OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - December 3, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, December 3, 2024
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 3, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of December 3rd, 2024.

0:08

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:10

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:11

Present.

0:12

Councilmember Daniels.

0:13

Councilmember Diaz.

0:15

Deputy Mayor Hines.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Rumba.

0:17

Here.

0:17

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Scott.

0:20

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Walker?

0:22

Here.

0:22

Mayor Woodards, absent.

0:25

All right.

0:25

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

0:33

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

0:41

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

1:29

Agenda modifications.

1:30

We have one agenda modification this evening.

1:32

I move to continue ordinance number two eight nine nine seven to the meeting of December 17th, 2024 at the request of staff.

1:41

Are there any council questions or comments?

1:44

All those in favor of continuing ordinance number 28997 to the meeting of December 17th, 2024, signify by saying aye.

1:51

Aye.

1:53

All those opposed, the motion is declared adopted.

1:56

Ordinance number 28997 has been continued to the meeting of December 17th.

2:00

Public comment will not be taken on this item tonight.

2:02

Are there any additional modifications to the agenda this evening?

2:05

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

2:08

We now have the consent agenda before us for consideration.

2:11

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41561 and 41562 and final reading of ordinance number two eight nine eight one.

2:21

Second.

2:21

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

2:24

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

2:28

Aye.

2:29

Those opposed signify by saying nay.

2:32

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:34

Proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements.

2:36

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

2:40

So we'll now move on to public comment.

2:41

At tonight's agenda, there are three opportunities for people to comment.

2:45

Under public comment, you could speak about motions, resolutions, and ordinances on tonight's agenda, except for ordinance number two eight nine eight one, which would for which a public hearing has already been held.

2:55

Under the public hearing, you could speak about the proposed amendments to Title 13 of the NISTL Code related to the permitting levels of service and public notice.

3:04

Under community forum, which is held at the end of the meeting, you could speak about items over which the city council has jurisdiction.

3:10

As a reminder, we will also have a transportation benefit district governing board special meeting tonight, which includes its own public comment period.

3:16

These forums are intended to give speakers the opportunity to share their viewpoints and feedback with the city council to aid in our decision making and is not meant to be a back and forth dialogue.

3:25

Your remarks should be directed to the city council and not individual staff members.

3:28

If you want to speak under public under the public comment period, please press the raise hand button near the bottom of your Zoom window or star nine on your phone now so we can see the number of people wishing to testify this evening.

3:39

If you are speaking in person, please sign up in the back of the room if you have not done so already.

3:43

Your name or the last four digits of your phone number will be called out when it's your turn to speak.

3:47

Public comment.

3:48

Clerk, we please read.

3:51

This is a time set aside for public comment.

3:53

Speakers are asked to identify the specific legislation they wish to address.

3:57

I'd like to remind everyone to please keep your comments respectful, relevant, and focused, and on topic.

4:01

We strive to provide a comment period where people can feel respected while sharing a wide variety of viewpoints and acknowledge that we may hear comments that conflict with our values.

4:08

To ensure all speakers can express their first amendment constitutional rights, we ask you to refrain from clapping, cheering, booing, or otherwise being disruptive.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████19%
Public Comment██████████████████18%
Public Finance██████████10%
Public Safety████████8%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Public Works███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Fire Department Operations████4%
Senior Services███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - December 3, 2024

The Tacoma City Council met on December 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included a consent agenda, public comments, appointments, resolutions, final readings of ordinances, first readings of the biennial budget, and a public hearing on Title 13 amendments. After a recess, the council convened as the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Governing Board to consider renewing the sales tax and approving the TBD budget. Several community members spoke on budget priorities, senior services, fire department funding, and climate action.

