Lakewood City Council study session on Nov. 26, 2026: court transition and rising caseloads, lodging tax allocations and H‑Barn funding shortfall, proposed permit- and parks-fee changes (staff recommended raising the permit hourly rate), and an IT proposal to upgrade chambers audio/video.

Discussion Points

•Capital‑restricted portion (3%) and tourism portion (4%) affect how much can be applied to the H‑Barn.
•Council asked for clear eligibility criteria and fairness in any subsidy approach.
•Council expressed preference for moving to $140 to avoid repeated midyear changes and for predictability.
•DUI filings rose from 105 in 2025 to 198 through October 2026; domestic‑violence filings rose from 419 to 457 in the same span.
•Estimated cost approx. $190,000; staff said funding is in the 2026 mid‑biennium adjustment.
•IT recommended a full system replacement with SLA support and automatic camera switching tied to microphones.
•Judge Zayo introduced Elisa Hill as court administrator and provided 2025–2026 caseload trends.
•Models run for $120, $140 and $150 hourly rates; staff recommended $120 with a midyear revisit.
•Parks proposed new tiers for shelters and pavilion, vendor fees, and sport‑field pricing that reflect maintenance and market comparisons.
•Photo‑enforcement infractions constitute a large share of court administrative work and can create processing burdens even when respondents pay fines.
•Staff proposed a 50% reduction for qualifying Lakewood youth athletic leagues; estimated fiscal impact ~ $13K (loss) on rentals, with options to backfill via Lakewood Promise/human‑services funds or general fund.
•Staff proposed new and updated permit fees and argued for cost recovery on permit services.
•Total lodging‑tax requests exceeded available funds ($3.4M requested vs. $2.4M available).
•Unspent awarded dollars are retained in the lodging‑tax fund and awards are reimbursed upon documentation.

Decisions

•No formal adoption at study session; direction to prepare $140 scenario.

Directions

•Include a notation in the fee schedule that Lakewood youth athletic leagues are eligible for a 50% reduction; staff to return with implementation details and options for backfill.
•Staff to move the proposal path forward toward a $140/hour scenario and return to council for formal adoption.

Nov

American Lake-Lake Management District Committee November 5, 2026 Meeting

Lake Management District board discussed the 2027 work plan and budget, approved adding filamentous algae treatment and related APAM changes, debated contractor procurement and interlocal agreements with JBLM/VA, reviewed an aquatic vegetation survey, and heard public proposals to form a volunteer ecological monitoring subcommittee.

Discussion Points

•Board wants written proposal and city attorney review to ensure compliance and clarify reporting.
•Board weighed treatment timing and estimated acreage (approx. five acres) and the need for flexibility for other nuisance plants.
•City attorney recommended study session format with packet materials rather than expecting immediate council action.
•City attorney to review existing contract for sole‑source constraints.
•Cover letter intended to prime council for a study session on LMD renewal and potential resolution of intent.
•DNA testing recommended to detect hybrid milfoil strains that are harder to control.
•Members debated budget placeholders and whether to rebid contractor services versus using addendum with current contractor.
•Survey shows reduced milfoil in treated zones but expansion in untreated areas; Aquatechnics recommends spring and fall surveys and pre‑July treatment.
•Volunteer subcommittee would gather data, not make official determinations; it would operate under city volunteer policies and be subject to public‑records requirements.
•Whether to expand approved applicators via solicitation of qualifications or rebid work in 2027.
•Whether to list specific herbicides/algaecides or keep flexible wording in the APAM.

Decisions

•Approved adding filamentous‑algae treatments to 2027 work plan and amended budget lines.
•Approved forwarding the letter and outline to the city manager; staff to prepare fuller materials for future board review.
•No action taken at this meeting; item deferred pending written proposal.
•No additional fall treatment approved at this meeting; further staff follow-up requested.
•No procurement action adopted at this meeting; staff legal follow-up requested.

Directions

•Place written proposal on the next agenda and request city attorney guidance about Open Public Meetings Act and volunteer procedures.
•Staff to edit work plan and APAM product list and prepare revised packet for city manager and council study session.
•Staff to finalize packet materials, prepare presentation and follow a timeline aiming for a January–February study session; send the approved letter and outline to the city manager.
•Staff to provide clearer maps and underlying data; follow up with Aquatechnics and JBLM on feasibility and timing of additional treatments.
•Staff to pull the current contract, assess procurement options, and prepare a recommendation for the board.

Nov

Lakewood's Promise Advisory Board meeting of November 5, 2026

Lakewood's Promise advisory group met to review a proposal to modernize and make the youth-resource site more interactive, plan a community "Pathways to Possibilities" expo for March 13 at the McGavock Conference Center, discuss a safe-spaces initiative and decals, and begin recruiting volunteers and officer nominations for the advisory board.

