City of Lake Forest Park
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440 September 2023 |
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Mayor’s Corner – Exciting Public Processes for Our Future Park and the Comprehensive Plan Update
In August, the City kicked off two important and exciting public processes, the public outreach and design process for the future lake front park, and the 2024 update to the Comprehensive Plan. The lake front park will provide the first and only public access to Lake Washington in the city, and the update to the Comprehensive Plan will look at how the City can address transportation, climate change, and housing attainability. There will be many opportunities for you to have your voice heard on these important projects, and I encourage you to engage with us on these journeys.
Lake Forest Park is a great city to live in. We pride ourselves on our tree ordinance and having one of the densest urban forests around, our regional leadership in culvert replacement to make our creeks more habitable for spawning salmon, and in addressing climate change through our recently formed Climate Action Committee. One place where we could do better, and it is a requirement of part of the Comprehensive Plan update, is providing generational housing. I hear often how young couples cannot afford a home in our city and have seen longtime residents move out because they cannot find housing to meet their needs in retirement. This is not a discussion strictly about density, but providing additional housing in places where it makes sense and respecting the natural environment while providing opportunities for a larger cross section of homeowners to call Lake Forest Park home. Please watch for further announcements on our website and social media outlets on how you can participate in these processes. We’d love to hear from you! If you would like to subscribe to notifications about the Comprehensive Plan Update, click here. --Mayor Johnson
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Join Mayor Johnson for Picnic in the Park on September 9!
Picnic in the Park returns this year, and you are invited to help celebrate the LFP community on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pfingst Animal Acres Park! Bring family and friends and enjoy music, community and educational booths, a petting zoo, kids’ attractions and activities, food trucks, Public Works Big Rigs, and more!
Stay tuned for more event information such as performances, food truck details, and more!
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 Court Administrator Julie Espinoza |
Welcome New Court Administrator – Julie Espinoza
Julie Espinoza was recently hired as the new Court Administrator for Lake Forest Park Municipal Court.
Most recently, Ms. Espinoza served as Assistant Court Administrator for Edmonds Municipal Court. She joins the LFP court team with years of experience at the municipal court level. Ms. Espinoza has also earned certifications in court management from the National Association for Court Management (NACM) and the Institute for Court Management (ICM) to include financial, case flow, workforce, and court performance management. Ms. Espinoza will be working closely with Presiding Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant and the court staff to manage the non-judicial functions and daily operations of the municipal court.
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 Photo credit joshua-hoehne-TsdelDFTP6Y-unsplash |
Council Corner – SLOW DOWN for Children and Your Neighbors when You Drive
Here we are in a new school year and, regrettably, once again the preliminary news regarding traffic safety from the first half of 2023 in the State of Washington is quite alarming. Recent National Highway Safety Board data shows that traffic fatalities were up again in our state in the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period during 2022. It appears that the biggest increase in fatalities is among what the federal government classifies as most vulnerable--pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
This trend continues to be startling--overall, the national trend is a slight reduction of fatal accidents, but in Washington we are nearly at the top of the list when it comes to states with increases. We as a community can do our part to reverse this trend and to ensure the safety of those around us. The City Council recently passed Resolution 23-1910, Directing the Administration to Prepare a Letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit Regarding Reducing the Speed Limits on State Route 522 and State Route 104 within the City Limits. The City Council remains committed to ensuring that we are doing all we can as policy makers to increase safety on our streets and highways. Lowering speeds on our highways is just one proven way to increase the safety of pedestrians and multi-modal users. 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. I invite you to stand on a street corner adjacent to either of our two elementary schools as our children are heading to school and watch the speed cameras flashing and recording the unsafe behavior of drivers very near our children and parents. This behavior by thoughtless drivers is wholly unacceptable and must change. The City Council will also be continuing its work on traffic calming measures that can be implemented throughout our city. Additional signalized crosswalks; intersections painted with murals; chicanes and pinch points; traffic circles; speed pillows; curb-separated shoulders, and walking paths are all being considered as part of this program. However, these measures can only go so far--it is essential that we all contribute to changing the dangerous paradigm of selfish excessive speeding and red-light running. Please slow down, enjoy our beautiful city and set an example for the many visitors who are passing though. --Deputy Mayor Tom French
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Go Electric! ACs that Bring the Heat
The final workshop of the Go Electric! series will take place September 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m. at Shoreline City Hall! Join the cities of LFP, Kenmore, and Shoreline to learn more about heat pumps.
