U.P. Mayor's UPdate, July 16

Debbie Klosowski, Mayor, City of University Place

A host of Pierce County issues and their potential impacts upon UP residents took center stage at City Hall this week.

Candidate Forum – Eight candidates vying for the chance to represent University Place on the Pierce County Council participated in a candidates’ forum hosted by the League of Women voters last Wednesday. Sewer hook ups, the county’s proposed flood control district and economic development were among the issues addressed by the candidates, one of whom will replace current County Councilman Terry Lee who is stepping down due to term limits. Candidates running for the District #7 seat on the County Council are:

Randy Boss, Stan Flemming, Todd Iverson, John Picinich, Betty Ringlee, Bill Sehmel, Chuck West and Larry Wingard.

The forum will be broadcast on UPTV (Channel 12 on Click and Channel 21 on Comcast) and on PCTV (Channel 22) in the near future. People can also view the forum on the City’s website at www.CityofUP.com next week.

Chambers Creek Road Delays – An expansion of Pierce County’s Sewer Treatment Plant will result in periodic delays or lane closures on lower Chambers Creek Road between University Place and Steilacoom from July 19 until mid October.

Many residents may recall that lower Chambers Creek Road suffered extensive damage during the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. Although extensive repairs were done to the downslope section of the road, the hillside near the entrance to the treatment plant is now showing signs of sloughing and separation. As a result, the hillside needs to be stabilized to prevent a second road closure from occurring. The stabilization work will reduce the hill by 40 feet and replant the area with a mix of native plants and trees. A new half-mile long pedestrian path will also be installed which will provide a direct link for pedestrians and bicyclists between lower Chambers Creek Road and the existing 3.5 mile trail system along the Chambers Creek Properties.

For more information, please contact steve.kamieniecki@co.pierce.wa.us.

Flood Control--UP residents would help pay for countywide flood control measures under a proposal from the Pierce County Council. Representatives from Pierce County appeared before the City Council last week to answer questions about the recently established Pierce County Flood Control Zone; however, the City Council had numerous concerns about the potential impacts of including our community within this district.

Although the Pierce County Council recently adopted ordinances to establish the zone, it is the responsibility of the Boundary Review Board to make the final determination regarding which areas should be included within it. Any involved jurisdiction, such as University Place, has the right to invoke the BRB’s jurisdiction before July 22, 2010.

According to Pierce County spokesmen, the County Council created the Flood Control Zone to address significant deficiencies in flood control measures, primarily along portions of the Puyallup, White, Middle and Carbon Rivers. Serious flooding between 2006 and 2009 revealed serious deficiencies, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage, the closure of Mt. Rainier National Park and portions of I-5. There are 92 miles of aging flood protection facilities throughout the county. If these issues are not addressed, there is a fear that numerous industrial commercial, residential and agricultural areas could experience severe damage.

Severe flooding could also have far reaching economic impacts by affecting the railroads, the Port and Interstate 5, not to mention the health and safety of Pierce County residents.

Although few people would debate the wisdom of protecting Interstate 5 and other areas, there are several unknowns that made UP councilmembers uneasy.

If the Boundary Review Board approves the Flood Control boundaries, the Pierce County Council would serve as its governing board and could impose a maximum amount of up to 50 cents per thousand in property taxes. No voter approval is required. The County Council could also appoint an advisory board of up to 15 seats to formulate recommendations on the amount to be charged as well as identifying a specific list of projects. Questions were also raised as to whether cities would receive a proportionate share of the funds for local projects as well as whether different assessment amounts should be collected from people living in areas that do not experience major flooding. The UP City Council will accept public comment on this issue on Monday, July 19, before making a decision on whether to invoke BRB jurisdiction.

Affordable Housing – Encouraging cities to identify and provide incentives for a variety of housing choices is among the goals set forth in proposed countywide planning policies under consideration by the UP City Council.

Under the state’s Growth Management Act, cities are required to plan for future increases in population. In order to address this issue, the Pierce County Regional Council has spent several years developing proposed policies on a number of issues, including the availability of affordable housing. Besides encouraging a variety of housing options, the proposed policies also state that cities should strive to increase affordable housing by offering incentives to developers.

During the past few years, the City has taken steps to encourage developers to improve aging properties. For example, certain existing multifamily areas can redevelop with slightly higher densities if they adhere to stricter design standards. This option, for example, allows us to meet the requirements of the State Growth Management Act along with continuing to protect existing single family neighborhoods from intensive development. It also allows redevelopment of existing housing stock into more attractive units. Providing additional housing options will hopefully allow seniors, empty nesters and young people just starting out a chance to stay in our community.

The revised amendments under consideration now include language that encourages, rather than requires, cities to follow certain housing goals. Furthermore, the new language also allows the city the flexibility to adopt policies that best meet the needs and wishes of our own community.

Public comment on these amendments will be taken at the July 19 council meeting.

Funky Blues – Bring out the blankets and head on down to the Curran Apple Orchard on Thursday, July 22 at 6:30 pm. to enjoy Motown and funky blues by “Fingertips.”

Special thanks to Columbia Bank for sponsoring this year’s free summer concerts!

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

Be Sociable, Share!

•