OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting: Pride, Youth, Charter, District 4 - July 2, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, July 2, 2024
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 2, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of July 2nd, 2024.

0:09

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:12

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:13

Present.

0:14

Councilmember Daniels.

0:21

Councilmember Diaz.

0:23

Here.

0:24

Deputy Mayor Hines.

0:25

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Rumba.

0:27

Here.

0:28

Councilmember Scott.

0:29

Here.

0:30

Councilmember Walker.

0:32

Here.

0:33

Mayor Woodards.

0:41

Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and the flag salute led by Councilmember Bushnell, followed by a moment of silence.

0:50

We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piwala people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language.

0:57

Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence.

1:05

I pledge allegiance.

1:10

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all agenda modifications.

1:59

Are there any modifications to the agenda?

2:02

Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda.

2:05

I move to adopt the consent agenda.

2:07

Second.

2:08

Are there any questions, comments, or corrections to the consent agenda?

2:11

Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

2:16

Aye.

2:16

All those opposed.

2:19

The ayes have it, the consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:23

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations.

2:27

For the Pride Month Proclamation, I would like to invite the following individuals to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:34

Matthew Wilson, Executive Director of OASIS Youth Center, Mary Eversall, Interim Direct Interim Executive Director of the Rainbow Center, Lee McCullen, Queer City Collective and Local Drag Arts Artist, and Delay Delight and Dayla Delight.

2:54

And if there's anybody else who is here this evening whose name I did not call, please come forward.

3:05

All right, and while I'm reading, you all can decide in which order you're going to speak.

3:11

All right.

3:12

Whereas in Tacoma, contributions by our diverse communities enrich our city and strengthen our values to ensure that everyone's identity and right to live freely as their authentic selves are valued, respected, and celebrated.

3:28

And whereas we are proud to have an affinity group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transgender questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirited city employees, the queer collective that builds a stronger and more welcoming community and serves as an invaluable resource and support system for its members.

3:49

And whereas LGBTQIA 2S Plus communities are an integral part and a vibrant part of Tacoma's economic, artistic, and social environments.

4:01

And as the city of destiny, we affirm that no matter what month it is, we proudly celebrate our communities' families and especially our chosen families that collectively help each other express their full charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.

4:18

And whereas designated Pride Months commemorate the Stonewall riots, a series of demonstrations led by black and brown trans women occurring in June of 1969, and generally recognized recognized as a catalyst of LGBTQIA2S plus civil rights movements in the United States.

4:41

And whereas we affirm our rejection of all forms of violence and discrimination and our dedication to the safety and inclusion of our LGBTQIA2S Plus community, and we recommit to ensuring messages of love and acceptance are louder than those of hate and division, especially for our powerful and inspiring queer and questioning new youth.

5:08

And whereas we encourage everyone to join the 10th annual Tacoma Pride Festival, the Pride's Awards ceremony, and many more citywide opportunities to support, celebrate, and learn more about Pride Month.

5:23

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

5:26

Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and the 220,000 residents who call Tacoma home.

5:35

Do hereby proclaim July 2024 as LGBTQIS2S, Pride Month in the City of Tacoma, as we declare to all the queer and questioning members of our community that your voice matters, your perspective matters, and you matter.

5:57

You are very much loved by our city, and your city city stands with pride alongside of you.

6:03

Please join me in a round of applause.

6:23

All right, did you guys decide who's gonna go first?

6:28

Hi, I'm uh Dace Nixba.

6:30

I'm the vice president of uh the Rainbow Center board.

6:33

So in 2018, my husband and I relocated here from Chicago to Tacoma.

6:38

Initially uncertain about our lives as living as an openly gay men in a smaller city.

6:43

We discovered a vibrant community that we now cherish.

6:47

Here the city and its community celebrate pride, recognizing that the fight for equality persists.

6:54

Pride events serve as a testament to our collective resolve.

6:58

The historic Stonewall riots ignited the LGBTQ IA2S plus movement, but our commitment endures daily.

7:06

The Rainbow Center stands as a beacon driving change and hosting what I believe to be the best pride celebration in the state of Washington.

7:14

Today I express gratitude to those working timelessly to prepare this celebration, Mary and Mary.

