City Council

LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND STATE LEGISLATORS AGENDA Thursday, December 5, 2019 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 LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ COMMUNITY& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................2 Economic Development Tools............................................................................................................................................ 2 Economic Development Tools for Lakewood Landing ...................................................................................................... 2 Tax Increment Financing ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Annexation ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Boundary Review Board .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Local Authority for Land Use and Planning ...................................................................................................................... 3 PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITY SERVICES .......................................................................................4 Future Capital Request: Fort Steilacoom Ballfield Lights ................................................................................................ 4 Future Capital Request: Wards Lake Park Expansion ...................................................................................................... 4 Future Capital Request: Fort Steilacoom H-Barn Restoration ......................................................................................... 4 State Funding ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE .......................................................................................................5 Multimodal Transportation Study ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Infrastructure Funding ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Limiting Additional Freight on Point Defiance Bypass (Lakeview Rail Line) ................................................................... 5 I-5 JBLM Corridor ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Systematic I-5 South Sound Corridor Planning ................................................................................................................. 6 Stormwater & Culvert Funding ......................................................................................................................................... 6 FINANCE .....................................................................................................................................................................6 State-Shared Revenues....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Fiscal Home Rule (alternative to State-Shared Revenues) ................................................................................................ 6 General Fund Revenue ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 City Financial Liability for Indigent Defense .................................................................................................................... 7 Unfunded Mandates & Other State & Federal Budget Impacts ........................................................................................ 7 Construction Contracts Claims Process ............................................................................................................................ 7 Prevailing Wage Rate Changes ......................................................................................................................................... 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 State Hospital Reentry Program ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Enhanced Services Facilities ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Civil Asset Forfeiture ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Consolidate Traffic-Based Financial Obligations ........................................................................................................... 11 HOUSING .................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Quality Affordable Housing ............................................................................................................................................. 11 Predatory Lending ........................................................................................................................................................... 11 Foreclosure of Homes...................................................................................................................................................... 11 GENERAL GOVERNMENT ................................................................................................................................... 12 Public Records & Open Meetings .................................................................................................................................... 12 MILITARY AFFAIRS .............................................................................................................................................. 12 American Lake Veterans Golf Course Tax Exemption & Capital Improvements ............................................................ 12 South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) & Joint Base Lewis-McChord ......................................... 12 1 2  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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. Economic Development Tools for Lakewood Landing Lakewood Landing is a 25-acre property along I-5 that is primarily used for industrial purposes, including a WSDOT maintenance facility. The site’s prime I-5 frontage and proximity to the Lakewood Sounder Station make it well suited for transit-oriented and mixed-use development. The site could potentially include affordable housing, child care centers, retail business, commercial businesses and, if redeveloped, would generate significant state and local tax revenue. Because redevelopment of this site requires the WSDOT maintenance facility to be relocated, public investment is needed to advance Lakewood Landing from vision to reality. This public investment could come from state authorized economic development tools such as tax increment financing and/or investments in the Local Revitalization Financing Program. The City requests a state investment of $2 million annually for a twenty-year period through either of these value capture financing programs. Tax Increment Financing The City joins AWC in supporting efforts to create a tax increment financing option for cities. 