Discussion Points

•Consider decal or signage program for businesses
•Coordinate but not duplicate the April youth summit
•Define what qualifies as a 'safe space'
•Expo scheduled for March 13 at McGavock Conference Center
•Expo will invite local providers, employers, and internship partners
•Include internships, shadowing and searchable filters by age/location
•Make PDF lists into searchable tiles on current site
•Need for vetting and criteria before public recognition
•Plan migration into new city website framework included in future budget
•Recruitment to fill perpetual/community seats
•Single slate proposed for chair and vice chair
•Solicit youth feedback and model sites to inform design
•Youth want fun, youth-oriented language and featured local 'third spaces'

Decisions

•No formal election at this meeting; nominations to be presented in December
•No public rollout until standards and vetting are defined
•Prioritize age filters and internship listings for near-term site improvements
•Proceed with expo planning
•Proceed with tile-based near-term improvements and plan migration to the new site

Directions

•Assign subcommittee to draft vetting criteria and report back
•Collect youth feedback and model sites; incorporate into subcommittee brief
•Form subcommittee to review vendor options and user-experience requirements
•Staff to continue outreach and present slate at December election meeting
•Staff to create vendor packet and outreach plan; recruit subcommittee volunteers
•Staff to start near-term tile-based updates; include migration plan in website update budget

Nov

Civil Service Meeting of November 5, 2026

Lakewood Civil Service Commission met in November 2026; commissioners approved eligibility-list certifications, voted to disqualify two entry‑level candidates after an executive session, agreed to retroactively replace disqualified applicants' names with candidate ID numbers in posted records, and heard a multi-part police staffing and recruitment report from the interim police chief.

Discussion Points

•Appeal by Dre Kimler was withdrawn; executive session invoked to consider disqualifications; motions to disqualify two candidate IDs carried.
•Chief described career and ties to Lakewood, emphasized community and rebuilding trust with commission.
•CPSM study sent to publisher; staff and city manager to review final report for completeness and applicability to local civil service processes.
•Department currently has nine vacancies; recruiting focuses on public safety testing sites, JBLM kiosks/out‑processing and officer referrals.
•Noted other list changes were withdrawals and hires; lateral list had two candidates hired by other agencies.
•Public asked for name redaction; HR recommended replacing names in posted documents with candidate ID numbers and working retroactively.
•Staff will correct the CSO list count discrepancy noted by a commissioner.
•Tracking applicant demographics against the 2020 census and aiming to increase female representation were central priorities.

Decisions

•Commission accepted staff plan to replace names with candidate IDs in posted documents.
•Entry‑level, lateral and CSO lists certified unanimously.
•Two candidates disqualified; multiple list updates certified.

Directions

•City manager and HR to review final report and request clarifications as needed.
•HR to proceed with retroactive replacement of names in posted documents; recordings not to be redacted.
•HR to update eligibility lists and posted records per earlier redaction policy decision.
•HR to update posted lists and correct clerical errors.
•Staff to refine metrics showing the pipeline from applicants to hires and report back with clearer numbers.

Nov

City Council Meeting of November 2, 2026

Lakewood City Council held a regular meeting Nov. 2, 2026, adopting the parks legacy plan and economic redevelopment framework, approving a 1% property tax levy for later adoption, advancing a revised legislative agenda, and hearing sustained public comment about removal of mature Garry Oaks at a Lakewood Water District site.

Discussion Points

•Elementary growth improved; 5th grade stood out; middle school math performance declined.
•New trails chapter incorporated; metrics and connectivity discussed.
•Proclamation adopted and accepted by military representative.
•Proclamation recognizes Native American Heritage Month and cites Nisqually contributions and local interpretive work.
•Residents allege inadequate protection and communication about Garry Oaks, dispute mitigation calculation, urge staff outreach and avoidance measures.
•Staff recommended a 1% levy increase; estimated homeowner impact $3.76; public requested more transparency and choices.
•Whether to keep workforce incentive language in the city's state agenda; council opted to remove it and focus on direct funding requests.
•Youth council reported volunteer projects, event planning and internal structure.

Decisions

•Council thanked youth council and requested any follow‑up support as needed.
•Hearing closed; adoption scheduled for Nov. 16.
•Motion 2026‑80 adopted as amended.
•Proclamation adopted.
•Proclamation adopted and accepted by tribal representatives.
•Resolution 2026‑09 adopted.

Directions

•Council to request staff follow‑up and clarification on the mitigation calculation and protections.
•District will continue consultant analysis and coaching interventions.
•Staff to prepare and transmit the amended legislative agenda for advocacy.
•Staff to prioritize projects and seek grants per plan guidance.

Oct

City Council meeting of October 19, 2026

Lakewood City Council met Oct. 19, 2026; council approved a consent agenda, set a Nov. 16 public hearing for a partial right-of-way vacation, continued action on 2027 human services funding after public comment about youth sports, reviewed 2027 legislative priorities and the draft legacy parks plan, and heard multiple public commenters urging greater support for youth baseball and urban forestry.

