By John J. Caulfield, City Manager
The City of Lakewood’s newsletter underwent an aesthetic and digital facelift for 2014. This week, residents and online users are experiencing the improved Connections newsletter for the first time. The Winter 2014 issue began arriving in Lakewood mailboxes Thursday.
In an age of decreased content, Connections readers will notice an increase of news stories and articles compared to previous issues. The Winter 2014 edition includes:
- A cover story about what the City is doing to help fix Interstate 5’s traffic woes
- A Q&A with newly elected City Councilmember John Simpson
- A piece on Lakewood Police celebrating their 10th year
- Articles on the opening of Hobby Lobby and the relocation of MultiCare
Readers will also find the latest edition of the City’s Recreation guide, which includes information on upcoming events such as the Fairy Garden Tea Party and the Soggy Doggy 5K, as well as registration information for classes and activities at the Lakewood Senior Activity Center.
Online users will also notice new and improved features for Connections. The newsletter is being published on a new digital platform that will allow users to easily navigate pages, view content and interact with the document. The digital edition also features a fun video from the City of Lakewood’s Annual Tree Lighting and Jingle Bell Rock 5K.
To view the online edition, scan the QR code on the newsletter or visit goo.gl/5gTYg1 .
Lakewood To Swear In Recently Elected Councilmembers, Judge
On Monday, January 6, the City of Lakewood will ceremoniously welcome its recently elected members of the City Council, as well as its recently appointed Municipal Court Judge.
The City will hold a swearing-in ceremony for Grant Blinn, its new Municipal Court Judge. Blinn – who comes to Lakewood from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he most recently served as homicide chief – will preside over the Municipal Court of Lakewood, University Place and Steilacoom.
The City will also conduct swearing-in ceremonies for City Councilmembers Mike Brandstetter, Mary Moss, John Simpson and Deputy Mayor Jason Whalen – all of whom won election to the dais in November.
The meeting is scheduled to begin 7 p.m., Monday, January 6, at Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers, 6000 Main Street, Lakewood.
Work on Custer Road
Drivers and residents should be aware of work in a well-traveled portion of Lakewood early next week.
Puget Sound Energy and InfraSource will be performing work on a natural gas line Sunday, January 5, and Monday, January 6. The work includes the replacement of a 4-inch, bare steel gas line that crosses Custer Road Southwest.
The work schedule is as follows:
- Sunday, January 5: 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. (the following morning)
- Monday, January 6: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Council Meetings
The City Council will be holding a regular meeting on Monday, January 6, 2014, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 6000 Main Street SW. Agenda items for the meeting include:
- Swearing-in ceremony new Councilmembers and Judge
- Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor (2 year term)
- Youth Council Report
- Proclamation School Board recognition month
- Proclamation MLK Day and Black History month
- Clover Park School District Report
- South Sound 911 update
The City Council will be holding a study session on Monday, January 13, 2014, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 6000 Main Street SW. Agenda items for the meeting include:
- Review of Parks code amendments and parks fees
- Status report on building permitting software and development activity
- Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies centers of local importance
- Establishing City of Lakewood centers of local importance
- Lodging tax funding for personnel, guidelines and code amendments
Economic Development
Village at Seeley Lake Purchased for $45.75 Million
Bridge Investment Group Partners of Salt Lake City bought the 522-unit Village at Seeley Lake at 9501 59th Ave. S.W., in Lakewood from Equity Residential last week for $45.75 million, or $87,643 per unit (Courtesy of Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce). According to the article, some investors are starting to focus on suburban buildings that they can get for lower prices and then renovate for a better return on their investment. It is the opinion of one investor that there is a moderate trend for renters to move from the urban core to suburban communities.
Police
10-Year Anniversary
On November 1, 2004, the community welcomed its very own police department, marking a significant milestone in Lakewood’s progress as a city.
Over its first decade, the Lakewood Police Department experienced triumph and tragedy. It has cut the violent crime rate in half, and the overall crime rate has dropped by a quarter.
The Lakewood Police Department will be celebrating this milestone throughout the year with events and programs. Stay tuned for more details. And of course, thank you, Lakewood, for all of your support.
Legal
Year-End Stats for Domestic Violence Advocate
During 2013, the domestic violence advocate for the legal department made contact and assisted 824 Lakewood, University Place and Town of Steilacoom domestic violence victims. Of the 824 assisted, 628 were women and 196 were men. This position is 100-percent funded by a State Domestic Violence Grant.