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Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary - February 11, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, February 11, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 11, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of February 11th, 2025.

0:07

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:09

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:11

Present.

0:11

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:13

Here.

0:13

Councilmember Diaz.

0:15

Councilmember Hines.

0:17

Councilmember Rumba here.

0:18

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:20

Councilmember Scott.

0:21

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Walker.

0:23

Here.

0:24

Mayor Woodards?

0:25

Here.

0:26

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

0:34

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.

0:41

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

0:48

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

0:53

And to the Republicans, one nation under God.

0:58

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:54

Agenda modifications.

1:55

Are there any modifications to this evening's agenda?

1:59

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

2:06

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41617.

2:11

Second.

2:11

Are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

2:14

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

2:19

Aye.

2:19

All those opposed, the agenda is adopted.

2:22

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements, we have two ceremonials tonight and one presentation.

2:30

For American Heart Month, I would like to invite Monique Shields, volunteer, and Audrey Curan staff of the American Heart Association to the podium as I read this proclamation.

2:41

Please come forward.

2:49

Whereas heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year and affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

3:01

And whereas cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly one in every three deaths in our nation and remains a major health concern that can often be prevented through lifestyle changes, education, and medical intervention.

3:14

And whereas the American Heart Association has been a leader in advocating for heart health through research, education, and community programs, including its important work in Tacoma to promote heart disease prevention, CPR trainings, and equitable access to health care resources.

3:32

And whereas American Heart Month serves as a critical reminder to all residents to prioritize their cardiovascular health by engaging in physical activity, adapt adopting heart healthy diets, managing stress, and seeking regular medical checkups.

3:50

And whereas the City of Tacoma joins communities across the nation in raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging residents to take proactive steps to reduce their risk and improve their overall health.

4:03

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

4:05

Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2025 as American Heart Month in the City of Tacoma and encourage all residents, businesses, and community organizations to support efforts that promote heart health and well-being.

4:23

Please join me in a round of applause.

4:30

All right, I will turn it over to the two of you for comments.

4:33

Hello, and thank you for having us.

4:35

My name is Monique Shields, and I live here in Tacoma.

4:39

I'm an entrepreneur and a volunteer with the American Heart Association.

5:03

I also lost my father to cardiac arrest, and he was only 60.

5:08

So it's personal to me.

5:09

Heart disease and high blood pressure run in my family.

5:13

Awareness of heart health can save lives.

5:16

Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts, as said a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes.

5:23

Since it's American Heart Month, now is the perfect time to take action for your own health and well-being.

5:30

This proclamation may be the reminder to start taking care of your heart health.

5:36

Thank you for being part of building a healthier community.

5:41

Thank you very much.

5:42

Did you want to share some words as well?

5:45

Thank you all for inviting us here.

5:59

I think Tacoma has a team every year, right?

6:01

Yes, you guys have a big one.

6:03

Great.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation███████████████████████23%
Public Comment█████████████████17%
Affordable Housing██████████████14%
Human Rights███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Public Health█████5%
Education█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting Summary - February 11, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, appointments, landmark designations, tax exemption extensions, ordinance readings, a public hearing on a historic district moratorium extension, and community forum. Key actions included the unanimous confirmation of Tanja Carter as Community and Economic Development Director, designation of four historic landmarks, and extension of a multi-family housing tax exemption with added affordability requirements.

Consent Calendar

  • Adopted consent agenda including Resolution No. 41617, an interlocal agreement amendment with the Port of Tacoma for stormwater management, extending through August 31, 2025.
  • Approved payroll ($23,125,994.28) and payments ($30,012,482.54) for a total of $53,138,476.82 covering January 13–26, 2025.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • American Heart Month: Proclaimed February 2025 as American Heart Month. Monique Shields (volunteer, American Heart Association) shared personal story of losing her father to cardiac arrest. Audrey Curan (staff) challenged council to form a team for the Heart Walk.
  • Black History Month: Proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month. Recognized contributions of Tacoma Urban League, Tacoma NAACP, and Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective. Speakers: Bruce Boyer (City of Tacoma firefighter) thanked organizations for supporting his career; Desiree Wilkins Finch (Tacoma Urban League CEO, via Zoom) thanked council; Milondo Redeemer (Tacoma NAACP President, youngest in U.S.) noted importance of Black History Month; Lyle Quasim (82 years old, oldest in room) urged council to continue supporting community during challenging times.
  • AWC CQC Scholarship Nominee: Recognized Cassidy Murasaka as the city’s nominee for a $3,000 scholarship. She interned in council offices and plans to study environmental science/political science. Councilmember Hines praised her commitment to public service.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comment on agenda items (before regular agenda):

