City Council

LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND STATE LEGISLATORS AGENDA Thursday, November 15, 2018 6:00 P.M. City of Lakewood Council Chambers 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499 Page No. Call to Order (2) Review of the State Legislative Agenda and Legislative Policy Manual Adjournment The Council Chambers is accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons requesting special accommodations or language interpreters should contact the City Clerk, 253-983-7705, as soon as possible in advance of the Council meeting so that an attempt to provide the special accommodations can be made. http://www.cityoflakewood.us City Hall will be closed 15 minutes after adjournment of the meeting.  CITY OF LAKEW OOD, W AS HINGTON 2019-2020 Biennial Legislative Agenda The City looks forward to continuing its partnership with its legislative delegation to improve the overall quality of life for those that call Lakewood home. Community Policing Partnership: Since 2007 the City has operated a highly effective community policing program to respond to hundreds of calls for police service at Western State Hospital (WSH). In the 2017-19 Operating Budget, the State appropriated $621,000. To keep pace with increasing costs and inflation, the City requests a 3% increase per year for a total of $649,224 for the biennium. Ongoing full funding ensures the Community Policing Program will continue to operate successfully. Military Benefit Zone: Washington State has the sixth highest regional concentration of military presence in the United States. In addition to providing an integral role in national security, the state’s military installations constitute a significant economic contributor. The City supports legislation that would expand financing tools for military communities to support and encourage private economic development. Military Benefit Zones would improve the viability of existing businesses in the zone, encourage new private development, reduce traffic congestion, and support the needs of housing, services, and the overall quality of life for military personnel and families. Fort Steilacoom Artificial Turf Infields: The City has initiated major improvements at Fort Steilacoom Park to support youth sports. Often tournament organizers select locations based on assurance of play regardless of weather conditions (i.e. turf fields that hold up under rainy conditions and high-level of play). The City is requesting $1 million to replace four dirt baseball infields with synthetic turf material. These improvements would allow baseball to be played at the park year-round. These improvements would make Fort Steilacoom Park a more competitive location for future tournaments and improve economic opportunities within the City. Springbrook Park, Clover Creek Expansion and Restoration: Healthy people need healthy spaces. Streams play an integral part in the health of the greater Puget Sound area. The City is requesting $750,000 to fund restoration efforts to improve the biodiversity of native and aquatic plants and improve water quality within this important salmon bearing riparian area. This project will improve the quality of life for some of Lakewood’s most vulnerable, underserved, and diverse residents by improving their access to open space areas and building onto Springbrook Park. Amtrak Station Assessment Request: The City aims to provide more equitable transportation access to historically underserved communities and national security personnel, as well as to increase the overall interconnectivity of the south Puget Sound to robust multi-modal transportation networks. The City is requesting $500,000 from the state transportation budget to perform a train stop feasibility study in or near Lakewood. The study would determine the viability of providing expanded Amtrak rail service for the growing South Sound – Lakewood, DuPont, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and areas of unincorporated Pierce County, including Parkland and Spanaway. Contact Information: John J. Caulfield, City Manager Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs 253-983-7703 253-310-5477 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com Adopted by City Council November 5, 2018 2  CITY OF LAKEWOOD STATE LEGISLATIVE MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 3  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ COMMUNITY& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................... 2 Economic Development Tools ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Military Benefit Zone ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 Spur Economic Development on Pacific Highway South .................................................................................................... 2 Annexation ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Boundary Review Board ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Local Authority for Land Use and Planning ........................................................................................................................ 3 Small Cell Network Facility Infrastructure .......................................................................................................................... 3 PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITY SERVICES ................................................................................................ 4 Fort Steilacoom Artificial Turf Infields ................................................................................................................................ 4 Springbrook Park, Clover Creek Expansion and Restoration .............................................................................................. 4 State Funding ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................................ 5 Amtrak Station Assessment Request ................................................................................................................................. 5 I-5 JBLM Corridor ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 WSDOT Implementation of Connecting Washington ......................................................................................................... 5 Infrastructure Funding ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Limiting Additional Freight on Point Defiance Bypass (Lakeview Rail Line) ....................................................................... 