The Suburban Times

A community bulletin board for Western Pierce County.

DuPont City Administrator’s report, May 10

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By Dawn Masko, City Administrator, City of DuPont

1.      Parks & Recreation Auction – The Parks & Recreation Auction “Coast on in for a Blooming Good Time…” was held Friday night.  Auction items included something for every budget – including movie passes, restaurant gift certificates, weekend getaways, and numerous themed baskets.  We are astounded by the support of our community and local businesses for their generous donations.

The auction begins at 6:30 PM in the Fire Apparatus Bay at the Public Safety Building located at 1780 Civic Drive.  This is an adult’s only evening.  Tickets will be available at the door for $15.00 – or at City Hall until 4:00 PM today.  Come enjoyhors d’oeuvres, desserts and non-alcoholic drinks while you browse through the over 120 items available to bid on.  This is a wonderful opportunity to shop for Mom with Mother’s Day just days away on May 12th.  Don’t miss your opportunity to support a good cause and join our live auctioneer, professional humorist Dorothy Wilhelm before the items are going, going, gone!

 

2.     Memorial Day Ceremony

The City of DuPont’s annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Ross Plaza on Monday, May 27th at 11:00 AM.  Join friends and neighbors as we pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and remember with special significance those from our DuPont community who are honored on our Memorial Wall.

Our guest speaker this year will be Lieutenant General Robert B. Brown.

 

If you are interested in assisting with the clean-up efforts of Ross Plaza in preparation for the ceremony, please contact Parks & Recreation at (253) 912-5245.

 

3.     Parks Agency Vacancy

The City is seeking interested residents for appointment to the City’s volunteer Parks & Recreation Agency.  Eligible applicants must be residents of DuPont for at least one year.  Please submit a letter of interest that includes your relevant professional experience, your reasons for desiring to be appointed to this position, and your thoughts on the most significant parks and recreation issues facing the City in both the short and long term, to the City Clerk at City Hall, 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327.

 

4.     Police Chief Candidate Community Forum

The public will have a chance to meet the law-enforcement officials vying to become DuPont’s next police chief during a community forum on Thursday, May 16th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at City Hall.  Citizens will be able to provide feedback on forms provided at the forum.  Final interviews will be conducted on May 17th.

 

5.     Upcoming Meetings – Week of May 13th – 17th                          

  • Planning Agency Meeting                                                         Monday, May 13th at 7:00 PM
  • City Council Meeting                                                                  Tuesday, May 14th at 7:00 PM
  • Tourism Board Meeting                                                            Wednesday, May 15th at 9:30 AM

 

6.     Council Agenda Items – May 14th, 2013                          

  • Appointments:  Tourism Board
  • Oath of Office:  Interim Police Chief Bob Sheehan & Provisional Police Officer Perez
  • Proclamations:  National Police Week; National Public Works Week; Puget Sound Starts Here Month
  • Consent Agenda Items:  Claims Vouchers
  • New Business:  First Quarter Budget Adjustment – 2nd Reading

 

* Council Agenda Packet is available on the City’s website.

 

7.     Police Department Update

  • Police Officer Hiring Process – The oral board interviews of 12 candidates for the two vacant police officer positions occurred this past week.  Background checks are anticipated to be completed by June 10th.

 

  • The Police Department recently met with law enforcement representatives from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to establish better lines of communication and learn more about how we can help each other.  It was a productive meeting and it is intended for these types of exchanges with JBLM to continue to occur.

 

  • Detective Nelson returned to full duty this past week.  He is currently assigned to patrol duties as a temporary Sergeant.

 

8.     Bear Sighting Information

On Wednesday evening May 8th, at approximately 11:30 PM, a small 70-100 lb bear was observed in the area of 400 Bell Hill Loop.  DuPont Police Officer Adkins and Steilacoom Sergeant Rodriquez responded to the scene and observed the bear in a field north of the 76 station at the intersection of Barksdale Avenue and Wilmington Drive.  They were able to shoo the bear back into the woods.  The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife began investigating the sighting on May 9th.  The bear was also spotted in the vicinity of Camp Murray that morning.  Fish & Wildlife is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide additional details when available.

 

The DuPont Police Department would like to provide the following items to consider:

 

  • Bears normally travel at night.  They are typically not a danger to the public, although it is never safe to approach a bear.  PLEASE STAY AWAY.

 

  • Safety precautions include removing bird feeders and storing all pet food inside.

 

  • Bears have been known to get into garbage cans.  If possible, store your garbage inside.  If that is not possible, as a preventative measure, spraying ammonia or bleach on your garbage cans may deter the bear.

