At this time, there is a plan for city density development in the communities of Frederickson, South Hill, Spanaway and Parkland. The key question is: Will there be enough water?
Federal Law prohibits pumping water from another source (Tacoma’s Green River Water) into our Sole Source Aquifer. Can Spanaway Water, Firgrove Water, Rainier View Water and Summit Water manage this large influx of people? The answer is no.
Pierce County Planning has asked Lakewood Water if they are able to supply this City of Pierce area with water. That is going to be an important question at the upcoming Lakewood Water meeting on February 6, 2019 at Collins Elementary, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Lakewood Water is considering if they should provide water to help develop the mid county “City of Pierce” high density development between Pacific Avenue and Meridian and 112th Street to 176th Street. And don’t be surprised if some existing local cities take an interest in this little plum once it is developed either.
– – – – – –
Along with all the growth in Pierce County, it stands to reason there would also be an industry group that would focus on the use of water in the area. Rules for commercial wells and Sole Source Aquifer exposures and limits exist to keep us supplied with our most important resource, water. Without it, you cannot build a home.
“We are a unique organization in the water industry, dedicated to helping each other and sharing best management practices. We are unique in that we are action-oriented. Other water organizations focus on providing information; we focus on taking action to benefit our customers and protect their interests. Thank you for your continued interest in your Water Cooperative!”
Members include:
City of Bonney Lake
City of Fife
City of Milton
City of Puyallup
City of Sumner
City of Yelm Public Works
Curran Road Mutual
Firgrove Mutual
Fox Island Mutual Water Association
Fruitland Mutual Water Co.
Graham Hill Water Co.
Lake Josephine Riviera
Lakewood Water District
Mt. View-Edgewood Water Co.
Parkland Light and Water
Peninsula Light Company
Pierce County Planning and Public Works
Public Utility District No. 1 of Thurston County
Rainier View Water
Spanaway Water
Summit Water & Supply
Tacoma Water
Town of Steilacoom
Valley Water District
Washington Water Service Co.
BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT — We are pleased to announce our annual Free Summer Lunch program for children. Lunches will be made available at no charge to attending children 18 years of age and younger.
Free lunches will be provided on weekdays from June 24 through August 16. All sites will be closed July 4 and 5.
This year we have three locations where any child can get a free lunch.
These sites will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Evergreen Elementary (1311 172nd St E, Spanaway, WA 98387)
Bethel Middle School (22001 38th Ave E, Spanaway, WA 98387)
This site will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Clover Creek Elementary (16715 36th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98446)
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877‐8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD‐ 3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632‐9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410; fax: (202) 690‐7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Questions regarding the summer program may be directed to Leeda Beha, R.D.N., C.D., SNS, Director, Child Nutrition Services, by calling 253.683.6912.
With three years of funding from Kaiser Permanente, Community Health Care will open a new clinic to serve Spanaway students
SPANAWAY – School-based health centers have been associated with improved educational outcomes including better attendance and higher grades as well as decreased emergency department use and hospital admissions. Now, Spanaway’s Bethel Middle School will get its very own school-based health center to serve its students along with students at Shining Mountain Elementary School and Bethel High School, thanks to Community Health Care with funding from Kaiser Permanente.
“Kaiser Permanente knows from research and experience that education and health are connected: access to high-quality education in an environment that fosters learning contributes to a longer, healthier life,” said Sally Yates, Vice President of Kaiser Permanente Washington. “We also know that many in our schools don’t have access to vitally needed services, including mental health and counseling services. School-based health centers provide equitable, immediate access to services for the entire school community – teachers and students alike — and we’re delighted to be able to join with community partners to strengthen and expand this successful model in Washington.”
CHC will create a health center that provides medical, behavioral health, and dental services on the campus. It has the support of the county health department, the school and district, and the Washington School-based Health Alliance.
“Community Health Care has long dreamt of reducing barriers to health care for children and youth through school-based health centers. Thanks to the caring and committed partners that we have found in Kaiser Permanente and the Bethel School District, that dream will be realized this year,” said Debbie Jacobson, Assistant Director of Operations for Community Health Care.
“It does not matter if an illness is related to medical, dental or behavioral health needs – sick children cannot learn. As an experienced and mission-driven healthcare provider, Community Health Care is ideally placed to meet these needs, regardless of a child’s circumstances,” Jacobson continued. “With the planning and start-up grants from Kaiser Permanente, we are now able to launch the first of many school-based health centers that will improve the health and academic success of local students. The start-up grant has enabled us to build the SBHC in a way that best maximizes the space and allows room for year-round, comprehensive health support to as many students possible.”
