Showing posts with label city of lake forest park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city of lake forest park. Show all posts

Lake Forest Park City Hall to be closed on Friday, December 23, 2022, due to inclement weather

Thursday, December 22, 2022

LFP City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
In view of the winter storm warning and inclement weather predicted for Friday, December 23, 2022, Mayor Jeff Johnson has determined that, for the safety of the public and city employees, City Hall will be closed.

Reminder that City Hall is closed on Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas Day holiday.

City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, December 27, at 9:00am.


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City of Lake Forest Park Notice of Budget Public Hearing on November 10, 2022

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

City of Lake Forest Park Notice of Budget Public Hearing on November 10, 2022, 7pm

2023 – 2024 Biennial Budget, 2023 Property Tax Levy, 2023 User Fees, 2023 Surface Water Utility Rate AND TAX, 2023-2024 Sewer Utility Rates AND TAX, 2023 TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT SALES TAX AND VEHICLE LICENSE FEE

The City of Lake Forest Park City Council has been reviewing the proposed 2023 Biennial Budget, including the proposed increases for the 2023 Property Tax Levy, 2023 User Fees, 2023 Surface Water Utility Rate and Tax, 2023-2024 Sewer Utility Rates and Tax, Transportation Benefit District Sales Tax, and Vehicle License Fee. The proposed budget can be found on the city’s website at www.cityoflfp.com.

The public hearing will be conducted during the City Council’s regular meeting on November 10, 2022. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm, and the public hearing will commence thereafter. 

The public hearing will be held in person at the City Council Chambers and virtually. Instructions for how to participate in the virtual public hearing may be found on the agenda for the meeting. Written testimony will be accepted prior to the meeting and distributed to the City Council, and verbal testimony will be accepted during the public hearing.

Written comments should be submitted to City Clerk Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.com no later than 5:00pm local time on the date of the hearing. Any person wishing to provide oral testimony at the hearing is encouraged to register via the Remote Public Comment Sign-in Form on the City’s Hybrid City Council Meetings webpage (https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Hybrid-City-Council-Meetings) by 5:00pm on the date of the meeting. 

Persons who have not signed up on the online public hearing sign-in sheet will be called upon to raise their hand through the Zoom meeting webinar feature and will be added to the speakers’ queue by the City Clerk to be called upon by the Meeting Chair or designee. A request to speak can also be made by phone directly to the City Clerk at (206) 368-5540 prior to 5:00pm on the date of the meeting.

Matt McLean
City Clerk



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LFP City Council Budget and Finance Committee Special Meeting to review proposed 2023-2021 biennial budget

Sunday, September 25, 2022

LFP City Council Budget and Finance Committee will hold a Special Meeting (hybrid meeting) on Monday, September 26, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00pm, at City Hall and via Zoom.

City Hall is located at 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

The committee will deliberate and make recommendations on the Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget.

Public comment can be made in person and submitted online.


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Lake Forest Park: Mayor's Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget available online and in hard copy at City Hall

Saturday, September 10, 2022

The Mayor's proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget for the City of Lake Forest Park is now available. 

You can download it from here: https://www.cityoflfp.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10555/Mayors-Proposed-2023-2024-Biennial-Budget-PDF or find it on the city's budget page here: https://www.cityoflfp.gov/138/Budget

You can also stop by City Hall in Town Center intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE to pick up a copy.



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LFP Climate Action Committee update

Saturday, August 20, 2022

McAleer Creek

Earlier this Spring, the City of Lake Forest Park established the City’s first Climate Action Committee with a mission to develop equitable measures to reduce locally-generated greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment and residents from the harmful effects of climate change.

Extreme flooding and massive storms, unprecedented heat domes and worldwide wildfires, unimaginable widespread droughts and disappearing lakes like Lake Mead, and the ever-concerning rising ocean levels are daily reminders of the issues that the world is facing.

The effects of climate change can be felt here at home in Lake Forest Park – remember the dense wildfires of last September and the scorching heat in late June. 