5 Stormwater & Culvert Funding .......................................................................................................................................... 5 FINANCE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 State-Shared Revenues ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Fiscal Home Rule (alternative to State-Shared Revenues) ................................................................................................. 6 General Fund Revenue ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 City Financial Liability for Offender Medical Costs ............................................................................................................. 6 City Financial Liability for Indigent Defense ....................................................................................................................... 6 Unfunded Mandates & Other State & Federal Budget Impacts ......................................................................................... 6 Construction Contracts Claims Process .............................................................................................................................. 7 Prevailing Wage Rate Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Funding Request: Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) .................................................................................. 7 PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Authority to Appoint Municipal Court Judges .................................................................................................................... 8 Traffic Enforcement Cameras ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Community Policing Program and Basic Police Services at Western State Hospital .......................................................... 8 Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) ........................................................................................................................... 8 Jail and Court Costs ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Release of Offenders to County of Origin ........................................................................................................................... 9 Adult Family Homes ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 Civil Asset Forfeiture .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Consolidate Traffic-Based Financial Obligations ................................................................................................................ 9 HOUSING ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Quality Affordable Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 10 Condominium Liability Laws ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Predatory Lending ............................................................................................................................................................ 10 Foreclosure of Homes ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 GENERAL GOVERNMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Public Records & Open Meetings ..................................................................................................................................... 10 MILITARY AFFAIRS ....................................................................................................................................................... 11 American Lake Veterans Golf Course Tax Exemption ...................................................................................................... 11 South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) & Joint Base Lewis-McChord .............................................. 11 1 4  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ COMMUNITY& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Tools The City joins AWC in supporting robust and sustainable funding for the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund, Local Revitalization Funding, Community Economic Revitalization Board, Local Infrastructure Financing Tool, Public Works Assistance Account, Public Facility Districts, and other programs that assist local governments in neighborhood residential and commercial area rehabilitation. The City also supports legislation that provides optional economic development tools for cities, such as the multi-family housing tax incentive, lodging tax, the Main Street Act (a series of small tax incentives for neighborhood business districts), complete streets grant program, community facility financing, shared state revenue for construction of convention and special event centers, additional shared state revenue for urban renewal and other public facility improvements, and innovative approaches to property tax assessment that reduces the current incentive to allow property to remain blighted. The City also supports efforts to advance a constitutional amendment to allow for tax increment financing in our state. In light of challenges around advancing a constitutional amendment, the City also supports legislation that provides new economic development tools for cities throughout the state, including tax increment financing “light” proposals. Military Benefit Zone Washington state has the sixth highest regional concentration of military presence in the United States. In addition to providing an integral role in national security, the state’s military installations constitute a significant economic contributor. The City supports legislation that would expand financing tools for military communities to support and encourage private economic development. Military Benefit Zones would improve the viability of existing businesses in the zone, encourage new private development, reduce traffic congestion, and support the needs of housing, services, and the overall quality of life for military personnel and families. Spur Economic Development on Pacific Highway South Lakewood requests the state’s partnership in developing 25 acres of property along Pacific Highway South, to include the current location of the WSDOT maintenance facility. This area is prime real estate for development that could result in significant increased sales tax revenue for the state, county and city. Annexation The City believes that annexation laws should encourage the logical development and expansion of the City to provide for a healthy and growing local economy and efficient provision of urban services. The City supports legislation that would modify state annexation laws to reduce the administrative process and the overall cost of annexation, both of which would help encourage and incentivize the annexation of existing unincorporated islands. 