The clinic is expected to open to students this fall by October. In addition to Kaiser Permanente’s 3-year, $590,000 commitment, CHC is investing in the health center and will provide a greater portion of funding in the future.
Currently fewer than 2% of Washington’s schools have health centers on their campuses, most of them concentrated in King County.
PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Join us as we take a big step closer to bringing a much needed behavioral health service to our community, the groundbreaking for the new Pierce County Crisis Recovery Center.
Featured speakers include
Executive Bruce Dammeier, Sheriff Paul Pastor, Senator Steve O’Ban and others.
DATE:
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:
Crisis Recovery Center site
1420 112th Street East, Tacoma, WA 98445
There will be a Central Pierce Relay for Life Meeting at Paradise Bowl, on 125th and Pacific in the Meeting Room, Vision for a Cure 2020 Celebrating 20 years of service Monday November 4th, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.
Central Pierce Relay for Life will have a Kick-off Fundraising event at Trinity Lutheran Church, 12115 Park Avenue Parkland, Washington on Monday, December 9th, 2019 at 6:00pm.
Come and join us at Vision for a Cure 2020. There will be food, speakers and more.
The development of the Brookdale Golf Course and its associated historical assets has been controversial for many years. The presence of wagon ruts on the property was preserved by the golf course management, as well as the cemetery of its early settlers. Now officially sold to Ichijo USA Co. LTS of Redmond, the golf course developments is beginning to take place.
One of the issues with golf courses, is in their efforts over the years to maintain beautiful grass, they have likely employed many different chemicals to prevent pests of various kinds. Translated, that means the possible use of toxic chemicals. The Brookdale Golf Course soils were found to contain dieldrin. The state ecology department has offered a voluntary cleanup to the owners. {Link to documents.] In short, that means the state is not monitoring how the work is done or where the toxic soils are being disposed.
If you live close to the course, or care about the possible contamination of the Clover Creek water from stirring up this dieldrin, you may want to do a little reading on what this compound means in the air and water to which local humans and animals are exposed and the process they are proposing.
Here are some bits of information on dieldrin. First, the PDF file regarding the proposed voluntary cleanup plan: 2019-03-18 FINAL CAP On page one, 4th paragraph: “Surface and shallow subsurface soils on portions of the subject property are contaminated with the organochlorine pesticide dieldrin. It exceeds cleanup levels (CULs) on the greens, tees and around the trees on the property. Due to its higher prevalence than other toxics, it is considered the indicator hazardous substance (IHS) on the property. There will be a Health and Safety Plan for the property available to visitors to the site. The documents states the soil will be removed to “Hidden Hills Landfill” in Puyallup. (They obviously mean Hidden Valley Landfill, LRI.)
The report says they are not anticipating the need for any dewatering or storm water runoff issues, in spite of a nearby creek. This will be surface excavation as soil removal is required. It is toxic by contact with humans, so humans cannot live on it. [Sorry golfers, you may want to look dieldrin up too.]
In regard to the disposal, site: “At waste disposal sites, where bioremediation techniques are proposed to reduce the mass of carbon-containing contaminants, there is the potential for augmenting the leaching properties of organochlorine compounds such as aldrin and dieldrin. The lipid materials in bacterial cell membranes may lead to a repartitioning of aldrin and dieldrin sorbed to soil colloids. This can lead to a phenomenon called facilitated transport where the mobility of hydrophobic pollutants adsorbed to soils may be enhanced by biosorption on bacteria and move into aquifers along with the bioremedial bacterial cultures (Lindqvist and Enfield 1992). ” [From ASTDR, Agency for Toxic Subdtances and Disease Registry]
What that said is – LRI will have to store it carefully as it could be released to the environment with indiscriminate storage procedures through exposure of this soil to lipids (fats). The lipids make it unbind from the soil and free itself into the environment.
As far as affecting humans and animals exposed through skin or respiratory exposure, the principal issues seem to be central nervous system and possible blood related anemic impacts on high exposures. Here is the detailed report. Exposure to moderate levels of aldrin or dieldrin for a long time causes headaches, dizziness, irritability, vomiting, or uncontrollable muscle movements.
To make this long story shorter, Dieldrin is nasty stuff that is now banned and they have to remediate it from the property. This is a self-monitored remediation, not government monitored. if you live in the vicinity, you may want to do more research and ask question on your behalf as it can get released into the air and water if not handled properly, here or at the dumping site.
