News & Announcements

SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY CAMERAS

Here’s a reminder that Fife's safety cameras are back on effective Sept. 6, 2023, for the start of the school year. 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 10:30 a.m. and 2 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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WAPATO CREEK CONCERNS

We've received a few calls and emails from citizens concerned about the current state of Wapato Creek, which has gone completely dry in some areas. Our public works and community development teams are aware of the issue and have been working with our partners at the Puyallup Tribe and Port of Tacoma to investigate the cause. No obstructions or manmade diversions have been identified at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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FIFE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

We want to hear from you! 

To learn more about the comp plan update, visit cityoffife.org/engaging-fife or send an email with your questions to comdev@cityoffife.org.

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WATER METER UPGRADE WORK STARTS IN JULY

Starting July 25, Fife's public works crew will be working with contractors from Concord Utility Services to reprogram all city water meters to report more accurate readings. During this project, you may see contractor and/or city crews accessing your water meters Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Crews will be identifiable in uniforms and safety vests and driving marked vehicles. The work is expected to be completed by Aug. 31. Here are a few things you might want to know:  

How does it all work? 

Although Fife's water meters have always measured volumes below 1 cubic foot (7.48 gallon), they were set to report usage in 100 cubic foot (748 gallons) increments. This project will reset meters to report water usage in 1 cubic foot increments. Usage readings are recorded by the meter reading system every hour and sent by radio to the city every six hours. 

Why is this being done? 

By changing the water meter resolution from 100 cubic feet to 1 cubic foot it will make detecting small water leaks much easier and faster potentially saving our customers a lot of money. It is important to note that many residential customers may take several days to use 100 cubic feet of water under normal circumstances. 

Will my water service be interrupted? 

No. Customer water service should not be interrupted as a result of this work. 

Will they need access into homes or businesses?

No. They will not need access into any homes or businesses, but will need to access some meters that are on customer’s property.

How will this affect my water bill? 

Customers should not see any change in their water bills. Billing will still be done to the 100 cubic foot volume. Unless of course you have a small water leak. Then, it might just help save you money! 

What if I have more questions? 

Contact the City of Fife’s Water Division at 253-922-9315 or email publicworks@cityoffife.org.

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FOOD TRUCK PILOT PROGRAM AT FIFE CITY HALL

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CITY OF FIFE to RECEIVE $800,000 FOR SHEFFIELD TRAIL RESTORATION

In celebration of National Trails Day on June 3, The City of Fife is excited to announce that it will receive $800,000 for its Sheffield Trail Improvement Project, thanks to a federal grant secured by U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland.

This project addresses priorities for underserved populations by providing a highly requested, free, outdoor recreational opportunity that acts as an equity stabilizer within the community. Expanding Fife’s walking trails and biking options is one of the community’s priorities. This specific trail also improves transportation and access for 20% of Fife’s population in neighboring apartment complexes and a retirement community.

“The Fife City Council and I are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Strickland for her support of our Sheffield Trail project, which connects multifamily housing to important community amenities like a grocery store, elementary school, and library,” said City Manager Derek Matheson. “In addition to the $800,000 she secured specifically for the trail, Congresswoman Strickland was a leader on the COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act, which is contributing almost $650,000 to the project, as well.”

“Sheffield Trail is a critical connector for the South Sound,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). “Providing federal funds to help further connect South Sound communities allows them to thrive, and I thank the City of Fife for prioritizing such a vital project for the region.”

The overall project supports four primary goals:

• Improving the first 1,200 linear feet of the trail, starting at the south end. The current trail is badly damaged by roots and is too narrow to move machinery down for maintenance.
• Widening the existing trail from 5 feet to 10 feet, with 3-foot buffers on either side allowing the trail to serve as a Lahar evacuation route for the community.
• Installing lighting, making the trail safer and more accessible for all users. 
• Restoring vegetation. 

View the press release here: https://www.cityoffife.org/Archive.aspx?ADID=171

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USPS MAILBOX AT FIFE CITY HALL

We're happy to share that the U. S. Post Office has replaced the mailbox outside Fife City Hall. 

Swing by any time to drop off your mail.

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's 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.

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.

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