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Record of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Regular Meeting – October 20, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, October 20, 2026
BodyTacoma, Washington
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, October 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:16:14

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Unassigned speaker

0:04

I'd

Speaker 1

0:04

like to call to order the city council meeting of October 20th, 2026.

0:07

Clerk, please call the roll.

Speaker 2

0:08

Deputy Mayor Bushnell.

Speaker 1

0:10

President.

Speaker 2

0:10

Councilmember Diaz?

0:12

Councilmember Hines.

0:13

Councilmember Palmer.

0:15

Councilmember Rumba.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Councilmember Sidalgay?

Speaker 1

0:18

Here.

Speaker 2

0:18

Councilmember Scott?

0:19

Here.

0:19

Councilmember Walker.

Speaker 3

0:21

Here.

Speaker 2

0:21

Mayor Ibsen?

Speaker 1

0:22

Here.

0:23

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

Speaker 3

0:28

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

0:37

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

Speaker 1

1:11

Are there any modifications to the agenda this evening?

1:17

All right, seeing none, uh, we were going to move on to the consent agenda.

1:21

Just one moment

Unassigned speaker

1:22

here.

Speaker 4

1:24

I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 42045 and final reading of ordinance number 29123.

Speaker 1

1:31

Second.

1:31

Moving seconded.

1:32

Any questions, comments, or corrections.

1:36

Seeing on all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye.

1:40

I'm supposed to say no.

1:41

Consent agenda is declared adopted.

1:44

We have two proclamations tonight.

1:46

The first is proclaiming Friday, October 2nd as Manufacturing Day in the City of Tacoma.

1:51

For manufacturing day, I would like to invite Christer Bradley, Chief Operations Officers, Officer at Safe Boats, and Shani Bowman, Marketing Manager of Rich Light to the podium as I read the proclamation.

2:07

Whereas Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders.

2:21

And whereas the manufacturing sector provides high-paying, skilled and fulfilling jobs for engineers, computer programmers, project managers, researchers, and others that are vital to the community and contribute to equitable economic development.

2:34

And whereas manufacturing is a major economic driver and job creator in Washington State, accounting for over $65 billion in Washington's gross domestic product with over 275,000 workers statewide and over 16,000 workers in Pierce County.

2:49

And whereas Manufacturing in Tacoma produces such varied products as sustainable construction materials, boats and watercraft, food and beverages, personal protective equipment, and fabricated components with applications and utilities, defense, telecommunications, and clean energy.

3:05

And whereas manufacturers continually strengthen their workforce through skills-based training and education, make significant contributions to the national, regional, and the local economy, and are foundational to Tacoma's growth and vibrancy.

3:18

Now therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, do hereby proclaim Friday, October 2nd, 2026, as Manufacturing Day in the City of Tacoma, and invite our community to celebrate and engage with our manufacturing partners all month long and extend our deepest appreciation

Unassigned speaker

3:34

to

Speaker 1

3:34

our Tacoma Pierce County manufacturers and the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the vital services they perform and their essential support and service to our community.

3:43

Please say a few words.

Speaker 5

3:48

Thank you.

Speaker 6

3:59

I like to say that we are a small business but do big things.

4:07

Which is crazy to think that that's in Tacoma.

4:09

If you probably cut on it on Epicure and Cutting Boards, sold in William Sonoma, Frigant Barrel.

4:14

So it's a variety of different surfaces.

4:16

So thank you for this and excited that we get our day on Friday.

Speaker 7

4:23

Again, thank you for the invitation and the honor being here to be recognized.

4:28

Um we love being our products being made in made in America, made in Washington State, and made in Tacoma.

4:35

Uh speaking of Tacoma, Jason Buttle is our site leader for our factory here at the port of uh Tacoma.

4:42

Um three fun facts about our company.

4:45

Uh, we just celebrated 30 our 30th anniversary uh just a couple months ago.

4:50

Uh we're a hundred percent employee owned.

Unassigned speaker

4:53

We have 320 employee owners, about 60 of them are at at our Tacoma facility, the rest are in Bremerton.

Speaker 7

5:01

And we just delivered a really bad blank boat.

5:05

Um kids.

