OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – April 28, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:25:34

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Thank you.

0:05

I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of April 28th, 2026.

0:09

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:12

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:14

Present.

0:14

Councilmember Diaz.

0:16

Councilmember Heinz.

0:17

Councilmember Palmer.

0:20

Absent.

0:21

Councilmember Rumba?

0:22

Here.

0:23

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:24

Here.

0:24

Councilmember Scott?

0:25

Here.

0:26

Councilmember Walker.

0:27

Here.

0:27

Mayor Ibsen.

0:29

Here.

0:29

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

0:35

Thank you.

0:36

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

0:42

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence.

1:19

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:23

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

1:26

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution numbers 41895 through 41897.

1:32

Second.

1:33

Moving second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections?

1:36

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

1:40

Aye.

1:41

Those opposed to say nay, consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:44

We have three ceremonials tonight.

1:47

For the International Firefighting Firefighters Day proclamation, I'd like to invite Pat McElagott, Vice President of Local 31, John Sleisner, Assistant Fire Chief, and all firefighters in attendance to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:14

Welcome everyone.

2:16

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

2:25

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.

2:36

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

2:41

Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, when we remember firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all.

2:50

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.

3:01

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.

3:12

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.

3:22

Now therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Monday, May 4th, 2026, as International Firefighters Day in the City of Tacoma, and invite our residents to join us in sharing gratitude for our Tacoma Firefighters for the work that they do every day to protect and care for our community.

3:42

Who would like to say a few words?

3:46

Well, I've got about five pages of notes here, so just bear with me, guys.

3:50

No, it'll be short.

3:51

Mayor and Council members, thank you for this honor and recognition of International Firefighters Day.

3:57

I'm proud to stand here, but this award really belongs to the men and women of the Tacoma Fire Department who show up every day on People's Worst Day with skills, compassion, and commitment.

4:10

Firefighting is a team effort, and I'm fortunate to be a part of the group that truly cares about this community.

4:15

We're here to serve, and it's a privilege to do so.

4:18

Thank you for your support of your firefight of our firefighters and the people we serve.

4:25

Mayor, Debbie Mary, Council, I want to thank you guys for ever for recognizing International Firefighters Day.

4:31

Um I just want to say thank you and uh we appreciate it.

4:36

And I think when it comes to this job, I think I can address the community also is we love the work that we do.

4:43

Um when you talk about all the risks and everything, it's like that is that's inherent with the job.

4:48

I think I was told uh one of my first years on the job by uh uh uh now Lieutenant or now Captain Tori Tollfrey, who is one of my classmates when I got hired.

4:56

The last heroic thing you'll do is take the oath.

4:58

Everything after that is your job.

5:00

And I think that that all of my brothers and sisters take that to heart.

5:04

Um this is the best, this is the greatest job in the world.

5:07

Um I'm blessed to be able to do it.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Active Transportation██████████████████████████████████34%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████14%
Procedural███████████11%
Arts And Culture██████████10%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Animal Welfare██████6%
Public Safety█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Economic Development███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on April 28, 2026, at approximately 1:15 PM (start of meeting) to address a consent agenda, three ceremonial proclamations, public comments, appointments, a contract authorization, a first reading of an animal control ordinance, a public hearing on a proposed annexation, and committee reports. All council members were present except Councilmember Palmer (absent). The meeting was adjourned after a motion.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution 41895, 41896, and 41897 were adopted unanimously by voice vote without discussion.

Ceremonial Proclamations

  • International Firefighters Day: Mayor Ibsen proclaimed May 4, 2026 as International Firefighters Day in Tacoma. Fire department representatives Pat McElagott (Local 31 Vice President) and John Sleisner (Assistant Fire Chief) accepted, noting the department responded to over 53,000 emergency incidents in 2024. Councilmembers expressed gratitude.
  • Bike Month: May 2026 was proclaimed Bike Month. Laura Svencharik (Tacoma on the Go) and Leon Nettles (Second Cycle) spoke, emphasizing the need for safe, protected bike infrastructure to meet Vision Zero goals. Councilmembers voiced support for continued investment.
  • Tacoma Literary Month: May 2026 was proclaimed Tacoma Literary Month. Sayed Jamal (Grit City Studio) highlighted the inaugural Tacoma Literature Festival on May 2, 2026. Councilmember Walker praised the effort.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bike Month support: Multiple speakers (Sarah Keysler, Cam Solomon, Ansley Zora, Chris Aberhart, Daisy Goldwong, Larry Levine, Jennifer Halverson Keene, Mary Herman, Casey Gifford, Danny North, Lawrence Applan, Amber Weiler, Teresa Evans, Dave Chapman) urged the city to invest in safe, connected bike infrastructure. Many shared personal stories of crashes, barriers (I-5, Highway 16), and the need for protected lanes to serve all ages and abilities. Amber Weiler spoke of her son Michael killed while biking on SR 7.
  • Animal control ordinance: April Smith (District 5) spoke in support of the proposed ordinance update, emphasizing clearer humane standards for animal welfare.

