Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Advisory Committees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews 2026 advisory‑committee work plans, awards milfoil grant funds and sets liaisons
Summary
At the Jan. 12 study session the council reviewed 2026 work plans for multiple advisory committees (including an American Lake milfoil treatment grant and Arts Commission plans for Wards Lake Park art) and assigned council liaisons and outside‑board representatives for the year.
Assistant to the city manager Michael Vargas led a multi‑committee briefing at the Jan. 12 Lakewood City Council study session covering 2026 work plans and schedules for many advisory committees and boards, and the council used the discussion to place council liaisons for the year.
Key items covered: Vargas said the city was awarded a milfoil grant from the Washington Department of Ecology and planned to allocate $25,000 in 2026 for invasive‑species treatment and seasonal aquatic vegetation surveys at American Lake. The Arts Commission remains focused on public art for capital projects (Wards Lake Park signal box wraps and gateway art); council asked the commission to prepare a recommendation for a public‑art treatment at the Nyanza gateway that could inform 2027–28 budget planning.
The Community Services Advisory Board’s 2026 calendar centers on drafting the 2027 human services application and rating tool, preparing the CAPER and annual action plan for CDBG/Home, and reviewing the use of opioid settlement funds with presentations from community providers. Vargas said Greater Lakes Mental Health and West Pierce Fire & Rescue would be among presenters considered to inform recommendations.
Other boards discussed included Parks & Recreation (legacy plan update and playground maintenance), Planning Commission (tracking NECC progress and comprehensive plan amendment cycle), PSAC (neighborhood association revitalization and photo enforcement prioritization) and Lakewood’s Promise (youth programs). Council asked PSAC to vet a prioritized list of recommended photo‑enforcement locations before staff takes further procurement or policy steps.
Council liaison assignments: during the session members volunteered or were assigned to serve as liaisons and alternates to many boards and outside agencies (arts commission, youth council, planning commission, parks, PCRC/Puget Sound Regional Council, SHAPE, South Sound 911, Pierce Transit, sister city representative and others). Several council members requested alignment of opioid‑related liaison duties with Community Services work, and staff agreed to follow up on specific open positions.
Next steps: Vargas will add requested calendar items and adjustments to the committee schedules and return to the council with revised materials at a future meeting; the council will consider staffing and scheduling for upcoming joint sessions and confirm liaison appointments as needed.
