April 15, 2021 – Tot Lot Reminder

A reminder that masks are required when at the Tot Lot. Please wear a mask so that the Tot Lot can remain open. Especially with Pierce County getting rolled back to Phase 2, the City Council is very concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants. We have observed some visitors not wearing masks. It is important that the mask requirement is followed in order for the City to keep the Tot Lot open. Thank you for doing your part to help keep all residents of Fircrest and beyond safe.

March 16, 2021 – Vaccine Clinic in Tacoma

Tacoma Ministerial Alliance will be hosting a vaccine clinic at Shiloh Baptist Church from 9am-3pm on Monday March 22, 2021.

1211 S I St, Tacoma, Washington 98405, United States

Register by calling: 253-861-9641

Visit Tacoma Ministerial Alliance (tmatoday.org) for more info

March 16, 2021 – Rental Assistance Program

Pierce County’s rental assistance portal has opened and is accepting applications! Pierce County renters with overdue rent and/or utility bills can apply for financial assistance. Eligible utilities include electric, water, sewer, gas, garbage pickup, fuel oil, and internet.

Renters can apply online and may be eligible for up to 12-months of rental assistance based on need. Residents without internet access are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to apply over the phone. Pop-up, in-person application events will be announced later this spring for residents who need additional support. Landlords can pre-registration for tenants, expediting the application process.

Learn More Here

February 19, 2021 – Fircrest Park Playground Update

The City has removed the barricades and opened the playground at Fircrest Park. Mask and social distancing requirements still apply when using the playground along with the following protocols:

While at the Playground

• Stay with household/friend groups on play structures
• Limit use when others are waiting.
• Avoid congregating at playgrounds.
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer after using.

Limit Stays

• If you drive to a park/trailhead and parking is not available, then the site is at capacity. Do not park in unauthorized areas or in neighborhoods. Come back later.
• Keep your visit to two hours or less and go no more than twice a week to make sure there is room for everyone.
• Try to avoid peak hours of the day and instead consider going when it’s not as sunny.
• Public restrooms in the parks may not be open or well-stocked at all locations.

Limit Contact

• Stay home if you are sick or at high risk.
• Stay six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
• Avoid contact with items that don’t belong to you.
• Wear a mask if you are going to be around others.
• Bring supplies with you to wash and sanitize regularly.

When in the Park

• Only use sports courts with your own family and your own play equipment.
• Only one family or household group per picnic table. Please bring a table covering to use and take it with you when you leave.
• Stay in your family or household group and if you are using lawn space, make sure to remain distanced from others who are doing the same.

January 21, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccines coming to University Place Pediatrics.

January 8, 2021 – SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially, only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

“The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza.  “Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”

“The Paycheck Protection Program has successfully provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to America’s small businesses, supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin.  “This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19.  We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small businesses and their workers.”

Key PPP updates include:

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

The new guidance released includes:

• PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns;
• Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and
• Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans.

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.

August 25, 2020 – FREE COVID-19 Testing in Fircrest

The City of Fircrest is sponsoring the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. for free COVID testing Tuesday, August 25th from 10-3 pm at Regents Park, 555 Contra Costa Ave.

Click HERE for more info.

August 3, 2020 – Business and Rental Assistance Programs

The City of Fircrest is excited to announce the COVID-19 related Business and Tenant Assistance Program. At the July 28^th City Council meeting, the City Council approved Resolution No. 1663 establishing this program. The purpose of the Business Assistance part of the program is to assist small businesses located within the City of Fircrest. The City of Fircrest is committing up to $120,000 in CARES Act Grant Funds to provide financial support to businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Rental Assistance is being offered to residential tenants in the City of Fircrest that have experience financial hardship due to COVID-19. Click HERE for more information.

July 24, 2020 – Pierce County Emergency Housing Assistance

Pierce County recently launched an Emergency Housing Assistance portal for rental assistance, mortgage assistance, and rental/mortgage assistance for Veterans. Follow this link for more information. https://piercecountywa.gov/housinghelp.

June 26, 2020 – Public Gatherings and Recreation Programs Update:

Out of an abundance of caution, the City has suspended all public gatherings and recreation programs through September 2020. Unfortunately, our Fircrest Fun Days and National Night Out events are canceled. As Pierce County continues to navigate the Safe Start phases, the City will continue to monitor programming opportunities and reassess this suspension as necessary.

City buildings will remain closed until Phase 3 of the Safe Start Plan. Once we are able to open, it will be important for all who enter City buildings to be aware of new rules for entering City buildings. As we get closer to opening City buildings, we will post requirements for entering each building.

