OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - April 29, 2025: Interim City Manager Nomination and Proclamations

City Council — Tuesday, April 29, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 29, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:07:19

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of April 29th, 2025.

0:08

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:10

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:12

Present.

0:12

Council or Deputy Mayor Daniels, absent Councilmember Diaz.

0:16

Councilmember Hines.

0:18

Councilmember Rumba here.

0:19

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:21

Here.

0:21

Councilmember Scott.

0:23

Here.

0:23

Councilmember Walker.

0:24

Here.

0:24

Mayor Woodards.

0:26

Here.

0:26

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

0:35

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

0:42

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

1:50

Agenda modifications.

1:51

Are there any modifications to this evening's agenda?

1:54

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

1:57

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 41667 and 41668.

2:04

Second.

2:05

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

2:08

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

2:12

Aye.

2:13

All those opposed, the ayes have it.

2:15

The consent agenda is adopted.

2:16

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations.

2:20

We have three ceremonials tonight.

2:23

And for firefighter for the firefighters' day proclamation, I would like to invite Gil Barthi, Assistant Fire Chief of Operations, and Pat McElliott, local 31 representative to the podium as I read this proclamation.

2:53

And get your speeches prepared because all of you have to talk now.

2:57

Whereas firefighters dedicate their time to protect uh for the to the protection of life, property, and the environment, and make the ultimate sacrifice of risking their lives in protecting others.

3:10

And whereas International Firefighters Day is a time when the world's community recognizes and honors the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure their communities and environment are as safe as possible.

3:22

And whereas we observe this date each year on May 4th, the feast day of the St.

3:29

Flor Florence, sorry about that, the patron saint of firefighters.

3:34

When we remember firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protect and the safety of us all.

3:41

And whereas the Tacoma Fire Department is our community's primary provider of pre-hospital emergency care and was dispatched to over 53,000 emergency incidents in 2024.

3:54

And whereas the demands of firefighting are accompanied by both professional and personal tolls that all firefighters knowingly accept while risking their physical and mental health to protect the lives of others.

4:08

And whereas by recognizing International Firefighters Day, we show our support and gratitude to the firefighters here in Tacoma and around the world who protect us throughout the year.

4:20

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

4:22

Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and oh and and of the 200 and of the 220,000 residents who call Tacoma home.

4:33

Do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 4th, 2025, as International Firefighters Day in the City of Tacoma, and ask our residents to join us in sharing gratitude for our Tacoma firefighters for the work they do every day to protect and care for our community.

4:50

Please join me in a round of applause for our firefighters.

5:01

Before I ask you to speak, I just want to acknowledge that outside of just um the beautiful words that are written in in the proclamation that today really is uh a day, or Sunday will be the day, but every day we should honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice that that you all make.

5:20

Um you run towards danger when many people run away.

5:26

You run into fire when a lot of people are running out of the fire.

5:32

And Tacoma is safer and stronger because of the sacrifice that each of you make every single day.

5:39

Um you show up every day providing medical care.

5:44

Um, and you are um you show up with a desire, and you signed up with a desire that you just want to be of service and help people in our community who, in a lot of cases, when you see see them may be experiencing the worst day of their life.

6:10

We have a lot more discussion ahead of us to address the needs of our firefighters, and certainly I want you to know we understand some of the challenges that you face, more calls than we have firefighters for.

6:29

Not necessarily the best equipment when you go to service this community, but I I say that to remind you that we we see you and and we know the sacrifices that you make, not just in putting your lives on the line, but the sacrifices that you make in not always having everything you need to be the best at your job.

6:56

Now we're doing great things.

6:57

I'm excited about the fact that we secured new funding for the South Tacoma station.

7:02

That's good stuff.

7:04

That's look, I heard some cocking.

7:10

And and that's great, but we have a lot more work to do.

7:14

And I didn't say what I said this evening to um uh uh to say something negative.

7:20

I said it to recognize the reality that we're facing and the difficulty that you all face every single day.