OLYMPIA – Washingtonians now have access to the most generous Paid Family and Medical Leave program in the U.S. Nearly all workers in this state, including part- and full-time, may be able to take up to 12 weeks to care for themselves or a family member through a serious illness or injury, to bond with a new child coming into the home and for certain service-connected events for military families. Between 16 and 18 weeks is available in some circumstances. Applications for leave can now be filed with the Employment Security Department, with benefits payable from Jan. 1, 2020.
“For the first time in this state, millions of workers will have access to paid leave when they need it most,” said the Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine. “Whether it is caring for a spouse receiving cancer treatment, recovering from surgery or welcoming a new child into the family, this program will have a profound and positive impact on the state of wellbeing for the state of Washington.”
To be eligible, an employee must work 820 hours, approximately 16 hours per week, over the course of about a year and experience a qualifying event. A small premium funds the program and is shared by workers and many employers. When a worker goes on leave, they receive partial wage replacement. The benefit is based on income and can cover up to 90 percent of a worker’s typical wage.
Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program is groundbreaking in a number of ways and was developed to work for both employees and their employers. Created through a bipartisan effort in the state Legislature in 2017, business, labor and family advocates all played an active role in the drafting and passage of the legislation.
Washington’s program has one of the highest rates of wage replacement in the nation and some of the most generous weeks of leave allowable. Small business owners are exempt from paying the employer portion of the premium but collect their employees’ portion so they are still fully covered by the program. There are also grants available to businesses of up to 150 employees to offset the cost of a worker being out on leave, including grants to hire a temporary replacement or to cover training or overtime related to an employee being out on Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Leave does not have to be taken all at once, for example a worker could take one day a week to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. The definition of a family member is broad, covering siblings and grandparents as well as grandchildren, step and foster children.
“A paycheck is essential, but time to care for yourself and your family is irreplaceable,” LeVine said. “Paid Family and Medical Leave means Washingtonians won’t have to choose between the two, and employers won’t have to lose workers when life happens.”
Five Wishes: Personal, Medical, Emotional, Familial, Spiritual
Life is fragile and the unexpected can happen any day. One only has to read the daily newspaper or tune into the news to see that. When it comes to health care, preparing for the unexpected is more than important regardless of age – it’s essential. “Five Wishes” is more than just a document. Five Wishes is a complete approach to discussing and documenting individual care and comfort choices. It’s about connecting families, communicating with healthcare providers, and showing what it means to care for one another.
• What kind of care do I want? • Who will make decisions if I cannot?
• How do I want to deal with life support?
• What should my loved ones know?
• What if I’m in a coma?
• How comfortable do I want to be?
• How do I want to be cared for?
• What should my doctor know about me?
A free information event provided by Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources in collaboration with Fir Lane Memorial Park
February 24: 12 noon at the Pierce County Annex, Main Meeting Room, 2401 South 35th Street, Tacoma
February 24: 6:30 p.m., Graham Library, 9202 224th Street East, Graham
February 26: 6:30 p.m., Fir Lane Memorial Park, 924 East 176th Street, Spanaway
For additional information call (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332 No RSVP required
NOTE: In case of inclement weather call 253-798-8787 for possible postponement or cancellation.
SPANAWAY, WA — Due to the Declaration of Emergency by Governor Inslee there is a temporary closure on all bars and restaurants in the State of Washington. Drive-Thru and To-Go operations are still available to customers, sitting in dining rooms together is banned. Governor’s COVID-19 Resource Page
Wednesday, March 18, our editor drove around Spanaway to see how that is affecting local businesses.
All the drive up coffee houses are open. All the usual fast food places are open, but only at the drive up windows, no inside seating. You can buy a sandwich at Subway or a to-Go meal at any of the Teriyaki places. Pizza take out is available at Godfather’s, Pizza Hut, Pizza Time, Papa Murphy’s, Domino’s and Papa John’s. All the usual places with drive-thru’s have them open.
Who is temporarily closed?
The Country Rose has temporarily closed during the emergency.
Mary Mary’s has temporarily closed during the emergency.
We appreciate you and will look forward to dining in when this emergency is over.
Who is offering To-Go?