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 3  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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. 3 4  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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. Future Capital Request: Fort Steilacoom Ballfield Lights The City has made major improvements at Fort Steilacoom Park to support youth and adult sports. The City is in the process of replacing four dirt ballfields with synthetic turf infields to allow games to be played throughout the various sport seasons. To further extend play at these fields, the City plans to install lights at the four ballfields ($550,000 per field) in partnership with the state. Ballfield lights would increase the competitiveness of the fields for tournament play, generating economic impact with the sales of fuel, hotel rooms and goods and services. Future Capital Request: Wards Lake Park Expansion The City will be requesting assistance with the improvement of Wards Lake Park to help create a healthy, robust, and engaging park for some of Pierce County’s most underserved populations. The City is in the process of adding 11 acres to this park. Once expanded, potential park improvements would include: wetland enhancements and other environmental remediation; trail expansion; open space improvements that allow for better active and passive recreation; increased parking areas; expanded signage and learning opportunities; improved water access; and improved safety and security through park programming and the incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) features. Future Capital Request: Fort Steilacoom H-Barn Restoration History matters. The City will be requesting assistance to help restore the “H-Barn” at Fort Steilacoom Park. By renovating the H-Barn, the City aims to preserve a piece of important Washington State history and keep the barns from falling into a state of irreversible disrepair. The City intends to renovate this barn into a dynamic, multi-functional event space for the community, creating a new economic catalyst for the region. This space would be available year-round for community meetings, weddings, indoor concerts and performances, family gatherings, school functions, and seasonal holiday events. State Funding The City supports ongoing funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), Aquatic Land Enhancement Account (ALEA), and the Youth Athletic Facilities (YAF) grant programs. 4 5  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE Multimodal Transportation Study The City requests the Legislature allocate $250,000 for a multimodal transportation assessment to consider practical solutions to increase multimodal connectivity along the I-5 corridor between DuPont and Lakewood. The study will include options that take advantage of already funded grade separated crossings and increase connectivity between Sound Transit and Amtrak using existing or planned infrastructure. This will support the movement of people through the growing South Sound corridor - including Lakewood, DuPont, Joint Base Lewis McChord, and areas of unincorporated Pierce County, including Parkland and Spanaway. This is supported by Sound Transit, JBLM, Pierce Transit, Pierce County Council Chair Doug Richardson, Lakewood Water District, West Pierce Fire & Rescue and the Clover Park School District. 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 pursuing a comprehensive city transportation bill that will provide new resources and funding options. The City continues to support 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 or Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 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. 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. 5 6  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ Systematic I-5 South Sound Corridor Planning WSDOT has increasingly indicated a preference to take a holistic approach to transportation improvements along a corridor. The City supports WSDOT’s position and supports WSDOT’s efforts to complete an assessment of the I-5 corridor from Tacoma to Tumwater to ensure that any future investments in this corridor resolve congestion rather than shift traffic congestion points along I-5. Consistent with this effort, the Connecting Washington package invested significant funding in the I-5 corridor through JBLM to eliminate the traffic congestion point at Thorne Road by expanding the corridor from three to four lanes. Any future investments along the I-5 corridor in this region, particularly expanding the portion north of the project from four to five lanes, should consider the impact it would have on this and other congestion points. Any investments should resolve, rather than shift, traffic congestion points. 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. FINANCE State-Shared Revenues The City joins AWC in supporting 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. 6 7  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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’s interpretation and application to various trade/occupations has varied from that of cities. The City supports administrative and/or legislative action to clarify the prevailing wage rates for trade/occupations where LNI’s interpretations has made park and public space maintenance cost prohibitive. 7 8  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 2019-2020 Operating Budget, the State appropriated $641,224 toward the program. The City will continue to request that this program receives ongoing full funding to ensure its successful operation. Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) The City supports 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 9  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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. The City supports Senate Bill 5040, sponsored by Sen. Steve O’Ban, which expands the fair share statute so DSHS will have to consider counties that neighbor the individual’s county of commitment when developing discharge plans. The bill would require DSHS to provide a report on the availability of less restrictive alternative services available in regional service areas and to procure adequate services within a regional service area if services are not adequate. 