CITY MANAGER'S INFOBULLETS: Hector Joins National Bike Ride, American Lake and South Sound 911

• National Police Week Unity Tour Bicycle Ride:  Police Investigator Michelle Hector rode 225 miles in the National Police Week Unity Tour Bicycle Ride.  The ride began in Somerset, NJ on May 10 and ended in Washington, D.C. on May 12. There were more than 1,400 police officers involved and each had to raise $1,700 for the National Law Enforcement Memorial in order to qualify to ride. Along the bicycle routes, riders stopped at 14 Target stores to further the group’s mission of raising awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.  Several LPD personnel were in attendance for this year’s National Police Week ceremonies in Washington, D.C. as well.

• Pierce County Animal Response Team at Lakewood:  Pierce County Animal Response Team (PCART) held a meet-and-greet at Lakewood City Hall on Saturday, May 19.  Over twenty pet advocates and potential volunteers learned about the history of the group and how they can become more involved. PCART is part of the Citizen Corps of Pierce County and dedicated to supporting coordinated community efforts before, during and after local disasters. This group has been instrumental in setting up animal shelters near human shelters during local disaster events. Parks, Recreation and Community Services director Mary Dodsworth was recognized for her support of this group and dedication to helping to establish a pet sheltering system in Pierce County. 

• American Lake homeowners meeting:  At the annual meeting of the American Lake Improvement Club on May 22, the City made several presentations, including a report on city parks by Director Mary Dodsworth and marine services unit update by Sgt. John Fraser.  The city manager provided an overview of the City’s coordination plans regarding the lake, and Councilmember Paul Bocchi was introduced.  West Pierce Fire reported on the proposed new house numbering system to improve identification from the lake side during emergencies.

• Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives:   Sergeant John Unfred attended the Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives this week in Tumwater.

• South Sound 911 Policy Board: The newly-formed South Sound 911 Policy Board held its first monthly meeting in its new location at Lakewood City Hall on May 23.  The board is chaired by County Executive Pat McCarthy and includes eight elected officials representing the member agencies, including Mayor Doug Richardson. This meeting included action on approving the preliminary budget for radio system expenditures to enable the interoperability of public safety agencies throughout Pierce County, for both Police and Fire.

• Computer Clubhouse 10th Anniversary: The Pierce College-sponsored Computer Clubhouse, located at the Harrison Preparatory School in Lake City, celebrated its tenth anniversary on May 22 with a substantial turnout of young people who have been involved in the program presently and in past years.  The City of Lakewood is a funding agency of the program. Speakers at the event were the city manager, Pierce College Chancellor Michelle Johnson, Senator Mike Carrell, and program director Kurt Sample.

• Ft. Steilacoom Park awarded “Best Dog Park” in the South Sound: At a South Sound Magazine Awards Ceremony on May 24th, Economic Development Manager Ellie Chamber-Grady accepted the award for Fort Steilacoom Park’s dog park, which was voted Best Dog Park in the South Sound by over 5,000 magazine readers. 

• Court Administrator attends annual DMCMA conference:  Court Administrator Deana Wright attended the annual District Municipal Court Managers association (DMCMA) Conference in Cle Elum.  The conference is attended by Court Administrators from around the State.  Topics included Leading Courts in Times of Scarcity and Change, Developing and Training for High Performance Results and Radical Resiliency.  There were many discussions of how to do more with less due to the current economic situation.

• Kids Fish In Event: On Saturday, May 19, approximately 225 kids participated in the Kids Fish-In Event at American Lake Park. Each participant received a rod and reel and a tee shirt.  Puget Sound Anglers provided a fish-cleaning station, Trout Unlimited repaired rods and reels, Clover Park Kiwanis provided a hot dog lunch for the volunteers, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary provided water safety information to all participants. The Fire Department gave first aid support and student volunteers from both Clover Park and Lakes high schools kept everyone with bait and ready to fish.

• McLane Northwest recognized at City Council meeting: The City recognized McLane Northwest as part of our Business Showcase on May 21st. They are a food distribution company located in the Lakewood Industrial park. Established here in Lakewood in 1980, they support 90 jobs and service five states. Division Manager, Everett Boutwell and two team members were honored for their commitment to safety, community support, charitable contributions, and “spoiling their customers.”

- From the office of Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz