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Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - July 30, 2024: Charter Amendments, Parking, and Public Hearings

City Council — Tuesday, July 30, 2024
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 30, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

All right.

0:06

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of July 30th, 2024.

0:11

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:13

Councilmember Bushnell?

0:14

Present.

0:14

Councilmember Daniels.

0:16

Councilmember Diaz.

0:17

Here.

0:18

Deputy Mayor Hines.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Rumbaugh?

0:20

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Sidalga?

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Scott?

0:23

Here.

0:24

Councilmember Walker?

0:25

Here.

0:25

And Mayor Woodards.

0:27

Here.

0:28

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

0:38

Tonight, we remember Matt Driscoll, a cherished voice in our community, a devoted family man, and a passionate advocate for the people of Tacoma and Pierce County.

0:50

Matt's unexpected passing at the age of 43 has left a profound void in our lives and in the heart of our community.

0:59

As a journalist and opinion editor at the news tribune, Matt was a beacon of empathy, courage, and integrity.

1:08

He used his platform to amplify the voices of the underdogs, bringing attention to stories that might otherwise be overlooked.

1:16

His writing was not only informative but also transformative, encouraging us to see the world from different perspectives and to engage in thoughtful dialogue.

1:27

Matt's dedication to journalism was only matched by his love for his family and his community.

1:34

He was a devoted husband to Jennifer and a loving father to Lily, August, and Alice.

1:41

His commitment to his family was evident in every facet of his life, as was his enthusiasm for his beloved Tacoma.

1:50

Matt's humor and compassion were unparalleled.

1:54

His colleagues remember him as a welcoming and generous president presence in the newsroom.

1:59

Always ready with a kind word or a joke to lift someone's spirits.

2:04

He was never too busy to lend an ear or offer support, embodying the values of community and kindness that he that he championed in his work.

2:14

We stand here united in our grief, but also in gratitude for having known someone like Matt.

2:22

Let us take a moment of silence to honor his memory, reflect on his contributions, and acknowledge the indelible impact he has made on our lives and on our community.

2:33

As I was reading some of the articles about Matt, people tell you don't ever read the comments in a news article.

2:43

But this time I just wanted to read.

3:28

Tacoma has really lost a treasure in Matt, and he will be deeply missed.

3:34

On behalf of this council and all the residents of the city of Tacoma, I want to extend my heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and to this community who has really lost a huge advocate.

3:57

With that, I will turn it over to Councilmember Scott.

4:04

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

4:12

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

5:15

All right.

5:16

Agenda modifications.

5:18

We have two agenda modifications on tonight's agenda.

5:21

For item nine, resolution number four one four nine five, a motion to revise the date of the public hearing on the home and Tacoma zoning and standards package has has been moved to September 24th, 2024.

5:34

For item 11, resolution number 41496, a motion to consider a substitute resolution to insert the names of the individuals being appointed to the for and against committees for the proposed charter city charter amendments.

5:58

All right.

5:59

Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda.

6:01

We now have the consent agenda before us for consideration.

6:04

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one four nine two through four one four nine five.

6:10

Second.

6:21

All right, resolution number four one four nine five will now be considered under the regular agenda after item number eleven.

6:29

Are there any other questions, comments, or corrections?

6:32

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

6:38

Aye.

6:38

All those opposed, the consent agenda is declared adopted.

6:42

There are no proclamations, recognitions, presentations, or announcements this evening.

6:46

So we will move into public comment.

6:49

On tonight's agenda, there is one opportunity for people to comment.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment██████████████████████████████30%
Procedural█████████████13%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Government Structure Reform████████8%
Parking Management███████7%
Zoning And Land Use█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Public Works█████5%
Public Transportation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - July 30, 2024