Climate change is impacting not only how we live, but it’s also impacting the quality of the salmon habitat in McAleer and Lyon Creeks, our trees are under stress from extreme heat, and pollinators are challenged by heat induced early blooming.

The Climate Action Committee is working to develop a Climate Action Plan that represents the priorities and concerns of all City residents and we need your engagement. 
Please watch for future neighborhood meetings, surveys seeking your feedback, data collection, and other educational information on how you can help combat the effects of climate change.

Join the Climate Action Committee (CAC) Notify Me list, go to: https://www.cityoflfp.com/list.aspx?ListID=291

Keep your eye out on the City’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and eNews for news and updates. Together we can reduce our contribution to climate change and prepare for its effects.

-The Climate Action Committee

Click here to sign up for the CAC Notify Me list!



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LFP seeking applications for the newly formed Salary Commission

Saturday, August 13, 2022

The City of Lake Forest Park is seeking applications for the newly formed Salary Commission.

The salary commission is authorized by Ordinance 1246, and their purpose is to review and make binding salary and benefits recommendations for the City’s elected officials. 

Please reach out to City Clerk Matt McLean for more information and to apply.



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LFP City Council to hold Public Hearing for Tree Code on July 28, 2022 at 7:00pm

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Maple in Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Photo by Dan Short
City of Lake Forest Park
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Proposed Code Amendments regarding Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement ("Tree Code")

The City of Lake Forest Park City Council has been reviewing proposed amendments to chapter 16.14 of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code (LFPMC) code regarding Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement (Tree Code) for adoption under Ordinance Number 1245.

Amendments being considered include: 
  • amending the policy section by adding a statement regarding the importance of trees in mitigating climate change and explaining the particular importance of “Exceptional” trees;
  • the phrase “stand of trees” is replaced with the phrase “grove of trees” defined as a continuous grouping of trees of a certain size with overlapping canopies that occupy a defined amount of space;
  • amending the process for appealing an approved tree permit by not allowing the tree to be removed until the appeal period for a major tree permit has expired (14 days);
  • for removal of trees in critical areas, the proposed ordinance authorizes the city to require review by the appropriate professional but eliminates the mandatory requirement that a geologist or geotechnical engineer certify all permit applications on steep slopes, landslide hazard areas, or their buffers;
  • amends the “Tree replacement” section of the Tree Code and its use of native replacement tree species;
  • changes the assessment of tree canopy coverage from annually to once every five years;
  • the Ordinance does not currently propose, but it has been discussed, amendments to the threshold diameter of Exceptional trees.

The public hearing will be conducted during the City Council’s regular meeting on July 28, 2022. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm and the public hearing will commence thereafter. 

The public hearing will be held in person at the City Council Chambers and virtually. Instructions for how to participate in the virtual public hearing may be found on the agenda for the meeting. 

Written testimony will be accepted prior to the meeting and distributed to the City Council and verbal testimony will be accepted during the public hearing.

Written comments should be submitted to City Clerk Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.com no later than 5:00pm local time on the date of the hearing. 

Any person wishing to provide oral testimony at the hearing is encouraged to register via the Remote Public Comment Sign-in Form on the City’s Hybrid City Council Meetings webpage https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Hybrid-City-Council-Meetings by 5:00pm on the date of the meeting. 

Persons who have not signed up on the online public hearing sign-in sheet will be called upon to raise their hand through the Zoom meeting webinar feature and will be added to the speakers’ queue by the City Clerk, to be called upon by the Meeting Chair or designee. 

A request to speak can also be made by phone directly to the City Clerk at 206-368-5540 prior to 5:00pm on the date of the meeting.

The agenda will be available here by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022.

Matt McLean
City Clerk



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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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City of Lake Forest Park recognizes observance of Juneteenth as Legal Holiday

Saturday, June 11, 2022

2021 Juneteenth mural by artists Artists Myron Curry and Cynncear Easley

In a resolution approved at its meeting on June 9, 2022, the Mayor and Lake Forest Park City Council declared Juneteenth, June 19th, a city holiday in remembrance of the day in 1865 that enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their freedom. 