Discussion Points

•City attorney confirmed legislative language is correct and committed to correcting the agenda summary prior to notice.
•City can increase property tax by lesser of IPD or 1%; IPD was 3.87% so 1% option available.
•Clerk read resolution; council member noted agenda summary wording discrepancy about right-of-way vs parcel.
•Council debated whether to use human services funding or fee-schedule changes to address youth sports affordability.
•Council debated which capital ask to prioritize and discussed approach to brief legislators (smaller groups vs large public meeting).
•Council directed staff to discuss options at Nov. 9 study session and continued action to Nov. 16.
•Council discussed elevating public defense funding and municipal budget sustainability issues.
•Council set Nov. 2 hearing and Nov. 16 adoption date.
•Council suggested incorporating youth-sports considerations where appropriate.
•Five draft priorities presented: Western State Hospital funding ($640,000) and two possible 28th District capital requests ($530,000 Lake City street end; $300,000 Fort Steilacoom parking).
•Public commenters said field costs (noted $16,350) risk pricing kids out; volunteers urged Saturday field-cost relief.
•Public feedback prioritizes maintaining neighborhood parks and improving trails; highest interest for Harry Todd Skate Park.
•Staff estimated average homeowner impact: $3.76 difference between 1% and 0%.
•Staff will add art/history section and include street-ends matrix; clarification on capital timelines and maintenance responsibilities.

Decisions

•Council directed staff to focus on the Lake City street-end capital ask and pursue briefings with legislators.
•Final legacy plan draft to return Nov. 2 for adoption.
•Hearing date set for Nov. 16; no final action taken at Oct. 19 meeting.
•Motion 20 26-76 continued to Nov. 16; study session Nov. 9 scheduled to discuss fee options.
•No final action Oct. 19; public hearing on Nov. 2; adoption Nov. 16.

Directions

•Consider linking youth-sports priorities with legacy plan where appropriate.
•Correct agenda summary in public notice and prepare full staff report and exhibits ahead of Nov. 16 hearing.
•Place motion 20 26-76 on Nov. 16 council agenda for final action.
•Staff to arrange smaller-group briefings with legislators (2–3 council members).
•Staff to include edits and return final draft for Nov. 2 adoption.
•Staff to prepare fee-schedule amendment options and fiscal impacts for Nov. 9 study session.
•Staff to prioritize Lake City street-end capital request for legislative outreach.
•Staff to publish hearing notice and prepare levy ordinance for Nov. 16 adoption.

Oct

City Council Meeting of October 14, 2026

Lakewood City Council held a special budget meeting on Oct. 14, 2026, featuring municipal court, HR, planning/public works, and administrative services budget presentations and questions about court operations, permitting systems, capital projects, and youth-sports funding.

Discussion Points

•Audit finding on suspension/debarment checks for federal grants requires improved documentation.
•Bridge inspection contract and its $57,500 biannual cost after Pierce County withdraws.
•Council requested the two unfunded human-services applications and parks revenue/field-fee data before final allocations.
•Need to track stale accounts and collection returns; use of time-payment programs and collections vendors; Blake refunds to be issued by state-funded refund bureau
•Planned ERP/Tyler rollout and training needs.
•Public-defender budget increases and camera costs shifting to ongoing IT budgets.
•Recruiting and retention metrics; need for follow-up data on retention.
•Western State Hospital large-scale project; parking/signalization needs tied to Sound Transit.
•Whether to subsidize youth-sports fees; Lakewood Baseball Club requested help with a roughly $16,000 field-fee burden.

Directions

•HR to provide detailed retention data and follow up with council; staff to support ERP configuration and training plans.
•Judge to return for municipal-court update in November; staff to monitor case-management transition impacts
•Parks/staff to produce fee and revenue breakdowns and the two unfunded application packets for council review before Monday/next study session.
•Remack to provide grant detail and funding breakdowns as projects advance.
•Staff to provide camera contract per-camera cost and efficacy data when the new contract is presented; departments to document SAM.gov checks for federal grants.
•Staff to return with Ponce De Leon water-quality contract scope and RFP timelines; seek clarifications on sewer-surcharge drawdowns used for capital.

Oct

City Council Meeting of October 12, 2026

Tacoma Public Utilities presented proposed 2027–28 rate adjustments (residential power +6.3%, water +5.6%) and customer-assistance changes; the Community Services Advisory Board recommended funding 37 human-services programs for the 2027–28 biennium; city staff outlined an economic development framework asking council direction to study the Lakewood Station District as a pilot.

