E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR: Mayor Talks About Repercussions of Wood Burning

Smoke from residential wood burning is the primary culprit behind serious air pollution problems in University Place and Pierce County, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

During this week’s University Place City Council meeting, PSCAA spokesperson Kathy Himes Strange briefed Council on the Agency’s efforts to address health impacts created by fine particle pollution.

Pierce County is the only area in the state and one of 33 nationwide that frequently exceeds the national limit for fine particle pollution (soot) in the air. These fine particles, which are thinner than a strand of hair, can be easily inhaled and are linked to serious health problems including aggravating asthma, reducing lung function, heart attacks, strokes and premature death. Children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory or cardiac problems are especially at risk.

Serious air pollution problems occur primarily in the wintertime due to weather conditions and colder temperatures. Although other sources such as vehicle exhaust, jet fuel and industrial usage contribute to the problem, wood burning stoves and fireplaces are responsible for more than half of the fine particle pollution.

Besides contributing to serious health problems, persistent poor air quality can also impact economic development and tourism. Some large businesses may face additional permitting requirements while the stigma of “dirty air” could discourage business and tourism. Furthermore, areas that fail to address air pollution problems also risk losing federal transportation funding.

In 2009, most of Pierce County was designated an area in which pollution levels too frequently exceed the national limits, thus posing public health risks. As a result, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency created a Clean Air Task Force composed of representatives from cities, businesses and other agencies to develop realistic recommendations to improve our air quality.

Some ideas include possible incentives for changing out older wood burning stoves, time of sale change over requirements and/or removals. Other unresolved issues include financial assistance for needy households, ongoing assistance for those who may be unable to pay alternative heating bills and enforcement/education options.

The task force is seeking public input on potential solutions at open houses on Thursday, October 20 at Tacoma’s South End Community Center (7802 South L St) and on Monday, October 24 at the Puyallup Library (324 S. Meridian). The open houses will be held from 5:30 – 8 p.m. and will include a presentation at 6 p.m. Comments can also be sent to www.cleanairpiercecounty.org.

The Task Force is scheduled to complete its recommendations to PSCAA and the Dept. of Ecology this fall. The State Legislature will consider any necessary legislation next spring, after which the the Dept. of Ecology will submit an implementation plan to the EPA for approval.

Updates

- Ready, Set, Go! 5210 Day - Childhood obesity is becoming our nation’s number one health epidemic, according to Mary Quinlan from the MultiCare Health System. Today, approximately 23 million children and teenagers are obese or overweight, a condition that greatly increases risks for adult health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

According to the State Department of Health, chronic diseases associated with being overweight account for 75% of medical costs. The most recent County Health ratings of Washington’s 39 counties rank Pierce County 28th in overall health. In order to address this problem, a countywide initiative named “Ready, Set, Go! 5210” is underway to create a healthy future for children through prevention and education efforts.

The gist of the “5210” campaign is to encourage children (and adults) to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, limit  tv/screen time to two hours or less, participate in one hour or more of physical activity and consume zero sugary drinks (replacing them with water and low fat milk) every day. Although the U.P. City Council issued a proclamation supporting this effort by designating October 6 as Ready, Set, Go! 5210 Day in University Place, it is evident that our community must work together to address this issue to ensure that our children can lead longer, healthier lives.
 
Our City has already taken steps in the right direction with our “complete streets” policies in constructing sidewalks and bike lanes, acquiring additional parks and trails, developing recreational programs and supporting “green” efforts for a healthy environment. However, additional steps are needed to ensure a healthy, active community in the future.
   
- Help Support DV Victims - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in University Place. Most, if not all, of us know someone who has experienced verbal or physical abuse. The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in downtown Tacoma as well as the YWCA offers advice and support to DV victims and concerned family members and friends. This month, the cities of Lakewood and University Place are also partnering with local Dollar Tree Stores to encourage people to purchase items for DV victims. Dollar Store representatives will transport items collected through Oct. 15 to appropriate agencies.
 
- Community Connections – Soldiers from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, led by Col. Robert Dickerson, are taking over a “Community Connections” program with the City of University Place. This program matches local municipalities and communities with designated units within JBLM. We previously enjoyed a partnership with the DenTac Unit, under the direction of Col. Robert Shakespeare. The 16th CAB, however, lost no time in participating in community activities. Most recently, more than 100 military personnel volunteered their time and skills by assisting with the Playground by the Sound project.
 
