OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - September 24, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, September 24, 2024
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 24, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

I'd like to call the order the city council meeting of September 24th, 2024.

0:13

Clerk, you please call the roll.

0:14

Councilmember Blushnell.

0:16

Present.

0:16

Councilmember Daniels.

0:19

Absent Councilmember Diaz.

0:21

Here.

0:22

Deputy Mayor Hines.

0:23

Here.

0:23

Councilmember Rumba.

0:25

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:27

Councilmember Scott?

0:28

Here.

0:29

Councilmember Walker.

0:30

Here.

0:31

Mayor Woodards?

0:33

Absent.

0:36

All right.

0:37

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

0:44

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

0:52

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

1:27

I'm nodding yes.

1:29

I'm not the moving on to agenda modifications.

1:42

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:46

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

1:49

Move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41527.

1:53

Second.

1:54

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

1:57

All those in favor of adopting consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

2:01

Aye.

2:02

All those opposed, the consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:06

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements.

2:28

Whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living, working, and visiting our city, and Tacoma's first responders are dedicated to reducing home fires and related injuries through prevention and protection education.

2:41

And whereas the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, smoke alarms, make them work for you, reminds us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home, and whereas advance warnings from a smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in your home fire in your home by fire by 54%, by allowing more time to escape safely when you may have as little as two minutes.

3:03

And whereas smoke alarms should be in every sleeping room outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home to meet the needs of all their household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities, and smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.

3:18

And whereas, because every second counts in a home fire, the National Fire Protection Agency also encourages all households to have a planned and practice fire escape plan.

3:27

Now, therefore, I, John Hines, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the mayor and the city council do hereby proclaim October 6th through the 12th, 2024 as fire prevention week in the city of Tacoma, and urge all residents to make sure their homes have a working smoke alarms and support the public safety activities and efforts of Tacoma's fire and emergency services.

3:47

Let's give them a round of applause.

3:53

All right.

3:54

Chief, any comments?

3:56

Yes, thank you, Deputy Mayor and Council, for your continued support.

3:59

Uh prevention awareness week every or fire prevention week every year.

4:04

Um and I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to our fire station open houses that will be on October 19th.

4:11

There will be six stations, one at least one per district, and two on McKinley.

4:15

Uh so we could make a really fun day of it if the um parade um is approved.

4:20

Um and there will be um station tours, uh, fire prevention materials, some fun stuff for the kiddos.

4:26

Um, obviously, our engines and our equipment will be out, and then it'll be an opportunity for anybody who still has any questions about the upcoming fire levy for us to answer those for you.

4:35

Um so without further ado, I'd like you to introduce you to Kelly McCallum, he's a firefighter that's currently working at the fire prevention division.

4:44

Good evening, Deputy Mayor Hines and Council members.

4:47

This year's fire prevention week highlights a critical role in smoke alarms saving lives.

4:54

As a reminder, smoke alarms should be installed in every level of your home in bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

5:02

Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button and replace your smoke alarms every 10 years or when not properly responding to a test.

5:14

And ensuring uh every home has a smoke alarm that's working well will greatly reduce the risk of tragedy in our community.

5:22

Thank you for your committed commitment to fire safety.

5:31

Thank you.

5:32

Are there any council questions or comments?

5:34

And I see Council Mursa Delgay.

5:35

I just have a quick question.

5:36

I missed the date.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing█████████████████████21%
Public Comment███████████████████19%
Zoning And Land Use██████████████14%
Tree Preservation██████████10%
Procedural███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Domestic Violence Awareness██████6%
Climate Change████4%
Environmental Protection███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - September 24, 2024

The Tacoma City Council met on September 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM to address a consent agenda, proclamations, public comment on an initiative, appointments, ordinances, and a lengthy public hearing on the Home in Tacoma Phase 2 zoning package. The meeting also included a community forum. Councilmembers present: Blushnell, Diaz, Hines, Rumba, Scott, Walker. Absent: Daniels, Woodards. Deputy Mayor Hines presided.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted the consent agenda, including Resolution 41527, unanimously.

