Amidst the harsh realities of COVID-19, it’s easy to take water and sewer service for granted. In fact, it’s fine with us at Lakehaven if you do. Having your lives disrupted by the virus and its impact on so many things that were part of our normal existence is plenty to deal with. In order that you don’t have to worry about water and sewer service, we remain dedicatedto excellence and effectiveness.
Although our emergency planning was typically focused more on earthquake events than a global pandemic, the District was prepared to deal with the COVID-19 Emergency. We developed a pandemic plan a number of years ago and have been using it to help guide operations through these difficult times. Our managers and commissioners have participated in emergency training programs on both the local and national level for many years. We also have anexcellent Safety Manager who has been instrumental in helping us implement state, local and federal regulatory protocols for safety. This and our own “Safe Return to Work Plans”, have helped keep our employees protected in the workplace. Zoom meetings and employees working remotely, the “new normal”, has also enhanced social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus at work. With minimal disruption of employee staffing, I can only conclude that our preparation was spot on.
As a bright spot, we are finalizing plans for our new Administrative Headquarters Building. Using the General Contractor/Construction Manager system of public works procurement has resulted in high levels of coordination between participants and is working well. Representatives from the workgroups and the Board have been meeting as a committee with the architect to provide design and development input on a regular basis. When the building is complete, in late 2022 or early 2023, the combining of our work groups under one roof will create many important efficiencies in all areas of our operations,from customer service to engineering to field operations and more. We will also have a much better space to conduct Board and other meetings in an enlarged room near the center of the main floor.
For our rate payers, it is good to know that we have saved ahead for a good part of the cost of the project. As with any project, we keep on our toes to look for opportunities to save money.For those with an interest in the history of our community, we are hoping that our new lobby will include the clock of the Old World Square at the Federal Way Santa Fair. As a Historical Society member, I helped “save” the clock and its mechanisms and we hope to have this classic Roman numbered timepiece for all to enjoy when you visit us in the new building.
As always, I enjoy being of service to you.