1. July 4th Parade & Celebration
The community-wide July 4th celebration is less than a week away and your committee has been hard at work planning a fantastic event! The festivities begin at 8:00 AM with an ROA sponsored pancake breakfast to directly benefit the Historical Society. Adults are $5.00, children are $3.00, and kids 4 and under are free. Thanks to the Forever Young Seniors who lovingly prepare the pancakes each year.
The main parade begins at 10 AM in the Historic Village, with Grand Marshal Steve Young helping to lead the way. Bike, Buggy & Pet participants should plan on lining up in front of Chloe Clark Elementary at 10:30 AM to join the parade.
Upon completion of the parades the celebration begins at Clocktower Park. Join your friends and neighbors for live music, a BBQ lunch from Carrs, bouncy houses, pony rides, and the ever popular Red, White & Blue Alley. The Alley is staffed by the DuPont Lions and includes ice cream, cotton candy, sno- cones, strawberry lemonade, popcorn, strawberry shortcake and much more. Everything in the Alley fits the patriotic theme and is sure to be a hit for the entire family!
This year’s featured entertainment will be live music from British Export! British Export has provided the ultimate Beatles tribute show for over a decade and has performed for tens of thousands of fans at some of the most prestigious events in the world. They feature vintage suits and instruments reminiscent of the Beatles performances of the 60’s including a colorful Sgt. Pepper set. All songs are performed to duplicate the sounds of the original recordings. You don’t want to miss this!
Many thanks to the July 4th Planning Committee and the event volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication. Event information and the parade route can be easily accessed on the City’s website at www.dupontwa.gov.
2. Fireworks Regulations
The 4th of July is quickly approaching and that means community celebrations and the discharging of fireworks. Fireworks can be sold in DuPont starting on June 28th but the only time that fireworks can be legally discharged in the City of DuPont is on July 3rd and July 4th between Noon and Midnight. It is illegal to discharge fireworks upon any public property, including streets, sidewalks and in public parks. It is legal to discharge roman candles, cones and fountains, reloadable tubes and multiple aerials in DuPont. It is illegal to discharge firecrackers, bottle rockets, cherry bombs, and individual missiles and rockets, and any altered or homemade firework anywhere in the City of DuPont. A comprehensive list of legal fireworks devices and illegal explosive devices can be found here. Have a safe and fun 4th of July and if you are going to discharge fireworks the DuPont Police and Fire Departments urge you to do so legally and safely. If you have any questions, please contact Interim Police Chief Bob Sheehan at(253) 964-7060.
3. Upcoming Meetings – Week of July 1st – 5th
- Youth Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 1st has been cancelled
- Parks Agency Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 1st has been cancelled
- Civil Service Meeting
Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:00 PM - City Hall offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day
4. Fire Danger During Hot, Dry Weather
It has been a cool, wet spring but we are now finally entering the summer season. Soon the green spaces and forested areas will dry out and the fire danger will move to a high level. We would like to remind residents that burning is not allowed on public property. This includes the trails and beaches along Puget Sound, where the danger of fire burning up the banks and into the residential areas is high during the summer months. Please use extra caution and help us keep DuPont safe!
5. Cooling Center at EOC
Speaking of high temperatures, one of the risks we all face during the summer is heat stroke and dehydration. Residents are reminded to take in extra fluids during hot weather and limit their time in direct sun to decrease chances of overheating.
On days that the temperatures reach 90 degrees and above, the Fire Department will open a Cooling Center in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Public Safety Building (1780 Civic Drive) – located across the parking lot from City Hall. Residents who feel the need for immediate relief from the extreme temperatures can come to the Cooling Center between the hours of Noon and 10:00 PM. Tables, chairs, water, restrooms, and television will be available. For more information, please call the DuPont Fire Department at (253) 964-8414.
6. 2012 Water Quality Report Available
The City’s annual Water Quality Report (also called an annual “Consumer Confidence Report”) is now available and should be arriving in customer’s mailboxes over the next week. The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is a yearly report on drinking water quality and safety of the City’s water system. The CCR also helps raise customer awareness about where their water comes from, what it takes to deliver safe water to their homes, and to help them make informed health-based decisions regarding consumption of our drinking water. Additional copies are available at City Hall, or the report can also be accessed online on the City’s website.