2 5  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ Boundary Review Board The City supports the elimination of Boundary Review Boards’ (BRB) role in reviewing items that are governed by the GMA (RCW 36.70A) while authorizing counties to determine whether to retain their BRB to review non-GMA-governed issues (e.g., special purpose district expansions). Local Authority for Land Use and Planning The City supports preserving the authority of local governments regarding local taxation, as well as land use planning, zoning and regulation consistent with the GMA (RCW 36.70A) and SEPA (RCW 43.21C.) The City supports state level efforts to bolster military installations’ sustainability and operational readiness and address land use compatibility issues, so long as local jurisdictional control over land use and infrastructure planning is not eroded. Small Cell Network Facility Infrastructure There is a push to standardize the permitting process of small cell technology across Washington State that would require local governments to provide access to public facilities for siting locations for small cell facilities. The City opposes state and federal legislation that eliminates local control in the siting and regulation of small cell network facilities. Furthermore, the City supports legislation that makes statutory changes to clarify and improve the deployment of small cell network facilities. 3 6  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITY SERVICES The City of Lakewood is in need of state assistance to improve, maintain and expand its local park system and the open space areas of the City. Fort Steilacoom Artificial Turf Infields The City has made major improvements at Fort Steilacoom Park to support youth sports. Often tournament organizers select locations based on assurance of play regardless of weather conditions (i.e. turf fields that hold up under rainy conditions and high-level of play). The City is requesting $1 million to replace four dirt baseball infields with synthetic turf material. These improvements would allow baseball to be played at the park year-round. These improvements would make Fort Steilacoom a more competitive location for future tournaments and improve economic opportunities within the City. Springbrook Park, Clover Creek Expansion and Restoration Healthy people need healthy spaces. Streams play an integral part in the health of the greater Puget Sound area. The City is requesting $750,000 to fund restoration efforts to improve the biodiversity of native and aquatic plants and improve water quality within this important salmon bearing riparian area. This project will improve the quality of life for some of Lakewood’s most vulnerable, underserved, and diverse residents by improving their access to open space areas and building onto Springbrook Park. State Funding The City supports ongoing funding for the following: Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) If the WWRP program is funded at the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (WWRC) recommended level, the City could receive the following funding:  $600,000 for the Harry Todd Waterfront Improvement Project, Phase II  $500,000 for Fort Steilacoom Park Angle Lane trail project  $709,000 for Chambers Creek Canyon Trail project (partnership with Pierce County and the City of University Place) Aquatic Land Enhancement Fund (ALEA) $500,000 was requested for the Harry Todd Waterfront Improvement Project, Phase II. Youth Athletic Fund (YAF) The City supports the YAF fund and plans to compete for $350,000 of funding for turf infields at Fort Steilacoom Park in the next funding cycle. 4 7  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE Amtrak Station Assessment Request The City aims to provide more equitable transportation access to historically underserved communities and national security personnel, as well as to increase the overall interconnectivity of the south Puget Sound to robust multi-modal transportation networks. The City is requesting $500,000 from the state transportation budget to perform a train stop feasibility study in or near Lakewood. The study would determine the viability of providing expanded Amtrak rail service for the growing South Sound – Lakewood, DuPont, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and areas of unincorporated Pierce County, including Parkland and Spanaway. I-5 JBLM Corridor The I-5 JBLM corridor is fully funded in the 2015 Connecting Washington package. The City is currently working with WSDOT to ensure timely implementation of the project. The City will continue to advocate for any appropriations or policy changes needed to advance the project in the best interests of our community and region. The City will closely monitor the development of the Gravelly-Thorne Connector project. WSDOT Implementation of Connecting Washington The City encourages the Legislature to provide WSDOT with the tools and authority necessary to ensure on-time and efficient delivery of projects in the Connecting Washington transportation package, including the authority to acquire necessary right-of-way. Infrastructure Funding Local agencies, including the City of Lakewood, lack resources for infrastructure funding. As a result, city roads remain in disrepair; general fund dollars are taken from other important services to repair roads; or a combination thereof. The City joins AWC in supporting the state’s ongoing and increased investment in infrastructure funding programs such as the Public Works Assistance Account. Limiting Additional Freight on Point Defiance Bypass (Lakeview Rail Line) The City opposes increased freight traffic along this corridor that is above and beyond the activity already in place and does not have a destination within Lakewood. With the opening of the Point Defiance Bypass project in support of Amtrak passenger rail coupled with increasing demands on freight rail, there is concern that the Point Defiance Bypass project could eventually lead to increased freight traffic in addition to new passenger rail. Stormwater & Culvert Funding Cities have significant stormwater and culvert funding needs. The City of Lakewood joins AWC in requesting secure, ongoing and sufficient funding for city culvert repair and replacement. The City supports funding for current and new grant programs for local stormwater and culvert projects. 