City of Lake Forest Park
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440 JULY 2024 |
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Reminder – Speed Zone Cameras Active on NE 178th Street
The Lake Forest Park City Council has approved two new speed zone cameras for NE 178th Street near Brookside Elementary School. This action continues the city’s commitment to increase pedestrian and multimodal safety, especially near schools. In a cost-saving measure, existing school zone cameras were reconfigured to work at all times, enforcing the posted 25 mph speed limit. Once school resumes in September, the speed limit monitored by these cameras will continue to be 20 mph during school times (when the warning light is flashing) and 25 mph at all other times. From data collected from the school zone cameras, the city knows that those cameras are effective at getting drivers to reduce their vehicle’s speeds in that area: re-offenders accounted for only 9% of the issued citations. These two cameras began recording speeds on June 3, 2024, with warnings being provided to speeding motorists. Warnings will continue to be provided until July 15, 2024, when citations will start being issued. Please, give our students and other residents on foot, bicycle or scooter a break and slow down. - Mayor Tom French
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DEPARTMENT UPDATES- City Wide Speed Limits
- Expanded Passport Hours
- City Employment Opportunities
- Locking Mailbox Program
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New Citywide Speed Limits Coming Soon
The City of Lake Forest Park introduced a Traffic Calming Program in 2018 to address residents’ concerns relative to speeding throughout the city. This program is staffed by the Police Department, Public Works Department, and a contract traffic engineer. Their charge is to evaluate citizen requests and, following the general framework in the flowchart, effect changes in behavior through education, enforcement, physical changes to the roadway, or some combination of these. After many years of street-by-street review, on October 13, 2022 the City Council adopted the National Association of Transportation Officials (NACTO) “City Limits” Summer 2022 Edition, and instructed the administration to bring forward a contract for the performance of a citywide Safe Speed Study in accordance with the NACTO guidelines to determine speed limits within the city that will best minimize the risk of persons being killed or seriously injured in Lake Forest Park. On April 11, 2024, the City Council accepted the final draft of the Safe Speed Study and, with this acceptance, adopted the following changes to speed limits throughout the city. - Set a default 25 mph speed limit for all arterial and collector roadways.
- Set a default 20 mph speed limit for all streets classified as “local access.”
(those roads not colored in the map)
Further updates will be provided as the City works to implement these new speed limits citywide.
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Passport Services Expands Hours
Thinking about traveling overseas this fall or winter – be sure to get your passport in order. The City has expanded the hours passport services are offered! Appointments are available: - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Friday - 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday - 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Schedule an appointment today! City passport agents are able to process the DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport form. You will need to submit the DS-11 form if you are applying for the first time, applying for a minor, or are otherwise not eligible for the DS-82 renewal form. If you have questions about which form to complete, call City Hall at 206-368-5440 to speak with an agent. A reminder that the City can also take your passport photo at your appointment for an additional fee. If you are an adult renewing a recently expired passport (or soon expiring) with the DS-82, Application for Renewal for Eligible Individuals, city staff is happy to answer any questions or review an application for completeness any time during City business hours.
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Employment Opportunities with the City
The City currently has the following job openings:
Lead Maintenance Worker Under the direction of the Public Works Superintendent, the Lead Maintenance Worker organizes, trains, and oversees the day-to-day operations of assigned maintenance workers responsible for performing a variety of skilled maintenance and operational tasks within the City’s streets, roads, sewer and storm water facilities, parks, and other City facilities; ensures maintenance and repair work is completed safely, effectively, and in a timely manner; assists team members with technical issues or advanced problems; inspects work performed by team members; tracks and logs maintenance workers’ time, materials, and other resources used for cost allocation and other financial implications; performs coaching to maintenance workers for minor disciplinary issues and refers more serious cases to the Public Works Superintendent. Because of the small size of the City staff, each employee is expected to perform a wide range of field duties as may be required from time to time. This position is eligible to earn overtime for hours worked over forty (40) per workweek and is covered under Teamsters Local 117 collective bargaining agreement. Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Frequent evening, night and weekend work required, as well as call-out services as directed. Note: A valid Washington State Class “A” CDL license is required upon hire date. Senior Project Manager - This is a full-time, benefit eligible, non-exempt position eligible for overtime.