It was further resolved by the Mayor and Council that the end of the atrocity of slavery should be acknowledged and celebrated by the City of Lake Forest Park as Juneteenth—a day to revisit solidarity and commitment to antiracism.

The City Council also finds that, in celebration of Juneteenth, June 19th will be recognized as a City holiday, and the City will be closed. Because June 19th is on a Sunday this year, City offices will be closed on Monday, June 20, except for Passport Services which will still service the scheduled appointments on June 20.

The Committee of the Whole regular meeting scheduled for June 20 is canceled, and a special Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, beginning at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in the hybrid format and interested persons may attend in person at City Hall or via Zoom. Please see the agenda, once it is available, for the Zoom information.



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LFP Council adopts changes to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) regulations

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

An apartment over a garage will now be allowed in LFP
Image courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
As part of its effort to the increase housing diversity and affordability in LFP, the City Council adopted changes to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Accessory Building regulations on February 24, 2022. 

The Council took action after a public hearing on the matter in which a majority of speakers spoke in favor of the changes.

The adopted changes are very similar to those recommended by the City’s Planning Commission last October. 

They include: 
  • removal of the rear-yard restriction, 
  • raising the height restriction to 25 feet to allow building an apartment on top of a garage or other structure, and 
  • allowing both an ADU and a detached ADU on lots of one acre or more. 
  • The minimum lot size for a detached ADUs was also lowered from 15,000 square feet to 10,000. This change alone makes an additional 1600 lots eligible for a detached ADU. 
Email the Planning Department for additional information: APlanner@ci.lake-forest-park.wa.us


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City of Lake Forest Park seeks volunteers for positions on Planning Commission, Tree Board, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Sunday, February 27, 2022

The City of Lake Forest Park has openings for volunteers on Planning Commission, Tree Board, and Parks and Recreation

Student Representative Vacancy on Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
The student representative position on this board is vacant. If you are interested and are a junior or senior in high school and reside in Lake Forest Park please contact Volunteer Coordinator Cory Roche for more information and application information. Terms are three years, but the City anticipates students may only be available to serve for one or two years.

Vacancy on Planning Commission
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on issues relating to land use policy and regulations. This year the Commission will begin work on updating the City’s comprehensive plan. 

One of the focuses of this update is diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City hopes to fill this vacancy with an individual that provides a perspective that is currently under-represented on the Commission. Diversity in this case could be race, age, gender, ethnic or socioeconomic background. We hope you will consider submitting an application if you think you can bring a unique perspective to the Commission. If you are interested in applying, please contact City Clerk Matt McLean.

Vacancies on Tree Board
The City is seeking applications for two vacant seats on the Lake Forest Park Tree Board. The Tree Board provides outreach and education to the community on tree-related issues, organizes and facilitates public events involving trees, and provides advice to the City Council on policy and regulatory issues involving trees. 

Board members should live within the Lake Forest Park city limits, but it is not required. Interests or backgrounds in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat restoration are encouraged, but not required. Membership terms are for three years. If you are interested in applying or have questions, please contact Assistant Planner Cameron Tuck.



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New Lake Forest Park Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant

Monday, January 31, 2022

LFP Municipal Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant
In December 2021, longtime Municipal Judge Linda Portnoy retired, and the City of Lake Forest Park hired Jennifer Johnson Grant to serve in the position, effective January 3, 2022.

Judge Grant received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in 1992 and her Juris Doctor degree in 1996 from Seattle University School of Law where she was a Diversity Scholar, Chair of the Women’s Law Caucus, and an associate editor of the Law Review.

Judge Grant has extensive experience as a prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s office, where she gained experience as a trial attorney, an appellate attorney, and a supervising attorney overseeing the prosecution of cases in Seattle Municipal Court’s specialty courts—Community Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court.

Ms. Grant transitioned to private practice in 2013 and was a judicial officer for Lake Forest Park Municipal Court, where she was a judge pro tem for Judge Linda Portnoy.



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Lake Forest Park City Hall closed through Tuesday

Monday, December 27, 2021

City Hall, Lake Forest Park
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Lake Forest Park City Hall will remain closed through Tuesday, December 28, 2021. 