 

  • For further information, please contract the regional office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife at (360) 249-4628or visit their website at wdfw.wa.gov.

 

  • Don’t forget – if you have an emergency, dial 911.

 

9.     Congratulation Amy Walker!

Congratulations to the City’s Events & Recreation Coordinator who took 3rd place in the WA State Women’s Best Ball Championship golf tournament this past week.  Her team finished under par for the championship.  Way to go Amy!!

 

10.  Safe Kids Day

On Saturday, May 18th the DuPont Fire Department, along with Safe Kids Pierce County, will be holding a custom-fit bike helmet sale behind the McDonalds on Wilmington Drive.  Come by from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM to learn about helmet safety and how to help prevent head injuries and pick up any size bike helmet for $7 each.

 

11.  DuPont Lions Club Food Drive

Don’t forget to put out your bags filled with food tomorrow morning, Saturday May 11th.  DuPont Lions Club members will be picking them up in the morning.  This is the largest food drive of the year for the Fish Food Bank!

 

12.  DuPont Library Anniversary Celebration

The Friends of the DuPont Library invite you to join them as they celebrate the Ninth Anniversary of the DuPont Library with entertainment and refreshments.  This year there is a Paris theme in recognition of this year’s Pierce County Reads book “The Paris Wife”.  The celebration is being held on Saturday, May 11th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.  The library is located at 1540 Wilmington Drive.

 

13.  National Trails Day

Help celebrate National Trails Day by walking the Sequalitchew Creek Trail on Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  Volunteers will be strategically placed along the trail to point out historical points of interest and natural vegetation.  Trail maps are available at the beginning of the walk.  There will also be bird walks with Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge volunteers.  Bring a friend from out-of-town and experience all the beauty DuPont has to offer.  Snack packs will be available for purchase.  As a reminder, there are no restrooms or trash cans at the bottom of the trail, so please pack out what you pack in.  Upon completion of the trail walk, make plans to attend the Safety Fair beginning at 10:00 AM.

 

14.  Spring Safety Fair

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for this year’s Spring Safety Fair.  Join the City of DuPont Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works Department for a family day out, coinciding with National Trails Day.  This is a FREE event, featuring safety awareness activities, bike helmet sales, and the opportunity to see equipment like fire trucks, police cars, and Public Works vehicles up close.  There will also be disaster preparedness information, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) booth, and plenty of games and giveaways!  This event is held at the Public Safety Building, 1780 Civic Drive.

 

New at the Spring Safety Fair this year will be the Cascade Regional Blood Service blood mobile!  Did you know that someone needs blood every 3 seconds in the U.S.?  Or that even 1 teaspoon of blood can save a baby’s life?  37% of the U.S. population can donate blood, yet only 5% does.  Donate blood on June 1st and help save a life.  To sign up, call the Fire Dept. at 253-964-8414.

 

15.  Upcoming CERT Training

There will be a Communications training session on May 16th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at the Fire Station for CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) members to refresh their skills.  This session will feature a presentation on HAM radios from Stephen Moton of the Tacoma Radio Club.  If you have been thinking about getting your HAM operator’s license, or would like to learn more about what amateur radio is, come to this meeting to have your questions answered.  Contact Claire Keller-Scholz at (253) 964-8414 or cscholz@dupontwa.gov for more information.

 

16.  Parks & Recreation

Please call (253) 912-5245 or go to the City’s website at www.ci.dupont.wa.us for registration information, questions on Parks & Recreation activities, or for volunteer opportunities.  Want to know more?  Like us on Facebook at “City of DuPont Parks, Recreation & Tourism”.

 

  • Volunteer Officials Needed – The DuPont youth sports programs are always in need of volunteer officials.  We are currently seeking umpires for the baseball playoffs in late June and football and soccer officials for upcoming fall programs.  If you are interested in volunteering for these much needed roles please contact Tom Bradbury attbradbury@dupontwa.gov.

 

  • Youth Soccer – Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce a fall soccer program.  Registration is currently open until Friday, July 19th.  Our program is for ages 4 thru 8.  Games and practices will occur within the City of DuPont.  Registration is $55 for DuPont residents and $65 for non-residents.  If you are interested in coaching, please contact Parks & Recreation at (253) 912-5245.

 

  • Youth Acting Studio Summer Program – The Youth Acting Studio’s summer program starts on Saturday, June 1st.  Two new classes have been added this session.

 

§  Music & Make Believe is a preschool class for ages 2ish – 5ish.  This class is held on Saturdays from 9:00 – 9:45 AM.  Cost: $40 (8 classes).

