Tacoma City Council Meeting - July 24, 2024: Swearing-In, Proclamations, Charter Amendments, and Key Resolutions
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Tacoma City Council Meeting - July 24, 2024
Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on July 23, 2024, but the summary uses the date provided (July 24, 2024) per the instruction. The meeting began at 5:00 PM.
The Tacoma City Council met to swear in new District 4 Councilmember Sidalge, adopt proclamations for the Power Paddle to Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey Week and Disability Pride Month, approve an $850,000 settlement, appoint committees for a fire levy lid lift, pass several purchase resolutions, authorize a multi-family tax exemption agreement, and transmit six proposed charter amendments to the November ballot. Public comment and community forum highlighted concerns about charter review, accessibility, housing, and environmental issues.
Consent Calendar
- Adopted resolutions (RES41480–RES41484) covering:
- A $1,210,287 contract with Herrera Environmental Consultants for stormwater contaminant field study.
- A $582,000 contract (potential total $970,000) with Kemira Water Solutions for wastewater treatment chemicals.
- A $312,248 increase (cumulative $735,683) with Cascadia Consulting Group for waste characterization work through December 2027.
- A $400,000 increase (cumulative $1,000,000) with Retail Lockbox Inc for a Tagro point-of-sale collection system.
- A resolution setting August 13, 2024, for a public hearing on extending a moratorium on high-impact uses in the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Sally Perkins (on Resolution 41491) criticized the council for ignoring the Charter Review Committee's work and alienating residents, citing lack of action on LNG, warehouse projects, and police accountability.
- Lori Arnold co-signed Perkins' remarks and expressed discontent with the MFTE resolution (RES41490), questioning the effectiveness of a six-unit development and the definition of "regulated rent."
- Michelle Reich (on RES41490) urged the city to require 100% pre-wiring for electric vehicles in all new developments to comply with the 2035 state mandate, estimating cost savings.
- Owen Isle X opposed proposed charter amendments allowing sale of waterfront properties to non-Metro Parks agencies, citing risks.
- Kathy Lahan (on items 8 and 15) criticized the city's handling of the South Tacoma aquifer and the contract with Wells Fargo, urging PFAS testing and divestment.
Discussion Items
- Swearing-In of Councilmember Sidalge (District 4): Administered by former Councilmember Marty Campbell. Sidalge spoke emotionally about his mother and wife, expressing eagerness to serve. Roll call: Councilmember Daniels absent; all others present.
- Proclamations:
- Power Paddle to Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey Week (July 31–August 5, 2024): Puyallup Tribal Councilmember Annette Bryan and Heritage Division Manager Connie McLeod described the event’s cultural significance and focus on youth healing, with 80–100 canoes expected.
- Disability Pride Month (July 2024): Multiple speakers from disability advocacy groups (Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities, TACID, Accessibility for All Artists Market) highlighted ongoing accessibility barriers. A wheelchair user recited a poem detailing the dangers of broken sidewalks on 12th Street, noting only three complete ramps in 1.2 miles. Councilmembers expressed commitment to further action.
- Settlement Approval (Item 11): Unanimously authorized $850,000 settlement for a claim (Brandon T. Barrett v. City of Tacoma) related to a January 16, 2021 incident involving a Tacoma Power truck.
- Appointments (RES41486): Approved after Government Performance & Finance Committee review. Appointees:
- "For" committee for Fire Department levy lid lift: Michael Fitzgerald, Connor McCarthy, Ron Stevens
- "Against" committee: Rita Andriva, Stephen Cook, Donna Walters
- Purchase Resolutions:
- RES41487 (Item 13): Awarded $3,520,400 contract (+20% contingency) to Rognlins, Inc. for Central Treatment Plant clarifier restoration.
- RES41488 (Item 14): Increased contract with Northwest Industrial Staffing by $300,000 (cumulative $2,680,000) for temporary personnel at Tacoma Dome/Convention Center through October 30, 2024.
- RES41489 (Item 15): Increased contract with Wells Fargo Bank by $1,000,000 (cumulative $3,500,000) for merchant services through March 31, 2030. City Treasurer Michael Sansusi explained the switch back to Wells Fargo after service issues with JPMorgan Chase; council noted limited options for large banking services.
- Multi-Family Tax Exemption (RES41490): Approved 12-year limited property tax exemption for Meacham Development LLC at 2418 South I Street – six units (four market-rate, two regulated-rate at 70% AMI; regulated rent $1,425/month including utilities). Total construction cost $650,000; estimated net positive fiscal impact $61,150. Councilmember Daniels noted the MFTE program is under review in GPFC. Councilmember Scott asked about construction worker wages; staff did not have data. The resolution passed with one nay (not specified).
