excavation Permit
DuPont has been notified by the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation that they have received an Archaeological Excavation Permit for a 23 acre site located north of Sequalitchew Creek and west of the R-12 (Creekside Village) site. The objectives of the excavation are to confirm the exact location and scope of cultural resources. Survey methods will include shovel test probes by hand and geotechnical test pits mechanically dug by backhoe, all under the Archaeologist’s direction. Test pits will be excavated in three inch lifts to a depth of 15 to 20 feet.
DuPont submitted a letter recommending four conditions of approval for the application. They include holding a public information meeting, installing public information signs, implementing contaminated soil protocols, providing site security, and restoring any affected trails.
8. Fire Department Hosting Training
The DuPont Fire Department will host the first of twelve classes for firefighter development on Wednesday, January 19th. Pierce County Metro Chief will sponsor twelve classes during 2011 which will be open to fire officers and firefighters who desire to improve their technical skills and also develop their leadership abilities. The January class will be taught by Battalion Chief Mark Emery from Woodinville Fire & Life Safety District. The Essentials of Leadership class will teach leadership fundamentals for developing a legacy of genuine, lasting leadership at your work and in your life. DuPont Fire Lieutenant Larry Creekmore offered to host this class to DuPont’s Emergency Operations Center as a way to offer quality classes locally for all DuPont firefighters. DuPont Fire Department will host one class each quarter through 2011.
9. DuPont Project Location Map
The DuPont Project Location Map has been updated. It can be viewed on the City website under the “Planning Department” or at the following link: Project Location Map.
10. Final JBLM Growth Coordination Plan Released
The final version of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Growth Coordination Plan was released on December 17, 2010. The plan culminated a year of planning and involved regional stakeholders most affected by the recent growth of the military. The plan summarized the importance of the role of the base and personnel in the region’s economy and highlighted opportunities for improving services in the future. The plan can be accessed at www.jblm-growth.com/coordination-plan. Implementation of the plan’s forty-six strategies will begin in early 2011.
11. Pierce County Civil Service Commission
Pierce County is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Civil Service Commission for Sheriff’s Department employees. Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive and serve a six-year term. The commission is a quasi-judicial body responsible for rules and regulations governing examinations, appointments, appeals and other general personnel issues.
Commissioners are required to attend one monthly meeting, and special meetings as required, and serve on a voluntary basis. Commission members must be a resident of Pierce County for a minimum of two years prior to appointment, registered to vote in Pierce County, and a United States citizen. For more information or application materials, please contact Sandy Pietz, Chief Examiner, Pierce County Civil Service Commission, at (253) 798-6182 or spietz@co.pierce.wa.us or go to the Civil Service Commission website at www.co.pierce.wa.us/abtus/ourorg/pers/csmainpage.htm.
12. Pierce Transit Open House Meetings
Pierce Transit is holding Open House meetings during the month of January to talk about what will happen if Proposition 1 passes and what will happen if it fails. Pierce Transit staff will be present to answer questions. Citizens are welcome at any time during Open House hours. Additional information is available at www.PTtomorrow.org.
· Wednesday, January 12th 5 – 7 PM Gig Harbor Civic Center (3510 Grandview St.)
· Tuesday, January 18th 4 – 6 PM Sumner City Hall – Council Chambers (1104 Maple St.)
· Wednesday, January 19th 4 – 6 PM Pierce Transit Training Center (3720 – 96th St SW)
· Monday, January 24th 4 – 6 PM Evergreen State College – Commons (1210 – 6th Avenue)
· Tuesday, January 25th 4 – 6 PM Tacoma Goodwill Industries – Milgard Center (714 S. 27th St.)
· Wednesday, January 26th 4 – 6 PM Puyallup Library – Board Room (324 So. Meridian)
13. Boating Safety Education Classes
With boating season just around the corner, Metro Parks Tacoma is offering Boating Safety classes. Pre-registration is required and further information is available at www.metroparks.org.
* Boater Education Course (Age 16+)
Learn the basics of safe boat handling and basic piloting. This 2-session course meets State and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements. Class will be held at the Tacoma Yacht Club (5401 N. Waterfront Dr.) on January 8th and 15th from 8:00 AM – Noon. The fee is $35.00.
* Outboard Motor Basics (Age 16+)
Get a handle on the care and maintenance, troubleshooting and routine winterization of small to medium-sized outboard motors. Class will be held at the Tacoma Yacht Club on February 24th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The fee is $15.00.