 

§  Youth Studio 101 is our popular “tween” class for ages 9-13.  This class is held on Saturdays from 10:00 – 11:30 AM.  Cost:  $100 (10 classes & Showcase).

 

§  Youth Studio 102 is a new “teen” class for ages 14-17.  This class is held on Saturdays from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.  Cost:  $100 (10 classes & Showcase).

 

A FREE class for each age group will be held at the Community Center on May 11th to give students a chance to sample the class – 9:00 AM for preschool, 10:00 AM for tweens, and 11:00 AM for teens.  Contact Youth Acting Studio to RSVP for a spot in the free class at (360) 584-9848 or by email at youthactingstudio@gmail.com.  Registration forms are available on the City website.  Additional information: YouthActingStudio@wordpress.com.

 

  • Adult Co-Ed Softball –Adult Co-Ed Softball registration is now open.  The season will run July 7th thru August 4th at DuPont PowderWorks Park and will include 8 games.  Each team will consist of 12 adults, with 4 members of the opposite sex on each team.  The fee to participate is $595 per team or $50 per individual.  Interested participants may register at City Hall from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  Questions?  Please contact Tom Bradbury at (253) 282-2189 ortbradbury@dupontwa.gov.

 

  • Princess Tea – Tickets are selling quickly for the Annual Princess Tea scheduled for Saturday, May 18th at High Noon.  Royalty will sip tea, enjoy a delightful lunch, and create craft projects fit for a princess.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 2 and up.  Tickets can be purchased at City Hall.  Details are available on the Citywebsite.

 

  • Challenger Soccer Camp – This year’s camp will be held August 5-9.  Registration link here.

 

Visit our website for information on other programs and events including Karate, Yoga, Track, Kidz Love Soccer, Dance4Life, and more!

 

17.  “Don’t Drip and Drive” Program

The “Don’t Drip and Drive” program offers free auto leak workshops to Puget Sound residents through July of 2014.  Each workshop includes a free professional inspection from a certified automotive instructor, information about how to identify and prevent leaks, tips on repairing minor leaks, and other advice.  Each participant leaves with a free vehicle maintenance check kit.  This program is an effort by the Stormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities (STORM) group, in coordination with the Department of Ecology and City of Seattle. STORM is a collaboration of stormwater permit holders working together to meet permit requirements and improve our region’s water quality. To register for a workshop, go to:www.ecy.wa.gov/fixcarleaks.html 

 

18.  Water Quality Study Presentation

Pacific Lutheran University Environmental Studies students will be presenting water quality results from sites in the Clover Creek watershed on Friday, May 17th from 2:00 – 2:30 PM in Morken Center for Learning and Technology on campus.  A campus map is available here.  Street parking is available for visitors on nearby 10th Ave S., and 123rd and 124th Streets.  All are welcome!

 

19.  Puget Sound Starts Here Month

Pierce County residents are invited to celebrate Puget Sound during Puget Sound Starts Here month in May.  Organizations in Pierce County and across Western Washington are hosting a variety of events to teach residents simple ways they can protect Puget Sound, local rivers, lakes and streams.  A complete list of events is available atwww.PugetSoundStartsHere.org.

 

  • May 11th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM:  Key Peninsula Livable Community Fair at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road.

 

  • May 11th at 6:10 PM:  Puget Sound Starts Here Night with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.  Visitwww.mariners.com/pugetsound and use the promotional code “salmon” for discount tickets.

 

  • May 16th at 7:00 PM:  Puget Sound Starts Here Night with the Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium.  Buy discount tickets online at tinyurl.com/c4geew9 and use promotional code “pugetsound” for discount tickets.

 

  • May 25th from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM:  Get your feet wet with Harbor Wild Watch’s beach naturalists at Penrose Point State Park and Kopachuck State Park.  Get an up close look at the creatures that live under the water in Puget Sound.  No reservation required, look for the blue tent.

 

Win a prize during May to help celebrate Puget Sound.  If you live or work in Tacoma, winning is as easy as 1,2,3.

1)     Take the Puget Sound quiz and find out which watershed you live in – go to www.cityoftacoma.org/winPSSHprizesto take the quiz.

2)     Print out your winning ticket and pick up your prize at one of six participating locations.  Prizes include PSSH logo gear:  beach balls, beach blankets, water bottles, umbrellas, totes, t-shirts, and doggy-bag dispensers.

3)     Take home your prize, or visit all 6 locations and collect all the prizes.  (One of each prize per household, please).

Visit www.pugetsoundstartshere.org to learn more about why living here is so good and what’s going on around the Sound to celebrate Puget Sound Starts Here!