Public Meetings - Puyallup, Washington

The Puyallup Planning Commission met Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall (333 S. Meridian), with online access via Zoom. Five of seven commissioners were present (Commissioners Washburn, Martin, Crosby, Landon, and Chair Taylor; Commissioners Barney and DeGro excused), establishing a quorum. The commission approved its agenda and prior minutes, held a public hearing on the Phase 2 Zoning Map and Zoning Code Amendments (Package 6), and voted 5-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Agenda approved by unanimous voice vote. - Minutes of the September 23, 2026 meeting approved as amended, correcting the call-to-order time in the draft minutes from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen comment period: no speakers came forward. An emailed comment from Amber Bellinger was deferred to the public hearing because it addressed the hearing topic. - Public hearing opened at 7:00 p.m. and closed at 7:10 p.m.; each speaker was limited to three minutes. - A resident opposed the proposed upzoning of Washington State Fair properties to Central Business District (CBD), stating the fairgrounds are not the central business district. He also raised concerns about traffic congestion and choke points (including SR 512), pedestrian safety and walkability, noise and the removal of trees along Meridian, fairgrounds expansion without public transparency, hospital-related traffic on 7th Avenue, and conditions on Shaw Road, urging the commission to keep Puyallup from becoming a through-route for the county. - Tom Udderback, representing the Washington State Fair Event Center, supported the amendments. He stated the rezoned fair properties are entirely designated Fair in the comprehensive plan and have been zoned for years for intensive urban uses, that CBD and UCX are better-fit zones, and that the north side of 9th Avenue lies within the downtown regional growth center where the comp plan seeks a better fairgrounds-downtown transition. He described the parking overlay extension as a legal-conformity cleanup that does not affect base zoning, citing a fair employee lot used for 40 years that faced maintenance problems without the overlay, and requested the commission's approval. - John Woody Lotz (334 Ninth Avenue SE), an HOA treasurer living next to a fair employee parking lot, expressed appreciation for the Washington State Fair's community partnership (including a 50-50 fence project) and supported the process, while urging the commission to balance growth against its effects on residents over the next 20-25 years. - The chair read into the record an email from Amber Bellinger raising concerns that growth be thoughtful, that design processes be adhered to, and about the scale of development entering neighborhoods. Discussion Items Staff presentation. Associate Planner Rachel Brown (Planning Division) presented Package 6, the second phase of zoning map and code amendments implementing the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update. Phase 1 changes took effect in March 2026; Phase 2 addresses more complex changes requiring coordination with property owners such as Benaroya, the Washington State Fair, and Step by Step. The clerk first reviewed conflict-of-interest and ex parte communication disclosure questions; no commissioner recused themselves. - Mixed-use zones: The SHA Pioneer Community Mixed Use zone would be eliminated from the zoning map and code. The Professional Office (OP) and Limited Commercial (CL) zones would also be eliminated, with most affected sites rezoned to Limited Mixed Use (LMX), including the Golden Rule Grocery, Bellatela Spa, and an auto repair site at West Pioneer and Tacoma Road. LMX would permit small-scale neighborhood-serving uses (coffee shops, small groceries, laundromats, health spas, live-work units, middle housing) and prohibit bars, gas stations, churches, adult uses, hotels, and motels. New commercial uses abutting residential sites would require an Administrative Conditional Use Permit (ACUP) with neighbor notification; dwellings would require two parking spaces per unit. - Commercial zones: The CL zone is eliminated. In the General Commercial (CG) and Community Business (CB) zones, the existing rule limiting residential use to a maximum of 50% of total building area is removed to comply with state law requiring residential uses in commercial zones; the Central Business District (CBD) zone retains its mixed-use requirement along the Meridian Street corridor. The old Jason's restaurant site, previously considered for mixed-use rezoning, would retain General Commercial zoning after property-owner outreach. Storage-container standards are added for clarification. - Manufacturing and business park zones: Fencing and daycare standards are added; multifamily residential becomes a permitted use in the Business Park (MP) zone; the Benaroya site frontage is rezoned and its future land use designation changes to MEBP, so future business-park rezones elsewhere in the city would require a future land use map amendment. - Fair zone and parking overlay: CBD and UCX (Urban Center Mixed Use) would be added as implementing zones, alongside the existing Fairgrounds and Public Facilities zones, for Fair-designated properties, including the Gold Lot, Blue Lot, and properties north of Ninth Avenue SW, enabling future mixed-use development on fair-owned land outside the fairgrounds. These properties are currently zoned General Commercial and RM20 (multifamily). The Fair Parking Overlay would extend to additional fair-owned properties historically used for parking. The overlay code is amended so an RV parking area operated for over 30 years is not restricted to fair-event uses, without expanding its footprint; the maximum RV count is reduced from 750 to 130 vehicles to match physical capacity; allowed occupancy is extended from 7 to 14 days per event; on-site hosts are required; and a geographic restriction on special events is added to address prior concerns about non-contiguous parcels such as the Silver Lot. Existing performance standards (landscape setbacks, storage restrictions, parking setbacks) continue to apply. - General amendments: The zoning code's zone list is updated; definitions are revised, including middle housing now defined to include detached single-family housing; existing utility sites are rezoned to Public Facilities; and comprehensive plan text is aligned with the zoning changes. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan is also amended as part of the packet, updating inventories, incorporating 2025-2026 community input, a needs assessment emphasizing geographic access and a 10-minute walk approach, and implementation language. - Next steps: a planning commission recommendation tonight, a City Council public hearing (staff first said November 10, then corrected to November 17), and final adoption anticipated December 8. Commissioner discussion. A commissioner asked whether the Jason's site was the last remaining General Commercial zone; staff confirmed General Commercial remains in several other areas of the city. Commissioners asked about review and enforcement of larger fair-overlay events, including neighbor notification, generator hours, code enforcement, and fire lane, emergency access, and sanitation requirements; planning staff (Nabila Comstock) responded that events must meet overlay standards, the overlay would not increase the number of special events, code enforcement applies, and standard citywide requirements govern fire lanes and sanitation. Commissioners Martin, Washburn, Landon, and Crosby raised concerns about infrastructure lagging behind state-mandated growth, traffic, and the need to plan 15-20 years ahead; Commissioner Crosby cited 13 to 16 failing intersections from the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Landon noted these concerns are minimally connected to the package before the commission, Commissioner Washburn stated the package is the best plan achievable at this point, and Commissioner Martin asked what comes next after council approval. Key Outcomes - The commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of Package 6 (Phase 2 Zoning Map and Zoning Code Amendments) to the City Council. - The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, with a council public hearing on November 17, 2026 (the presentation initially said November 10 before correcting) and final adoption anticipated December 8, 2026. - Planning Manager Chris Beale previewed upcoming work: battery energy storage system (BESS) development regulations under the council's one-year moratorium passed in June; a lahar preparedness and emergency response update related to Mount Rainier; an infrastructure planning presentation with the city engineer and capital engineering supervisor; a discussion of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review thresholds; and the 2027 work program (noting the division processed nine or ten ordinances this year). - Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

The Puyallup City Council met in regular session on October 27, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 333 S. Meridian. Mayor Ned Whitting presided; Deputy Mayor Johnson was excused. The council approved the agenda and minutes, recognized civic clubs and teen engagement, heard citizen comments, approved the consent agenda, acted on the 2027 property tax levy and the 2027-2028 biennial budget, authorized a tourism promotion area interlocal agreement amendment, and received presentations on zoning code amendments and the 2026 community survey. Presentations & Proclamations - The mayor read a Civic Clubs Proclamation recognizing local service organizations. Representatives described their work: Don Thompson (Downtown Rotary) highlighted the Rotary Stage, a $100,000 commitment to the library teen area, and community events; Jeff Laurence (South Hill Rotary) noted more than $2 million contributed to homeless-family housing and $18,000 in annual scholarships; Ron Hale (Masons/Scouting) mentioned 16 scholarships and more than 4,000 scouts; Andy Anderson (American Legion Post 67) noted service since 1919, the Fourth of July concert, and six scholarships; Rex Fabian (VFW Post 2224 and Fleet Reserve Association) said Post 2224 is the largest VFW post in Washington and promoted the November 8 Veterans Day program with Navy Band Northwest. - The mayor also read a Teen Engagement, Development, and Community Connection Proclamation; Lucas Hodgson received it. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen comments were limited to three minutes; public hearing comments were limited to two minutes. - Jim Jenkins (District 1): supported completing the River Trail extension as a straight-through project but raised process concerns about an alternative route through a neighborhood; criticized the 7th Street closure and Puyallup School District plans. - John Hopkins (former mayor): praised Arts Commission/Arts Downtown collaboration and expressed support for funding gateway arches and an experiential art center. - Valerie Dent (District 2): described speeding and pedestrian safety issues, including Cascade Christian Academy enrollment growth from about 1,100 to more than 2,100 students, denied traffic-signal requests, and cited police records showing eight hit-and-runs, 14 non-injury accidents, and one fatality over 10 years. - A community member speaking about Richard Geiger: said Geiger was killed at the railroad crossing on October 21 after