City Council Regular Meeting - September 23, 2025

The Puyallup City Council met on September 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Kastama presided. Councilmembers present: Adler, Door, Gilliam, Johnson, and Witting. Deputy Mayor King was excused. All motions passed 6–0. The meeting included public comments, a consent agenda, a resolution, an interlocal agreement, and a presentation on proposed zoning code amendments. An executive session was held on real estate and collective bargaining.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of August 26 and September 9, 2025.
• Authorized a contract with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for a railroad quiet zone study.
• Authorized a contract with BHC Consultants, LLC for the 14th Avenue SW Sewer Replacement Project.
• Authorized a purchase from Beaver Equipment Corporation for the Water Pollution Control Plant.
• Authorized an amendment to the contract with South Correctional Entity (SCORE) for incarceration in limited circumstances.
• Approved accounts payable, payroll, and electronic fund transfers from July 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Churchman expressed opposition to the City raising utility and property taxes to finance a new police facility, noting that taxpayers had previously rejected a related bond. He quoted the police chief's past campaign statement that "city government must live on a shoestring budget."
• Robin Ordonez expressed concern over the Comprehensive Plan amendment imposing a 100-foot buffer around a largely dry stream on his property, which would affect his house, garage, gazebo, and playhouse. He stated that staff said they lacked time to inspect individual properties and that he would need to hire a consultant to do anything on his property.
• Steve Alldridge criticized the proposed critical areas updates, stating the change from 30-foot to 100-foot setbacks is a "great big lie" and amounts to stealing property without compensation. He argued that many mapped streams are drainage ditches that have never been officially inspected and that planners are not doing their job correctly.
• Valorie Dente highlighted traffic safety issues on 21st Street SE and surrounding areas by Cascade Christian Elementary, reporting that traffic has tripled. She cited inadequate crosswalks, vehicles ignoring stop signs, and speeding (average 32 mph in a 25 mph zone). She advocated for push-button yellow crosswalks and better traffic control, noting she has raised this for 22 years.
• Josh Wheeldon thanked the Council for including Puyallup 101 participants in the meeting and reminded the community that September is Suicide Prevention Month, offering resources as a VFW liaison.

Discussion Items

• Resolution – Permitting System Business Analyst Position: City Manager Steve Kirkelie presented a resolution to add a Permitting System Business Analyst position to the City's employment portfolio. The position would replace the unfilled Permit Center Supervisor role, resulting in no new full-time equivalent (FTE) and saving $20,000–$30,000 per year due to a lower pay grade (Grade 45 vs. 52). Duties include operating the CityView electronic permit system, serving as backup for permit technicians, managing continuous improvement projects, and maintaining the DPS dashboard. Councilmember Johnson made the motion to approve, noting the importance of predictability for developers. Councilmember Gilliam asked that the system be made more user-friendly for residents and small-scale builders. Kirkelie confirmed the position would conduct customer satisfaction assessments. The motion passed 6–0.
• Interlocal Agreement with Pierce County – Sewer Service Area Transfer: Development Engineering Manager Ken Cook presented an agreement to transfer 13 parcels (south of 39th Avenue SE, east of Public Works Yard) from the City's sewer service area to Pierce County. The parcels are within Pierce County but currently in the City's service area. A development proposal involves five parcels; the other eight are included due to topography. The County's sewer connection is more cost-effective (gravity flow) compared to the City's need for an expensive pump station. Councilmember Johnson moved approval. Mayor Kastama asked about long-term implications for ratepayers; Cook explained that while there is a loss of ratepayers, the high cost of infrastructure maintenance makes the transfer economically sensible. The motion passed 6–0.
• Zoning Code Amendments Presentation (No Action): Planning Manager Katie Baker presented an overview of forthcoming code amendments to comply with state law changes and the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, with a goal of adoption by the first quarter of 2026. Key topics:
  • Middle Housing (HB 1110): Requires allowance of at least two units per lot in single-family zones, excluding lahar areas. An interim ordinance was adopted in June 2024.
  • Design Standards (HB 1293): State requires clear and objective design standards that do not reduce density or height. The City plans to consolidate three sets of design standards into one chapter and revise review processes, emphasizing administrative review.
  • Commercial-Residential Buffer: Proposed reduction from a 30-foot dense landscape buffer to 12 feet. Councilmembers expressed concerns about noise impacts on residents; Councilmember Door and Councilmember Adler noted that some neighborhoods rely on the current buffer. Councilmember Johnson suggested case-by-case flexibility.
  • Drive-Through Standards: The current code requires internal site lanes (e.g., Chick-fil-A, new Taco Time). Staff recommended maintaining higher standards in regional growth centers but allowing flexibility in general commercial zones. Council discussed aesthetics vs. safety, with Councilmember Gilliam noting safety concerns at the Taco Time site.
  • Building Materials: New state law (HB 1998? Actually, the bill prohibiting cities from prohibiting specific cladding materials is noted). Staff recommended requiring multiple materials based on building size and limiting concrete block as a secondary material. Councilmember Johnson urged exploring whether the city can maintain higher quality standards for large developments despite the state restriction.
  • Co-Living Housing (HB 1998): Requires cities to permit co-living (small rented units with shared amenities) in all zones allowing multifamily. Benefits include affordability for low-income households and workforce housing. Councilmember Witting supported it as an affordable housing option that builds community. Councilmember Gilliam shared a positive personal experience. Councilmember Johnson expressed concerns about neighborhood impacts, parking (no requirement within 1/4 mile of Sounder), and potential for conversions of single-family homes to rentals. He requested data on police calls and rent comparisons. Councilmember Adler asked about possible caps; Baker stated the legislation likely prohibits more restrictive regulation than other multifamily uses. Councilmember Door supported co-living for veterans and seniors.
  • Subdivision Updates: Proposed increase of short plat threshold from 4 to 9 lots, addition of unit lot subdivisions to facilitate homeownership in middle housing (e.g., townhomes). Councilmember Johnson strongly supported unit lot subdivisions.
  • Zoning Map Update: Large undertaking to align zoning map with the new land use map, including consolidating RS zones and updating zone chapters.
  • Baker noted that the co-living ordinance and critical areas ordinance will come before the Planning Commission on September 24 and are expected back to Council in October.

Key Outcomes

• All action items (agenda, minutes, consent agenda, resolution, interlocal agreement) were approved by 6–0 votes.
• The zoning code amendments presentation was informational; no vote was taken. Council feedback will guide staff in drafting final ordinances.
• Executive session commenced at 8:51 PM to consider minimum real estate sale/lease price and collective bargaining strategy; expected to last one hour. The meeting adjourned at 9:46 PM.
• Next steps: The co-living housing ordinance returns to Council on October 7, pending Planning Commission recommendation. The critical areas ordinance is also scheduled for Council consideration in October.