Kelley’s Kafe: 253-208-8254
Kolby’s Donuts: 253-537-2089
Samurai Japanese Steak House: 253-846-5557
Spanaway Lake Golf Course Café is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with only to-go foods including packaged salads, fried foods and sandwiches. 253-531-3660
Carne Aqui: 253-535-6328
Tienda Latina has a food truck out front. 253-754-3136
Aceituno’s: 253-503-7895
Umai Bento: 253-537-3222
Sunny Teriyaki: 253-539-1911
Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant #2: 253-847-5455
Happy at the Bay: 253-875-2201
Lucky Teriyaki: 253-535-2268
Tonala Mexican Restaurant: 253-375-7333
Denny’s is take out. Order on Dennys.com, delivery fees are waives through 4/12/2020. They are also using Uber Eats. 253-271-6370
We will update this article when we have information on these bars:
Krickett’s
Uncle Sam’s
TJ’s Pub
The Exchange
Spanaway has no theaters, but they have also closed. Some are offering on demand movies. AMC Theatres On Demand
1. Proposal No. R2020-40, Safe Start Washington Plan Modification Request
A Resolution of the Pierce County Council Requesting the Governor to Consider Modifications to the Safe Start Washington Plan to Enable a County with a Population of 75,000 or More to Request Phase 2 Status for Rural Portions of the County, including Rural Cities and Towns, that can Meet Criteria Similar to that Established for Small Counties as Set Forth in the Safe Start Washington Plan.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Dave Morell and Jim McCune
Council contact persons: Tom Swanson, (253) 798-3631 and
Hugh Taylor, (253) 798-3665.
For Final Consideration
If you have an opinion on this, contact them by phone or email. If you want to watch the Council Meetings online here is the link. You can offer public comments at the meetings without being present by following their instructions.
[Notice: COVID-19 Operational Changes of the Office of the Pierce County Council due to Stay Home – Stay Safe Order
Due to Governor Inslee’s Emergency Proclamations 20-25 and 20-28, the Office of the Pierce County Council is required to be closed to the public. Our office can be contacted at 253.798.7777 or contact the appropriate staff. The Pierce County Council will only conduct necessary County Council meetings at this time and only consider essential matters, in accordance with the governor’s proclamations.]
GRAHAM — On Saturday, June 27, Cascade Regional Blood Services will have their Bloodmobile in Graham, Washington. Please donate if you can to assist with those hospitalized in this pandemic.
Before you arrive to donate, be sure you have eaten well and consumed plenty of non-caffeinated fluids. Bring your picture ID. If you are under 18, you will need a signed parental permission to donate.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 13612 224th Street East, Graham, WA at the parking lot for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
TACOMA – PIERCE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT – On July 2, the Health Department closed Spanaway Lake because of high toxic algae levels. Test results show the algae contain toxins at levels that are harmful to people and pets. You should stay out of the water and not use it for recreation— don’t swim, wade, waterski, or fish.
The lake had been under a caution advisory since May 15. Since then, toxin levels have increased for the entire lake. We resampled the lake June 30 and got those results back July 2.
We will inspect the lake again next week. If the algal bloom’s toxicity has gone down, we will leave the advisory in place for 2 weeks out of an abundance of caution. Find our list of current surface water advisories at www.tpchd.org/advisories.
What are toxic algae?
Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes. They can produce toxins that make people, pets, and animals sick. Read our brochure to learn more about toxic algae.
How can you spot toxic algae?
Toxic algae can form a scum layer and look like green pea soup. They can also look streaky, be dispersed in the water column, or form clumps. Algae can have different colors, most often green but also brown, red, and blueish. Wind and weather conditions can change the amount and location of algae.
What are the Symptoms?
Muscle weakness.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Nausea.
See your medical provider if you may have been in water with toxic algae and have any of these symptoms. Small children are at most risk since they have small bodies and are likely to ingest water.
Skin in contact with toxic algae can become irritated or break out in a rash. This is different from Swimmer’s Itch.
How can toxic algae affect my pets?
Pets are at great risk. They have small bodies and are more likely to ingest larger amounts of toxic algae. They may drink water with toxic algae and lick their fur. Take your pet to the vet when it shows any of these symptoms.
Lethargy.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Convulsions.
Difficulty breathing.
General weakness.
What should I do if exposed to toxic algae?
You can get sick within minutes to hours of exposure. Rinse off anyone or any pets exposed to toxic algae immediately. Look for signs of illness and seek medical treatment if symptoms occur. For exposed pets, keep them from licking their fur to groom.
Can I eat fish from toxic algae contaminated water?
Avoid eating fish from areas with visible algae. Always clean fish well and discard guts.
What should I do if I see an algae bloom?
Don’t drink lake water.
Don’t swim or waterski in areas with visible algae.
Keep pets and livestock away.
When in doubt stay out!