5:07

Um you should go check it out.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Finance████████████████████20%
Code Enforcement██████████████████18%
Youth Programs█████████████13%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Economic Development███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Public Safety█████5%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Surplus Property Disposal████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Tacoma City Council Regular Meeting – October 20, 2026

The Tacoma City Council convened on October 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included adoption of the consent agenda, proclamations for Manufacturing Day and the SoundView Little League, purchase resolutions for a healthcare contract and a community safety event, the first reading of a new Property Maintenance and Nuisance Code, and public hearings on transferring surplus Tacoma Water properties for affordable housing and the 2027 property tax and EMS levies.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes: The Council unanimously approved meeting minutes from September 9 to October 28, 2025.
  • Ordinance 29123 (Final Reading): An ordinance vacating portions of unopened Lemons Beach Road right-of-way to comply with a litigation settlement consent decree was adopted.
  • Payments: Payroll and payments totaling $52,222,700.87 were approved.
  • Resolution 42045: A contract increase of $447,020 with Kirkpatrick Psychology Services Inc. for police counseling services was authorized, extending through December 2028 for a projected total of $887,530.

Proclamations and Recognitions

  • Manufacturing Day: The Council proclaimed October 2, 2026, as Manufacturing Day. Christer Bradley (COO, Safe Boats) and Shani Bowman (Richlite) accepted the proclamation. Bradley noted that Safe Boats is 100% employee-owned with 320 employee owners, 60 of whom work at their Tacoma facility, and that they recently delivered a patrol boat to the Tacoma Police Department.
  • SoundView Little League: The Council recognized the SoundView Little League team for their historic run as Northwest Regional Champions at the 2026 Little League World Series, where they finished with a 15–4 record. Coaches and players accepted the recognition and highlighted the importance of accessible youth sports in the community.

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public signed up to speak during the general public comment period.

Discussion Items

Purchase Resolution: Regence BlueShield Contract (RES42046) The Council adopted a resolution awarding a contract to Regence BlueShield for medical, pharmacy, and stop loss coverage administrative services for the city's self-funded health plans. The initial term is six years with an option for one additional six-year term, for a projected total of $208,250,371.04. It was confirmed the contract was awarded following a competitive RFP process.

Purchase Resolution: Trick or Streets Sponsorship (RES42047) Council Member Hines presented a resolution authorizing a $5,000 sponsorship from Council Contingency Funds for "Trick or Streets," hosted by Safe Streets. Hines stated the event aims to provide safe pedestrian spaces on Halloween night, aligning with Vision Zero and community safety goals. Council Member Rumba asked about long-term funding; Council Member Hines noted Safe Streets received community events funding for the following year. The resolution was adopted.

Ordinance 29125 – Property Maintenance and Nuisance Code (First Reading) Mindee Weber (Planning and Development Services) presented an ordinance adopting the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), effective January 1, 2027, to improve legal defensibility and enforcement capabilities.

  • Key Context: The city currently has 2 inspectors managing an average of 6,000 complaints per year, leading to a 2,135 case backlog. Ten years ago, there were 11 inspectors. Current penalties are fixed at $250 per 18 days with no escalation path.
  • Council Positions:
    • Council Member Rumbaugh (CVS Chair) thanked the committee for its work and clarified the distinction between this code and the chronic nuisance code.
    • Council Member Sidalga expressed strong support for the framework but voiced impatience regarding future resourcing (Tier 2: an estimated $650,000 startup and $1.3 million annually for 3 inspectors and 2 staff), emphasizing that the policy is ineffective without the capacity for timely action.
    • Deputy Mayor Bushnell supported the shift toward proactive enforcement, especially concerning hazards near schools, stating that waiting for community reports is "not satisfactory."
    • Council Member Palmer raised specific questions about the penalty structure to be developed during the 9–12 month implementation period. The item was set over for final reading on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Public Hearing: Surplus of Tacoma Water Properties for Affordable Housing Greg Muller (Real Property Supervisor) presented a proposal to declare three properties surplus and transfer them at no cost to Pierce County for affordable housing.

  • Property Details: The 0.97, 1.037, and 0.679-acre sites (located on East 17th Ave, 18th Ave S, and Ainsworth Ave S) were purchased in 2002 for a well site that was never built. The Ainsworth property will be developed for rental housing; the other two for home ownership. A 50-year covenant is included.
  • Public Testimony:
    • Tracy Irish expressed being "not opposed to affordable housing" but raised significant public safety concerns, citing nearby homicides. (Time expired; full written comments were submitted).
    • Martin Litzenegger, a neighbor of 30 years, criticized the rushed process (seven days notice), raised zoning and density concerns, and formally requested a delay.
    • Kit Burns argued against the no-cost transfer, urged the council to table the item for further committee discussion, and raised concerns about risks to the South Field aquifer.
  • Council Discussion:
    • Deputy Mayor Bushnell confirmed the surplus policy and noted that land use and permitting decisions will fall under Pierce County's authority.
    • Council Member Palmer noted the properties are currently liabilities due to maintenance costs and liability risks. The public hearing was closed; the item is expected to return for a council decision.

