[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6260409,"mediaKeyId","3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505","parentId",3131706,"title","Council proclaims late Deputy Mayor Lori Bodie’s service, outlines next steps to fill vacancy and delays vice-chair vote","audioSeconds",3180,"startMs",461000,"endMs",3641000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505&start=461&end=3641","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505/thumbnail_461000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6260409/Lake-Forest-Park/King-County/Washington/Council-proclaims-late-Deputy-Mayor-Lori-Bodies-service-outlines-next-steps-to-fill-vacancy-and-delays-vice-chair-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260409-70ad33c64dea64f373c43b6161af0210/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141831&Signature=IRLtvHpPCL7xLAlCOOLAvfXo3Nwf2-JnOKgnJCkO32mgQZa7Y8s0wqOhaXaCAEjzDdPxfYtYpkt2wOO~ltCAtLh30YrcztBlUsWsv~SxYnO0VeH0N-EIsgGfiWSwtgxSxbhnCQ8smwZ3VB4QybgXzA6K28xr4LLIlcYn5HZXjAbCECsTih6O9ua2DowAsRKa7r5SRzAc2mzNII-6pNBdyUDhLKTuP1yGmyroQz5qEUOupC2Nuu68UP4jPAobGe5Twe6EFiOjUnzNggkEU8BetCvOSUc6Aakb4kg6Bj5AF7GaepLsOMBhz80HG951stCZLBKZzApWryrWD-R4OMnazA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lake Forest Park, WA","date","2025-04-26T16:05:50.663Z","article","The Lake Forest Park City Council opened its April 24 meeting with a proclamation honoring the life and public service of Deputy Mayor Lori Bodie, who died April 17. The council read the proclamation, observed a moment of silence, and several councilmembers described Bodie as a mentor, environmental advocate and steadying influence on the council.

Proclamation and remarks: The mayor read a multi-paragraph proclamation that recounted Bodie’s years of service, civic and environmental work and contributions to council, the planning commission and Parks & Recreation board. Councilmembers and staff took turns reflecting on Bodie’s mentorship and leadership; members described her work on public safety funding, environmental stewardship and volunteer engagement.

Leadership and vacancy guidance: City attorney Pratt briefed the council on governance rules and succession. Pratt said the council’s governance manual and standard parliamentary practice indicate the vice chair assumes the chair’s duties when the chair is unable to serve; Pratt interpreted that to include replacing the chair after a vacancy in office (though she acknowledged some might disagree). The council discussed two paths: (1) the vice chair becoming chair now and the council electing a new vice chair to serve through January 2026, or (2) waiting until the regular leadership election in January 2026.

Vice chair nominations and tie: The council followed protocol and opened nominations for council vice chair. Multiple councilmembers were nominated (Councilmember Riddle and Councilmember Lebo among them). After two rounds of voting the council reported a tied result. The body paused further votes and, after brief discussion, agreed to table final selection until a later meeting to give members time to reflect. Councilmembers indicated they would revisit the nomination at the next meeting.

Special meeting to discuss vacancy and schedule: The council scheduled a special meeting for Monday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. (to follow a planned joint meeting referenced in the agenda) specifically to discuss the process for filling the vacancy created by Deputy Mayor Bodie’s death and to consider administrative steps, including asking the mayor to start the formal appointment process. Staff and counsel noted statutory and procedural timelines: the filing period for the regular election runs May 5–9; state statute gives the council 90 days to appoint a replacement (the deadline referenced in discussion falls in mid-July), and the appointed caretaker would serve until the election is certified in November (after which the election winner would serve the remainder of the term). Attorney Pratt and staff stressed the council must follow state law and its governance rules in setting process and deadlines.

Why this matters: Bodie’s passing creates an immediate leadership and staffing gap on the council and in multiple liaison roles (Parks & Recreation, Sound Cities Association Policy and Issues Committee, among others). Councilmembers asked colleagues to consider their calendars for commission liaison assignments that Bodie had held and to weigh the time commitments involved.

Next steps and community message: Council leadership asked members to consider timelines, possible interview questions for candidates, and potential liaison reassignments ahead of the May 12 special meeting. Staff was asked to post meeting details and to prepare material summarizing statutory appointment timelines and governance provisions for council reference. Several councilmembers asked that the council and staff continue outreach and support for Bodie’s family.