Discussion Items

  • Appointments:
    • Resolution 41898 removed Jessica Weirick from the Commission on Elected Salaries (forfeited due to unexcused absences) and appointed Don Salinas (lottery selection) to fill the District 5 term expiring September 30, 2027. Adopted unanimously.
    • Resolution 41899 appointed individuals to the for/against committees for Proposition 1 (Connect Tacoma Safe Streets and Sidewalks) for the August 4, 2026 primary election. Appointed: For committee – Michael Katsey, Nathaniel Lauver, Laura Swan Zarek; Against committee – Stephen Cook, Ben Lackey. Adopted unanimously.
  • Purchase resolution: Resolution 4190 authorized an increase to and extension of a contract with United Site Services of Nevada Inc. for portable toilet rentals and septic pumping services through May 31, 2027, totaling $2,500,000 plus taxes. Adopted unanimously.
  • First reading of ordinance: Ordinance 29104 (amending Title 17, Animal Control) was introduced. Councilmember Hines highlighted updates including: restrictions on confining animals in stationary vehicles (max 4 animals, no tethering inside, adequate care visible, 30 minutes outside per 4 hours); banning tethering in adverse weather (defined as ≤32°F or ≥90°F); and clarifying definitions. Co-sponsored by Councilmembers Rumbaugh and Diaz. Final reading scheduled for next meeting.
  • Public Hearing – Fife Heights Annexation: Senior Planner Wesley Rhodes presented a proposal to annex 10 parcels (~40 acres) in the Fife Heights potential annexation area, initiated by the Heiberg family for residential development. The council heard public comment: Randy Heiberg (property owner) supported the annexation, noting plans for ~55 affordable homes; Tom (virtual) urged approval; Jason Smearer (property owner not part of development) expressed concerns about zoning and sewer costs. Councilmember Diaz asked about costs – staff time only at this stage. Councilmember Palmer noted further analysis will occur in later steps.
  • Council Comments:
    • Councilmember Diaz (Economic Development Committee) reported on Workforce Central labor market analysis, Tacoma Film Festival task force, World Trade Center Tacoma update (tariff and global conflict impacts), and progress on Wajamaya’s return.
    • Councilmember Sidalgay announced the state’s legal action against GEO Group over refusal to allow health inspections at the Northwest Immigration Processing Center, reaffirming council’s long-standing concern.
    • Councilmember Walker updated on Sound Transit: town hall (200+ attendees), a proposal expected May 7, and approval of $23 million for Tacoma Dome Access Improvements (light-rail ready).
    • Deputy Mayor Bushnell thanked the clerk’s office for digitizing the municipal code and acknowledged Cambodian New Year and Southeast Asian community events.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (Resolutions 41895-41897) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41898 (Commission on Elected Salaries appointment) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 41899 (Proposition 1 pro/con committees) adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution 4190 (portable toilet contract increase) adopted unanimously.
  • First reading of Ordinance 29104 (animal control) held; second reading scheduled for May 5, 2026.
  • Council accepted the annexation application (motion by Councilmember Palmer) with conditions: a comprehensive plan amendment must be adopted before final approval, and the annexation area must assume all or a portion of the city's existing indebtedness. This initiates a ~24-month study process, not a final annexation.
  • City Manager announced the municipal code is now fully web-based (starting April 29, 2026), led by City Clerk Nicole Emory.
  • Meeting adjourned at conclusion.

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. I'd like to call to order the City Council meeting of April 28th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Heinz. Councilmember Palmer. Absent. Councilmember Rumba? Here. Councilmember Sidalgay? Here. Councilmember Scott? Here. Councilmember Walker. Here. Mayor Ibsen. Here. Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Hines, followed by a moment of silence. Thank you. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Piala people where they make their home and speak the Lishut Seed language. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence. 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 resolution numbers 41895 through 41897. Second. Moving second, are there any questions, comments, or corrections? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed to say nay, consent agenda is declared adopted. We have three ceremonials tonight. For the International Firefighting Firefighters Day proclamation, I'd like to invite Pat McElagott, Vice President of Local 31, John Sleisner, Assistant Fire Chief, and all firefighters in attendance to the podium as I read the proclamation. Welcome everyone. Whereas firefighters dedicate their time 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 the state each year on May 4th, the feast day of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, when we remember firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting 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, Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Monday, May 4th, 2026, as International Firefighters Day in the City of Tacoma, and invite our residents to join us in sharing gratitude for our Tacoma Firefighters for the work that they do every day to protect and care for our community. Who would like to say a few words? Well, I've got about five pages of notes here, so just bear with me, guys. No, it'll be short. Mayor and Council members, thank you for this honor and recognition of International Firefighters Day. I'm proud to stand here, but this award really belongs to the men and women of the Tacoma Fire Department who show up every day on People's Worst Day with skills, compassion, and commitment. Firefighting is a team effort, and I'm fortunate to be a part of the group that truly cares about this community. We're here to serve, and it's a privilege to do so. Thank you for your support of your firefight of our firefighters and the people we serve.

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