I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of June 23rd, 2026.

Clerk, please call the roll.

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

Present.

Councilmember Diaz.

Councilmember Hines.

Absent Councilmember Palmer, absent Councilmember Rumba, absent Councilmember Sidalgay, absent Councilmember Scott.

Here.

Councilmember Walker here.

Mayor Ibsen.

Here.

Please join me in listening to the land acknowledgement and flag salute led by Councilmember Scott, 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 Lachute seed 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?

Uh I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolution number four one nine four one through four one nine four five.

Second.

Move and second.

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

I would like to remove resolution number four one nine four one relating to an interlocal agreement with the Department of Ecology from the consent agenda and consider this item under the regular agenda at the request of staff.

Resolution number four one nine four will now be considered under the regular agenda after item number 10.

All those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, including resolutions number four one nine four two through four one nine four five.

Please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Those opposed say nay.

Consent agenda is considered, excuse me, is declared adopted.

Moving on to proclamations, recognitions, presentations, and announcements.

We have one ceremonial tonight, proclaiming Saturday, June 27th as Chamorrow Day.

For Chamorro Day, yeah.

Um I would like to invite uh is uh is Auntie Lua here.

He's not here, I will be doing the okay, great.

Well, um, besides um the uh the memory of uh of Lua, I'd like to also invite uh Joel La Remer, who's founder of the Imahe School of Dance to the podium as I read the proclamation.

Whereas the City of Tacoma is strengthened by the diversity of its residents and is committed to celebrating the cultures, histories, and traditions that contribute to the vibrancy, inclusiveness, and vitality of our community, and whereas the Chamorro Day Festival serves as an important opportunity to honor and preserve the living culture of the Chamorra people through music, dance, storytelling, food, art, cultural demonstrations, and community gathering.

And whereas the festival fosters cultural pride, education, and intergenerational learning by creating opportunities for elders to share knowledge, youth to connect with their heritage, and community members of all backgrounds to deepen their understanding of Chamorro culture, and whereas the Chamorra Value of Inufa Maolek, the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony, reflects values that strengthen communities and inspire meaningful connections among residents, and whereas the second annual Chamorro Day Festival celebrates the past, present, and future of Chamorro Culture while ensuring that traditions, language, and cultural practices continue to thrive for future generations.

Now, therefore, I Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim Saturday, June 27th, 2026, as Chamorro Day in the City of Tacoma.

Encourage all residents to join to honor the enduring legacy of the Chamora people while celebrating the cultural diversity that makes Tacoma a vibrant and welcoming city.

Please say a few words.

Good evening, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and members of the Tacoma City Council.

On behalf of the Chamorro Day Festival Planning Committee, Guma Imahi, and the Chamorro community throughout Tacoma and Pierce County.

This proclamation carries great significance for our community for many Chamorros living far from our ancestral homes in the Meridianas.

Opportunities to celebrate, preserve, and share our culture are essential.

It allows us to pass our language, traditions, music, dance, and values to future generations while educating the broader community about our rich history and contributions of the Chamorro people in the city of Tacoma.

Tacoma has long embraced and celebrated cultural diversity, and this recognition demonstrates the city's commitment to honoring the many communities that call Tacoma home.

By proclaiming Tomorrow Day, you are helping ensure that our stories, tradition, and heritage continue to be recognized and appreciated.

We are especially grateful for the support of our community partners, including the City of Tacoma through Tacoma Creates and the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, whose partnership has helped make the Tomorrow Day Festival possible.

Together, we are creating opportunities for thousands of people from all backgrounds to learn of the tomorrow culture, build meaningful connections, and celebrate the values of family respect and community that define who we are.

On behalf of the elders, families, youth, cultural practitioners, and the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly to preserve and perpetuate our heritage, thank you for this honor.

We are proud to call Tacoma home and look forward to continuing continuing to share the culture and spirit of the Marianas with the community for generations to come.

Thank you, Mr.

Larimer.

Are there any members of the council who would like to comment?

I would like to comment, Mr.

Mayor.

Mr.

Mayor and respected members of the council, thank you so much for this great honor.

Seattle Tacoma has one of the largest population of tomorrow's from Guam and Northern Marianas.

And we are so proud to be working with the Mahe from Guam, representing and showcasing the cultures and the people of Guam.

And we want to thank Joel Larimer and his leadership and all of the Mahe leaders and groups who practice and perform throughout the state of Washington representing and showcasing their Guam heritage.