Tacoma City Council Meeting – August 5, 2025

On August 5, 2025, the Tacoma City Council convened at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation for National Farmers Market Week, public comment, approval of several resolutions authorizing loans, property transfers, and a lease, as well as a final reading of a sewer rate ordinance. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–7 were approved unanimously with a friendly amendment to items 26 through 29 (specifics not detailed). These included: minutes of the Public Utility Board (July 9, 2025); a letter supporting federal legislation to amend the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement Act of 1989; interlocal agreements with the Washington State Department of Ecology ($195,481 for stormwater infiltration review), King County ($1,914,510 plus matching funds for watershed land purchase), and Water Resource Inventory Area 9 ($26,514 annually for salmon recovery); and a contract award to Western Specialty Contractors ($1,358,453.91 plus contingency) for exterior preservation of the Tacoma Municipal Building.

Proclamation

• National Farmers Market Week: Mayor Woodards proclaimed August 3–9, 2025, as Farmers Market Week in Tacoma. Tess Coning (Proctor's Farmers Market board president), Jason Gothier (Tacoma Farmers Markets board chair), and Kathy Sativa (former city employee) spoke in support, highlighting the markets' 31-year history, 75 vendors, and the city's annual funding. Councilmember Walker was thanked for her support.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michelle Reich spoke on general topics unrelated to agenda items, noting the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing and nuclear submarine postures. No written comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 41730 – Low-Interest Loan Applications

  • Mark Powell (Tacoma Water) presented the resolution authorizing applications to the Washington State Public Works Board for three loans: $2,083,720 for Tacoma Water main replacements on Puyallup Avenue (replacing ~4,000 feet of aging pipe with 12-inch ductile iron), $10,000,000 for Environmental Services to rehabilitate a stormwater main near Puyallup Avenue and 26th Street, and $2,900,000 for Public Works improvements on South 12th Street (bike lanes, ADA upgrades, signals). The interest rate is 2.12% over 20 years. Councilmember Walker asked about fallback if loans are not awarded: Public Works would reduce scope, Tacoma Water and Environmental Services would proceed as budgeted. Environmental Services agreed to allow higher-priority projects to potentially divert funds. Approved unanimously.

• Resolution 41731 – Surplus Property Transfer for Affordable Housing

  • Felicia Medlen (Housing Division Manager) presented the transfer of a vacant lot at 912 South 25th Street to the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance for six affordable homeownership units at 80% area median income (AMI). The property was declared surplus in 2022; this is the first no-cost transfer for homeownership under the city's surplus policy. Units will be standalone, three front, three back, with a 50-year affordability covenant. Deputy Mayor Daniels noted this is the first 100% affordable homeownership property at no cost. Councilmember Diaz inquired about using the state MFTE program for homeownership—staff stated it would require council action. Councilmember Scott asked about unit types and ongoing compliance (annual checks to prevent renting). Approved unanimously.

• Resolution 41732 – Lease to Northwest Seaport Alliance

  • Dylan Harrison (Real Property Services) presented a five-year lease of 15.25 acres of Tacoma Rail property at 1738 Milwaukee Way for $100,000/month plus 8% operating cost recovery and annual CPI adjustments (Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma index). The lease replaces a 1984 agreement expiring August 2025. A public hearing on July 29 received no comments. Councilmember Bushnell asked about the CPI index choice; staff confirmed it was negotiated with the Seaport Alliance. Approved unanimously.

Final Reading of Ordinance

• Ordinance 29049 – Sewer Rate Amendment: Amends Section 12.08B.210 to change assumed water usage for customers with incomplete or no winter flow records. Presented the previous week; no further discussion. Approved unanimously by roll call (9-0).

Reports by the City Manager

• Interim City Manager announced that Environmental Services will deploy 75 additional decorative litter cans through the Tidy Up Tacoma program, using equity index and 311 data. Budget adjustment will be requested in the mid-biennium process, with further deployment considered in the 2027-2028 budget.

Council Committee Reports

• Economic Development Committee (Deputy Mayor Daniels): Reported meetings on July 22 (evaluated candidates for Tacoma Creeds Advisory Board, recommending reappointment of two incumbents) and July 29 (received Tacoma Mall Sub-area Art and Placemaking Plan, a 10-15 year guide adopted by the Arts Commission in January). Next meeting August 12 will include interviews for the Equity and Contracting Advisory Committee and a Green Economic Development Strategy progress report.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions (9, 10, 11) and the ordinance (12) were adopted unanimously (9-0 votes where recorded).
• The consent agenda was approved with a friendly amendment.
• No further action was taken on public comment or other items.
• The council adjourned after Mayor Woodards reminded residents of Election Day ballot drop-off (closing 8 PM) and National Night Out block parties.