City Council Regular Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Puyallup City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, consent agenda approvals, first readings of two ordinances, and council reports. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and the February 24, 2026, minutes.
• Authorized final acceptance of the Sound Transit Access Improvements project with RW Scott Construction.
• Authorized a contract with Osborn Consulting, Inc., for the Tree Canopy Survey and NPDES Permit Mapping Requirements Project.
• Authorized a professional services contract with SCJ Alliance for the design of the 3rd St SE Watermain Replacement.
• Approved accounts payable, payroll, and electronic fund transfers from February 2026.
• Authorized an amendment to an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for the Pollution Prevention Assistance program.
• Item 4f (design contract for Valley Avenue NW Overlay Phase 3) was pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion and was later approved under item 5c.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Wicklander raised concerns about infrastructure failure on 9th Street between 18th and 15th Avenue, describing a stormwater runoff issue and a sinkhole. He urged the city to address it as a stormwater system.
• Valorie Dent addressed pedestrian safety concerns, noted a meeting with city staff, and requested neighborhood meetings to address ongoing issues.
• Andy Anderson delivered a historical report on events in April 1776, focusing on committees of correspondence.
• Ellen Israel (U.S. Small Business Administration) informed the council about low-interest disaster assistance loans (homeowners: 2.875%, businesses: 4%, nonprofits: 3.625%) for those affected by December 2025 storms and flooding. Deadlines: June 10, 2026 (physical damage) and January 7, 2027 (economic injury).
• Andrelyn Izquierdo spoke in support of the Tree City proclamation and emphasized the importance of tree life for wellness, noting concerns about human trafficking impacts on green spaces.
• Bud Metzger addressed the need for improved traffic management and funding, particularly in the northeast and southeast regions of the city.
• Chris Chisholm commended flood control projects, particularly the Meeker Creek restoration, for averting disaster during recent rains. He also spoke in favor of middle housing, suggesting minimal Lahar restrictions due to low probability and sufficient evacuation time.
• Samantha Miller reported on a successful free clothing exchange organized by Indivisible Puyallup, collecting over 1,000 items and 50 pounds of food for local aid organizations.

Discussion Items

• 5a – First Reading: Ordinance to Amend Title 3 (MFTE Minor Code Cleanup) Planning Manager Katie Baker explained the ordinance removes remnant references to a 20-year multifamily tax exemption that were inadvertently left in the code after the 2023 expansion. Councilmember Smolko asked about affordability data (none currently) and expressed caution about potential weakening of requirements. The ordinance passed first reading 7-0.

• 5b – First Reading: Ordinance to Amend Title 20 (Middle Housing) Planning Manager Baker presented the state mandate to allow at least six types of middle housing in all residential zones. The city must exclude no more than 25% of lots. Two options were presented for the Lahar prohibition area: a quarter-mile reduction (excluding 24% of RS lots) or a half-mile reduction (excluding 13% of RS lots). The Planning Commission had recommended eliminating the prohibition entirely. Council debated balancing Lahar risk (1 in 10 chance in 75 years per USGS) with housing needs. Mayor Witting argued for a planning/education approach over zoning restrictions, citing a study showing ample evacuation time (150–360 minutes for Lahar arrival). Councilmember Kastama advocated for moderate density on main arterials, citing past emergency drills and concerns about assisted living facilities. Councilmember Smolko raised concerns about anti-displacement protections, infrastructure, and speculative land acquisition. Deputy Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Gilliam favored the 13% option with allowance for one ADU in the prohibition area. A motion to adopt the 13% map with one ADU allowance passed 7-0. The ordinance will return for second reading on April 28, 2026.

• 5c – Design Contract for Valley Avenue NW Overlay Phase 3 (pulled from consent) Councilmember Smolko asked Public Works Director Ken Davies if the overlay includes pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements. Davies confirmed ADA-compliant ramps and upgraded pedestrian push buttons at signal intersections. The contract with David Evans and Associates was approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (7-0): approval of agenda, minutes, consent agenda (as amended), first reading of both ordinances, and the Valley Avenue NW Overlay design contract.
• Direction on Middle Housing Lahar Zone: Council chose the 13% exclusion map (half-mile reduction) and confirmed one ADU is allowed in the Lahar prohibition area. Staff will revise the ordinance accordingly before second reading.
• Upcoming Agenda (April 28, 2026): Second reading of the middle housing ordinance, presentation on the Critical Areas Ordinance, and potentially a presentation on the Puyallup School District's street vacation petition.
• Community Notices: Councilmembers highlighted the return of the Puyallup Farmers Market (April 18), Lahar preparedness event at the library (April 18, 10 AM-4 PM), community clean-up day, Pierce County Prayer Breakfast (May 7), and July 3-4 celebrations for the nation's 250th anniversary.