OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – September 9, 2025: Tideflats, Groundwater, Police Incentives, and More

City Council — Tuesday, September 9, 2025
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:21:33

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

I text you Chris.

0:01

We're going to talk.

0:05

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of September 9th, 2025.

0:09

Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:11

Councilmember Bushnell.

0:12

Present.

0:13

Deputy Mayor Daniels.

0:15

Thank you.

0:16

Present.

0:17

Councilmember Diaz.

0:19

Councilmember Heinz.

0:20

Councilmember Rumba.

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Sidalgay.

0:24

Here.

0:25

Councilmember Sidalga's virtual.

0:27

Councilmember Scott.

0:30

Absent Councilmember Walker.

0:32

Here.

0:33

Mayor Woodards.

0:35

Here.

0:36

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

0:43

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

0:51

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

1:07

One nation under God and this law of liberty and justice for all.

1:51

Are there any modifications?

1:52

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:56

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

1:59

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number numbers 41749 and 41751.

2:07

Are there thank you?

2:09

Are there any council questions, comments, or corrections to the agenda?

2:12

Deputy Mayor.

2:15

Um I would like to move resolution number 41751 relating to a relating to setting a public hearing for the proposed Hyde Flat Sub area plan from the consent agenda and consider this item under the regular agenda.

2:30

All right, resolution number 41751 will now be considered under the regular agenda after item number 13.

2:37

All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, including resolution numbers 41749 and 41750, please signify by saying aye.

2:45

Aye.

2:46

All those opposed, the consent agenda is declared adopted.

2:50

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations.

2:54

We have two ceremonials this evening.

2:57

And I'd like to start with our first ceremonial, which is for the welcoming week proclamation.

3:02

And I'd like to invite Emmanuela Sheisha, Vice Chair of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Amy Ku, Executive Director of Tacoma Community House, and Amitha Lonio, Director of the Tacoma Public Library, to the podium as I read the proclamation.

3:31

All right.

3:37

Hello, ladies.

3:38

All right.

3:39

Whereas Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that affirms the dignity of immigrants and refugees, renews commitments to building inclusive communities, and brings people together in a spirit of solidarity.

3:53

And whereas the 2025 national theme, stories we share, invites community members to celebrate differences while recognizing the power of storytelling to unite and inspire understanding.

4:06

And whereas Tacoma's success depends on ensuring all residents feel welcome as immigrants and refugees, bringing fresh perspectives, start a business, and enrich the city's vibrant diversity.

4:19

And whereas all Tacoma residents, except the Puallop and other coastal Salish people are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, with over 13% born outside of the United States and nearly 20% speaking a language other than English at home.

4:36

And whereas inclusivity aligns with the city's equity and empowerment framework, ensuring equitable access to opportunities that advance well-being and human rights for all.

4:47

And whereas community partners such as Tacoma Community House and the City's Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs play a vital role in supporting immigrant and refugee populations through education, employment, immigration services, advocacy, and collaboration.

5:04

Now, therefore, I, Victoria R.

5:06

Woodards, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim September 12th through the 21st, 2025 as welcoming week in the City of Tacoma, and invite our community to join in the celebration of the many positive impacts our immigrant community has on Tacoma and encourage everyone to take time to learn more and know our immigrant neighbors.

5:31

Please join me in a round of applause.

5:41

So I'm gonna ask these speakers to speak, but before I do, I'd like to make a comment or a few comments, I should say.

5:50

You know, each year the City of Tacoma proclaims welcoming week, and we recognize the critical importance of our immigrant and refugee communities and their immense contributions to the City of Tacoma.

6:02

And welcoming week, as we said, is an annual celebration and an event where we highlight and focus on all that our community shares in common rather than what divides us.

6:19

A theme that invites us all to reflect on our shared humanity and to utilize the power of storytelling for bringing communities together.

6:29

In a time where the immigrant and refugee communities face insurmountable risk and uncertainty, Tacoma will continue to be a place of opportunity for those seeking safety and a new start.

6:44

This year, in addition to just our welcoming week, I am sight, I am excited to add that we are announcing a new initiative.