The roads continue to have compact ice. The public works crew has been working very hard in clearing the main roadways. 

Salt and sand are in limited supply and can’t be spread on all of the city’s roads. The crews have been able to plow down to bare pavement on some parts of the major arterials.

Low temperatures continue overnight and through the next couple of days. Please limit your vehicle use on the roadways and drive safe.



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The City of Lake Forest Park gains rare lakefront property for public access

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Waterfront property for Lake Forest Park
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

LAKE FOREST PARK, WA —On Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Forterra transferred Lake Washington waterfront property to the City of Lake Forest Park in a two-year, $5 million strategy to conserve key parcels from development.

In 2019, these properties went into bankruptcy, and the City of Lake Forest Park wanted to buy them for conservation and public recreation but did not have the funds readily available to acquire them.

The City of Lake Forest Park asked Forterra to step in to buy, hold then resell the property to the City when it had acquired the requisite funds for purchase.

“Gaining public access to Lake Washington helps ground us in the special place we live,” said Michelle Connor, Forterra president and CEO. 
“In an exemplary act of civic courage, the City of Lake Forest Park seized the opportunity for its residents and visitors to realize the aspiration of its identity. We are proud to have supported that.”

This is a property with great potential for recreation, connecting the Burke-Gilman Trail and Lake Washington. This site will provide the only public access along the five-mile stretch of the trail from Matthews Beach Park to Log Boom Park along the northwest shore of the lake. 

It will also be the only public shoreline in Lake Forest Park.

The site is located at 17345 and 17347 Beach Drive next to the Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve and just north of Town Center.

Updated 12-1-2021 with location


“This is a great moment in the history of Lake Forest Park,” said Mayor Jeff Johnson. “With the support of the City Council and the determination of key city staff, we have provided an exceptional amenity for this and future generations.”

“We could not have done this without the partnership and support of Forterra, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, Conservation Futures, the State Department of Commerce, King County voters, County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Senator David Frockt, Representative Gerry Pollet and Representative Javier Valdez,” said City Council Chair Phillippa Kassover. 

“They all understood the value of this park property to our community and were willing to advocate for the preservation of this lakeshore for enjoyment by everyone.”

On November 30, 2021 Forterra finalized the sale and transfer of the lakefront property to the City, completing a two-year conservation strategy that leveraged Forterra’s ability to act quickly through a guaranteed loan from its Guarantor program. 

The City of Lake Forest Park looks forward to the next stage of a public planning and design of the park space, which is set to commence in 2022.

Forterra is an unconventional land trust that works across Washington’s communities and landscapes, from the ranches and shrub-steppe of the Yakima basin, to the estuaries, farms and forests of Washington’s coast, reaching more than 100 counties, cities, towns and rural communities. 

Working cooperatively with people and nature, Forterra drives land stewardship, management and planning; innovative programs and policies; farming and forestry approaches; community ownership opportunities; and development solutions. 



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LFP Tree Board outreach at Farmers Market

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

LFP Tree Board at Farmers Market
Photo by Mike Remarce 

The LFP Tree Board sponsored a table at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 10am-noon. City Arborist Ashley Adams, three Tree Board members (Margaret Cassady, Richard Olmstead, Marty Byrne) and one Tree Board member-elect (Bryn Homsy) worked the event. 

It was an opportunity to answer questions from the public.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Their presence drew a constant flow of people asking questions for the entire four hours. Common questions revolved around tree health and condition, invasive species control, and LFP tree regulations.

The Board gave away 80 Douglas fir seedlings. Note that volunteer
removed his mask for a moment for the photo by Mike Remarcke.

In addition, the Tree Board gave away approximately 80 Douglas fir seedlings and 40 compostable yard waste bags to interested citizens. There were 40 Douglas fir seedlings left over from the event, which were donated to the LFP Water District plant exchange program. 

The participating Tree Board members appreciated the opportunity to interact with residents and were enthusiastic about doing it again next year.


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City of Lake Forest Park receives another Distinguished Budget Presentation Award in 2021

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the City of Lake Forest Park for its 2021-2022 biennial budget.