5 8  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ FINANCE State-Shared Revenues The City supports restoration and continued appropriation of committed state shared funds, such as Liquor Excise Taxes and Profits, City-County Assistance Account, Municipal Criminal Justice Account, Annexation Sales Tax Credit, and public health funding. Fiscal Home Rule (alternative to State-Shared Revenues) The City recognizes that it is increasingly difficult for the state to continue its historic role of providing state-shared revenues to the local level. The City will evaluate fiscal home rule proposals as they are introduced. General Fund Revenue The City supports legislation that will increase, expand, or favorably restructure its revenue-raising ability. In consideration of the continued growth in demand for services that exceed revenue growth and inflation, the City supports the following revenue options:  Give local governments increased local option flexibility in all areas of taxing authority.  Eliminate remaining non-supplanting language and restrictions on use of certain revenues in local option tax authority. This language excessively limits City Council discretion regarding funding priorities. City Financial Liability for Offender Medical Costs The City supports legislative proposals that reduce cities’ financial liability for offender medical costs. Cities and counties are financially responsible for medical costs associated with an offender’s pre-existing medical conditions, including drug dependency, and injuries incurred during the commission of a crime, even if that individual has insurance. This is inequitable and is challenging for local agencies to budget. The City supports proposals that change this current practice. City Financial Liability for Indigent Defense Indigent defense is a constitutional right that should be funded by the state. However, in 2017 counties contributed approximately $136 million per year to trial court public defense costs alone, while the state contributed approximately $6 million per year. The City supports state funding for indigent defense that is standardized and non-competitive in order to ensure more equitable funding. Unfunded Mandates & Other State & Federal Budget Impacts Mandates from the Federal and State governments are rarely accompanied with adequate new revenues or taxing authority, but instead force the City to reduce funding levels for other services. The City opposes efforts by the State Legislature to balance budgets by shifting responsibilities to cities. 6 9  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ Construction Contracts Claims Process The City opposes legislation that would change the claim process for construction contracts on public works projects. When specific instances arise, the City is willing to work with a contractor to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome is reached. Prevailing Wage Rate Changes In 2018 the Legislature passed a law requiring the Department of Labor & Industries (LNI) to use comparable collective bargaining agreements to establish the prevailing wage for trade/occupations in the geographic region, rather than the previous practice of using wage and hour surveys. If there is no established collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for a trade/occupation then the previous practice of using wage and hour surveys may continue. Through implementation of this new law, LNI determined that landscape laborers are covered under a CBA that is substantially different from landscape work as outlined in the WAC. Under these new prevailing wage rates, landscape labor costs for cities would likely double. This would make park and public space maintenance cost prohibitive. The City supports administrative and/or legislative action to revise the prevailing wage rates for landscape laborers. Funding Request: Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) The City supports Municipal Research and Services Center’s (MRSC) request to increase its budget by 6%, ($600,000) for the 2019-2020 biennium to maintain basic services for cities and counties. This request does not impact the State’s general fund as the funding source for MRSC comes from the city and county share of liquor profits and revenues. MRSC has received no increase in state appropriation funding since 2009, and inflationary cost increases have significantly impacted MRSC’s core budget. In real dollars, this translates to a loss of $600,000 per biennium from MRSC’s pre-2009 funding level. Absent this additional funding, MRSC will continue to incur service level reductions that will impact their ability to provide the “Ask MRSC” basic legal and technical assistance to cities, counties, and state legislature. Washington Department of Revenue data shows that city and county portions of liquor profit and excise tax revenue increased annually by approximately 11%; MRSC’s request for a 6% increase in funding is less than the historical growth of liquor revenues. 7 10  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ PUBLIC SAFETY Authority to Appoint Municipal Court Judges The City supports cities’ ability to appoint a municipal court judge and to maintain courts and supports further technical and financial assistance for the administration of municipal courts. Traffic Enforcement Cameras The Legislature has authorized local government to use traffic enforcement cameras in limited situations, including red light enforcement at certain intersections and speed control in school zones. Traffic enforcement cameras have proven to be successful at reducing instances of speeding and violations of traffic signals. The City supports the use of traffic enforcement cameras. The City also supports legislation allowing images from traffic enforcement cameras to be used by law enforcement in criminal cases if there is probable cause. Community Policing Program and Basic Police Services at Western State Hospital Since 2007 the City has operated a highly effective community policing program to respond to hundreds of calls for police service at Western State Hospital (WSH). In the 2017-19 Operating Budget, the State appropriated $621,000 toward the program. To keep pace with increasing costs and inflation, the City requests a 3% increase per year for a total of $649,224 for the biennium. Ongoing full funding ensures the Community Policing Program will continue to operate successfully. Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) The City joins AWC in supporting ongoing funding of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy which is the sole training program for police departments statewide. With an increasing number of law enforcement officers retiring, it is imperative this program receive adequate funding to provide ample training openings for new hires. There is currently a four to six month wait for a spot. During that time, a recruit does not count towards staffing but does count for a budgeted position. This exacerbates staffing issues faced by police departments across the state and will ultimately generate an even bigger backlog as departments try to catch up. Public Safety is a priority for Washington and should be funded as such. Recently the City of Lakewood had two candidates wait over five months for training slots. Jail and Court Costs The City supports legislative proposals that reduce jail and court costs, and maintain its flexibility in providing jail and court services. The City supports additional funding for local grants through the Office of Public Defense, and clarifying local authority to set standards for public defenders. The City also supports maintaining the flexibility to select the most appropriate manner in which to provide jail services. The City will monitor all legislation that impacts the City’s ability to contract with government agencies. 8 11  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ Release of Offenders to County of Origin The City supports legislation that addresses “fair share” and expands the “county of origin” policy that sends offenders back to their county of origin upon release, including offenders released from the state’s only Special Commitment Center located on McNeil Island, and civil commitment patients released from Western State Hospital. The City requests that this legislation include sufficient enforcement mechanisms to ensure that “fair share” and “county of origin” are properly applied to released offenders and civil commitment patients. Adult Family Homes Adult Family Homes (AFHs) serve adults with functional limitations who need personal and special care. The City of Lakewood has become aware of public safety concerns within adult family homes. The City expects aggressive and timely legislative solutions that increase public safety in and around adult family homes. Trueblood Settlement The City of Lakewood supports a settlement between the Trueblood Plaintiffs and the State of Washington that includes state funding for the construction and ongoing operation of acute and long-term care facilities located in communities throughout the state. Civil Asset Forfeiture Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement agencies to take possession of property when the property itself is illegal, was used to facilitate a crime, is proceeds from a crime, or was purchased with proceeds traceable to criminal activity. The City views civil asset forfeiture as a valuable tool, and will closely monitor legislation and oppose provisions that add restrictions on law enforcement’s use of civil asset forfeiture. Consolidate Traffic-Based Financial Obligations The City supports legislative proposals that would authorize the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish a unified payment plan system for the consolidation of multiple traffic-based financial obligations allowing defendants to bring multiple outstanding obligations into the new payment plan for ongoing servicing with a single point of contact and reducing the volume of driver’s license suspension for failure to respond or pay, fewer DWLS-3 prosecutions, and improve collection rates. Phlebotomist Credentials In 2017 the Legislature expanded the Impaired Driving statue and created a new category of phlebotomist to include a forensic phlebotomist. The intent was to create more accessible phlebotomy training for law enforcement officers. The resulting law created virtually unattainable forensic phlebotomy credential requirements. The City supports eliminating forensic phlebotomist credential requirements in statute and allowing the Department of Health to outline credential requirements – as they do for medical assistant phlebotomist credential requirements. 9 12  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ HOUSING Quality Affordable Housing The City supports enhancement of the provision of much needed human service programs to address issues that drive increased homelessness and public safety costs. The City supports legislation that incentivizes developers to build affordable housing and funding allocated for public and nonprofit affordable housing, including the Housing Trust Fund. Condominium Liability Laws Condominiums are essential for providing middle income, starter, senior, and high density housing. The current regulatory and legal environment for condominium construction makes new condominium development cost prohibitive. The City joins AWC in supporting addressing condominium liability at the state level. The City supports amendments to the Washington Condominium Act in order to encourage more condominium development. Predatory Lending The City supports legislation to stop all predatory home lending practices and supports enforcement of state law to ensure all home renting practices are in compliance with existing regulations. Foreclosure of Homes The City supports legislation that assists local jurisdictions in managing vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties. Without responsible management, these properties can cause problems throughout an entire community. The properties can become fire hazards, home to squatters, location of crime, and result in general decline in property values. In the upcoming coming biennium, the City also supports evaluating the effectiveness of legislation passed in this area. GENERAL GOVERNMENT Public Records & Open Meetings The City respects the right of the public to have access to legitimate public records and documents. The City believes its ability to recover the costs of searching for, gathering and reviewing requested documents is also in the public’s interest. The City supports reasonable reforms to the Public Records Act. The City opposes requiring the recording of executive sessions or other restrictions on legitimate uses of executive sessions. 