News & Announcements
Call for artists for utility box art wrap project
The City of Fife is committed to supporting a vibrant artistic community. The mission of the Fife Public Arts Commission is to actively encourage the development and sustainability of the arts in the city. One way we’re doing this is through our utility box art wrap project, which launched in 2020.
The Fife Public Arts Commission is looking for more artwork to continue wrapping city-owned utility boxes. We believe that adding colorful, family-oriented artwork on boxes in highly visible areas of the city strengthens Fife’s identity and sense of community.
Artists are free to explore themes that are meaningful to them, but the themes of history, community, family or the city’s tagline, “Industrious by Nature,” could provide a starting point.
Artwork must be fully original and designed to fit the template dimensions specified here. Artwork may be in any media and submitted in digital format by the artist with the application.
Download the application form for full details.
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2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE- NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS
As part of the upcoming update of Fife’s comprehensive plan, the city's community development team is hosting a series of meetings to discuss housing, land use, transportation and the environment.
Join us at your neighborhood’s open house to learn more about the process of planning the future of Fife, to ask city staff questions and to share your thoughts.
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MURREY'S SPRING CLEAN-UP
Murrey’s Disposal is holding its annual spring clean-up next month. Residential customers can leave additional bags of garbage, yard waste and even recycle a large appliance at the curb.
WEEK OF APRIL 3
Murrey’s will collect up to three 32-gallon bags of trash on your regularly scheduled pick-up day.
Murrey’s will also collect up to three 32-gallon biodegradable bags of yard waste on your regularly scheduled pick-up day.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
Murrey’s will pick up one appliance. Accepted items include range, refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, hot water tanks, trash compactors and air conditioners. No BBQ grills. Your appliance must be placed outside by 7 a.m. on April 8.
Helpful Hints from Murrey's Disposal:
• DO NOT use personal cans for extra garbage or yard waste as we cannot be responsible if they are lost in the truck. No credits will be given for lost cans.
• Please be sure all items are accessible by 7 a.m. to ensure pick up
• Only the above listed appliances will be accepted for Spring Clean-Up. Please place on the curb (sorry no alley pick up due to truck size)
• Please label/id your extra yard waste so it is not confused as trash
• In inclement or rainy weather, please try to ensure items are covered. (Paper biodegradable yard waste bags tend to break & create a mess if left out in the elements.)
• Do not exceed 45lbs per bag for trash or yard waste.
• Please no tires, car parts, barbecues, furniture, mattresses or other bulky items. All items must be contained in a bag.
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ABBY DRIVDAHL APPOINTED TO COUNCIL POSITION 6
Fife City Council is pleased to announce that Abby Drivdahl has been appointed to council position 6. Drivdahl, who succeeds Lisa McClellan, will join as Fife’s newest councilmember during the Jan. 17 council study session. She will hold the position until the winner of the November general election is sworn in.
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COUNCILMEMBER GETHERS RE-APPOINTED AS DEPUTY MAYOR
Coming in Summer 2024: The Splash Pad at Colburn Park
We are excited to announce that construction on the Splash Pad at Colburn Park is scheduled to begin this summer and is expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend 2024.
Located adjacent to the Fife Aquatic Center, this new amenity will add 2,650 sq. ft. of accessible recreation space, including three main play areas (for toddlers, teens and families) with a range of spray features and a slip-resistant concrete surface. Surrounding the splash pad will be a border of 8”x 8” bricks—that’s where you have a chance to make your mark on this future recreation space.
Up to 500 bricks are available to be engraved with your message. Celebrate a life event, commemorate a loved one, advertise your business or simply add your family’s name to the list of those who are making a splash in our community—it’s up to you!
Learn more about the Splash Pad and the Buy-a-Brick campaign.
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FIFE RELEASES ITS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA PRIORITIES FOR 2023
The City of Fife has finalized its legislative agenda for 2023. This council-approved agenda is a list of state legislative priorities identified by city staff and Fife City Councilmembers as important issues, programs and initiatives for the City of Fife and its citizens. This agenda informs the public about the priorities that Fife, its elected officials and city leadership, have identified for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on January 9, 2023. You can download a printable PDF copy of the Fife legislative agenda here.