What causes toxic algae?
Toxic algae need light, the right temperature, and nutrients. You can help to reduce nutrients and prevent toxic algae:
PIERCE COUNTY — When someone experiences a disabling injury or illness, it can trigger a range of unsettling emotions and fears, not only for the person with the disability, but for their family members and friends, too. It may be comforting to know that when a long-term disability happens, Social Security Disability can provide financial support.
Join Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources for a special virtual presentation on Social Security Disability on Monday, July 13, from 4 – 5 p.m. Participants can join online or by calling 253-215-8782 or toll free at 888-788-0099. The webinar ID is 994 8047 5801. The event is free, and no RSVP is required.
Kirk Larson, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, will provide participants with information on the following topics:
How to qualify and apply for benefits
What happens when an application is approved
How to appeal denials
Who can receive benefits on a person’s earnings record
What people should know about receiving disability benefits
When Medicare coverage starts for Social Security disability beneficiaries
The CDC estimates that 1 in 4 Americans have a disability, with the majority being between 18 and 64 years old. There are 60 million individuals receiving social security benefits, most of whom receive between $700 and $1,700 per month. While there are many variables that determine monthly payments, the financial support undoubtedly serves as a lifeline for many recipients.
“It’s amazing that so many people don’t think to turn to Social Security Disability or are confused about the benefits,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources manager. “This is an opportunity to get clear information about the available disability benefits, the application process and re-employment incentives.”
Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) is a program of Pierce County Human Services. The goal of ADR is to help older adults and individuals with disabilities remain safe and independent in their own home. ADR works closely with caregivers, families, neighbors and community members to provide services, resources and supports so that people can age safely in place. For more information about ADR call the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600.
[Editor Note: I have completed disability applications for a family member. Always, reapply after a denial! It takes several months and up to a couple years now to get through an appeal, if you have to appeal. If you are uncomfortable presenting to the administrative law judge an attorney is worth the cost. – Marianne Lincoln]
When the balance of a partisan board or council flips from one party to another, things can get interesting. The Hatfields and McCoys were at it again on Tuesday at the Pierce County Council. I looked, but failed to find a way to publicly view the Tuesday Study session, my senses noting there would be games afoot in the last weeks of December before the leadership change. County Council meetings cannot be attended in person this year due to the pandemic. It is both good and bad. The meetings are broadcast on PCTV and Zoom, but you cannot actually pack the room like the good old days. The better part is not time commuting to meetings.
The story of the day, was an emergency ordinance. Normally, four to six weeks pass between the introduction of a new resolution or ordinance to the Council. It passes to committee and then returns to the full Council with a recommendation to pass or not. During the lag time, Council Members and voters can scrutinize the legislation. Constituents can call, write or otherwise contact their representative to ask questions recommend amendments and nuances before the final vote.
And then there’s emergencies. Emergency ordinances allow the legislative body to forego the time lapse. Of course, these should be true emergencies. The decision to change to Restaurant Bill CARES Act contribution from 50% to 100% was such an act. It was not on the agenda released online for the meeting. It was brought up during the meeting. Surprise! The Council had the funds and the restaurants had just been ordered back into a partial shutdown. The need was there; the money was there; no one questioned the idea was a good one.
And then December 1st happened. An emergency ordinance was introduced in the Tuesday noon study session. It was not listed online. In fact, as the meeting began, one councilman stated he did not have a copy yet in his email. The meeting was stopped for another 20 minutes for the email to come through so the council members could read the emergency legislation. Here is the link to the meeting video. Two minutes and 20 seconds into the video, you see Councilmember Campbell request a copy of the item. They refer to it as “Item number 4” on the consent agenda. The meeting is stopped and resumes on tape. Even proposal’s sponsor, Pam Roach asks about what and where it is. The hearing on the item now moved later on the agenda is at 52:40 on the video.
Councilmember Campbell, “I was a little surprised at study session when it came up and, uh, here we are less than an hour later, voting on it without having done what was assured to us we would have.”
The item was fast tracked so much so that staff did not have it ready in time. Interestingly, the Interlocal Agreement that created the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health has a clause that requires a year before the board can be dissolved. So it makes one wonder how this could possibly be an emergency if it requires a year after enacted. Councilmembers questioned the timing during a pandemic.
