MEETING RECAP
Sunday, March 28, 2021
By: Eric T QuinnThe State of the City by Eric Quinn
Lakewood Rotary Key for March 26, 2021
President Mark Edgecomb rang the meeting to order at 12:31 PM
Invocation: Chris Kimball gave the invocation. He asked a Higher Power to assist us in knowing “who to help, how to help, and when to help.”
Flag Salute. Jim Bisceglia led us in the pledge.
Making Our Meeting Happen
Gayle Selden ran the Zoom meeting.
John Lowney handled the cash.
Eric Quinn wrote the bulletin.
Everyone at the meeting took photographs (well almost everyone)
Visiting Rotarians
Our very own District Governor Greg Horn was with us.
Steve Saalfeld was a visiting Rotarian and so too was James Osundwa.
There were no guests.
Mark recognized the Puffins, specifically those present at the meeting, Tom George, Rachel Mazoff and Jessica James
For Sunshine. Jan Gee had back surgery. Bob Lordahl is at Tobey Jones. Send them your thoughts.
Announcements
Mark wished Walt Richardson a Happy Birthday.
Steve Enquist thanked everyone for their generosity. The Foundation collected $6,000 in the past week (!).
Anne Enquist made an announcement about Little Free Pantries. John Lowney has been doing an amazing job of building all of the pantries. The second pantry has been installed in Tillicum on the property of Youth for Christ. There was a great turnout of Rotarians for the ribbon-cutting. The pantry is chock full and is being used. The third (and perhaps fourth) pantry will be placed in Springbrook. Anne will entertain thoughts from the Club on other good locations for the pantries. Anne thanked members of the committee for their work.
Eric Quinn announced that Youth Exchange has been cancelled for 2021-2022. So the Youth Exchange Committee will turn its attention to the 2022-2023 Exchange Year.
The District Conference will be held the last week of October 2021 (Friday Oct 29-Sat Oct 30) at the Great Wolf Lodge and will, for the next 4 years, be held in October. Greg and Mary Horn showed us a video about that. He was of course, in characteristic fashion, made the star of the video. There was even a clip of him careening down a waterslide in a suit. Classic Horn.
Gayle made an announcement about the Break Bag Delivery that will be taking place on March 29, starting at 9 AM. Thus far we have about 10 cars to help out, but we could always use more.
Mark informed us that the Tacoma Area Literacy Council thanked Lakewood Rotary for our generous donations.
Andrew informed us that Communities in Schools is going to be having a virtual Champions for Youth breakfast next Wednesday, March 31. Go to their website for more details: https://lakewood.ciswa.org/event/champions2021/
Greg Rediske reminded us that $180.00 will get your business regular advertising on the Lakewood Rotary website and in the weekly bulletin. Contact Greg with questions.
UD5020 Magazine: The March edition is now available on the District 5020 website.
The Rotary International Convention, which was scheduled to take place on June 12?16, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan has been cancelled and will be replaced with an outstanding virtual event.
Registration for the virtual convention will begin in mid?April.
Fines
Mark thanked Jim Bisceglia for being present. Jim asked whether Mark was fishing for money. Jim informed Mark that a $50.00 check is in the mail.
Jason Whalen said that his oldest daughter will be coming home for a family trip to Hawaii. He paid a fine $50.00 for that. Greg Rediske ratted out Jason’s dog (a French Bulldog) for being a member of the second-most popular breed of dog in the country. Jason gave $10 for that.
James Osundwa had a trip to Kenya and discussed his purchase or donation pertaining to 67 goats. The writer did not capture the full details of James’s goat triumph. He gave $1 per goat for a $67.00 fine.
John Lowney gave $21 for his grandson’s 21st birthday.
Dave Coleman paid a fine for his 52nd wedding anniversary. I think it was $52.
Above: Open your eyes John!
Program
Our very own John Caulfield presented to the Club on the State of the City of Lakewood (“City”). John joined the City in September 2013, after being appointed by the City Council. He previously was City Manager for Mountlake Terrace from January 2006 to September 2013. Prior to that he was Deputy City Manager, Community and Economic Development Director and Finance Director for the city of University Place from 1997 and 2006. Caulfield also worked for the city of Federal Way from 1991 to 1997 as a Senior Financial Analyst, Financial Analyst and Accounting Technician. Caulfield served in the U.S. Army as an Army Ranger assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. John provided a very informative overview of the State of the City:
The City was incorporated on February 28, 1996. So the City is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Above: Yay for 25 years.
John discussed the promises of incorporation that were made by the City and how those promises have been kept. The City Council adopted some goals for the City in 2015, to be met in 2026 in the 30th year since incorporation. Those goals include improvements to economic development, dependable infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility and transparency, and promoting a robust community.