Discussion Points

•Council asked staff to clarify biennial accounting and funding totals.
•Council members questioned drivers and affordability impacts.
•Council raised affordability concerns and asked TPU for deeper historical rate data and facility tours.
•CSAB evaluated 41 proposals from 33 agencies and recommended awards to 37 programs.
•Staff discussed parcel assembly, TIF cap/headroom and alternatives to eminent domain.
•Staff recommended a four‑phase framework and asked council permission to proceed to phase 2 (market assessment and finance review).
•TPU agreed to follow up with additional information and outreach plans.
•TPU offered outreach and assistance expansions to mitigate impacts.
•TPU presented cost-of-service rationale for proposed rate increases.
•TPU proposes expanding income eligibility from ~60% AMI to 80% AMI and creating a tiered assistance scale.
•TPU to pilot outreach to delinquent customers and partner with cities for signups.

Oct

City Council Meeting of October 7, 2026

Lakewood City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed 2027-2028 biennial budget, discuss a projected roughly $1.7 million shortfall, and consider options including using opioid settlement funds, vacancy-savings assumptions, deferred vehicle replacements, new revenue measures and parks parking management. Department presentations covered communications, parks and recreation, police operations, cameras and legal services.

Discussion Points

•City Manager presented ~ $1.7M shortfall and options including vacancy savings, deferred vehicle purchases, program eliminations, and revenue options.
•Comprehensive internal analysis to determine optimal number and placement of Flock license-plate cameras before renewing large contracts.
•Consideration of shifting eligible police costs to opioid settlement funds and evaluating parking management revenues.
•Conversion of an office assistant to a public-records/data-protection role to handle a 45% Y/Y increase in requests.
•Council debated resident discounts, operational complexity, and equity implications.
•Council requested a sustainability model showing funds drawdown and program duration.
•Department has nine vacancies and is increasing recruitment efforts; plans include better training, Lexipol policy transition and vehicle-replacement schedule.
•Edgewater Park construction estimates and grant match; H Barn operational cost projections and cost-recovery potential.
•Parking fees proposed to address congestion and fund seasonal maintenance at Harry Todd and American Lake.
•Proposal to move from two co-responders to a DCR + care-coordinator model under a MultiCare contract, tied to opioid funds; staff will present contract/regulatory detail.
•Proposal to shift ~$320,000 per year from police general fund to opioid settlement funds to support a co-responder/DCR program.
•Recommendation to transition to a contracted prosecution model due to recruitment and retention difficulties.
•Request for one additional parks maintenance FTE and consequences of deferring planning for the capital pipeline.

Directions

•Continue recruitment and provide council updates if contracted-services costs exceed current in-house footprint.
•Police to provide staffing/recruitment plan details and cost models for the DCR/care-coordinator proposal; conduct and deliver camera-deployment analysis and cost/benefit before contract renewal.
•Prepare multi-year projections and coordinate with human services advisory group; return with analysis before formal direction.
•Staff to refine and return with balanced budget proposals by Nov. 2 and at future budget sessions.
•Staff to return with CIP detail, grant-match assumptions and operational projections for H Barn and Edgewater.
•Staff to return with operational analysis, enforcement and resident-pass options, and revenue estimates.

Oct

Public Safety Advisory Committee meeting of October 7, 2026

A community safety committee meeting discussed possible e-bike regulations including impoundment, park safety at Forest Hills Park, traffic-circle public education, community events, and committee elections; a guest briefing from Captain Jessica Fitzgerald was provided as a handout and deferred for questions.

Discussion Points

•Concerns about helmet use and lighting on high‑speed devices.
•Education/signage vs enforcement (impoundment) as response options.
•Examples from other cities can be reused rather than re‑created.
•Frequent park incidents involving motor‑assisted devices; groups riding at high speeds and lacking helmets.
•Guest speaker provided materials but could not remain for Q&A.
•Impoundment as an enforcement tool raises questions of storage, recovery procedure, and fees.
•Lack of roundabout signage and local public understanding.
•Logistics and volunteer sign-ups for Truck & Tractor Day (setup 11 a.m., event noon–3 p.m.).
•Members should review handout prior to next meeting.
•Nominations and motions for committee chair and vice chair; vice chair motion recorded as approved with opposition; chair outcome not fully captured.
•Personal collision on Lakewood Boulevard used as evidence of need for clearer rules and enforcement.
•Whether to regulate by device type (scooters, class 1/2/3 e-bikes) or by where devices may be used (parks, trails, streets).

Decisions

•Vice chair motion approved (see actions entry).

Directions

•City attorney and police to consider public feedback when developing enforcement options.
•City attorney to follow up with police department and return with sample ordinance language and narrower options for community feedback.
•Clerk to confirm and publish vote tallies in official minutes.
•Members to review distributed materials and return with outreach ideas for the next meeting.
•Members to sign up for event shifts and prepare council packet content.
•Parks staff to coordinate with city attorney and police on options and report back.
•Staff to circulate questions to Captain Fitzgerald and arrange follow-up at next meeting.

Oct

Arts Commission Meeting

Lakewood Arts Commission convened on October 5 to approve an Eagle Scout mural at Harry Todd Park, discuss a postponed concrete-wall design, plan a November retreat at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, review fundraising for a proposed Nyanza roundabout sculpture, debrief Fiesta events and rotating/utility-box art, and address confusion about the MLK youth showcase and school-district participation.