Ending: The council closed the item by asking staff to record the May 12 special meeting on the calendar and to prepare the administrative materials that will allow the council to discuss and (if they choose) act on a process to fill the vacancy. Councilmembers emphasized continuing Bodie’s priorities and preserving the collegial approach she modeled.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 10, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Lake Forest Park City Council opened Thursday’s meeting with a proclamation honoring Deputy Mayor Lori Bodie, observed a moment of silence and scheduled a special meeting to discuss the process for filling her council seat.","taxTitle","Lake Forest Park, King County, Washington","taxId",71686,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260416,"Council backs Hudson family request to enroll about 1.06 acres in King County PBRS program",2191,290000,2481000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505&start=290&end=2481","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505/thumbnail_290000.jpg","/articles/6260416/Lake-Forest-Park/King-County/Washington/Council-backs-Hudson-family-request-to-enroll-about-106-acres-in-King-County-PBRS-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260416-c30483fa27b3ecd0c2fda7cd074bd247/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141831&Signature=FuNVe5iLzk76zJa9dZmSMlOdUCCc~7IsVyDLRs6~3G5KZQRKRBnlQd8VDQ7wrzMoSx7sNqM7fPnv5EpVbJTcUKYtmLagIMV6rX~BEIYDVdfSNKZomR8chSDZl9cWLHcZjZS-qp5mr4v9kNJQHSHsOmu5WoPH3f9VYWjCxhI4BoMVvjpQzVLKVAF3Wsjy2lIWSJef-ZYHSUVLowx2APEX-8~YR63B4t8cBVC4h6-VmDUEl9Nwjyg-0-YysNMCvIBSmHPFIr9nocRaIF3Ztt~RRp3-h4XeovZs4tmKuKXzjy~0PjllKiMXkdUKePlRtKWU10eso0RU9J4mkrDnzr9cww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Forest Park’s City Council voted unanimously Thursday to authorize the mayor to recommend that King County enroll Hudson Properties in the county’s Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS).

The council acted after a staff presentation and one prior public comment from a neighbor and property owner who urged the city to preserve wooded parcels. City planner David Greeth summarized that the Hudsons applied to enroll two vacant forested lots plus a narrow wooded strip along their homesite — a total of about 1.45 acres, of which 1.06 acres were recommended for PBRS enrollment under the categories of urban open space, watershed protection and resource restoration.

The PBRS is derived from the state Open Space Taxation Act and is implemented locally by King County code (20.36). The program assigns points to qualifying private properties; if approved the enrolled acreage is eligible for a reduction in taxable value — a conservation incentive the county administers while the land remains privately owned.

Why it matters: Enrollment in PBRS reduces taxes on participating private property while securing long-term conservation benefits — in this case preserving second-growth forest, protecting watershed functions and committing to invasive-species removal and vegetation restoration on the enrolled acres. That trade-off shifts a small amount of annual tax revenue away from the city but preserves open space close to neighborhoods.

Staff and county representatives said the Hudson application qualified under the three categories and noted conservation-easement points were not included because of a timing issue in the approval timeline handled at the county level. Based on 2024 tax figures provided in the staff report, the two vacant lots together generated roughly $9,400 and the homesite portion roughly $6,400 in property tax; staff estimated the city’s share of the resulting tax reduction would be on the order of $500 annually under current levy assumptions, a figure that could fluctuate with future levy rates.

King County PBRS lead Megan Kim explained the program uses defined categories for evaluation and does not incorporate a separate ‘‘ecosystem services’’ calculation beyond the criteria spelled out in the county scoring rubric. David Greeth noted that the county’s staff report and the Hudsons’ application were included in the council packet.

There were no public comments during the formal hearing; a nearby resident who had earlier addressed the council thanked the city and urged preservation of the wooded parcel. Councilmembers praised the Hudsons for bringing the property forward and said they hoped the program would be useful to other owners seeking to preserve small, wooded parcels.