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COMMUNITY MEMBER EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT FOR 2022
Dr. Keith Phillips, from Distinctive Dentistry, pictured here with Fife Mayor Kim Roscoe (right), was awarded the Community Excellence in Public Service Award at the Nov. 8 Fife City Council meeting.
Dr. Phillips and his staff were nominated for supporting and providing free services for individuals in our Jobs Program. Their donation of time and services made a huge impact on many lives and demonstrated excellence in their field and our Fife community. Learn more about why they were nominated and selected for the award here.
Read more about the annual award here.
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SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY CAMERAS
Here’s a reminder that Fife's safety cameras are back on. It’s so important as our students are out and about again that local drivers keep the speed down. There’s no question about the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing the likelihood of a crash, but did you also know that speed cameras also reduce the likelihood of fatalities? (read more at https://www.iihs.org/topics/speed).
Please note:
• Our school zone safety cameras are located along Valley Ave. E. and 20th St. E.
• Flashing lights are active between 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days
• A reduced speed of 20 m.p.h. is imposed during these hours
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USPS COLLECTION BOX at CITY HALL TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
The USPS collection box usually located at Fife City Hall is temporarily unavailable. The city is working with USPS to replace the box. We are hoping to have a replacement box soon. In the meantime, to find another collection box near you, visit tools.usps.com/find-location.htm
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citizen action forms
The well-being of our community is important to our city council and the city manager's office. If you have any concerns or issues you would like addressed, we encourage you to complete a Citizen Action Form. This is the most efficient way for us to get all the necessary information we need in order to respond effectively and timely. You can complete the form here.
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ECOLOGY BLOCKS NEAR RAILROAD CROSSING ON 54TH AVE EAST
Heads up: Over the next week, citizens will notice the placement of several ecology blocks north and south of the railroad tracks on 54th Ave. E. The maps below show the approximate locations of the blocks. These will include barricades and 'Road Closed' signs. They will be placed to still allow emergency vehicles access if necessary. The goal is to slow vehicles down and prevent anyone from striking the gates at full speed.
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low income household water assistance program with pierce county
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a new Pierce County Human Services program funded by the Washington State Department of Health and Human Services and is designed to pay off debts on water and sewer bills up to $2,500 for qualified Pierce County residents, including Fife residents. To be eligible for this program, you must meet the income guidelines below:
Family Size | Monthly Income (LIHEAP) |
|---|
1 | $1,610 |
2 | $2,178 |
3 | $2,745 |
4 | $3,313 |
5 | $3,880 |
6 | $4,448 |
7 | $5,015 |
TO APPLY: Call Pierce County at 253-798-4328 to make an appointment for completing an application.
MORE INFO: Visit their website here or view the program flyer hereWater Assistance Program.
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AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.
If your household is eligible, you could receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
- A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*
For more information, to see if you qualify and to apply, visit their website here: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/
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CITY BUILDINGS open TO the PUBLIC
All city buildings are currently open to the public. Masks are optional for all guests and employees inside city buildings.
Here are the normal schedules for when each building will be open:
Fife City Hall: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays by appointment only (To set up an appointment, call 253-922-2489)
Community Center: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aquatic Center: Hours vary depending on programs, please check cityoffife.org/aquatics for a schedule.
Public Works Counter: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Police Department Counter: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Municipal Court Counter: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
other ways TO REACH CITY STAFF
Here are ways to reach the following departments to conduct city business by phone, email or web.
FINANCE/UTILITY BILL PAYMENT: The City of Fife's Finance Department offers online utility bill pay. Please click here for more information or click on this link https://fife.merchanttransact.com/Default.aspx. Have a question about utility bills? Be sure to check out our Utility FAQ here.
