City of Lake Forest Park

17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.com
206-368-5440

Tree Board work party

Tree Board Recruitment is Still Open

In last month's issue, we told you about openings on the Lake Forest Park Tree Board. The recruitment for Tree Board members is still open and interested persons are encouraged to apply.

The Tree Board provides outreach and education to the community on tree-related issues, organizes and facilitates public events involving trees, and provides advice to the City Council on policy and regulatory issues involving trees.

Tree Board meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7:00 p.m., at Lake Forest Park City Hall. More information about the Tree Board is on the City website.

Board members should live within the Lake Forest Park city limits, but it is not required. Interests or backgrounds in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat enviroscaping are encouraged but not required.

If you are interested in applying or have questions, email Assistant Planner Lauren Hoerr.

January Planning Commission meeting

City Council Corner

On February 11, 2020, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to gather further input from the community as guidance for finalizing recommendations for the commuter parking garage to be built by Sound Transit. Now that the Commission has made its recommendations, the City Council is able to make decisions. In public meetings, Council will review and debate, and possibly make motions to amend, the proposed changes to the Municipal Code until Council is satisfied. Council will then hold a public hearing before a vote to approve the code.

The Council relies on the Planning Department for technical information, and the Planning Commission for recommendations. Setting policy and approving the Municipal Code is the Council's responsibility. We are deeply grateful to the Planning Commission members who have volunteered their time to deliver their recommendations. They have worked for several months to thoroughly consider the City’s requirements and wishes for the parking garage. This is true public service and we are fortunate to have such dedicated and thoughtful citizens.

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United Way of King County Offers Free Tax Preparation Services

Did you know United Way of King County offers free tax preparation services to the community? Through the Free Tax Preparation Campaign, this service helps community members avoid tax preparation fees and secures all eligible tax credits. The service is available through April 18, 2020.

Households making under $66,000 per year can have their taxes prepared and be connected to other community resources and public benefits.

There are two easy ways to file:

Online - If you don’t need in-person help, file your taxes online for free with United Way’s tax tool at www.MyFreeTaxes.com. This is a user-friendly site that taxpayers can use to file for free, while ensuring they take advantage of all refunds and credits for which they are eligible.
In Person - File your taxes in person at one of 33 locations throughout King County. Locations have convenient hours to meet your schedule and no appointment is needed. To find a location near you, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website at www.FreeTaxExperts.org or call 2-1-1.

Clean Yards/Parks = Clean Shoes/Paws = Clean Waters!

Picking up after your pet isn’t just the law, it’s the healthy thing to do. Leaving dog poop in your backyard and on parks and trails allows you, your kids, and your pets to track it indoors, inviting a whole army of nasty bacteria into your house and washing it into our waterways. The water quality of our rivers, lakes and Puget Sound is impacted when fecal matter is left on the ground. Rain and stormwater have the potential to wash pet waste into our natural waterways, generating harmful levels of fecal coliform and making them unsafe for recreational use. Landfills are designed to safely handle substances like dog waste. Always remember to scoop the poop, bag it, and place it in the trash!

Photo of Mayor Johnson and Rotary President Robin Roat

Mayor Johnson and LFP Rotary President Robin Roat

Lake Forest Park Rotary Celebrates Partnership with City of LFP – Mayor Johnson Awarded VIP Oscar

A Night at the Oscars, Gala and Auction for the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, was held Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore.

Mayor Jeff Johnson received a VIP Oscar for his leadership and dedication to the LFP community as the Lake Forest Park Rotarians celebrated the partnership with the City of LFP.

Congratulations, Mayor Johnson!

King County Elections - March Presidential Primary

Ballots were mailed for the March Presidential Primary Election and ballot drop boxes (including the one next to Lake Forest Park City Hall) are now open. You can register to vote, or update your registration, either online or by mail through March 2. Election Day is Tuesday, March 10, so be sure to have your ballots postmarked by that date or dropped in the ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m.! For more information, please visit King County Elections' website, or reach them by phone at (206) 296-VOTE (8683).

Earth Smart Green Fair

Learn to save the planet at Lake Forest Park’s 17th Annual Earth Smart Green Fair! All are welcome and invited to attend – and it’s free! The fair is hosted at Third Place Commons (top floor) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., March 21, 2020. Bring your friends, neighbors, and family and come on down for some fun, learn something new, and take home some giveaways!

Local organizations and businesses will be there to answer your questions regarding composting, recycling, reducing waste, natural yard care, water conservation, environmentally-safe products, and more—all for free!

View our Facebook page for more information!

Mayor's Corner

I would like to thank the residents who attended Coffee with the Mayor on February 22. I appreciate you taking the time to drop in and share your thoughts. The next Coffee is on Saturday, April 11, 2020, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers. I hope to see you there!

Cedar Grove Coupon for LFP Residents

Through April 30, 2020, Lake Forest Park residents may print and use the coupon below for 15% off all Cedar Grove soil products. Happy planting!

Cedar Grove Compost Coupon for LFP Residents

City of Shoreline Recreation Guide - April-August 2020

New Spring/Summer Registration Signup Process Starting March 12 and 19, 2020

Live in Lake Forest Park? Interested in recreation? Take advantage of recreation programs offered through the City of Shoreline. Lake Forest Park residents are eligible for a 24-hour early registration period prior to the start of each season’s programs plus an 8% discount on all program fees (not rentals) through the entire year! This year, the City of Shoreline is separating the Summer Camp registration from the overall Spring/Summer Class registration. Lake Forest Park residents’ early registration for 2020 Summer Camps is Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Early registration for Spring/Summer 2020 Classes is Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. To receive notices of the early registration dates, sign up for reminders through the City’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

The City offers scholarship reimbursements for eligible youth and specialized recreation participants who reside in the City and are registered for and attend cultural, recreation, or aquatic programs and camps. For more information, go to our webpage or call City Hall, 206-368-5440.

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