Discussion Points

•A reported claim that the Clover Park School District would not participate in an MLK youth showcase caused confusion at the prior MLK committee meeting.
•Artist absence and need to receive design materials in advance.
•Commission clarified that art approval is a recommendation that goes to council for final approval, while park board has already approved the Eagle Project.
•Commissioners requested that the scout provide materials for fundraising only after council approvals.
•Funding for the Nyanza sculpture is still to be determined.
•Options for food (paid vs. potluck) and possible art-activity costs discussed.
•Option to revisit at November 6 meeting or call a special session.
•Partners for Parks can hold donor funds but cannot conduct fundraising on the commission’s behalf; a subcommittee was proposed.
•Retreat scheduled for November 6 at Asia Pacific Cultural Center.
•Scout presented design, budget and timeline and described volunteer participation by his troop.
•Staff described earlier district conversations as focused on how to engage students across the district given staffing constraints.

Decisions

•Commission recommended/approved the mural design and will forward recommendation to city council.
•Initial agreement to explore private fundraising pathways and subcommittee formation.
•Item postponed; no decision on design content.
•Item to be addressed at retreat and via staff follow-up; no formal action taken at this meeting.
•Retreat confirmed; staff to return with food pricing and ideas for the art experience.

Directions

•Form a subcommittee to develop fundraising mechanics and a giving-level framework and report back.
•Staff to contact the absent artist and request materials and a new presentation date.
•Staff to follow up with district contacts and clarify the district's intended level of participation; incorporate planning into the November retreat.
•Staff to include the commission recommendation in the packet for the October 19 council meeting and to secure signatures as needed.
•Staff to obtain per-person pricing from Lua and circulate options before retreat.
•Staff to request background on fundraising templates and Partners for Parks processes.

Oct

City Council Meeting of October 5, 2026

Lakewood City Council (Oct. 5, 2026) held routine proclamations and recognitions, heard extended public comment (focused on lifting the cannabis moratorium and environmental concerns), approved development-regulation amendments, rejected an ordinance to allow cannabis businesses, endorsed Pierce Transit Proposition 1, adopted council goals, and received a budget transmittal noting a projected $1.7M revenue shortfall tied to casino closures.

Discussion Points

•An amendment was adopted to narrow the ordinance\u0002s relationship language to state law.
•Council member Talbot emphasized the transit hub's importance to Lakewood.
•Council suggested partnership models and referral to advisory committees and existing commitments when possible.
•Council ultimately voted against adoption.
•Development revenues forecast to decline ~ $1.8M.
•Legal guidance on council expressing a collective voice; local transit service needs and tax implications.
•Permanent closure of three gambling facilities estimated to reduce general fund by ~$1.7M (3–3.5%).
•Public commenters and council members argued about medical access, public safety, local revenue and consistency with surrounding jurisdictions.
•Requests for local glass recycling infrastructure and stronger lake and riparian restoration language in council goals.
•Scotch broom is highly flammable and volunteer removal reduces fuel loads; volunteers coordinate with Parks & Rec and the college for hauling.
•Staff recommended further analysis and an amended budget; property‑tax levy increase of 1% was proposed as an option.
•Volunteers estimate acreage cleared and remaining and described a sustained weekly schedule.

Decisions

•Ordinance 855 failed adoption, moratorium remains in place.
•Resolution 2026-07 approved.

Directions

•Staff to present amended budget with scenarios at scheduled workshops on Nov. 9 and proposed adoption timeline in mid‑November.
•Staff to research glass‑drop options, potential contract levers with LeMay and partnership models; consider advisory board review.

Oct

Lakewood's Promise Advisory Board meeting of October 1, 2026

Discussion focused on building a Lakewood-specific online directory of youth programs (linked to the city’s five promises), forming a small working group to prototype a pilot, and recruiting up to three advisory-board members; minutes were approved with minor wording edits and the meeting adjourned for lack of quorum.

Discussion Points

•Applications require term, commitment and qualifications; bylaws inform selection
•Compare two directory models: Active Youth Coalition (county-school centered) vs. tile model on city site
•Consider metrics (number of tiles, youth served) to support future funding requests
•Members agreed these edits clarified the minutes
•Need to identify partners and avoid stale listings via expiration or resubmission requirements
•Pilot-first approach recommended (form/tile)
•Three positions open and posted on city site
•Three wording edits proposed related to attribution and emphasis
•Weigh consultant development vs. low-barrier tile/form pilot

Decisions

•Agree to form a small working group; no final decision on platform type was made
•General agreement to recruit a mix of experienced and developing leaders
•Minutes approved as adjusted
•Working group to prototype pilot; timeline to return recommendation suggested for January

Directions

•Form a small working group to prototype a pilot and return recommendations
•Members to assist outreach and recruitment
•Staff to circulate application and bylaws
•Staff to circulate revised minutes
•Staff to draft framework and circulate to volunteers
•Staff to draft framework and technical feasibility and circulate to volunteers
•Volunteers to recruit partner organizations and provide feedback

Oct

Civil Service Meeting of October 1, 2026

Lakewood Civil Service Commission met Oct. 1, 2026 to receive a workforce-analysis update, introduce a new HR analyst, adopt a new practice to limit candidate names in publicly posted removal lists, hold an executive session and approve multiple candidate removals, reinstate a former officer and certify eligibility lists.

