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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - February 25, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, February 25, 2025

BodyTacoma, Washington

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, February 25, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:23:00

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:02

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of February 25th, 2025.

0:07

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:09

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:10

Present.

0:11

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:12

Here.

0:13

Councilmember Diaz.

0:14

Councilmember Hines.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Rumba.

0:17

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Scott.

0:21

Yes.

0:21

Councilmember Walker.

0:23

Here.

0:24

Mayor Woodards.

0:25

Here.

0:26

Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Deputy Mayor Daniels, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Deacon Boyce.

0:36

Today we take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Deacon Jeffrey Boyce, a tireless advocate for our unhoused neighbors, and a true champion of compassion and service.

0:49

Deacon Boyce dedicated his life to ensuring that those experiencing homelessness were not only seen but supported through policy, through directed outreach, and through relationships he has built.

1:04

His work helped shape policies that allowed faith communities to provide safe parking, strengthened veteran services, and guided our city's response to those in crisis during severe weather.

1:16

His heart for service was evident in every effort he made, from supporting emergency shelters to standing alongside providers and first responders, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us had someone to turn to.

1:32

Deacon Boyce didn't just advocate, he showed up.

1:36

He led with love, with faith, and with a deep commitment to the dignity of every person.

1:44

His passing is a great loss to our community, but his legacy will continue in the lives he touched and the work that he can that carries on in his name.

2:01

And when he came to these chambers, he was normally advocating on behalf of a marginalized group in this community.

2:10

We will miss his voice.

2:26

And I hope that everything that he started in this community, including the service, that I think at least once a quarter recognize those who were homeless who had passed on.

2:37

I hope that all those things will continue in his honor and in his name.

2:42

With that, I'd like to turn it over to our deputy mayor.

2:46

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

2:53

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

3:01

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which we stand one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

4:28

Oh no, okay.

4:30

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

4:33

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41620 and 41621.

4:39

All right, are there any council questions, comments, or corrections?

4:42

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

4:47

Aye.

4:47

All those opposed, the consent agenda is declared adopted.

4:51

We have two ceremonials tonight for the Tacoma Beer Week.

5:00

For the Tacoma Beer Week, I would like to invite Kaylee Palmer, Communications Manager, and Matthew McLaurin, director of Tacoma Beer Week, as well as the members of the volunteer volunteer team who are in attendance to the podium as I read the proclamation.

5:10

Hi, Kaylee.

5:15

Right.

5:17

Whereas Tacoma is home to a thriving craft beer scene that continues to build upon its rich history of brewing, dating back to the late 1800s.

5:27

And whereas Tacoma Beer Week, founded in 2014, is an annual celebration that promotes the enjoyment of and appreciation of craft beer through fun, innovative, and educational activities while also supporting local businesses, breweries, and venues.

5:44

And whereas the week highlights the create the creativity and passion of local brewers, offering both residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Tacoma as a premier brew beer destination.

5:58

And whereas this year's diverse festivities include food and beverage tastings, community centered events, fundraisers, live music, and exciting one-off beer collaborations with local businesses and organizations, ensuring that there's something for everyone, from beer enthusiasts to newcomers.

6:17

And whereas Tacoma Beer Week is made possible through the dedication of a small yet mighty group of volunteers who work year-round to ensure the event's success and the continued growth of Tacoma's vibrant brewing culture.

6:31

And whereas the city is proud to support Tacoma Beer Week, recognizing its impact on the local community, its role in fostering community engagement, and the continued success of craft beer of the craft beer industry, while also celebrating the dedicated individuals and businesses who contribute to the ever expanding brewery brewing community in Tacoma.

6:54

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

6:56

Woodards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim March 1st through the 9th, 2025, as Tacoma Beer Week in the City of Tacoma, and encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses while enjoying a unique flavor and community spirit that defines Tacoma's craft beer scene.

7:19

Please join me in a round of applause.

7:28

All right, Kaylee, I'll turn it over to you.

7:30

Are your parents coming down?

7:32

Okay, go ahead, Kaylee.

7:34

Thank you so much for me to make recognition.