7:19

Let's also honor those who pave the way and inspire future generations with a simple truth.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████22%
Government Structure Reform██████████████14%
Public Comment███████████11%
Charter Review███████████11%
Transgender Rights█████████9%
Public Safety███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Youth Programs█████5%
Homelessness████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting: Pride, Youth, Charter, District 4 - July 2, 2024

The Tacoma City Council met on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at a special location (Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium) to address a full agenda. Key items included a Proclamation declaring July as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month, receiving the annual report from the Mayor's Youth Commission, conducting a public hearing on proposed City Charter amendments, approving a $1.5 million loan for the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center facility expansion, increasing a contract for homeless encampment cleanup, ratifying labor agreements, and nominating six finalists for the vacant District No. 4 council seat.

Call to Order, Flag Salute, and Moment of Silence

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Victoria Woodards at 5:00 PM. The invocation included a land acknowledgement honoring the Puyallup people.

Proclamations and Recognitions

  • Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor Woodards read the proclamation declaring July 2024 as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month. Representatives from Oasis Youth Center (Matthew Wilson, Wayne Rouser), Rainbow Center, Queer City Collective (Lee McCullen), and drag artist Delilah Delight spoke, thanking the council for its support while highlighting ongoing challenges, including hateful comments on city social media. They called on allies to actively counter hate with joy. Councilmembers and Mayor Woodards expressed strong support, with the Mayor challenging everyone to become "accomplices" rather than mere "allies" for the queer community.
  • Mayor's Youth Commission Annual Report: D'Angelo Baker (Management Fellow) and Vice Chair Theo Weigel presented the 2023-2024 report. Highlights included a teen mental health certification, attendance at the National League of Cities conference, a Youth Summit, and direct engagement with the Mayor and Council. The full report was filed with the City Clerk.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda, including the minutes of the Public Utility Board (May 22), the Tacoma Arts Commission (May 13), and payroll/payments totaling $53,084,147.58, was adopted unanimously.

Public Comments (General)

  • Support for Resolution 41461 (Multicultural Center): Multiple speakers (Rashi Wortham, Sierra Ozulin, Sherry Walker, Stacy Moyo, Gail Neal, Kaylin Smith) shared personal stories of how the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center provided essential support, parenting classes, child care, and job assistance, urging the council to approve the $1.5 million loan for a new facility.
  • Concerns over Resolution 41458 (Cleanup Contract): Speakers Sean Arndt and Kathy Lahan questioned the $2.4 million increase for homeless encampment mitigation by Green Earthworks, asking for reassurances it would not be used to terrorize unhoused people in light of the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision.

Regular Agenda Actions

Appointments:

  • Item 7: Youth Commission Leadership Team (RES41457): The council confirmed the incoming leadership team for the Youth Commission. Resolution adopted.

Purchase Resolutions:

  • Item 8: Homeless Encampment Mitigation Contract (RES41458): Finance Director Andy Cherullo and staff clarified that the contract is strictly for debris and hazardous waste cleanup after encampments are vacated, not for "sweeps". The contract was increased to provide continuous service while a new Request for Proposals (RFP) is developed. Resolution adopted.

Resolutions and Ordinances (Labor):

  • Items 9, 10, 13: Labor Agreements (RES41459, RES41460, ORD28973 First Reading): The council adopted a three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Professional Public Safety Management Association (covering 10 FTEs, with wage increases of 6.5% for police and 4.5% for fire classifications in 2024). They also authorized a Letter of Agreement with Tacoma Firefighters Union Local 31 to create a new Fire Marshal classification. The implementing ordinance was read for the first time and set over for final reading.

Resolutions (Community Development):

  • Item 11: Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center Financing (RES41461): The council unanimously approved a $1.5 million loan from the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Fund for the Hope Center's new facility. The 32,000-square-foot project will serve 326 early learners and employ 186 staff. Councilmembers highlighted the critical need for affordable child care and the center's comprehensive services, which go beyond daycare to include family support and homeless prevention.

Ordinances:

  • Item 12: Non-Represented Compensation Plan (ORD28972): Final reading. Passed unanimously.

