City of Lake Forest Park
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440 October 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) undertook 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 have contacted the state regarding our displeasure. So far, we have not received a response to our concerns. 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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 L-R Judge Grant, Officer Alcean, Officer Montague, Chief Harden |
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 Officer Francisco Montague |
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New Police Officer Hires!
The Lake Forest Park Police Department is delighted to introduce two new lateral police officers! Hubermann Alcean and Francisco Montague were officially sworn in by LFP Municipal Judge Jennifer Grant at the City Council meeting on September 14.
Hubermann Alcean, originally hailing from Haiti, joins us from the Renton Police Department. He is a devoted family man, happily married and the proud father of five children. Before embarking on his career in law enforcement, Officer Alcean worked as an Emergency Room Technician for several years. In addition to his police duties, Officer Alcean currently serves in the Washington State Army National Guard as a dedicated military police officer. He possesses a deep-rooted passion for public service and is both honored and enthusiastic about becoming a valuable member of the Lake Forest Park Police Department. Outside of his professional life, Officer Alcean enjoys quality time with his family, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through workouts, and indulging in his love for soccer. Francisco Montague brings a wealth of experience from his tenure with the Kirkland and Brier Police Departments. His journey toward a career in law enforcement began at a young age when he enrolled in a Police Explorer program. A native of Washington state, Officer Montague graduated from high school and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior from the University of Washington. Beyond the confines of his work, Officer Montague finds solace in the gym, has a deep appreciation for country music, relishes outdoor activities, and cherishes moments spent with his cherished circle of close friends and family.
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You Can Help Shape the Vision for the City’s Future Public Lakefront Park!
The City of Lake Forest Park has acquired two parcels, totaling 1.91 acres, on the shores of Lake Washington to provide the community with active water recreation opportunities. This multi-year effort requires community participation and input. The City and its consultants are now embarking on the design of a future public waterfront that will feature expanded park and community space.
Your input is essential to the design of Lake Forest Park’s future public lakefront park! Share your thoughts and vision for the new lakefront park improvement project by taking the community survey. Please also join us at a Community Workshop on Wednesday, October 25, at Lake Forest Park City Hall. This is an open house event with activities for all ages. Stop by anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the project and take a virtual tour on the project website. Be sure to visit the project website for more information on the project, sign up to receive email updates, and go on a virtual tour of the park!
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Council Corner - Communicating with Your Council
I thought it timely to provide a brief overview of the different ways that you, the citizens of our community, can effectively communicate with your City Council.
Direct Email: The Meet Your Elected Officials page on the city website has each Council Member’s individual email listed as well as an option to email the Council collectively. This is a very effective and efficient means of reaching out to your policy makers. Sign up for city notifications and newsflashes: This is a great way to remain informed. Sign up on the City website to subscribe to all city notifications and newsflashes or just to the topics that interest you. Public comment: Comment is always welcome at city meetings with only a couple of exceptions. Our rules allow each speaker 3 minutes to make their comments. A couple of very important things to keep in mind when making public comment: First, our rules do not allow us to respond directly to questions or inquiries at the time of public comment. This is to protect everyone from getting into an unproductive “back and forth” dialogue. However, in the case of a specific issue or concern, staff will make a note of the topic and may ask for additional contact information for a follow up. Second, please keep it civil and respectful. We all are neighbors who care about each other and inevitably occasionally have a difference of opinion. Our Council prides itself on sometimes disagreeing with each other and members of the community but doing so with respect and civility. Please be kind to your neighbors! Opportunities for public comment include: Regular City Council Meetings (second and fourth Thursdays of the month) early in the agenda Council Committee of the Whole Meetings (Monday before the 4th Thursday of the month) at the end of the agenda Budget and Finance Committee Meetings (third Thursday of the month) at the end of the agenda Public Hearings (held during regular Council Meetings or as necessary) during the time designated for the hearing Town Halls/ Open Houses (held as opportunity allows) during the meeting Other meetings where public comment is taken: Planning Commission Meetings (second Tuesday of the month) near the beginning and at the end of the agenda Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meetings (third Wednesday of the month) at the end of agenda Keep informed with social media: The City utilizes several social media platforms to inform the public of what’s going on in the City. Keep in mind that this is for information only and Council Members and staff won’t directly respond to citizen posts or replies to posts by the City. Other methods of communicating with your City Council: You may use regular mail and send us your comments or call us directly at 206-368-5440. We represent all of you in the City and it is our privilege to hear what you have to say! Please reach out to us anytime. --Deputy Mayor Tom French
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SPU Asks Customers to Voluntarily Reduce Water Use
Seattle Public Utilities is asking customers to voluntarily reduce water use in response to the unusually dry summer and anticipated continued dry conditions experienced in our region.
Background: After an unusually dry summer and with an extended forecast that calls for continued dry conditions, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) activated the Voluntary Stage of our Water Shortage Contingency Plan on September 21. The 1.5 million people in the greater Seattle area that get water from the Seattle regional water system are being asked to voluntarily reduce their water use. What can I do to save water?
Visit the Saving Water Partnership website, SavingWater.org, for more information and the full list actions you can take to save water. Here are some of the top actions we are asking customers to take: - Stop watering your lawn for the season. Water established trees, shrubs, and perennials once a month or less. (It’s okay to efficiently water newly planted lawns, young plants and trees, and vegetable gardens).
