Showing posts with label LFP Mayor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LFP Mayor. Show all posts

LFP Mayor: Reminder – Speed Zone Cameras Active on NE 178th Street

Saturday, June 29, 2024

LFP Mayor Tom French
The Lake Forest Park City Council has approved two new speed zone cameras for NE 178th Street near Brookside Elementary School. This action continues the city’s commitment to increase pedestrian and multimodal safety, especially near schools.

In a cost-saving measure, existing school zone cameras were reconfigured to work at all times, enforcing the posted 25 mph speed limit. Once school resumes in September, the speed limit monitored by these cameras will continue to be 20 mph during school times (when the warning light is flashing) and 25 mph at all other times.

From data collected from the school zone cameras, the city knows that those cameras are effective at getting drivers to reduce their vehicle’s speeds in that area: re-offenders accounted for only 9% of the issued citations.

These two cameras began recording speeds on June 3, 2024, with warnings being provided to speeding motorists. Warnings will continue to be provided until July 15, 2024, when citations will start being issued.

Please, give our students and other residents on foot, bicycle or scooter a break and slow down.

- Mayor Tom French, Lake Forest Park


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LFP Mayor: Please take the time to slow down on our local roads

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French
From Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French

Kindly do your part and set the tone on our streets for everyone, including those who visit our community. We all lead busy lives and sometimes we find ourselves running behind—this is not the time to speed on our roads.

The City Council just accepted a Safe Speed Study which will inform changes on our neighborhood streets, arterials, and connectors. This is part of a larger pedestrian and multi-modal safety program that we have been working on for more than two years.

In the coming months, watch for changes in speed limits on our roads. Smaller neighborhood streets will be reduced from 25 mph to 20 mph and to a uniform 25 mph on arterials and collectors. 

The City has also made an application to the Washington State Department of Transportation for reductions in the speed limits on our two State Routes.

Tragically, each of the past several years, the number of fatalities on Washington’s roads has increased at an alarming rate. Last year was no exception with more than 800 fatalities setting a new record for the past 30 years. For context, the State of Washington has more than 100 cities and towns that have less than 800 residents. This alarming fatality number is equivalent to the loss of an entire small community.

Speed infractions and traffic volume in our two school zones continue to climb. Near Brookside Elementary in 2022 over 1.3 million vehicles trips were logged. In 2023, traffic volume was over 1.6 million vehicles logged or a 23 percent increase.

The two school traffic safety cameras on 178th reported a 14 percent and a 12 percent increase in violations over the previous year. The increases in the number of citations near LFP elementary were smaller, but still significant.

More alarming are the recorded speeds near schools: 137 of the citations in 2023 were for speeds more than 40 mph, with the top speed being 56 mph. 

Also concerning are the 980 more citations that were issued for speeds between 35 and 39 mph. 

These citations were issued when the warning lights on the sign were flashing and when children were present on the sidewalks and in the school area.

These trends are deeply concerning.

Please do your part and slow down -- our children and loved ones depend on all of us to keep them safe.

With respect,
Mayor Tom French

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LFP Mayor's Corner - Opportunities for Public Comment

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Hello Friends

LFP Mayor Tom French
It is my privilege and honor to be serving you as the tenth Mayor of Lake Forest Park. 2024 has arrived with a tremendous amount of optimism here in our little green corner of the Puget Sound Region. 

We have a lot to accomplish this year and it would not be possible without the hard-working members of our staff and our selfless community volunteers.

The dedicated members of our boards and commissions are working very hard on all of our behalf to improve our community and we are looking forward to seeing the results of their efforts.

We have much to look forward to — the continuation of the great work of the Planning Commission on the Comprehensive Plan Update; the delivery to our Council of the Climate Action Committee’s draft plan on recommendations for our community to reduce the impacts of climate change; the arrival of a detailed tree inventory from our Tree Board; and the delivery of design recommendations for our Lakefront Property from our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

There will be many opportunities for public input and comment on each of these important bodies of work. Please sign up for alerts on our website and check the City calendar for the latest word on upcoming events.

We are always looking for additional volunteers for our Boards and Commissions. See the article for openings on our advisory bodies.

A quick final note - we will be starting Coffee with the Mayor on a Saturday morning in late February. Please check the City meetings calendar for the specific date.

Many thanks once again to all our dedicated city staff and community volunteers!