7:37

Brewing in Tacoma began in the late 1800s, almost it's almost as old as the city itself, when immigrants from European countries who knew about beer discovered the quality of water in Tacoma and matched that with the hops from Pewet.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Transgender Rights████████████████████████████████████36%

Procedural███████████11%

Immigration Detention Oversight██████████10%

Public Safety█████████9%

Public Engagement███████7%

Public Comment███████7%

Education████4%

Human Rights███3%

Public Finance███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - February 25, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 747 Market Street. The meeting included roll call, a flag salute, and a moment of silence in honor of Deacon Jeffrey Boyce. The council adopted the consent agenda, heard public testimony on resolutions protecting immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities, approved a $4.85 million settlement, appointed members to advisory boards, passed resolutions affirming immigrant and transgender rights, and advanced ordinances on pawnbrokers and historic districts.

Consent Calendar

Adopted Resolution No. 41620, awarding a contract to Stronghold Armored Inc. for armored transport services (five-year initial term, up to $1.5 million total).
Adopted Resolution No. 41621, accepting a $727,500 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Tacoma Fleet Maintenance Building decarbonization project.
Approved the assessment roll for LID No. 8644 (alley pavement and surface water improvements) and set a hearing date of March 26, 2025.
Approved payroll and payments totaling $64,279,940.33 for the period January 27 – February 9, 2025.

Proclamations and Recognitions

Proclaimed March 1–9, 2025, as Tacoma Beer Week. Kaylee Palmer (Communications Manager) and Matthew McLaurin (Director of Tacoma Beer Week) accepted, noting 46 events, 30 locations, and 79 partners highlighting local businesses.
Proclaimed February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Adam Coolas (Director of Innovation Learning and CTE, Tacoma Public Schools) reported over 10,000 CTE courses per year and expanded Jobs 253 program serving nearly 1,700 students in three years.

Public Comments & Testimony

Support for Resolution 41628 (LGBTQIA+ rights): Multiple speakers, including Lisa Keating (Executive Director, WA State LGBTQ Commission), Oliver Webb (Diversity Alliance of Puget Sound), Michelle Reich, Zev Cook (Tacoma DSA), Francis Fey (trans woman and parent), Luna Blondeau, and others urged passage. They cited increasing fear and attacks on transgender people, the need for sanctuary protections, and Tacoma’s history of inclusion.
Support for Resolution 41627 (immigrant rights): Mayor Cress Castro (Tacoma Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs), Catherine Lee, Daniela Escontrela (Venezuelan immigrant), and others spoke in favor, highlighting fear in immigrant communities and the necessity of following state law.
Support for Resolution 41622 (CPAC reappointment): Callista Brown (Conversation 253) thanked the council for nominating Lori Arnold to the Community Police Advisory Committee, citing her advocacy for fair policing.
Support for Resolution 41626 (asphalt contracts): Angelica Duncan (High Grade Asphalt, WMBE) expressed support but requested opportunity for smaller local businesses to collaborate on city street projects.
Miscellaneous: Larry Vigary commented on city spending; others supported the consent agenda.

Discussion Items

Settlement (Item 10): The council unanimously authorized a $4,850,000 settlement with Dorene and Michael Berg for personal injuries sustained on November 26, 2021, while crossing a public right-of-way.
Appointments (Items 11–12): Approved Resolution 41622 appointing Lori Arnold, Gadot Gutierrez, Alan McKenzie, and Lewis Cooper Jr. to the Community Police Advisory Committee, and Resolution 41623 appointing/reappointing Karen Reagan, Cindy Norton, Azaria Azine, Amanda DeCazzo, Ian Northrop, and Barb Khmer to the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board. Councilmember Rumbaugh thanked all applicants.
Purchase Resolutions (Items 13–15):
- Resolution 41624: Authorized a $727,500 increase (cumulative $2,127,593.75) to Crescent Mechanical Inc. for rooftop air handling units at Fleet Maintenance.
- Resolution 41625: Awarded a $2.5 million contract (up to $4 million with renewals) to Government Portfolio Advisors for investment advisory services.
- Resolution 41626: Awarded contracts to Miles Resources LLC ($2,720,625) and Tucci & Sons Inc. ($4,081,250) for hot mix asphalt as needed over five years.
Resolutions 41627 and 41628 (policy affirmations):
- Resolution 41627 (sponsored by Councilmember Sadalge) directs the city manager to implement a policy restricting city resources from being used to enforce federal registration or surveillance based on race, religion, immigration status, or national origin, mirroring state RCW 43.17.4251. Councilmembers Sadalge, Bushnell, and Diaz spoke in support, noting the need to protect immigrants and ensure due process. Unanimously adopted.
- Resolution 41628 (sponsored by Councilmember Diaz) affirms the city’s commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, prohibiting use of city resources to investigate or prosecute people for exercising rights related to gender identity, gender-affirming care, housing, employment, and public accommodation. Councilmembers Diaz, Rumbaugh, Hines, and Scott spoke; Scott cautioned against creating false hope while affirming support. Adopted as substituted.
Final Reading Ordinance (Item 18): Ordinance 29020 approved a six-month extension of interim land use regulations in the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District, prohibiting new underground storage tanks, metal recycling, and auto wrecking. Unanimously passed.
First Reading Ordinances (Items 19–20):
- Ordinance 29021 (pawnbrokers/secondhand dealers) was presented by Danielle Larson (Tax and License Manager) and set over for final reading.
- Ordinance 29022 (six-month extension of moratorium on new Historic Special Review and Conservation Districts) was presented by Reuben McKnight (Historic Preservation Officer). The Growth Management Hearings Board remanded the work plan as insufficient; the new work plan is scheduled to be completed by October 2025. Set over for final reading.

