E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR: Mayor Recaps Flood Control District Presentation

UP residents would help pay for countywide flood control measures under a proposal presented by Pierce County at this week’s University Place City Council meeting.

In 2010, the Pierce County Council created a but later dissolved it due to intense opposition from cities regarding the lack of detailed information on assessments, projects, roles of cities and minimal public input. As a result, the county is undertaking an intensive public process to inform people about the potential impacts of future floods on our entire region.

According to Pierce County Surface Water Manager Harold Smelt, Pierce County could face more than $725 million in potential flood related losses from a single instance of a 100-year flood event.

For example, there are significant maintenance problems along several major rivers including the Puyallup, White and Carbon rivers which would affect our entire region. Although residents and businesses directly in the flood plain areas would suffer the greatest impact, the reality is that a major rainfall/flooding event could shut down portions of transportation corridors such as Interstate 5, railroads and the Port of Tacoma, thereby preventing people from getting to jobs in other areas, not to mention ongoing economic losses.

(In 2009, for example, a portion of I-5 from SR 18 to SR 16 was almost closed due to flooding).  Other major concerns also include the possibility of raw sewage from three wastewater treatment plants (not involving the) overflowing into rivers and Puget Sound, thus contaminating beaches and polluting our waters.

Under the current county proposal, the Pierce County Council could form the district without a vote along with serving as the district board. All Pierce County property owners would be assessed 10 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value which would raise approximately $8.5 million a year. This funding would be allocated as follows:

*A 50 percent local match of $500,000 per year to help pay for a six-year Corp of Engineers study regarding flood control solutions

*$3 million for levy maintenance and operations

*$5 million for capital improvements along with a 65 percent match of federal funding.

Questions from UP City Council members echoed prior concerns including the amount of money available for local flood control projects; clarification of the role cities will play in the district (state law allows the county council to appoint up to 15 representatives to provide advice and technical assistance); and most importantly, what assurances residents will have regarding actual assessment amounts.   Although state law currently allows flood control districts to assess up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The current proposal indicates the assessment is not to exceed 10 cents per $1,000.

After the county’s public outreach program is concluded, the County Council is expected to make a final decision on forming the district this Winter. If approved, all Pierce County property owners could start paying assessments in 2013. For more information, contact Brian Ziegler at 798-7250 or brian.ziegler@co.pierce.wa.us

Pierce County Grandview Trail

 The portion of the Grandview Trail between the bridge to Steilacoom and the Chambers Bay Golf Course should be opened in mid-October, according to Mr. Ziegler.

The Chambers Creek Interceptor Tunnel Rehab project along 64th Street is still underway with portions of the bypass tunnel above ground. Disassembly of the bypass system should begin in late December and will take approximately a month to complete. Final construction work on the entire project is anticipated for March 2012, depending upon weather and conditions.

*Arsenic/Lead Update

 Free soil testing and clean up will be available in the future to eligible UP residents under a proposal being developed by the State Department of Ecology.

For close to 100 years, the Asarco Tacoma Smelter emitted arsenic, lead and other heavy metals into the air. These windborne emissions contaminated more than 1,000 square miles covering four counties and 26 cities and towns, including University Place.

Since the smelter’s designation as an EPA Superfund site in 1983, efforts have been underway to clean up heavily contaminated soils.

According to Cynthia Walker, State Dept. of Ecology (DOE) project manager, exposure to high levels of arsenic can contribute to cancer and cardio vascular diseases while high exposure to lead is linked to neurological and developmental problems. Since 2000, the DOE and Pierce County Health Department have worked on education campaigns regarding handwashing and other measures along with providing free soil sampling and clean up at play areas at existing and new schools, childcares, parks and similar areas. 

Right now, a 10-year plan is underway to develop a voluntary sampling and remediation program for residential areas which contain high levels of arsenic contamination.

According to Ms. Walker, an estimated 6,450 parcels in UP may contain high levels of contamination or over 100 parts per million of arsenic. Since contamination levels can vary based on wind flow, topography, age of housing developments and other factors, DOE is trying to focus on areas which are likely to contain the highest levels of contamination.  Targeted mailings will then be sent to various neighborhoods in late 2012 to determine if residents would like to voluntarily participate in FREE soil sampling and potential clean up efforts. For more information, please contact the Pierce County Health Department or Cynthia Walker at Cynthia.Walker@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-6245 or http://www.dirtalert.info.

*Study Session – UP Library/Civic Building Condominium Agreement

City Attorney Steve Victor presented a final draft of the UP Library/Civic Building Condo Agreement which legally divides the building into separate ownerships between the city and library as previously agreed upon several years ago. The condo document also contains general information regarding the operation and maintenance of common areas such as the atrium.  The council is expected to take public comment and action on this item later this month. 

In other action, the council:

*Authorized the city manager to extend the School Resource Officer Agreement with the UP School district. During the past 10 years, the City and school district have shared in the cost of an officer who responds to school related calls, improves school security along with obtaining invaluable information regarding community crime prevention.

The SRO responds to school related calls that the City would be responsible for, with or without a SRO. During the summer, the officer is available for patrol as well as providing adequate coverage during vacation schedules.

*Recognized Assistant Finance Directors Leslie Blaisdell and Sandy Garrett for earning Professional Finance Officer awards for the seventh year and third year respectively.

Upcoming Events: 

* 9 /11 Remembrance Ceremony – Please join the West Pierce Fire and Rescue District on Sunday, September 11, at 7:28 a.m. to commemorate the exact time the North Tower collapsed.  The ceremony will take place at Station 31, located at 3631 Drexler Drive W. Coffee and light refreshments will be served immediately afterwards.

*17th Annual Curran Orchard Cider Squeeze –

Huge slices of apple pie, delicious cider, bluegrass music and much more are in store at the on Sunday, September 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Get a chance to pick apples from designated trees or purchase a bag to turn into cider.

Johnny Appleseed and the Big Apple will be on hand to delight young and old.

Don’t miss this well loved community event! No home grown apples allowed to prevent the spread of disease. Pressings are also limited to two milk crates.

*Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser – Saturday, Sept. 17 – Curtis High School Cafeteria

Enjoy a great pancake breakfast while supporting youth and senior recreation programs.  Sponsored by the nonprofit UP Community Supported Parks & Rec group, tables are $400 (8 people).  For more information, please contact Team Insurance at 564-6373.

*UP City Council Candidate Forum – Learn about the candidates vying for three city council seats at a League of Women Voter’s Forum on Thursday, September 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. at .

Senior Center Volunteers Needed!

Do you enjoy working with people, answering phones or helping a bit with computers?  Consider volunteering at our Senior Center!  Contact Jennifer at 564-1992 or jrobinson@cityofup.com for more information.  

Finally, on behalf of the UP City Council and staff, we would like to extend our condolences to the family of former building official Sharon Alexander who recently passed away.  She will be missed.

As always, I welcome your questions and comments.  Please feel free to contact me at dklosowski@cityofup.com.

Sincerely,

Debbie Klosowski

Mayor, City of University Place