With appreciation,
Mayor Tom French


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LFP Mayor's Corner - A Busy Year Ahead

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Tom French, Mayor-Elect
City of Lake Forest Park
To the Citizens of Lake Forest Park

It is an honor and a privilege to have been selected by the people to be the 10th mayor of Lake Forest Park. 

Having served the City for 12 years as a Council Member and in leadership positions as Deputy Mayor as well as Budget and Finance Chair, I am excited to lead the Executive Branch beginning in the new year. 

With an excellent leadership team and staff, the City is well positioned to take on the challenges that 2024 and beyond present.

We have an outstanding incoming City Council that brings a wealth of differing skills and abilities to the policy-making side of our government. 

Our community is very fortunate to have neighbors who are willing to share their time in the service of the City. 

I look forward to working very closely with whomever they choose to lead the Council as Deputy Mayor and Council Vice Chair.

The year ahead is a busy one, with a lot on all of our collective plates:
  • The Planning Commission will be considering the state-mandated Comprehensive Plan update with many opportunities for public input on the topic.
  • The Administration will be working to greatly improve communication with Sound Transit to ensure that Lake Forest Park receives a project that is commensurate with the environment and character of our community.
  • The Climate Action Committee will continue their good work on the Climate Action Plan, which will be presented to Council in the first quarter of 2024. The community will be asked to weigh in on this project at a variety of times throughout the year.
  • The Tree Board will continue its good work helping our community protect our most valuable resource - our natural environment. The Administration will be doing all it can to support the charge of our arborist.
  • 2024 is also a Budget year in which the Administration will bring a two-year budget proposal to Council for consideration. There will be a variety of opportunities to express your thoughts and opinions during the budget process which begins in early summer.
  • The Council and Administration will continue to work collectively on improvements to make our roads safer for all. Lowered speed limits, improvements to pedestrian and multi-modal facilities are all important aspects of this work. The Council has made great progress on this topic and now it is time to find the funding for implementing a variety of safety improvements.

A wise friend of mine recently said that a new year is a great time to reimagine what is possible. I am hugely optimistic about the new year, and I couldn’t agree more.

With respect and appreciation,
Mayor-elect Tom French


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Mayor Jeff Johnson and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover honored in their final LFP council meeting

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Mayor Jeff Johnson and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover
Photo by Mike Remarcke

At a special city council meeting on Thursday December 14, 2023, the Lake Forest Park City Council, staff, and guests honored departing Mayor Jeff Johnson and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover.

The city issued proclamations and presented them with plaques.

Mayor Johnson and LFP City Council (l-r) Semra Riddle, Tracy Furutani, Tom French, Mayor Johnson, Philippa Kassover, Lorri Bodi. Photo by Mike Remarcke


PROCLAMATION 
Honoring and Thanking Jeff Johnson 
Lake Forest Park Mayor 

WHEREAS, as a resident of Lake Forest Park since 1983, Jeff Johnson began his service on the Lake Forest Park City Council in 2012; and 

WHEREAS, Jeff Johnson began his service as Mayor of Lake Forest Park in 2016; and 

WHEREAS, during his time as Mayor, he oversaw the acquisition of Five Acre Woods, Brookside, and Lakefront Parks and the rebuild of Eagle Scout Park; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson has been a strong advocate for replacing city culverts and improving fish habitat; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson served as a member of the Lake Ballinger Forum, ensuring that Lake Forest Park had an active voice in this regional effort; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson worked tirelessly during, and lead the city through, the pandemic and the new hybrid Council Meetings; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson was tasked with hiring an entirely new leadership team, police chief and municipal court judge; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson leaves office with the satisfaction of knowing he has built a dedicated and respected administration; and 

WHEREAS, Mayor Johnson through all his efforts set the City of Lake Forest Park on a path for a better tomorrow for future generations. 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Deputy Mayor and City Council of the City of Lake Forest Park, do hereby thank 

Jeff Johnson 
Lake Forest Park Mayor

And wish him all the best in his future endeavors. 
December 14, 2023

CM Kassover and Lake Forest Park City Council
(l-r) Tracy Furutani, Tom French, Mayor Jeff Johnson, Phillippa Kassover, Lorri Bodi, Semra Riddle. Photo by Mike Remarcke

