[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",5982563,"mediaKeyId","5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469","parentId",5775677,"title","Council adopts housekeeping amendments to surface water management code and approves shoreline master update revisions","audioSeconds",241,"startMs",2544000,"endMs",2785000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469&start=2544&end=2785","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469/thumbnail_2544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5982563/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-adopts-housekeeping-amendments-to-surface-water-management-code-and-approves-shoreline-master-update-revisions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982563-07b0ec2e01bb57d064fa1b61e9ceca3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776605187&Signature=gXjj6PWzb96UtCbAm1V6m8F0UNyeT3PGPzIu2ykU0BVC32~7TTvgA4fp-lURdJybuf32KbsD6Swxs7KdqxpoJxodSfjL2~fz20tl0vvkf6Gn~k5-VIjmx5h47zfqfnJnzorAt2xq72Ev6ooh5Lr5DeuuIRIqQ8yKiWoDu7TzNr9YSsh2m18IEUnt4~suQgQjYbhed3AjP~FmhvmJDekHeHMUJxu2hucCi54gpE4e9YHArmzTEtS2fJvnLP8r7nb1uU0YhlPH1c1QfiKicQ9W8nAQI1ZWmE0qSda~rcqHOhsXyJ3P09XekAZ6POiTOs966Eei94-m-C7sAlf0rq9WFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakewood City, WA","date","2025-09-16T17:01:35Z","article","The Lakewood City Council adopted two regular‑agenda ordinances Monday addressing utility and shoreline rules.

Ordinance 835 amends Lakewood Municipal Code chapter 3.38 (surface water management). Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works Angie Silva told the council the changes are “administrative and housekeeping only,” aligning the code with current 2025 surface‑water rates, removing expired fee language and preserving a 2.5% annual inflation adjustment for 2026 and beyond. The ordinance retains a policy to conduct a comprehensive rate study every six years, clarifies permitted uses of funds (including flood control as allowed by state law), and removes provisions that had sunsetted. Council member Bokey moved to adopt Ordinance 835; Council member Brandcenter seconded and council adopted the ordinance.

Ordinance 836 forwards locally‑initiated changes to Lakewood’s 2019 Shoreline Master Program to the Washington State Department of Ecology for review and certification. Planning Manager Tiffany Spear told the council the packet includes two recommended edits clarifying cross references between the Shoreline Master Program and the city’s critical areas ordinance. The Department of Ecology will complete the final certification process under the shoreline rules. Council member Pearson moved adoption, seconded by Council member Bell, and the council adopted Ordinance 836.

Both items had been the subject of earlier study‑session review and public hearing; staff recommended final adoption and implementation per state procedures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting of September 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted Ordinance 835 updating the surface water management chapter (3.38) to align fees and remove sunsetted exemptions, and adopted Ordinance 836 to forward locally‑initiated changes to the Shoreline Master Program for Ecology review.","taxTitle","Lakewood, Pierce County, Washington","taxId",3978,"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},5982568,"Deputy city manager: Lakewood is tracking above budget revenue in Q2; cautions remain",1315,4159000,5474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469&start=4159&end=5474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469/thumbnail_4159000.jpg","/articles/5982568/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Deputy-city-manager-Lakewood-is-tracking-above-budget-revenue-in-Q2-cautions-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982568-5a43c4a803fa6fe50b48bbe4d36a570b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776605187&Signature=WhCmxYxMza8fiQtdUhV2od3v1KlRk8RWCq7qAL~MSpZJyjHPGs9yNALUp9y4nc4TW5onZbO7Gzrl2PjOuu7rpxilHRQzuvdcJmTBXp-QCqNjAkNp5QiXeGYqoIBM02F9H9UQ-~UAezDvGIIhrkJJuB1M08I1ywcQ0DhGR6hP8EmcGxioQvTwagfLk0cqPGi~VzJUqlTjExYdJyIvYtXfCcTDJjdmHiGV~~Nr4bEV-qrSWMBiyc4WdYFy2kMdF-taMdTeRx~-M6byeHkKIafZB7-BfwmHqrnaaQXReESZgg-LP04rltvz0dD4VqWRU3gSErFpWGcv25Ohn~YpxK7tpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deputy City Manager and Budget staff presented the city’s second quarter financial report at the study session, noting year‑to‑date revenue increases versus 2024 and the 2025 budget but urging caution on several revenue lines.