6:53

In partnership with Tacoma Community House and the Tacoma Public Library and other partners, we will be celebrating the year of belonging.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Immigration Detention Oversight██████████████████18%
Public Comment█████████9%
Strategic Planning█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management███████7%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – September 9, 2025

The Tacoma City Council met on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations for Welcoming Week and Emergency Preparedness Month, public comment on several agenda items, and action on resolutions and ordinances regarding the Tideflats Subarea Plan, a lateral police officer incentive program, and the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Update.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • Welcoming Week (September 12–21, 2025) was proclaimed. Mayor Woodards announced a new "Year of Belonging" initiative in partnership with Tacoma Community House and the Tacoma Public Library. Speakers included Emmanuela Sheisha (Vice Chair, Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs), Amy Ku (Executive Director, Tacoma Community House), and Amitha Lonio (Director, Tacoma Public Library).
  • Emergency Preparedness Month (September 2025) was proclaimed, with remarks from Joshua Castillo, Emergency Management Analyst.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ordinance 29051 (Groundwater Protection): Kathy and Heidi Stevens expressed concerns that the code does not adequately protect groundwater, citing lack of impervious surface restrictions and the shift of waiver authority to the Planning Department without sufficient oversight.
  • Resolution 41757 (Aid Northwest funding): Mary Karstenson and Ben Jones (Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest) urged support, noting the funds would provide over 50,000 minutes of phone time for detainees and support the Welcome Center.
  • Resolution 41751 (Tideflats Subarea Plan): Kit Burns recommended voting against the landscaping/tree canopy plan, arguing it creates code complexity. Barb Church criticized the engagement process, saying public input was not incorporated "early and often" over the seven-year process.
  • Community Forum: Several residents from Northeast Tacoma spoke about dangerous road conditions on SR 509 and Marine View Drive, citing nearly 800 accidents and multiple fatalities over the past decade. They requested jersey barriers, speed cameras, and other safety measures. A mother shared a personal story of losing her 22-year-old daughter in a December 2024 crash.
  • Additional community forum topics: A speaker requested that the city treat soliciting between consenting adults as a low-priority enforcement issue. Another suggested using part of the Tacoma Dome parking lot as a managed camping site for homeless individuals. A resident alerted the council to a widespread bronze birch borer infestation killing urban trees and requested education and survey funding.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41751 – Tideflats Subarea Plan Public Hearing: The council adopted a resolution to set a public hearing on October 28, 2025, at 5:15 PM (after regular agenda) for the proposed Tideflats Subarea Plan and related code amendments. Staff presented the 45-day public comment period. The council considered and approved four amendments to exhibits C and D (Title 13 and Title 19) brought by Mayor Woodards and Councilmember Walker, including:
    • Modifying the new Seaport Transition TOD district (height limit of 100 feet, pedestrian street designations, elimination of minimum parking, etc.)
    • Allowing public agencies to develop their own urban forestry plans for flexibility in tree canopy compliance within the tide flats, with a direction that canopy stays in the subarea and non-industrial uses (e.g., schools) may be excluded.
    • Limiting expansion of non-conforming residential and civic institutional uses in the core heavy industrial area.
    • Correcting typographical errors and clarifying definitions (e.g., nursery as plant nursery, cross-laminated timber production).
  • Resolution 41756 / Ordinance 29052 – Lateral Police Officer Incentive Program: The council heard a presentation from Michelle Woodrow, Public Safety Labor Negotiator, on a $50,000 incentive payment (staggered over two years) plus floating holiday hours for in-state lateral officers. The goal is to fill 20 vacancies, projecting full staffing by 2027 instead of 2029. Total program cost estimated at $3.4 million, with $1.2 million direct incentives. The program is intended to reduce mandatory overtime and improve community service. Councilmembers expressed support after questioning about fleet costs and accountability.
  • Ordinance 29051 – South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Update: Councilmember Bushnell introduced a substitute ordinance incorporating staff-recommended edits: allowing replacement of underground storage tanks, replacing waiver language with variance process, clarifying split parcels, and minor code cleanups. Councilmember Rumba added an amendment directing the City Manager to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department within 90 days to define roles and coordination. The ordinance passed unanimously.
  • Labor Agreements: Multiple resolutions and ordinances were adopted:
    • Resolution 41754 – Letter of Agreement with Local 120 for Planning & Development Services classifications (accretion, wage increase, one-time $2,000 lump sum).
    • Resolution 41755 – Letter of Agreement with Tacoma Police Union Local 6 Community Service Officers Unit regarding VIBA deposits for unused PTO at separation.
    • Resolution 41756 (above) and Ordinance 29052 (first and final reading, emergency) authorizing lateral police officer incentives.
    • Ordinance 29053 (first reading) – Set over for final reading next week (compensation plan for Local 120 employees).
  • Resolution 41752 – Appointment: Hope Springer was appointed to the Climate and Sustainability Commission (term ending April 30, 2026).
  • Resolution 41753 – Contract Increase: Approved $359,560.07 increase for DKS Associates for Puyallup Avenue Transit/Complete Street Improvements project (total contract $2,069,462.51).
  • Resolution 41757 – Council Contingency Funds: Approved $20,000 to Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest for phone call fund and Welcome Center services. Councilmember Diaz, Walker, Bushnell, and Sidalgay co-sponsored, citing increased detention numbers and the need to support vulnerable community members during Welcoming Week.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted all consent agenda items (Resolutions 41749 and 41750 for wastewater plant contracts).
  • Adopted Resolution 41752 appointing Hope Springer to the Climate and Sustainability Commission (unanimous).
  • Adopted Resolution 41753 for Puyallup Avenue project contract increase (unanimous).
  • Adopted Resolution 41751 as amended, setting a public hearing on the Tideflats Subarea Plan for October 28, 2025, at 5:15 PM (unanimous).
  • Adopted Resolutions 41754, 41755, 41756 (labor agreements) and Ordinance 29052 (police lateral incentives) – all unanimous.
  • Adopted Resolution 41757 providing $20,000 to Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest – unanimous.
  • Approved Substitute Ordinance 29051 (South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Update) with amendments, including a directive for MOU with TPCHD within 90 days – unanimous (roll call vote: 9-0).
  • Set over Ordinance 29053 (first reading) for final reading at the next meeting.
  • Community Forum concluded after 60 minutes; no specific council action taken on road safety or other concerns raised, but Councilmember Rumba committed to working on the Northeast Tacoma safety issues.