PROCLAMATION
Honoring and Thanking Phillippa Kassover
Lake Forest Park Councilmember

WHEREAS, as a resident of Lake Forest Park since 2007, Phillippa Kassover began her service on the Lake Forest Park City Council in 2016; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure, Phillippa Kassover served as the Deputy Mayor, and Council Vice Chair, bringing to bear her expertise in communication and leadership; and

WHEREAS, she has represented the city on the Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee, the North Urban Human Services Alliance, the Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management Policy Board, King County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, SeaShore Transportation Forum, and K4C Outreach Committee; and

WHEREAS, Phillippa Kassover brought to Lake Forest Park a deep expertise in policy and budgeting from her broad career experiences; and

WHEREAS, Phillippa Kassover consistently defended the character and quality of the city from the dais and at regional and state level; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Lake Forest Park, do hereby thank

Phillippa Kassover
Lake Forest Park City Council

And wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
December 14, 2023


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LFP Mayor’s Corner – Reflection

Thursday, November 30, 2023

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
With this being my last Mayor’s Corner message to the LFP community, I would like to use it to say what an honor it has been to serve as your Mayor the last eight years and as a city council member for four years before that.
 
Over the last 12 years, we have accomplished a lot, including the following:
  • We weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained balanced budgets throughout the economic downturn
  • Moved to hybrid city council and advisory body meetings, expanding public access to the legislative process
  • Moved the culvert replacement plan forward by completing the culvert on NE 178th Street and preparing the next replacement at NE 185th Street
  • Built a picnic shelter at Pfingst Animal Acres Park
  • Purchased the Lake Front Park property and began the public planning process
  • Held Coffee with the Mayor events
  • Welcomed a new Municipal Judge
  • Held the annual Picnic in the Park event each year and the popular Battle of the Bands
  • Created the Climate Action Committee
  • Said goodbye to some long-term staff who retired, and welcomed new hires

If I had to pick the one thing I am most proud of during my tenure as mayor, it is the city’s purchase of the Lake Front Park property. Once complete, our community will have free waterfront access to Lake Washington. Our name is Lake Forest Park, after all.

If I had to pick the biggest ongoing challenge to the city, it would be finding funding to maintain and update our public amenities like parks and sidewalks. 

When presented with a proposition on the November 2021 ballot to help fund sidewalks, parks, and multimodal connections, voters said no. Without the community’s support for funding of these types of improvements throughout the city, future city leaders will be faced with tough choices when developing budgets— how to maintain the current levels of service and improve and maintain infrastructure in the face of inflation and staffing limitations. 

If park and sidewalk development and maintenance is truly a desire of the community, the community will need to support funding options.

I would like to thank all the city staff members for their hard work and dedication to the LFP community. I always enjoyed seeing you at council meetings, events, and around city hall.

Lake Forest Park is a great place to live and work and it has been an honor to serve as an elected official during these past 12 years.

Happy holidays to you and yours, and may the new year bring blessings to all.

--Mayor Johnson


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LFP Mayor: Summer events are here

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
LFP Mayor’s Corner – Summer Events are Here!

If you’d like to get out and about for some fun this summer, you don’t need to go far. 

With the warmer weather comes the return of our summer events. 

You’ll see the lineup of Lake Forest Park summer events has a little something for everyone! 

Watch for updates on our website and Events Calendar.
  • Safety Day for Kids: June 24, 10:00am to 3:00pm – Lower-level parking lot at City Hall
  • Concert in the Park: June 28, 6:30pm – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
  • Pet Parade: July 15 - More information available soon!
  • Battle of the Bands: August 3 – 5, 5:30pm – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
  • Family Day at the Farmers Market: August 20, 10:00am to 3:00pm– City Hall parking lot
  • Picnic in the Park: September 9, 10:00am to 3:00pm, Pfingst Animal Acres Park
  • Yoga in the Park Series makes its return Saturday mornings at Pfingst Animal Acres Park from July 8 – August 19, 9:00am, stay tuned for more details and updated information about this free event.
I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events this summer.

--Mayor Johnson


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Lake Forest Park: multiple candidates for open council seats and contested Mayoral race

Monday, May 22, 2023


At the close of the filing period on Friday, May 19, 2023, it appears that Lake Forest Park is in for a lively election season.

Long-time councilmember Tom French has left his council position to challenge incumbent mayor Jeff Johnson.