The City also received a Distinguished Budget Award for two previous biennial budgets in 2017 and 2019.

The budget awards represent a significant achievement. 

They reflect the commitment of the City to meeting the highest principles in governmental budgeting.

In order to receive the budget award, the City must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as a communications device.

The three budget awards, along with 2016’s Stewardship Award from the Washington State Auditor’s Office, highlights the City’s continuous commitment to be on the leading edge of financial transparency.



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Sound Transit withdraws Appeal of Town Center Ordinances

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Bus on Bothell Way
The City of Lake Forest Park reports that Sound Transit has withdrawn its appeal to the Growth Management Hearings Board of the Town Center Ordinances adopted by the City Council in February 2021. 

Sound Transit had appealed the ordinances that were adopted to address the impacts of a parking garage in the Town Center for the Stride, Bus Rapid Transit System.

With the withdrawal of the appeal, the Town Center ordinances stand as adopted by the City Council and are the regulations by which future development or redevelopment at the Town Center will be reviewed.



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With Prop 1, voters decide the future of sustainable funding for walkways, safe connections, parks, and recreation in LFP

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

On Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1pm, Third Place Commons invites you to the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pros and Cons Forum. More information here. Register here

~~~~~~~~~

By Luanne Brown

Voters in Lake Forest Park (LFP) will be voting on Proposition 1 in the upcoming election on November 2, 2021. The ballot measure says:

November 2, 2021 General and Special Election


The full wording of Resolution No. 1810 can be found here.

What are the main points of Resolution No 1810?

The issues surrounding Prop 1 are complex, but when distilled to its essence, it can be summarized as follows:

The City wants to permanently increase that portion of our property taxes that is paid to Lake Forest Park, which is 9 percent of your total King County tax bill. These additional funds will add up to $2 million dollars yearly which will give the city the ability to pay the debt on $20 million worth of Bonds used to raise money to fund projects identified by the City through the Safe Streets study and the PROST Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces, Trails) as well from citizen input.

Who determines how this money will be used?

The Council is setting the rules for that now and will discuss and vote on this question at the Thursday, October 14th meeting.

The Parks Board, under the rules the Council is developing, will provide citizen input on priorities and there is also opportunity for public comment at Park Board meetings and City Council meetings.

Why is this issue coming up now?

According to Deputy Mayor and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover, the City Council began discussing the need for a new source of revenue, prior to the pandemic, to fulfill the Safe Streets and PROST plans.

“We were not able to follow through in 2020, as the Governor’s emergency orders required cities to prioritize essential services for several months. Council began discussing these needs again in Spring of 2021, following our completion of the Town Center code. 
"Due to inflation and the Bond market variabilities, the longer the city waits to secure a new stream of revenue to accomplish the priorities in the Safe Streets and PROST plan, the more expensive these projects will become, and the less the city will be able to accomplish.”

Why not do a bond without a levy lid lift?


According to Kassover, the City administration has warned that simply selling bonds to cover construction costs is not a feasible option, as under the current budget the city would not have the resources to pay the interest on the bonds, hire additional staff to develop the detailed plans and estimates required for the bond sale, nor operate and maintain new facilities if they were built. That is why the 2021 Council discussions focused on a levy lid lift as the best option.

Why are additional property taxes necessary to pay for these improvements?

Unlike many surrounding cities, LFP does not have a significant commercial tax base to rely on for money to fund these improvement projects. So, if residents of LFP want better roads, sidewalks, and parks, we will have to pay more in property taxes to fund and maintain these improvements.

Why not write grants or use REET (real estate excise tax) funds to pay for these improvements?

Kassover says that the City has had some success writing grants and has raised money for culverts but was not successful in finding funding for sidewalks. 

“If we look at all the letters and emails that we get from citizens, setting aside the town center issues, the number one thing we hear about from our citizens is safety. The fact that someone could lose their life because our streets are unsafe affected us deeply as council members. 
