 Photo credit: K. Zech
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City of Lake Forest Park17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.com
206-368-5440
November 2022 |
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 Mayor Jeff Johnson
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Mayor’s Corner – Budget Season Draws to a Close…Just in Time for the Holiday Season
Following presentation of the Mayor’s proposed 2023-2024 biennial budget in early September, Councilmembers have participated in a series of regular and special Council and Committee meetings to review, discuss, and recommend changes to the proposed budget. I would like to thank them for their commitment to attending these meetings and offering constructive feedback on, and thorough discussion of, the programs and services included in the budget.
Before adopting the budget, the City Council has tough decisions to make about how to ensure, as best as possible, the financial sustainability of the city. I’m confident that, working together, our Council can determine a viable financial path forward that achieves the goal of financial sustainability.
I encourage the public to review the proposed budget and the detailed department presentations located on the Finance Department budget webpage and to consider attending one or more of the remaining budget meetings: a City Council Budget & Finance Committee Special meeting at 6:00 p.m. on November 3; the Regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 10, and a Special City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. on November 17. All of these meetings will be held in the hybrid format (in person at City Hall and via Zoom).
November is not only a big month for the budget process it’s also the start of the holiday season. Returning this year is the Porch Light Parade (see related article later in this issue). I hope you’ll consider participating.
As the days grow shorter and darker, please be sure to keep an eye out for children on their way to and from school and for other pedestrians and bicyclists who may not be as visible as usual.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving!
--Mayor Johnson
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 HR Director Shannon Moore
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Welcome to Shannon Moore, HR Director
Shannon Moore recently joined the City of Lake Forest Park as our new Human Resources Director. Responsible for the overall vision and direction of the City's Human Resources' activities and programs, her role includes managing, administering, and overseeing the human resources functions, as well as providing assistance to leadership and staff. In addition to her 15 years of experience, Shannon brings with her a passion for supporting an organization's diversity and inclusion efforts and fostering employee engagement.
Shannon graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Human Resources and Finance and most recently earned her certification in Women's Leadership from her alma mater.
Welcome, Shannon!
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Porch Light Parade is Back!
Join the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline to celebrate communities shining bright with the 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade from December 1 - 31! Create light displays that will become part of a virtual map, marking the many holidays and traditions celebrated during the winter season. From porches to patios, balconies to banisters, windows or even cars, anyone can participate and help our communities transform into a magical wonderland of lights.
Registration for light displays will be open from November 14 – December 14, and a map will be available for the entire month of December for community members to tour and enjoy. It is free to participate in the Winter Porch Light Parade, and there will be special acknowledgement for community spirit winners.
Learn more at the Winter Porch Light Parade webpage.
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Council Corner – Speed Limit Discussions Continue
Since mid-spring, the City Council has been considering reductions to speed limits on our local roads and state highways which will prioritize pedestrian and multi-modal safety.
The Council has been discussing a multi-phased approach to setting lower speed limits which has begun with the adoption of a speed limit setting methodology as required by state statute.
On October 13, the City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1252 adopting the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ (“NACTO) 2020 City Limits, Setting Safe Speed Limits on Urban Streets (“ City Limits”), a document intended to provide cities with guidance on how to strategically set speed limits on urban streets, using a Safe Systems approach, to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.
As recommended in the City Limits document, the City will consider three or more phases to increasing safety on our roads. - Setting default speed limits on many streets at once (such as 25 mph on major streets and 20 mph on all minor neighborhood streets),
- Designating slow zones in sensitive areas, and
- Setting corridor speed limits on high priority major streets, using a safe speed study, which uses conflict density and activity level to set context-appropriate speed limits
Ordinance 1252 anticipates moving forward with a Safe Speed Study in accordance with methodology in City Limits to determine the speed limits that will best minimize the risk of persons being killed or seriously injured in Lake Forest Park.
This work that the Council is conducting is very timely and necessary. The reduced traffic during the pandemic has emboldened some drivers to ignore basic courtesy and safety and this has led to a significant increase in unlawful behavior on our roads and state highways. Traffic volume is down, yet infractions are up as well as crashes on a per-trip basis.
It is the Council’s intent to create a speed-setting program that slows drivers down and one that reflects the character of our community.
We will also be considering traffic calming measures that can be implemented throughout our city. A variety of measures are being discussed, including, but not limited to:
Signalized crosswalks; intersections painted with murals; chicanes and pinch points; traffic circles; speed pillows; curb-separated shoulders and walking paths.
It is the intent of the City Council to begin acting on these steps in the coming months. We invite you to send us your feedback and thoughts about speed limits and traffic calming as we move forward with making our community safer for all users of our roadways, paths and sidewalks.
--Deputy Mayor French
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 Judge Jennifer Grant (center) and members of the Shoreline/LFP Youth Court
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Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Youth Court Kicks Off
On October 6, 2022, Lake Forest Park Municipal Court Judge Jennifer Grant welcomed the 2022-2023 Youth Court leadership team.
Shorecrest High School (SHS) students are prepared by SHS staff advisor Bo Jordan to serve as the judge and jury. Following the presentation of evidence, Youth Court members deliberate to fashion a constructive sanction. For instance, they may order the Youth Court participant to perform community service hours, write an essay or letter of apology, or attend Defensive Driving School. A participant who successfully completes the Youth Court conditions and maintains a clean driving record for a six-month period will be rewarded with a dismissal of their infraction.