- Take shorter or fewer showers and take showers instead of baths.
- Fix leaks, especially running toilets.
Who is being asked to save water?
Everyone--residences and businesses—who gets water from the Seattle regional water system. This includes 25 different water utilities and a total of 1.5 million people in the greater Seattle area. We have a map of the affected utilities and customers on SavingWater.org and Seattle.gov/utilities. More information is available on the SavingWater.org website, on SPU’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan FAQs, and the SPU Water Saving Tips flyer.
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LFPPD Participates in the Pink Patch Project Again This Year
The Pink Patch Project is an innovative public awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations in combating this devastating disease.
The Lake Forest Park Police Department has been participating since 2018, having raised thousands of dollars to support research and bring awareness to our area. Our officers proudly wear pink patches on their uniforms during the month of October. Stop by the Police Department if you would like to purchase a patch or coin to support the Pink Patch Project.
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Regional Animal Services of King County “Collar ID” Campaign
A message from our pet partner, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC):
We all know how valuable caller ID is on our cell phones. The same holds true for having “Collar ID” on our pets. A RASKC pet license not only provides identification protecting pets 24/7 should they get lost, but also helps fund our county animal services program. Last year, our shelter took in 3,763 lost pets. We were able to return 895 pets successfully to their owners. Just think how many more we might have reunited with their families if these lost pets had been licensed. Stop by the LFP City Hall reception desk, license online at kingcounty.gov/LicenseMyPet, or call 206-296-2712.
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The Benefits of a Tree
September through November is the best time to plant trees! Planting in the fall gives trees an extra growing season before the stress of summer. Cooler temperatures and rain allow trees to establish their roots, making it easier on them to adjust to extreme heat or drought in the summer. Visit your local nursery and add a new tree to your yard! It's one of the easiest ways to add beauty to your home and support our community and environment.
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 2022 recycling event with Kenmore |
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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The Great ShakeOut is Almost HereSubmitted by Kevin Lowery – NEMCo Emergency Manager Within various emergency preparedness circles, October is known for a specific event, the International Great ShakeOut, occurring this year on Thursday, October 19, at 10:19 a.m. During this worldwide earthquake drill, we remind everyone to DROP to the ground, take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and to HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. If you are outside when an earthquake hits, remember to find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines before you DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. As you participate in this year’s drill, which I encourage everyone to do, I hope that you also take this opportunity to properly assess your home and workplace to make sure you are prepared in the event of an earthquake. Specifically, I would like everyone to evaluate these areas to look for objects that may fall on you, such as unsecured bookshelves or cabinets, and take note of the nearest points of egress. Remember, your primary entrance and exit may be blocked or otherwise inaccessible after an event. Your best exit may be something more unconventional, such as through a first-floor window or service entrance. Also, if you didn’t do so during September, National Preparedness Month, please use this drill as another reminder to create or review your home emergency plans, restock or organize your disaster supplies, and be prepared for the winter months. It’s never too late to make sure you are ready for any hazard, not just earthquakes. For more specific information on NEMCo and disaster preparedness, visit our website at NorthshoreEMC.com. To register for the Great ShakeOut, visit Shakeout.org and join the 47.3 million participants already registered.
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No Wipes Down Pipes!
Side sewer pipes are the homeowner’s property and responsibility. Remember to only flush toilet paper--“flushable” wipes or paper towels can clog or break pipes and cause nightmares once sewage starts backing up into your house!
Only flush toilet paper and give your pipes a treat!
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Puget Sound Starts Here…Check Tire Pressure
Keeping local water cleaner can be as easy as making sure your vehicle’s tires have the right amount of air in them. Properly inflated tires don’t wear down as quickly, which means less tire particle pollution ends up washing down the storm drains on the streets and into local streams.
Learn about more vehicle maintenance tips that make a big difference in the health of Puget Sound’s waters at the Puget Sound Starts Here Car Care webpage. #PugetSoundStartsHere
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Volunteers Still Needed for Advisory Boards and Committees
Climate Action Committee
There are two vacant student representative positions on the Climate Action Committee. The terms expire February 28, 2025. Student representatives must be residents of Lake Forest Park and high school or college students. If you are interested, please complete the online application.
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. Full terms on the Committee are for three years, and there is currently one vacant position, with a partial term that expires February 28, 2024. Planning Commission
There is currently one vacancy on the Planning Commission. Terms are for three years, and the term of the vacant position expires February 28, 2025. If you are interested, please complete the online application. Tree Board
There are currently three vacancies on the Tree Board. Terms are for three years, and the terms for all three vacant positions expire 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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Mark Your Calendars, the King County Wastemobile will be in Bothell October 20-22
Do you have Household Hazardous Waste that needs disposal? The King County Wastemobile is making a stop in Bothell the weekend of Friday – Sunday, October 20-22, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to provide household hazardous waste disposal services for King County residents. The address is: 18115 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011.
You may drop off items such as antifreeze, batteries, gasoline, fluorescent lights, and pesticides. To view the full list of what you can and cannot bring and learn some safety tips visit the King County Household Hazardous Waste webpage or call the Household Hazards Line with King County at 206-296-4692. If you cannot make it to the Wastemobile, do not dispose of your hazardous waste like cleaning products, batteries, or pesticides in the garbage or down the drain. Take your hazardous waste to the North Seattle Hazardous Waste drop-off site for safe disposal. Additional information is available on the link above.
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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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