Meeting Transcript

I text you Chris. We're going to talk. I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of September 9th, 2025. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Bushnell. Present. Deputy Mayor Daniels. Thank you. Present. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Heinz. Councilmember Rumba. Here. Councilmember Sidalgay. Here. Councilmember Sidalga's virtual. Councilmember Scott. Absent Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Woodards. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Deputy Mayor Daniels, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puyallop people where they make their home and speak the Lushutsi language. Please stand for the flag salute and remain standing for a moment of silence. One nation under God and this law of liberty and justice for all. Are there any modifications? Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number numbers 41749 and 41751. Are there thank you? Are there any council questions, comments, or corrections to the agenda? Deputy Mayor. Um I would like to move resolution number 41751 relating to a relating to setting a public hearing for the proposed Hyde Flat Sub area plan from the consent agenda and consider this item under the regular agenda. All right, resolution number 41751 will now be considered under the regular agenda after item number 13. All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, including resolution numbers 41749 and 41750, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, the consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, and presentations. We have two ceremonials this evening. And I'd like to start with our first ceremonial, which is for the welcoming week proclamation. And I'd like to invite Emmanuela Sheisha, Vice Chair of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Amy Ku, Executive Director of Tacoma Community House, and Amitha Lonio, Director of the Tacoma Public Library, to the podium as I read the proclamation. All right. Hello, ladies. All right. Whereas Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that affirms the dignity of immigrants and refugees, renews commitments to building inclusive communities, and brings people together in a spirit of solidarity. And whereas the 2025 national theme, stories we share, invites community members to celebrate differences while recognizing the power of storytelling to unite and inspire understanding. And whereas Tacoma's success depends on ensuring all residents feel welcome as immigrants and refugees, bringing fresh perspectives, start a business, and enrich the city's vibrant diversity. And whereas all Tacoma residents, except the Puallop and other coastal Salish people are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, with over 13% born outside of the United States and nearly 20% speaking a language other than English at home. And whereas inclusivity aligns with the city's equity and empowerment framework, ensuring equitable access to opportunities that advance well-being and human rights for all. And whereas community partners such as Tacoma Community House and the City's Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs play a vital role in supporting immigrant and refugee populations through education, employment, immigration services, advocacy, and collaboration.

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