Public Hearing: City Charter Amendments (Item 14)

  • Sonia Hallam (Chief Government Affairs Officer) presented the Charter Review Committee (CRC) recommendations and the council's proposed amendments. Issues covered included term limits, making the council full-time with independent staff, establishing a climate commission, direct inquiries of staff, hiring/removal of the city attorney, the form of government (Council-Manager vs. Mayor-Council), amendments regarding TPU board, planning commission, waterfront property, initiative fiscal notes, and replacing the word "citizen".
  • Over 25 speakers and 23 written comments were received during the public hearing. The overwhelming majority of speakers urged the council to place all CRC recommendations on the November ballot.
  • Key demands from the public included:
    • Changing the form of government to a Mayor-Council system to increase democratic accountability.
    • Including a police accountability/oversight commission in the ballot.
    • Establishing a climate and sustainability commission in the charter.
    • Concerns about the fiscal note requirement for citizen initiatives and the amendment allowing sale of waterfront property.
    • Making the council a full-time position with independent policy staff.
  • The public hearing was closed. Further comment is accepted until the final vote on July 16.

District No. 4 Vacancy: Finalists Nominated (Item 15)

  • The council initiated the selection process to fill the seat vacated by the late Councilmember Catherine Ushka.
  • Late Application: The council voted 6-3 to suspend rules and allow Rick Talbert's late application to be considered.
  • Final Six Finalists: The clerk tallied the votes. The selected finalists are Jasmine Brown, Salong Chun, Justin Everman, Sandesh Sadalge, Steven Womback, and Rick Talbert. Each will receive a 15-minute interview on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Adjournment and Mayor's Remarks

  • Mayor Woodards adjourned the meeting. She reminded the public that personal fireworks are illegal within Tacoma city limits and urged residents to attend the official "Summer Blast" fireworks display at Dune Peninsula and Ruston Way.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of July 2nd, 2024. Clerk, please call the roll. Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Daniels. Councilmember Diaz. Here. Deputy Mayor Hines. Here. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Scott. Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and the flag salute led by Councilmember Bushnell, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piwala people where they make their home and speak the Lashutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all agenda modifications. Are there any modifications to the agenda? Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda. Second. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections to the consent agenda? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed. The ayes have it, the consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations. For the Pride Month Proclamation, I would like to invite the following individuals to the podium as I read the proclamation. Matthew Wilson, Executive Director of OASIS Youth Center, Mary Eversall, Interim Direct Interim Executive Director of the Rainbow Center, Lee McCullen, Queer City Collective and Local Drag Arts Artist, and Delay Delight and Dayla Delight. And if there's anybody else who is here this evening whose name I did not call, please come forward. All right, and while I'm reading, you all can decide in which order you're going to speak. All right. Whereas in Tacoma, contributions by our diverse communities enrich our city and strengthen our values to ensure that everyone's identity and right to live freely as their authentic selves are valued, respected, and celebrated. And whereas we are proud to have an affinity group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transgender questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirited city employees, the queer collective that builds a stronger and more welcoming community and serves as an invaluable resource and support system for its members. And whereas LGBTQIA 2S Plus communities are an integral part and a vibrant part of Tacoma's economic, artistic, and social environments. And as the city of destiny, we affirm that no matter what month it is, we proudly celebrate our communities' families and especially our chosen families that collectively help each other express their full charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. And whereas designated Pride Months commemorate the Stonewall riots, a series of demonstrations led by black and brown trans women occurring in June of 1969, and generally recognized recognized as a catalyst of LGBTQIA2S plus civil rights movements in the United States. And whereas we affirm our rejection of all forms of violence and discrimination and our dedication to the safety and inclusion of our LGBTQIA2S Plus community, and we recommit to ensuring messages of love and acceptance are louder than those of hate and division, especially for our powerful and inspiring queer and questioning new youth. And whereas we encourage everyone to join the 10th annual Tacoma Pride Festival, the Pride's Awards ceremony, and many more citywide opportunities to support, celebrate, and learn more about Pride Month. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R. Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and the 220,000 residents who call Tacoma home. Do hereby proclaim July 2024 as LGBTQIS2S, Pride Month in the City of Tacoma, as we declare to all the queer and questioning members of our community that your voice matters, your perspective matters, and you matter. You are very much loved by our city, and your city city stands with pride alongside of you. Please join me in a round of applause. All right, did you guys decide who's gonna go first? Hi, I'm uh Dace Nixba.

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