City of Lake Forest Park
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440

OCTOBER 2024

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Climate Action Plan Accepted
LFP Awarded $2 Million in Funding for Roundabout Project
Volunteers Needed for LFP Planning Commission and Tree Board
Join Our Team: Lake Forest Park is Hiring!
Celebrating Scott Walker’s Dedication to Lake Forest Park!

Lake Forest Park Climate Action Plan Accepted

At the June 13, 2024, Lake Forest Park City Council meeting, councilmembers formally accepted the Climate Action Plan researched and drafted over the last two years by the city-appointed LFP Climate Action Committee. This establishes the Climate Action Plan as policy to guide the City’s practices in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and developing resilience to climate impacts in Lake Forest Park.

The Climate Action Plan stresses the immediacy of direct and creative action to protect LFP residents and ecosystems against destructive and expensive consequences. Focused on climate impact preparation, recommendations include requested resources to address proactive acquisition of state and federal grants, advancement of collaborative strategies to effectively leverage resources among neighboring north King County cities to accomplish large actions, and continuing to promote outreach to the community alongside the Climate Action Committee.

The Climate Action Plan illustrates the potential of these important changes by providing a vision of the future for each area of action, that contextualizes the implementation of ideas highlighted in each category. For example, we envision near-future LFP transportation (air travel, on-road vehicles, and off-road machinery) consisting of the wide use of low-to-no carbon options that are safe, accessible and affordable, replacing the fossil-fuel powered equipment that currently contributes 69% of LFP’s total GHG emissions.

Enjoy the easy-to-read report, available here.

Members of the Climate Action Committee are available to present and discuss this action plan and how we can reduce emissions in Lake Forest Park. If you would like to schedule a presentation email climate@cityoflfp.gov.

Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in LFP

Photo Credit: Vecteezy

LFP Awarded $2 Million in Funding for Roundabout Project

We are excited to announce that the City of Lake Forest Park's SR104 & 40th Place NE Roundabout project has been selected for a conditional award of $2,000,000 from the Washington State Public Works Board (PWB). The board approved this funding award on September 6, 2024.

This funding is critical to our efforts to improve traffic flow and safety at this intersection. Upon completing the necessary underwriting process, we will receive an official award letter outlining the terms of the loan. 

We look forward to this project's positive impact on our community. Thank you for your continued support.

Volunteers Needed for LFP Planning Commission & Tree Board

Would you like to help the LFP community by volunteering? If so, there are currently vacancies on the City's Planning Commission and Tree Board!

If you would like to apply for any of these openings, please complete the online application.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission provides recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for changes and updates to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning code, and land use policies. As citizen representatives, commissioners recommend programs and policies according to the needs and values of the community. The Planning Commission is required by law, and is governed by state statute and city ordinance.

The Planning Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are hybrid – on Zoom and in-person at City Hall. Commissioners must live within or own property within the city limits of Lake Forest Park.

Terms are for three years and two alternate positions are currently vacant. Alternate Commissioners automatically fill any partial term vacancies that may arise.

Please email Community Development Director Mark Hofman with questions.

Tree Board

The Tree Board provides advice to the City Council on policy and regulatory issues involving trees, provides outreach and education to the community on tree-related issues, and organizes and facilitates public events involving trees.

The Tree Board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are hybrid—on Zoom and in-person at City Hall. Board members must live within or own property within the city limits of Lake Forest Park.

Terms are for three years and there are currently two partial term vacancies and two alternate vacancies.

Please email Assistant Planner Elizabeth Talavera with questions.

Join Our Team: Lake Forest Park is Hiring!

The City currently has the following job openings:

Building Official

This is full-time, benefit eligible, non-exempt position eligible for overtime.

