Members of the Bonney Lake City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that would criminalize domestic violence in the presence of children and domestic violence strangulation under the city’s municipal code.
Councilwoman Laurie Carter reported the city receives about 13 calls per month regarding domestic violence taking place in front of or within earshot of children.
Carter said city staff worked to update the city’s Web site with current resources to help victims of domestic violence.
Councilman David Bowen said the city does not currently have a “safe house” for victims of domestic violence.
“That should be one of our top priorities when our budget is in better shape,” Bowen said. “In the future when our city and our budget is large enough, I think we can find the money in a few years.”
Mayor Neil Johnson noted there are three vacant homes in the city that could be used for a “safe house.”
Bowen offered to donate land if the city could work with Pierce County on the issue.
On another issue, the council approved a draft scope of work and draft grant agreement with the Department of Ecology related to the major update of the city’s Shoreline Master Plan.
The city is required by state law to update its Shoreline Master Plan by 2011, but the state Department of Ecology’s scope of work assumes a 3-year process that would push the city’s efforts to 2012.
State law also allows the deadline to be extended to 2012. Ecology provided the city $75,000 for the update.
In other action, the council:
• authorized an agreement between the city and state’s Department of Licensing to access the Internet for sharing data through an information processing system.
• approved an ordinance clarifying procedures for administering the State Environmental Protection Act.
• approved canceling the June 23 regular council meeting because of the annual Association of Washington Cities conference.
• approved Councilman James Rackley to replace Councilman Dan Decker as a voting delegate at the annual Association of Washington Cities conference.
To comment on this story view it online at www.blscourierherald. Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.