1013  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 ___________________________________________________________________________ MILITARY AFFAIRS American Lake Veterans Golf Course Tax Exemption The American Lake Veterans Golf Course has always been a United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) golf course. However, the VA has recently decided to have the golf course run by a nonprofit and it is unclear whether the nonprofit will have to pay sales tax and business and occupation tax. The City of Lakewood supports legislation that clarifies that the American Lake Veterans Golf Course is not subject to sales tax or business and occupation tax. South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) & Joint Base Lewis- McChord The City of Lakewood is a strong partner with Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and a founding member of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP), a nationally recognized organization that gives unique voice to a range of issues affecting Pierce and Thurston Counties and their cities as well as JBLM, the largest military installation in Washington State. JBLM is a regional employment hub and a major statewide economic driver. The City supports the ongoing efforts of SSMCP and supports policy and financial decisions that assist JBLM’s operational readiness and sustainability. The City also believes in strong policy and financial commitments from the State in support of statewide military affairs while preserving local governments’ and regional coordinating organizations’ flexibility and authority to maintain communications and relationships with area installations. Lakewood supports the State establishing and providing sustained funding for a Military Compatibility Fund (BRAC fund) to assist local jurisdictions in addressing incompatible uses such as the McChord North Clear Zone. Lakewood supports establishing a Military Advisory Council to advise the Governor and Legislature; providing financial support of regional military- community partnerships such as Forward Fairchild, Puget Sound Naval Bases Association and SSMCP; and strengthening financial, legislative and political support for military presence in Washington in anticipation of future force restructuring or defense contract reductions due to sequestration, Department of Defense budget reductions, and/or base realignment and closure (BRAC) rounds. Lakewood supports SSMCP’s 2019 Legislative Priorities to secure additional state funding to address the McChord North Clear Zone and secure funding from the Transportation Budget to complete the necessary NEPA/SEPA work along the I-5 corridor from Mounts Road to Tumwater. 1114  Legislative Request: Western State Hospital Community Policing Program Request: The City of Lakewood requests funding for the highly successful Community Policing Program at Western State Hospital be increased by 3% each year. Background: The Lakewood Community Policing Program at Western State Hospital has been in existence since 2007, and has successfully reduced calls for police service and created a safer environment for both the hospital and surrounding neighborhoods. Since its inception, the program has resulted in a 40% reduction in calls for police services at Western State Hospital and has facilitated a stronger relationship between hospital staff, police, and the community, which has in turn, resulted in increased collaboration and mutual feelings of trust and respect. In a 2017 Report to the Legislature on the Western State Hospital – City of Lakewood Community Policing Program, WSH reported that, “Through this partnership, WSH has experienced the benefit of consistency in response to criminal cases, case management, and other concerns involving patients and staff on the WSH campus.” The report’s assessment also highlighted that “the agreement allows the Lakewood Police Department to prioritize an intentional partnership with WSH, ensuring a proactive approach to the concerns and needs that have been identified, and supporting the Hospital’s ability to accomplish its mission of transforming lives.” The continued success of the Community Policing Program is contingent on state funding that sufficiently funds the program. Despite the ongoing need and the program’s consistent success, funding has not been codified and each fiscal biennium the City must request the Legislature appropriate funds for the program’s continued operation. For the first 10 years of operation there was no adjustment to the funding level for this program. As costs of the program increased due to inflation, the city subsidized the program operation. In the 2017-19 Operating Budget the Legislature increased the appropriation to $621,000 per biennium. The City of Lakewood is proud to offer these services to WSH. As with all expenses, the cost to operate the program increases with the rate of inflation. The City respectfully requests that a 3% inflationary increase in funding for the Community Policing Program be included in the 2019-21 Operating Budget. This would be a total cost of $649,224 for the biennium. Western State Hospital Community Partnership Costs - State Fiscal Year 7/1/2017 - 7/1/2018 - 7/1/2019 - 7/1/2020 - 6/30/2018 6/30/2019 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 Personnel $283,900 $292,417 $301,190 $310,225 Training $1,700 $1,751 $1,804 $1,858 Indirect Cost 10% $28,560 $29,417 $30,299 $31,208 Total Program Cost $314,160 $323,585 $333,293 $343,291 State Funding $310,500 $310,500 $319,815 $329,409 Net City Cost $3,660 $13,085 $13,478 $13,882 Contact Information: John J. Caulfield, City Manager Mike Zaro, Police Chief Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs 253-983-7703 253-830-5001 253-310-5477 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us mzaro@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com 15  Legislative Request: Military Benefit Zone Request: Pass legislation to establish a local economic development tool for communities near military installations. Why: Washington’s military installations have a significant state-wide economic impact. The regional economic impact of Joint Base Lewis McChord alone was estimated to be between $8.5 billion and $9.2 billion, according to a recent UW Tacoma study. Despite this economic impact, the communities surrounding military installations do not have the necessary tools to support infrastructure development to spur even greater economic growth. Providing local jurisdictions with a military benefit