Vying for his council seat #6 are;

Phillippa Kassover has chosen to retire from her council seat (see previous article

Candidates who have filed for her seat #4 are:

Incumbent Lorri Bodi in position #2 has no challengers. Barring a vigorous and unlikely write-in candidate, she has effectively been re-elected to her seat. Her statement was previously published.

Races with more than two candidates will be in a primary in August with the top two advancing to the general election in November.

Residents can check their registration information at My Voter Information

--Diane Hettrick


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Coffee with LFP Mayor Johnson Saturday, March 18, 2023

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Join Lake Forest Park Mayor Johnson for Coffee with the Mayor on March 18, 2023. 

Spend an hour on Saturday morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and bring your interests, comments, concerns, and praises to an informal chat with Mayor Johnson. 

Whether you are a business owner, community member, or an interested neighbor, he would love to see you there. All coffee hours are informal and open to the public.

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 9:30 to 10:30am at Lake Forest Park City Hall, upstairs in the Council Chambers.

Coffee will be served. Seating will be arranged to provide for social distancing.



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LFP Mayor: Sound Transit Update – Public Involvement – Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, February 10, 2023

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
From LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson

As we begin 2023 a topic of much conversation is around the Sound Transit Bus Rapid Transit project (Stride) along the Bothell Way (SR 522) corridor. 

In December of last year the Council passed a motion urging the Sound Transit Board to pause the project for 90-days “in order to hear our citizens' concerns and work directly with the City and our community to develop new design refinements, including: 
  1. significant reductions in the amount of tree canopy destruction and property acquisitions; 
  2. to better address and improve mitigation plans for noise, tree removal, and environmental impacts; and 
  3. to rethink and reimagine the retaining wall design, safety, and landscaping.”

As your Mayor, I agree with and support this motion and have directed city staff to continue their efforts to make sure this project respects the unique character of our community and sensitive environment through which it passes. We are Lake Forest Park, that is not just a name, but a reflection of who we are and what we hold dear. While there remains much work to be done, this administration will stay engaged with the community and Sound Transit to make this the best project possible within the boundaries of our city.

I want everyone to know how much I appreciate the community involvement in this process and making sure your voices are heard by Sound Transit. Your support helps to strengthen our message by showing that your elected officials are truly representing the community.

On that note, if you have been thinking about becoming more involved and taking a role in improving your community, there are still vacancies on the Planning Commission, Tree Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Library Advisory Committee. These positions offer something for just about everyone who wants to give back to the LFP community!

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board also has an opening for a high school student representative. The Board meets at City Hall at 7:00 p.m., on the fourth Wednesday of the month; in person or online meeting options are available.

  • The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s primary responsibilities are to advise the Mayor and City Council on:Park Master Plan Development
  • Recreation Program Evaluation and Development
  • Park Comprehensive Planning

This will be a busy year for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as the City begins a comprehensive master plan of our parks, future park properties, yoga in the parks, and other activities! Please contact Environmental and Sustainability Specialist Cory Roche with inquiries.

If you are interested in applying for any of our advisory bodies, please complete the online application form.

More information about the roles, duties, and meeting days and times for all our boards, commissions, and committees is on our website. Full terms are three years; some vacant positions are for partial terms. For a list of vacancies and term expirations click here. If you have questions, reach out to us at 206-368-5440.

We look forward to hearing from you!

--Mayor Johnson



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LFP Mayor: Budget Season Draws to a Close…Just in Time for the Holiday Season

Monday, October 31, 2022

Mayor Jeff Johnson
Lake Forest Park
From Lake Forest Park Mayor Jeff Johnson

Following presentation of the Mayor’s proposed 2023-2024 biennial budget in early September, 

Councilmembers have participated in a series of regular and special Council and Committee meetings to review, discuss, and recommend changes to the proposed budget. 

I would like to thank them for their commitment to attending these meetings and offering constructive feedback on, and thorough discussion of, the programs and services included in the budget.

Before adopting the budget, the City Council has tough decisions to make about how to ensure, as best as possible, the financial sustainability of the city. I’m confident that, working together, our Council can determine a viable financial path forward that achieves the goal of financial sustainability.