Action and next steps: Councilmember Reynolds moved to suspend the “three-touch” rule so the council could act on the recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried. Council then moved and unanimously adopted the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the city’s recommendation to King County for the Hudson Properties PBRS enrollment. The city will transmit that recommendation to King County for final county determination and recording.

Clarifying details: The council-approved recommendation covers roughly 1.06 acres (part of a 1.45-acre assemblage). The eligible PBRS categories cited were urban open space, watershed protection and resource restoration. The staff packet calculated a ballpark annual municipal tax revenue reduction of about $500 (estimate subject to future levy rates). Conservation-easement points were not recommended because county deadlines had passed for that category.

Ending: The council endorsed the application as a local conservation tool and invited property owners with similar parcels to consider PBRS; staff and King County representatives will continue coordination as the county completes its eligibility and enrollment steps.","After a public hearing, the Lake Forest Park City Council unanimously authorized the mayor to recommend Hudson Properties’ application to King County’s Public Benefit Rating System, approving enrollment for roughly 1.06 acres for open-space, watershed protection and resource restoration and estimating a modest tax revenue reduction to the city.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260400,"Mayor and staff outline ‘state of the city’ budget challenges; warn current service levels are unsustainable without new revenue",1155,5217000,6372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505&start=5217&end=6372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505/thumbnail_5217000.jpg","/articles/6260400/Lake-Forest-Park/King-County/Washington/Mayor-and-staff-outline-state-of-the-city-budget-challenges-warn-current-service-levels-are-unsustainable-without-new-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260400-7127547666d725a830b4ed2e7b6c3f08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141831&Signature=aElrbRajrgn1ewjofVy5-c~KXe38e7v-DozGOOmBJHoX~mDKWoaW2vniQLJ7K4JgIHTi6B5kjgf28LUuw0dUX6xfDZ~Bi942GAPnmaL6vnQFLYl2uD5J9e3xUPWVgExWi8KqB59yqzIJyeBZD8lfCanWWHG7qgQrxTHguc~c6h~bvqsOmVZfZd0zkpr2UfSjUJvRyon7ccThlm7jbVj85qozH-4XCMcF1uX4IE8HuHpi5JwWJq-Ph-69ZNd6RbQdnY~hGX4kSjLN5HOIaDNWBI9dNiCzG6DbiZxgHzldv8STsMoTXR0aL3l8fG3Uun6Qvt5MJJKEfEPM2YC1mIEYVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City leaders delivered a broad fiscal overview Thursday, warning that rising costs are eroding the city’s ability to maintain current service levels without additional revenue or program cuts.

Presentation highlights: The mayor and city administrator reviewed city services (police, courts, public works, environmental programs, parks and community services) and emphasized Lake Forest Park’s small size and limited revenue base. Presenters observed that the city receives only a modest share of area property taxes (under 8 cents of every property-tax dollar), which limits local discretionary revenue. The presentation also included a November 2024 community survey summary: 79 percent of respondents said the city is moving in the right direction and key resident priorities included a strong police department, well-maintained parks and safer sidewalks near schools.

Fiscal pressures and specific increases: Staff provided examples of cost increases facing the city — insurance up by roughly $93,000; jail costs up roughly $197,000; and 911 dispatch costs up roughly $284,000 — and noted overall inflation in public-sector services. The administration said a 1 percent property-tax levy increase would generate approximately $34,000 for the city; under the policy scenario discussed, a potential 3 percent cap being considered at the state level would produce only roughly an additional $60,000 for the city, not enough to match rising operating costs.

Restricted vs. unrestricted revenues: The presentation reiterated that one-time grants and restricted funds cannot be used to cover ongoing general operations. The city discussed the success of its traffic-safety camera program in reducing speeding on NE 178th (average speeds fell from more than 31 mph to about 23.2 mph) and clarified that state law restricts camera revenue to pedestrian/bicycle safety projects and related uses; it cannot be used for general operations.

Community priorities and next steps: Administration urged broad community engagement as council explores options — including service reductions, new revenue measures, grant-seeking and targeted efficiencies. Staff highlighted the need for a dedicated grants position to pursue competitive funding streams and noted several capital projects and environmental acquisitions funded in part through restricted grant programs.

