Andrea Bell

The agenda for the Lakewood City Council meeting covers several items, including proclamations recognizing March 2026 as American Red Cross Month and receiving reports from the Youth Council and Clover Park School District. The Consent Agenda involves the approval of claims vouchers totaling $3,746,613.02 and payroll checks for $3,181,225.22, as well as authorizing agreements for the Downtown Subarea Transportation Feasibility Study, special event entertainment, real estate negotiation services for the Mt. Tacoma project, and awarding a construction contract for the Custer Road Project. The Regular Agenda includes an Ordinance amending engineering development regulations (LMC Titles 12 and 13, and Chapter 18A.20). New Business items include discussions on a Unified Regional Approach to Addressing Homelessness and the establishment of a Natural Environment and Climate Change Program Advisory Community Board.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, featuring a proclamation presentation and remarks from a community leader regarding disaster relief efforts, including 'Operation Santa' for flood victims. The Youth Council provided a report detailing community service activities such as creating Valentine's cards for seniors and presenting to the Rotary Club, which resulted in a donation for their youth summit. They also discussed future volunteer opportunities including building homes with Habitat for Humanity and tree planting, and provided an update on library youth programs. The Clover Park School District report highlighted positive aspects like the high graduation rate (93.7%) and the Purple Star Award District recognition, while also noting budgetary concerns related to potential federal funding cuts, which may necessitate reducing four funded positions. Discussions also covered educational programming rigor, facility conditions, and upcoming events like a STEAM fair and a budget workshop. Finally, a resident spoke during public comments advocating for the opening of cannabis retail stores in Lakewood to benefit from taxation revenue and convenience for residents.

The board meeting included public feedback on two main topics related to Harry Todd Park. The first was a suggestion to designate a smaller area within the park as a dog park. The second topic involved a suggestion to consider hosting community events, such as festivals and music events, at the park, noting its suitability as an outdoor venue. A presentation was then given on the city's Natural Environment and Climate Change (NEC) program. This involved an update on the city's goal to increase tree canopy cover to 40% by 2050, based on a 2023-2024 tree assessment report which found the current coverage to be 24.4%. The presentation detailed plantable areas, constraints based on land use (like Fort Silicon Park), and infrastructure considerations. Funding sources for the NEC program, including American Rescue Plan Act funds, state grants, and a city tree fund, were discussed, along with departmental involvement and ongoing efforts to meet state law requirements for urban forestry and climate change resiliency by 2029.

The meeting began with roll call, confirming a quorum and noting the introduction of an alternate environmental program manager. Public comment included a discussion regarding the process for landowners to petition the LMD to add activities or improvements, including considerations for property concerns like invasive species and algae. Committee members discussed the requirements for initiating projects, noting provisions for 10 landowners or 20% representation. Financial figures for the annual assessment ($23,735) and the remaining loan payback ($2,649 for 2026 at 3%) were presented. The body approved the minutes from the July 16th and September 17th meetings, pending correction of the budget year mentioned in the September minutes. New business featured a review of the final fall survey results for milfoil treatment, which indicated success following a grant-funded program, though one area near the JBLM marina still showed some density. Discussions also covered potential monitoring programs for invasive mussels and the need for boat wash stations to maintain water quality. Finally, the committee noted the upcoming requirement to prepare a work plan for the City Council.

The meeting convened with introductions, welcoming Council Member Pearson as the new liaison. Key discussions centered on a debrief regarding youth transportation engagement with Pierce Transit, including proposals for training sessions, a field trip for students to practice public transit use, and participation in the youth summit with demonstrations and sign-ups for free ORCA cards. The board also engaged in a lengthy discussion about organizing a future informal social gathering for relationship building, debating logistics regarding scheduling, location (such as Starbucks), and adherence to public meeting rules concerning non-work discussions. Finally, the members discussed the necessity of a "regrounding" session to reaffirm the board's purpose, review the five promises, establish the annual work plan, and prepare for the report back to the City Council.