 Photo credit: K. Zech
|
|
|
|
City of Lake Forest Park17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.com
206-368-5440
September 2021
|
|
|
|
 Mayor Jeff Johnson
|
Mayor's Corner - "Change is in the Air"Now that fall is here, the days are shorter, the weather is rainier, and I would like to ask everyone to please keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists. They may not be as visible as they are during the brighter summer days.
As you may remember from last month’s eNews, we have four council seats up for election this fall. Incumbents John Wright, John Resha, and Mark Phillips have decided not to seek reelection, so there will be three new Councilmembers come January, with Councilmember Semra Riddle running unopposed. It’s always a good idea to get to know the candidates for public office, and I encourage you to check out more information about candidates who will be on the November 2 General Election ballot here.
With the surge of the Delta variant, we are proceeding cautiously with our fall events. Watch the October eNewsletter for updates.
Wishing you a safe and healthy fall season.
--Mayor Johnson
|
|
|
|
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – LFP Police Department’s Pink Patch ProjectThe Pink Patch Project is an innovative public awareness campaign to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations in combating this devastating disease. Agencies have partnered together to combat breast cancer by raising public awareness about the importance of early detection in the fight against the disease and to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment. The simple goal is to increasing awareness about the life-saving benefits of early detection and early intervention in the fight against breast cancer. In addition to our public education efforts, the Lake Forest Park Police Department has the added goal of raising funds from the sale of Pink Patch Project patches and other items to go directly to fund the research, treatment and education needed to help find a cure.
“The program centers on vibrant pink versions of the public safety employee's uniform patch. These bright pink patches have been specially designed by each participating agency specifically for their Pink Patch Project participation. Public safety employees at each of the participating agencies wear their pink patches on their regular duty uniforms each year for the entire month of October during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
The patches are intended to stimulate conversation with the community and to encourage public awareness about the importance of early detection in the ongoing fight against this disease.
We will have patches and pins for sale at the Police Department window during October. Contact Lt. Lehman or Detective Troxell with any questions.
|
|
|
|
LFP Sewer Late Fee Moratorium Extended through 2021Although the utility late fee and shut off moratorium issued by Governor Inslee in March 2020 ended on September 29, 2021, the City of Lake Forest Park is extending its moratorium on late fees through the end of 2021. The City of Lake Forest Park has not assessed late fees on sewer bills since March 2020.
Beginning with the January/February 2022 sewer bill, if the bill is not paid by the due date (March 1, 2022), late fees will be assessed. The late fee assessed is 10 percent of the bimonthly sewer charges on the bill for January/February 2022.
If you want to make sure you pay your bill on time and avoid late fees, consider setting up auto-pay available through our online payment system (https://www.cityoflfp.com/242/Utility-Billing). If you use an electronic check (ACH/EFT) there is no service fee. You need to register and create a customer profile to have access to this service.
|
|
|
|
Council Corner - Update to the Single-Use Plastics Ordinance and Council Schedule for October - DecemberFollowing our break in August, the City Council reconvened in September and took an important action to reduce harmful waste that pollutes the environment.
Lake Forest Park was one of the first cities in Washington to reduce plastic waste by limiting the use of single-use plastic bags and non-compostable food service containers, an idea brought to us by community members and sponsored by Council Vice-Chair, Tom French. After we had passed our regulations in 2018, the State Legislature passed a state law addressing single-use plastics, which differed slightly from our own ordinance.
Before the State regulations were to go into effect, COVID-19 disrupted both grocery store and restaurant practices and their supply-chains. Consequently, in March 2020 the Lake Forest Park Council temporarily suspended the ordinance, and the State delayed implementation of its regulations until October 1, 2021.
The City Council has now aligned with the new State regulations and will impose an 8-cent charge for recycled paper bags or reusable plastic bags, reducing the fee from our original 10 cents. The City ordinance also requires the use of compostable food service containers, straws, lids and utensils. In addition, Council included a new section to encourage the use of reusable dishware and utensils for in-person dining.
One important exception Council included in the ordinance after hearing from community members, is to allow the use of disposable flexible plastic straws for members of our community who need these for medical or physical conditions and find flexible paper straws unsuitable.
Council has also given the Mayor and administration some flexibility in enforcing the regulations if our stores and food-service businesses experience continued disruption of supplies. Following conversations with our local businesses, Council Member French and I are pleased to report that they are willing and eager to comply with these regulations and are working to secure the necessary supplies.
We are grateful for the steadfast and valuable support from our community for this ordinance.
The council schedule for the remaining 3 months of 2021 is taking shape. Issues for future council meetings include: - Discussion of uses of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awarded to the City.