"We have also applied to the U. S. Department of Transportation, Safe Routes to School program but there we compete with other cities. Also, for some grants, you must have matching funds which we don’t. And our REET funds are already spoken for.”

Why does this levy lid lift have to be permanent?

This aspect of the resolution has strong convictions on both sides, making it the most contentious point of argument.

The Pro

From the City Council’s point of view, leaving the levy lid lift open-ended ensures that the City can make and maintain street improvements and operate and maintain the new park the City creates. They see it as a positive and responsible decision that means they won’t have to defer maintenance or ask citizens for more money down the line to pay to keep these improvements in good condition.

The YES FOR SIDEWALKS SAFE STREETS AND PARKS group says on their Facebook page that, 

“the reason the council decided to leave this levy open ended rather than suggest a specific number of years is to ensure that the funding would always be available for operations and maintenance of our new park improvements and new sidewalks and safe streets infrastructure.

"Council wants to avoid the burden incurred by taxpayers when cities do not plan for maintenance of the assets. Deferred maintenance leads to significant decline in the function and value of physical assets and requires enormous amounts of money to eventually repair or rebuild.”

They compare what they've done to the actions of a responsible homeowner who must budget for maintenance and repairs as well as pay for the mortgage. In other words, not only do we have to pay for something, we must take care of what we pay for it. This obligation continues even after the bonds are paid for and this maintenance cost is expected to increase over time.

This group has gone with a ‘MINI Filer’ designation with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) where no campaign reporting is required. However, Kassover, who serves as treasurer, says they have raised $3500. Their top four contributors have each contributed $500. Their names are Stacie Johnson, Semra Riddle, Lois Lee, and Francois Pondemer.

The Con

Jeff Snedden, the major contributor to the opposition group, says that if this permanent aspect of the levy lid lift were not there, that he would vote ‘yes’ on the proposition. Steven Plusch, Chair of this ‘vote no’ effort agrees. “If it had been a limited term, we (our group) wouldn’t be here.”

Plusch says their group supports safe streets and parks but there is a better way to go about getting them, which warrants more study. 

Sneddon adds, “This (proposition) shouldn’t have been put on the ballot. It should have been studied more. We should have had a better understanding of the priorities across three different very important things the city is facing: parks, streets, and the development downtown.”

However, on their website, this group states that “This type of permanent levy lift is unprecedented.” That is not true, according to Diann Locke, a Levies and Appeals Specialist with the Property Tax Division of the Washington State Department of Revenue. 

Instead, she says, “From my experience as an auditor, I have seen many taxing districts with voter approved permanent lid lifts.” The State allows the governing body to set those terms and red lights do not automatically flash when they encounter one in an audit.

The ‘vote no’ group, Neighbors for A Sustainable LFP 2021, according to the PDC has, as of 10/11/21 raised $13,774.06 from 18 individuals and three businesses, including $100 of small contributions from undesignated sources. Their top four donors include: Sneddon ($5000), Jack Tonkin ($3000), Donald Nibouar ($2000), Plusch ($1000).

​How much will our taxes increase if Prop 1 passes?

Currently the City gets 9 percent of our King County property taxes to pay for City services. The cost to the taxpayer will increase only on the part of their taxes that are paid to LFP, not their total King County tax bill. When the percentage increase is cited without the qualification, that it is 61 percent of 9 percent, it is an untrue statement.

The “vote no” group has, on more than one occasion, not properly qualified their use of the 61 percent figure. 

One of those times being in the Statement in opposition to the levy on the King County Election website, where it says, “There are better ways to fund them than permanently increasing property taxes 61 percent...” 

Another time they cited this figure without accurate qualification is on their homepage, under the headline "Excessive" where they say, “Prop 1's 61 percent increase is far and away the largest tax increase ever proposed in Lake Forest Park.” 

It is not clear that it is 61 percent of a much smaller number relative to the total amount paid of property tax paid by property owners in LFP. When this was brought to the attention of Sneddon and Plusch they say it was an unintentional error and cited the lack of time they had to prepare their opposition. These errors are exceptions as there are additional cases where they have properly qualified that figure.

Example of the impact of the levy lid lift on one household