zone tool will boost the quality of life for military families by spurring development of housing and amenities closer to base, thereby reducing commutes and congestion on roadways. ELIGIBLE JURISDICTIONS Military Civilian Installation Eligible Jurisdictions Population Employees Cities of Lakewood, DuPont, Yelm, Roy, Town of Joint Base Lewis-McChord 45,709 16,058 Steilacoom, Pierce County, Thurston County Naval Base Kitsap 12,825 14,071 Cities of Poulsbo and Port Orchard, Kitsap County Fairchild Air Force Base 2,973 446 Cities of Airway Heights and Medical Lake City of Oak Harbor, Town of Coupeville, Island Naval Station Whidbey Island 8,414 2,100 County Naval Station Everett 2,200 800 JURISDICTIONS ALREADY RECEIVING LIFT OR LRF The cities of Lacey, Bremerton, Everett, and Tacoma, as well as Spokane County would otherwise be eligible but they have already taken advantage of local financing tools like LIFT and LRF and would not be able to take advantage of the MBZ. How: An eligible local jurisdiction must choose to establish a military benefit zone and submit an application to Department of Commerce for participation in the program. Applications must demonstrate that over the period of time, public improvements in the zone will result in increased sales and use tax. If selected, the jurisdiction issue bonds to complete infrastructure improvements within the zone. Any increase in state sales tax generated within the zone, up to the award amount determined by DOC, is credited against the state and used toward debt service on bonds. State contribution continues for 25 years or until bonds are paid off. Objectives: A military benefit zone is required to:  Increase private investment within the MBZ  Increase employment within the MBZ  Generate an increase in sales tax  Support the needs of the military for housing, services and quality of life Return on Investment for the State: Local Revitalization Financing (LRF), Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT), and the Hospital Benefit Zone (HBZ) function similarly to the proposed Military Benefit Zone. These programs are no longer open since the maximum state contribution has been met. However, these tools have already proven to have a significant return on investment for the state. According to the 2017 Department of Revenue report to the Legislature, in 2016 the state invested $3.38 million in 9 LRF projects that generated an estimated state benefit of $350 million since the program began. Source: Local Revitalization Financing Program 2017 Report to the Contact Information: Legislature. John J. Caulfield, City Manager Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs 253-983-7703 253-310-5477 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com 16  Capital Funding Request: Fort Steilacoom Park Artificial Turf Infields Capital Funding Request: The City is requesting $1 million to replace four dirt baseball infields with a synthetic turf material that would allow baseball games to be played year-round. Synthetic infields would make Fort Steilacoom Park a more competitive location for future tournaments and by extension, improve economic opportunities in the City. Project Description: The City has made major improvements at Fort Steilacoom Park to support youth sports in recent years. This project would continue that tradition. The baseball fields at Fort Steilacoom Park serve youth throughout Pierce, Thurston and South King Counties, and are also home to the Lakewood Baseball Club. Current field conditions are not conducive to support high- level usage of play. Often baseball tournament organizers select tournament locations where they are assured a full day or weekend of play. Wet weather often leads to unsafe playing conditions at Fort Steilacoom Park’s ballfields due to the dirt infields. Replacing these dirt infields with synthetic turf Infield Cost material would make Fort Steilacoom Park a Non-construction (design): $100,000 more desirable location for large tournaments. Construction: $1,160,000 By leaving the grass outfields, the City would Total Cost $1,260,000 retain an old fashioned baseball tradition and (Cost per infield $315,000) feel of playing on the grass. With an increase Legislative Funding request $1,000,000 in ballgames, these fields would be a City & other funding sources $260,000 significant local economic catalyst for Total Funding 1,260,000 businesses, restaurants, and hotels in and around Lakewood. Contact Information: John J. Caulfield, City Manager Mary Dodsworth, Director of Parks and Recreation Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs 253-983-7703 253-983-7741 253-310-5477 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us mdodsworth@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com 17 Fort Steilacoom Park Improvements: Past, Present, and Future 1 YEAR IMPROVEMENT COST PAST – TOTAL $12,010,000 2001 Barn Roofs / Cemetery Fence $150,000 2005 Ballfield Upgrades $2,200,000 2005 Restroom by Ballfields $150,000 2005 (1) Playground $250,000 2001-08 Park Maintenance $750,000 2 2006 Hill Ward Demo and Development $800,000 2006 Large Shelter $60,000 2007 O&M Shop $375,000 2007 Playground Upgrades $60,000 2007 Playground Restrooms $220,000 2007 Small Shelter $30,000 2007 (2) Dog Park Development $75,000 3 2007 Irrigation, Turf Restoration, Shelters $15,000 2014 Waughop Water Quality Survey $200,000 2016 Parks WiFi $55,000 2016 (3) Waughop Lake Trail project $750,000 2016 Barn Removal $85,000 2016 Parking Lot (Waughop Lake Trail) $310,000 2016 O&M Shop Upgrades (Lights, HVAC, etc.) $75,000 2016 Sport Field Improvements $750,000 2009-17 Annual Maintenance $4,650,000 PRESENT – TOTAL $2,100,000 4 2018 (4) Roadway Restoration $750,000 2018 Angle Lane North Parking Lot $75,000 2018 Steilacoom Blvd Gateway $75,000 2018 (5) Outdoor Stage and Park Pavilion $1,300,000 FUTURE -- TOTAL $10,150,000 2019 Utility Upgrades (water, sewer, power) $700,000 2020 Synthetic Turf Upgrades $1,300,000 2020 Angle Lane South Parking Lot $300,000 5 2020 Waughop Lake Restroom $300,000 2020 Angle Lane Restoration $500,000 2021 Ballfield Lighting $1,200,000 2021 Playground Upgrades $350,000 TBD Barn Restoration for Public Use $5,500,000 TOTAL IMPROVEMENTS - $24,360,000 18  Capital Funding Request: Springbrook Park Clover Creek Expansion & Restoration Capital Funding Request: The City is requesting $750,000 to fund restoration efforts to improve the biodiversity of native and aquatic plants and improve water quality