August 27, 2010
WELCOME US AMATEUR! - University Place proudly welcomed the 110th U.S. Amateur Golf Tournament held at the Chambers Bay Golf Course and the Home Course in Dupont this week. More than 300 golfers, along with a multitude of family members, friends and spectators are enjoying the spectacular scenery, great weather and challenging conditions at the Chambers Bay course.
I spoke with several college-age golfers at a reception earlier this week who indicated they were extremely impressed with the course along with being overwhelmed by the warm reception they have received. Thank you to the countless volunteers and tournament committee for their outstanding efforts on this event. The tournament continues this week with the final two contenders teeing off for the championship title at Chambers Bay on Sunday, August 29.
Tickets are still available at www.2010usamateur.com, Puetz Golf stores or at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place.
Golf Art - Hitting golf balls can certainly be an art; however, don't miss out on whimsical and wonderful golfing displays featured at three local businesses: Cornerstone Financial Strategies (my apologies for misidentifying the business as Cornerstone Financial Services last week) located at 2121 70th Avenue West, Suite A; Golf Art sponsored by UP for Art at 2811 Bridgeport Way West; and three famous "golfers" at Sterling Savings Bank at 1375 Regents Blvd. Also, check out the "golf ball" chocolates at Affairs Bakery! Finally, thanks again to all the local businesses and UP residents for their efforts in making the U.S. Amateur participants welcome!
Curran Roof - A higher than expected bid led the Council to reject a proposal to replace the roof of the Curran House. The independent volunteer "Curran House Investigating and Planning Study" group (CHIPs) had secured a $30,000 Pierce Conservation Futures grant to replace the roof of the Curran house, located within the Curran Apple Orchard Park.
So far, CHIPs has used $5,000 of the grant for design, testing and bidding processes with $25,000 left for the actual project. Six small works contractors were contacted for bids; however, only two responded. The project involved removing and disposing of the existing roof including asbestos abatement and installation of a new 20 year warranted roof with insulation. Since the low bid of $78,810 exceeded available grant funds, CHIPs plans to revisit the project parameters to determine what other options are available.
Property Tax Dedication - During the last Council Retreat, the council expressed concern that many members of the public do not have a clear understanding of how much of their property taxes go to the City and how the City uses those dollars. Right now, the City receives 8 cents out of every $1 paid in property taxes.
After much discussion at the retreat, the Council indicated more communication was needed to inform the public about City services and available revenues. At last Monday's Council meeting, the Council approved a resolution to dedicate all of the City's property tax proceeds to public safety. This action gave staff further direction on how to present the upcoming budget proposal as well as clarifying what funds pay for which services. Since many of our other funds are already "dedicated" for certain services, this proposal will hopefully simplify our budget process. I want to stress that this action does NOT tie the Council's hands in future budget decisions. The City Manager will present his budget proposal in early October and there will be extensive opportunities for public comment prior to the budget adoption in December. The budget will also be posted online for people who are unable to attend Council meetings.
SCHOOL BEGINS! - Seems like summer just started, but school is just around the corner. The first day of school for students attending UP Schools is August 31 and September 2 for Tacoma Schools. Please be extra careful and attentive around school zones, school buses and children walking to school. School buses should only be flashing their lights to pick up or drop off students. If you are behind the bus, you must wait until the bus is done loading and unloading and proceeds again down the road. If you are in the oncoming traffic, you may or may not have to stop for the bus depending upon the roadway. A bus can control its own lane and one other lane. If the roadway is broken up by a barrier or multiple lanes, the oncoming traffic does not have to stop. If the roadway is a two lane road with no barriers, the opposing vehicle has to stop.
PLAYGROUND BY THE SOUND - Our community is in the home stretch to try and win a $50,000 Pepsi grant for the Playground by the Sound. Vote once a day each day in August at www.playgroundbythesound.org or text 100542 to Pepsi (74774).
BIRTHDAY BOWL - Don't forget to go bowling on Tuesday, August 31 at the Narrows Plaza Bowl. All games are 15 cents (shoes not included) from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. to celebrate the City's 15th birthday. All proceeds, along with $5 from every pizza sold, are being donated to the City's Parks and Recreation/Senior programs.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me at dklosowski@CityofUP.com or 460-2500.
Sincerely,
Debbie Klosowski
Mayor, City of University Place