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. The City supports legislation introduced by 28th district legislators to respond to the concerns from the Lakewood community:  House Bill 1825, sponsored by Rep. Christine Kilduff, requires civilly committed sexually violent predators (SVPs) petitioning for conditional release to a less restrictive alternative (LRA) to document efforts to find placement in the county of commitment. Requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to review proposed conditional release LRA placement plans and report to the court with potential alternative placements in certain circumstances. Imposes school-proximity restrictions on residential placements for certain SVPs on LRA orders. Modifies the criteria that courts must consider in deciding conditional release petitions for SVPs. Requires community notification of any change of address of a conditionally released SVP. Provides that secure community transition facilities may be sited in any county in the state. Implements Department of Health credential waivers for sex offender treatment providers working in under-served counties.  House Bill 1826, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt, would require the DSHS to disclose publicly accessible and relevant criminal history for certain persons during the discharge planning process. The bill would also impose a civil penalty of $5,000 for the misuse and unauthorized disclosure of protected health information by an entity authorized to receive the information.  Senate Bill 5038, sponsored by Sen. Steve O’Ban, limits who can be placed in an adult family home. Individuals committed under the involuntary treatment act where the court has made an affirmative special finding are prohibited from being placed in an AFH. The 9 10  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ bill also prohibits a person committed as a sexually violent predator from being placed in an adult family home. Establishes enhanced services facilities as the appropriate long-term care option for sexually violent predators. In addition to the legislation introduced by 28th district legislators, the City closely monitors all legislation that impacts public safety in and around Adult Family Homes:  House Bill 1023 would allow certain adult family homes to increase capacity from six to eight beds. The City supports amendments to the bill that 1) prohibit adult family homes that attest to serving individuals who have been committed to a state hospital after committing acts constituting a violent felony or individuals that have been committed to the Special Commitment Center as a sexually violent predator from increasing their capacity to seven or eight beds; and 2) require DSHS to allow the adult family home's local jurisdiction to provide recommendations as to whether or not DSHS should approve the adult family home's request to increase its bed capacity to seven or eight beds. These amendments were adopted by the Senate Health & Long Term Care committee in 2019 and the bill unanimously passed the Senate. State Hospital Reentry Program The City supports Senate Bill 5048, sponsored by Sen. Steve O’Ban, that expands the reentry community safety program. The current program is designed for individuals being released from a correctional facility and Senate Bill 5048 would expand the program to apply to patients who are civilly committed after prosecution for a violent offense or who are civilly committed based on criminal insanity. Enhanced Services Facilities Enhanced Service Facilities (ESFs) serve adults with mental and chemical disorders or other impairments that requires supervision and daily care. The City supports legislation that would prohibit Adult Family Home businesses (AFHs) from converting to ESFs, as well as legislation that would prohibit the locating of ESFs in residential neighborhoods. Acute and Long-Term Care Facilities The City of Lakewood supports the implementation of the Trueblood Settlement Agreement and state funding for the construction and ongoing operation of acute and long-term care facilities equitably dispersed in communities throughout the state. The City requests clarification on the six-year capital facilities plan for Western State Hospital (WSH), and facility programming, namely, user needs, use of space, and project phasing and scheduling. 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 1011  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 The City supports the elimination of forensic phlebotomist credential requirements from state statute leaving phlebotomist training requirements to be determined by the Department of Health. 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, such as the multifamily housing tax exemption, and funding allocated for public and nonprofit affordable housing, including the Housing Trust Fund. 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 session, the City also supports evaluating the effectiveness of legislation passed in this area. 1112  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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. MILITARY AFFAIRS American Lake Veterans Golf Course Tax Exemption & Capital Improvements 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. The City supports the state capital budget request by the American Lake Veterans Golf Course for improving the front nine holes of the course. Improvements would include upgrades to make the holes accessible to golfers with disabilities, similar to the new Jack Nickalus designed back nine that opened in 2016. 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 1213  CITY OF LAKEWOOD LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, 2019 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 ___________________________________________________________________________ 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 2020 Legislative Priorities to secure operating funding for the newly established Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA), lay the groundwork to request $15 million be allocated to DCCA in the next biennial capital budget, and continue advocating for investments along the I-5 corridor from Mounts Road to Tumwater. 