City Administrator Report, City of Lake Forest Park
November 12, 2015
Pete Rose, City Administrator
I. Intergovernmental and local issues update
• Meetings: The Public Works Director and City Administrator attended a Sound Cities Association meeting and heard a discussion of Association of Washington Cities legislative priorities. The AWC Legislative Steering Committee is focusing its efforts on five thematic areas: Infrastructure, Fiscal sustainability, Emergency Responsiveness, Public Records, and Human Services /Homelessness
/Affordable Housing. The presenter, Allison Hellberg, noted that we should manage expectations about what can be accomplished this short session with the key cost issue of McCleary compliance as well as the legislature trying to plot a course to deal with Initiative Measure 1366. It was further noted that Measure 1366 is built around 2/3 majority for tax increases, but the first 2/3 majority (if the legislature chooses to comply) is needed to start a constitutional amendment – this at a time when the legislature partisan split is nearly 50/50.
II. Internal City Information
• Appointment: Annette Heller has been appointed as Payroll Accountant. Currently in a combined position as Utility Billing Coordinator and Public Works Department Assistant, Annette will vacate the half-time Public Works position and assume the half-time Payroll position, which is a promotion. Annette will assist Public Works as much as possible until the recruitment and transition of the successor.
III. Council Information
• Red Light Camera: The 170th Street/Bothell Way cameras went live on October 30. We are hoping this makes drivers mindful of the location and that it contributes to the safety of the multiple vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian movements in that intersection. City
• Police Staffing: Recent hire Officer Ross Adams has completed his police academy refresher. He previously completed his field training rotations. Ross is now on fully on patrol duty.
• Tree Removals
Burke Gilman Trail: Should citizens ask, King County is removing several aged poplar trees from the same vicinity near 170th Street where the poplar came down and resulted in a long power outage in much of Lake Forest Park. The City asked for them to be evaluated and this resulted in a number having to be removed.
City Hall: There are two trees being removed this week from green space between City Hall and Ballinger Way. The large willow received significant damage in a recent storm and the arborist recommended its removal. An appropriate replacement will be planted.
IV. Community Events
• Upcoming City Sponsored Events
City Council Special Committee of the Whole Meeting November 9, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ City Hall
City Hall Closed (Veteran's Day) November 11, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Youth Council Meeting November 11, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM @ City Hall. Leadership team convenes at 6:30 p.m. while general group convenes at 7:00 p.m.
City Council Work Session Meeting November 12, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM @ City Hall
City Council Regular Business Meeting November 12, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ City Hall
City Council Communications Committee Meeting November 16, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM @ City Hall
City Council Special Committee of the Whole Meeting November 16, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ City Hall
Citizens Academy - Session 5 November 17, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ City Hall
City of Lake Forest Park residents are invited to attend the first Lake Forest Park Citizens Academy, beginning Tuesday, September 22, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. The concept of this free, five-session interactive training program is to give participants an insider’s firsthand view of how to plug into governance processes, how much services or programs cost, how they are funded, and how things are done at City Hall. November 17: Finance Department and Planning and Building Department
City Council Budget and Finance Committee Meeting November 19, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM @ City Hall
City Hall Closed (Thanksgiving Day) November 26, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
City Hall Closed (Day after Thanksgiving) November 27, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Environmental Quality Commission Meeting November 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ City Hall The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) works to develop policies and action plans which provide and protect the environmental well being of Lake Forest Park. They act as an "umbrella" for and work cooperatively with other environmentallyrelated action groups in the City. The commission provides educational activities and works with schools, community groups, and individuals in understanding and protecting the natural environment.
Quote for the Day: “It takes a long time to bring excellence to maturity.” Pubilius Syrus 1st Century BCE