7. Community Development Update
- CalPortland North Parcel Mining – On June 24, 2013, DuPont issued the final environmental impact statement, public hearing notice, and staff report and related exhibits for the CalPortland North Parcel Mining project. A public hearing will occur on July 25th and July 26th. All materials are posted on the City’s website.
- Sequalitchew Creek/Edmond Marsh Restoration Plan – The Core Group held a public planning meeting on June 20, 2013 to provide an overview of the restoration planning process completed to date, including information on beavers, culverts, salmon, ecological function, and existing infrastructure. Meeting materials are posted on the City website on the Sequalitchew Creek Restoration Plan webpage. The next meeting is not yet scheduled.
8. Affordable Care Act
Need health insurance or know someone who does? Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more Americans now qualify to get coverage that fits their needs and budgets. Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace atwww.HealthCare.gov or call (800) 318-2596 to get more information. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call (855) 889-4325.
9. City Seeking EMS Volunteers
DuPont is currently accepting applications for motivated and career-minded EMS volunteers. The City of DuPont Fire Department is looking for volunteer EMS Reserves to help staff the Aid Car, assisting with patient care and transport. The reserves will be EMT’s who will supplement our career staff and help enable the fire engine to stay in DuPont and staffed during transport situations. Currently there are fewer private ambulance transport units available to the citizens in DuPont due to growing demand in other areas of the county which absorbs the use of Rural Metro and AMR.
DuPont Fire is looking for Washington State certified EMT’s who will work a minimum of three 12 or 24 hour shifts per month. Reserve EMT’s are volunteers who will be supplied with uniforms. A small stipend is available. They will not participate in suppression activities due to the high cost of uniforms, equipment and training. For more information, please contact the Fire Station at (253) 964-8414.
10. Thank You Youth Council Members!
Many thanks to the members of our Youth Council and their friends for helping stuff the City’s utility bills this week. The kids were a great help and we certainly appreciate their efforts!
11. 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”.
- Youth Council Raffle – The Youth Council will be hosting a raffle at our July 4th celebration this year. Tickets are $1.00 and will support their Annual Giving Tree during the holiday season. The winter will receive a Yogurtini gift basket. Look for the raffle booth at Clocktower Park!
- Parks & Recreation Newsletter – Want to know about upcoming events and programs hosted by the City of DuPont Parks & Recreation? Join our email distribution list! We are committed to the highest level of communication with upcoming programs. Don’t miss another registration deadline. To join, simply text DUPONTREC to 22828. Watch for email updates in your inbox every Monday.
- July 4th Dynamite Dash – Participants in the July 4th Dynamite Dash 5K Run are encouraged to register ahead of time to avoid waiting in line at the event. You may register at City Hall prior to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 3rd. If you do plan on registering at the event, please take a moment to download a registration form from the City’s website and complete it prior to arrival. This will help speed up the process for everyone. Registration is $15. This year’s run begins and ends at Clocktower Park. We are looking forward to a great event!
- Summer Camp Info – Be sure to check out our summer camp programs for all ages atwww.dupontwa.gov. Camps include baseball, volleyball, art, karate, golf and several others. Camps are strategically scheduled to occur throughout the summer. There is a special summer camp information table set up at City Hall with registration information available. We hope your kids can join the fun!
Visit our website for information on other programs and events including Karate, Yoga, Track, Kidz Love Soccer, Dance4Life, and more!
12. Streets – Crack Sealing
The City is continuing its ongoing partnership with Pierce County Public Works to complete street crack sealing on a portion of our roadways. The pavement mainenance work is scheduled to be completed over the next several weeks on Fridays, as weather conditions allow. Roads will remain open to traffic during the work, with appropriate traffic controls in place as needed. The City and County would like to remind motorists to drive carefully and obey all temporary traffic controls while driving through the work zones.
13. Request for Proposal
The City of DuPont is requesting proposals for a grant-funded street tree planting pilot project to develop and test a grass-roots process or framework for a City/resident partnership towards replanting street trees where necessary throughout the City. Additional information can be found on the City’s website. Proposals must be received by4:00 PM Tuesday, July 17, 2013.