In this example:
  • A homeowner has an assessed property value (according to the County Assessor) of $624,000.
  • In 2021, the King County Property Tax Bill for this property is $7055.
  • Of that amount 9 percent or $610 per year comes back to the City of LFP.
  • Under the new levy, that amount will increase $372 for a total property tax of $7427 ($7055 + $372)
  • If Prop 1 passes, $982 ($610 + $372) will be the new amount coming to the City.
  • Now the homeowner who used to pay 9 percent, will pay 13 percent for an increase of 4 percent in the tax that goes to LFP.

Additional pro and con statements

Pro: Council Member Lorri Bodi, on Nextdoor

“The ballot measure is complicated. It's capped to raise a flat $2M per year (permanently) with no adjustment for inflation, so as mentioned the revenue will decline in real spending power over time. The levy rate is not locked in, but will likely also decline over time, to raise just the $2M.

"The levy could provide a revenue stream for construction bonds if that’s the best bang for the buck. Once sidewalks and recreation facilities are built, the funds will be used for maintenance and repair of the new improvements. Even the initial priority list for sidewalks and recreation totals about $12-19M based on 2018 costs. Sidewalks and other improvements are expensive.

"We have tried but been unable to fund these community-recommended improvements for public enjoyment and safety through grants or other means. Even the sidewalks to schools which are "shovel ready" have been rejected more than once. Prop1 makes clear that the funds are absolutely dedicated and can’t be used for other purposes, even by a future Council. 

"There will be a public annual implementation plan to identify upcoming priority projects, timelines, and costs. The community Parks and Recreation Board will partner with the Council on setting these implementation plan priorities and public engagement. There will also be an annual report on what was accomplished, for accountability to the community."

What do people who oppose the resolution say?

On their website, opponents to the measure claim without supporting details that “there is a better way” to do this. “I’ve seen nothing about prioritizing the studies and making choices about what a city of 13,500 plus people can afford,” Sneddon says. He says it is, “a real serious issue that has not been addressed.” But Sneddon also wonders, “Are we overreaching? Are we spending too much money?” He also believes that “not in every case is government doing the right or best thing for the community."

And with regard to the new waterfront park, Sneddon indicates that people who aren’t eligible for membership in the two private waterfront parks that already exist currently have the option to go to Log Boom Park, Matthews Beach, or other beaches within easy commuting distance from Lake Forest Park.

What does the future hold for Lake Forest Park?

The City of Lake Forest Park wants to invest in their community long term for safer streets, more sidewalks, and improved parks, including a new waterfront park.

On November 2, 2021 voters in LFP will have the opportunity to choose whether they want to fund projects that will provide additional sidewalks for safer walking, calming methods to address increased traffic in and through the city, and improved park amenities. Or not.

Whatever your choice, make your voices heard and vote.



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Lake Forest Park Police select a new patch for 2021

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Incorporated in 1961 (60 years ago!), Lake Forest Park Police Department has had the honor of wearing several patches over those years. 

Beginning in 1961 (when the city became incorporated), the first LFP Police Patch was introduced, and it was followed up with two more patches. The 1964 patch lasted for 11 years, and in 1975 a new design was made. Fourteen years later in 1989, another patch came out and this one has been used for the last 32 years!

For 2021, one of our officers requested a new patch design. After working through an initial design phase and then all of the police staff working on a final product, the new patch design was approved.

The new patch represents an updated look from the 1989 patch. Mt. Rainer, Lake Washington, and our beautiful tree canopy surrounding the town center and Lake Forest Park homes. Thank you to Ofc. Walker for working on this project, and hope the patch lasts for many years to come!

--Lake Forest Park Police



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LFP prepares for winter with 4,000-gallon liquid deicer storage tank

Monday, September 13, 2021

LFP receives 4,000 gallon liquid deicer storage tank. Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park.

Lake Forest Park Public Works received delivery of a 4,000-gallon liquid deicer storage tank. This tank will help to minimize the city's reliance on WSDOT for snow and ice products. 

The tank will be plumbed with a pump to transfer the liquid to the truck-mounted applicator tanks. The pump will be wired for generator back up to keep running when the power goes out.



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