7:30

As someone who says this every year, and this will be my last year saying it as your mayor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment████████████████16%
Youth Programs█████████████13%
Procedural███████████11%
Active Transportation███████████11%
Fire Department Operations██████████10%
Public Transportation█████████9%
Public Engagement█████5%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - April 29, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on April 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included adoption of the consent agenda, proclamations for International Firefighters' Day and Bike Month, recognition of youth leader Riya Richardson, public comment, nomination of Hyun Kim as Interim City Manager, appointments to the Climate and Sustainability Commission, approval of two multifamily tax exemption agreements, and first reading of an electric bond ordinance.

Consent Calendar

  • The council adopted the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and two purchase resolutions: awarding a contract to Combined Construction, Inc. ($745,200 plus contingency) for modifications at the Point Defiance Regional Treatment Facility (Resolution 41667), and awarding a contract to Polydyne Inc. ($690,440) for biosolids dewatering polymer (Resolution 41668). All items were approved unanimously.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • International Firefighters' Day: Mayor Woodards proclaimed May 4, 2025, as International Firefighters' Day, honoring the Tacoma Fire Department, which responded to over 53,000 emergency incidents in 2024. Assistant Fire Chief Gil Barthi and IAFF Local 31 representative Pat McElliott accepted, expressing gratitude and noting the department's needs.
  • Bike Month: May 2025 was proclaimed Bike Month. Speakers included Pete Reyes (Tacoma Parks), Leon Nettles (Second Cycle), and Laura Swan Zerek (Downtown on the Go). The proclamation highlighted the city's goals for a connected bike network, Vision Zero, and climate action. Councilmember Walker noted a successful bike swap event.
  • Recognition of Riya Richardson: Councilmember Scott read a recognition honoring Riya Richardson for her leadership as a youth commissioner, Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year, and contributions to Pixar's Inside Out 2. Riya spoke about the importance of youth spaces and mentorship.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michelle Reich: Spoke on International Firefighters' Day, linking climate change to increased wildfires, and noted the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's end.
  • Carla Gramlik: Supported Bike Month but raised safety concerns about homeless encampments blocking bike facilities, particularly on Scott Pierson Trail and near the mission.
  • Jillian Nettles: Expressed gratitude for bike infrastructure and urged continued investment.
  • Laura Swan Zerek: Urged the council to fund safe cycling infrastructure, citing the recent failure of the streets initiative and the addition of hundreds of e-bikes via rebate programs.
  • Hannah Minor: Stressed the need for equitable funding for active transportation, especially in underserved areas, and noted the failure of the streets initiative.
  • Nick Bateman: Shared 20 years of biking in Tacoma, described harassment, and urged funding for safety. He stated he voted for the streets initiative.
  • Naomi Wilson: Highlighted a dangerous rail crossing at McCarver and Ruston Way for cyclists and pedestrians when trains are stopped.
  • Casey Gifford: Asked the council to identify new funding sources for Vision Zero and safe biking routes, noting that her family avoids biking in central and south Tacoma due to safety.

Discussion Items

  • Interim City Manager Nomination (Item 12): Councilmember Hines moved to nominate Hyun Kim, current Deputy City Manager, as Interim City Manager for a term starting June 1, 2025, until a permanent appointment. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Woodards and Councilmembers Bushnell and Rumbaugh praised Kim's qualifications. The Human Resources Director will now negotiate a contract.
  • Appointments to Climate and Sustainability Commission (Resolution 41669): The council appointed and reappointed Justine Jadala, Matthew Benedict, Evlando Cooper, and John Doherty, as recommended by the Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Committee. Adopted unanimously.
  • Multi-Family Tax Exemption Agreements (Resolutions 41670 & 41671): Debbie Bingham presented two identical 12-year limited property tax exemptions for Meacham Development LLC at 1129 and 1131 Fawcett Avenue, each creating four rental housing units (two one-bedroom, two two-bedroom). Construction costs $821,000 per project, with an estimated net positive fiscal impact of $69,000 after exemption. Both resolutions adopted unanimously.
  • Electric System Revenue Bonds – First Reading (Ordinance 29033): Michelle Brown, Power Financial Planning Manager, presented a request to issue up to $325 million in revenue and refunding bonds, including $135 million for capital projects (generator rebuilds, transformer purchases, fish passage improvements) and potential refunding of 2010B and 2013A bonds. The ordinance delegates final terms to the TPU Director and Power Superintendent. It passed first reading and was set for final reading on May 6, 2025. Councilmember Walker requested the GPFC presentation for detailed numbers.