I encourage the public to review the proposed budget and the detailed department presentations located on the Finance Department budget webpage and to consider attending one or more of the remaining budget meetings: 
  • a City Council Budget and Finance Committee Special meeting at 6:00pm on November 3; 
  • the Regular City Council meeting at 7:00pm on November 10, and 
  • a Special City Council meeting at 6:00pm  on November 17. 
  • All of these meetings will be held in the hybrid format (in person at City Hall and via Zoom).
November is not only a big month for the budget process it’s also the start of the holiday season. 

As the days grow shorter and darker, please be sure to keep an eye out for children on their way to and from school and for other pedestrians and bicyclists who may not be as visible as usual.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving!

--Mayor Johnson



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Join LFP Mayor Johnson for Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday October 29, 2022

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Spend an hour on Saturday morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and bring your interests, comments, concerns, and praises to an informal chat with Mayor Johnson. 

Whether you are a business owner, community member, or an interested neighbor, he would love to see you there. All coffee hours are informal and open to the public.

  • When: Saturday, October 29, 2022, 9:30 to 10:30am
  • Where: Lake Forest Park City Hall, Upstairs in the Council Chambers. 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
  • Coffee will be served. Seating will be arranged to provide for social distancing.

We look forward to seeing you!



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LFP Mayor’s Corner – We’re Changing Seasons…from Summer to Budget

Thursday, September 1, 2022

LFP Mayor Johnson
From Lake Forest Park Mayor Jeff Johnson

As we wrap up our summer activities and look toward fall, I’d like to say how much I really enjoyed meeting with people this summer at the recent Family Day at the Farmer’s Market and Battle of the Bands.

I look forward to the upcoming Picnic in the Park and the culvert crossing mural painting on the McAleer Creek 178th Bridge adjacent to Pfingst Animal Acres Park. 

One of my other favorite chances to meet with residents and talk about what’s on their mind is Coffee with the Mayor. I will be scheduling another Coffee with the Mayor in the fall, so keep an eye on the eNews, newsflashes, and our social media for details.

As budget presentations begin in September and Council deliberates before approving a balanced budget later this year, I encourage residents to please take time to attend meetings and review budget documents. 

The Council wants your feedback as it makes these important budget decisions. There are several budget-related council meetings coming up in September and October that can be attended in person at City Hall or virtually via Zoom.

Please support your Council as they deliberate on the future of the city.

--Mayor Johnson


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Coffee with the LFP Mayor Saturday

Friday, July 22, 2022

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
Coffee with the LFP Mayor Saturday, July 23, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am

Join Mayor Johnson for an informal chat, have a cup of coffee, and share what's on your mind.

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LFP Mayor: The Economics of City Finances

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Property tax allocation for Lake Forest Park
From Mayor Jeff Johnson

With soaring inflation and home values, I often hear from residents that the city must be flush with additional revenue due to the increased property tax collected on those ever-increasing home values. 

Well, nothing could be further from the truth. 

By state law, the city has two options every year: 
  • one, collect the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, regardless of home values; or 
  • realize a one percent increase in that revenue by a vote of the council. Any increase beyond the maximum one percent set by the state requires a vote of the residents. 
As you can imagine, with annual inflation since the incorporation of Lake Forest Park in 1961 averaging 3.73%, and revenues increasing by a mere one percent it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain levels of service.

Every year, cities across the State of Washington struggle to keep providing consistent levels of service, let alone provide the new programs, parks and pedestrian pathways I hear are priorities for many of our residents, as well as your Mayor and Council.

The Administration and City Council have done an excellent job over the years of keeping this city financially stable while working to provide the services and amenities the community desires and deserves, considering the growing disparity between revenue and costs. 

We know what we want as a community, now we need to discuss how and how quickly we achieve those goals. As I work with the Council over the coming months to adopt the 2023-2024 city budget, I encourage your involvement and feedback as we look to continue moving this city forward.



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Join LFP Mayor Johnson for Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, May 21, 2022

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Jeff Johnson, Mayor of Lake Forest Park
Join Mayor Johnson for Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 9:30 - 10:30am at Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Upstairs in the Council Chambers

Bring your interests, comments, concerns, and praises to chat with Mayor Johnson over coffee. 

Whether you are a business owner, community member, or just a curious neighbor, he would love to see you there. 

All coffee hours are informal and open to the public.

Coffee and pastries will be served. Seating will be arranged to provide for social distancing.



