Mayor's Message

During this unprecedented time of social and financial challenges, I would like to say to our LFP residents how much I appreciate everyone following the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Your social and physical distancing practices, in addition to staying home as much as possible, are making a positive difference in the health and safety of our community.

Behind the scenes, the Police Department, Public Works Department, and other City staff members are working hard to keep City services running smoothly. My sincere thanks to all of you.

Be sure to check out the budget update message from the City Administrator in this issue of the eNews. Like other cities and towns, we are facing unanticipated financial challenges. As I prepare the 2021-2022 biennial budget for consideration by the City Council later this year, we will face some hard decisions. Please know your city leaders and the Administration are at work to minimize the effect of the COVID-19 economic impact on the citizens of Lake Forest Park.

Our local businesses also deserve a shout-out. Please support them, both during this crisis and beyond into recovery.

I am proud to be your Mayor and appreciate everything being done in our community to keep us moving forward. #WeAreAllLFP

--Mayor Johnson

City Administrator Budget Briefing

• Any vacant positions will not be filled until further notice.
• All travel and training are suspended until further notice, unless this would impact critical services or required certifications.
• All discretionary spending is suspended until further notice.
• Seasonal workers will not be hired until further notice.
• Contracted work will be evaluated and may be suspended as appropriate.

In Celebration of Municipal Clerks Week

The week of Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9, 2020 is the 51^st Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Initiated in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and endorsed by all of its members throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries, the week is a time of celebration and reflection on the importance of the office of the Clerk.
 
The main function of City Clerks and Deputy Clerks is to serve as the foundation for the City Council. Other duties include, but are not limited to, preparing agendas, taking minutes, maintaining ordinance and resolutions files, keeping historical records, processing permits and serving as the clearinghouse for information about the local government.
 
The Municipal Clerk is one of the oldest positions in local government. Clerk duties have expanded over the years and, today, modern technology assists them with their increasing responsibilities. To stay abreast of new computer applications, records management and other relevant information, many City Clerks and Deputy Clerks return to the classroom to increase their knowledge of these issues, learn new material and sharpen old skills.

Planning and Building Update

The Planning and Building departments continue to process those applications that are associated with essential work and those that have statutory deadlines.

City staff is also working to provide physical access to application documents that have open comment periods so that members of the public can view and comment on application materials. If citizens wish to review file materials in order to prepare comments on an application that has an open comment period, please contact the staff person indicated on the project notice to schedule an appointment to view the record files. City staff can provide access to project permit files while observing required social distancing practices. Staff can also answer questions over the phone and confirm that comments have been received and been made part of the public record.