Tacoma City Council Meeting April 1, 2025: Fire Chief Confirmed, Fair Housing Month Proclaimed
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Tacoma City Council Meeting – April 1, 2025
The Tacoma City Council met on April 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included the unanimous confirmation of Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima as Fire Chief, a proclamation of Fair Housing Month, adoption of a five-year animal sheltering contract with the Humane Society for Tacoma-Pierce County, and passage of a council statement supporting federal workers' collective bargaining rights.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda (Resolution 41652 and minutes from April 2024 study sessions) was adopted unanimously.
Proclamations & Recognitions
- Mayor Woodards proclaimed April 2025 as Fair Housing Month, recognizing the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Representatives from the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors accepted the proclamation and affirmed their commitment to fair housing.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Five speakers testified in support of confirming Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima as Fire Chief:
- Lua Pritchard (Asian Pacific Islander community) praised her cultural roots and leadership.
- Michelle Reich also supported the chief and urged inclusion of low-cost spay/neuter provisions in the Humane Society contract.
- Sally Perkins (District 3) highlighted the chief’s operational knowledge and community engagement.
- Eve Bowen emphasized her responsiveness and support for mental health crisis response.
- Devin Rydell Kelly (Hilltop, District 3) commended her leadership on non-police crisis response.
- No written public comments were received.
Discussion Items
- Fire Chief Confirmation: City Manager Elizabeth Pauley introduced the appointment, noting the mentorship of former Chief Tori Green and the chief’s technical competence. Councilmembers praised Stallings-Ala'ilima’s interim performance, dedication, and community focus. The council voted unanimously (8-0, with Deputy Mayor Daniels absent) to confirm her. Mayor Woodards administered the oath of office. A traditional Maori Haka dance was performed by the chief’s family in celebration.
- Purchase Resolution (RES41653): A contract with the Humane Society for Tacoma-Pierce County for $6,850,000 plus taxes, for animal sheltering services over five years with a two-year renewal option, was adopted without discussion.
- Final Reading of Ordinance (ORD29028): An ordinance amending the compensation plan for employees represented by SMART-TD Local 1977 (Yardmasters) and IBEW Local 483 (Supervisors) was passed unanimously.
- Council Statement on Federal Workers’ Rights: Councilmember Diaz introduced a statement expressing solidarity with federal employees affected by a March 27 executive order stripping collective bargaining rights. The statement was seconded and adopted unanimously. Councilmembers noted the importance of standing with labor.
Key Outcomes
- Fire Chief Confirmed: Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima confirmed as Fire Chief effective April 2, 2025 (unanimous 8-0, with one absent).
- Animal Sheltering Contract Awarded: Resolution 41653 adopted, awarding $6,850,000 contract to the Humane Society for Tacoma-Pierce County.
- Compensation Ordinance Passed: Ordinance 29028 adopted, implementing pay rates for specified union units.
- Council Statement Adopted: Statement supporting collective bargaining rights for federal employees.
Committee Reports
- Councilmember Walker, Chair of the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, reported on three meetings covering Cascade Water Alliance contracts, urban forest management, transportation improvement plan, and permit parking zones. The next meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of April 1st, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Absent Councilmember Diaz. Here. Councilmember Hines. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalga. Here. Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement of flag salute led by Councilmember Sidalgay, 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 Lashutseed 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 it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all of the 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 resolution number 41652. Second. All right, 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 consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements. We have one ceremonial this evening. And for Fair Housing Month, I would like to invite those representing the Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors to the podium as I read the proclamation. Oh, there you are, Ann. We've got several people. Ann Jones, Byron Poland, Spencer Easman, Jordan Kane, and Dave Jones. Oh, right there on this side, right there in front of the right there. You did you if you want to come up here, you can take our seats. All right. Oh, there's more people here. Good. All right. Whereas April marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familiar status, and national origin. And whereas fair housing is a fundamental right, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to secure housing free from discrimination and enjoy the dignity of equal access to housing opportunities. And whereas housing providers, property managers, real estate professionals, policymakers, and community organizations play a crucial role in upholding fair housing laws and promoting equitable housing practices that strengthen our communities. And whereas fair housing principles support inclusive communities, economic growth, and neighborhood stability, benefiting both housing providers and residents. And whereas the City of Tacoma recognizes that ongoing education, training, and enforcement of fair housing laws are essential to eliminating discrimination and ensuring that housing remains open to all and encourage the active promotion of fair housing practices which foster diversity and equity for all. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.
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