his wheelchair became stuck, called the death preventable, and said it was the fifth such fatality at that crossing in five years; asked for BNSF flangeway fixes or a pedestrian bridge and requested a moment of silence. - Jerome O'Leary (Kidder Matthews, listing broker for 1402 Meridian, the old Jason's restaurant site): said three years of marketing produced no residential or mixed-use interest, only auto-oriented commercial interest, and recommended keeping the property commercially zoned. - Andy Anderson (District 2): discussed a historical monument and planned flagpole near the Meridian Street Bridge. - Jim Detweiler (District 1): recommended that council members say 'lodging tax' instead of 'LTAC funds' to improve public understanding of legally restricted tourism-promotion revenues. - Becky Condra (Arts Downtown secretary): announced Phil and Linda Yates's donation of the bronze sculpture 'Single Point,' valued at $6,020, placed in the Activity Center, bringing the permanent sculpture collection to 57; promoted the November 14 Arts Downtown gala. - An unidentified race organizer: said the Puyallup Valley Half Marathon may move to South Hill because of safety concerns crossing downtown streets, but wants to keep the event downtown and offered to work with the council on a plan; also highlighted holiday races and the Christmas Eve run being nominated for best annual event in the Pacific Northwest. - Angelina Scardo (Pierce County): formally requested a citywide policy providing free period hygiene products in women's restrooms at businesses, nonprofits, churches, medical facilities, and other establishments, citing the library's practice and impacts on students, workers, and transgender individuals. - Bud Metzger (District 3): argued the city is not seriously addressing traffic and transportation, criticized fair expansion without public conversation, and asked the council to slow development decisions. - A hotel director from Hollander Hospitality read a statement of support for increasing Pierce County's tourism promotion area assessment from $1 to $3 per occupied room night. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda as presented, including: accepting a $15,000 Washington State Department of Ecology grant for zero-emission landscaping equipment; authorizing a three-year renewal with N. Harris Computer Corporation for CityView permitting software; authorizing an amendment to the 2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant agreement; accepting the sculpture 'Single Point' donated by Arts Downtown; and approving a commercial lease with the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce for City Hall commercial spaces. - Earlier, the council approved the September 15 and September 22, 2026 minutes after Councilmember Adler noted a clerk-level spelling correction on the September 15 minutes: 'Andrewlin' had been misspelled. Public Hearings - 2027 Property Tax Levy: Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented the proposed levy. The preliminary 2027 levy is just under $11.5 million, producing an estimated levy rate of about $1.105 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The city portion for a median-value home was estimated at $564 for the year. After opening the public hearing, the council heard Valerie Dent, who asked that railroad crossing ADA issues be addressed in a pending grant and opposed any quiet zone because train whistles are a safety measure. The council then approved the first reading of the levy ordinance and the companion resolution by voice vote. - 2027-2028 Biennial Budget: Lopez presented the proposed balanced budget. Citywide revenues total $348 million over the biennium; taxes are about 33% of revenues. The budget includes 4.4% wage increases in 2027 and 2.5% in 2028, four new general fund positions totaling about $830,000, a $36,000 police academy allocation, police drone replacement equipment, large park mowers, and three new utility positions. Councilmember Castman explained the city's conservative revenue-forecasting tiers and said the city maintains a 15% fund balance; he said the budget does not create new taxes, the city's share is about 10% of a typical property tax bill, and the city portion on a median home could decline by a few dollars. Councilmember Adler thanked Lopez and her team. No public comments were offered, and the council approved the first reading of the budget ordinance by voice vote. Consideration: Tourism Promotion Area Interlocal Agreement Amendment - Eric Johnson introduced Dean Burke, president/CEO of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County, with consultant Kelly Rankin of Civitas remote and hotel representatives present. Burke explained the TPA is a per-room-night assessment on lodging businesses with 40 or more rooms, authorized under RCW 35.101, and current rates have not changed since 2009. - The proposed amendment would remove Fife, add Ruston, and change rates to $5 per night in downtown Tacoma, $3 in Tacoma outside downtown/Lakewood/Puyallup/Ruston, and $1.50 in remaining areas; Puyallup's rate would rise from $1 to $3. The petition received 67% support, exceeding the 60% requirement, and was estimated to generate about $2.5 million more by 2029. Revenue allocation would become at least 90% to a tourism-promotion organization and up to 10% to a grant program. - Councilmembers asked about marketing effects and exemptions; Burke said the funds support convention, leisure, and sports-event recruitment, and extended-stay guests generally pay only through day 30. The council authorized the amended ILA by voice vote. Zoning Code and Map Amendments - Associate planner Rachel Brown and development services director Courtney Brunelli presented package 6, the second phase of