Did you know heat pumps are the best way to heat and COOL your home? Learn how they can save you money and make life more comfortable. The workshop will review upfront discounts and tax credits and offer a Q&A with community members who have installed heat pumps in their homes. Take part in the series and learn ways to get ready and take on climate friendly actions!
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City of Lake Forest Park Offers Locking Mailbox Program
The City of Lake Forest Park is very interested in reducing mail theft within our community. The Locking Mailbox Program is intended to further this goal by making our property owners aware of the value of locking mailboxes for deterring theft and by helping minimize the burdens of cost and installation of a locking mailbox.
Who Can Participate?Property owners of single-family residential units (including duplexes and triplexes) are eligible to participate in the program. Tenants may also participate with written permission from their landlord (necessary as the mailbox will be owned by the property owner). Mailboxes are available on a first come first served basis and limited to one mailbox per addressed residence within the City of Lake Forest Park. What are the Program Details?Property owners may sign up for the program by submitting a completed application, including payment, to City Hall. Applications are available here or in-person at City Hall. A mailbox will be reserved upon receipt of a complete application and payment. Once the city has received a significant number of applications, we will place a bulk order for mailboxes. Once we receive the mailboxes, you will be contacted to pick yours up. The Mail Boss 7500 Mail Manager Pro in black (see below) has been selected for the program based on durability, security, product warranty, and price. The mailbox will cost $121.44 (includes shipping and tax) which is significantly lower than the retail cost of $160. Payments can be made to City of LFP by cash, card*, or check (*additional service fee applies). |
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 Mail Boss 7500 Mail Manager Pro |
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 Mail Boss 7500 Mail Manager Pro |
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The program also provides the opportunity for free installation of the mailbox through the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club. Upon installation, the mailbox and related support structure become the complete responsibility of the property owner. Who Can I Contact if I Have Questions?For questions regarding the program or assistance with filling out the application, contact City Hall at 206-368-5440.
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It’s Salmon SEEson!
The cities of Lake Forest Park and Shoreline are once again presenting an opportunity to participate in Salmon SEEson. The program helps everyone in the community witness amazing salmon migrate upstream at locations around King County. Check out these salmon viewing locations that give you the chance of potentially seeing salmon in Lake Forest Park:
- Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve
- Blue Heron Park
- Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Signs are posted in the parks at all three locations. Check out the Salmon SEEson website for other viewing locations in King County.
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Regional Animal Services Partners with Home To Home to Help People Looking to Rehome Their Pets
Needing to find a new home for a beloved pet is sometimes a difficult reality. While Regional Animal Services of King County strives to ensure surrendered pets have the best possible stay at the Pet Adoption Center, shelters are still a stressful place for animals. That's why RASKC has partnered with Home To Home, an online interactive pet placement platform, to help people find new homes for their pets.
Home To Home is easy to use. People needing to rehome a pet can visit kingcounty.gov/HomeToHome to register for the service and post a profile of their animal, including pictures and a brief description. Interested adopters can also visit the website to register and search for a new pet. Once a match is made, the current guardian can share information directly with the potential adopter about the pet. There is no charge to use Home To Home, and no adoption fee. All animals listed on the platform are free to a new home, and no money is allowed to exchange hands. By adopting through Home To Home, a pet can be transitioned directly from their current home to a new home, avoiding the stress of a stay at the animal shelter. Home To Home isn't just for cats and dogs. It can be used for all domestic and legal pet species, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Using Home To Home helps prevent crowding at local shelters, freeing up resources for pets that have no other option. While RASKC and Home To Home provide the platform for guardians and adopters, pets posted to the site have not been evaluated for health or behavior. Potential adopters should ask the current owner for details on the pet's personality, medical history, and veterinary records. All adopters are encouraged to take their new pet to a veterinarian for a wellness exam, especially if there are any concerns. For more information on the service, visit kingcounty.gov/HomeToHome.
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Recycling Collection Event with the City of Kenmore - September 30, 2023!
The cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are partnering for a combined Recycling Collection Event! Take a look at the event flyer to see the full list of what you can and cannot bring. Please be aware fees do apply for certain items. The collection event will take place Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Northlake Lutheran Church.
Items you can bring (please view the event flyer for full details and information): Tires*, Propane Tanks*, Electronic Equipment, Appliances and Scrap Metal*, Cardboard, Porcelain Toilets & Sinks*, Lead Acid & Household Batteries, Mattresses*, Paper Shredding (4 box limit), Clean Bulky Wood, and Refrigerators & Freezers*.
*Fees apply Please note: No flat beds or dump trucks allowed. We reserve the right to refuse oversized, commercial, contaminated, excessive, or unacceptable loads.
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NEMCo Participates in National Night Out Celebrations in Lake Forest Park and KenmoreBy Katrina Rose – NEMCo Steering Committee Member National Night Out Against Crime is celebrated in many ways across the country each year on the first Tuesday in August. The cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park (LFP) each had different ways of celebrating this year, but both invited the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) to educate the community and encourage citizens to join our serious but fun events. For the LFP celebration there were about 40 community gatherings in local neighborhoods which were visited by LFP Police and the Shoreline Fire Department. These neighborhood ‘block parties’ offered an opportunity for the community to meet its members as well as its emergency services personnel. NEMCo had three teams of two who were able to ride along with LFP Police to about 14 of these gatherings. Kenmore’s celebration was held on Wednesday, August 2, in conjunction with its Farmer's Market, where NEMCo joined in the busy event by setting up a booth staffed with volunteers. For both celebrations, NEMCo volunteers were able to chat with, educate, and discuss NEMCo's mission and activities with residents. In total, volunteers answered questions and distributed information on NEMCo programs as well as general disaster preparedness to over 250 people. Remember to mark your calendars for the first Tuesday and Wednesday in August 2024 so you can volunteer at or participate in these important and fun community events. For more information on NEMCo and disaster preparedness, visit our website at NorthshoreEMC.com.
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Get English Ivy Out of Our Trees!…a message from the Tree Board "English ivy is so pretty as it climbs up brick walls."
"English ivy makes a good ground cover.”
"English ivy spreads quickly, crowding out the weeds." English ivy kills trees.English ivy is considered a Class C noxious weed in Washington, meaning that counties may decide to provide educational information about managing ivy or enforcing control. Ivy is widespread in King County and Lake Forest Park--we see it on embankments, along our creeks, and climbing up our trees. Why should we control ivy on our trees?Ivy spreads rapidly, mostly upward, to reach sunlight. Eventually, the ivy vines can weigh down the tree's branches, making the tree more vulnerable in a storm. Ivy produces seed only in when it grows upright, another reason to keep it off trees and fences so that birds don’t spread it. In addition, ivy spreads by underground runners, covering the soil underneath the tree (not to mention the surrounding area) and soaking up water and nutrients. It will crowd out our native groundcovers, cause problems with water runoff on hillsides, and may harbor pests like rats. How do we control ivy?The best time to start an ivy control project is from October to March, when the vine is dormant. Trying to eradicate ivy while it is actively growing is possible, but it can be difficult to get all the root shoots out of dry, hard soil. Plus, all that digging raises a lot of dust. Getting rid of ivy requires a two-pronged attack: cutting off nutrients to the vines already growing up the tree and digging up the roots. Start by cutting away a one- to two-foot-wide band of the vines about four feet up the tree. This will cut off water and nutrients to the ivy that is tangled in the tree canopy; eventually these vines will die. Wear gloves and long sleeves for this work: Ivy can cause skin irritation and all parts of the ivy are toxic to humans and pets when ingested. Next, begin digging up the roots. Get as much root as you can. Note that this is easier when the ground has been softened by rain. Collect all the ivy you have cut off the trees, plus the roots you’ve dug up, and put it in your yard waste bin for collection by Republic Services. Don’t put it in your home compost bin: Ivy will resprout from the tiniest piece of vine or root and home compost bins don't get hot enough to kill it. Spreading a layer of mulch can discourage new shoots from emerging. Keep after any new shoots that do push their way to the surface and dig those up as well. Can we use an herbicide or weed killer on the ivy?Weedkillers like glyphosate, and even vinegar, are unselective and will kill any and all vegetation they touch. The ivy leaves have a waxy coating which limits absorption, so an herbicide spray may not be the best solution. The mechanical process of cutting back and digging up the vines’ roots will provide better control over time. Getting the ivy out is labor-intensive and may take a few seasons to completely eradicate but you can keep it from climbing and spreading. Your trees will thank you. For additional information: Weed Bulletin-King County Noxious Weed Control Program-English Ivy
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/images/weeds/english-ivy-control_King.pdf WSU Extension Hortsense
https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/weeds-english-ivy-hedera-helix/ Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/english-ivy
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Reminder – Dispose of Pet Waste in Your Own Garbage Can, Not Your Neighbor’s
When out for a walk with your pet, please remember to take bagged pet waste home and double bag it before placing it in your own garbage can. If you walk by a garbage can that’s been placed curbside for pickup, please don’t toss the waste in your neighbor’s can.