As for 2020-2021, John spoke to continuity of government services and how much technology has helped in responding to Covid-19. The City created a website to keep the community informed. The City’s revenue did fall off somewhat but the City is in sound fiscal shape. There will not be a Summer Fest this year. The numbers just won’t shake out. Although the City’s budget was constrained somewhat by Covid-19, John was proud to announce that the 2021-2022 budget is balanced.
Although many events were cancelled during this pandemic, John was happy to announce that a variety of events are being reinstituted, such as the Farmers Market. Also, the Concerts in the Park and even drive-in movies are going to be available at Ft. Steilacoom Park.
Above: The Mountain from Fort Steilacoom Park
John discussed the important safety net that the City provides through a number of programs devoted to Human Services, i.e. LASA, Boys and Girls Club and Greater Lakes Mental Health, to name a few supported programs. Of course, partnerships are crucial in all of this and the City has a great one with Pierce County. One item of note: Housing is very affordable in Lakewood (second only to Spanaway in lowest rent in Pierce County).
The City received $2.865 Million from the State for Covid relief, much of which was put toward Human Services.
John discussed the various programs the City is implementing right now, which include but are not limited to LASA Expansion, a Community Policing Partnership at Western State Hospital, Wards Lake Park improvements, American Lake ADA Accessibility and a Multimodal Transportation Plan.
Some transportation projects include improvements to Onyx Drive, Veterans Drive and the Phillips-to-Custer stretch.
The City is commencing Phase One of Lakewood Landing, a 25-acre park along I-5. John also pointed to the various other transportation projects that are ongoing. One such project is the JBLM-North Access Road Improvement. It should start in May and continue through October 2022.
Crime is down.
For a full copy of the State of the City, go here: https://cityoflakewood.us/city-manager/state-of-the-city/
John opened it up for questions:
Jim Sharp commended the City for engaging in milfoil cleanup, which drastically increases West Pierce Firefighters’ ability to rescue potential drowning victims.
Bob Hammar thanked John for the fantastic presentation. Bob commented on the upgrades to Onyx Drive, but wondered whether the new awesome mailboxes are going to be available for use. John said that would be happening shortly.
Jessica James asked who the best person is to contact with respect to road repairs. John pointed her to My Lakewood 311.
David Swindale voiced his appreciation for the services and affordable housing that are being facilitated by the City.
Thank you John for the thorough and highly informative presentation.
Remember that if you shop online, you should do so at Amazon Smile so you can allocate a portion of your purchase to Lakewood Rotary. Also remember to tell Greg Rediske that you read the bulletin so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.
At our next meeting on April 2, Daniel Wirth will be giving a Red Cross Chapter update.
And of course, April 9, District Governor Greg Horn will be giving the presentation.
Our very own District Governor Greg Horn was with us.
Steve Saalfeld was a visiting Rotarian and so too was James Osundwa.
There were no guests.
Mark recognized the Puffins, specifically those present at the meeting, Tom George, Rachel Mazoff and Jessica James
For Sunshine. Jan Gee had back surgery. Bob Lordahl is at Tobey Jones. Send them your thoughts.
Announcements
Mark wished Walt Richardson a Happy Birthday.
Steve Enquist thanked everyone for their generosity. The Foundation collected $6,000 in the past week (!).
Anne Enquist made an announcement about Little Free Pantries. John Lowney has been doing an amazing job of building all of the pantries. The second pantry has been installed in Tillicum on the property of Youth for Christ. There was a great turnout of Rotarians for the ribbon-cutting. The pantry is chock full and is being used. The third (and perhaps fourth) pantry will be placed in Springbrook. Anne will entertain thoughts from the Club on other good locations for the pantries. Anne thanked members of the committee for their work.
Eric Quinn announced that Youth Exchange has been cancelled for 2021-2022. So the Youth Exchange Committee will turn its attention to the 2022-2023 Exchange Year.
The District Conference will be held the last week of October 2021 (Friday Oct 29-Sat Oct 30) at the Great Wolf Lodge and will, for the next 4 years, be held in October. Greg and Mary Horn showed us a video about that. He was of course, in characteristic fashion, made the star of the video. There was even a clip of him careening down a waterslide in a suit. Classic Horn.
Gayle made an announcement about the Break Bag Delivery that will be taking place on March 29, starting at 9 AM. Thus far we have about 10 cars to help out, but we could always use more.
Mark informed us that the Tacoma Area Literacy Council thanked Lakewood Rotary for our generous donations.
Andrew informed us that Communities in Schools is going to be having a virtual Champions for Youth breakfast next Wednesday, March 31. Go to their website for more details: https://lakewood.ciswa.org/event/champions2021/
Greg Rediske reminded us that $180.00 will get your business regular advertising on the Lakewood Rotary website and in the weekly bulletin. Contact Greg with questions.