zoning code and map amendments implementing the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The package had been reviewed by council in June 2026 and by the Planning Commission from July through October; a Planning Commission public hearing was scheduled for October 28. - Proposed changes include LMX/in-neighborhood commercial rezones with an administrative conditional use permit for new uses near residences; additional sites added since June; commercial-zone allowances for multifamily and daycares; manufacturing/business-park residential allowances limited to the Benaroya site unless council approves; mixed-use zone cleanup and CMX elimination; fairgrounds-area refinements including RV stay lengths extending from 7 to 14 days and special-event restrictions; and a revised middle-housing definition that includes detached single-family dwellings. - Brunelli explained the old Jason's site at 1402 Meridian is currently nonconforming: property owners are seeking general commercial zoning to allow auto-oriented uses such as a gas station or car wash, while the Comprehensive Plan designation is mixed use. No action was taken; staff scheduled a council public hearing and first reading for November 10, with second reading scheduled for November 17 but potentially continued to December 8. 2026 Community Survey Results - The performance management analyst presented results from the survey conducted by ETC Institute in May-June 2026 with 3,000 sampled households and 424 completed surveys; margin of error is 4.7% at a 95% confidence level. - Results showed 86% of residents said Puyallup is an excellent or very good place to live, 80% said it is an excellent or very good place to raise children, and 82% plan to remain in the community for the next five years. Satisfaction exceeded Northwest regional and national benchmarks on all five quality-of-life measures and most major service areas. - Notable improvements since 2024 included public safety, library, and recreation services, including a 10-percentage-point increase in the overall feeling of safety. The greatest opportunities for improvement identified by residents were condition of major streets, traffic signal timing, timeliness of city information, and affordable housing. - Two focus groups were held: one on communications found residents want more mobile-friendly content and easier access to city information; one on economic vitality found residents love downtown and shop/eat locally but leave Puyallup for recreation. A second communications focus group was scheduled, and the full report was to be posted on the city website. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and the September 15 and September 22, 2026 minutes, with a spelling correction on the September 15 minutes. - Approved the consent agenda items listed above. - Approved first reading of the 2027 property tax levy ordinance and the companion property tax resolution; no opposing votes were recorded. - Approved first reading of the 2027-2028 biennial budget ordinance; no opposing votes were recorded. - Authorized the amended Interlocal Agreement for the Pierce County Tourism Promotion Area. - Took no action on the zoning code and map amendments or the community survey; both were informational/policy-setting presentations. The next council meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2026, with second readings of the budget ordinances and first reading of land-use amendments planned. Second reading of the land-use package is currently scheduled for November 17 and may be continued to December 8. - Councilmember King announced he would draft a letter to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and BNSF, and would reach out to congressional representatives and federal rail agencies, requesting safety improvements at downtown railroad crossings after the October 21 fatality. Councilmember Adler said he would join and echo that advocacy. - Mayor Whitney encouraged residents to vote and adjourned the meeting.

The Puyallup Arts & Culture Commission met on October 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. Commissioners present: Chair Pew, Commissioner Hopkins, Commissioner Rooney. Commissioner Erickson and Vice Chair Bussey were excused. The meeting covered new business including a performing arts center discussion, the Arts Downtown Gala, art pieces on the Riverwalk Trail, and updates on the library display case ribbon cutting and signal cabinet wraps. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 26, 2026 agenda (motion by Commissioner Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Rooney, unanimous). - Approved the August 31, 2026 minutes (motion by Commissioner Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Rooney, unanimous). Discussion Items - Performing Arts Center Discussion (4a): Mayor Whitting presented a vision for an experiential arts center with hands-on art creation studios (e.g., painting, pottery, glass blowing) rather than a traditional performing arts venue. The commission discussed the feasibility, noting the smaller scale would be more manageable than a large performing arts center. Commissioner Rooney advocated for including music performance space. Staff recommended issuing an RFP for a feasibility study. Commissioner Hopkins moved to approve the feasibility study RFP as presented by the mayor; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. - Arts Downtown Gala (4b): Commissioner Hopkins reported the gala will be held November 14, 6:00–10:00 PM at Pioneer Park Pavilion. Tickets are $75 each or tables available. Entertainment by Chris Anderson and Tapestry Singers, plus silent auction and the Rosemary Eckerson Legacy Awards. A donation from the Yates family (a plaque for the senior center) was highlighted. - Art