The Tacoma City Council met on July 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a moment of silence for journalist Matt Driscoll, adoption of consent agenda items, public comments on charter amendments and police accountability, appointments to for/against committees for ballot measure statements, a public hearing date change for the Home in Tacoma zoning package, consolidation of non-ballot charter recommendations, and a first reading of traffic code amendments on digital payments, permit parking, and bike lane obstructions.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution No. 41492 (FI24-0065F): Awarded a contract to Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. for $717,500 (plus taxes) for insurance brokerage services over five years, budgeted from General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities Self Insurance funds.
  • Resolution No. 41493 (ES23-0147F): Awarded a contract to Ball and Son Excavation, LLC for $573,300 (plus taxes) for on-call hauling of organic material over five years, budgeted from Wastewater and Stormwater funds.
  • Resolution No. 41494 (PW24-0070F): Awarded a contract to General Mechanical, Inc. for $1,399,571 (plus taxes and 4% contingency, total $1,455,553.84) for installation of a vertical asphalt oil storage tank, budgeted from Transportation Capital and Engineering Fund.
  • Resolution No. 41495 (originally on consent) was moved to the regular agenda for amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mary Chris Castro and Connor Hamm (students) expressed support for removing the citizenship requirement for city employment and for creating a climate change committee, urging stronger city action on climate.
  • Latasha Palmer (District 3) commented on Resolution 41497: supported aspects but urged revisions, including more frequent updates on police accountability, climate commission monitoring, and focused study of ranked-choice voting and campaign finance. She expressed concern about fiscal notes overreach.
  • Barb Church (Northeast Tacoma) urged the council to provide a clear timeline and transparency for police accountability reform, citing long-standing public demand and skepticism after past failures.
  • Michelle Reich spoke on the Model Traffic Ordinance (Item 13), requesting that permit parking provisions allow EV charging stations in city right-of-way for residents without home charging access.
  • Sally Perkins (District 3) requested amendment to Resolution 41497, Section 1D: replace language with a specific timeline for negotiations with Local 6 on strengthened independent police oversight, with published meeting dates and a June 30, 2025 deadline for council action. She also urged renegotiating the CBA subordination clause.
  • Rebecca Stith (District 2) joined earlier speakers in urging reconsideration of the police accountability language, warning of “déjà vu” from past unfulfilled commitments and calling for high expectations.
  • Sam Raleigh Richardson (South Tacoma Neighborhood Council) opposed the Home in Tacoma zoning package, citing fears of overcrowding, strain on infrastructure, and devaluation of existing residents’ voices. He specifically referenced concerns about a proposed development at 6645 South Prospect Street.

Appointments to For/Against Committees (Item 11)

A substitute resolution (41496) was adopted appointing individuals to prepare ballot pamphlet statements for proposed charter amendments (1–6) for the November 5, 2024 special municipal election. Appointments included:

  • Amendment 1 (Equitable Access): For committee: Mary Chris Castro, Teresa Evans, Rebecca Stith.
  • Amendment 2 (Required Council Meetings): For: Mary Chris Castro.
  • Amendment 3 (Sale/Transfer of Waterfront Property): For: Aaron Pointer, Tim Reed, Andrea Smith; Against: Mary Chris Castro, Heidi Stevens.
  • Amendment 4 (Council Member Duties/Authority): For: Nicholas Carr, Jason Gothier, Rebecca Stith; Against: Kathy Irwin.
  • Amendment 5 (Planning Commission Composition): For: Mary Chris Castro.
  • Amendment 6 (Term Limits): For: Mary Chris Castro; Against: Donna Walters, Kathy Irwin. Deputy Mayor Hines noted that where no applications were received (three against committees), the county auditor may attempt to fill vacancies.

Public Hearing Date Change for Home in Tacoma (Item 9)

Resolution 41495 was amended to move the public hearing on the Home in Tacoma Zoning and Standards Package from August 27, 2024 to September 24, 2024, no earlier than 5:15 PM. Deputy Mayor Hines explained the change aimed to increase public participation after Labor Day. Staff confirmed the February 1, 2025 effective date could still be met by compressing subsequent timelines. The amended resolution was adopted.

Consolidation of Non-Ballot Charter Recommendations (Item 12)

Resolution 41497 was adopted, consolidating and clarifying council recommendations for charter and municipal code amendments not placed on the November ballot. Key directives:

  • Police Accountability: Council liaison (Mayor Woodards) will work with CPAC and Local 6; initial meeting scheduled. Goal to have a proposal ready for bargaining by end of 2025. Quarterly updates promised.
  • Charter Review Timeline: To be developed by ordinance/rules, not charter amendment, with a framework by 2025.
  • Other items (climate commission, landmarks commission, referendum changes, ranked-choice voting, campaign finance, fiscal notes) referred to committees (IPS, GPF, CVS) with reports due by end of 2024 and quarterly thereafter.
  • Caste Discrimination: City manager directed to review current ordinances for potential action in Community Vitality and Safety Committee. Councilmember Walker confirmed IPS will take up climate and landmarks commissions on August 28. Deputy Mayor Hines confirmed GPF will schedule the remaining items.

