 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
July 2023 |
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Mayor’s Corner – Ballinger Way Road Work
Each year the City’s Public Works Department contracts with King County for road overlay projects on city-owned streets. Last year we completed improvements to 35th Avenue NE from 40th Place NE to 190th Street, including a new pedestrian pathway along the west side, and new pavement markings throughout the corridor. This year, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has undertaken filling in potholes and sealing cracks on Ballinger Way (SR 104), one of two state-owned highways in the city, Bothell Way (SR 522) being the other. I am frustrated with the level of effort from the state related to its maintenance work on Ballinger Way. This is far from the standard we expect on our city roads, and it is frustrating that the asphalt placed in the potholes was not made level with the road surface, resulting in a different kind of uneven surface for the public. While we understand the state’s desire to delay a complete overlay until after the city’s 2024 construction of a roundabout at 40th Place NE and Ballinger Way, and the 2025 replacement of the state-owned culvert under Ballinger Way at 35th Avenue NE. We expect better maintenance of state roads through our city. I want to let you know that we have heard and agree with your concerns. We will be letting the state know of our displeasure. Comments may be provided to WSDOT at 425-739-3730. My thanks to those who reached out to us with concerns about the WSDOT projects on Ballinger Way. When we hear back from WSDOT, we will provide an update. --Mayor Johnson
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Reminder – Fireworks are Illegal in Lake Forest Park
With the 4th of July on the horizon, the City would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that the sale, use, or discharge of any fireworks is illegal within the city limits, including those advertised as “safe and sane.” In 2002, the Lake Forest Park City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting any person to sell, use or discharge any fireworks, including those considered safe and sane (LFPMC 8.32.020), except by permit. The risks associated with private fireworks displays must be minimized for the sake of public safety. Nearby communities may have different regulations regarding personal fireworks, but personal fireworks are prohibited in Lake Forest Park. To help ensure all have a safe and considerate Fourth of July, the City has a zero-tolerance policy and has increased police enforcement through the Fourth of July weekend and beyond, if necessary. Anyone using or discharging fireworks of any kind may be issued a civil infraction of $200 up to a misdemeanor charge with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. If you see someone selling or using fireworks, or find any unattended fireworks, please call the police department at 206-364-8216. To celebrate Independence Day, consider attending a local public fireworks display. The public displays are safe and spectacular, and the pyrotechnicians are trained professionals. The City of Kenmore is holding a public fireworks display at Log Boom Park. Click here for more information.
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 Photo credit Miguel-a-amutio-via Unsplash |
Council Corner – Lifejackets Now Required to be Worn on All Human-Powered Watercraft in the Cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore
As of May 2021, the LFP Municipal Code Ordinance 1222 requires wearing of a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket (personal floatation device or PFD). Further, as of May 2023, the City of Kenmore now also requires the wearing of a lifejacket when on its waters, including the Sammamish River and Lake Washington. Already this season in the greater Seattle area there have been a record number of fatalities from drowning due to a failure to wear a lifejacket. These tragedies are largely preventable. Wearing a lifejacket is just one way to keep yourself and ones that you love safer. The dangers of death from hypothermia or drowning upon immersion are very real. With the warmer weather upon us and more of us are enjoying the outdoors I want to remind everyone of the dangers that the cold and even the warmer water presents to the users of human-powered craft and to boaters. While state law requires that a Coast Guard-approved PFD be on board a paddleboard or kayak, the LFP and Kenmore Municipal Codes now require the actual wearing of a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. It cannot simply be on board the human-powered craft or paddleboard- it must be worn properly. The first violation of these laws will result in educational outreach and a warning. Subsequent offenses will result in a citation and a fine. Over the past few years, we have observed a dramatic increase in human-powered craft out on Lake Washington and the pandemic has encouraged families to try new outdoor experiences and get out on the water more. When I sponsored this Ordinance two years ago, it was with these first-time or more casual users of human-powered watercraft that I had primarily in mind. I hope it will help contribute to their awareness of the dangers of the water, particularly in the spring and early summer when the water is so cold. Please do your part and wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket (personal floatation device or PFD) when you are having fun out on your paddleboard or kayak. The life you save may be your own, someone you love, or a first responder who has to take action in an emergency to save you. Be safe! --Deputy Mayor Tom French
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Fireworks and Pets -- a Message from Regional Animal Services of King County
With 4th of July celebrations just around the corner, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is doing outreach to prepare pet owners ahead of time about protecting their pets with identification before all the fireworks and celebratory activities start. Thousands of pets go missing nationally each year during July 4th events. Animal Control Officers across the country report a 30% increase in lost pets during this time. With proper identification, these pets can be reunited with their families much quicker. You can license your pet or renew your pet’s license at City Hall or online through RASKC. Please note that fireworks are illegal in the Lake Forest Park city limits.