Discussion Points

•City attorney and chair confirmed RCW exemptions allow executive sessions to evaluate applicants.
•Commission certified multiple eligibility lists by voice vote.
•Commission confirmed background check remains required before appointment.
•Commissioners requested clarity on whether diversity and demographic analysis are included in the CPSM scope.
•Commission reviewed removals in executive session and confirmed public packet will show candidate numbers only.
•CPSM completed on-site data collection including ride-alongs and call-volume analysis.
•Staff argued the change protects candidates’ personal information from public posting.
•Staff presented prior employment dates and the chief’s memo recommending reinstatement.

Decisions

•Motion to reinstate approved by voice vote.
•Practice adopted; no rule change required.
•Removals approved and lists certified.

Directions

•Change effective immediately; staff to provide full candidate lists in executive session and add RCW language to future templates.
•HR to complete standard background checks and report as required.
•Staff to keep identifying information available for executive-session review and for adoption in minutes where appropriate.
•Staff will share CPSM’s draft report and any supplemental materials with the commission when available.

Sep

City Council Meeting of September 21, 2026

The Lakewood City Council met Sept. 21, 2026. The meeting opened with a Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation, a long public-comment period dominated by lake restoration and cannabis code concerns, approval of a $364,735.84 Westlake Ave. street-end pilot contract, public hearings on the 2026 annual development regulations and proposed cannabis code amendments, a presentation on Pierce Transit Proposition 1, and an economic-development strategy briefing focused on the Lakewood Station District.

Discussion Points

•Four amendments presented: table consolidation, recording requirements, online appeals clarity, and limited weekend/night work exception.
•Four‑phase framework proposed: diagnose, enable, assemble, protect/deliver.
•Lakewood would get improved frequency on multiple routes and special event/seasonal service; seniors could receive fare‑free service if implemented.
•Project scope includes basic bid plus two alternates that relate to habitat preservation and stormwater measures.
•Proposition 1 would raise sales tax by 0.3% to fund expanded service, new routes and later service.
•Public commenters argued the city prioritizes park improvements over lake restoration.
•Public testimony cited youth‑health, public‑safety and crime concerns (opposition) and local access, medicine and tax revenue (support).
•Replaced categorical prohibition on lake‑ending street vacations with a heightened review and burden on petitioners.
•Residents urged protection for mature trees (Gary Oaks) and better enforcement if exceptions are granted.
•Retained a temporary, revocable encroachment permit track that preserves public ownership and requires removal/restoration at permittee expense.
•Schedule: 120 working days for land portion; in‑water work contingent on fish windows.
•Speakers said appeal fees and hearing‑examiner deposits are unaffordable and silence public participation.
•Staff presented draft amendments across zoning and business license provisions and noted the state Cannabis Control Board retains licensing oversight.
•Staff recommended Lakewood Station District as pilot due to zoning and potential to assemble parcels.

Decisions

•Motion 2026‑69 approved; construction to proceed per contract timeline.

Directions

•Conduct market assessment, verify TIF headroom, evaluate financing tools, and draft code changes (including minimums) as next steps.
•Council asked staff to consider drafting a resolution of support for Oct. 5 and requested additional budget/capital allocation details and local impact analysis.
•Council requested more specific language in the packet when it returns for final consideration.
•Council requested staff track comments and return follow‑up information in future agendas.
•Item to proceed through public‑hearing/code‑amendment review process (environmental review and planning commission).
•Schedule a focused study session to review the framework and concrete catalyst options.
•Staff to compile public hearing record and return for council deliberation and potential ordinance action in October.
•Staff to provide fuller description of habitat preservation alternates and confirm ARPA funding timing if construction extends into early 2027.
•Staff to provide fuller habitat descriptions and clarify enforcement and notice procedures for weekend/night exception.
•Staff to send the revised draft to the planning commission and conduct required SEPA and Department of Commerce notice.

Sep

September 16, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting

Lakewood Planning Commission met Sept. 16, 2026, held a public hearing to set the 2027 comprehensive plan amendment docket, heard a staff presentation on 23 proposed amendments (including 4 private rezones), removed three docket items from recommendation, and voted to forward the amended docket to city council.

