From the (Steilacoom) Mayor's Desk
Posted on January 22, 2012The audit of the Town by the State of Washington was recently completed. Steilacoom is only audited every two years because of our lengthy track record of sound financial management. In the 139 page report, the details again verify that the Town of Steilacoom accounts for funds correctly and expends funds per budgets and Council action. Simply put, it is a clean audit. My compliments to Mr. Paul Loveless and staff plus Council for once again attaining the trust needed in financial management.
I recently outlined the plans of Pierce Transit (PT) for reforming the District’s boundaries and asking voters for an additional .3% sales tax increase. Today, all of Pierce Country pays .6% sales tax into the District but some communities receive no transit service per the PT Boards recent policy. The Town Council is being asked to inform the Public Transportation Improvement Conference (PTIC) of our intent to remain in or leave the District. A Steilacoom public hearing for this decision will be held on Tuesday, 7 February at 6:30 PM at Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette Street.
In the past several years, it has been an on-going challenge to keep Public Safety Officer and volunteer firefighters at full/desired staffing. Several reasons have kept us from our objective: officers seeking a more robust law enforcement experience; marriages and leaving our State, transfers to other Washington agencies, resignation, and PSO passing. Thus, the Council and I have had on-going discussions on the ability to deliver fire training to volunteer firefighter/PSOs and on our ability to recruit and retain same. The Chief and PSO’s have worked very hard on both tasks but I believe we can better support the PSO staff and improve our fire/EMT skill capability and volunteer staffing by adding a staff member dedicated to these functions.
In early 2011, I proposed to Council that a position authorized in our Municipal Code should be filled…..the Fire Operations Chief (FOC). After discussions on my plan to fill the position and duties with Council and bargaining with the Steilacoom Officers Association (SOA), I formally published the job announcement.
Final applicants included seven of the eighteen from outside Washington. I sought some fire service professional advice and then separated applicants into three groupings based on fire service skill and certifications, instructor certifications and training experience; recruitment and leadership with fire volunteers, high level fire service leadership positions, and best fit for our community. I then interviewed three exceptional candidates.
On the PSO staffing level, Chief Schaub has recently interviewed several police officers who have applied as lateral transfers into Steilacoom Public Safety. We also continue efforts with ongoing recruitment of new PSO’s to Public Safety. I expect we will be reaching authorized levels soon. Stay tuned.
Remember that the Town has a secure container in the Public Safety lobby for you to safely turn-in old, expired, or unwanted medicine/pills. The lobby is open normal business hours.
I have recommended to Council the names of two well-prepared residents to the Planning Commission. I expect further openings on the Planning Commission in the future and if you have an interest please contact Town Planner Doug Fortner at 581-1912.
The Town parks’ group recommended a covered shelter in Perkins Park. The 20x20 concrete pad is poured and the structure will be constructed soon. In the future the Town will add children’s toys for age 2-7. A special thanks to Myron LaBrie of J&K Concrete for providing the concrete at cost. Myron’s business is local and provides concrete services you may need.
Ron Lucas, Mayor
ACTIVITY UPDATES
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Daddy-Daughter Dance – February 3rd. Tickets at Steilacoom Marine Services.
EHB 2565 – Fuel Mix Disclosure – RCW 19.29A.010, requires the Town to annually disclose the resource fuel mix for electricity distributed and sold by the Town’s Electric Utility. Washington‘s disclosure requirement relies on historical data – the prior calendar year. Calendar year 2010 data is used to generate the Year 2011 Fuel Mix Report.
The Town of Steilacoom purchases 100% of its power supply needs from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Please see the table below for the Town’s Year 2011 Resource Fuel Mix Report.
|
Fuel |
Percent |
| Biomass | 0.22% |
| Coal | 7.62% |
| Hydro | 76.55% |
| Landfill Gas | 0.02% |
| Natural Gas | 2.82% |
| Nuclear | 12.54% |
| Petroleum | 0.07% |
| Waste | 0.14% |
| Other | 0.02% |
|
Total |
100.00% |
Steilacoom – A Historic Community – Help Keep It Clean – Don’t Litter
Please remember to secure your garbage and recycling cans and return them from the street as soon as possible after pick-up.
PET OWNERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Town has been receiving complaints about dog owners not having their dogs on leashes and not cleaning up after them. Please be aware the Steilacoom Municipal Code requires all dogs to be leashed when on public property and also requires all owners to clean up after their dogs. Please be a responsible dog owner and considerate of others and leash and clean up after your pets.
FIRESIDE GALLERY FEBRUARY ARTIST
In February, the Fireside Gallery will host the Rainier League of Arts. This art league is comprised of various artists working in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. Their subjects range from landscapes and portraits to abstract images. Please join us in the Fireside Gallery for the Rainier League of Arts show.
LEAVES AND FLOODING
When leaves clog storm drains, neighborhood streets can flood. Help prevent flooding by raking or sweeping leaves out of storm drains near your home and keeping the drains clear. Also, please do not blow leaves or other debris from your yard into the street.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
(Periodically, the Town will highlight one organization active in the community. Please consider participating and/or supporting these organizations.)
WE LOVE STEILACOOM ASSOCIATION
The We Love Steilacoom Association operates a food bank for low-income individuals and families. Additionally, the Association provides need-based assistance for utility payments and, to the extent funds are available, scholarships for Steilacoom High School students with preference given to those attending a 2-year college or vocational school. Food distributions are on the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at 1314 Nisqually (across from Pioneer Middle School). Food donations may be dropped off at the Community Center or at the food bank during operating hours. Financial contributions for any of the programs, including the scholarship program, may be dropped off at the Community Center. A separate check, made payable to the Association, may also be sent in with your utility bill. For more information, contact Paul Loveless at 581-1912 or Sharon Cornett, Food Pantry Coordinator, at 582-8166.
The annual meeting of the We Love Steilacoom Association is scheduled for February 7 at 5 PM at the Community Center. All are welcome.
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1 Comments
January 23rd, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Once again, the Town of Steilacoom's Public Works/Utilities Team performed magnificently during the winter storm. Power was out for only a very short time, the main roads were cleared and safe, and downed tree branches removed from roadways rapidly and safely.
Thanks very much!