May 26, 2020 – Pool Construction and Swim Season Update:

Hello Fircrest Residents,

I hope you are all staying safe and healthy during the current pandemic. As we approach the time of year when the City would usually be getting ready to open the pool, I want to provide an update on the pool construction and how it will affect the 2020 swim season.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the new pool was on track to open in mid- to late June. But the crisis forced all construction work to shut down for a while, and when it resumed it did so under new health guidelines designed to protect the construction workers. That means the work is moving slower because fewer workers can be inside the new pool house during construction.

Kassel and Associates, the builder, is being innovative as it navigates the new worksite regulations. As a result, we are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to open the pool in August for a brief swim season.

That timeframe depends on various things falling into place. First, pool construction has to get completed, and while the builder is doing great things, they have to deal with suppliers and vendors that are coping with the effects of the pandemic as well. Once the builder turns the pool over to the City, we will need to equip and furnish it, get trained on the new pool systems, and hire and train staff in order to open to the public. The timeframe also depends on the Governor’s reopening strategy. Under current guidelines, we cannot open the pool until Phase 3 of the Governor’s strategy, and Phase 3 only permits opening at less than 50% capacity.

The City remains hopeful that we will be able to have a grand opening for the new pool and have a shortened swim season. As we move through the summer, we will continue to post updates to the City website and Facebook, as well as on City buildings.

Stay safe and healthy!

Scott Pingel, City Manager

May 26, 2020 – Community Event Cancellations

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions and guidelines set out by the Governor’s Safe Start plan, the City of Fircrest has made the difficult decision to cancel a couple of upcoming events. This currently includes the Strawberry Feed and Band Concert (June 28^th) and the Fircrest Picnic and Rod Run (July 5^th). For more information please visit: https://www.cityoffircrest.net/community-event-cancellations/

April 27, 2020 – Low Risk Construction Resumes

As of Tuesday, April 28, 2020, The City of Fircrest will be issuing permits and conducting inspections for construction projects that are deemed essential or low-risk construction as outlined in the Governor’s addendum to Proclamation 20-25. Please ensure the Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements are met prior to beginning work or calling for an inspection. Please email us at planning@cityoffircrest.net if you have any questions or call 253-238-4175 to schedule an inspection.

April 24, 2020 – Pierce County Council Expands Loan Program to Include Businesses Located Anywhere in Pierce County with 20 or Fewer Employees

Click Here to Apply for a Pierce County COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Relief Loan

The Pierce County Council expanded the COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program on April 21, 2020 to keep all businesses located in Pierce County in operation and protect jobs threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to increasing the funding available, the program eligibility has also been expanded to include employers with up to 20 employees for businesses located anywhere in Pierce County, including incorporated cities. Loan amounts of $1,000 per employee will be awarded up to $20,000. Loans will be offered to qualified applicants at no interest and no payments for 12 months.
Companies who have already received funding under this program are not eligible to re-apply.

Businesses applying for loans under this program must:

• Be a business physically located anywhere in Pierce County including incorporated cities
• Have 20 or fewer employees (including business owner)
• Be in operation for one or more years (businesses that have had a change in ownership in the past 12 months may be eligible)
• Demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in revenues attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic

Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.
Apply online at www.piercecountywa.gov/reliefloan or for more information contact the
Pierce County Economic Development Department at (253) 798-6150 or PCSBRLoan@piercecountywa.gov.

April 23, 2020 – U.P. Refuse Recycling Center is now open

A message from University Place Refuse:

Our office is still closed to the public. We can handle just about everything over the phone, though, at 253-564-3212.
GOOD NEWS: At 8am today, WE ARE OPENING OUR RECYCLING CENTER
It will look a little different than before. We will be observing social distancing and will only have 2 vehicles at a time at the recycling center. When you drive through the gate, PLEASE stay to the RIGHT.
Thank you for your patience through all of this! Remember to stay safe and healthy, no matter what task you’re tackling!
EDIT: We are NO LONGER ACCEPTING STYROFOAM at our recycling center. We have nowhere to recycle it anymore. Please hang onto that until the Tacoma recycling center by Home Depot opens back up. They can accept it there.

