OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - January 28, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, January 28, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, January 28, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

I would like to call the order.

0:08

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of January 28th, 2025.

0:12

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:14

Councilmember Bushnell?

0:15

Present.

0:16

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:17

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Diaz.

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Hines?

0:21

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Rumba?

0:24

Absent.

0:25

Councilmember Sidalga?

0:26

Here.

0:27

Councilmember Scott?

0:28

Here.

0:28

Councilmember Walker?

0:30

Here.

0:30

Mayor Woodards.

0:31

Absent?

0:33

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

0:41

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

0:48

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

1:41

Starting with agenda modifications, are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:47

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

1:50

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

1:56

Second.

1:57

Are there any comments, questions, or any corrections?

2:02

All right.

2:02

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

2:06

Aye.

2:06

All those opposed, signify by saying nay.

2:09

The consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:13

Okay, we have two ceremonials on our agenda tonight.

2:17

Um and the first ceremonial for the first one, um, which is lunar new year proclamation, I would love to bring up Lua Pritchard, the executive director of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, and Dr.

2:35

Dr.

2:35

Belinda Lewis, the vice president of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and family.

2:48

Okay, and Councilmember Sidalga is going to read this proclamation.

2:53

Thank you, thank you, Deputy Mayor.

2:57

Whereas Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people globally, predominantly throughout East Asia, and begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and whereas in 2025, the lunar new year begins on January 29th and marks the beginning of the year of the snake, and whereas this milestone is celebrated by diverse cultures in many different ways, but often includes the lighting of fireworks, lanterns, and candles to banish the symbolic darkness of night.

3:29

And whereas Lunar New Year is also celebrated as Chunji in Chinese communities, Tet Wen Don in Vietnamese communities, and Siolao in Korean communities, and whereas at a time of rising division and hatred in this world, lunar new year represents an opportunity to come together, share food, light lanterns, organize cultural programs, and create more opportunities for community to gather and celebrate.

3:59

And whereas this year marks the 35th annual Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival, where streets are closed for lion dancers, firecrackers, food and family fun, and whereas the Asia Pacific Cultural Center will also celebrate with their largest event, the annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration, a community-based arts and cultural exhibition that will feature India this year.

4:26

Now, therefore, I, Sunday Sadalgate, on behalf of Victoria R.

4:31

Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, and on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as Lunar New Year in the City of Tacoma, and invite our residents to recognize this cherished celebration that contributes to our diverse and thriving communities.

4:50

We join in shared hope of good fortune and prosperity for everyone who lives, works, and plays in the city of Tacoma.

5:10

I would like to call on Lua and Dr.

5:12

Louie to say a few words.

5:28

And Mrs.

5:29

Patsy Sir O'Connell.

5:33

On behalf of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, we want to thank our Tacoma City Council for this honor.

5:43

Thank you.

5:45

And Madam Deputy Mayor and respected members of our council, especially our brother Bushnell and Brother Sadouch from India and Cambodia.

5:54

We are very proud to say that we are represented by 14 Asia-Pacific countries today.

6:01

They are Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Hawaii, Philippines, Fiji, Vietnam, Samoa, Tahiti, Guam, Marshall Islands, India, Laos, and China.

6:15

They're all here standing in front of you.

6:17

Thank you.

6:18

Thank you so much.

6:32

Okay, let's see.