Community Forum

ShotSpotter: Multiple speakers (Latasha Palmer, April Smith, Devin Rydell Kelly, Rebecca Stith, Marnie Ritchie) opposed ShotSpotter technology, citing ineffectiveness, civil rights concerns, and data manipulation rumors. Patty Barry and Judy Lee, residents of the Hosmer area, spoke in favor, arguing it could improve safety in high-crime neighborhoods. The council is scheduled to hold a study session on ShotSpotter the following week.
Police accountability: Bishop Dr. Lawrence White (Tacoma Ministerial Alliance) questioned who is running the Tacoma Police Department and called for transparency.
Racial profiling: Gloria Carpinto reported a moving violation ticket where the officer listed her as white despite her Hispanic identity, calling for equitable policing.
Ukraine war funding: Michelle Reich spoke about the cost of the Ukraine war.

Key Outcomes

Passed: Resolutions 41620, 41621, 41622, 41623, 41624, 41625, 41626, 41627, 41628 (substituted); Ordinance 29020.
Set over for final reading (next week): Ordinances 29021 and 29022.
Settlement approved: $4,850,000 to Berg plaintiffs.
Future action: Surveillance technology ordinance promised; ShotSpotter study scheduled; continued work on comprehensive plan and historic district code.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of February 25th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. Here. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. Councilmember Scott. Yes. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Deputy Mayor Daniels, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Deacon Boyce. Today we take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Deacon Jeffrey Boyce, a tireless advocate for our unhoused neighbors, and a true champion of compassion and service. Deacon Boyce dedicated his life to ensuring that those experiencing homelessness were not only seen but supported through policy, through directed outreach, and through relationships he has built. His work helped shape policies that allowed faith communities to provide safe parking, strengthened veteran services, and guided our city's response to those in crisis during severe weather. His heart for service was evident in every effort he made, from supporting emergency shelters to standing alongside providers and first responders, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us had someone to turn to. Deacon Boyce didn't just advocate, he showed up. He led with love, with faith, and with a deep commitment to the dignity of every person. His passing is a great loss to our community, but his legacy will continue in the lives he touched and the work that he can that carries on in his name. And when he came to these chambers, he was normally advocating on behalf of a marginalized group in this community. We will miss his voice. And I hope that everything that he started in this community, including the service, that I think at least once a quarter recognize those who were homeless who had passed on. I hope that all those things will continue in his honor and in his name. With that, I'd like to turn it over to our deputy mayor. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piala people where they're 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 Republic for which we stand one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Oh no, okay. Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number 41620 and 41621. All right, are there any council 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 consent agenda is declared adopted. We have two ceremonials tonight for the Tacoma Beer Week. For the Tacoma Beer Week, I would like to invite Kaylee Palmer, Communications Manager, and Matthew McLaurin, director of Tacoma Beer Week, as well as the members of the volunteer volunteer team who are in attendance to the podium as I read the proclamation. Hi, Kaylee. Right. Whereas Tacoma is home to a thriving craft beer scene that continues to build upon its rich history of brewing, dating back to the late 1800s. And whereas Tacoma Beer Week, founded in 2014, is an annual celebration that promotes the enjoyment of and appreciation of craft beer through fun, innovative, and educational activities while also supporting local businesses, breweries, and venues. And whereas the week highlights the create the creativity and passion of local brewers, offering both residents and visitors the opportunity to experience Tacoma as a premier brew beer destination. And whereas this year's diverse festivities include food and beverage tastings, community centered events, fundraisers, live music, and exciting one-off beer collaborations with local businesses and organizations, ensuring that there's something for everyone, from beer enthusiasts to newcomers.

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