In speaking with Councilmember Campbell later in the day, he indicated the ordinance, although proposed by CM Roach, was an idea put forward by the County Executive and transmitted to Chair Richardson. That would explain the confusion the CM Roach had on the text. The Health Department control permits for water and septic system, both are necessary for property development. Since the County Executive already controls the Planning and Public Works Department, what a coup it would be to also control the sanitary and water systems approvals. With the outgoing majority o the Council in his favor, it is the only real explanation for the rush. The County Executive will still own the veto on efforts of the incoming Council to go back.
With a Hearings Examiner who controls the approvals of variances to county codes being a private attorney whose business it is to help developers get their approvals through the county and moving all the sanitary system approvals out of independent hands, what a delightful playfield this county will be for developers. Public be damned, it appears “the court” is being packed in developers favor.
Washington Land Use and Zoning Attorneys TACOMA LAW FIRM PROVIDES ZONING SERVICES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLIENTS McCarthy & Causseaux has extensive experience representing both residential and commercial clients in zoning matters. Our attorneys possess a high level of knowledge of the operations of local government. We represent clients before planning boards, zoning boards, and other governmental agencies and review bodies. If needed, we appear on behalf of clients in state and federal courts in land use, zoning and related matters.
TACOMA LAWYERS HANDLE LAND USE MATTERS SUCH AS ZONING VARIANCE APPLICATIONS If you need approval for a zoning variance or a construction permit, we can help. We draft applications and petitions. We file appeals after denial of a land use permit application. If you need experienced representation in any zoning or land use matter, contact us. Our firm has the experience and knowledge to work toward a resolution that meets your needs.
REPRESENTING DEVELOPERS AND LANDOWNERS Our clients include developers, contractors and entrepreneurs seeking to open new businesses. In addition to helping clients such as these apply for permits and zoning variances, we handle matters such as easements for road, water, sewer and power lines. We also represent landowners hoping to subdivide property for development.
Because of our history of involvement in the community, the firm is well positioned to represent clients on matters related to land use and zoning. We know the procedures required by the various agencies and boards. We also understand the different time limits on appeals imposed by each agency and commission.
We regularly handle the following types of cases:
• Rezoning • Land use planning • Planned unit development (PUD) • Environmental impacts • Variances • Plat and site plan applications • Appeals of adverse zoning decisions Contact an experienced zoning attorney today
From the Pierce County Website, here are the duties of the Hearing Examiner:
“Hearing Examiner Pierce County uses a Hearing Examiner system for quasi-judicial decisions. The Hearing Examiner is appointed by the County Council and charged with the responsibility of conducting public hearings, preparing the official record thereof, preparing findings of fact and conclusions of law and issuing final decisions for:
Land-use cases • Appeals of administrative decisions and environmental determinations • Preliminary and final plats • Amendments • Shoreline management cases • Etc. The Examiner stands as an impartial body to which information is presented. The procedures governing hearings before the Hearing Examiner are set forth in the Hearing Examiner Code, Chapter 1.22 Pierce County Code and Rules of Procedure for Hearings.”
Certainly the Hearings Examiner should have a cleaner appearance of impartiality than exists here.
Here is YOUR part as a citizen: Do you want to dissolve the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Board and put all the chips in the hands of the Pierce County Council who come and go every 4 to 8 years having no experience necessary before they are elected? Take a look at all the tasks Health Department does. As if and independent board is a benefit or an encumbrance. Do you want to make it political? Those are questions to ask yourself. Then, please, call or email your council person, or several with your thoughts. The more people that get involved in expressing their concerns, the better.
There is audio only from the Study Session where the item on the Health Board was brought up on the link for the Dec. 1 Study Session.
Here is the invitation to the meeting with a bit more information about where the Council is going with the demise of the Interlocal Agreement for the Tacoma Pierce County Board of Health. This item says there will be a new Board of Health and the Department will be under the County Executive.
So the County Executive would control the new Health Department.
From Pierce County: Remote public participation is provided by calling into 253-215-8782 (Webinar ID: 945-1382-9108
This is notice of Rules and Operations Committee and final Council hearings on Proposal No. 2020-136.
An Ordinance of the Pierce County Council Establishing a County Board of Health and Department of Public Health; Terminating the Agreement Creating a Combined County-City Health Department Known as the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Upon a Date Certain; Amending Chapter 2.06 of the Pierce County Code, “Departments and Organizations”; Directing the Clerk to Take Certain Actions; Requesting that the Executive Take Preliminary or Transitional Steps Necessary to Implement this Ordinance Including Forwarding Draft Legislation to Create an Executive Department to Manage Administrative Functions of the Health Board; Amending Pierce County Code References to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Consistent with this Ordinance; and Establishing Effective Dates. (Terminating TPCBH Interlocal)
The Final Council hearing on this proposal is set for December 15, 2020, at 3:00 pm. The final Council hearing will be held in Room 1045, County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave S, in Tacoma. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council Chambers is closed to the public.