Youth Court is a voluntary program available to most 16- or 17-year-old drivers cited with a traffic infraction in Shoreline or Lake Forest Park. Lake Forest Park Municipal Court is proud to partner with Shoreline District Court and Shorecrest High School to offer this program. For more information about Youth Court, eligibility requirements, or to make a referral, please visit the Youth Court page on the City’s website.
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Follow the City on LinkedIn
In addition to following the City on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can now also follow us on LinkedIn! If you have a LinkedIn account, you can visit us here for updates, including job opportunities with the City.
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The Climate Action Committee Wants Your Input - Take the Survey Today!
The Lake Forest Park Climate Action Committee is drafting a Climate Action Plan. The objective of the plan is to reduce our community’s use of fossil fuels and help us adapt to our changing climate.
The survey will help shape the response to the climate crisis. Click here to take the survey.
Help us spread the word! We want to hear from every neighborhood in Lake Forest Park. Encourage friends and neighbors to participate.
If you would like to be kept informed about the committee’s work, join the Climate Action Committee Notify me subscriber list.
Thank you!
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King Conservation District to Host Free Online Native Plant Talk
King Conservation District is hosting an upcoming free Benefits and Beauty of Landscaping with Native Plants webinar with native plant expert Marinn Carpenter on Thursday, November 3, via Zoom. The webinar will cover the countless benefits native plants provide for landscape aesthetics, wildlife habitat, water quality, and more!
Attendees will receive advice on the best ways to reduce plant mortality, save money, and improve your landscape's overall health and happiness. This talk will help you make plant purchasing decisions best suited for your yard/landscape before the upcoming KCD Native Plant Sale. The plant sale store opens on November 15.
To register for the webinar, click here. For more information about the plant sale, please email plantsale@kingcd.org
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 Pfingst Animal Acres Park
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City Seeks Volunteers for Positions on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Tree Board, and Library Advisory Committee
Two Vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board We currently have one regular position vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to fill a partial three-year term that expires on February 28, 2024. The Board meets at City Hall on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
The student representative position on this board is also vacant. If you are interested and are a junior or senior in high school and reside in Lake Forest Park. Terms are three years, but the City anticipates students may only be available to serve for one or two years.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s primary responsibilities are to advise the City Council and Mayor on: - Park Master Plan Development
- Recreation Program Evaluation and Development
- Park Comprehensive Planning
One Vacancy on the Tree Board The City is also seeking volunteers interesting in filling a vacancy on the Tree Board. 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. 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 restoration are encouraged, but not required.
Tree Board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. and membership terms are for three years. If you are interested in applying or have questions, please contact City Clerk Matt McLean.
One Vacancy on the Library Advisory Committee There is currently one vacancy on the Library Advisory Committee to fill a partial three-year term that expires on February 28, 2025. The Library Advisory Committee serves as a liaison between the Lake Forest Park Library, the Mayor and City Council, the community, and the King County Library System. The Committee meets quarterly in March, June, and September at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month; and on the first Wednesday in December at 7:00 p.m.
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Wetter Weather is Upon Us! Are You Ready?
Leaves are changing and wetter weather is upon us! Help yourself, your neighbors, and the environment by following these steps: - Keep storm drains clear by removing leaves and debris, dispose of them in your yard waste tote or compost. This will help prevent flooding and pooling. DO NOT rake or blow leaves and debris into the street, ditch lines, or rights-of-way.
- Keep your home’s gutters and downspouts free of excess leaves.
- Use sandbags or landscape barriers to help prevent washout into the road.
If flooding is severe, or you find evidence of dumping, please call 206-368-5440. For more information on flood preparation check our Flood Preparation webpage. In need of sandbags? Our Public Works Department has some prepared and ready to grab at the locations on the sandbag depot map.
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ID2023 – Will You Have What You Need to Travel in May 2023?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 3, 2023. Read more about REAL ID.
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States, such as a US passport. A standard Washington state driver’s license or ID card will no longer be sufficient identification.
Washington residents should start planning now for the new air travel requirements. ID2023 was created by the Washington State Department of Licensing for the purpose of educating Washington residents about the REAL ID Act requirements and options.
Find out whether you are ready and what your identification options are by taking the brief quiz.
If you would like to apply for a new US passport, the City of Lake Forest Park offers passport services by appointment during these hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The passport services office is closed on legal holidays.
If you are an adult who already has a US passport, you may qualify to renew it by mail. The US Department of State website, Travel.State.Gov, can help you figure out whether you need to apply in person or can renew by mail.
Check out our Passport Services page for helpful information about applying for a passport, making an appointment at the City of LFP, fees, and a checklist to help you be ready for your appointment. Please note that only the DS-11 application form is accepted at our facility. If you qualify to renew your application by mail, renewal forms (DS-82) are available at City Hall and through the US Department of State website at Travel.State.Gov. You can also pick up a DS-11 form at City Hall or at Travel.State.Gov.
Please note that passport processing times are currently 7-10 weeks for routine processing and 4-6 weeks for expedited processing (additional fee) and we are booking appointments two months in advance. Don’t delay—start the process now!
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No Wipes Down Pipes!
Side sewer pipes are the homeowner’s property and responsibility. Flush toilet paper only. “Flushable” wipes or paper towels can clog or break pipes and cause nightmares once sewage starts backing up into your house!
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Stay Current on City News, Meetings, and Events
Want to keep up with what’s going on at the City? There are several ways to stay informed. Subscription options include notices of city meetings and events, planning announcements, emergency alerts, city newsflashes, and more! Click here for the full list of available subscriptions.
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