U.P. Mayor’s UPdate, July 23

Debbie Klosowski, Mayor, City of University Place

Opting out of Pierce County’s proposed Flood Control Zone was unanimously supported by the UP City Council this week. UP, like many surrounding jurisdictions, is requesting the Boundary Review Board to remove it from the proposed countywide Flood Control Zone. The BRB must now schedule a public hearing to consider the request of UP and other cities on this issue.

Background – The Pierce County Council recently sent a request to the Boundary Review Board to create a countywide Flood Control Zone, creating a new junior taxing district which would collect revenue to fix failing flood control structures, primarily along the Puyallup, White, Middle and Carbon Rivers. After the BRB approves the geographical boundaries of the proposed zone, the Pierce County Council would serve as the governing body with the ability to levy up to 50 cents per thousand in property taxes without voter approval.

Although our city council acknowledged the regional importance of keeping I-5, the Port of Tacoma and other areas functioning, our city council strongly opposed the proposal, citing the lack of a regional discussion and unanswered questions regarding project lists, multi-tiered payment options, revenue sharing and other issues. The City, along with our neighboring jurisdictions, must now wait for the BRB’s decision.

Good bye Alyssa – Alyssa Weber received a plaque and thanks for her service as a UP Park Commissioner from 2008-2010. During that time, Alyssa was active in the Daddy Daughter Dance and other activities including fundraising efforts for the city’s recreation program. Alyssa’s dedication and enthusiasm were contagious and we wish her well in her college pursuits. Recreation Manager Todd Smith also received a Certificate of Excellence for his composure, skill and professionalism leading the recreation department during the past six months.

Fireworks – Celebrating July 4th includes setting off fireworks for many people; however, there are also quite a few people who would prefer an outright ban on personal fireworks. Council received a Fireworks Update this week which seemed to indicate that our new discharge restrictions, education campaign and ticketing may have contributed to a reduction in neighborhood disturbances.

According to the report, there were 34 calls regarding possible instances of illegal fireworks from June 28 through July 5th . This compares with 65 calls in 2009, 93 calls in 2008 and 129 calls in 2007.

This year the city implemented a new ordinance reducing the fireworks discharge period to July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Our police department also sent out letters to past offenders indicating they would be ticketed if found using illegal fireworks this year.

Although the council was pleased at the reduction in calls, it is still my hope that someday a group will come forward to sponsor a communitywide fireworks show at the Chambers Creek Properties.

Recreation Update – A citizens’ fundraising effort to raise $100,000 for the UP Recreation Program is well underway with $60,000 already collected according to UP Park Commissioners Jim Baldes and Greg Gooch. Team sponsorships, increased program fees and close to 3,000 volunteer hours have also helped provide a multitude of rec programs. Upcoming events include a Black Tie Ball on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Charles Wright Academy with tickets at $200 per couple. For information on the ball, please contact Todd Smith at 460-5432.

Local businesses are also supporting fundraising efforts by participating in “A Giving

Tree.” Local artist Barry Crust of “Beaches and Beyond” has designed a “tree” from a discarded branch from the Curran Apple Orchard. The tree, currently on display at The Green Spot (33rd and Bridgeport Way) is decorated with small discs and enables people to make pledges toward supporting the recreation program. For information on the tree please contact Greg Gooch at 906-1074.

Park Friends – Volunteer groups wishing to become official “Friends” of specific parks can do so under a new policy adopted by the council last week. Interested groups can sign agreements to participate in at least three volunteer work events over a one year time period. If a group meets the criteria, the group can become an official “Friends” group enabling it to submit park related information to the city newsletter, website and UPTV.

For more information, contact Todd Smith at 460-5432.

American Flag – Special thanks to UP resident Delores Tulfo and Cascade Recreation, Inc. for their efforts and donation of a large American Flag for the Curran Orchard Bandshell. Don’t miss the last summer concert featuring “The Dead Edsels” rock and roll on Thursday, August 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

54th Street Signal – Drivers who were “stuck” at a red light at 54th and Bridgeport for periods longer than usual can rejoice. The city is in the process of replacing a failed traffic loop in the signal with a video detection system (funded by grants) which will “alert” the signal to change when cars are waiting.

Great recordkeeping! Kudos to City Engineer Jack Ecklund and staff for their detailed construction documentation on two grant funded projects: Bridgeport Way Phase 3A (Cirque Drive to 54th), and Bridgeport Streetscapes (37th to 35th). Recently, the State Department of Transportation performed audits on these projects. They were so impressed with the City’s adherence to details and compliance with the state and federal requirements that they are waiving any further audits on these projects.

Emergency Notification – Residents of UP can sign up for “Code Red” at www.cityofup.com to receive phone calls about public safety issues within their specific neighborhoods. Pierce County is also unveiling a countywide emergency notification system that can contact people via work or home phones, texting and email. Emergency alerts can include Amber Alerts, severe weather warnings, road closures and public safety alerts. For more information, visit www.piercecountywa.gov or call 798-6595.

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