The Rules and Operations Committee hearing is set for December 7, 2020, at 10:00 am. Use the following link for the weekly Council Meeting Schedule, which includes the Committee hearing agenda, location and time:
With the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department’s existence in the balance this week, you may have a lot of questions about who they are, what they do, and how much it all costs. Unless you have needed their services, you may not be aware of all the things your local Health Department does in Pierce County. Infectious diseases, addiction, environmental approvals (SEPA, NEPA), septic system approvals, hepatitis prevention, tobacco cessation, water quality, environmental safety (algae blooms, hazardous waste), food safety and so much more. This graphic is taken from their drop down menus.
And upon the dissolution of the 1972 Health Department Interlocal Agreement, we do not yet know how many of these functions and staff will be lost and/or rehired, and at what cost to the county budget.
Why would we consider changing it? The reason Councilwoman Pam Roach gave was to place the decision making in the hands of directly elected officials. Others on the Council have made public statements that they believe the reason has to do with environmental development regulations and approvals that are currently independent of the elected county officials.
“As a joint City-County health department, the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health includes Tacoma City Council members, Pierce County Council members, a representative from Pierce County cities and towns, and a representative from the Pierce County Medical Society.” (from the TPCHD website)
Here is the current health department charge, directly from their website:
Health Board: Public health is essential for all of us. Every day, we are hard at work so you can enjoy a meal, drink tap water, breathe clean air, and stay healthy and disease free. That’s why public health matters.
Vision: Healthy People in Healthy Communities.
Mission: We protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County.
Priorities: People are healthy and safe here. People have equitable opportunities for health. Children, families and communities thrive. Communicable Disease Control Prevents and controls the spread of diseases.
We: Investigate and limit disease outbreaks. Help people with diseases like HIV/AIDS, whooping cough and tuberculosis get the care they need. Prepare for and respond to emergencies. Ensure food in restaurants and schools is safe to eat. Environmental Health Helps our communities become healthier places to live, learn, work, and play.
We make sure: People have access to healthy food and healthy environments. Water is safe to drink. Air is safe to breathe. Strengthening Families Helps children, families, and communities thrive.
We provide: Family support for your child’s early years. Substance abuse prevention, education, counseling, and treatment. Comprehensive community oral health. Administrative Services Helps our organization stay high-performing, innovative and quality focused.
The budget of the current health department comes from several sources including the City of Tacoma, the Federal Governments, the State Government, Pierce County and fees charged for services. Currently Pierce County only funds 8.9% of the Health Department budget. In a department reorganized under Pierce County, how much of this will they have to make up? The total annual budget is almost $80 million. This chart is from the TPCHD webpage.
On Monday, December 7, at 10 a.m., the Pierce County Council’s Rules and Operations Committee will consider the Ordinance to dissolve TPCHD and form a new Health Department reporting to the Pierce County Executive. The document packet is posted on the Council Website. Pages 39 to 425 are regarding this item. Five pages (39-43) are the proposal, five pages at the end (421-425) are a proposed Amendment #1, the rest are public comments already received. Please dial in or call in to the meeting, numbers matter. Do not expect that everyone will get a chance to comment, you will need to send written comment. This link is to send your comments.
If you plan to witness the meeting, here is some advice for Remote Participation.
Final Consideration is currently scheduled for the December 15 Council Meetingat 3 p.m. It is guaranteed they will attempt to pass this before the end of the year when a new Council takes office.
Why in the world would Pierce County want to take over the control of the Health Department in the middle of a pandemic?
First, ask yourself, what was the most major change to the county land use code signed this year? (A: Centers and Corridors) When did the County Executive sign it? (A; Dec. 2, 2020) What bill was introduced just before the Executive signed that big land use legislation called Centers and Corridors? (A: The pull out of TPCHD, Dec. 1, 2020) Has your light bulb come on? Timing is an interesting clue, isn’t it?
In order to put 25 units per acre within one quarter mile either side of four major roads over a sole source aquifer, the county needs to make sure the developers can put in sewers. It is unlikely the Health Department will permit enough septic capacity. Right now, only Parkland has a full grid of sewers. If you have lived in Pierce County long enough, you will remember the strife of the Parkland homeowners that were forced to pay for sewers to cross their street frontage. The current land owners were given what was basically an additional property tax to pay annually to cover the sewer. If they did not pay, they were eventually forced to sell and that sewer assessment was taken from their equity. The reason given for the sewers was water table contamination for shallow wells in the area. Houses with wells were added to water companies and (well) water rights were given up.