How do I dispose of animal waste? - Please double bag dog waste and other pet waste and place into the garbage.
- Do NOT place it in the organics cart.
- Please use your own garbage can, not your neighbor’s.
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Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Citizens – Build a Free GO Bag on September 28 at the Senior Activity Center
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center will host a three-hour Emergency Preparedness event, which will include a two-hour presentation by Kevin Lowery, Director of the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo). Learn what to do in case of a major disaster such as volcanic eruption, earthquake, or major fire across our community. Following Kevin’s presentation, you will be provided a free packet and a list of contents. You will proceed through an assembly line, stuffing your backpack with important items to help keep you safe for up to three days. You will also receive a brochure, noting additional specific needs that adults 50 and over may need in an emergency. Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155 Open to adults aged 65 and over who are residents of Shoreline or Lake Forest Park. *We are limited to 70 backpacks
One backpack per person/no exceptions
Must register in advance by calling 206-365-1536
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Threadcycle Offers Textile Recycling
Take your unwanted linens and clothing to your local Threadcycle location. To find the drop-off location nearest you, click here.
Damaged clothes and linens aren’t garbage anymore. Up to 95 percent of the clothes, shoes, and linens thrown in the garbage could have been reused or recycled. Many local organizations want all your clothes, shoes, and linens for reuse or recycling – even damaged items – in any condition except wet, mildewed or contaminated with hazardous materials.
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Puget Sound Starts Here…Garden Hotline’s Fall Gardening Tips
Fall is the perfect time to get your grass back into shape. Whether you’ve let it go brown during the summer months and it needs some rejuvenation, or you just want to give it a bit of extra vibrancy, be sure to take the proper steps to enhance your lawn as well as protect the environment.
When the rain does arrive (around September), use a slow-release fertilizer, but be careful! Pay close attention to the recommended amounts for application. Too much fertilizer can lead to pollutant runoff, where excess fertilizer that wasn’t absorbed into the soil flows into the nearest waterway. Also, be aware of hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and roadways near your application area. Sweep all fertilizer granules from hard surfaces to prevent pollutant runoff from entering the storm drains. While you prep your yard for winter, be sure to keep the leaves at bay. Mulch them using your mower and use them to provide a top layer of decomposing nutrients for your soil and lawn. Or pick them up and compost them as a preventative measure to keep your storm drains free and clear of clogs. In whatever way you plan to nourish your lawn, always keep in mind the nearby waterways that could be affected by your activities. Check out the Garden Hotline for answers to your questions, attend a class, or find new information!
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Shoreline-Lake Forest Park and Duvall-Carnation Community Van
Hopelink Mobility Management provides trip coordination for the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park and Duvall-Carnation Community Vans in partnership with King County Metro and participating cities. This service is designed to provide residents with customized options for getting around when bus service can’t meet their needs. All trips are driven by Metro-approved volunteer drivers and are dependent on volunteer availability.
Community Van trips are scheduled in advance through a local Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC). To request a trip, or to work with your CTC to propose a new trip, call 425-943-6721, email communityvan@hopelink.org, or fill out the electronic trip form. If you don’t know the details of your trip or have questions, feel free to email or call the Community Van program! Check out the Community Van webpage for more information.
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Stay Current on City News
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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