Under the direction of the Project Works Director, the Senior Project Manager performs the more complex, advanced, and senior-level coordination, maintenance, management, and oversight of the delivery of assigned projects. The purpose of the position is to monitor the progress and assist in the execution of public works capital projects including planning, scheduling, coordinating, tracking, and administration; administer project from inception to completion including design, review, public input and meetings, bidding, contract management and project completion; NPDES II compliance coordinator and administration of the capital improvement plan (CIP). This position supervises the Project Manager. Senior Planner - This is a full-time, benefit eligible, non-exempt position eligible for overtime.
Under the direction of the Community Development Director, the Senior Planner is responsible for a variety of complex and professional current or long-range planning duties including administering zoning, subdivision, shoreline, and environmental regulations; provide interpretations and assure that land use proposals comply with environmental impact requirements under SEPA and other environmental legislation; administer environmental, land use and zoning processes; develop land use policies; inform the public, land developers and others regarding code requirements; perform lead duties and provide work direction on planning projects as assigned; develop staff reports and make presentations before the Planning Commission, Tree Board, Hearing Examiner, and other public forums, as required. Lateral Police Officer and Entry-Level Police Officer The City of Lake Forest Park is currently accepting lateral applications for the position of Police Officer. Lake Forest Park Police employs 20 full time commissioned Officers and 3 support staff members. Located on the north shore of Lake Washington, Lake Forest Park is a great, supportive community. With low crime rates, our police officers have the ability to make a difference for our citizens. Learn more about the Lake Forest Park Police Department here. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications for a Lateral Police Officer, please visit Public Safety Testing to learn about Entry-Level testing opportunities with the LFP Police Department. More information about these positions is available here.
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Locking Mailbox Program
If you haven’t already taken advantage of the Locking Mailbox Program, the cost is $122.16 ($99.20 plus $11.66 shipping and $11.30 sales tax) which is significantly lower than the retail cost of $160 (plus tax and shipping fee, if applicable).
For questions regarding the program or assistance with filling out the application, contact City Hall at 206-368-5440.
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EVENTS IN JULY- LFPPD Hosts 4th Annual Safety Day – 7/13
- Comprehensive Plan Update Open House – 7/16
- LFP Summer Events
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LFPPD Hosts 4th Annual Safety Day – July 13, 2024
It’s that time of year when warmer weather and longer days mean more families are enjoying the outdoors. With the popularity of biking and swimming, ensuring community safety becomes paramount. The LFP Police Department is delighted to announce its 4th annual Safety Day on July 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Lake Forest Park City Hall. Mark your calendars and save the date! This year’s event includes complimentary bike helmets and life jackets for kids as well as adults with disabilities (available on a first-come, first served basis), goodie bags for the children, and a bicycle obstacle course. Bring your appetite and check out the food vendors. Grab a ticket and take aim to dunk either Chief Harden or Mayor French in the dunk tank! Proceeds benefit the North Sound Police Foundation.
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Open House for Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update – July 16, 2024
The City of Lake Forest Park’s decennial Comprehensive Plan periodic update is well under way, now into its second year. The active update effort is required by state law to address recent legislative changes, new King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs), and the Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) VISION 2050. Collectively, there are new requirements and policies that change the ways we plan for housing, address the needs of vulnerable residents, and incorporate climate planning. As a member of the Lake Forest Park community, we value your insight and ideas about the city. The city is holding an open house for the community, hosted by the City's Planning Commission, at Third Place Commons, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The open house is an informal setting to learn about the update, ask questions, and give feedback to the Commissioners as a check-in at this point in the process. The Commission has reviewed the existing goals and policies in the adopted 2015 Comprehensive Plan and made draft amendments to each element. Before the Commission holds a noticed public hearing and makes a recommendation to the City Council, the open house is an opportunity to update and check in with the community on this important effort.
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 Concert in the Park 2023 - Pfingst Animal Acres Park |
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Summer is Here! Check out our LFP Summer Events and Stay Tuned for Updated Information as Summer Progresses!