UD5020 Magazine: The March edition is now available on the District 5020 website.
The Rotary International Convention, which was scheduled to take place on June 12?16, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan has been cancelled and will be replaced with an outstanding virtual event.
Registration for the virtual convention will begin in mid?April.
Fines
Mark thanked Jim Bisceglia for being present. Jim asked whether Mark was fishing for money. Jim informed Mark that a $50.00 check is in the mail.
Jason Whalen said that his oldest daughter will be coming home for a family trip to Hawaii. He paid a fine $50.00 for that. Greg Rediske ratted out Jason’s dog (a French Bulldog) for being a member of the second-most popular breed of dog in the country. Jason gave $10 for that.
James Osundwa had a trip to Kenya and discussed his purchase or donation pertaining to 67 goats. The writer did not capture the full details of James’s goat triumph. He gave $1 per goat for a $67.00 fine.
John Lowney gave $21 for his grandson’s 21st birthday.
Dave Coleman paid a fine for his 52nd wedding anniversary. I think it was $52.
Above: Open your eyes John!
Program
Our very own John Caulfield presented to the Club on the State of the City of Lakewood (“City”). John joined the City in September 2013, after being appointed by the City Council. He previously was City Manager for Mountlake Terrace from January 2006 to September 2013. Prior to that he was Deputy City Manager, Community and Economic Development Director and Finance Director for the city of University Place from 1997 and 2006. Caulfield also worked for the city of Federal Way from 1991 to 1997 as a Senior Financial Analyst, Financial Analyst and Accounting Technician. Caulfield served in the U.S. Army as an Army Ranger assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. John provided a very informative overview of the State of the City:
The City was incorporated on February 28, 1996. So the City is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Above: Yay for 25 years.
John discussed the promises of incorporation that were made by the City and how those promises have been kept. The City Council adopted some goals for the City in 2015, to be met in 2026 in the 30th year since incorporation. Those goals include improvements to economic development, dependable infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility and transparency, and promoting a robust community.
As for 2020-2021, John spoke to continuity of government services and how much technology has helped in responding to Covid-19. The City created a website to keep the community informed. The City’s revenue did fall off somewhat but the City is in sound fiscal shape. There will not be a Summer Fest this year. The numbers just won’t shake out. Although the City’s budget was constrained somewhat by Covid-19, John was proud to announce that the 2021-2022 budget is balanced.
Although many events were cancelled during this pandemic, John was happy to announce that a variety of events are being reinstituted, such as the Farmers Market. Also, the Concerts in the Park and even drive-in movies are going to be available at Ft. Steilacoom Park.
Above: The Mountain from Fort Steilacoom Park
John discussed the important safety net that the City provides through a number of programs devoted to Human Services, i.e. LASA, Boys and Girls Club and Greater Lakes Mental Health, to name a few supported programs. Of course, partnerships are crucial in all of this and the City has a great one with Pierce County. One item of note: Housing is very affordable in Lakewood (second only to Spanaway in lowest rent in Pierce County).
The City received $2.865 Million from the State for Covid relief, much of which was put toward Human Services.
John discussed the various programs the City is implementing right now, which include but are not limited to LASA Expansion, a Community Policing Partnership at Western State Hospital, Wards Lake Park improvements, American Lake ADA Accessibility and a Multimodal Transportation Plan.
Some transportation projects include improvements to Onyx Drive, Veterans Drive and the Phillips-to-Custer stretch.
The City is commencing Phase One of Lakewood Landing, a 25-acre park along I-5. John also pointed to the various other transportation projects that are ongoing. One such project is the JBLM-North Access Road Improvement. It should start in May and continue through October 2022.
Crime is down.
For a full copy of the State of the City, go here: https://cityoflakewood.us/city-manager/state-of-the-city/
John opened it up for questions:
Jim Sharp commended the City for engaging in milfoil cleanup, which drastically increases West Pierce Firefighters’ ability to rescue potential drowning victims.
Bob Hammar thanked John for the fantastic presentation. Bob commented on the upgrades to Onyx Drive, but wondered whether the new awesome mailboxes are going to be available for use. John said that would be happening shortly.
Jessica James asked who the best person is to contact with respect to road repairs. John pointed her to My Lakewood 311.
David Swindale voiced his appreciation for the services and affordable housing that are being facilitated by the City.
Thank you John for the thorough and highly informative presentation.
Remember that if you shop online, you should do so at Amazon Smile so you can allocate a portion of your purchase to Lakewood Rotary. Also remember to tell Greg Rediske that you read the bulletin so you can get a make-up for a missed meeting.
At our next meeting on April 2, Daniel Wirth will be giving a Red Cross Chapter update.
And of course, April 9, District Governor Greg Horn will be giving the presentation.
Read More
Sponsors
