Tacoma City Council Meeting - April 8, 2025: LeMay Museum Robotics Lab, Rescue Mission Shelter Expansion, and Neighborhood Council Code Amendments
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Tacoma City Council Meeting - April 8, 2025
The Tacoma City Council met on April 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations for National Public Health Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, public comment on multiple agenda items, adoption of resolutions for a robotics lab, shelter expansion, tax exemption, and a Sound Transit agreement, as well as a first reading of a neighborhood council code amendment.
Proclamations & Recognitions
- National Public Health Week (April 7–13, 2025): Mayor Woodards read a proclamation recognizing the work of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Director Chantel Harmon Reed thanked the council and highlighted the week's themes: climate action, health equity, amplifying voices, and looking to the future. Councilmembers acknowledged the Health Board service of Councilmember Bushnell and Councilmember Sidalgay.
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2025): Mayor Woodards proclaimed April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Carolyn Sampson, Executive Director of Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center, provided statistics: nationally, almost half of women and almost one in three men experience sexual assault; at least one in four girls and one in six boys are abused before age 18. In 2024, Rebuilding Hope served 1,725 survivors and is on track to serve over 2,300 in 2025. Councilmember Rumba expressed gratitude for the center's work.
Consent Calendar
The consent agenda was adopted unanimously. It included:
- Approval of various minutes (Landmarks Preservation Commission, Public Utility Board, City Council study session).
- Resolution 41654: Interlocal agreement with WA State Department of Commerce for $339,500 for a pumped storage feasibility study at Mossyrock Dam.
- Resolution 41655: Setting a public hearing for April 22, 2025, on the 2025 Annual Action Plan.
- Payment approvals totaling $49,818,534.62.
Public Comments & Testimony (Pre-Regular Agenda)
Speakers addressed specific agenda items:
- Duke Paulson (online): Thanked the council for the Rescue Mission resolution (41658), noting the $3.5 million from the general fund is the final piece of a $20-21 million expansion that will double men's shelter capacity and the addiction recovery program. He urged support.
- April Smith (South End Neighborhood Council): Spoke on Ordinance 29029, expressing concern that community feedback was not fully reflected in the final outcome. She urged the council to treat community input as a partnership, not a formality.
- Michelle Reich: Opposed a proposed mega-warehouse in the South Tacoma Groundwater District, citing pollution from diesel trucks, harm to the groundwater, and noise. She argued the project should be canceled.
- Tim Fairley (New Tacoma Neighborhood Council): Supported Ordinance 29029, thanking city staff for collaboration. He announced the new Tacoma library as a meeting space and an upcoming homeless update forum.
- Three students from the Sotobots robotics team (Michaela Baker, Lydia Lopez, Owen Gillock): Urged adoption of Resolution 41656 for a robotics lab at the LeMay Museum. They described their team's need for a permanent space after losing their practice site due to flooding and asbestos. They emphasized the lab's potential to expand STEM education, especially for underserved youth.
- Andrea Haug (Community Council of Tacoma chair): Spoke on Ordinance 29029, appreciating the review process but expressing disappointment that legal fears and rigid structures left little room for community empowerment. She urged the council to honor community voice.
- Kit Burns: Spoke on Resolution 41659 (Sound Transit agreement), suggesting that eliminating the proposed East Portland Avenue station could save $100 million and two years of construction. He requested a public meeting to discuss alternatives.
- Lisa: Supported Resolution 41658 (Rescue Mission) but raised concerns about individuals who refuse services. She played a recording of an officer discussing involuntary detention and called on the city to work with state lawmakers to change laws for those who cannot make decisions for themselves.
- Athena (surname not given): Spoke on Ordinance 29029, opposing the removal of the term "advocacy" title and the removal of term limits. She urged reconsideration.
- Alton McDonald: Spoke on Resolution 41659 (Sound Transit), questioning why Black residents are not being hired for Sound Transit jobs despite the city's multi-million dollar projects. He called for diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring.
Discussion Items
1. Settlement of Claim (Item 12): A motion to authorize a $350,000 settlement in the case of Pete Niko v. City of Tacoma (motor vehicle accident on November 26, 2020) was approved unanimously.
2. Resolution 41656 – LeMay Museum Option Amendment (Robotics Lab): The council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution amending the option agreement to reduce the notice period from two years to 120 days. This supports the development of a state-of-the-art robotics lab in the Dome District, in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools. Superintendent Josh Garcia described the proposed "Grit City Innovation Garage at LeMay," which would include fabrication shops, an arena, practice fields, and eSports facilities. The project would attract regional and national competitions. The city would lose approximately $125,000 per year in parking revenue, but there is no direct city investment. Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the Sotobots' impact award and the collaboration between the city, school district, and LeMay Museum.
3. Resolution 41657 – Tax Exemption for 2502 Yakima Avenue: The council adopted a resolution approving a 12-year limited property tax exemption for 16 multi-family rental units (12 market-rate, 4 regulated-rate) at 2502 Yakima Avenue in the Downtown Regional Growth Center. Project costs are estimated at $1.3 million, providing 6,100 labor hours. The net positive tax impact to the city over 12 years is estimated at $162,000.
4. Resolution 41658 – Rescue Mission Men's Shelter Expansion: The council adopted a resolution authorizing a $3.5 million agreement with the Tacoma Rescue Mission from the general fund for a men's shelter expansion. The project will add 100 permanent congregate shelter beds, addressing the need identified in Pierce County's comprehensive plan to end homelessness. The funding leverages state, county, and federal dollars. Councilmember noted the issue of individuals refusing services but approved the resolution.