- Preparation of a Draft Implementation Plan to meet the requirements of Resolution 1810, which placed a Levy request on the November ballot. The Draft Plan would be implemented if the voters approve Proposition 1 in November and defines the process of including community input, determining priorities, holding public hearings, and annual reporting on use of levy funds.
- Updating the Accessory Dwelling Unit (backyard cottages and mother-in-law apartments) regulations. The Planning Commission has been working on this over the summer and we anticipate receiving their recommendations in October.
- Public Hearing on our recently passed interim regulations to comply with the State Growth Management Act, E2SHB 1220, pertaining to affordable housing, emergency shelters and housing, and transitional and permanent supportive housing.
- Mid Biennial Budget Adjustment.
--Deputy Mayor Phillippa Kassover
|
|
|
|
|
|
LFP Police Department Patch Gets Its First Update Since 1989Since the City of Lake Forest Park incorporated in 1961 (60 years ago!), the Police Department has had the honor of wearing several patches over those years. Beginning with incorporation in 1961, the first LFP Police Patch was introduced, and it was followed by two more patches. The 1964 patch lasted for 11 years, with a new design developed in 1975. Fourteen years later, in 1989, another patch was designed, and was used for the last 32 years!
Earlier this year, one of our officers requested a new patch design. After working through an initial design phase and then all the police staff working on the final product, a new patch design was approved. The new patch represents an updated look from the 1989 patch. Mt. Rainier, Lake Washington, and our beautiful tree canopy surrounding the Town Center and Lake Forest Park homes. Thank you to Officer Walker for working on this project. We hope the 2021 patch lasts for many years to come! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Puget Sound Starts with CAR CARE: and It Takes Just Three Small ChangesWorking together, we can keep pollution out of our creeks, lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. Our small actions add up to a BIG difference for Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and local marine life! Here are three main changes we can take with our car care: - Car Washing
- Don’t Drip and Drive (Vehicle Leaks)
- Tire Maintenance
When it rains, pollution from cars washes into storm drains, then heads straight into local streams, lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound. Pollutants like oil, car wash soaps and chemicals, and bits of tire dust are bad for water quality and harm people and wildlife, like salmon and orcas, that depend on clean water to survive. For tips and more information on what you can do, head to Puget Sound Starts with Car Care.
|
|
|
|
October is the Time to Celebrate American Archives MonthArchivists across Washington and the entire United States are dedicated to preserving and maintaining records in the public trust, and making those records available for study and appreciation, both in local repositories and via the Internet. Through these archives, current and future generations of citizens can study the past, learn from the accomplishments of their predecessors, trace their ancestors, confirm property rights, and maintain laws, while celebrating the history of their state.
American Archives Month is a time to focus on the importance of records of enduring value and to recognize the people and programs that are responsible for maintaining our communities’ vital historical records!
If you’re looking for local and regional archival records, check out the Shoreline Historical Museum, Seattle Municipal Archives, Washington State Digital Archives, and the Washington State Archives Puget Sound Regional Branch.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 3- 9 is Fire Prevention Week: Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm goes off will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action!
What is your alarm telling you?
Smoke Alarms - A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms - A continuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, beep—means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
- CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced
Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of everyone in your home, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Some tips - Install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of smoke and CO alarms. Use of a low-frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person who has mild to severe hearing loss.
- Sleep with your mobility device, glasses, and phone close to your bed.
- Keep pathways like hallways lit with night lights and free from clutter to make sure everyone can get out safely.
Fire Escape Plans
In the event of a home fire, every second counts. If there is a fire in your home, you could have less than two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. - Make a fire escape plan. Draw a map of each level of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the map with everyone who lives with you.
- Plan two ways out of every room. Choose an outside meeting place in front of your home.
- Make a fire escape plan around your abilities. If you need to use a wheelchair or a cane, make sure you can get to it easily and get out quickly. If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, put them next to your bed while you are sleeping.
- Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
- Practice your fire escape plan by having a home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the home.
- If there is a fire in your home, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets, or things.
More resources:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Recreation Registration Software System with the City of ShorelineThe City of Shoreline Recreation Department began using a new registration system on September 29. The new system requires all Lake Forest Park residents who would like to receive the LFP discount to call the Spartan Recreation Center. This must be done prior to being able to receive the discount with a registration. All late fall 2021 quarter and winter 2022 quarter programs (registration starting in December) require this to be done to complete any online registrations with the discount.
Please call 206-801-2600 starting September 30, for address verification and to apply the Lake Forest Park resident discount to your account.
For any questions, contact the Spartan Recreation Center team at 206-801-2600.