14. Steilacoom Farmers’ Market & Concert Series
The Steilacoom Farmers’ Market is officially open and will run each Wednesday through August 28th. The market is open from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and runs in conjunction with the Steilacoom Concerts in the Park which start at 6:30 PM each Wednesday. Fresh produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods (including gluten-free) and a variety of specialty foods and crafts will be offered. For weekly “fresh finds at the market” updates please follow the market on Facebook or join the mailing list at www.steilacoomfarmersmarket.
The first concert of the series will be on Wednesday, July 3rd and will feature the smooth jazz sounds of Darren Motamedy. The concerts are held at Pioneer Park, 1700 Commercial Street. In the event of inclement weather the alternate location is the Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington Street. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. The series is sponsored by the Town of Steilacoom and the MTC Group. For more concert information please call (253) 581-1076.
15. Low Tides Will Impact Ferry Service
Low tide could affect large vehicles planning to ride the Pierce County ferry to Anderson Island, Ketron Island or Steilacoom between July 2nd – 11th. Load restrictions will be in place for large vehicles (RVs, commercial trucks and trailers) on certain morning and early afternoon sailings. Riders with large vehicles are encouraged to consult the time chart online and alter their travel schedule if possible. Ferry staff and crew will work to accommodate all travelers with as little inconvenience as possible. More information, including the sailing schedule and impacted times, is available at www.piercecountywa.org/ferry or by contacting Marine Superintendent Paul Crow at (253) 588-5290.
16. Toll Increases Starting July 1st
New toll rates for the Tacoma Narrows and State Route 520 bridges take effect at midnight July 1st. The change reflects the next necessary rate increase approved by the Washington State Transportation Commission to ensure both bridges generate enough revenue to meet construction-related bond payments. The state Transportation Commission annually reviews traffic and revenue to determine whether new toll rates are needed to cover operational costs and debt payments.
Tacoma Narrows: The Good To Go! rate will increase from $4.00 to $4.25, cash tolls from $5.00 to $5.25 and Pay By Mail to $6.00 to $6.25.
SR 520 Bridge: Toll rates on the SR 520 bridge will increase 2.5 percent and continue to vary by time of day. The current peak Good To Go! rate of $3.59 will increase to $3.70, and the peak Pay By Mail rate of $5.13 will rise to $5.25. The toll increase affects all rate levels.
17. Reminder to Pet Owners
With summer finally arriving and many pets and their owners being outside taking advantage of the warmer climate, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind all pet owners of our local requirements.
- Licensing: All cats and dogs three months of age and older must be licenses by the City. Compliance with City pet licensing requirements helps ensure a more timely reunion with your pet in the event it becomes lost. Contact the Animal Control Hotline at (253) 830-5010 or the Humane Society at (253) 383-2733 if your pet is missing. Licensing information is available on the City website.
- Leash Law: Dog owners are required to keep their dog under their immediate control any time the dog is taken off of their property and must be on a leash.
- Household Pets at Large: It is not permitted for any household pet to be at large during any hour of the day or night in the City of DuPont. Missing cats are becoming a common occurrence and keeping them under your immediate control may prevent them from becoming food for our coyote population.
- Pet Waste Removal: Pet owners are required to clean up any pet waste immediately following its deposit. Bags and deposit containers are available in many of our City parks and trails.
- Barking Dogs: Pet owners or caretakers need to keep their animals from disturbing the peace by frequent or long, continued noises, including frequent or habitual barking, howling, whining or yelping which continually disturbs multiple neighbors.
18. Portable Basketball Hoops
Recently there has been a significant increase in the number of portable basketball hoops and other play equipment appearing along City streets and sidewalks and in alleys owned by the ROA. The streets, sidewalks and alleys are for use by vehicular and pedestrian traffic only and are not intended as play areas. Many neighbors have voiced concern to both the City and the ROA that the portable hoops are not only a potential danger, but also create an eyesore for the community.
The City and the ROA are requesting that homeowners refrain from placing portable basketball, tetherball, and any other personal play equipment on City and ROA property. Play equipment should be placed on your own lot and should not extend into or encourage children to play in the streets and alleys. The City and the ROA appreciate your assistance in keeping our community a safe and attractive place to live.