  • Lori Arnold (District 2) spoke in opposition to Resolution 41619, expressing concern about revenue loss from tax breaks for developers and noting the city’s budget deficit.
  • Sean Matoma (District 2) was removed after not speaking to an agenda item.
  • Michelle Reich spoke against Resolution 41619, citing alternative growth proposals (Challenge Seattle) and arguing high-density development lowers quality of life.
  • Larry Vigary opposed Resolution 41619, stating developers already received tax breaks; also flagged concerns about Ordinance 29019 (Zayo Group franchise), asking for more scrutiny.
  • Kit Burns (Hilltop, retired architect) opposed Resolution 41619, calculating that the 8-year break was $3.1 million and a 12-year extension would add $5.4 million, totaling $12 million in lost revenue. He questioned the benefit to the city and noted affordability threshold (70% AMI) is not truly affordable per HB 1111 (60% AMI).
  • Claire Keller Scholes (Parks Tacoma) spoke in favor of Resolution 41618 (Wapato Park landmark designation), highlighting historic significance.
  • Ken Paulson commented on affordable housing costs per unit ($330K–$500K) noted at a county meeting, arguing those prices are not affordable.

Public Hearing (Item 10) — Moratorium Extension on Historic Districts

  • Michelle Reich proposed an honorary local historic district for Tacoma’s original Chinatown, which was burned down, suggesting a mural to honor it.
  • Larry Vigary supported the six-month moratorium extension, noting it could boost tourism if historic areas are promoted.

Discussion Items

  • Item 5: Confirmation of Tanja Carter as Community and Economic Development Director – Acting City Manager Hyung Kim introduced Carter, citing her experience at City of Federal Way, Brooks Running, and as a business owner. Mayor Woodards noted Carter’s energy and passion for Tacoma. Carter expressed gratitude and commitment to earning trust. Council voted unanimously to confirm, effective March 24, 2025.
  • Item 6: Landmark Designations (Resolution 41618) – Reuben McKnight (Historic Preservation Officer) presented four properties: Wapato Park (1930s WPA features), McCormick Building at Wheelock Library (1927), Mottet Branch Library (1930s), and Shurz House (1891, under restoration). All nominated voluntarily. Landmarks Preservation Commission recommended unanimously. Councilmembers Bushnell and Diaz asked about design standards and future improvements. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 7: Multi-Family Housing Tax Exemption Extension (Resolution 41619) – Debbie Bingham (CED) presented: 252 Broadway (139 units) originally had 8-year exemption with no affordability requirement. Owners seek 12-year extension, agreeing to set aside 20% of units (28 units: 9 studios, 19 one-bedroom) at 70% AMI. City’s annual tax loss: $72,700 ($2,600 per affordable unit). Current market rents: studios $1,610, one-beds $1,955; affordable rents: $1,270 and $1,365 (including utility allowance). Council questioned value. Deputy Mayor Daniels noted the per-unit cost is modest compared to building new affordable housing. Councilmember Rumbaugh emphasized it adds affordability in a desirable area. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 8: First Reading – Zayo Group Franchise (Ordinance 29019) – Jeff Lueders (Franchise Services) presented a 10-year non-exclusive telecom franchise for Zayo (formerly MetroMedia). Two non-substantive changes made after GPF committee. Set over for final reading March 4.
  • Item 9: First Reading – Extension of South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Moratorium (Ordinance 29020) – Maryam Moeinian (Planning) presented a six-month extension of interim regulations prohibiting new underground storage tanks, metal recycling, and auto-wrecking in the district. Seven public comments received, majority supporting extension. Work plan aims to adopt permanent code by September. Set for final reading February 25.
  • Item 10: Public Hearing – Extension of Moratorium on Historic Special Review and Conservation Districts – Reuben McKnight explained purpose: pause new residential historic districts until comprehensive plan and code updates are complete. Work plan revised after Growth Management Hearings Board remand. Schedule: comprehensive plan adoption in June, code amendments by October, requiring six-month extension to November 5, 2025. Public comments noted above.

