Puyallup City Council Regular Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Puyallup City Council met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, citizen comments, approval of consent agenda, first reading of a parking ordinance, a funding vote for a 100-foot flagpole as part of the America250 program, a budget amendment for a parking lot, and updates on state legislation, traffic impact fees, and critical area code amendments. The meeting adjourned at 9:44 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Accepted a Washington Cities Insurance Authority Risk Reduction Grant.
• Authorized Amendment #3 with Brown and Caldwell for the 4th Street NW Storm Replacement Phase N-2b/c.
• Accepted the 2nd Avenue NE Tree Removal project as complete.
• All consent items approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flagpole (America250): Many citizens spoke. Supporters included Paul Herrera (combat veteran, supported as a visible statement of patriotism), Joshua Wheeldon (supported as a symbol of community and future), Nadine Weinrich (supported for honoring sacrifices), Paul Wittingslow (supported), Christopher Magroo (supported as symbol of unity). Opponents included Joseph Columbo (funds should go to infrastructure, not flagpole), Tammi Borushko (called it performative patriotism), Steve Aldridge (concerns about critical area code, not flagpole), Libbie Bristow (concerns about ongoing costs), Kathleen Macleod (opposed as another monument), Matthew Caras (money should help veterans in crisis), Shannon Bennett (priorities, called it performative), Bud Metzger (concerns about traffic safety near high school, not flagpole), Eric Showacy (opposed, suggested better uses), Glen Markovitz (opposed, potholes and safety issues), James Steves (veteran, urged council to listen, use money for veteran services). Also, Paul Wicklander discussed stormwater infrastructure, Andy Anderson promoted Memorial Day activities, Andrelyn Izquierdo advocated for PPD integration into South Sound 911 reporting, Don Cottom supported vacation of 7th Street NW for child safety, Val Dent concerned about erosion on 12th Ave SE, and others.
• Critical Area Code: Steve Aldridge voiced concerns about proposed changes affecting his property outside city limits.

Discussion Items

• America250 Flagpole Project: City Manager Steve Kirkelie presented a proposal for a 100-foot flagpole on North Meridian (near SR 167) at an estimated cost of $149,710, funded from Tier 3 reserves. Councilmember King proposed an amendment to allow private contributions via a Memorial 250 Community Fund and to ensure the flagpole would only fly the U.S. flag in perpetuity. Council debate included support (Deputy Mayor Johnson, Councilmember Gilliam) as a modest tribute (one-tenth of 1% of budget, 11 cents per fallen service member) and opposition (Councilmember Smolko, Councilmember Adler) citing ongoing maintenance costs, performative patriotism, and better uses for funds (e.g., scholarships, weatherization). Mayor Witting expressed willingness to contribute personally but preferred private funding.
• West Meeker Public Parking Lot: City Engineer Hans Hunger introduced a budget amendment to construct a 14-stall parking lot near the old police station, with a conservative estimate including 20% contingency. Approved 7-0.
• State Legislative Session Update: Public Affairs Officer Eric Johnson reported capital budget successes: $1,030,000 secured for 4th Street NW Stormwater Project and $361,000 for Van Lierop Park Parking Lot (more than requested). Consultants Luke Esser and Jim Hedrick covered the 2026 supplemental session and four major bills: HB 2266 (step housing), SB 6026 (ground floor commercial mandates), SB 6002 (ALPR data privacy), and HB 2442 (new local option sales tax for family services). Discussed condo liability reform (incremental progress) and budget challenges including a $2.3 billion deficit.
• Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) Presentation: CE Hunger proposed implementing a fee increase from $4,500 to $8,762 in January 2027 to allow a six-month adjustment. Discussed vesting at complete building permit application (12-month lock-in) and two deferral policy options. Council directed staff to proceed with Option 2 (defer fee vested at complete application determination) and confirmed that other policy components (heavy-truck adjustment, 10-year credit) take effect five days after ordinance adoption.
• Critical Area Code Update: Senior Planner Chris Beale presented draft amendments to the Critical Areas Ordinance, last updated in 2006. Key changes include increasing stream buffers to 100 feet for non-fish-bearing streams (based on best available science for water quality), with flexibility options (buffer averaging, 25% reduction with enhancement, reasonable use exceptions). Council discussion: Deputy Mayor Johnson opposed expanded buffers, called for an independent study to consider site-specific reductions (e.g., where infrastructure exists) to allow development and middle housing. Councilmember Gilliam questioned stream classifications and tax relief for affected property owners. Staff noted that mapping verification for some streams (e.g., in Redesco area) is planned.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Johnson, second by Gilliam, passed 7-0.
• First Reading of Parking Ordinance: Approved 7-0. Ordinance will add approximately 15 public parking spaces with 3-hour time limit at 311 W. Pioneer (former police station site). Second reading scheduled.
• America250 Flagpole Funding: Motion by Johnson, second by King, with an amendment (only US flag, private fund established) passed 4-3. Voting yes: Deputy Mayor Johnson, Councilmember King, Councilmember Gilliam, Councilmember Kastama. Voting no: Councilmember Adler, Councilmember Smolko, Mayor Witting.
• West Meeker Parking Lot Budget Amendment: Approved 7-0.
• Traffic Impact Fee Direction: Council directed staff to implement Option 2 for deferral (vested at complete application) and confirmed January 2027 effective date for fee increase; other components effective five days after ordinance adoption. Public hearing and final ordinance scheduled for next meeting.
• Critical Area Code: No vote taken; presentation for informational purposes. Council directed staff to explore an independent study on stream buffer reductions and consider further flexibility.
• Council Reports: Councilmember Adler announced Senator Cantwell selected Puyallup's DCR Program for $288,000 in federal earmark (FY2027). Councilmember Gilliam thanked 25th District legislators for capital budget funding and announced upcoming events.