OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - August 26, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, August 26, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 26, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:04:12

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of August 26, 2025.

0:08

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:11

Councilmember Bushnell?

0:13

Present.

0:13

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:14

Here.

0:15

Councilmember Diaz?

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Heinz.

0:17

Councilmember Rumba?

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Sadalgay, absent.

0:20

Councilmember Scott?

0:21

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Walker?

0:23

Here.

0:23

Mayor Woodards?

0:24

Here.

0:25

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

0:32

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

0:39

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

1:35

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

1:39

I move to adopt the consent agenda, includes including resolutions number four one seven four one through four one seven four five.

1:46

Second.

1:47

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

1:49

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

1:54

Aye.

1:54

All those opposed.

1:56

The consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:58

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations.

2:09

Or at least it's definitely in the top ten.

2:12

Tonight, um, we have the honor um of recognizing Annabelle Stevens, who is an incoming third grader at Downing Elementary School, and she has she has been named our honorary chief of the day.

2:28

So Annabelle, would you come?

2:30

Would you come with the chief and come stand at the podium right here for me?

2:35

Do we have a step stool for her?

2:41

Oh, man.

2:45

Oh yes!

2:47

I love it.

2:48

All right.

2:50

Annabelle, I'm gonna read this for you, okay?

2:53

All right.

2:55

Whereas the City of Tacoma is proud to celebrate and uplift the unique talents, perspectives, and achievements of all members of our community.

3:04

And whereas Annabelle Stevens, an incoming third grader at Downey Elementary School, is an inspiring young student who approaches life with courage, curiosity, and joy.

3:17

And whereas Annabelle, who happens to have Down syndrome, is a shining example of determination and kindness and reminds us daily of the importance of inclusion, empathy, and celebrating our differences.

3:32

And whereas on August 28th, 2025, Annabelle will have the honor of serving as chief for a day, representing the spirit of service and the leadership that this program embodies.

3:45

And whereas the city recognizes the positive example Annabelle sets for her classmates, her neighborhood, and the community as a whole, through her bright spirit, resilience, and compassion.

3:59

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

4:01

Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and the over 220,000 residents of Tacoma, do hereby do hereby recognize Annabelle Stevens as we encourage all residents to join us in commemorating her accomplishments, her leadership, and her role as chief for a day, and congratulating her on this well-deserved honor.

4:27

Please join me in a round of applause for Annabelle.

4:31

Thank you very much.

4:50

All right, Annabelle.

4:54

Are you gonna say a few words?

4:56

Do you want to say a few words?

4:58

Right here, talk right in the mic.

5:00

You could speak right on the mic.

5:04

Ready.

5:05

Okay, you ready?

5:06

Did you want to say something?

5:08

Yes.

5:10

Go ahead and say it.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████27%
Public Comment██████████████████████████26%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Water And Wastewater Management██████████10%
Food Access██████6%
Homelessness█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Public Safety███3%
Economic Development███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – August 26, 2025

