Puyallup Senior Advisory Board Meeting – October 13, 2025

The Senior Advisory Board met in person on October 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting focused on a presentation by Senior Planner Kendall Wals on city code amendments and ADUs, a Senior Services report, and updates on board membership and upcoming events. The board approved the agenda with a minor change and the minutes from August 11, 2025.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: A motion was made to switch the order of items "Senior Services Report" and "Presentation on City of Puyallup Code Amendments and ADU’s" on the agenda before approval. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• Minutes Approval: A motion to approve the August 11, 2025 minutes passed unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were submitted in writing or made in person.

Discussion Items

• Presentation on City Code Amendments and ADUs: Senior Planner Kendall Wals presented updates driven by the comprehensive plan and state law changes. Key amendments include allowing middle housing types (e.g., duplexes, townhomes) in single-family zones, permitting two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) per lot with size restrictions (max 1,000 sq. ft., two bedrooms), accommodating emergency housing beds, streamlining design and subdivision codes, implementing unit lot subdivisions for individual unit sales, legalizing co-living in multifamily zones, and updating zoning maps. The board discussed the definition of affordable housing (60% area median income for rental, 80% for homeownership, deed restricted for 50 years), typical ADU residents (multigenerational families, seniors, younger adults, people with disabilities), and the interim zoning ordinance (adopted June 2025 to meet state mandates while permanent regulations are developed). Board members asked about the scope of South Hill designation, the pace of co-living adoption, and the distinction between interim and permanent codes.
• Senior Services Report: Puyallup Activity Center Supervisor Doug McCormick reported on summer activities, including the Cattle Drive (25 senior volunteers), End of Summer Luau (100 attendees), Gig Harbor Gondola Tour, and Mount Rainier hike. Upcoming events were announced: "Dessert with the Mayor" (October 29, November 18, December 17), Halloween Party (October 31), Annual Holiday Bazaar (November 8), Santa Paws pet photos (December 5), Christmas Party with Elvis impersonator (December 12), and New Year’s Eve celebration (December 31). McCormick also noted that Board Member Mary Butler is recovering from pneumonia at a Life Care Center and that Shelby (staff) was on a tour in New York.
• Senior Advisory Board Member Update: Parks and Recreation Director Cody Geddes informed the board that members with terms expiring in March 2026 will need to reapply for a second term. Administrative Clerk Erin Priddy explained that eligible and non-eligible members will receive emails from the city clerk’s office with instructions on reappointment or applying for other boards.
• Board Comments: Board Member Jodi Erickson reported that the University of Washington Tacoma’s next quarter is starting and she looks forward to bringing students to the Puyallup Activity Center in winter and spring. She also announced publication of an article in the journal Geriatric Nursing on the term "allow natural death." Vice-Chair Steve Shipman gave a health update, stating he is walking normally again and pain is gone. Chair Mike Boisture also noted his recent health issues and expressed appreciation for the Senior Activity Center staff’s hard work.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda was approved with a motion to swap the order of the presentation and staff report (4-0).
• The minutes from August 11, 2025 were approved (4-0).
• No other formal votes were taken. The presentation and reports were informational, with no decisions made.