September, 2003: Improving the Quality of Life in our City
From the Computer of Mayor Dave

Mayor Invites Participation in Sustaining LFP Task Force

I am seeking individuals interested in serving on an Advisory Task Force for a new study ---“Sustaining the Livability of Lake Forest Park.”

Sustaining Lake Forest Park is an effort by the City to examine ways to strengthen our commercial areas and increase housing options. This plan is guided by the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Members of the 11-person task force will work with consultants and the public to prepare a final report and a set of recommendations to the Mayor. I anticipate that the Task Force will meet twice a month for a year.

If you are interested please click on the links below for a complete job description and the application form. Printed copies are available at City Hall. Those linked to this page require Adobe Acrobat^® reader. The application is due Friday, September 25, 2003 at 5:00 PM.

Click here for a Sustainability Task Force job description
Click here for a Sustainability Task Force application

Citizens Can Help Develop Request for Proposals

I have been working with the Lake Forest Park City Council, Planning Commission, other City Commissions and City staff to develop a scope of work for a consultant contract to assist the City in analyzing the commercial and housing needs of our community. This process stems from the work of the City Planning Commission on the Draft Comprehensive Plan.

In August a draft scope of work was presented to the City Council and this draft scope of work has been taken to the City Commissions for their input as well. Now the draft scope of work (a listing of the type of information that we want from a consultant) has been put into what is called a Request for Proposals (RFP). The Draft RFP was presented to the City Council at their study session yesterday evening (September 11). I am attaching the presentation that includes the Draft RFP. After the City Council and I finalize this RFP it will be sent to a selected list of qualified consultants.

A comment period for the Commissions and public is being held from September 12 - 24. On September 25 the City Council will meet again in Study Session and will consider the comments received.

What to comment on? The most helpful comments will focus on whether or not the Draft RFP will provide the Mayor, Council and community with the necessary information to respond effectively to the Planning Commissions draft Land Use Goal and supporting policies (all of this is in the Draft RFP).

If you have questions or would like any assistance, please feel free to contact Karen Haines, City Administrator at 206-368-5440. Any comments regarding the Draft RFP should be sent to Karen@cityoflfp.com Or you may send them by mail to: Karen Haines, City Administrator, City of Lake Forest Park, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

If you are interested please click on the links below for background and a draft of the Request for Proposals. Printed copies are available at City Hall. Those linked to this page require Adobe Acrobat^® reader.

Click here for the Draft RFP packet

Use of Acrobat documents requires the Adobe Acrobat^® reader,
which is available without charge by selecting the icon on the left.

September 27 is Day of Concern for the Hungry in Lake Forest Park

I have signed a proclamation declaring September 27, 2003, to be a Day of Concern for the Hungry. Throughout King County, grocery stores will be collecting food for those in need on this day. The Emergency Feeding Program coordinates the event.

The program emphasizes providing nutritionally balanced packages of food that meet specific dietary needs and are culturally sensitive. Last year the program provided over 480,000 nutritionally balanced meals to 71,481 residents of King County, over half of which were children. As shoppers enter grocery stores on September 27, volunteers will be handing out lists of preferred items to be purchased.

Barrels will be set out for shoppers to place their food into on the way out. Monetary donations will also be accepted. For more information, contact the Emergency Feeding Program by phone at 206-723-0647 or online at www.users.qwest.net/~hungry.

Community Fun at August's Picnic in the Park

Picnic in the Park was another festive day in the life of those of us who are fortunate to live in Lake Forest Park. Friday night kicked off the event with great salsa music provided by the Quimbara group. Local students, Lisa Glancy and Piero Prado highlighted the entertainment with their dancing and got everyone involved.

On Saturday there were events for young children: the children’s parade, slide and bouncer, jugglers, drama from the community college, a fishing booth, and rescue dogs. The LFP Rotary cooked a great breakfast and lunch. It was good food and a great way to meet your neighbors. There were antique cars, free water gauges, lively music performances, and a talent hunt. (Wow! There sure are talented people who live here!)

The event was a great collaboration. All of the merchants in the Towne Centre helped sponsor the event. Great Harvest Bakery sold ice cream cookie sandwiches, Albertson’s sold drinks, and Coco’s did strawberry shortcakes. Kae Peterson from the LFP branch of Shoreline Community College was Master of Ceremonies.

City staff did a great job organizing this event. The City Public Works crews handled the set up and take down. The Shoreline/LFP Arts Council provided the Friday night music. The Police Department and Northshore Fire Department were on hand with trucks and community outreach.Friends of Third Place Commons and Third Place Books organized the Saturday evening events. We had lots of volunteers in booths helping with set-up and organizing the activities.

Many people contributed in hundreds of different ways. Thanks to all of you who helped. What a great community this is where we can have fun with our family, friends, and neighbors.

              -- Dave