Public Hearing: 2027 Ad Valorem Levies (EMS and General Property Tax) Jeff Upton (Finance) presented the proposed 2027 tax levies.

  • Regular Levy: Capped at a 1% increase over 2026, totaling $72.8 million. Combined with new growth and the Connect Tacoma levy lid lift ($9.1M), the estimated total is $82.7 million.
  • EMS Levy: Capped at a 6% increase (voter-approved through 2029), totaling $24.3 million. Estimated total is $24.6 million.
  • Council Discussion:
    • Council Member Hines clarified that the 1% cap applies to total city revenue collection, not to individual tax bills.
    • Council Member Sidalga explained that the state-imposed 1% cap on property tax revenue growth generally falls below inflation, requiring the city to seek regular voter-approved levy lid lifts to maintain service levels, creating a dynamic where residents feel "nickel and dimed."
  • No public testimony was offered. The item will proceed with a first reading on October 27 and adoption planned for November 10, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted: Consent Agenda, including final reading of ORD29123 and RES42045.
  • Adopted: Resolution 42046 (Regence BlueShield contract).
  • Adopted: Resolution 42047 (Trick or Streets sponsorship).
  • Set for Final Reading (Oct 27): Ordinance 29125 (Property Maintenance and Nuisance Code).
  • Public Hearing Held: Surplus of three Tacoma Water properties for affordable housing (decision deferred).
  • Public Hearing Held: 2027 Ad Valorem levies (first reading scheduled for Oct 27; adoption scheduled for Nov 10).
  • Future Meeting: A Committee of the Whole on budget proposals was announced by Mayor Ibsen for Friday, October 23, 2026, at 8:00 AM.
  • Committee Report: Council Member Diaz reported that the Economic Development Committee met on September 12, 29, and October 13.

Council Comments and Reports

  • Council Member Sidalga announced he would be a panelist at a Housing Washington conference in Spokane to discuss Tacoma's land use and housing work.
  • Council Member Scott unveiled the "Art on the Dais" installation featuring a giant troll sculpture ("Lark") by Thomas Dambo, part of the "Trolls of Field Study" exhibit at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek, running through January 24, 2027.
  • Mayor Ibsen announced the special Committee of the Whole meeting on budget proposals for October 23.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call to order the city council meeting of October 20th, 2026. Clerk, please call the roll. Deputy Mayor Bushnell. President. Councilmember Diaz? Councilmember Hines. Councilmember Palmer. 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 Walker, followed by a moment of silence. We gratefully honor and acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Pualut 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? All right, seeing none, uh, we were going to move on to the consent agenda. Just one moment here. I move to adopt the consent agenda, including resolutions number 42045 and final reading of ordinance number 29123. Second. Moving seconded. Any questions, comments, or corrections. Seeing on all those in favor of adopting the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. I'm supposed to say no. Consent agenda is declared adopted. We have two proclamations tonight. The first is proclaiming Friday, October 2nd as Manufacturing Day in the City of Tacoma. For manufacturing day, I would like to invite Christer Bradley, Chief Operations Officers, Officer at Safe Boats, and Shani Bowman, Marketing Manager of Rich Light to the podium as I read the proclamation. Whereas Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. And whereas the manufacturing sector provides high-paying, skilled and fulfilling jobs for engineers, computer programmers, project managers, researchers, and others that are vital to the community and contribute to equitable economic development. And whereas manufacturing is a major economic driver and job creator in Washington State, accounting for over $65 billion in Washington's gross domestic product with over 275,000 workers statewide and over 16,000 workers in Pierce County. And whereas Manufacturing in Tacoma produces such varied products as sustainable construction materials, boats and watercraft, food and beverages, personal protective equipment, and fabricated components with applications and utilities, defense, telecommunications, and clean energy. And whereas manufacturers continually strengthen their workforce through skills-based training and education, make significant contributions to the national, regional, and the local economy, and are foundational to Tacoma's growth and vibrancy. Now therefore, I, Andrews Ibsen, mayor of the City of Tacoma, do hereby proclaim Friday, October 2nd, 2026, as Manufacturing Day in the City of Tacoma, and invite our community to celebrate and engage with our manufacturing partners all month long and extend our deepest appreciation to our Tacoma Pierce County manufacturers and the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the vital services they perform and their essential support and service to our community. Please say a few words. Thank you. I like to say that we are a small business but do big things. Which is crazy to think that that's in Tacoma. If you probably cut on it on Epicure and Cutting Boards, sold in William Sonoma, Frigant Barrel. So it's a variety of different surfaces. So thank you for this and excited that we get our day on Friday.

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