The Building Official applies a full working knowledge of building trades and construction codes to regular work situations; Reviews building and construction plans and perform inspections of residential and light commercial buildings for compliance with applicable State and City codes; Assures compliance with all I-codes, Washington State Energy Code, and other related City land use and development codes through review and inspection, correction notices and enforcement actions; Assists the general public and design professionals in requirements, interpretation and explanation of applicable codes; Develops policies and procedures in support of Community Development activities and needs; Oversees assigned staff and ensures all permit issuance, inspection and plan examinations are performed in accordance with adopted codes.

Duties require an individual to be extremely organized to meet deadlines and display a strong attention to detail with minimal supervision. Responsibilities have a significant impact on the City’s Community Development activities and customer satisfaction.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrating Scott Walker's Dedication to Lake Forest Park!

In September, the City of Lake Forest Park recognized and thanked Public Works Superintendent Scott Walker for his 23 years of dedicated service to the City and its residents. Scott's career at the City of Lake Forest Park began in February 2001 as a Maintenance Worker, eventually leading to his promotion to the role of Public Works Superintendent.

Over the years, Scott has been instrumental in supporting the City's efforts during numerous windstorms, snowstorms, roadway projects, traffic calming initiatives, and more. Congratulations on a great career; we wish him all the best in his retirement!

EVENTS IN OCTOBER

Lakefront Park Community Workshop: October 16, 5:30 - 7:30 PM – City Hall
King County Wastemobile: October 18 - 20, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM – Bothell
Paws in the Park!: October 19, 1:00 - 5:00 PM – Pfingst Animal Acres Park

King County Wastemobile - October 18 - 20, 2024

Mark Your Calendars, the King County Wastemobile will be in Bothell October 18 - 20!

Do you have Household Hazardous Waste that needs disposal? The King County Wastemobile is making a stop in Bothell, Friday – Sunday, October 18 – 20, 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 website or call the Household Hazards Line with King County at 206-296-4692.

If you cannot make it to the Wastemobile, do not dispose 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.

Paws in the Park! - October 19, 2024

Save the date! Join us Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pfingst Animal Acres Park for Paws in the Park! It’s going to be a pawty for paws and the family!

Invite neighbors and friends to celebrate our LFP Community. There will be a beer garden, community partner booths, food trucks, and FREE fun for the whole family!

This year, we have a special performance by LFP legend and ShoreLake Arts 2023 Battle of the Bands reigning champ, King Youngblood.

Paws and Costumes encouraged, but not necessary. Stay tuned for exciting updates and special guests to be added for a fun day in LFP!

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Recycling Tips - Empty. Clean. Dry.
Leaves are Changing and Wetter Weather is Upon Us!
Reminder, it's Salmon "SEEson"
Don't Haunt Your Pipes - Only Flush Toilet Paper!
License Your Pets with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)

Recycling Tips - Empty. Clean. Dry.

Are you recycling properly? Use these tips to ensure your materials are empty, clean, and dry.

More information here.

Leaves are Changing and Wetter Weather is Upon Us!

What can you do to protect yourself, your neighbors, and the environment? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Clear Storm Drains: Keep storm drains free of leaves and debris. Dispose of them in your yard waste tote or compost to help prevent flooding and pooling. DO NOT rake or blow leaves into the street, ditches, or rights-of-way.
Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Keep your home’s gutters and downspouts free of excess leaves.
Use Sandbags and Landscape Barriers: Using sandbags or landscape barriers helps prevent washout into the road.

If flooding is severe, or you find evidence of dumping, please call 206-368-5440. For more information on flood preparation check out our website.

In need of sandbags? Our Public Works has some prepared and ready to grab at these locations.

Reminder: it's Salmon "SEEson"

This 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 park at all three locations. Check out the Salmon SEEson website for other viewing opportunities and education resources.

More information on viewing locations in Lake Forest Park.

Don't Haunt Your Pipes - Only Flush Toilet Paper!

Side sewer pipes are the homeowner’s property and responsibility up to and including the connection to the mainline. 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!

License Your Pets with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)

MEETING INFORMATION

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.