OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – June 3, 2025: Proclamations, Animal Code Updates, and Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing

City Council — Tuesday, June 3, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 3, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

All right, we are ready to start.

0:12

I would like to call to order the city council meeting of June 3rd, 2025.

0:17

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:18

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:20

Present.

0:20

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Diaz.

0:24

Here.

0:24

Councilmember Hines.

0:25

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Rumba?

0:27

Here.

0:27

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:28

Here.

0:29

Councilmember Scott?

0:30

Here.

0:30

Councilmember Walker.

0:31

Here.

0:32

Mayor Woodards?

0:33

Here.

0:38

Here.

0:39

Thank you, Mayor.

0:42

All right.

0:43

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

0:49

We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puala people where they make their home and speak the Le Shutseed language.

0:56

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

1:12

One nation.

2:02

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

2:10

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 41688 and number 41689.

2:17

Second.

2:18

Are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

2:21

All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please sign signify by saying aye.

2:26

Aye.

2:26

All those opposed, signify by saying nay.

2:29

The consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:34

All right, we have two ceremonials tonight.

2:37

And it looks like we have a full chamber to celebrate and also to speak on the many things that we have going on.

2:44

And the first one that we have is proclaiming June 2025 as gun violence awareness a month.

2:50

And for the gun violence awareness proclamation, I would like to invite Selena Mathis, gun violence survivor, advocate and author of DJ Saves the Day, and Isaiah Lennard, Community Engagement Fellow for Alliance for Gun Responsibility to the podium as Councilmember Scott reads the proclamation.

3:16

Thank you both for being here.

3:18

Whereas when high school student Hadia Pendleton was shot and killed in 2013, her friends turned their grief into action and wore orange to raise awareness about gun violence prevention by starting the first wear orange day in 2015.

3:32

And whereas gun violence is a preventable public health tragedy that affects communities across the U.S.

3:37

where every day more than 100 people die by gun violence, including 64 by firearm suicide and 39 by firearm firearm homicide.

3:46

While another 200 visit emergency departments for firearm-related injuries, both accidental and intentional.

3:52

And whereas the City of Tacoma maintains our commitment to incenseless gun violence with evidence-based solutions, pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe and protect everyone in our community.

4:07

And whereas since 2013, the city has invested in programs to operate the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National Comprehensive Gang Model and worked across sectors and government entities to reduce and eliminate gun violence in our community.

4:21

And whereas, building on teen late night success, Tacoma has partnered with agencies across the city to fund and create safe spaces, safe places for our youth, and to in keep and to keep individuals connected to vital source services that support healthy communities and reduce violence.

4:37

Now, therefore, I, Jamika Scott, Councilmember, on behalf of the mayor and the city council do hereby proclaim June 2025 as Gun Violence Awareness Month and June 6th through 8th, 2025 as hashtag wear orange weekend in the city of Tacoma and call upon all residents, employees, and officials of the city to join and reflect upon our individual and collective responsibility as community members to help end the epidemic of gun violence.

5:03

We also call on our community to join us in wearing orange during Wear Orange Weekend and getting involved in organizations that are taking action to end gun violence in Tacoma.

5:14

Thank you, Councilmember.

5:16

Um, I want to invite you all to say a couple words if you have them, but I just wanted to just really uh quickly just acknowledge that this is the month of June, and this is the time that I think is most scary for probably you all, parents.

5:31

Um I know as council members it is a scary month to be going into the summer as we know that this is when our kids and people in general become more uh susceptible to uh gun violence, and I just wanted to acknowledge that the work that we're doing here and the work that you all have been doing.

5:50

Um so I'd like to invite you to say a couple words.

5:56

Good evening, Deputy Mayor Daniels, and Tacoma City Council members.

6:03

As I was introduced, my name is Jelena Mathis.

6:06

I am a grieving mother, a survivor of gun violence, and a volunteer with mom's demand action for Gun Sense America and many other organizations nationally and locally.

6:22

On June 16, 2023, my son Prince Daryl, DJ Carroll, was shot and killed in Seattle, Washington, and what remains an unsolved murder.

6:36

I'm currently a resident here in Pierce County and a member of many organizations here in Pierce County where I reside now.