- Concert in the Park – E. Pruitt and Maureese Itson: July 31, 6:30PM – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Arts in the Park - Shakespeare: August 10, 4:00PM – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Feria Viva Latinoamerica: August 24, 11:00AM to 6:00PM – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Family Day at the Farmers Market: August 25, 10:00AM to 3:00PM – City Hall Parking Lot
- Picnic in the Park!: September 7, 10:00AM to 2:00PM – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- The LFP Farmers Market is now open every Sunday through October 20th!
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COMMUNITY INFORMATION- KCLS – Summer Reading Program
- Ditch the Pavement to Protect our Creeks
- Hot Dogs are not Cool Dogs
- Smart Watering
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King County Library System’s Annual Summer Reading Program Started June 17
The King County Library System (KCLS) invites King County residents to participate in its annual Summer Reading Program. Patrons are encouraged to track minutes spent reading from June 17 to August 31. Visit kcls.org/summer for more information, including reading recommendations and a list of events. Participants are encouraged to read at least 20 minutes per day, but they can set their own reading goals. They may read anything they choose to, and reading to someone else or listening to an audiobook counts toward reading minutes as well. Starting June 17, patrons may pick up a reading log at a KCLS library or track their reading online through the Beanstack app. Patrons can earn prizes for signing up and reaching their reading goals. Prizes and reading logs this year feature artwork from local artist Kate Endle. Prizes are made possible by the King County Library System Foundation and are available while supplies last. Sign-up Prizes
Earn prizes for picking up a reading log at the library or for showing the Beanstack reading log to KCLS staff at the front desk. Each age category may receive the following items: - Children and teens: Vouchers for Seattle Storm tickets, up to four per household.
- All ages: Sticker and bookmark with artwork from local artist Kate Endle.
Finisher Prizes
Earn prizes for completing a reading log. Each age category may receive the following items: - Children: KCLS Reader badge with artwork from local artist Kate Endle. Complete four reading logs to earn all four badges, each with a different design.
- Teens and adults: Gnome tote bags with artwork from local artist Kate Endle.
Patrons may also participate in fun and educational activities all summer long, such as arts and crafts workshops, music and magic programs, outdoor StoryWalks, STEM learning opportunities and a variety of literary events. Reading is important for all ages. Research shows that children and teens grow their reading skills when they choose their own books and read for enjoyment. It is especially important to keep children’s minds active and engaged during the summer to prevent learning loss while students are out of school. Reading for pleasure also benefits adults. It improves brain health, reduces stress, and offers opportunities for learning and growth. “KCLS’ Summer Reading Program is about tearing down social barriers, expanding knowledge and creating communities of readers focused on enhancing and challenging oneself while having fun,” said KCLS Youth and Family Services Manager Hkwau’a’Que’Jol Hollins. “Our annual reading challenge gives patrons an opportunity to gain confidence in reading comprehension skills and form lasting relationships with peers and KCLS staff.” Media Contact: Sarah Thomas, sjthomas@kcls.org, 425.369.3277
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Ditch the Driveway to Protect our Creeks
Summer is finally here and that means car washing season is upon us in the PNW. Grab your hose and bio-degradable soap but ditch the driveway. Car washing on pavement sends suds and dirty wash water (i.e. pollution) into our storm drains, and our storm drains carry that dirty wash water directly into our creeks and lakes without treatment. Consider washing your car on grass or gravel. Your lawn is Mother Nature’s water filter. Or wash at a commercial car wash where all wash water is treated after going down the drain.
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Hot Dogs are not Cool Dogs
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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MEETING INFORMATION- City Council and Advisory Body Meetings
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July Meeting Schedule
All meetings are held in the hybrid format at City Hall and via Zoom.
City Council
- July 11 Work Session at 6:00 p.m.; Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
- July 18 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- July 22 Committee of the Whole Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- July 25 Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Tree Board - July 10 Special Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Information may be subject to change. For the most current meeting information, please check the City’s meetings calendar and the Agendas & Minutes webpage.
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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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