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LFP Mayor: Coffee with the Mayor is back

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Mayor Jeff Johnson, Lake Forest Park
From LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson

I am happy to let you know that Coffee with the Mayor is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 9:30 - 10:30am. 

When I originally mentioned meeting outdoors, the statewide mask mandate was in place. 

With the mandate lifted, and masks not required at City Hall at this time, I have decided to hold the event in the Council Chambers so we are not impacted by weather. Seating will be set up to provide social distancing.

If you haven't attended the coffee events in the past, they are an informal opportunity for you to share with me what's on your mind. Coffee and pastries are provided.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the 21st!

--Mayor Johnson



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LFP Mayor: Sustainability of Our Amenities and Infrastructure

Sunday, April 3, 2022

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
By LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson

Lake Forest Park has eight developed parks and has recently purchased its newest park property on the north shore of Lake Washington, which is still in need of public planning, design and construction phases. 

We have also heard from residents that additional sidewalks are an important piece of infrastructure for our community.

As we all know, everything comes at a price and, as we move forward, I along with the City Council and residents, must give some serious thought to decisions on how we will pay to maintain current amenities and construct the new ones desired by the community. 

This summer, we will begin discussing the 2023-2024 biennial budget and a big part of that discussion will be financial sustainability and how we will pay for the things we already have and the things we want moving forward.

It's time to roll up our sleeves and work together to figure out the path we take moving forward — how do we sustain what we have and develop new projects. 

An opportunity for you to share your thoughts with me about that is at the upcoming Coffee with the Mayor event. We are getting closer to determining a date, time, and location, and will advertise the information once it has been decided upon. 

I really look forward to meeting with you in person again. Please consider using the Coffee event as an opportunity to share your ideas with me.

If you would like to receive an email update once the details of the Coffee event are confirmed, please email the Deputy City Clerk.

--Mayor Johnson



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LFP Mayor: It's a busy year ahead

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Mayor Jeff Johnson
Lake Forest Park
By Jeff Johnson, Mayor of Lake Forest Park

I would like to begin this article by again thanking the volunteer members of all of the City’s advisory bodies for their hard work and dedication to the Lake Forest Park community.

One of the boards that will be especially busy in the coming year is the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The Board will be working on the public outreach process for the planning and design of the City’s new park located on the north shore of Lake Washington.

The City’s newest advisory body is the Climate Committee. At its meeting on February 24, the City Council will consider approving a resolution creating the new Climate Committee, first tasked with drafting a 2022 Climate Committee Work Plan for recommendation to the City Council and Administration. At the meeting on February 24, the City Council will also consider appointments to the Climate Committee.

I am still considering venue options for a future Coffee with the Mayor event. If you haven’t already done so and are interested in a future coffee event, please email the Deputy City Clerk to let us know your level of interest and thoughts you may have on a location.

I’m excited to note that, the next time I write, it will be spring, and we will be observing Daylight Saving Time!

--Mayor Johnson


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LFP Mayor's Corner - 2022's New Normal

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Mayor of Lake Forest Park, Jeff Johnson
LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson

With my first article of the new year, I would like to start off talking about returning to an event that has not been held since the pandemic began: Coffee with the Mayor. When we were able to meet in person, these were held every 2-3 months in the Council Chambers. 

Because we have pandemic considerations to deal with, I am looking at holding the event outdoors—perhaps the picnic shelter at Pfingst Animal Acres Park. 

I do not want to hold the coffee meetings via Zoom. If you are interested in attending a Coffee with the Mayor event in the next couple of months, please email the Deputy City Clerk and let us know your level of interest and thoughts you may have on an outdoor location.

Even though city meetings are still held remotely, 2022 is another busy year for Lake Forest Park. Among other subjects, the City Council will consider the Planning Commission’s recommended amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit and Accessory Building regulations. 

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will work on a path forward for funding to design the Lake Front Park property. The Planning Commission and Tree Board have a busy year ahead as well.

I would like to thank all the volunteer members of our commission, boards, and committees for their dedication to the City of Lake Forest Park and for the many hours spent preparing for and attending meetings. You are appreciated.

While we are still in a pandemic, I look forward to moving forward on the projects and plans we have going for 2022. We will let you know about any future Coffee with the Mayor events that may be scheduled in follow up to the interest expressed.

Please take care and stay safe.

--Mayor Johnson


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