First Reading: Model Traffic Ordinance Amendments (Item 13)

Ordinance 28974 was introduced to amend Chapter 11.05 of the Tacoma Municipal Code. Key provisions:

  • Explicitly authorize digital payment options (pay-by-plate and mobile apps) for on-street metered parking.
  • Grant the City Traffic Engineer authority to create permit-only parking zones in commercial and mixed-use areas (expanding beyond residential permit program).
  • Establish new violations for obstructing bike lanes or paths (Section 11.05.246) and for parking in permit-only zones without a permit (Section 11.05.255). Eric Huseby (Public Works) presented the package, noting it had received a unanimous do-pass recommendation from the IPS committee in April. The ordinance was set over for final reading on August 6, 2024.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (resolutions 41492–41494) adopted unanimously.
  • Substitute Resolution 41496 (appointments to for/against committees) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41495 amended to set public hearing on Home in Tacoma on September 24, 2024; adopted.
  • Resolution 41497 (consolidating non-ballot charter recommendations) adopted unanimously after discussion.
  • Ordinance 28974 (Model Traffic Ordinance amendments) received first reading; final reading scheduled for August 6, 2024.
  • Council committee reports noted: CVS next meeting August 22; IPS to address climate and landmarks commissions August 28.
  • Upcoming: City will install two DC fast chargers and additional level-2 chargers downtown (64 total Level-2, 4 DC fast).

Meeting Transcript

All right. I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of July 30th, 2024. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell? Present. Councilmember Daniels. Councilmember Diaz. Here. Deputy Mayor Hines. Here. Councilmember Rumbaugh? Here. Councilmember Sidalga? Here. Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker? Here. And Mayor Woodards. Here. Please join me listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Scott, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Matt Driscoll. Tonight, we remember Matt Driscoll, a cherished voice in our community, a devoted family man, and a passionate advocate for the people of Tacoma and Pierce County. Matt's unexpected passing at the age of 43 has left a profound void in our lives and in the heart of our community. As a journalist and opinion editor at the news tribune, Matt was a beacon of empathy, courage, and integrity. He used his platform to amplify the voices of the underdogs, bringing attention to stories that might otherwise be overlooked. His writing was not only informative but also transformative, encouraging us to see the world from different perspectives and to engage in thoughtful dialogue. Matt's dedication to journalism was only matched by his love for his family and his community. He was a devoted husband to Jennifer and a loving father to Lily, August, and Alice. His commitment to his family was evident in every facet of his life, as was his enthusiasm for his beloved Tacoma. Matt's humor and compassion were unparalleled. His colleagues remember him as a welcoming and generous president presence in the newsroom. Always ready with a kind word or a joke to lift someone's spirits. He was never too busy to lend an ear or offer support, embodying the values of community and kindness that he that he championed in his work. We stand here united in our grief, but also in gratitude for having known someone like Matt. Let us take a moment of silence to honor his memory, reflect on his contributions, and acknowledge the indelible impact he has made on our lives and on our community. As I was reading some of the articles about Matt, people tell you don't ever read the comments in a news article. But this time I just wanted to read. Tacoma has really lost a treasure in Matt, and he will be deeply missed. On behalf of this council and all the residents of the city of Tacoma, I want to extend my heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and to this community who has really lost a huge advocate. With that, I will turn it over to Councilmember Scott. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puala 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. All right. Agenda modifications. We have two agenda modifications on tonight's agenda. For item nine, resolution number four one four nine five, a motion to revise the date of the public hearing on the home and Tacoma zoning and standards package has has been moved to September 24th, 2024. For item 11, resolution number 41496, a motion to consider a substitute resolution to insert the names of the individuals being appointed to the for and against committees for the proposed charter city charter amendments. All right. Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. We now have the consent agenda before us for consideration.

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