 Photo credit: K. Zech
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City of Lake Forest Park17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440
Late December 2022 / January 2023 |
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 Mayor Jeff Johnson
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Mayor's Corner - #WeAreAllLFP
As we enter the new year, I would like to take a moment and share some of my hopes for 2023.
As a city, we have successfully weathered the challenges of operating through nearly three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. As individuals, we were all impacted in some way and to some degree. As we continue to find our “new normal,” I am encouraged. This past year, we held city meetings in the hybrid format—both in person at City Hall and via Zoom. This format is more inclusive because members of the audience can participate from the comfort of their homes if they want to. I’m also encouraged because we have seen a continued increase in City events in 2022, and we are well on our way to resuming the types and number of events we were holding before the pandemic struck. I believe our events and the involvement of our community members in those events help to make us stronger and more resilient when times are tough because we have participated together in making our city better.
We have many exciting things to look forward to in the upcoming year. The beginning of the public planning process for the newly acquired lakefront park, continued work on the recently formed Regional Crisis Response Agency, and the siting of a new crisis stabilization facility in north King County .
Let’s not forget that we are a community that wants the best for our City—we may take different paths to get there, but we all want the same things. As we participate in city council and advisory body meetings this year, as both members of the community and elected and appointed officials, let’s remember that we are all LFP and we can do this!
#WeAreAllLFP
--Mayor Johnson
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Winter, Snow, and Cold Temperatures are Here!
When snow and ice storms are in the forecast, our Public Works Department is here to prepare and respond. During a snowstorm, the City crew works around the clock. Designated citywide priority routes are cleared first to accommodate emergency response, main arterials (including Bothell Way NE/SR 522 and Ballinger Way/SR 104), and bus routes.
If snowfall is continuous, these arterials may require repeated plowing and sanding before crews can work to clear neighborhood streets. Click here to view the Priority Snow and Ice Routes Map.
The Public Works Department crew does its very best to minimize the depositing of snow on driveways; unfortunately, it is unavoidable when clearing the streets.
As a reminder, residents and business property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice on their own driveway, sidewalk, and curbside mailboxes near their property, including the ridge of snow left along the edge of driveways by the snowplow. If snow is removed from your property, make sure the snow is not placed in the right-of-way. Catch basins must also be kept clear to accommodate melting snow and avoid pooling or flooding of water.
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Council Corner – 2022 Accomplishments and Looking Ahead to 2023
It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us and right around the corner is 2023. I want to start off by saying a huge thank you to my colleagues on the Council and to the Mayor for the amazingly congenial and civil discussions we have enjoyed this year as policy makers. Each Council Member brings their own unique professional and personal backgrounds to the mix, and this makes for a very lively group dynamic. Those of us on the Council without PhDs sometimes must stretch ourselves in the discussions to keep up!
This past year has been an incredibly busy and productive one for the City Council. A few highlights include passing a responsible, forward-thinking biennial budget; adopting a methodology for setting speed limits; adoption of an Interlocal Agreement and Articles of Incorporation creating the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) by five member cities; adopting code amendments for NPDES Source Control Program Creation and Stormwater Design Manual Updates; as well as many other important updates.
In all, Council Members participated in nearly 60 City of Lake Forest Park meetings as a body or a committee and participated in many, many more meetings representing the City on regional boards.
The months ahead are busy ones for the City Council. Our calendars are going to be filled with the usual business of the City but also other important topics:
Pedestrian and multi-modal safety and lowering speed limits - The Council will continue to discuss this topic which was first presented at a Committee of the Whole Meeting this past Spring. Lowering speed limits, traffic calming, separated walking routes and a neighborhood Healthy Streets program (similar to Seattle’s) are all under consideration by the Council.
Consideration of the recommendations from the Climate Action Committee - We are looking forward to considering their recommendations for ways that our community can reduce our collective and individual impacts on our climate.
Updates to the Sign Code – The Council will be considering recommendations made by the Planning Commission in our continuing effort to improve our sign regulations and preserve the character of our community.
Required updates to the Shoreline Master Program - In 2023 the Council will be tackling the update to the Shoreline Master Program as prescribed by state law and considering recommendations both by the Planning Commission and the Department of Ecology.
Adjustment to the Budget - 2023 is an off-year in our biennial budget process, but the Council will be considering recommendations from the Administration for minor changes to the budget to ensure that we continue to remain in a sound financial position as economic conditions change.
Wishing you all a safe and wonderful holiday season and a Happy 2023!
--Deputy Mayor Tom French
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 Eagle Scout Park
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Volunteers Needed on the LFP Parks and Recreation Advisory Board!
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board currently has two vacancies, plus an open spot for a high school student! The Board meets at City Hall, 7:00 p.m., on the fourth Wednesday of the month, in person and online meeting options are available.
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
Click here for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board webpage for more information!
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See the 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade through December 31!
The 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade Map is available for the rest of December! Enjoy a walk or drive around your neighborhood to see the displays across Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Kenmore, and Bothell.
View the map and learn more about the Winter Porch Light Parade here.
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BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag!
Having a hard time remembering to bring your own bags to the store? After you use them, try placing them at your door, leaving them in your car, or stashing some in the items you take to and from home or work and/or school. The visual reminder will help you consistently take your reusable bags back into stores.
Plastic carry-out bags are a major contaminant in our state’s material recovery facilities and our environment, especially in waterways and along roadways. If you are going to use plastic bags, be sure to use compliant reusable ones.
More information at the Department of Ecology’s Single-Use Bag Ban page.
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Holiday Recycling Tips
During the holiday season, household waste increases by 25%, which can add 1 million tons of trash to our landfills. View the image from Republic Services to discover what to throw away and what to recycle.
Look for ways to use reusable, compostable, or recyclable items this holiday season!
For more information on your curbside collection, head to the Republic Services website.
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 City Arborist Hannah Swanson
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Welcome New City Arborist Hannah Swanson
Hannah moved to Washington 10 years ago and immediately fell in love with the PNW after seeing the lush forests and endless access to the water. She has a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and spent the last 5 years working for a private tree care company in Seattle. Her favorite tree is the Pacific Madrone. In her free time, she is an avid sailor and whale watching enthusiast.
Welcome, Hannah!
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Holiday Light Recycling
Can’t get those holiday lights working? Recycle them at a local drop-off site or by mail instead of tossing them in the garbage. Find a list of options here.
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What Should We Do about Climate Change in Lake Forest Park?
The Lake Forest Park Climate Action Committee is working on this question and is looking at specific sources of emissions in LFP and what the City can do about eliminating or reducing these emissions. The Committee will be developing 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 Committee is looking for input from residents. What are the issues you are concerned about? What should the city be doing? Take the CAC survey today!
The Committee is eager to hear from as many people as possible and will be using the information from the survey to create its Climate Action Plan. The survey will close on December 31, 2022. If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please do so. If you have already filled out the survey, thank you, and please encourage your friends and family in LFP to take the survey, too.
If you would like to stay up to date on the Climate Action Committee’s work join the CAC “Notify Me” subscriber list to stay informed.
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A Message from the North Sound Police Foundation
Throughout 2022, generous community members of the greater Mill Creek and Lake Forest Park communities and beyond have actively shown their appreciation for the men and women in blue who protect and serve us all so well. They have done that by donating through the North Sound Police Foundation.
Through these donations, the foundation was able to purchase new equipment and additional training not currently covered by their city's budgets. For example, the Foundation has provided upgraded eye and ear protection for officers, new radar and lidar systems for patrol cars, replaced old inadequate DUI test kits, K-9 equipment/training, and more. The Foundation also made it possible for some underprivileged children to participate in after-school athletics in Mill Creek and gave out free water and snacks at a community Picnic in The Park event in Lake Forest Park. All of this was possible because of direct donations from generous individuals and local businesses, as well as from those who stopped by the Foundation’s booth at local events such as the LFP Sunday farmers market, the Mill Creek Festival held in July, Gold Creek Church's Creek Nights in July, the Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce’s charity golf tournament, and even The Oyster Run held in September in Anacortes.
Next fall, watch for a fundraising booth at the Lake Forest Park Gifts and Crafts Market in November and December. Both are always fun and very well attended and are a great way to celebrate the holidays and find some unique and very special holiday gifts.
Two of the most current police officer requests of the Foundation are to have their own drone so they don’t have to continue asking for other agencies' help when a drone is needed; the second request is for emotional health support programs for officers and their families. This will continue to be the Foundation’s focus in the coming year, and they are excited to continue working with the generous supporters throughout the community to fulfill these requests. We have seen so many unusually stressful situations over the past few years, and our officers have kept working hard to keep us and themselves safe throughout them all.
At every event we also promote the very special cause of Breast Cancer Awareness. This is a cause that is very close to the hearts of us all and we are dedicated to doing all we can to raise awareness and encourage everyone to help vanquish that hideous disease. No donation is too large or too small and by joining together we will make a difference. It is our sincere hope that you will consider including North Sound Police Foundation in your year-end giving. We are an all-volunteer organization and being able to successfully provide excellent state-of-the-art equipment and other support for the men and women of your police department relies on the participation of all our community members. In 2022, we were proud to make a donation to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
There is a donation form on our website for your convenience should you choose to join in this community effort. We welcome both one-time and monthly contributions and will be happy to send you a personal thank-you for your kind gift. If you would like to learn more about the foundation or have any questions. please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know. Our email address is info@northsoundpolicefoundation.org and we do our best to reply within 24 hours. Should you be looking for a volunteer opportunity, or know someone who is, please do let us know.
A huge thank you from the North Sound Police Foundation!
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Puget Sound Starts Here - Have You Heard the News about Tires?
Scientists recently discovered an ingredient in tires called 6PPD that’s highly toxic to coho salmon and other fish. As we drive, our tires wear down, leaving tiny bits of tire behind on our roads. When it rains, the runoff picks up the tire bits and carries them down storm drains and into our waterways.
We're still learning a lot about 6PPD, but in the meantime here are THREE easy things you can do to help: - Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate if low. This extends the life of your tire, saves gas, and reduces wear and tear.
- Wash your car at a commercial car wash instead of at home. Washing cars in your driveway rinses tire dust and other chemicals to our creeks.
3. Walk, bike, and take fewer solo car trips to help reduce how much rubber is on the road.
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LFP Early Registration for Winter Recreation Programs with the City of Shoreline Begins January 5, 2023
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! LFP Residents early registration for Winter 2023 begins January 5, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.
Visit shorelinewa.gov/recreation for more information or give them a call at 206-801-2600 with any questions.
Reminder, LFP 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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REAL ID Postponed to May 2025
The federal government recently announced the REAL ID Act has been postponed from May 2023 to May 2025. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone traveling domestically by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. US passports and US Passport cards are also acceptable forms of identification under the REAL ID Act.
The City of Lake Forest Park is a passport acceptance agency. For more information about our passport services, click here. Read more about REAL ID here.
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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. 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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