1314  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. Economic Development Tools for Lakewood Landing: Lakewood Landing is a 25-acre property along I-5 that is primarily used for industrial purposes, including a WSDOT maintenance facility. The site’s prime I-5 frontage and proximity to the Lakewood Sounder Station make it well suited for transit-oriented and mixed-use development. The site could potentially include affordable housing, child care centers, retail business, commercial businesses and, if redeveloped, would generate significant state and local tax revenue. Because redevelopment of this site requires the WSDOT maintenance facility to be relocated, public investment is needed to advance Lakewood Landing from vision to reality. This public investment could come from state authorized economic development tools such as tax increment financing and/or investments in the Local Revitalization Financing Program. The City requests a state investment of $2 million annually for a twenty-year period through either of these value capture financing programs. Multimodal Transportation Study: The City requests the Legislature allocate $250,000 for a multimodal transportation assessment to consider practical solutions to increase multimodal connectivity along the I-5 corridor between DuPont and Lakewood. The study will include options that take advantage of already funded grade separated crossings and increase connectivity between Sound Transit and Amtrak using existing or planned infrastructure. This will support the movement of people through the growing South Sound corridor - including Lakewood, DuPont, Joint Base Lewis McChord, and areas of unincorporated Pierce County, including Parkland and Spanaway. This is supported by Sound Transit, JBLM, Pierce Transit, Pierce County Council Chair Doug Richardson, Lakewood Water District, West Pierce Fire & Rescue and the Clover Park School District. LEGISLATIVE REQUESTS ON THE HORIZON Fort Steilacoom Ballfield Lights: The City has made major improvements at Fort Steilacoom Park to support youth and adult sports. The City is in the process of replacing four dirt ballfields with synthetic turf infields to allow games to be played throughout the various sport seasons. To further extend play at these fields, the City plans to install lights at the four ballfields ($550,000 per field) in partnership with the state. Ballfield lights would increase the competitiveness of the fields for tournament play, generating economic impact with the sales of fuel, hotel rooms and goods and services. Wards Lake Park Expansion: The City will be applying for grants and requesting capital funding to improve Wards Lake Park to help create a healthy, robust, and engaging park for some of Pierce County’s most underserved populations. The City is in the process of adding 11 acres to this park. Once expanded, potential park improvements would include: wetland enhancements and other environmental remediation; trail expansion; open space improvements that allow for better active and passive recreation; increased parking areas; expanded signage and learning opportunities; improved water access; and improved safety and security through park programming and the incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) features. Contact Information: ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2018 John J. Caulfield, City Manager Briahna Murray, Vice President City of Lakewood Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7, 2019 253-983-7703 253-310-5477 AMENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 21, 2019 jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us bmurray@gth-gov.com 15  LAKEWOOD LANDING SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS Lakewood Landing: Lakewood Landing is a 25-acre project along Interstate 5. The land is currently being used for industrial purposes, including a WSDOT maintenance facility, and limited retail. 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 mixed-use development. Future “Lakewood Landing” development could include: affordable and market rate housing, early learning facilities, an entertainment complex, medical and other social services, office spaces, recreation and open PROJECT SITE space, restaurants, and retail. Redevelopment would result in significant tax revenue increases for the State of Washington, Pierce County, the City, other municipalities, and special purpose districts. In addition, this redevelopment would create a more livable South Sound community. Legislative Request: The City requests that the state invest in economic development tools to allow the Lakewood Landing project to advance from vision to reality. These economic development tools could include advancing a constitutional amendment to authorize tax increment financing or allocating funding to programs like the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) and the Local Revitalization Financing (LRF) programs. The City requests a state contribution of $2 million annually for a twenty-year period for this project. Authorization of an economic development tool is needed to advance this project, in large part due to the WSDOT facility that is located on the site and needs to be relocated. This is a capital cost that developers are not able to absorb and develop a profitable project. The City is collaboratively working with WSDOT towards a win-win proposal to relocate the WSDOT facility. The cost of removing and replacing the WSDOT facility is estimated upward of $30 million. In addition to the economic development tools, the City is committed to utilizing the many other funding options available such as the multifamily property tax exemption, affordable housing grant funding, grant programs for early learning, and more. But, these tools alone cannot close the funding gap created by the relocation of the WSDOT facility unless an economic development tool is authorized. 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 253-983-7703 253-983-7738 Government Affairs jcaulfield@cityoflakewood.us bnewton@cityoflakewood.us 253-310-5477 bmurray@gth-gov.com 16  Future Capital Funding Request: Fort Steilacoom Park Ballfield Lighting Capital Funding Request: The City is planning to add lighting fixtures to Fort Steilacoom Park’s four ballfields. Adding LED light fixtures would extend hours of field operation, increase player safety, and enhance the experience of spectators, all of which would improve the competitiveness of the location for tournament play. The total cost of adding lights to all four ballfields is $2,900,000 or $550,000 per field. The City would provide $200,000 of funding and will be pursuing a Youth Athletic Facilities grant through the Recreation and Conservation Office. Project Description: The City has made major improvements at Fort Steilacoom Park to support youth and adult sports in recent years. The baseball fields and park amenities at Fort Steilacoom Park support leagues throughout Pierce, Thurston and South King counties, and are also home to the Lakewood Baseball Club. Currently, the City is replacing four dirt baseball infields with synthetic turf materials to allow baseball and softball to be played at the park year-round. However, play at these fields is still limited to hours of daylight. Installing lighting at the ballfields would bolster the competitiveness of the fields and improve player safety. This project would make the ballfields a more desirable tournament