6:46

I want to thank you on behalf of many survivors and gun violence prevention advocates, both here in Tacoma and all over America, working hard to end this prevalent epidemic.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Transportation█████████████13%
Public Comment█████████████13%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Public Safety██████████10%
Animal Welfare████████8%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Strategic Planning█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – June 3, 2025

On June 3, 2025, the Tacoma City Council convened at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, approval of a consent agenda and a legal settlement, first readings of several ordinances, and a public hearing on the periodic update of the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan. Key topics included gun violence awareness, transit improvements, animal control code revisions, and the city’s long-term land-use and transportation strategy.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes from various committees and boards (Government Performance and Finance Committee, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Public Utility Board, Urban Design Board) were approved without discussion.
  • Purchase Resolution RES41688 awarded a $1,277,943.00 contract (plus 10% contingency) to Global Contractors, LLC for sidewalk and streetscape improvements along North 1st Street and Division Avenue, budgeted from the Transportation Capital and Engineering Fund, for a projected total of $1,405,737.30 plus taxes.
  • Resolution RES41689 accepted a $982,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the purchase of an electric boat, with a subrecipient agreement with Communities for a Healthy Bay.
  • Payments totaling $46,084,417.32 for the period May 5–18, 2025, were approved.

The consent agenda was adopted unanimously.

Proclamations

  • Gun Violence Awareness Month (June 2025): Councilmember Scott read the proclamation. Selena Mathis, a gun violence survivor and advocate, stated that her son Prince Daryl Carroll was killed in 2023 and thanked the council for recognizing the month. Isaiah Lennard, Community Engagement Fellow for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, emphasized that fear is shared among those impacted by gun violence. Cree Forrest, founder of Mothers of Living Ancestors (MOLA), called attention to the bullying epidemic in schools as a precursor to violence. Councilmembers expressed support for ongoing violence prevention programs.
  • Ride Transit Month (June 2025): Councilmember Hines read the proclamation. Mike Griffith, CEO of Pierce Transit, noted that the agency has provided 473 million bus trips over 45 years. Laura Swan Zeric, interim executive director of Downtown on the Go, urged the council to advocate for more frequent transit service and increased local funding. Councilmember Walker committed to advocating for additional transit funding, noting that Tacoma has three seats on the Pierce Transit board.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Comment (general):

  • Michelle Reich, an NRA member, argued that gun violence stems from a gun culture and noted over 200 guns are stolen from cars in Tacoma annually. She called for gun safety through controlling guns.
  • Laura Swan Zeric (Downtown on the Go) spoke on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), urging investment in active transportation infrastructure and noting that many projects lack identified funding beyond 2026. She also highlighted the need for safe access to transit.
  • Maureen thanked Councilmember Hines for animal code corrections but expressed concern about the definition of “indoor household” for pigs, the animal limit (six dogs/cats plus two pigs per lot), and how “reasonability” will be measured for nuisance complaints.
  • Leslie Delzell, CEO of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, supported the proposed Title 17 changes, particularly the recognition of community cats and microchipping requirements. She was joined by Julia Bonzal holding Butters, a Yorkie available for adoption.
  • Kit Burns commented on Ordinance 29038 (TIP), suggesting the document include a comprehensive introduction, a list of private projects (e.g., Bridge Industrial), and a graphic showing project completion stages to improve coordination between Environmental Services and Public Works.

Public Hearing on One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan: More than 260 written comments were received. In-person and online speakers addressed the following key topics:

  • Light Rail Alignment: Several speakers (Reverend Mike Roberts, Wanda Griffin, Greta Jeffery, James Anderson, Michael Whalen, Zephyr Burt) urged the council to retain the South 19th Street representative alignment for the Link light rail extension, citing access to hospitals, grocery stores, and services for underserved communities. They opposed a potential shift to Sixth Avenue, arguing it would harm small businesses during construction.
  • Tenant Protections and Social Housing: A large group of speakers (Janine Provazik, Gwen Lewandowski, Gina Kallignan, Karina Boykin, Ellen Chapelica, Devin Rydell Kelly, Tyron Moore, Ann Dorn, Beverly Allen, Marcus Bartlett, Zev Cook, April Bodner, Jude Gray) supported the Planning Commission’s recommendation to include stronger tenant protections (e.g., relocation assistance, rent increase limits, eviction moratoriums) and to create a community-led social housing developer. They cited rising rents, displacement, and the inadequacy of private-market solutions.
  • Other Issues: Kathy Irwin criticized the plan for not addressing the Bridge Industrial warehouse project (2.5 million square feet) and its traffic and pollution impacts. Tom Giske delivered a poetic call for plan implementation. Kit Burns questioned why the city does not use the state’s 60% area median income definition for affordable housing.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41690 – Appointment to Commission on Elected Salaries: Assistant Human Resources Director Carrie Lewey presented the resolution to appoint Draila Burton from District 3 to fill a term expiring September 30, 2026. The council approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29037 – Compensation Plan: First reading. Would provide a 2% wage increase (effective July 1, 2025) for Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen classifications, plus 4% and 3% increases (2025 and 2026) for municipal court judge and court commissioner based on state salary schedules. Also creates a new Certified Peer Specialist classification for the Tacoma Fire Department’s HOPE program. Set over for final reading.
  • Ordinance 29038 – Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): First reading. Jennifer Kammerzell presented. The amendment adds 21 new projects totaling approximately $124 million (including three unfunded) and removes six completed projects ($34 million). Public testimony on May 20 addressed private development impacts, street closures, and rail crossing safety. Staff recommended adoption. Set over for final reading.
  • Ordinance 29039 – Commute Trip Reduction Four-Year Plan Update: First reading. Liz Kaster explained the plan, which details how the city will assist large employers in reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips. Adoption by June 30 is required to remain eligible for $167,000 in annual state funding. Set over for final reading.
  • Ordinance 29040 – Animal Control Code Amendments (Titles 5 and 17): First reading. Councilmember Hines presented the changes, which include defining community cats, banning for-profit companion animal breeding without a business license, requiring spay/neuter for impounded animals, increasing license fees (with a new low-income rate), and clarifying rules for keeping pigs (limited to one pig per household). He noted a doubling of 311 animal-related requests over two years and that the city has only 4 animal control officers but should have 6–8. Councilmember Walker asked about enforcement; Councilmember Rumbaugh expressed support but saw it as a first step needing future review. Set over for final reading.
  • Settlement of Mathews v. City of Tacoma: The council approved a $175,000 settlement (plus execution of a release) to resolve claims in King County Superior Court Cause No. 24-2-19858-0. Vote was unanimous.
  • Public Hearing on One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan Update: Steve Atkinson presented the Planning Commission’s recommendations, including a new vision statement, updated growth targets (137,000 new residents, 60,000 homes, 94,000 jobs), and policies on affordable housing, anti-displacement, climate change, and transportation (including a high-frequency transit map). The plan also includes minor code amendments on electric fences. The public hearing was held; next steps include a study session on June 10, first reading on June 10, and final reading on June 17, followed by submission to Puget Sound Regional Council for certification.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously.
  • Legal Settlement: Authorized $175,000 payment in Mathews v. City of Tacoma.
  • Commission Appointment: Draila Burton appointed to the Commission on Elected Salaries.
  • Ordinances (First Readings): All four ordinances (29037, 29038, 29039, 29040) were set over for final reading on June 10, 2025.
  • Public Hearing: Completed for the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan update. The council will receive a study session debrief on June 10 before taking action.
  • No Other Decisions: No additional votes were taken on the proclamations, public comments, or community forum topics.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we are ready to start. I would like to call to order the city council meeting of June 3rd, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz. Here. Councilmember Hines. Here. Councilmember Rumba? Here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards? Here. Here. Thank you, Mayor. All right. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Walker, 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 Le Shutseed language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. One nation. Seeing none, we will move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions numbers 41688 and number 41689. Second. Are there any questions, comments, or corrections? All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please sign signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, signify by saying nay. The consent agenda is declared adopted. All right, we have two ceremonials tonight. And it looks like we have a full chamber to celebrate and also to speak on the many things that we have going on. And the first one that we have is proclaiming June 2025 as gun violence awareness a month. And for the gun violence awareness proclamation, I would like to invite Selena Mathis, gun violence survivor, advocate and author of DJ Saves the Day, and Isaiah Lennard, Community Engagement Fellow for Alliance for Gun Responsibility to the podium as Councilmember Scott reads the proclamation. Thank you both for being here. Whereas when high school student Hadia Pendleton was shot and killed in 2013, her friends turned their grief into action and wore orange to raise awareness about gun violence prevention by starting the first wear orange day in 2015. And whereas gun violence is a preventable public health tragedy that affects communities across the U.S. where every day more than 100 people die by gun violence, including 64 by firearm suicide and 39 by firearm firearm homicide. While another 200 visit emergency departments for firearm-related injuries, both accidental and intentional. And whereas the City of Tacoma maintains our commitment to incenseless gun violence with evidence-based solutions, pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe and protect everyone in our community. And whereas since 2013, the city has invested in programs to operate the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National Comprehensive Gang Model and worked across sectors and government entities to reduce and eliminate gun violence in our community. And whereas, building on teen late night success, Tacoma has partnered with agencies across the city to fund and create safe spaces, safe places for our youth, and to in keep and to keep individuals connected to vital source services that support healthy communities and reduce violence. Now, therefore, I, Jamika Scott, Councilmember, on behalf of the mayor and the city council do hereby proclaim June 2025 as Gun Violence Awareness Month and June 6th through 8th, 2025 as hashtag wear orange weekend in the city of Tacoma and call upon all residents, employees, and officials of the city to join and reflect upon our individual and collective responsibility as community members to help end the epidemic of gun violence. We also call on our community to join us in wearing orange during Wear Orange Weekend and getting involved in organizations that are taking action to end gun violence in Tacoma.

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