Discussion Points

•Concern that rezoning a fourplex to neighborhood business could eliminate at least four housing units; staff explained the private rezone's intent and packet materials will provide details for future review.
•Council budget timeline and scheduling impacts on commission meeting dates; upcoming task force meetings.
•Staff detailed composition of docket: 23 amendments, categories and timeline for review; clarified that docket approval is procedural.
•Trout argued that HB1974 land bank authority provisions could allow discounted transfers that might be abused without clear procedures.
•Whether the commission should remove three docket items from the recommended docket or allow full review next year; concern about insufficient review time and possible loss of housing from private rezones.

Decisions

•Approved Resolution 202609 as amended; removed items 20-27-05, 20-27-14 and 20-27-20 from recommendation.
•Commission voted to remove amendment 20-27-05 from recommendation.
•Next commission meeting set for Oct. 21; no meeting Oct. 7 due to council schedule.

Directions

•Staff to inform city manager about request for new council representative and to communicate scheduling details.
•Staff to prepare substantive materials and environmental review for docket items next spring.
•Staff to provide detailed application information and analysis for private rezones during substantive review next spring.
•Staff to provide substantive materials and environmental analyses for docket items before next spring review.

Sep

City Council Meeting of September 14, 2026

Lakewood City Council study session (Sept. 14, 2026) heard the Arts Commission present its year-to-date public-art work (signal-box wraps, park pieces, events) and a staff-led 2026 Legacy Plan update on parks, trails and capital priorities; councilors questioned funding, maintenance staffing and park-access gaps. The session also included financial and code-update briefings and a discussion of proposed cannabis code amendments (planning commission recommended not moving them forward).

Discussion Points

•Clarification of survey recording and appeals procedures.
•Commission described signal-box program, selection process, lifespan and maintenance issues.
•Consolidation of land-use tables into two tables to simplify code.
•Council asked about rewrapping policy and collection care.
•Deputy mayor and staff discussed private fundraising through partners-for-parks.
•Key metrics: 45 acres to keep parks-per-capita ratio; 32% of residents within a 10-minute walk; target canopy 40% (current 24%).
•MLK event moved to Pierce College with student-focused programming.
•New discretionary process allowing limited weekend/night construction with conditions and director authority to revoke.
•Planning Commission recommended against lifting the ban citing health, low revenue and limited community benefit.
•Plan scope: 8 chapters including trails and strategic management; intent is to be grant-ready.
•Staff described four cannabis license types and zoning/operational options; state law sets minimum buffers but allows local calibrations.
•Staff estimated limited city revenue (ballpark $150k–$200k annually) if multiple license types allowed and noted state allotment likely yields 2 retail stores for Lakewood.
•Staff identified a $250,000 memo for a potential roundabout sculpture and a <$10,000 wall art project.
•Staffing: estimate of ~5.5 additional maintenance FTEs needed to meet standards.
•Viva Fiesta drew ~19,000 attendees last year; commission coordinates art/vendor participation.

Directions

•Commission to coordinate logistics and bring any resource requests to council as needed.
•Commission to present collections plan for council review.
•Public hearing scheduled next week; return to council for action Oct. 5.
•Public hearing set for the next council meeting; staff to return with materials for October deliberation.
•Staff to coordinate with Public Works to inventory remaining boxes and return with specifics.
•Staff to explore a partners-for-parks account and return with mechanisms for accepting private donations and any administrative steps required.
•Staff to refine demands-and-needs analysis and return with a revised draft in October and adoption materials before year-end to preserve grant eligibility.

Sep

City Council Meeting of September 8, 2026

Lakewood City Council met Sept. 8, 2026, to proclaim Patriot Day, recognize police Citizens Academy graduates, hear a youth council report with drug-prevention proposals, receive multiple public comments focused on cemetery memorials, tree-protection enforcement, traffic safety and a stalled railroad crossing, and to approve a consent agenda including CDBG home-repair funding.

Discussion Points

•Acknowledgement of city stewardship of the cemetery.
•City police managed traffic but city lacks technical control over railroad crossings.
•Completion of gravestone installations and invitation to ceremony.
•Concerns about comprehensive plan revisions removing protections (LU 4.18, LU 4.21).
•Consent agenda items read into record including claims and payroll totals.
•Council encouragement for graduates to engage further.
•Illegal or questionable tree removals on School Street and elsewhere.
•Perceived limits of code enforcement (hours, species identification) and need for arborist expertise.
•Proclamation naming Sept. 11, 2026 as Patriot Day and Day of Remembrance.
•Program structure and activities (tours, VR, driving exercises).
•Proposals to place naloxone in public spaces and train staff.
•Public invitation to Friday remembrance ceremony at West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 31, 5:30 p.m.
•Train-crossing failure led to extended closures and long detours.
•Two items (2026-63 and 2026-64) pulled for discussion; council asked about schedule and loan-security details.
•Use of opioid settlement funds to support prevention programs.
•Youth council structural changes to improve project work.

Decisions

•Both motions approved by voice vote.
•Proclamation adopted; event promoted to public.