Community Forum

  • Curtis/Stephanie (online) urged stronger council action on affordable housing and anti-homelessness, stating rent control should be mandatory.
  • Jude Gray (online) stated the tax exemption units are not truly affordable; requested council make specific statements protecting migrant, undocumented, LGBTQIA communities, and against police brutality.
  • April Smith (online) praised Jennifer Camerzell for advocating stop signs that reduced accidents, encouraged neighborhood councils and “monkey shines” hunts.
  • Michelle Reich (in person) discussed overpopulation, wealth inequality, and federal reorganization as threats.
  • David Berg (Northeast Tacoma) requested speed cameras on Norpoint Way and Marine View Drive due to 14 fatalities and 23 serious injuries since 2015.
  • Larry Vigary criticized Tacoma Fire Department budget and response to a small garage fire (13 vehicles, 42 firefighters).
  • Rebecca Stith (District 2) requested due diligence on ShotSpotter technology, including digital trust and community engagement plans, and urged an ordinance on surveillance technologies.
  • Ken Paulson raised issue about city-owned trees causing sidewalk damage, questioning responsibility for repairs.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda adopted unanimously.
  • February 2025 proclaimed American Heart Month and Black History Month.
  • Cassidy Murasaka nominated for AWC CQC scholarship.
  • Tanja Carter confirmed as Community and Economic Development Director (unanimous).
  • Resolution 41618 adopted, designating Wapato Park, McCormick Building, Mottet Branch Library, and Shurz House as City Landmarks.
  • Resolution 41619 adopted, extending the multi-family tax exemption for 252 Broadway with 28 affordable units at 70% AMI for 12 years.
  • Ordinance 29019 (Zayo Group franchise) set for final reading March 4, 2025.
  • Ordinance 29020 (South Tacoma groundwater moratorium extension) set for final reading February 25, 2025.
  • Public hearing held on extending moratorium on historic district designations; ordinance reading scheduled for February 25 (first) and March 4 (final).
  • Next meeting: February 25, 2025 (study session and business meeting canceled on February 18).

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of February 11th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. Councilmember Rumba here. Councilmember Sidalgay. Councilmember Scott. Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards? Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and the flag salute led by Councilmember Bushnell, 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 Lashutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republicans, one nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Agenda modifications. Are there any modifications to this evening's agenda? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41617. Second. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, the agenda is adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements, we have two ceremonials tonight and one presentation. For American Heart Month, I would like to invite Monique Shields, volunteer, and Audrey Curan staff of the American Heart Association to the podium as I read this proclamation. Please come forward. Whereas heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year and affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. And whereas cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly one in every three deaths in our nation and remains a major health concern that can often be prevented through lifestyle changes, education, and medical intervention. And whereas the American Heart Association has been a leader in advocating for heart health through research, education, and community programs, including its important work in Tacoma to promote heart disease prevention, CPR trainings, and equitable access to health care resources. And whereas American Heart Month serves as a critical reminder to all residents to prioritize their cardiovascular health by engaging in physical activity, adapt adopting heart healthy diets, managing stress, and seeking regular medical checkups. And whereas the City of Tacoma joins communities across the nation in raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging residents to take proactive steps to reduce their risk and improve their overall health. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R. Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2025 as American Heart Month in the City of Tacoma and encourage all residents, businesses, and community organizations to support efforts that promote heart health and well-being. Please join me in a round of applause. All right, I will turn it over to the two of you for comments. Hello, and thank you for having us. My name is Monique Shields, and I live here in Tacoma. I'm an entrepreneur and a volunteer with the American Heart Association. I also lost my father to cardiac arrest, and he was only 60. So it's personal to me. Heart disease and high blood pressure run in my family. Awareness of heart health can save lives.

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