“On the revenue side, the operating revenues compared to year to date 2024, we are up $2,700,000 or 10.4%,” Deputy City Manager Krauss said, pointing to development‑services receipts tied to the Western State Hospital permit as a major driver. Compared with the year‑to‑date budget, operating revenues were ahead about $2.2 million, she said.

Krauss flagged areas of softness. Admissions tax and utility tax collections were below budget; gambling tax showed a year‑to‑date decline, in part because some large payers were late in remitting for June but later caught up. She noted one audit payment had boosted utility tax receipts and that some downward variances reflected timing rather than ongoing decline.

On expenditures, police costs were above budget (partly due to retiree payouts and summer patrols at city parks) and administrative internal service charges were exhibiting timing variances. Krauss said the city’s ending general‑fund balance was about $13.2 million but cautioned that some collected revenues were not yet expended and recommended prudence on discretionary spending.

Krauss also reviewed lodging‑tax (LTAC) and real‑estate‑excise‑tax (REET) balances. Lodging tax revenues were roughly on par with 2024 and LTAC had about $4.3 million available in the fund balance; staff noted 2026 events could add revenue but cautioned against banking specific future proceeds. REET collections were slightly below budget through June but were on target through August and continue to be monitored; REET supports existing debt service tied to transportation projects.

Council members asked clarifying questions about revenue timing, the impact of large gaming operators’ financial stress, and how lodging‑tax allocations would interact with proposed capital asks such as the H Barn. Staff said they would continue to monitor revenue conditions and review discretionary commitments during mid‑biennium adjustments.","The city’s second quarter report showed overall operating revenues up year‑to‑date versus 2024 and the 2025 budget, driven by development services and modest sales‑tax growth; staff urged caution on volatile gambling and utility tax lines and recommended holding discretionary spending.",{"_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},5982573,"Council delays decision on new 0.1% sales tax for public defense pending diversion analysis",319,6176000,6495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469&start=6176&end=6495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469/thumbnail_6176000.jpg","/articles/5982573/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-delays-decision-on-new-01-sales-tax-for-public-defense-pending-diversion-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982573-422a2791e4e3d1444de0301bad6a7261/orig.mp4?Expires=1776605187&Signature=aCPHVikQV5SAB~agEuRC~5G4feCdV0wBdxlElSULIUqjxywA~RDvDWYyc9j5h-eRuMxjs6dMtLzeYuoUcKDiS9gdupOzdoHJnBGhpZdgxyA3IkA8k8O3BM4ARiLj6Jk3dd3zop96NVJXBFRjVWRICfIg0FRIHFzKDxsfKkbDSdyjgZhlLl4yzCRoNAQ1paeCElVXwFkopgNmuTBCodTjbIKVCI6EivhOKFwy82pfVihboWgbOp-JtP0Rxvpgnnn0~EigvtafMK49LjgNd4JwI76aatfFCneM~24e8SXdEjgGQya5pRiZGkJZX-xNg8pBJyOEvAPbxJfqfDN~yRFMaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff outlined how House Bill 2015 allows cities to adopt a locally imposed 0.1% sales and use tax to support criminal justice purposes, including public defense. The council heard an analysis showing the revenue would cover near‑term contract costs for Lakewood’s primary public‑defense contractor but would fall short of projected longer‑term costs under reduced misdemeanor caseload standards.

“Mister mayor, members of the council, this new 0.1% sales tax can be used for a variety of criminal justice purposes to include public defense,” Deputy City Manager/Vargas told the council during the study session. Vargas explained that the tax can be adopted councilmanically through June 30, 2028; after that date a ballot approval would be required. If the council adopted the tax and met Department of Revenue deadlines, it could take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The presentation summarized changing indigent‑defense standards adopted by the Bar Association and an interim Washington Supreme Court order that phases a reduction in misdemeanor caseloads per attorney from roughly 400 toward 120 over a 10‑year window. Staff projected Lakewood would need to add the equivalent of about one public‑defense attorney per year between 2026 and 2036 to meet the reduced caseload standard; the sales‑tax revenue would cover near‑term contract costs but a growing funding gap emerged by 2028 and would widen through the compliance year.