6:34

Councilmember Bush now.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Mental Health Awareness█████████████13%
Public Comment████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Procedural█████████9%
Community Engagement███████7%
Public Finance███████7%
Youth Programs██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Personnel Matters████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - January 28, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comment on multiple agenda items, and action on resolutions and ordinances. Key actions included the adoption of a resolution making entheogen-related activities the lowest law enforcement priority, approval of a contract extension for the City Manager, and passage of an ordinance requiring grease interceptor education for food businesses.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution No. 41601: Awarded a contract to Dobbs Peterbilt for $570,248 (plus 10% contingency) for one electric vehicle rear load garbage truck, budgeted from the Solid Waste Fund. (Adopted unanimously)
  • Resolution No. 41602: Set February 11, 2025, upon completion of Regular Agenda Items, no earlier than 5:15 p.m., as the date for a public hearing on extending a moratorium on new Historic Special Review and Conservation Districts. (Adopted unanimously)
  • Items Filed: Approved minutes of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (February 28, 2024) and Planning Commission (May 15, 2024).
  • Payments: Approved payroll of $23,681,884.87 and other payments of $43,678,515.11 for the period 12/30/2024 to 01/12/2025, totaling $67,360,399.98.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • Lunar New Year Proclamation (January 29, 2025): Councilmember Sidalga read the proclamation designating Lunar New Year, recognizing the 35th annual Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival and the Asia Pacific Cultural Center's celebration. Lua Pritchard and Dr. Belinda Lewis accepted on behalf of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Councilmembers Bushnell and Sidalga spoke in support.
  • Recognition of JustServe: The City recognized JustServe.org, a volunteer platform gifted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mayor Woodards and Pat Gerlock (President of the Tacoma Stake) highlighted the platform's role in connecting volunteers. The City received the JustServe City Award. Several partner organizations were acknowledged: Tacoma Healing Awareness Community, Toy Rescue Mission, House of Matthew, and the Empowerment Center.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Comment Period (focused on agenda items):

  • Resolution 41609 (Entheogens): Eighteen speakers testified in strong support, including Paul Demet, Gemini (Climate Alliance of the South Sound), Des Chalfant (UFCW Local 367), Jacob Smitterman, Lucas Barfield (Tacoma Psychedelic Society, Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities), Cole (licensed therapist), Jackson Holder, Cody Zoleschi, John Dean (veteran), Kari Dean (end-of-life doula), Matt Metzger (retired Marine Corps combat veteran), Sarah Racer (cannabis/psychedelic health coach), Shannon Strickling, Carol Bowie, Taylor Roberts (poem). Speakers cited personal healing from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction; support from clinical studies; and alignment with indigenous traditions.
  • Resolution 41611 (City Manager Extension): Four speakers opposed the extension (Gemini, April Smith, Esther Day, Marilyn Kimmerling), arguing it was unnecessary given the budget shortfall and that the City should move on without a manager for a period or hire a new one.
  • Payments (Item 5): One speaker (Larry) spoke against labor agreements and paid sick leave, urging the Council to

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call the order. I would like to call to order the city council meeting of January 28th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell? Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Here. Councilmember Hines? Here. Councilmember Rumba? Absent. Councilmember Sidalga? Here. Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker? Here. Mayor Woodards. Absent? 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 Leshutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. Starting with agenda modifications, are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one six zero one through four one six zero two. Second. Are there any comments, questions, or any corrections? All right. All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, signify by saying nay. The consent agenda is declared adopted. Okay, we have two ceremonials on our agenda tonight. Um and the first ceremonial for the first one, um, which is lunar new year proclamation, I would love to bring up Lua Pritchard, the executive director of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, and Dr. Dr. Belinda Lewis, the vice president of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center and family. Okay, and Councilmember Sidalga is going to read this proclamation. Thank you, thank you, Deputy Mayor. Whereas Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people globally, predominantly throughout East Asia, and begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and whereas in 2025, the lunar new year begins on January 29th and marks the beginning of the year of the snake, and whereas this milestone is celebrated by diverse cultures in many different ways, but often includes the lighting of fireworks, lanterns, and candles to banish the symbolic darkness of night. And whereas Lunar New Year is also celebrated as Chunji in Chinese communities, Tet Wen Don in Vietnamese communities, and Siolao in Korean communities, and whereas at a time of rising division and hatred in this world, lunar new year represents an opportunity to come together, share food, light lanterns, organize cultural programs, and create more opportunities for community to gather and celebrate. And whereas this year marks the 35th annual Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival, where streets are closed for lion dancers, firecrackers, food and family fun, and whereas the Asia Pacific Cultural Center will also celebrate with their largest event, the annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration, a community-based arts and cultural exhibition that will feature India this year. Now, therefore, I, Sunday Sadalgate, on behalf of Victoria R. Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, and on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as Lunar New Year in the City of Tacoma, and invite our residents to recognize this cherished celebration that contributes to our diverse and thriving communities. We join in shared hope of good fortune and prosperity for everyone who lives, works, and plays in the city of Tacoma. I would like to call on Lua and Dr. Louie to say a few words. And Mrs. Patsy Sir O'Connell.

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