Proclamations, Recognitions, Presentations, and Announcements

  • Fire Prevention Week: Proclaimed October 6–12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week. Highlighted that working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%. Fire station open houses scheduled for October 19, 2024, 1–3 PM.
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Proclaimed October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Speakers from Korean Women's Association, YWCA, and Pierce County Coalition noted that nearly 42% of Washington women and 30% of Washington men experience intimate partner violence, stalking, or rape in their lifetimes. Only two domestic violence shelters exist in Pierce County. Emphasized need for more shelter space, legal services, and prevention.
  • Metropolitan Development Council 60th Anniversary: Recognized MDC for 60 years of service, including assisting over 13,000 individuals annually, helping 5,500 with energy assistance, and providing withdrawal management services.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Resolution 41529 (Opposing Initiative 2117): Multiple speakers (Kirk Hovenkotter, Melissa Malott, Eric Burstbecker, Marilyn Kimmerling, Michelle Reich, Laura Swansarick, Larry Levine, Gemini, Kathy Lahan) expressed support for the resolution. They argued that Initiative 2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, cutting funding for free youth transit, transit operations, trails, clean energy, and climate resilience projects. Specific concerns included loss of $1.9 million for Tacoma's energy assistance, a $60 million hole in Pierce Transit's budget, and impacts on the Tacoma to Puyallup Trail and electric boat development.
  • On Home in Tacoma Public Hearing: 44 in-person and 11 online speakers provided testimony. Supporters (e.g., Chris Carnes, Rob Cradle, Lowell Wise, Adria Buchanan) cited benefits of increased density, tree canopy requirements, reduced parking, and transit-oriented development. Opponents (e.g., Janice Fixie, Heidi Stevens, Susan Hayami, Alton McDonald) raised concerns about loss of neighborhood character, insufficient parking, impact on tree canopy, lack of truly affordable units, and exceeding state mandates. A petition with over 2,471 signatures requested stronger tree protections. Speakers also highlighted the need to balance housing with tree canopy and infrastructure improvements.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41528 – Appointments to Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities: Councilmember Rumba reported that the Community Vitality and Safety Committee recommended appointments of Chatone Martin, Carletta Skinner, Lucas Barfield, and Wanda McRae. Adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41529 – Opposition to Initiative 2117: Councilmember Walker introduced the resolution, noting that the initiative would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, which funds clean transportation, climate resilience, and the Tacoma Power Credit. Co-sponsors Deputy Mayor Hines and Councilmember Diaz expressed support. Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 28980 – Tower Crane Code: Final reading of an ordinance amending Title 2 of the Municipal Code to add a Tower Crane Code and comply with state law effective January 1, 2025. Passed unanimously.
  • Home in Tacoma Phase 2 Zoning and Standards Package: Brian Boudet from Planning and Development Services presented an overview of the Planning Commission's recommendation. Key elements include: creating three urban residential zones (UR1, UR2, UR3) with increased density (4-16 units per lot), reduced parking requirements near transit, tree preservation and planting requirements, density bonuses for affordable housing and preservation of existing structures, and design standards. The public hearing was held, and the council will discuss potential amendments at study sessions on October 8 and October 22, with first reading October 29 and final vote November 19.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted consent agenda.
  • Proclaimed Fire Prevention Week, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and recognized MDC's 60th anniversary.
  • Adopted Resolution 41528 (appointments to Disabilities Commission).
  • Adopted Resolution 41529 (opposing Initiative 2117).
  • Passed Ordinance 28980 (Tower Crane Code).
  • Closed public hearing on Home in Tacoma; future study sessions scheduled.
  • Excused Mayor Woodards from the meeting.
  • Adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call the order the city council meeting of September 24th, 2024. Clerk, you please call the roll. Councilmember Blushnell. Present. Councilmember Daniels. Absent Councilmember Diaz. Here. Deputy Mayor Hines. Here. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards? Absent. All right. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Scott, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puala people where they make their home and speak the Lachute seed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. I'm nodding yes. I'm not the moving on to agenda modifications. Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we'll now move on to consent agenda. Move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41527. Second. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections to the consent agenda? All those in favor of adopting consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, the consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements. Whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living, working, and visiting our city, and Tacoma's first responders are dedicated to reducing home fires and related injuries through prevention and protection education. And whereas the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, smoke alarms, make them work for you, reminds us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home, and whereas advance warnings from a smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in your home fire in your home by fire by 54%, by allowing more time to escape safely when you may have as little as two minutes. And whereas smoke alarms should be in every sleeping room outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home to meet the needs of all their household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities, and smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month. And whereas, because every second counts in a home fire, the National Fire Protection Agency also encourages all households to have a planned and practice fire escape plan. Now, therefore, I, John Hines, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the mayor and the city council do hereby proclaim October 6th through the 12th, 2024 as fire prevention week in the city of Tacoma, and urge all residents to make sure their homes have a working smoke alarms and support the public safety activities and efforts of Tacoma's fire and emergency services. Let's give them a round of applause. All right. Chief, any comments? Yes, thank you, Deputy Mayor and Council, for your continued support. Uh prevention awareness week every or fire prevention week every year. Um and I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to our fire station open houses that will be on October 19th. There will be six stations, one at least one per district, and two on McKinley. Uh so we could make a really fun day of it if the um parade um is approved. Um and there will be um station tours, uh, fire prevention materials, some fun stuff for the kiddos. Um, obviously, our engines and our equipment will be out, and then it'll be an opportunity for anybody who still has any questions about the upcoming fire levy for us to answer those for you. Um so without further ado, I'd like you to introduce you to Kelly McCallum, he's a firefighter that's currently working at the fire prevention division. Good evening, Deputy Mayor Hines and Council members.

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