- Charter Amendments (RES41491): Transmitted six proposed amendments to the Pierce County Auditor for the November 5, 2024 ballot. Deputy Mayor Hines announced a July 30 resolution consolidating motions for further study. Councilmember Diaz voted no, expressing disappointment that a mayor-council form of government amendment was not included. Councilmember Sidalge abstained, citing lack of prior involvement. The resolution passed. Deadline for letters of interest for for/against committees: July 26 at 3 PM. Special GPFC meeting July 29 to select committees.
Community Forum
- Heidi Stevens: Noted South Tacoma’s lowest equity index and criticized lack of policy changes for warehouse development; proposed capturing dumped drinking water for encampments and processing gray water for nitrates.
- April Smith: Thanked Councilmember Diaz for advocating form of government amendment.
- Sally Perkins: Delivered a simulation of homelessness, urging reality-based solutions.
- Teresa Evans: Congratulated new councilmember and shared walking experiences, noting poor sidewalk conditions on Fairbanks.
- Michelle Reich: Proposed zero-emissions mitigation fee to fund EV transition and down-payment assistance.
- Darren Holter: Accused city of negligence at Harrison shooting range, stating lack of maintenance documentation since 2011 and risk of lead contamination.
- Samara Lee Richardson: Expressed fear about Home in Tacoma Phase 2 density, specifically a proposed 8-unit development on their block with parking concerns.
- Kathy Lawn: Criticized management of Alberta apartments for disabled seniors and recalled a 2018 police raid; mourned journalist Matt Driscoll.
- Owen Alex: Called for action on houselessness and environmental justice, criticizing city leadership.
Key Outcomes
- Councilmember Sidalge sworn in for District 4.
- Proclamations adopted: Power Paddle to Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey Week and Disability Pride Month.
- Settlement of $850,000 approved unanimously.
- Appointments for Fire Department levy lid lift for/against committees approved.
- Purchase resolutions 41487, 41488, 41489, and 41490 adopted (RES41490 had one nay).
- Charter amendment resolution 41491 adopted (7 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstention) – six amendments placed on November 5, 2024 ballot.
- City Clerk accepting letters of interest for charter amendment for/against committees until July 26 at 3 PM.
- Economic Development Committee reported progress on economic disparity study and strategic plan update.
Meeting Transcript
She's doing this work. I'd love to like to call to order the city council meeting of July 23rd, 2024. And I will we will now move on to the swearing in for councilmember Sodalgay. And I will call on Mayor Woodards, who is joining us online. Mayor, you're on mute if you're talking to us. I was talking, sorry about that. Um, it is uh my honor tonight as we start this evening uh the ceremony for swearing in our new council member. It is my honor to join you all online this evening. Um councilmember Sidalge, we are going to be so lucky to have you as a part of the City of Tacoma family and as a part of this council, and I know that all of us are looking forward to working with you and supporting you as you now become the representative for the district four position. Um there are lots of things that make district four um very special um uh it is the east side, it is the south end. Um it really is the a reflection of what Tacoma should be and can be, and your leadership is gonna help us to continue to make sure that we are making investments in that district and that we are supporting the people of District Four in a way that I know that Councilmember Aska would be so proud. So tonight I just say congratulations and look forward to this work that we will do together and welcome you to the city council. All right, thank you, Madam Mayor. At this point in time, I will have uh councilmember Sidalge come up front along with former Tacoma City Council City Councilmember uh and current Pierce County Councilmember Marty Campbell. And then uh prior to the swearing in, Councilmember Campbell had asked if he could have a few moments to say a few things about our soon-to-be District 4 representative, Councilmember Campbell. All right, Chucky to make sure okay. Um thank you very much for applying for the seat just so proud to have you standing up for and filling in for Catherine. When I think of our city and serving our city, it's much like a big forest. And when we think of Catherine in that forest, she's truly a mighty oak. And even mighty oaks fall. But we know that from that hole in that canopy. New trees come up, and I believe in you we'll have that leadership uh to bring to the fourth district. So thank you, and it's my honor to swear you in. Go ahead and raise your right hand. I state your name. I Sunday Sidalgay. Do solemnly swear or affirm. Do solemnly swear or affirm. That I will support the constitution of the United States. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. And the cost constitution of the state of Washington. And the Constitution of the State of Washington. That I will comply with the city charter. That I will comply with the city charter. And all ordinances of the city. And all ordinances of the city. And that I will faithfully and impartially. And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of. Discharge the duties of the office of council member district number four. Councilmember District Number Four. According to law and the best of my ability. According to law and the best of my abilities. Congratulations. Okay. And at this time, Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Daniels. Absent Councilmember Diaz? Here.
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