Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Summer is closing fast. I trust you are working hard to get as much done as possible before the fall weather sets in and school starts!

I invite you to create some memories next weekend and schedule some time to visit the Pierce County Fair at Frontier Park in Graham. Sno-cones, ice cream and cold drinks will help you and your family stay cool.

If there are particular topics you’d like me to write about in future e-newsletters, please let me know. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns about Pierce County government. I welcome your input, and hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Comprehensive Plan to be reexamined August 11

The Council is scheduled to address the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan during the 3:00 p.m. meeting on August 11. You may recall that the County Executive vetoed the plan that passed 7-0 on June 30, citing two sticking points:

The first was an amendment allowing a citizen to appeal to the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) his right to have two lots per acre on his 5.2-acre parcel. It was once rejected due to a specific code, but that code is no longer in effect. The property owner has spent nearly 15 years of his life defending his right to use his property for the purpose for which it was purchased. I support his personal challenge to the GMHB.
The Executive’s second reason for rejection was in regards to a zoning change designed to allow for needed development to service the fastest growing community in the county - Frederickson. Information below should help clarify the situation and set the record straight:

The property is NOT zoned EC (employment center) like the industrial land south of 176th. It is zoned CE (commercial employment) and ES (employment services). The "Vision" had this area zoned differently to provide retail and other services at the "Central Place" to help make the industrial area viable.
The current zoning already allows retail. This is to adjust the zoning that currently exists – allowing the project to be successful – and to create the “Central Place” as called for by the Frederickson Community Plan.
More jobs will be created by a “ratio of at least 10 to 1.”
The current amendment protects freight mobility and will mitigate as necessary to ensure that freight mobility is protected.

Free Social Security information

For anyone seeking information about Social Security, the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center invites the community to a Social Security benefits presentation.

Kirk Larson from the Social Security Administration will be presenting on Social Security benefits the evening of Tuesday, August 25. Kirk is a great speaker and extremely knowledgeable about SSA benefits. His presentation will be at the Evergreen College – Tacoma, 1210 6th Avenue (in Tacoma) from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. A variety of SSA publications will be available on topics such as retirement, disability, spousal benefits, survivors benefits, women’s concerns, veterans, and Medicare.

Everyone is welcome. The event is free and no RSVP is required. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and get reliable information about Social Security benefits. For further information, please call (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

Looking for temporary work?

Pierce County Public Works is looking for help with outdoor maintenance.

The Surface Water Management Division is accepting applications for temporary job openings for 2015. These seasonal positions typically span up to a six-month period, but for the purposes of this recruitment the period is from approximately August to early November.

Selected applicants will perform vegetation management duties on county infrastructure generally including, but not limited to, storm water facilities, river corridors and other public properties. The positions are based at the Pierce County Quarry near Orting, with worksites throughout the county.

Pay is $14 per hour. Hours are 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with 40 to 50 hours expected per week, depending on work load.

Qualifications
Applicant must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Be able to read and follow verbal and written instructions
Have a valid Washington State driver’s license
Be able to operate small electric and gas powered tools and hand tools
Be able to work on steep, uneven terrain in all weather conditions
Be able to lift at least 50 pounds
Successful applicants may be subject to drug and alcohol testing
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States and proof of identity at the time of hire.

Application Deadline
Applications are due by Aug. 7, 2015

Application Availability

In person Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 p.m. at 2702 S. 42nd St., Ste. 201 in Tacoma
Online: Download application
By calling (253) 798-2725

Submit applications to the attention of Tracie Esher

By fax at (253) 798-7709
By e-mail at [email protected]
By mail, attention: Tracie Esher, Pierce County Public Works Department, 2702 S. 42^nd St. Suite 201, Tacoma, WA 98409

For questions regarding the positions, contact Tony Fantello at (253) 798-4132 or [email protected].