Council members asked for more analysis of local diversion programs, recovery and charging policy changes, and other internal levers before authorizing the tax. Several members said the city likely has time to defer a council‑level adoption and requested staff return with diversion‑program analysis and alternative cost‑reduction scenarios. Council consensus at the study session was to delay placing an ordinance on the October agenda so staff could present additional options.

Staff recommended implementing the local sales tax on Jan. 1, 2026 if the council wished to proceed, but the council declined to rush the ordinance, citing the need to weigh diversion strategies and other internal changes that could reduce public‑defense demand.

No council vote was taken on the sales tax during the meeting.","Staff briefed council on House Bill 2015 and the new local 0.1% sales tax authorized for criminal‑justice uses, including public defense. Council asked to defer an October ordinance so staff can review diversion measures and other cost options before committing.",{"_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},5982579,"Council approves contract with Verra Mobility for photo enforcement; code cleanup directed",548,1995000,2543000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469&start=1995&end=2543","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469/thumbnail_1995000.jpg","/articles/5982579/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-approves-contract-with-Verra-Mobility-for-photo-enforcement-code-cleanup-directed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982579-fa3fea68705f32525c8690bb0b126962/orig.mp4?Expires=1776605187&Signature=V9iDo-Qu534uHZhWcsxqWvrSTaXjSV155IVTw5wxK8Rcy5NAPUTCPWZlg8LikdclKDjP4RnAvkbx61MW1po3Xw5rlk4pDeVEB~NxYWy0GWAJes2VBffqaLK8NUqec5EhQDUItp3qlMmDvbhfZM5Uqx7El~7kqCKNoHuVDdduPOvKLUXdXZl88TCkax2F90i4B9K~qDK75T5snB8eX4A9-GgM-upaMkQ-wwROEFuk7fwrotc2b7rTwhoRduxcG2pvbjZDgLuG62NotZO497F4D047-pZygEIvkJA5UCfPofxbw4CKTFF3KS97bZTL-ZT77~uiArwD2Eh9Vohuv176IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood City Council on Monday authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with Verra Mobility Traffic Systems Inc. to continue an automated photo enforcement program, after a brief discussion about the program’s scope and the city code that limits enforced intersections.

Council member Brandstetter asked that the item be removed from the consent agenda for discussion but said he supported the contract. “I am in favor of the contract,” he said, while also flagging that Lakewood Municipal Code currently limits red‑light camera locations and should be updated to reflect the city’s practice and the vendor agreement.

The motion to adopt Motion No. 2025‑64 was moved by Council member Pearson and seconded by Deputy Mayor Moss. The council asked staff to prepare an ordinance that would amend the municipal code either to remove the numerical limit on camera locations or increase the allowed number so the code matches operational needs and any changes to state law.

Assistant City Attorney and staff noted the city is required to follow new state review and equity analysis steps under recent state law if expanding camera locations; staff said they will bring back a study‑session item describing optional expansions and legal requirements. The contract with Verra Mobility was approved by council vote.","Lakewood council approved a renewed agreement with Verra Mobility for automated photo enforcement and asked staff to return with code amendments to align municipal code limits to practice.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5982584,"Lakewood council studies full- and partial‑build options for Fort Steilacoom H Barn restoration",3206,640000,3846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469&start=640&end=3846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775677-33a3a84422221804ba4073e744252469/thumbnail_640000.jpg","/articles/5982584/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Lakewood-council-studies-full-and-partialbuild-options-for-Fort-Steilacoom-H-Barn-restoration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5982584-ee5e5cc51d95305fdf243cc611807753/orig.mp4?Expires=1776605187&Signature=NC1Io89ps8gd2jVcU2YlL1T7XgAzaSm~XtPp-35bzknHuDRdfo38NTYE2JcopR6Qj2tWXnXS24dOLItJao-IcqPLoE5SZpd45yYwl-s641JbdiWEg9oPkhmgBEvotpl2aKzacZ8ByDACemKPV~P2tThMjr1eJ~lAjb7W1V07MTR8DIbwSrQFfbcdVr3wDEuV95m-KLovslq65bqLqlsY5t13QoewCPEWUO2PCdYjT9sV0-8rqU5E0GpiYusn~jj~lzmIySIoA~QSh9hbnguf51tpoBe9T7p7G0YCT~a-YxmMuM6KMVMoKWybdshbhG6TJbqLyYGdVTap33k5Ach7eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public comment and a long study‑session presentation Thursday highlighted community fundraising and tourism potential for restoring the Fort Steilacoom H Barn while flagging sharply higher cost estimates and unanswered delivery questions. City staff and the project architect presented three schematic scenarios and a 30% design cost estimate; council asked staff to continue working with Partners for Parks and other stakeholders to refine scope, funding and alternatives.