City Manager's Report

  • Police Honors: The Tacoma Police Special Investigations Narcotics Unit received two 2024 awards: Team of the Year from the Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association, and Unit of the Year from the Western States Information Network. Significant seizures in 2024 included 83 lbs of methamphetamine, 87,000 fentanyl pills, over 163 firearms, and multiple arrests.
  • New Website Launch: The city's new website, Tacoma.gov, goes live at midnight on April 30. It features a redesigned services page, event calendar, and “I want to” section.

Committee Reports

  • Government Performance and Finance Committee (Councilmember Hines): Met April 1 (briefing on Tacoma Power bond) and April 15 (2024 year-end general fund revenue update, council rules of procedure). Next meeting May 6 at 10 AM.

Other Business

  • Councilmember Walker promoted Tacoma Ways Goose event at the downtown library on May 2-3.
  • The council excused Deputy Mayor Daniels (absent).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda adopted (minutes and two contracts) unanimously.
  • Proclamations and recognition approved.
  • Hyun Kim nominated as Interim City Manager (unanimous); contract negotiation to follow.
  • Climate and Sustainability Commission appointments (Resolution 41669) approved.
  • Two tax exemption agreements (Resolutions 41670 & 41671) approved.
  • Ordinance 29033 (electric bonds) passed first reading; final reading set for May 6, 2025.
  • Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of April 29th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Council or Deputy Mayor Daniels, absent Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. Councilmember Rumba here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. 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 Diaz, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piola people where they make their home and speak the Lachut seed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. 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 resolutions numbers 41667 and 41668. Second. 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 ayes have it. The consent agenda is adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations. We have three ceremonials tonight. And for firefighter for the firefighters' day proclamation, I would like to invite Gil Barthi, Assistant Fire Chief of Operations, and Pat McElliott, local 31 representative to the podium as I read this proclamation. And get your speeches prepared because all of you have to talk now. Whereas firefighters dedicate their time to protect uh for the to the protection of life, property, and the environment, and make the ultimate sacrifice of risking their lives in protecting others. And whereas International Firefighters Day is a time when the world's community recognizes and honors the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure their communities and environment are as safe as possible. And whereas we observe this date each year on May 4th, the feast day of the St. Flor Florence, sorry about that, the patron saint of firefighters. When we remember firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protect and the safety of us all. And whereas the Tacoma Fire Department is our community's primary provider of pre-hospital emergency care and was dispatched to over 53,000 emergency incidents in 2024. And whereas the demands of firefighting are accompanied by both professional and personal tolls that all firefighters knowingly accept while risking their physical and mental health to protect the lives of others. And whereas by recognizing International Firefighters Day, we show our support and gratitude to the firefighters here in Tacoma and around the world who protect us throughout the year. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R. Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and oh and and of the 200 and of the 220,000 residents who call Tacoma home. Do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 4th, 2025, as International Firefighters Day in the City of Tacoma, and ask our residents to join us in sharing gratitude for our Tacoma firefighters for the work they do every day to protect and care for our community. Please join me in a round of applause for our firefighters. Before I ask you to speak, I just want to acknowledge that outside of just um the beautiful words that are written in in the proclamation that today really is uh a day, or Sunday will be the day, but every day we should honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice that that you all make. Um you run towards danger when many people run away. You run into fire when a lot of people are running out of the fire. And Tacoma is safer and stronger because of the sacrifice that each of you make every single day. Um you show up every day providing medical care. Um, and you are um you show up with a desire, and you signed up with a desire that you just want to be of service and help people in our community who, in a lot of cases, when you see see them may be experiencing the worst day of their life.

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