LFP City Administrator Report 3-24-2016

Report to City Council 3-24-16
Pete Rose, City Administrator, Lake Forest Park

I. Intergovernmental and local issues update

Meetings: The key meetings affecting LFP are occurring in various Sound Transit committees and board regarding the candidate projects for the prospective ST3 ballot measure. At a recent ST Capital Committee and Board meetings, documentation indicates that bus rapid transit improvements in LFP and the entire SR 522/523 corridor between I-405 and I-5 are still listed and among “early win” candidates.

Board action could occur as early as March 24, followed by 2 months of public outreach. The action by the legislature on corridor plan funding for LFP (see below) is very timely when considered in the ST3 context. LFP must be in the best position to advocate for SR 522 and the transit improvements to be a good and compatible “neighbor” and to give good access to LFP residents to the transit and highway system.

An Alder tree fell on a car in the driveway of a
house on NE 180th

 

II. Internal City Information

Public Works had the remainder of the Alder trees removed after an arborist indicated that there was a moderate to high risk of the trees failing. Earlier in February one of the trees did fail and fell across NE 180th St into the driveway of the house in the picture and totaled the vehicle. Luckily no one was injured.

III. Council Information

Legislature Goes Overtime: As you are aware, the Governor brought the state legislature back into special session in order to pass a supplemental budget. The apparent issue was paying for the extra cost of last years’ wildfires. The legislature did pass and the Governor did sign the supplemental Transportation Budget. Included in that budget was the re-purposing of the remainder ($475,000) of the old park and ride grant into an SR 522 Corridor Study. The staff has begun drafting a Statement of Qualifications for purposes of securing a consultant to help with this process.

IV. Response to Citizen and Council Comments

155th Development Application: The majority of comment at the Council meeting was about an apartment project which is in the SEPA comment period. Twelve spoke. The Planning Department has added all speakers to the outreach listing and is developing factual responses to project-related concerns.

Large stump at Blue Heron Park was removed

V. Community Events

Staff hired a stump grinding company to remove the large stump at the Blue Heron Park entrance to prep for a possible community planting event. This event would be to replant the Park where the spreading Black Locust and Quaking Aspen were removed to control the outbreak of the invasive species. The date has not yet been decided but will take place early this spring or later in the fall.

Quote for the Day: “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” --Publilius Syrus 1st Century BCE