Directions

•Council advised residents to report incidents and for staff to keep railroad contacts informed.
•Council requested planning commission and task force updates on urban forestry work.
•Staff to coordinate proposals with Community Services Advisory Board and Lakewood's Promise.
•Staff to return with estimated opening and ribbon-cutting timing for Nisqually Loop signage and to confirm deed modification process and final loan accounting for the CDBG project.

Sep

American Lake-Lake Management District Committee September 3, 2026, Meeting

The American Lake Management District advisory group met Sept. 3 to review listening-session feedback, hear city-attorney guidance on forming a new lake management district, set a regular monthly meeting schedule through Dec. 2027, discuss the 2027 draft work plan (including adding filamentous algae and other nuisance plants), review budget and grant status, and vote to join the Washington State Lake Protection Association.

Discussion Points

•Add filamentous algae and other nuisance aquatic plants to the 2027 work plan as budget allows.
•Annual assessment receipts roughly $23,000; outstanding loan repayment and potential JBLM reimbursement may affect net available funds.
•Aqua Technics can treat multiple species under DOE permit; contract amendments may be needed.
•Consider modest ALMD funding to support lab analysis and improved instrumentation for citizen monitoring.
•Estimated carryforward after current-year costs near $33,000.
•Formation paths: petition (10 landowners or 20% acreage) or council resolution with public hearing.
•IT availability and public attendance considerations for earlier meeting times.
•Membership cost is modest and educational value likely high.
•Partner with the American Lake Improvement Club for education nights and community meetings around the lake.
•Public hearing notice required (30–90 days, newspaper, mailed notice to landowners and DFW).
•Staff or city authorization may be required for ALMD funds to pay membership.
•State law requires forming a new LMD rather than rolling over an existing LMD.
•Treating phosphorus is significantly more expensive than current budgets can bear.
•Use printed flyers with assessment mailings to reach residents without internet.
•Use surveys to determine acreage to treat and budget allocation.
•Voter approval by simple majority required within the proposed district.
•Whether quarterly meetings met the legal definition of 'regular' meetings and the trade-offs of monthly vs. quarterly scheduling.

Decisions

•Board expressed support for outreach and investigating funding for citizen monitoring.
•Include other aquatic plants in the 2027 draft work plan; retain milfoil as primary treatment priority.
•Monthly meetings approved; Oct. 1 set as next meeting.
•Motion passed to join the Washington State Lake Protection Association.

Directions

•Board to consider inclusion of monitoring-support funding in the 2027 work plan if allowed under the LMD resolution.
•Consider preapproving contractors or preparing bid documents for multiple treatment types.
•Prepare a draft LMD scope and assessment details for council consideration by Jan–Feb.
•Set monthly meetings through Dec. 2027 and confirm chamber availability for Oct. 1 at 4 p.m.
•Staff to determine administrative steps to process membership and report back.
•Staff to explore partnering with the improvement club and identify possible meeting locations and dates.
•Staff to update the 2027 draft work plan and present a redrafted version at the October meeting with budget estimates.
•Staff to verify JBLM reimbursement status and present updated carryforward numbers at the next meeting.

Sep

Planning Commission Meeting of September 2, 2026

Lakewood Planning Commission reviewed the proposed 2027 docket of 23 amendments — including eight required by recent state laws — and set a public hearing for Sept. 16, 2026. Commissioners discussed state-mandated changes, four private rezone requests, land-banking authority, tree‑canopy and climate task‑force work, and several code cleanup items.

Discussion Points

•Baseline canopy ~24%; goal 40% by 2050 (~1,700 acres more).
•Commissioner Estrada concerned HB1974 allows transfers not required to go to the highest bidder.
•Commissioners asked whether rezones could cause loss of existing housing units.
•Commissioners may recommend items be forwarded to staff for full review or removed from the docket.
•Minor code updates (fence height to 7 ft to match IBC, construction‑storage use, fee recovery for sewer connection appeals).
•Private rezones described: Silicon Boulevard, South Tacoma Way, Tilikum area, split‑zoned parcel.
•Proposal to reduce commissioner terms from 5 to 4 years; discretionary policy left to council.
•Staff explained statutory intent to ease affordable housing development and noted city policy decisions would determine practice.
•Staff presented the 2027 docket and described process and schedule.
•Task forces are developing an urban‑forestry management plan and heat‑mitigation strategies.

Decisions

•Public hearing set for Sept. 16, 2026; commission may take action that night or continue deliberations at a later meeting.

Directions

•Staff to develop water‑availability plans and staffing models to support plantings; prepare outreach schedule for January and public meetings.
•Staff to include analysis of HB1974 implications and suggested code language to guard against non‑competitive transfers.
•Staff to include SEPA and housing‑loss analyses and to provide applicant‑specific uses and impact assessments ahead of the hearing.
•Staff to include these items in the public hearing packet; clarify whether change to terms would apply to current incumbents.
•Staff to prepare SEPA and draft code amendments for items the commission forwards.
•Staff to provide public‑hearing materials about a week before Sept. 16.

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