For assistance with online or phone payments, please call 253-922-2489 and press 1 for utilities during business hours. Payment by check may be mailed or put into the utility drop box located in the City Hall parking lot.
PERMITTING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 253-922-9625 or email comdev@cityoffife.org. Check out the new online permitting features at cityoffife.org/onlinepermits.
PUBLIC WORKS: 253-922-9315 or email publicworks@cityoffife.org
COMMUNITY CENTER: 253-922-0900 or email parks@cityoffife.org
AQUATIC CENTER: 253--922-7665 or email aquaticcenter@cityoffife.org
POLICE DEPARTMENT: 253-922-6633 or police@cityoffife.org (for emergencies, please call 911)
MUNICIPAL COURT: 253-922-6635 or municipalcourt@cityoffife.org
STAFF DIRECTORY: Don't see a department listed that you need to reach? Find a staff directory here: https://www.cityoffife.org/directory.aspx
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tool to monitor water levels at puyallup river
Check out this tool from the National Weather Service that the city uses to monitor the Puyallup River water levels: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=sew&gage=puyw1
WSDOT TRAFFIC CAMERAS IN FIFE TO VIEW ROAD CONDITIONS
Did you know that WSDOT has a few traffic cameras in Fife where you can view traffic and road conditions? Check them out on a map here: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map/. One of the cameras is at the Wapato Way East roundabout at SR 99. You can access that specific camera here: https://images.wsdot.wa.gov/orflow/099vc00089.jpg?a=164088206531
HOW TO REACH UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
Need to contact Union Pacific Railroad to report a signal issue? Here's how to do that. Call the UPRR Response Management Communication Center at 888-877-7267 or the UPRR Grade Crossing Hotline at 800-848-8715. Please make note of the address of the crossing you're calling about. Fife has three at-grade railroad crossings from UPRR - at 54th Avenue East, 70th Avenue East and Freeman Road East. If there is an emergency in progress, please call 911.
Tideflats Subarea Planning Project
The Tideflats subarea planning process, a partnership between City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Port of Tacoma, Pierce County and City of Fife, is intended to create a shared long-term vision and more coordinated approach to development, environmental review, and strategic capital investments in the Tideflats. Completion of the subarea plan will support the ongoing eligibility for and prioritization of transportation funding in the regional manufacturing and industrial center. The Tideflats is an area of over 5,000 acres of waterfront land providing vital saltwater and estuarian habitat for salmon, shellfish and other marine life, the Tideflats is an economic center that includes industrial and manufacturing and maritime activity in a world class port and is the ancestral lands of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The area is designated as the Port of Tacoma Manufacturing Industrial Center (MIC). The MIC is home to Tacoma and Pierce County’s highest concentration of industrial and manufacturing activity and is the work site for about 9,800 employees.
To learn more about community engagement opportunities with this important project, please visit https://www.cityoftacoma.org/tideflatsplan.
Join us on June 6 at 6 p.m. and learn more about the Tideflats Subarea Plan and upcoming Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping process, including the overall process and timeline, recent accomplishments, and opportunities to participate in shaping the future of Tacoma's Tideflats at a virtual community informational meeting. Get the Zoom link and additional information at www.cityoftacoma.org/tideflats.
FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FIFE UTILITIES ON OUR WEBSITE
Did you know you can sign up for auto payments for utility billing? You can also make a one-time payment online. To do so, visit this page. For more information on utility payments, visit this page. For more information on recent utility rate increases for the City of Fife , please visit this page. Have another utility-related question? Visit this FAQ page.
SR 167 COMPLETION INFORMATION
Want to find out more about the SR 167 completion project that will add a bridge over I-5 at 70th Avenue East? Read more at our traffic page at cityoffife.org/traffic. Or, visit the WSDOT information page - https://wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR167/completion/default.htm
ONLINE PERMITTING HELP
The City of Fife’s Community Development team has worked hard to make the city’s online permitting system more user friendly. You can apply for a permit from anywhere, so long as you have a computer connection. To learn more about the city’s online permitting features, visit cityoffife.org/onlinepermits.
fife CITY COUNCIL meetings
Fife City Council holds their regular meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 6 p.m. They hold a study session on the third Tuesday of each month, also starting at 6 p.m. Currently, all regular council meetings allow for in-person attendance and also the able to participate remotely. All study sessions are being held remote only. For more information on city council meetings and to review the agendas, please click here.