5. Resolution 41659 – Sound Transit Tacoma Dome Link Extension: The council adopted a resolution authorizing an agreement with Sound Transit to establish a task order process for reimbursing city costs during planning, design, and construction of the Tacoma Dome Link Extension. The project is in the environmental phase; Sound Transit will decide on a preferred alignment and station locations in June 2025. Revenue service is expected around 2035. Councilmember Walker clarified that this is an administrative agreement, not the letter discussed at a prior study session.
6. Ordinance 29029 – Neighborhood Council Code Amendments (First Reading): Sarah Bridgeford presented proposed amendments to Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 1.45 to clarify roles and expectations of neighborhood councils, the Community Council of Tacoma (CCOT), and the city. Key changes include assigning city responsibilities to the Neighborhood and Community Services department and extending the review period by 180 days. Two main differences from neighborhood council recommendations: (1) language referencing neighborhood councils as "advisors" was omitted to avoid classifying them as a committee, board, or commission, and (2) specific city duties were not included in code due to capacity concerns, but new responsibilities were added to the standards and guidelines. Councilmembers discussed term limits (removal of term limits from the standards and guidelines), the five-year review cycle, and the balance between flexibility and oversight. The ordinance was set over for final reading next week.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda adopted unanimously.
- Settlement of $350,000 approved (unanimous).
- Resolution 41656 (LeMay Museum robotics lab) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 41657 (tax exemption for 16 units) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 41658 (Rescue Mission $3.5 million) adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 41659 (Sound Transit cost reimbursement) adopted unanimously.
- Ordinance 29029 (neighborhood council code amendments) received first reading; set for final reading on April 15, 2025.
Community Forum
Speakers addressed topics not on the agenda:
- April Smith: Commented on the mayor's dismissal of a prior comment, saying it "stung."
- Michelle Reich: Criticized the Northwest Detention Center, stating the city voted to put it there and is responsible for conditions.
- Tim Fairley: Invited the public to a homeless update forum on April 9, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 PM at UW Tacoma.
- Kit Burns: Asked for the cost of ShotSpotter, noting he had not received an answer.
- Haley Speed: Raised concerns about a strip of L Street between 57th and 59th that is overgrown and attracting crime; she asked the city to address it.
- Alton McDonald: Called for the closure of the Northwest Detention Center and urged the council not to renew the ShotSpotter contract.
- Andrea Haug: Opposed ShotSpotter, arguing it does not address root causes of violence, and promoted Litter Free 253's fifth anniversary event on April 20.
- Athena Brewer: Invited the public to South End Neighborhood Council's SNAP committee neighborhood walks on the first Saturday of each month.
Reports and Committee Updates
- Councilmember Scott reported on the Community Vitality and Safety Committee meetings: February 27 (Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities report, interviews for Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs) and March 27 (annual reports from SIRA and CPAC, briefing on 2025 consolidated plan). The next CVS meeting is April 10 at 4:30 PM.
- Mayor's Moment: Thanked Shirley Schultz of Planning and Development Services for exemplary service and recognized the Youth Commission for testifying against flavored tobacco products in Olympia.
Meeting Transcript
I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of April 8th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the role? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgae. Councilmember Rumba and Sidalgi are both virtual. Councilmember Scott. Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards. Here. Please join me 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 Piolet people where they make their home and speak the Lichutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. All right, agenda agenda modifications. Are there any agenda modifications this evening? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number four one six five four and four one six five five. 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 two ceremonials tonight. For National Public Health Week, I would like to invite Chanel Harmon Reed, Chanel Chantel Harmon Reed, um to the po uh to the podium, and she is the director of public health for the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department. Whereas National Public Health Week is April 7th through the 13th, 2025. And this year's theme, it starts here, highlights the vital role public health plays in our community, recognizes public health workers and their contributions, and reminds us that together we are all stronger and healthier. And whereas the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department protects and improves the health of all people in places in Pierce County, promoting equitable access to health care, connecting more people to services, developing prevention strategies, and ensuring reliable public health information. And whereas the health department works to expand vaccine programs and eradicate pressing diseases locally and secures funding for foundational services to address needs like reproductive care and behavioral health. And whereas public health professionals help our community prevent, prepare for, withstand and recover from a range of health threats, and continue to build on work such as the Black Infant Health Program, which envisions a community where black families thrive and live healthily. And mental health first aid helps us recognize signs of mental health challenges in ourselves and others. And whereas individuals can work with public health professionals to improve the health of all people in places in Tacoma to build climate resiliency, optimize health equity, amplify public health voices, and guarantee a continued personal investment in keeping our communities healthy. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R. Wardards, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of April 7th through the 13th, 2025 as National Public Health Week in the City of Tacoma, and invite community members to join me in expressing appreciation for public health professionals and volunteers in the City of Tacoma and Pierce County, helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and leaders aligned with this year's theme. It starts here. Please join me in a round of applause. All right, and I'm going to turn it over to our health department director for a few comments. All right. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you to the Fol City Council for having me here today and staff. This is a true testament, you celebrating us here for National Public Health Week to the work that we do, the commitments that we share, and making sure that we keep our community safe. It starts with our staff. They are diligently working all behind the scenes in front, wherever, however, they can to make sure that our city and our county is safe.
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