April 22, 2020 – Pierce Conservation District will Resume Limited Restoration Activities at Whittier Park

The Pierce Conservation District has managed to secure permissions to perform essential fieldwork at Whittier Park starting April 22, under the following conditions:

• Work solo or physically distanced at all times, at least 6 feet apart, with no more than 5 staff or volunteers at a site location at a time
• Wear gloves and a face mask or face covering when outside of a work vehicle or Conservation District office
• Have no more than one team member in a work vehicle at a time
• Wipe down all tools, equipment and surfaces touched with disinfectant wipes
• Not be outside of my home if I have any COVID-19 symptoms, or have had contact with individuals with symptoms
• Keep Conservation District letter validating your employment and essential work status on you at all times

April 7, 2020 – Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Program

Announced today, Governor Inslee has created a Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program using a portion of the state’s Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF). A limited number of grants (up to $10,000) are available to small businesses with up to 10 employees.

To apply please visit: http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/links/crisis/covid-19-resources/ This link can also be accessed from the home page at www.coronavirus.wa.gov

For more information, check out the Small Business Administration website. Governor Inslee also recommended checking out the Office of Civil Legal Aid for help with foreclosures and evictions.

April 2, 2020 – Proclamation by the Governor 20-28

Open Public Meetings Act- To comply with the Governor’s orders, our City Council meetings will be physically closed to the public. We will be posting call-in information to our website for the public to listen via Zoom. If you would like to make a public comment, you may e-mail the City Clerk your comment and it will be read into the record. To read the Proclamation in its entirety, click here.

Public Records Act-  This proclamation also temporarily suspends the PRA’s requirements for agencies to respond to PRA requests for public records within five business days from receipt, and to maintain business hours for public inspection and copying of records for a minimum of 30 hours per week.  It is effective from March 24, 2020 until midnight, April 23, 2020, unless extended beyond that date. Please read the proclamation for details and to see the list of citations to the specific OPMA and PRA statutes or portions of statutes that are temporarily suspended.

• While the proclamation is in effect, we will do our best to provide requestors an initial response within five business days

March 25, 2020 – Construction – Due to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, all inspections will be suspended. Please see the Construction Guidance Memo for more information.

Passports – Due to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we will not be accepting passport applications at this time. If you have a travel emergency, please visit the travel.state.gov website. 

March 20, 2020 – Tot Lot and Playground closure – The Tot Lot and the playground at Fircrest Park until further notice due to concerns about overcrowding.

“We do not make this decision lightly. However, this is a public health emergency, and the governor has made very difficult decisions to close schools, bars, restaurants and other places where people gather in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and prevent the medical system from being overrun. The crowding at both playgrounds increases the risk to the entire community, so we feel we have no choice but to close them for now.

Many of us have young children, too, so we know how hard this COVID-19 situation is on home life. While we want you to enjoy the outdoors, we strongly urge everyone to adhere to the guidance from public health agencies to maintain social distancing. Many of your neighbors fall into the risk categories, and they are worried. If we can all work together and keep our distance, this should pass in time.”

March 20, 2020 – A message from Dr. Mari Leavitt  – WA State House Representative | 28^th Legislative District

I am reaching out with some information that I hope you will share within your communities to help everyone stay up to date. I have heard many concerns particularly around kids, families, workers, and small businesses.

1. School meal programs are now in place in all the school districts in the 28^th at several sites. In addition, child care options are being offered for our first responders and emergency health care workers who need to remain at work to take care of us. Folks are encouraged to check their school district website for site specific information.
2. Workers can apply for unemployment assistance through ESD when they are temporarily laid off, this is one way that small businesses can save on labor costs but make sure their workers still have income and can promise to keep their jobs for the future. The one week wait requirement has also temporarily been waived to get workers the assistance they desperately need. There is a webpage specific to COVID-19 impacted folks: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19
3. The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved funding for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for impacted businesses. These loans will be for up to $2 million. You can apply online here. Any questions about that or the application process can be directed to 1-800-659-2955 or DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
4. The Department of Commerce has made grants available to small businesses across the state. There is currently $5 million of state money available to supplement the dollars that will come in from the federal government.
5. The Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) is putting on webinars on business resiliency every day this week. Here is more information: https://wsbdc.org/protect-your-business/business-resiliency/
6. Depending on the utility service area, both Tacoma Public Utilities and Puget Sound Energy have plans in place for those who need help or more time with paying their utility bills.
7. The Department of Revenue (DOR) has extended tax relief for 30 days.  The measures set forth yesterday are aimed at helping businesses in our state stay afloat during this uncertain time. More information is available here: https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic

To keep up with all the updates in this rapidly changing environment, the state has also developed a website to house all the various information. Please check coronavirus.wa.gov for further updates. Again, I encourage you to share this information with your friends and neighbors.

