E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR: Mayor Debbie Klosowski Gives Her Final Update To Residents

A slight increase in U.P. Refuse rates and increased buffer protection for Homestead Park were among the actions approved at the final 2011 meeting of the University Place City Council this week.

U.P. Refuse Rates – U.P. residents’ garbage bills will go up slightly next year based on two provisions approved by the City Council. In March 2012, Pierce County will increase the solid waste disposal fee that garbage companies pay from $123.29 per ton to $130.35 per ton. As allowed under our current franchise agreement, U.P. Refuse rates will increase to reflect this “pass through” cost. The company also requested a 2.24 percent increase in accordance with the franchise which states that the base rates will be adjusted by 70% of the increase in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton area. (Although the CPI increased by 3.2% from June 2010-2011, this is the first increase allowed under this provision since 2009.)

Bottom line for the average U.P. customer with residential garbage and recycling every other week with a 64-gallon toter is a $1 increase per month from $22.19 to $23.19. U.P. residents served by Lakewood Refuse will also experience similar changes. For more information, contact Steve Buter or U.P. Refuse at 253-564-3212.

Homestead Park – Future development next to Homestead Park must include a 40-foot wide landscaped buffer unless the primary building façade faces the park and public access to the park is allowed via the primary façade or plaza area. The Council adopted these measures to encourage the compatibility of future development with the park.

Regional Planning Center – After a multi-year effort, the University Place City Council placed its seal of approval on a countywide resolution to designate areas within University Place, Tacoma and Sumner/Pacific as regional centers. This designation, which falls in line with our comprehensive planning for future growth, will enable the City to receive higher priority for future grant funding for transportation and transit infrastructure projects.

Presentations: Council presented several Certificates of Appreciation to the following City staff:

*Development Services Director David Swindale received recognition from the U.P. Parks & Recreation Commission for his exceptional efforts in obtaining properties and easements to more than 75 acres of property along Leach Creek which will eventually link more than seven miles of future trails for our citizens;

*Pierce County/U.P. Deputy Scott Mock was honoredfor his distinguished service and ongoing commitment to Impaired Driving Enforcement. Thanks to the efforts of Deputy Mock and his colleagues, our community is a safer place; and,

*Parks & Public Works Director Gary Cooper’s diligence and “above and beyond” efforts resulted in $750,000 in grants to acquire 15 acres of parkland. Gary also did an exceptional job managing the library tenant improvement project along with continuing his ongoing support, encouragement and leadership of the Recreation Department. Gary is legendary for a multitude of accomplishments that he and his team have achieved with their “can do” attitude.

Although these three individuals are certainly worthy of recognition, they are typical of the high caliber staff that we are fortunate enough to have working in our City. Much of our staff work is done behind the scenes to make University Place the outstanding community it is today. Thank you to all of our staff for everything you do!

*Transit Garage and Grandview Safe Routes to Schools Projects – City Engineer Jack Ecklund presented a final close out report on the intermodal transit facility which is the three story parking garage located underneath the new Civic Building. The $829,433 project (80 percent federal funds and 20 percent local match) features 218 stalls, 8 bicycle lockers, directional signage and striping, security cameras, emergency call stations and six electric vehicle charging stations. The City also recently closed out the Safe Routes to School project on the west side of Grandview Drive from 19th to 27th Street.

This long-awaited project resulted in 2,400 feet of sidewalks, curbs and bikelanes; 19 streetlights and updated crosswalks. Grant funds paid for approximately 94 percent of project costs ($557,855) with the remaining 6% ($35,669) coming from the City’s restricted surface water management funds. This stretch of sidewalk and street improvements now provides a complete sidewalk linkage all along Grandview Drive winding along 64th Street.

Low Income Internet Services – Councilmember Eric Choiniere reported that Comcast is offering an internet assistance program for low income families who meet the following criteria:

*Are located in an area where Comcast offers internet service;

*Have at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch program; *Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days;

*Do not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.

Families meeting these criteria may be eligible for free DSL hook ups along with reduced monthly bills and laptops. For more information, please call 1-855-8-Internet or (1-855-846-8376) to confirm eligibility.

In other action, the Council:

*Authorized the City Manager to execute an exclusive sale and lease listing agreement with commercial broker Jeff Kraft for a term through June 2012. Although Mr. Kraft has worked as the City’s broker since May 2011, the revision was needed to reflect Mr. Kraft’s new association with Kidder Mathews & Segner.

*Received the 3rd Quarter Financial Report – (To view the report, please visit www.CityofUP.com)

*Christmas Tree Lighting – Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s tree lighting a great success! There was something for everyone ranging from train rides in Homestead Park, Silent Auctions to benefit U.P. Parks & Rec; children’s games and crafts; Get Local booths; children’s choirs; visits with Santa (and Santa Paws), food and lots of fun topped off with a dazzling display of trees in Market Square and the Atrium.

Special thanks to the following people who were instrumental in the event: John Heinzinger; Donna Perry; Dave Gallagher (U.P. Volunteer Center); Mayor Pro Tem Ken Grassi; Executive Assistant Marian Holloway; Dixie Harris; Jim Baldes; Patty Mannie;  Gary Cooper; Todd Smith and the Parks/Public Works crew.

We also appreciate the support of the following sponsors, tree adopters and decorators who made this year’s event such a success: Titan Enterprises LLC, Modern Electric LLC, Skelley Piano, Patricia & Co., Palace Law Offices, At Your Service Plumbing, The Wine Bank, Rocky’s Mini Mart, University Place Tire & Automotive, Pacific Wellness and Spa, Automotive Import Repairs, Dr. Jeffrey H. Camm, Holland Ornamental Iron, Rainbow International, Pierce County Representative Stan Flemming, Martha Flemming, Greg Gooch, Betsy Skevington, Johnson Stone & Pagano P.S., Heartwarming Care LLC, Tom & Barbara Mulledy, Jenae Charboneau Interiors, U.P. Youth Council, Peace Out, U.P. Women’s Club, U.P. Kiwanis, SUNDogs and Viking Community Cheer.

Updates….

Commission Vacancies – Applications are still being accepted to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission. The Planning Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. while the EDC meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Applications are due January 16. For more information, please contact City Clerk Emy Genetia or call 253-460-2510. 

U.P. Police Station – The U.P. Police are now located on the second floor of the Civic Building located at 3609 Market Place. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A public open house will be scheduled in early 2012.

Welcome 16th CAB! It was a pleasure Wednesday night to host a “welcome event” for members of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade led by Col. Robert Dickerson on the 2nd floor of the new Civic Building. A festive atmosphere surrounded Unit members and their spouses as they were treated to classical music performed by the U.P. String Quartet followed by wonderful food from Massimo’s Italian Bar & Grill. The gathering, held on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also celebrated the Community Connector Program which is a unique initiative that fosters partnership and support among soldiers, their families and their adoptive communities. Our community has already benefitted from 16th CAB support at the Playground by the Sound construction project, memorial services and recent park cleanups. We look forward to working with the CAB to help determine how we can help meet their needs as well as making University Place their home away from home. Special thanks to TriWest and Regence for sponsoring the event as well as Chambers Bay Golf Course for their assistance.

Duck the Halls Caroling Contest – Get in the holiday spirit and help the U.P. Food Bank at the 1st annual Duck the Halls Caroling Contest on Friday, December 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Listen to a multitude of enthusiastic teams singing your favorite songs in Market Square (in front of the new Civic/Library Building) surrounded by dazzling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. This free event is sponsored by UP for Art and Families Unlimited Network. All audience members are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or cash donations for the U.P. Food Bank.  Free parking is available underneath the library along Drexler Drive. For more information, visit www.upforart.org

Christmas Project – New, unwrapped toys and clothes and food are needed to help local families during this holiday season. Please drop off donations to the West Pierce Fire Station (Public Safety Building) at 3631 Drexler Drive West or the Forza Coffee shops located at 27th and Bridgeport as well as the store at Cirque and Bridgeport. Items are especially needed for kids (infants through age 17) including new winter coats, new bikes, MP3 players, fleece blankets and Christmas stockings.

- Get your house spruced up and help U.P. schools get a chance at winning $100,000 by participating in a contest sponsored by the national “Patch” online media organization. Patch.com is holding a contest to find the best dressed house for the holidays in communities that they serve. Nominate your house by uploading a photo along with voting for your favorite entry. For more information, visit http://patch.com/A-ptb2.

Good Bye….This is my final Mayor’s UPdate as I finish my term on the City Council at the end of this year. I feel like I’ve had a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved with the birth of our City along with helping it grow over the past 16 years. I am so proud of what we have accomplished and am grateful for the many friendships I have formed.

My fellow councilmember Gerald Gehring is also retiring this month. Gerald’s calm demeanor, thoughtful comments and wisdom helped guide the Council through many difficult issues throughout the years. I also want to thank our outstanding City staff whose expertise, skills, patience and professionalism are evident every day. I am also grateful for the countless volunteers who serve on our commissions, events and other areas, making our City a better place.

Finally, thank you to the citizens for allowing me to represent you for 16 years…it has truly been an honor and a privilege.

Sincerely,

Debbie Klosowski
Mayor, City of University Place