Ending: Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the outreach and said they expect ongoing public conversations about trade-offs. Staff and council leadership signaled more budget-focused discussions and community outreach in May and beyond.","City leadership told the council and the public that operating costs are rising faster than revenue, highlighted the city’s small share of property-tax dollars and growing costs for insurance, jail and dispatch, and urged community engagement as the council explores sustainable revenue and service models.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260405,"Council authorizes administration to buy police and public-works vehicles for 2025–26 biennium",356,4835000,5191000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505&start=4835&end=5191","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3131706-3e946e78faa8430052698193d42a2505/thumbnail_4835000.jpg","/articles/6260405/Lake-Forest-Park/King-County/Washington/Council-authorizes-administration-to-buy-police-and-public-works-vehicles-for-202526-biennium","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260405-dd33c41ccc25cb03ca331ba5fa5e5284/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141831&Signature=RJGZtzcu66ebzBw~0fiuOa8YpX8yY-2RLStInzn9Zhbb1kJnmKMdZRAbAkDmARBmkwyLMYT7g4vrZqyGnaTVxSG66SFHvMPeE8~BCzi9q52G2Wd-84Eyy4PHRGft~gIzXRDZr7uD4u5jxZFumjlfTYhyvOd4vmrXC3Kz4ttanVDmIiJfED4KvSZ6zp5afrEUYtjR-Yu2sM2ValBQERmSDXUbBiDxyxgdEeLvPB1uEftMMi7UCQ6N4XtyQitf1C7~4ngAt2mIQh~UdX28Eh0fE9Fu1XeThyP1EZe48CIYIlOx~fnW413cPN0RZ2gcyEU84k14I3Xg0eryDvG0M9w9lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake Forest Park City Council on Thursday authorized the administration to purchase police and public works fleet vehicles and equipment for the 2025–26 biennium.

Background and staff recommendation: Administration staff reviewed the city’s Fleet 501 fund balance and identified a set of recommended replacements for aging vehicles. Staff noted many vehicles proposed for replacement are beyond recommended service life, generate high maintenance costs and lack modern safety and fuel-efficiency features. Recommended purchases included replacements for aging Silverado and F-550 units and replacement of a 2016 Chevy Colorado with a new half-ton hybrid pickup; several public-works equipment items (including a tractor, slope mower and riding mower) were also discussed. Staff proposed deferring the tractor/slope mower replacement until 2026 to allow additional research into battery-powered options where feasible.

Funding and fiscal context: Staff said Fleet Fund and related capital fund balances are sufficient to support the purchases as proposed; a future biennial funding commitment would be needed to sustain the program. Some replacements are designated as public-works capital and others as general-fund police replacements; staff will follow fund restrictions when allocating costs.

Council action: A councilmember moved the staff recommendation and another councilmember seconded; the motion to authorize purchases carried by unanimous voice vote. Council indicated support for replacing unreliable vehicles to reduce maintenance costs and increase safety and fuel-efficiency.

Why it matters: Several fleet vehicles were described as past their safe or economical service life. Replacing them is intended to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improve service reliability for public works operations and for public-safety responses.

Clarifying details: Staff said the Fleet 501 fund contains sufficient balance for the purchases in the current biennium; however, long-term fleet replacement requires recurring contributions to remain sustainable. The tractor and slope mower replacements are intended to be deferred into 2026 to allow staff time to evaluate battery-electric alternatives.

Ending: Staff will proceed with procurement consistent with standard purchasing procedures and the council’s authorization; amendments would return to council if purchases exceed the authorized contract values or if additional council approval is required.","The council unanimously authorized the administration to purchase multiple replacement vehicles and equipment for police and public works using Fleet Fund resources, with staff noting available Fleet 501 fund balances and plans to replace older units including pickups and mowers across 2025–26.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council proclaims late Deputy Mayor Lori Bodie’s service, outlines next steps to fill vacancy and delays vice-chair vote

Council backs Hudson family request to enroll about 1.06 acres in King County PBRS program

Mayor and staff outline ‘state of the city’ budget challenges; warn current service levels are unsustainable without new revenue

Council authorizes administration to buy police and public-works vehicles for 2025–26 biennium