Consent Calendar

  • Agenda Modification: Ordinance No. 28997 (Stormwater and Wastewater Utility Rates) was continued to December 17, 2024, at staff request.
  • Consent Agenda Adopted: The consent agenda was adopted, including:
    • Minutes of various commissions and boards.
    • Resolution No. 41561: Increase and extension of contract with Republic Parking Northwest, LLC for Tacoma Dome parking services (cumulative $1,873,360).
    • Resolution No. 41562: Setting a December 17, 2024, public hearing on the sale of ~113 acres of Tacoma Water property to Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club Conservation Land Foundation for $3,490,000.
    • Ordinance No. 28981: Vacating a 16-foot-wide alley south of South 30th Street (Bradken, Inc.).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Paul Quinn (Sammamish resident): Expressed support for a “smart disposal” pilot program to improve Tacoma’s low diversion rate (21% vs. 70% goal), citing data feedback via postcards.
  • Annette A. G. (Tacoma resident): Urged prioritizing public safety (firefighters/police) over art funding in the budget.
  • Devin Reynolds Kelly (Hilltop community leader, Intentional Response Coalition): Called for full funding of the HOPE Team crisis response program to free up firefighters and expand 24/7 services, but not at the expense of firefighter positions.
  • Kathy Lahan: Expressed distrust regarding Ziply fiber transfer, opposed closure of Lighthouse and Beacon senior centers, questioned international investment tax adjustments, and criticized meeting length (lasting until 11:35 PM the prior week).
  • Lori Arnold (Clarity Consulting, District 2): Urged full funding of the HOPE Team, sharing personal experience with police response to mental health crises.
  • Jamie (Climate Alliance of the South Sound): Opposed ShotSpotter technology, arguing it overburdens fire department and leads to over-policing; supported fully funding firefighters.
  • Teresa Evans: Commented on ordinance 28991 changing the definition of farmers, clarifying it would not affect her ability to give away produce.
  • Jonathan Pottle (District 2): Stated “budgets are moral statements,” urged fully funding the HOPE Team to reduce burden on EMS and firefighters.
  • Lori Ramsdale Gilkey (Lighthouse Senior Center attendee): Opposed resolution 41568 (transition of senior services to Metro Parks), criticized the $350,000/year estimate and lack of transparency, arguing Metro Parks programs (e.g., senior kayaking) do not meet needs.
  • Sonia Pitts (Lighthouse volunteer): Asked council not to cut funding for the Lighthouse Senior Center.
  • Nathan Blackmer (District 4, therapist, former military police): Supported fully funding the HOPE Team, noting his experience responding to mental health crises as an enforcement agent; stressed need for non-police responders.
  • Dr. Janice Clark (Safe Homes founder): Opposed resolution 41568, advocated for “shelter in place” for Lighthouse and Beacon centers, and supported fully funding fire department (estimated $4.3 million).
  • Michael Whalen (UFCW Local 367, Pierce County Central Labor Council): Supported fully funding fire department and maintaining 16 rover positions.
  • Marilyn Kimmerling: Opposed closure of senior centers, arguing it breaks community; opposed cuts to fire department.
  • Bruce Doherty: Entered a document into the record opposing senior center transition, citing nutrition concerns.

