The City of University Place is hosting an Open House on May 19 from 6-8 p.m. in the Curtis High School Cafeteria.

BE VIGILANT, the predatory mail thieves are back.  Thanks to a neighbors 911 call the thief was caught.  Please look into locking mail boxes and do not hesitate to call 911 to report suspicious activity or theft of mail.

The mail thieves will be back.  Unlike on television, an arrest doesn’t necessarily lead to jail, or for that matter prosecution.  So if you are unhappy with this feel free to call the Postal Inspector or local prosecutor.

http://www.gateline.com/2015/04/22/3753181/mail-theft-prevalent-all-over.html

Due to the UP School District walkout May 20th, Chambers Primary will not be available for the meeting.  As soon as it is rescheduled, it will be posted.

University Place bans event lawn parking, food trucks during US Open
No food trucks or event parking on lawns around Chambers Bay golf course will be allowed in University Place during the U.S. Open in June.

Still up for debate: the number of recreational vehicles per acre that will be allowed during the week-long golf tournament.

The University Place City Council approved a series of policies Monday night that would prohibit these commercial activities in all residential zones from June 15-21. The city will target the neighborhoods around the golf course.

Private property owners will be banned from offering parking for a price or places for food vendors or merchants to set up. Violators could face a $250 fine.

These activities would interfere with public safety and the USGA’s transportation plan, the council concluded.

One current policy that will be relaxed, however, is the city’s normal prohibition on lawn parking. That will be lifted during the week of the Open because temporary rules will restrict street parking in some areas.

The council also agreed to extend the amount of time people can stay on private property in an RV during the week of the event. Current code requires a permit for visits longer than five days. The council would like to see that extended to nine days around the tournament.

Councilman Chris Nye, a defender of property rights, opposed the bans on food trucks and parking sales.

But city officials say that preventing citizens from selling lawn space for event parking isn’t taking away their rights.

“Paid parking is a commercial activity. Commercial activities like these are not currently permitted in residential neighborhoods,” said David Swindale, UP’s Development Services director. “It’s all part of not only creating a more efficient transportation plan, but also creating the type of experience the USGA wants for their spectators.”

City regulations already prohibit commercial food vendors in residential neighborhoods, but city staff recommended beefing up the code to make it more clear that they would not be allowed during the U.S. Open.

Councilman Ken Grassi opposed the ban on food trucks, but didn’t give a reason.

The one proposal on which the council couldn’t reach a consensus Monday was the appropriate number of RVs to allow on residential properties during the golf championship.

City staff recommend allowing up to six RVs per acre, assuming people staying in the vehicles don’t violate temporary parking restrictions and are staying as guests of neighborhood residents.

The proposed restrictions would also prohibit RVs from running generators; they would have to plug into a home’s electrical system instead.

Councilwoman Caroline Belleci questioned if six vehicles would be too many, citing concerns about fire hazards caused by overloaded electrical circuits. She also doesn’t want to see residential neighborhoods transformed into RV parking lots.

“It’s not only the experience for the golfers that come to enjoy the event, but it’s also the experience for the neighbors around the event,” she said.

Nye, on the other hand, asked whether six vehicles per acre would be enough.

“We’re not talking Woodstock. We’re talking half a million dollar rigs that are coming to our community to enjoy themselves,” he said.

He proposed the council change the ordinance to allow up to 12 RVs per acre. His motion failed to gain consensus, but the council agreed to continue the discussion at its next meeting. City staff will return with alternatives that would increase how many vehicles are allowed.

The next UP Council meeting is April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at 3715 Bridgeport Way West.

Today marks the 12th anniversary of operation Iraqi freedom.  Shall we never forget the sacrifice of our neighbors who gave all for freedom.  Thanks to Larry Ramos for providing the pictures and those that continue to fight the fight and those that have served.  It is not over, but we will prevail.

It is time for the annual Woodlake Easter Egg Hunt.  The annual search for the golden egg starts promptly at 10:00 AM on Saturday.  Don’t be late, we meet by the pond.

Brrr, it’s cold! FYI, our annual tree lighting Friday Dec 5th at 7 PM in the pond parking lot. Come meet and mingle with your neighbors, it’s a lot of fun!

If anyone is in need of a great cleaning lady, we have a recommendation for you! Her name is Holly Gilbert, she has her own business which is licensed and bonded and her contact # is 678-4437 or email Hollygil@gmail.com thanks everyone!

• Halloween safety, lights on porches and 6-8 trick-or treating
• Reminder no political signs allowed
• Reminder Fall Clean-up is coming, check with UP refuse for more info
• Locked mailbox advisory (we had a resident report tampered mail)
• Reminder please take care in the fall, use moss killer reminder on roofs, driveways etc