We look forward to an ongoing relationship with the 16th CAB. Please join us in welcoming and adopting military personnel and families in our community.

- Comprehensive Plan Calendar – Every few years, the City is required to update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan which regulates zoning, land use, shoreline issues and other related topics for consistency with regional goals as well as the state’s Growth Management Act.
 
The plan also contains elements addressing housing, the environment, transportation,  capital facilities, utilities, community character and parks and open space.
  
This week, Planning and Development Services Director David Swindale presented Council with a recommendation to amend the public participation calendar in light of several changes such as the extension of state deadlines, withdrawal of related state funds, and additional workload assignments to the Planning Commission.
  
As a result, the Council will consider amending a preliminary public process schedule for the Comprehensive Plan Update at our next meeting. Under the proposal, the process will be split into three phases: The first phase would address two requests this year regarding zoning changes (McGuire properties near Fred Meyer) as well as a proposal to allow a drive through use on a former bank building along Bridgeport Way. A second phase regarding land use and shoreline issues would be scheduled for completion by mid 2012 while a third phase would complete the update process and review of other elements by mid 2013. Consideration of the proposed calendar is scheduled for next Monday’s meeting.
 
- 40th Street Ribbon Cutting — Students from Evergreen Primary and Narrows View Intermediate participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony this week to celebrate the completion of the 40th Street project. Thanks to a partnership between the U.P. School District and the City, we obtained a $697,000 grant from the state’s Safe Routes to Schools program. This grant, matched with $135,000 in surface water management funds, allowed us to complete a vital link in our sidewalk and bike lane network from Bridgeport Way to Grandview Drive. The partnership also included Tacoma Public Utilities which paid all the costs for replacing an aging water main.
 
Lloyd Enterprises constructed the project, which was completed on time and on budget.
 
The project components included sidewalks, bike lanes and street lights on the south side of 40th between Sunset Drive and 67th Avenue as well as along the north side of 40th between Bridgeport and Drexler Drive; upgrades to all crosswalks between Sunset Drive and 67th Ave.; and improvements to the stairway leading up to Narrows View Intermediate.
 
This latest effort in the City’s long term commitment to making our City walkable has resulted in safe, dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes all along 40th from 67th down to Olympic Blvd.
 
- City Commission Vacancies — Interested in serving on a City Commission? Applications are now being accepted for the Public Safety Commission (meetings held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.); Park and Recreation Commission (2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m.); and Planning Commission (1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m.). For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office at egenetia@CityofUP.com or call 253.460.2510. Commissioners serve four year terms and provide recommendations to Council on various issues. Please note current Commissioners are eligible to reapply for their positions.

UPcoming Events:

• City Council Candidates Forum sponsored by the UP/Fircrest Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Curtis High School Auditorium. A Video Voter’s Guide and the recent candidate forum is also available at www.CityofUP.com.
• October 22, Parks Appreciation Day – Check out our newest park and help spruce it up from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 22. Bring work gloves and be prepared to get dirty as we clear out invasive vegetation from the Leach Creek Park, a 15-acre parcel formerly owned by the Tacoma School District. For information and directions, visit www.CityofUP.com or contact dsage@CityofUP.com or 253-460-6493.
• 3rd Annual Simple Supper to benefit the UP Food Bank and families in need is on Saturday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Curtis High School Cafeteria. Keynote speaker is David Zeeck, president and publisher of the Tacoma News Tribune. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids under 18. Please RSVP to www.familiesunlimitednetwork.org or call 253.460.3134, ext. 101.
• Edgar Allan Poe (as portrayed by actor Tim Hobban) and fabric artists Helen Hein and Anne Doumit Sparks are featured in the UP for Art Fall Arts Series on Friday, October 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Civic/Library Building atrium. Free (donations appreciated). Thanks to sponsors Skelley Piano and Green Spot Teahouse. For more information, visit www.upforart.org.
• Duck the Halls – Start a new holiday tradition by forming a caroling group to compete in the 1st annual Duck the Halls Caroling Competition on Friday, Dec. 9, to benefit the UP Food Bank. Get your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers together to sing for a great cause. Groups must register by November 16. For contest rules and information, visit www.upforart.org.

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

Sincerely,

Debbie Klosowski
Mayor, City of University Place