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Volunteers Still Needed for Advisory Boards and Committees
Library Advisory Committee Do you like to read and want to contribute as a volunteer with the Library Advisory Committee? If so, please complete the online application. Terms on the Committee are for three years, and the term of the vacant position expires February 28, 2024. Tree Board There is one vacancy on the Tree Board. Terms are for three years, and the term of the vacant position expires February 28, 2025. Please complete the online application if you are interested. Alternates Needed for Planning Commission, Climate Action Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Tree Board The City Council recently adopted an ordinance amending the city’s Municipal Code to allow alternate members to be placed on Boards and Commissions to serve as voting members when an alternate is needed to fill a quorum and to become permanent members when vacancies occur. The amendment to the Volunteer Commission System allows the Mayor to appoint up to two alternates, with confirmation from the Council, who may fill in on a board, commission, or committee if a regular member is absent. Should there be a vacancy on the board, commission, or committee, the senior alternate would fill the remainder of the vacant member’s term. Alternates would be used as voting members when there would not be a quorum present for a meeting. Otherwise, they would not be a voting member but would be expected to attend the meetings to stay informed and provide feedback during meetings. If you are interested in being an alternate on the Planning Commission, Climate Action Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, or Tree Board, please complete the online application.
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Upcoming LFP Summer Events!
We hope you can join us for some of our summer events: - Yoga in the Park series makes its return Saturday mornings at Pfingst Animal Acres Park from July 8 – August 12, 9:00 a.m. Stay tuned for more details and updates about this free event.
- Battle of the Bands: August 3 – 5, 5:30 p.m. – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Family Day at the Farmers Market: August 20, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.– City Hall parking lot
- Picnic in the Park: September 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Pet Parade is moving to fall 2023—stay tuned for more information!
Watch for updates on our website, social media, and Events Calendar.
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Hot Dogs are not Cool!
It is officially summer, and the weather is heating up. Car temperatures can rise in just 10 minutes, Hot Dogs Are Not Cool Dogs!
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Lake Forest Park Library Summer READS Program
It’s not too late to join the Lake Forest Park Library this July for its annual READS summer program. This year’s program marks the 18th year of this community literary event! This summer's READS book is Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, by local author Sasha taqwšablu LaPointe. The community event with the author will take place on Tuesday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m. at Third Place Commons. The annual READS summer program is sponsored by the City of Lake Forest Park’s Library Advisory Committee, Third Place Books, and Friends of the Shoreline, Richmond Beach, and Lake Forest Park Libraries.
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National Night Out is Tuesday, August 1, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, August 1, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., turn on your porch or patio lights and step outside for the 2023 National Night Out! National Night Out is about building community and making our neighborhoods safer by getting to know our neighbors and neighborhood partners. Considering a National Night Out event in your neighborhood? Invite a Lake Forest Park Police Officer to come by and say hello. Share your great ideas on social platforms like Nextdoor! National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It further provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together. Neighborhoods across the nation host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demos, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits. Registration Forms are available at the Police Department or online:
NNO Coordinator: Casey Krzyminski Lake Forest Park Police Department 206-364-8216 x 523 Email Casey Krzyminski. Email Lt. Rhonda Lehman if you have more questions or would like more information about the event.