Hang on, because the county is coming for your wallet if you live in an area that will need sewer. The first up will be Parkland Spanaway because of High Capacity Transit (BRT). Of particular concern will be Lake Park in Spanaway. Right now Spanaway has a sewer line down B Street. Have you wondered why no one had bought the Little Park property? Probably because a buyer could not afford the sewer that needs to be extended from B Street to the property. You see, the Little Park was told by the Health Department they had to spend a massive amount of money to improve their septic system. They chose to close and sell instead. (I’m sure ADA and some other improvements were needed too.)
From Pacific Avenue to Park Avenue, the only way to start the development Pierce County has now assigned, will be to get the sewers over there. The most cost effective way is to claim everyone with a property in the area will have to pay for sewer, to spread out the cost. It will improve water quality and help Spanaway Lake will surely be another rallying cry. In fact, that would be true. But all those small homes likely have families that cannot afford the cost of a sewer extension across their frontage. They will pay dearly to hold onto their properties. More likely, they will sell and those big shiny new 4 to 5 story buildings can be built.
Speculation? Maybe. The truth is, this has been done before quite effectively. Builders want to build and this year has seen their ability to get permit approvals slow significantly. Builders, developers and real estate agents are by far, the greatest contributors to political campaigns. Go to the Public Disclosure Commission and look up your county elected officials. It’s easy to do.
So to highlight where local folks may have to be concerned, here are some current sewer maps, with yellow highlights over the areas with freshly minted zoning for high density. If you live in a single family dwelling in any of these areas, get a piggy bank and start saving, you’re going to need the funds.
[Editor Note: This is not to make small of the impact this will have during a pandemic. That impact will surely make the process of testing, treating and vaccinating people more difficult. It is the opinion of this editorial staff that the County Executive is seeking something else as the hidden priority. I suspect the North Canyon Road extension is another need to control environmental review.]
If you are fairly new to Pierce County, you may not be aware that the beautiful place on the waterfront called Point Ruston hides a dirty old secret. The site was formerly the ASARCO Smelter. It took raw materials and turned out new shiny copper materials. The sludge from the refinery was poured into Puget Sound and the smoke that belched out of its smokestack on the hill behind it, now called Stack Hill, was full of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals.
The Washington State Department of Ecology initiated a cleanup years ago, people replaced the topsoil in their backyards around Ruston and North Tacoma. Not everyone replaced their soil however. Only the very worst contamination was cleaned up. Other areas were also affected, more in the direction of prevailing winds, but occasionally the wind blew that material to the south. Here is a map of the contamination.
Arsenic and lead are toxic and pose a risk if they are ingested. A settlement was reached with the ASARCO as a Superfund site in 2009. Washington State has been administering the cleanup efforts. If you have had mysterious illnesses in your pets, or more sadly, children at home or in your neighborhood you may want to see if your property is safe.
Historic photo of the Tacoma Smelter from Washington Ecology
Pierce County is opening their new crisis care facility to support those in our community with behavioral health issues. The CRC will be operated by RI International. It is located in the Mid-County Plan Area, not far from Franklin Pierce High School.
The public is welcome to attend virtually on Friday, March 12at 11:30 a.m. Due to COVID considerations the on site ceremony will not be open to the public, but will be streamed live at www.piercecountywa.gov/crc
According to Pierce County, the CRC will be, “A facility where law enforcement, EMTs, and families can bring those suffering from mental health crises — such as suicidal thoughts and delusional disorders — to receive immediate and appropriate care. The Crisis Recovery Center serves only 16 people at any one time, will have a 1:2 staff-to-patient ratio, is locked and secure, and all patients are transported to and from the center by law enforcement, ambulance, family or contracted transport.”
Here are the local pharmacies in mid-Pierce County that are carrying the vaccine for COVID 19. Call or visit (with a mask) to inquire about their availability and appointment lists.
hospital admissions. Now, Spanaway’s Bethel Middle School will get its very own school-based health center to serve its students along with students at Shining Mountain Elementary School and Bethel High School, thanks to Community Health Care with funding from Kaiser Permanente.
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temporary closure on all bars and restaurants in the State of Washington. Drive-Thru and To-Go operations are still available to customers, sitting in dining rooms together is banned. 