Discussion Items

  • Appointments:
    • Resolution 41563: Appointed Darlene Leevey to the Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries; adopted.
    • Resolution 41564: Reappointed Colleen Barta and Dean Burke to the Greater Tacoma Regional Convention Center Public Facilities District Board; adopted.
  • Resolutions:
    • Resolution 41565: Authorized transfer of telecommunications franchise from Unite Private Networks LLC to Ziply Fiber; adopted.
    • Resolution 41566: Approved the General Government Fee Schedule; adopted.
    • Resolution 41567: Authorized $5,000 from Council Contingency Funds for the Hilltop Holiday event; adopted.
    • Resolution 41568: Authorized $30,000 from Council Contingency Funds to support transition of senior services from Lighthouse and Beacon Activity Centers to Metro Parks Tacoma facilities; adopted.
  • Final Reading of Ordinances:
    • Substitute Ordinance No. 28991: Amended B&O tax to repeal preferential rate for International Investment Management Services, remove outdated language, update farmer definition; adopted (roll call 8-0).
    • Ordinances 28993-28996, 28998-29000: Various electric, water, solid waste, and stormwater rate adjustments; all adopted on roll call votes.
  • First Reading of Ordinances:
    • Ordinance 29001: Compensation plan wage increases (3% for fire union, 2.75% non-represented, etc.); forwarded to final reading.
    • Ordinance 29002 and 29003: 2025-2026 biennial operating budget ($4.7 billion) and capital facilities program; presented with proposed amendments.
  • Budget Amendment Debate:
    • Councilmember Scott (co-sponsored by Bushnell) moved to direct the city manager to prepare budget modifications to reduce reliance on $8.9 million cash by making corresponding reductions, including $5.6 million from personnel (27 positions) and $3.3 million from programs (to be determined in January 2025), and to explore revenue options. Adopted (5-3: Bushnell, Daniels, Sidalge, Scott, Walker aye; Diaz, Rumba, Hines nay).
    • Deputy Mayor Hines moved to direct the city manager to allocate $4.2 million for the fire department rover program, offset by $5.6 million in personnel reductions and vacancy removal. Failed (vote not specified; declared failed after roll call with ayes uncertain).
  • Transportation Benefit District Governing Board (TBD) Special Meeting:
    • Resolution TBD 023: Authorized continuing a 0.1% sales tax for transportation (effective April 1, 2026). Amended to require at least 15% of annual revenue for pedestrian safety improvements (sidewalks, street lights, bulb-outs). Adopted unanimously.
    • Resolution TBD 024: Approved the 2025-2026 TBD Budget and Spending Plan ($15.7 million), including street maintenance and ADA ramps. Adopted.
  • Public Hearing – Title 13 Amendments:
    • Proposed amendments to Tacoma Municipal Code Title 13 to comply with state law (SB 5290) setting new permit processing timelines (65/100/170 days). Public hearing held; one comment (Lindsay Wills) noted inconsistency in use of “calendar days” vs. “days.” Ordinance forwarded to first reading.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Resolutions: 41561-41568 (parking, surplus, telecom transfer, fee schedule, Hilltop event, senior transition).
  • Adopted Ordinances (Final Reading): Substitute 28991; 28993-28996; 28998-29000.
  • Budget Amendment Approved: $8.9 million in reductions adopted (5-3), with $5.6 million in personnel cuts and directive to identify further reductions and revenue strategies in January 2025.
  • Fire Department Amendment Rejected: $4.2 million for rover program failed.
  • TBD Sales Tax Renewal Approved: Resolution TBD 023 adopted with 15% pedestrian safety set-aside; TBD budget adopted.
  • Public Hearing Completed: Title 13 amendments will proceed to first reading.
  • Community Forum: Speakers addressed budget priorities, climate commission (demanding authoritative powers), decriminalization of psychedelics, and homeless encampments.
  • Next Steps: Final readings for ordinances 29001-29003 and Title 13 amendments scheduled for future meetings; budget discussions to continue in January 2025.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of December 3rd, 2024. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Daniels. Councilmember Diaz. Deputy Mayor Hines. Here. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgay. Here. 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 Daniels, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piala 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. Agenda modifications. We have one agenda modification this evening. I move to continue ordinance number two eight nine nine seven to the meeting of December 17th, 2024 at the request of staff. Are there any council questions or comments? All those in favor of continuing ordinance number 28997 to the meeting of December 17th, 2024, signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, the motion is declared adopted. Ordinance number 28997 has been continued to the meeting of December 17th. Public comment will not be taken on this item tonight. Are there any additional modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we'll now move on to consent agenda. We now have the consent agenda before us for consideration. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41561 and 41562 and final reading of ordinance number two eight nine eight one. Second. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections to the consent agenda? All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed signify by saying nay. Consent agenda is declared adopted. Proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements. There are no proclamations recognitions, presentations or announcements this evening. So we'll now move on to public comment. At tonight's agenda, there are three opportunities for people to comment. Under public comment, you could speak about motions, resolutions, and ordinances on tonight's agenda, except for ordinance number two eight nine eight one, which would for which a public hearing has already been held. Under the public hearing, you could speak about the proposed amendments to Title 13 of the NISTL Code related to the permitting levels of service and public notice. Under community forum, which is held at the end of the meeting, you could speak about items over which the city council has jurisdiction. As a reminder, we will also have a transportation benefit district governing board special meeting tonight, which includes its own public comment period. These forums are intended to give speakers the opportunity to share their viewpoints and feedback with the city council to aid in our decision making and is not meant to be a back and forth dialogue. Your remarks should be directed to the city council and not individual staff members.

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