within this important salmon bearing riparian area. Additionally, this project will improve the quality of life for some of Lakewood’s most vulnerable, underserved, and diverse residents by improving their access to open space areas. Park proximity has been shown to play an integral part in promoting higher levels of park use and physical health, especially for youth. Project Description: Healthy people need healthy spaces. Streams play an integral part in the health of the greater Puget Sound. By funding this project, the City would be able to remediate the land adjacent to Clover Creek and Springbrook Park. The City will start the remediation process by funding the removal of several dilapidated buildings located near the Clover Creek shoreline in 2019. The Springbrook neighborhood, located just outside the Joint Base Lewis-McChord gate and isolated by I-5 and Clover Creek, has one of the highest poverty rates in Pierce County and one of the fewest opportunities to readily access green spaces, such as parks or open spaces. Many empirical studies have shown the nexus between accessible parks and physical activity levels. If there is an accessible park within close proximity, residents are more likely to use the park and be more physically fit. The Clover Creek Watershed has been adversely impacted by years of environmental degradation as a result of urbanization. Clover Creek, an important salmon bearing tributary, is currently overrun by non-native invasive plants, littered with junk and refuse, and in its current state, provides little habitat value. In an effort to address the social and environmental difficulties in this neighborhood the City is expanding Springbrook Park. To do so, the City must, restore the open space and complete a comprehensive stream restoration effort. The future open area could include walking paths, viewpoints, picnic areas, open space areas, stream and habitat restoration, and interpretive naturalist information. These enhancements would allow more people in this neighborhood to participate in scheduled and non-scheduled events, including social and human services, such as free lunch programs, mobile food bank services, community garden, summer recreation programs, etc. Contact Information: John J. Caulfield, City Manager Mary Dodsworth, Director of Parks and Recreation Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs 253-983-7703 253-983-7741 253-310-5477 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us mdodsworth@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com 19  WSDOT PROPERTY IN LAKEWOOD Economic Benefits of Relocation Project Overview: The City of Lakewood (City) is working with the state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) towards a win-win proposal to relocate a WSDOT facility that would open up economic development growth in the City, and to provide WSDOT with a site that strengthens accessibility to their service area. The project site is currently being used for industrial purposes as a WSDOT maintenance facility. This is not the highest and best use of the land. The site’s prime Interstate 5 frontage, heavy daily traffic loads (average daily traffic count of 282,000 vehicles), and proximity to the Lakewood Sounder Station make it well suited for transit-oriented retail and mixed-use development. Redevelopment is only possible if the WSDOT maintenance site is relocated. Potential sites have been identified nearby. Benefits of relocation for WSDOT and state:  New facilities are more efficient than older facilities. Upgrades may result in reduced utility costs and reduced ongoing building costs.  WSDOT can design a maintenance facility from scratch that is optimized for its current operations and vehicle fleet. It can “right size” the building. Benefits of relocation for Lakewood:  Supports city’s economic development goals.  Complements existing retail.  Reduces unemployment by providing local employment opportunities. Benefits of relocation for other jurisdictions:  Increases retail sales tax and property tax revenues for multiple jurisdictions. 20  ANALYSIS COMPLETED 1. Explored costs and potential sites for WSDOT relocation In 2014, the City studied and assessed the potential costs associated with relocation. Significant costs include current site environmental clean-up and demolition, new site acquisition, and new facility construction. 2. Examined different redevelopment scenarios In 2015, the City studied fiscal impacts and costs for different development scenarios to the City and other public agencies. Lakewood hopes to bring in an attractive, large anchor retail store to the site, as well as restaurants or other small retail and services to attract drivers from the freeway into Lakewood. Scenario 1: High-End Retail. Development similar to the Tukwila Nordstrom Rack and Kohl’s retail site. Scenario 2: Mid-Level Retail. This scenario was modeled on the Marysville Kohl’s Retail Mix, anchored by an anchor store and a WinCo Grocery. Other retailers include Ross. Scenario 3: Outlet with Grocery. A similar example is the North Bend Outlet Mall with a significant collection of outlet retail stores. Scenario 4: Outlet Mall. This scenario was modeled on the Centralia Outlet Mall, which has a smaller collection of outlet retail stores. 3. Created conceptual design Outlet mall and traditional shopping mall. In 2017, the City completed visual concepts for a new site design. STEPS FORWARD Determine WSDOT capacity needs and relocate maintenance facility. Lakewood has identified potential sites for the relocation of the WSDOT maintenance facility. A capacity analysis, including development of cost estimates, will be conducted to determine WSDOT’s needs prior to relocating the maintenance facility. Determine the land assembly process. The City will begin talking with property owners at the current site, as the proposal would necessitate that WSDOT as well as multiple other owners sell their land to a developer. The City will begin conversations to determine owners’ willingness to sell. Develop agreement between agencies. A memorandum of understanding was created to strengthen collaboration and assure project completion. Contact Information: John J. Caulfield, City Manager Becky Newton, Economic Development Manager Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs 253-983-7703 253-983-7738 253-310-5477 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us bnewton@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com 21