The Tacoma City Council convened on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, a proclamation, public comment on specific ordinances, appointments to advisory bodies, first readings of two ordinances, and a community forum. Key actions included adopting resolutions for contracts, appointments, and meeting cancellations, as well as advancing a major groundwater protection code update to a second reading.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolutions 41741–41745: Adopted unanimously.
    • Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with Port of Tacoma for stormwater management (extended through Dec 31, 2025).
    • Contract award to Asphalt Patch Systems, Inc. for 2025 Sidewalk Replacement ($995,060 base; $1,094,566 total with 10% contingency).
    • Contract award to Northwest Cascade, Inc. for stormwater main replacements ($976,976 base; $1,172,371.20 total with 20% contingency).
    • Contract award to Northwest Cascade, Inc. for rail crossing improvements at 6th Avenue/Titlow Beach and S 19th Street/S Seashore Drive ($998,442 base; $1,148,208.30 total with 15% contingency).
    • Contract increase with Rognlin’s, Inc. for facilities maintenance ($600,000 increase; $1,000,000 new total).
  • Payments: Approved payroll ($36,492,933.95) and vendor payments ($34,636,800.67) for a total of $71,129,734.62 (July 28 – August 10, 2025).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tyler Daniels (licensed civil engineer, former city employee) spoke against the sidewalk program, calling it ineffective and outdated, and requested its termination.
  • Kathy Irwin spoke on Ordinance 29051 (South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District update). Argued the proposed code changes do not strengthen protections and continue the status quo by allowing variances; stated neighborhood council feedback was ignored.
  • Michelle Reich spoke on Ordinance 29051. Expressed concern that a megawarehouse would change neighborhood character and pollute air, water, and ground; urged protection of the aquifer.
  • Kit Burns spoke on Ordinance 29051. Raised two points: (1) the definition of metal roofs as pollution-generating surfaces includes a vague exception for “inert non-leachable material” that should be removed; (2) Figure 1 (wellhead protection area map) is grossly inaccurate, producing a conflicting drawing to submit to the city.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamation – Annabelle Stevens as Honorary Chief for a Day: The council recognized Annabelle Stevens, an incoming third-grader at Downing Elementary School with Down syndrome, for her courage, kindness, and positive example. The Tacoma Police Department participated in the ceremony.
  • Appointments – Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee (Resolution 41746): Deputy Mayor Daniels reported the Economic Development Committee (Aug 12, 2025) recommended appointments: Christopher Brown, Suchil Nihal, Katie Barrett, Clint Myers, and Justin Baker. Adopted unanimously.
  • Appointments – Transportation Commission (Resolution 41747): Councilmember Walker reported the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability (IPS) Committee (Aug 13, 2025) recommended appointments: Bronwyn Clark, Austin Goebb, and Richard Gardner. Adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41748 – Meeting Cancellations Revision: Mayor Woodards introduced a resolution ratifying the cancellation of the April 8 study session and reinstating the November 4 study session as well as the November 12 meeting and study session. Adopted unanimously.
  • First Reading – Ordinance 29050 (Level 3 Communications Franchise): A 10-year telecommunications franchise renewal for Level 3 Communications LLC (a Lumen subsidiary) to operate fiber optic systems in Tacoma. No council questions; set over for final reading on September 16, 2025.
  • First Reading – Ordinance 29051 (South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Update): Senior Planner Maryam Moeinian presented the update, which: designates the district as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA); updates boundaries to include the Manitou neighborhood; adds enforcement tools (stop-work/stop-use orders); promotes stormwater infiltration as the preferred method; proposes permanent prohibition of metal recycling, auto wrecking, and underground storage tanks; introduces a tiered protection approach (strongest in the 1-year time-of-travel zone). Councilmember Rumba (via Walker) asked about an MOU to ensure community awareness; City Manager agreed to work with PDS and report back on a timeline. Councilmember Bushnell stated she will bring forward staff-recommended amendments at the second reading (September 9), including language for non-conforming uses, replacement standards for underground storage tanks, variance process clarifications, split parcel clarifications, and minor code cleanups.
  • Community Forum: Multiple speakers addressed non-agenda topics:
    • Tyler Daniels (second appearance) alleged the city fails to protect employees under Title VII when working with third-party contractors, and criticized the time given to the Annabelle proclamation over employee concerns.
    • April Smith thanked the city for sidewalk repairs on 84th and Larchmont, noting accessibility improvements for disabled residents.
    • Brent and Brian Franich (4th-generation plumbing business owners) described ongoing issues with homeless encampments, building fires, and vandalism near S Tacoma Way; requested city assistance.
    • Stephen Bach criticized the lack of government response to the Fred Meyer closure on Pacific Avenue; asked for organized opposition and legal action.
    • Michelle Reich (second appearance) urged the city to recognize sex industry workers as a protected class under LGBTQIA+.
    • Dr. Janice Clark invited the council to the 13th annual Veterans Day event and congratulated Councilmember Bushnell on his appointment as chair of the Military Communities Council.
    • Patricia Concha (via interpreter) raised concerns about loose sign posts, dangerous intersections, and pedestrian safety; requested a campaign to protect lives and women's rights.
    • Kit Burns proposed a city-funded sidewalk repair program where costs are deferred as a lien on property until sale; suggested a $10 million reserve fund.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously (all resolutions and payments approved).
  • Proclamation: Recognized Annabelle Stevens as Honorary Chief for a Day.
  • Appointments: Resolutions 41746 and 41747 adopted unanimously; new members appointed to the Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee and Transportation Commission.
  • Resolution 41748: Adopted unanimously; revises 2025 meeting cancellations (ratifies April 8 cancellation; reinstates Nov 4 study session and Nov 12 meeting & study session).
  • Ordinance 29050 (Telecom Franchise): First reading held; final reading set for September 16, 2025.
  • Ordinance 29051 (Groundwater Protection Code): First reading held; final reading set for September 9, 2025. Councilmember Bushnell to introduce staff amendments at that time. City Manager to report back on MOU development.
  • Community Forum: No formal action taken. Mayor Woodards committed to providing a full update on the Fred Meyer closure at the September 9 council meeting, in coordination with the Economic Development Director and Councilmember Bushnell.
  • Committee Report: Councilmember Walker reported IPS committee activities (July 23 and Aug 13) including interviews for Board of Building Appeals and Transportation Commission, and upcoming agenda items (transportation impact fees, stormwater/wastewater development charges).
  • Adjournment: Councilmember Saudesh excused; meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15 PM.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of August 26, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell? Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Here. Councilmember Diaz? Here. Councilmember Heinz. Councilmember Rumba? Here. Councilmember Sadalgay, absent. Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker? Here. Mayor Woodards? Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Bushnell, 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 Lashutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, includes including resolutions number four one seven four one through four one seven four five. 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, and presentations. Or at least it's definitely in the top ten. Tonight, um, we have the honor um of recognizing Annabelle Stevens, who is an incoming third grader at Downing Elementary School, and she has she has been named our honorary chief of the day. So Annabelle, would you come? Would you come with the chief and come stand at the podium right here for me? Do we have a step stool for her? Oh, man. Oh yes! I love it. All right. Annabelle, I'm gonna read this for you, okay? All right. Whereas the City of Tacoma is proud to celebrate and uplift the unique talents, perspectives, and achievements of all members of our community. And whereas Annabelle Stevens, an incoming third grader at Downey Elementary School, is an inspiring young student who approaches life with courage, curiosity, and joy. And whereas Annabelle, who happens to have Down syndrome, is a shining example of determination and kindness and reminds us daily of the importance of inclusion, empathy, and celebrating our differences. And whereas on August 28th, 2025, Annabelle will have the honor of serving as chief for a day, representing the spirit of service and the leadership that this program embodies. And whereas the city recognizes the positive example Annabelle sets for her classmates, her neighborhood, and the community as a whole, through her bright spirit, resilience, and compassion. Now, therefore, I, Victoria R. Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council and the over 220,000 residents of Tacoma, do hereby do hereby recognize Annabelle Stevens as we encourage all residents to join us in commemorating her accomplishments, her leadership, and her role as chief for a day, and congratulating her on this well-deserved honor. Please join me in a round of applause for Annabelle. Thank you very much.

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