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Lakewood to codify citywide volunteer program; ordinance would centralize training, waivers and administration
Summary
Staff proposed a draft ordinance to create a City of Lakewood Community Volunteer Program chapter that would centralize volunteer coordination, require updated WCIA-based waivers and set a minimum age of 15 (with parental consent), place administration under the city manager, and issue annual permits for Parks to manage volunteer activities and training.
City staff presented a draft ordinance to formally codify Lakewoods Community Volunteer Program and consolidate prior resolutions such as "Adopt a Street" into a single municipal-code chapter.
Planning and Public Works staff said the ordinance creates a new chapter defining program purpose and scope, centralizes administration under the city manager or designee, requires written guidelines and liability waivers consistent with Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) risk protocols, and sets a minimum volunteer age of 15 (with parental consent and supervision where appropriate). The draft clarifies that volunteers will not replace city staff on core maintenance functions and that participation remains voluntary and renewable annually.
"The intent here is to moderate and consolidate citywide volunteer program which informally adds street and stewardship as part of that broader volunteer umbrella into one unified framework," staff said. The packet includes sample guidelines, waiver templates and a draft ordinance; staff said final guidelines and waiver forms will be finalized if the ordinance is adopted.
Deputy Mayor Veil and other council members expressed support, calling the consolidation helpful for residents and organizations. Council asked operational questions about volunteers cleaning street ends or participating in Parks Appreciation Day; staff said Parks would likely administer training and that annual permits would be issued to Parks to manage volunteer activities and set parameters for shoreline or right-of-way work (e.g., no mechanical equipment, scope limits).
Council scheduled the ordinance for a vote on Feb. 17 and asked staff to confirm practical elements such as permit fees and the application process for group activities.
Next steps: Public hearing and council action planned for Feb. 17; staff to finalize waiver and guideline materials in coordination with Parks and WCIA requirements.