This site breaks up info depending on which population is seeking the information (individual, employer, etc.): https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/covid-19-resources-for-individuals-workers-and-employers/

March 17, 2020 

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns and the recommendations from the White House to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, all City buildings will be closed to the public beginning at 2:00 p.m. today, March 17, 2020 until further notice. City staff will be available to take calls. We will continue to process payments. The public is encouraged to use our drop boxes and online options for paying bills. Passport services and any licensing or permitting needs will be by appointment only. The numbers to reach each City building/department are as follows:

• City Hall:                            253-564-8901
• Court:                                 253-564-8922   Court/Ticket Specific Information
• Police Department:         253-565-1198
• Public Works:                  253-564-8900
• Community Center:        253-564-8177

March 12, 2020

Effective March 12, 2020, the city is closing the Fircrest Community Center gym and all meeting rooms through April 26th. This closure is part of a broader strategic effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 following Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement that all public and private K-12 schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish, will close for the next six weeks and that large gatherings of 250 or more people are prohibited.  This was a very difficult decision to have to make, as we would love to be a location for recreation and activities, but our worry is that we could be creating the exact same risk public health officials are trying to prevent by closing the schools. Our priority remains keeping our community safe and well-informed while doing what we can to help minimize potential spread of the coronavirus.

During this time frame, the Community Center office will be open during business hours M-F, 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 5pm, and the restrooms and water fountains will remain open during these times for parks users. Our parks and park facilities will remain open.

March 11, 2020 — A coronavirus update from Mayor Hunter T. George:

Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 20-07 on March 10 in an effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The governor’s order prohibits large gatherings over 250 people, and encourages smaller gatherings to practice social distancing.

These are extraordinary measures, and they are necessary. Experts say the number of people infected is on track to double every 5-7 days, and that represents an extraordinary risk to the community. Just one of the major risks is that our health care systems will be overloaded by a surge of ill people. We must do our part to make sure that doesn’t happen.

City of Fircrest officials are following guidance from public health experts at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. We are also in contact with regional emergency managers and other partners.

Public health authorities recommend that people age 60 and older, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women take extra precautions to distance themselves from other people.

As a result of the Governor’s order and the recommendations of federal, state and local public health authorities, the City of Fircrest has taken a number of steps so far. I’ve listed those below.

• All Senior Programs held at the Fircrest Community Center are cancelled through March 31, 2020. This includes but is not limited to Active Adult Trips, Senior Footcare, Drop-In Senior Card Groups, and other classes or programs that are specific to the senior population.
• Our annual Fish N Fun event scheduled for March 21 is cancelled.
• The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is on the horizon (April 11) and we will continue to evaluate and receive updates as we get closer to the event.
• We are closely monitoring private rentals within the Community Center and will continue to monitor guidelines from public health authorities and the Governor’s directives. Any private rental that anticipates more than 250 people will be canceled and receive a full refund. Any renters that wish to cancel events on their own will receive a full refund.
• We have about 50 kids participating in our Pee Wee Soccer Program. We will be providing guidance to coaches on hygiene and social distancing and will continue to monitor guidelines from public health authorities.
• Our men’s basketball league begins in two weeks. We will provide guidance to the coaches on hygiene and social distancing and continue to monitor guidelines from public health authorities.
• The Community Center will remain open to the general public, although we are closely monitoring numbers throughout the day.
• We are contacting affected user groups, programs, and classes, and will also be placing notices throughout the center.
• Implemented enhanced cleaning of our public spaces at the Community Center and City Hall.

This is just the beginning. Governor Inslee has directed school superintendents in all districts in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties to prepare for the likelihood of full closures. Obviously, that would have a profound impact on the community. State and local leaders are faced with extremely difficult challenges of balancing health and safety with educational and economic activities, and I appreciate the research and compassion being applied to those hard decisions.

We’re all in this together. There are a lot of people in vulnerable populations who are losing access to services during this public health crisis. Food banks, housing, health care — please consider how your generosity can help others.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is providing up-to-date information on its website. There is specific guidance for individuals as well as businesses. Please check it out at www.TPCHD.org/coronavirus.

The City of Fircrest will continue to work closely with its local and state partners in monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). All public buildings are open for normal business. The City will continue to monitor COVID-19, and will provide updates on our website that may be helpful to our community.

For more information on COVID-19, check out the following links:

Human Coronaviruses, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department – https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) Washington State Department of Health – https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus