OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - June 9, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, June 9, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:29:46
Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 9, 2026.

0:06

Clerk, please call the roll.

0:08

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

0:09

Present.

0:09

Councilmember Diaz.

0:11

Councilmember Hines.

0:12

Councilmember Palmer.

0:14

Absent Councilmember Rumba.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Sidalgay?

0:17

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Scott?

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Walker.

0:20

Here, Mayor Ibsen.

0:22

Here.

0:22

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

0:28

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.

0:34

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

1:05

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:08

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

1:10

Is there a motion?

1:11

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41925 through 41927.

1:17

Move and second.

1:18

Are there any uh questions, comments, or corrections?

1:22

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

1:26

I.

1:27

Those opposed to say nay.

1:28

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:30

Moving on, we have one ceremonial tonight proclaiming Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 as Mayors for Peace Day.

1:37

For the Mayors for Peace proclamation, I'd like to invite Mr.

1:40

Sean Arendt, nuclear weapons abolition program manager, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility to the podium as I read the proclamation.

1:55

Whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to peace, human dignity, and protecting present and future generations from the catastrophic catastrophic consequences of war, and whereas more than 12,000 nuclear weapons remain in global arsenals today, many far more destructive than those used against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, and the detonation of even a small number of these weapons could cause catastrophic humanitarian, environmental, economic, and public health consequences worldwide.

2:24

And whereas growing geopolitical instability, the erosion of arms control agreements, continued hair trigger nuclear alert policies, and the ongoing modernization of nuclear arsenals increase the risk of accidental, intentional, or unauthorized nuclear conflict.

2:40

And whereas the immense financial resources dedicated to maintaining and expanding nuclear weapons programs could instead support urgent community needs, including housing, health care, climate resilience, infrastructure, education, and public safety, and whereas cities and local governments would be among the first and most severely affected by any nuclear attack.

3:02

And local leaders have a responsibility to advocate for diplomacy, nuclear risk reduction, and policies that protect human life and planetary health.

3:21

Now, therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, as Mayors for Peace Day in the City of Tacoma, and reaffirm Tacoma's commitment to advocating alongside communities around the world to advance peace, reduce nuclear risks, and advocate for policies through actions like Back from the Brink.

3:42

We further call upon national leaders to pursue diplomacy, strengthen arms control agreements, reduce the role of nuclear weapons and national security policy, and take meaningful steps to prevent nuclear catastrophe and move toward a world free of nuclear weapons.

3:56

Please say a few words.

3:59

Thank you, Mayor Ibsen and uh Tacoma City Council.

4:05

Um, as you mentioned, my name is Sean Aaron.

4:08

I am the uh Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager for the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility.

4:14

Uh my organization and its affiliate PSR received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985 for our advocacy against nuclear weapons.

4:23

On June 12, 1982, a million people marched in the streets of New York City with millions more around the nation, demanding a freeze on the production of nuclear weapons.

4:35

They were successful.

4:37

In 1986, the U.S.

4:38

and Soviet Union agreed to dismantle 20,000 nuclear weapons, and the START Treaty was signed in 1991, which capped the deployment of ready-to-launch nuclear weapons.

4:50

In February of this year, the new START treaty expired with hardly a mention or sign of renewal.

4:56

The government plans to produce 200 new plutonium bomb cores a year by 2030, and we are on pace to bring new nuclear weapons and trident submarines to Puget Sound by 2032.

5:09

And the public, frankly, is hardly aware.

5:12

In 2012, Greater Tacoma Peace Laureate Father Bill Bischell broke into the banger Trident Naval Base in Kitsap County.

5:20

He, along with four others, risked their lives to demonstrate to the public that the largest concentration of deployed nuclear weapons on Earth are here in Puget Sound.

5:30

And they possess the destructive potential to end life on Earth as we know it.

5:35

Mayor Ibsen, by issuing this proclamation, you're playing an important role in civil society and joining with mayors around the globe in speaking about this unique danger.

5:48

But I want to say to the rest of the council, we also did ask for passing a resolution, a back from the brink resolution, which would have Tacoma join 80 governments around the nation in calling for common sense policies.

6:15

Good afternoon, Mayor Ibsen, Council members.

6:31

Um talked in detail about the destruction that they saw around them in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

6:38

They also told us that the nuclear bombs they have today are a hundred times more powerful.

6:43

And if they um are actually enacted, it could be the end of humanity.

6:48

So I just wanted to share that because it was very impactful.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement█████████████████████████████29%
Miscellaneous█████████████████17%
Personnel Matters██████████████14%
Procedural█████████9%
Pending Litigation██████6%
Public Health██████6%
Transportation Safety███3%
Public Safety███3%
Public Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Tacoma City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 1:15 PM. The meeting included ceremonial items, public comment on multiple agenda items, and action on several resolutions and ordinances. Key topics included a proclamation for Mayors for Peace Day, proposed changes to community forum rules, and publication of criteria for unclassified city positions.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolutions 41925–41927: Adopted unanimously without discussion.

Ceremonial

  • Mayors for Peace Day Proclamation: Mayor Ibsen read a proclamation declaring June 9, 2026 as Mayors for Peace Day. Speakers included Sean Arendt (Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility), who highlighted the expiration of the New START Treaty and the presence of nuclear weapons in Puget Sound. Sally Scholl (Greater Tacoma Peace Laureate) noted Washington state would have the third-highest number of nuclear weapons if it were a nation. Dr. Carl Rieken (WPSR) stressed the health consequences of nuclear weapons testing. Council members expressed support for the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sharona Kildoon (CEO, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity): Expressed full support for Ordinance 29109 (electrical code amendment), saying it would allow Habitat to partner with Bates Technical College for student electrical work on homes.
  • Matt Davis: Spoke against Resolution 41924, arguing it would limit public participation in community forums and undermine democracy.
  • Kit Burns (architect): Opposed Ordinance 29109, calling it a “slippery slope” and stating it lacked clear definitions of certified trainees and supervisors.
  • Christian Isaac (Civil Service Board member): Urged council to continue working with the board on Resolution 41931, emphasizing the need for enforceable definitions of “principal officer” and “assistance to department heads.”
  • Dez: Opposed Resolution 41924, calling community forum a vital part of democratic process and noting its role in raising issues like psilocybin decriminalization.
  • Tyler Daniels: Asked for attention to his proposal regarding water fluoridation and transportation investment.
  • Rose Mitchell (business manager, IBEW Local 483): Urged inclusion of an appeal process in Resolution 41931 for unclassified employees.
  • Lane Zessky (Pierce County Immigration Alliance): Opposed Resolution 41924, stating community forum is essential for raising issues not on the agenda.
  • Riley Guerrero: Opposed Resolution 41924, arguing it shows disregard for community needs and disrespects the role of elected officials.
  • Marilyn Kimmerling: Opposed Resolution 41924, saying district-only meetings would reduce her awareness of citywide issues.
  • Gloria (District 1 resident): Opposed Resolution 41924, citing lack of data showing community support for reducing forums and vague location requirements.
  • Eugenia: Opposed Resolution 41924, stating council cannot represent the community without hearing from it.
  • Kathy Irwin (District 3): Opposed Resolution 41924, emphasizing timely access; also raised concerns on Resolution 41931 regarding due process for unclassified employees.
  • Heidi Stevens: Opposed Resolution 41924 (no frequency guarantee), raised concerns about Resolution 41931 (missing details), Ordinance 29107 (stormwater), Ordinance 29109 (nonprofit electric permits), and Ordinance 29110 (overpriced Union Avenue project).
  • Rebecca Stitt: Opposed Resolution 41924, warning of potential First Amendment violations.
  • Caitlin Henyon (Pierce County Immigration Alliance): Opposed Resolution 41924, stating removal of Zoom option would hurt working people and that in-district meetings are poorly attended.
  • Katie Ricudo (Transportation Choices Coalition): Supported Resolution 41932 (sponsor Ride Transit Month), thanking the council for its proclamation.
  • Janae Hostetler (District 4): Opposed Resolution 41924, stating council cannot represent constituents if it cannot hear them.
  • Justin: Opposed Resolution 41924, calling public forum the bedrock of democracy.
  • Matthew Karis: Opposed Resolution 41924, saying limiting communication blocks awareness of community needs.
  • Abby Greenfield (District 1): Opposed Resolution 41924, noting her district contacts oppose it and urging a data-driven approach.
  • Michael M.: Urged rejection of Resolution 41924, saying public comment is fundamental to transparent government.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 41924 – Amending Rule 9 (Public Comment/Community Forum): Council debated the proposal to reduce community forums from 24 to 12 per year and allow in-district meetings. Deputy Mayor Bushnell and Councilmember Walker highlighted flexibility to reach more residents. Councilmember Scott noted the rule includes time increases (back to 3 minutes) and removal of pre-vetting of virtual questions. Councilmember Hines expressed readiness to work on amendments but not to support the current version. Councilmember Diaz said the proposal was not fully baked. An amendment by Councilmember Palmer to restore the original scope language (limiting topics to matters under city jurisdiction) was considered but failed on a roll call vote (4-5). The resolution as amended (with the failed amendment) then passed by voice vote. (Final outcome: passed.)
  • Resolution 41931 – Criteria for Unclassified Positions: Staff presented a decision tree for determining classified vs. unclassified status. Councilmembers questioned the appeal process and noted that unclassified employees may still be covered by collective bargaining agreements. Councilmember Sidalgay argued the resolution increases transparency and that the city charter grants the council authority. Councilmember Hines thanked the civil service board for raising the issue and suggested future charter changes could add clarity. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance 29109 – Electrical Code Amendment: Staff explained that the amendment would allow nonprofits (with conditions) to obtain electrical permits for construction, aligning with state law. Councilmember Walker asked about state alignment. The ordinance was set over for final reading.
  • Ordinance 29110 – Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program: Staff presented the amended program, including seven new projects totaling $38 million. A public hearing had been held on June 2. The ordinance was set over for final reading.

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution 41924: Passed (amended) – Community forums reduced to once per month, with option for in-district meetings. The presiding officer retains authority to manage comments.
  • Resolution 41931: Adopted – The city will publish and maintain public criteria for classified/unclassified position determinations.
  • Resolution 41932: Adopted – $10,000 from council contingency funds to sponsor Ride Transit Month.
  • Resolution 41933: Adopted – $20,000 from council contingency funds to sponsor the Next Gen Sports Executive Internship Pilot Program.
  • Resolution 41930: Adopted – Authorizing collective bargaining agreement with Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
  • Ordinance 29106: Passed (roll call 9-0) – Amending compensation plan for certain union employees.
  • Ordinance 29107: Passed (roll call 9-0) – Adopting updated stormwater management manual.
  • Ordinance 29109, 29110, 29111: Set over for final reading at next meeting.
  • Request to delay Critical Areas Ordinance first reading: Councilmember Rumba asked to move the first reading from June 16 to July 7 for further review. No formal vote was taken.
  • Community Forum: Speakers raised concerns about closure of the Community Health Care Family Medicine Residency Program (St. Joseph Medical Center) and funding disparity for the Buffalo Soldiers Museum (Tacoma Creates). Councilmembers expressed support for engaging with hospital leadership and providing technical assistance to applicants.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 9, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. Present. Councilmember Diaz. Councilmember Hines. 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 Deputy Mayor Bushnell, filed 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. Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening? Seeing none, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Is there a motion? I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 41925 through 41927. Move and second. Are there any uh questions, comments, or corrections? Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. I. Those opposed to say nay. Consent agenda is declared adopted. Moving on, we have one ceremonial tonight proclaiming Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 as Mayors for Peace Day. For the Mayors for Peace proclamation, I'd like to invite Mr. Sean Arendt, nuclear weapons abolition program manager, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas the City of Tacoma is committed to peace, human dignity, and protecting present and future generations from the catastrophic catastrophic consequences of war, and whereas more than 12,000 nuclear weapons remain in global arsenals today, many far more destructive than those used against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, and the detonation of even a small number of these weapons could cause catastrophic humanitarian, environmental, economic, and public health consequences worldwide. And whereas growing geopolitical instability, the erosion of arms control agreements, continued hair trigger nuclear alert policies, and the ongoing modernization of nuclear arsenals increase the risk of accidental, intentional, or unauthorized nuclear conflict. And whereas the immense financial resources dedicated to maintaining and expanding nuclear weapons programs could instead support urgent community needs, including housing, health care, climate resilience, infrastructure, education, and public safety, and whereas cities and local governments would be among the first and most severely affected by any nuclear attack. And local leaders have a responsibility to advocate for diplomacy, nuclear risk reduction, and policies that protect human life and planetary health. Now, therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, as Mayors for Peace Day in the City of Tacoma, and reaffirm Tacoma's commitment to advocating alongside communities around the world to advance peace, reduce nuclear risks, and advocate for policies through actions like Back from the Brink. We further call upon national leaders to pursue diplomacy, strengthen arms control agreements, reduce the role of nuclear weapons and national security policy, and take meaningful steps to prevent nuclear catastrophe and move toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Please say a few words. Thank you, Mayor Ibsen and uh Tacoma City Council. Um, as you mentioned, my name is Sean Aaron. I am the uh Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager for the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility. Uh my organization and its affiliate PSR received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985 for our advocacy against nuclear weapons. On June 12, 1982, a million people marched in the streets of New York City with millions more around the nation, demanding a freeze on the production of nuclear weapons. They were successful. In 1986, the U.S. and Soviet Union agreed to dismantle 20,000 nuclear weapons, and the START Treaty was signed in 1991, which capped the deployment of ready-to-launch nuclear weapons. In February of this year, the new START treaty expired with hardly a mention or sign of renewal. The government plans to produce 200 new plutonium bomb cores a year by 2030, and we are on pace to bring new nuclear weapons and trident submarines to Puget Sound by 2032. And the public, frankly, is hardly aware.

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