location for youth and adult sports as often baseball tournament organizers select tournament locations where they are assured a full day and evening of play. With an increase in ballgames and tournaments, these fields would be a significant local economic catalyst for local 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 2007 Irrigation, Turf Restoration, Shelters $15,000 3 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 $3,500,000 2018 (4) Roadway Restoration $750,000 4 2018 Angle Lane North Parking Lot $75,000 2018 Steilacoom Blvd Gateway $75,000 2018 (5) Outdoor Stage and Park Pavilion $1,300,000 2020 Synthetic Turf Upgrades $1,300,000 FUTURE -- TOTAL $11,050,000 2019 Utility Upgrades (water, sewer, power) $700,000 2020 Angle Lane South Parking Lot $300,000 2020 Waughop Lake Restroom $300,000 2020 Angle Lane Restoration $500,000 2021 Ballfield Lighting $2,900,000 5 2021 Playground Upgrades $350,000 TBD Barn Restoration for Public Use $6,000,000 TOTAL IMPROVEMENTS - $26,560,000 18  Future Capital Funding Request: Fort Steilacoom Park H-Barn Restoration Future Capital Funding Request: The City will be requesting assistance with the rehabilitation of the H- Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. A feasibility study performed in 2018 determined that the 2020 costs of rehabilitating the H-Barn would total around $6 million. The City is actively working with partner entities to create a strategic funding plan for the remaining rehabilitation costs. Project Description: The City has made major investments at Fort Steilacoom Park. The chart on the other side of this paper has a comprehensive list of the most recent improvements. As a continuation of these efforts, the City is planning to rehabilitate a historic barn. Saving the barn would preserve an important piece of Washington State history. The renovation will also create a dynamic, multi-functional event space for the community; creating a new economic catalyst for the region. This space would be available year-round for community meetings, weddings, indoor concerts, performances, family gatherings, school functions, and holiday and seasonal events. In 2009, the City commissioned a feasibility study on the remaining barns located at Fort Steilacoom Park. Through this process, the H-barn was identified as the best structure to restore for public use due to its size, location, condition, and potential site amenities. The H-Barn, built in the 1920s as a milking parlor, served as an integral part of the farming operations which supplied food and resources to the workers and residents of Western Tentative H-barn Restoration State Hospital as well as other state institutions. As the Funding Sources name suggest, the H-Barn consists of two large barns (130 State Legislature $1,000,000 ft. length by 36 ft. width) connected by a central structure Lodging Taxes $1,000,000 replete with siloes (28 ft. in height). Local partners $4,000,000 Total funding $6,000,000 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 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 $3,500,000 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 2020 Synthetic Turf Upgrades $1,300,000 FUTURE -- TOTAL $11,050,000 2019 Utility Upgrades (water, sewer, power) $700,000 2020 Angle Lane South Parking Lot $300,000 5 2020 Waughop Lake Restroom $300,000 2020 Angle Lane Restoration $500,000 2021 Ballfield Lighting $2,900,000 2021 Playground Upgrades $350,000 TBD Barn Restoration for Public Use $6,000,000 TOTAL IMPROVEMENTS - $26,560,000 20 Tax Increment Financing: Tax increment financing is a method of investing funds in new sidewalks, roads, utilities, and other infrastructure improvements that raise the value of surrounding properties. When the value of those properties increase, the additional tax revenue is used to pay back the initial investment. Traditional tax increment financing allows the initial investment to be made with property tax revenues. Currently, Washington State’s constitution does not allow for traditional tax increment financing. In lieu of advancing a constitutional amendment, the state legislature previously authorized the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) and the Local Revitalization Financing (LRF) programs. These programs authorize select cities and counties to create “revitalization areas” (RAs). Jurisdictions then receive an allocation of funding from the state through a credit against the state sales tax equal to increases in local sales and property tax revenues within the revitalization area (example: the state would authorize a sales tax credit equaling any property and sales tax increases within the revitalization area, up to $500,000/year for 20 years). The city then bonds against this revenue stream to make infrastructure improvements that increase sales and property tax revenues for the state and local governments. 21  Future Capital Funding Request: Wards Lake Park Expansion Future Capital Funding Request: The City will be requesting assistance with the improvement of Wards Lake Park to help create a healthy, robust, and engaging park for some of Pierce County’s most underserved populations. Project Description: Wards Lake Park is located in the Northeast corner of Lakewood. The community surrounding the park is in dire need of accessible and safe parks, recreation opportunities, and natural open space areas. Besides Wards Lake Park, the surrounding communities have little access to public open spaces and are some of the most underserved areas in Pierce County with over 55% living below the HUD area medium income and 23% living below the federal poverty level. In the past 20 years, the City has purchased a number of parcels to accumulate 26 acres of park at Wards Lake. The City is actively working on acquiring 11 more acres by 2020. As part of this process, the City is currently crafting a comprehensive site master plan for the park. The total cost of park improvements will be dependent on what is included in the final master plan, but tentative estimates are $1 million or more. Potential improvements include:  Wetland enhancements and other environmental remediation;  Trail expansion – creating a 1- mile loop around Wards Lake;  Open space improvements that allow for better active and passive recreation;  Increased parking areas;  Expanded signage and learning opportunities;  Improved water access for fishing and canoeing;  Curbed opportunities for illegal dumping which will reduce environmental degradation; and  Improved safety and security through programming and the incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) features. 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 22