Click here for additional information and updates.
|
|
|
|
Remodeling? Resources for Homeowners and Contractors to Build “Green”Home renovations can be intimidating. To help make the process easier, King County’s Solid Waste Division offers a variety of resources to help homeowners and contractors build “green.” This can save you money, protect your health, and preserve natural resources.
Read more here for resources and quick tips for your home renovation project.
|
|
|
|
 Sunburned leaf damage. Top row - incense cedar and salal; bottom row – Wilson’s magnolia and noble fir.
|
|
|
|
Impact of June “Heat Dome” on LFP TreesSubmitted by Richard Olmstead, LFP Tree Board
We will all have stories for years to come of the infamous Pacific Northwest “heat dome” that set and then broke temperature records throughout the region for three days in a row, culminating in 108ºF in Seattle on June 28. It was too much figuratively, and, sadly, literally, for many people in our region. But what about the trees that shape the identity of Lake FOREST Park?
First, let’s consider the good news. The temperature in my woodland garden rose to 100ºF. That’s hot, but the extensive forest canopy that our city is blessed with has a buffering effect on temperature, so no matter how hot it seemed, we had it better than many communities in our area.
Over the next few days, however, the effect of that bright sun and heat on our trees and vegetation became visible, with browning leaves evident on a broad range of trees and shrubs, especially where exposed to the sun during the hottest parts of the day. The visible damage was frightening to anyone who loves trees, but how bad really was it?
Long-lived trees and shrubs have evolved to survive a range of conditions in their native environments, but the record-breaking heat they experienced this year created stresses beyond the normal range of variation. It is informative to see how they responded.
The combination of bright sun and hot temperatures creates a series of stresses for plants, which of course are fixed in place and can’t retreat into air-conditioned homes. While sun and warm temperatures are necessary for their photosynthesis and growth, excess of both can create a demand for water that a plant cannot keep pace with. This causes the physiology within leaves to malfunction and their cells to die. The immediate result can be patches of dead leaves on many trees, but it can also have a more measured effect in prioritizing resources—water--within the tree to sacrifice some leaves, while allocating available resources to the leaves most needed for survival.
In some cases, the damage was restricted to the leaves immediately affected by the heat and sun, leaving patches of dead leaves in the most exposed positions at the tips of branches. In other cases, trees were able to cut off water to older, less efficient leaves while maintaining younger leaves on branch tips. In my garden, I’ve seen examples of both patterns of damage. Incense cedar and salal suffered loss of leaves on branch tips that were most exposed, while noble fir and Wilson’s magnolia lost the older leaves, keeping only the youngest leaves on branch tips. Though unsightly this summer, they will survive and look fine next year.
I’m also confident that trees in my garden will survive because I was able to provide supplemental water this summer. Of greater concern than the heat wave in June is the fact that Seattle received the least spring and summer rainfall in 2021 since records have been kept. This prolonged drought is much more likely to result in tree mortality than the record-breaking but short-term “heat dome” of June.
Recommendations for your heat-damaged trees and shrubs (with info from The Oregonian) - Go ahead and cut off dead flowers but try to resist the urge to remove partially dead leaves. Leaves, dead or alive, will shade foliage that wasn’t burned, and those with some green remaining will continue to photosynthesize. Especially don’t do any hard pruning. In most case, the buds for next year’s growth (that develop where leaves are attached to the stem) probably survived, and the branches will produce healthy new leaves. Dead leaves will fall off over the winter and come spring you will be able to tell which, if any, branches died and need to be pruned. Keep in mind, if you cut back spring-blooming plants like rhododendrons, you’ll be cutting off buds that will be flowers next year.
- Water deeply. Use drip or soaker hoses for more efficient water use; water is lost to evaporation when using an overhead sprinkler. Roots extend beyond the plant, so be sure to cover an area wider than just under the plant. Don’t overwater, however. Stressed plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases and root rot could become a problem. The best time is early morning so plants can use the water through the day when they need it and residual water will evaporate before night.
- Apply mulch 2 to 3 inches deep. Any organic matter will help retain soil moisture and even out the temperature of the soil.
|
|
|
|
Stay Current on City News, Meetings, and EventsWant to keep up with what’s going on at the City? There are several ways to stay informed about City meetings, events, and news? Click here for subscription options. - City Council Agendas (regular meetings and work sessions)
- City eNewsletter
- Early Recreation Registration
- City Events Calendar
- City Meetings Calendar (Planning Commission, Tree Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Civil Service Commission)
- LFP Times (quarterly print newsletter)
- Planning Announcements
- Town Center Development
- Emergency Alerts
- Bid/RFP Postings
- News Flash
|
|
|
|
|
|