The facility’s advocates told the council the barn would fill a gap in Lakewood for year‑round indoor event space. “We’ve already raised $2,800,000 towards our $3,500,000 goal,” Hallie McCurry of Partners for Parks said during public comment, adding the group has “never heard such positive feedback about a project” in the community. Dean Burke, representing the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and VISIT Tacoma Pierce County, said the barn could drive more overnight stays and support lodging tax revenue.

The project team described three cost/scope scenarios. Scenario 1 is a full renovation and exterior site work; the construction estimate in the packet for that option was roughly $12.2 million for building construction with total project costs (soft costs, contingencies and taxes) rising toward a $14.3 million figure during discussion. Scenario 2 would limit work to the building footprint and defer exterior landscaping or discretionary systems; Scenario 3 would further reduce scope by excluding the south wing and leaving uncertain whether the attached historic portion could remain in place without additional study.

“We feel very confident” in the RLB cost estimator’s work on the 30% design, architect Susan Tillich said, while noting market volatility and contingencies the firm included. Interim Parks and Recreation Director Scott Williams explained that scenario differences also reflect electrical service choices (three‑phase versus single‑phase) and other mechanical/electrical/plumbing implications that materially change costs.

Council members pressed for financial and operational details. Several asked for a business plan showing rentable days, likely event types, and return‑on‑investment comparisons for a new build that retains the silos versus renovating the existing historic fabric. Council member Branstetter said he preferred a single finished product rather than phased work: “The 3 scenarios are not each finished projects. Scenarios 2 and 3 are just interim projects to try to eventually get to something like Scenario 1.”

Staff and council identified steps before choosing a preferred path: further cost/constructability analysis (including a comparison of building new versus adaptive reuse), consultation with the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) about eligibility and grant opportunities, refinement of a business/operating model, and follow‑up with Partners for Parks on fundraising and possible lodging‑tax or bond financing. City staff said they will meet with Partners for Parks to explore alternatives and report back.

The study session did not include a formal council vote. Several council members and LTAC representatives urged pursuing a solution that balances historic preservation with long‑term utility and affordability. The council recessed after directing staff to return with narrower options and financial scenarios that would show how each approach affects capital need and operating expectations.

Supporters emphasized local demand and tourism benefits while skeptics warned rising estimates and phasing risks. The conversation left open whether to preserve the H Barn’s historic fabric, retain the silos and build a new structure that repeats the barn’s appearance, or adopt an intermediate approach that phases work but reduces re‑mobilization risk.

If council directs the full build, the project will trigger additional funding decisions (including potential lodging‑tax allocation or bonds), historic‑preservation review and a formal construction procurement process.","Council heard public support and a range of cost scenarios for restoring the 120‑year‑old H Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park; staff and partners will refine financing, historic‑preservation and alternative construction options after further study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts housekeeping amendments to surface water management code and approves shoreline master update revisions

Deputy city manager: Lakewood is tracking above budget revenue in Q2; cautions remain

Council delays decision on new 0.1% sales tax for public defense pending diversion analysis

Council approves contract with Verra Mobility for photo enforcement; code cleanup directed

Lakewood council studies full- and partial‑build options for Fort Steilacoom H Barn restoration