To find out how you can participate in those meetings, visit cityoffife.org and select the date for the next council meeting. Citizens who would like to submit comments in advance of the meeting may do so by emailing the comments to the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@cityoffife.org or sending via postal mail to 5411 23rd Street E, Fife, WA 98424.
boards & commissions
Interested in getting involved and volunteering on one of our boards and commissions? Click here to learn more about the different opportunities available.
City newsletters
Read our most current city newsletter here. Want to receive a digital copy of the city’s newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here.
CITY COMMUNICATION
Find out more about city communication at cityoffife.org/communications.
Information related to Covid-19
help with utility payments
The City of Fife recognizes this is a stressful time for many due to the financial effects of COVID-19. We are offering a hardship payment plan for City of Fife utility customers. We are waiving late fees through January 27, 2022. For information on requesting a hardship payment plan, visit: https://www.cityoffife.org/utilitybilling.
Fife Residents may also have Tacoma Public Utilities and/or Puget Sound Energy utility bills. Both of these utility companies are offering utility assistance:
TPU: https://www.mytpu.org/emergencyassistance/
PSE: https://www.pse.com/pages/bill-and-weatherization-assistance
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financial resources
The City of Fife recognizes this is a stressful time for many due to the financial effects of COVID-19. If you’re a citizen in need, here are resources to help you through this tough time.
Calling 2-1-1 can lead you to resources to help with housing, childcare, food needs, basic legal help and more. Read more about the South Sound 2-1-1 resource line here.
Pierce County is offering help for those unable to pay their mortgage or rent. If you need housing assistance, read more about that here.
Pierce County is providing assistance to individuals who have fallen behind in their rent and utility payments as a result of COVID. For information about income eligibility and how to apply, check out the flyer here. For more details visit the website here or complete the application here.
If you’ve lost your job, here is the information you need about unemployment benefits.
Pierce County has allotted a portion of its CARES Act money to helping with childcare vouchers. Read more about that here.
If you’re an essential worker and need help with transportation, Pierce Transit has some options for you. Read about that here.
BUSINESS HELP AND RESOURCES
If you’re a small business looking for help and resources, here are resources for you.
The Fife, Milton and Edgewood Chamber of Commerce has a helpful resource page for the phased reopening of local businesses.
The Pierce County Economic Development Board is another helpful agency.
If you are a small, for-profit, business that has been negatively financially impacted by Covid-19 orders and related health and safety measures, you may be eligible for assistance through the state's Working Washington Grants: Round 4 Program. For more information or to apply click here.
If your business needs aid, please contact the Small Business Association and ask about Disaster Loan Applications.
Pierce County also is assisting small businesses that need aid. Here is information about the county program.
Pierce County allows emergency small business relief loans to be forgiven if certain conditions are met related to COVID-19 workplace safety practices. Click here for details regarding the process.
Impact Washington is inviting Washington based US Small-and medium-sized manufacturers (SME’s) to apply for CARES Act Recovery Assistance funds. These funds provide services that directly support a manufacturer’s ability to recover from the coronavirus.
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reliable information
You might have questions about the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19). Here are reliable sources to check for information.
The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #. Phone volumes might mean a bit of a wait on that hotline.
Here are more reliable resources:
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department maintains a great database of resources at this website and they also provide deep background information and facts about the virus -- https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus
The Washington State Department of Health is maintaining up-to-date information on the virus here -- https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus.
Pierce County offers the following advice for everyone:
• Increase handwashing and use of alcohol-based sanitizer
• Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette – cover a cough or a sneeze
• Keep distance from others (more than six feet, if possible)
• Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces
• Remain home during a respiratory illness