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Puget Sound Starts Here – Car Wash Tips
Did you know that car wash water contains oils, grease, heavy metals, and soap? When you wash your car in your driveway or street, polluted wash water flows into the nearest storm drain. That water flows through the stormwater system to the nearest natural waterway. To prevent water pollution, wash your car at a commercial car wash. If you must wash your car at home, do so on a grassy area where that dirty wash water will get filtered out in the soil and not harm LFP’s waterways and wildlife. For more information on car care and how to help the environment, head to the Puget Sound Starts Here Car Care webpage.
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Crime Watch Volunteers Still Needed
The Crime Watch program’s House Check Team is always looking for additional volunteers. If you are interested, please email Casey Kryzminski or call 206-734-2781 and he will send you the required application information. Currently, Crime Watch staffing is very low so please consider joining our team!! The success of the Crime Watch program relies on its volunteers. Each volunteer is paired with a partner and together they use a city vehicle to conduct house checks for residents who have submitted a Vacation House Check Form. Volunteering for Crime Watch not only helps the community, but it also provides an opportunity to get to know your neighbors better and learn the intricacies of the City’s road system. Interested volunteers must pass a background check and credit check. If accepted, the program director will provide training on how to manage vacation house check forms and conduct house checks.
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CPOD and Water Distribution Training Class By: Emily McKenzie, NEMCo class participant and CERT volunteer The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) has had a lot of exciting training and classes over the past year, but one recent favorite was the CPOD and Water Distribution Training. Held in conjunction with the Northshore Utility District (NUD), this informative and involved training class educated members of NEMCo’s Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program on the capabilities of one particular type of Community Point of Distribution (CPOD) activity, delivering potable water to the community after a disaster. The training started with a presentation that gave an overview of NUD’s operations and its protocols for responding to a disaster. Staff from NUD used digital mapping capabilities to explain the utility district’s area, where the major distribution lines are, and the overall water distribution control process—even going more in-depth on how valves open and close pipelines and then integrate into the software that controls the amount of water stored within the district and the amount of water distributed to communities in the Northshore area. CERT members learned about significant reservoirs and where to get water if there was an earthquake or other emergency. Toward the end of the presentation, NUD staff went over the inner workings of a fire hydrant through a life-size prop of an old fire hydrant with some of the pipes still connected to it. CERT members learned how they are connected to the system’s water supply and how to operate them safely as part of the procedure for running and setting up a CPOD. Once the classroom portion was over, it was time to head outside to practice. The hands-on team exercise allowed members to safely and correctly set up and operate the water distribution system. This component of a CPOD provides a place for the community to gather to collect drinkable water for use in their homes. It’s important to note that any community member coming to use this system must bring their own clean water containers. Remember to consider how much water one can carry back home — water can be heavy! Test out your drinking containers at home before disaster strikes to determine which ones and how many you’ll be able to safely carry so you won’t be surprised in an emergency situation. Our CERT volunteers showed up in their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ready for action. The water distribution system is a long industrial pipe elevated off the ground for access; it has many faucets on the sides to allow multiple people to get water at once and has a valve at the end for the setup process. Volunteers were taught what to expect and how to hook the fire hydrant to the equipment properly; including the sanitation process, primarily using bleach to flush the system, which takes some time to complete before the system is safe to use. Training pushed CERT members to work together and communicate well since multiple volunteers are needed to assist one another throughout the process. Overall, this was a great experience for CERT members to get under their belts and a valuable team experience. NEMCo offers various trainings throughout the year that are filled with fun opportunities like this. Check out our website at NorthshoreEMC.com for more information on upcoming events and clinics. While some are volunteer-only opportunities, others are open to the community for education.
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