Pieces on the Riverwalk Trail (4c): Staff and Commissioner Hopkins conducted a site visit. Two potential locations: one in front of the new skate park (under construction) and another near a new flagpole viewing area east of the Meridian Bridge. The skate park piece is straightforward; a call to artists can be issued soon. The flagpole location requires more planning and public input on theme (e.g., veterans, telescope). Funding discussion focused on available LTAC funds—approximately $377 remaining but with accumulated funds from prior years. Staff will research exact amounts. Commissioner Hopkins suggested the city take lead on the skate park piece while collaborating with Arts Downtown on the flagpole piece. No formal motion was made; staff will proceed with the skate park call for artists. Old Business - Library Display Case Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (5a): Rescheduled to Monday, November 9, at 6:00 PM to avoid a conflict with a library event. The community and commission are invited. - 2026 Signal Cabinet Wraps Update (5b): The submission deadline was October 23. As of Friday, 28 applications were received (down from about 300 the previous year). Staff will compile applications for review at the next meeting. The Conservation District expressed interest in collaborating. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve an RFP for a feasibility study for an experiential arts center (as presented by Mayor Whitting) passed unanimously (3-0). - Staff directed to issue a call to artists for the skate park art piece and begin planning for the flagpole location. - The commission will hear from Noah Scanlon (a graduate student) about his thesis on a multi-use performing arts space at the next meeting. - Next meeting agenda will include the signal cabinet wrap artist selections and further discussion on Riverwalk Trail art pieces. Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:50 PM.

The Puyallup Council Salary Commission convened on October 21, 2026, at 5:03 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. With four of five commissioners present, the commission had a quorum. The main action was a unanimous vote to keep the City Council salary unchanged. The meeting concluded at 5:09 PM. Consent Calendar - Commissioners unanimously approved the agenda for the meeting. - Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the July 29, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments in person or via email. Discussion Items - Determination of City Council Salary: Commissioners reviewed compensation comparables. Chair Holmes expressed her opinion to keep the salary unchanged, noting that a 3% raise had been approved for 2024 and 2025, and comparable cities (CTAC, Shoreline, University Place, and Lakewood) held their salaries steady. Commissioners Thompson, Veal, and Vice Chair Gar concurred, agreeing with the rationale of maintaining the current level. - Upcoming Meeting Date: The agenda originally proposed March 27, 2027, but the commission noted this fell on a Saturday. The date was corrected to March 25, 2027. The meeting is planned to be held virtually. Key Outcomes - The City Council salary was unanimously maintained at its current level (motion by Chair Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Veal). - The next regular meeting was scheduled for March 25, 2027, correcting the date from March 27, 2027 listed in the agenda.

The Puyallup City Council held a budget study session on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, beginning at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 333 S. Meridian. All seven council members were present: Mayor Whitting, Deputy Mayor Johnson, and Councilmembers King, Gilliam, Castro, Smolka, and Adler. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mason, an aspiring Eagle Scout. The session addressed community grants carried over from the prior evening, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets for streets, utilities, and parks, two council initiatives, and wrap-up of the two-night budget process. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved by unanimous voice vote, carrying over the community grants discussion from Tuesday's session as agenda Item 1.A. Public Comments & Testimony - Valerie Dent (District 2) thanked the council and urged a broader traffic rethink near the Lower Wildwood Park trail entrance at 13th Avenue Southeast and 12th Avenue Southeast. She reported that Cascade Christian Academy grew from 1,100 students at the end of the 2024 school year, to 1,700 at the start of the 2025 school year, to more than 2,000 at the start of the current school year, calling the surrounding 2.5-square-mile area a "racetrack" and emphasizing her long-standing concerns about safety, speed, and finances. Community Grants (Item 1.A) - Councilmembers Gilliam, Castro, and Smolka — the community grants subcommittee — reported 24 applications totaling $600,000 in requests against a $180,000 budget. The committee recommended raising the allocation to $190,000 and distributing funds to 14 recipients, nearly double the eight awards made in each of the prior two years (2023: 15 applicants/5 awards; 2024: 12 applicants/4 awards; 2025: 13 applicants/8 awards; 2026: 13 applicants/8 awards). - The committee said it prioritized local, proven organizations with direct outcomes, avoiding general overhead. Roughly 30% of recommended funding supports food-oriented programs, about 20% supports training or counseling services, and 10% supports clothing; the remainder covers housing, youth, senior, and employment services such as Vlayo Services. - Councilmember Adler moved to add $10,000 for Communities and Schools of Puyallup, citing the city's funding relationship with the organization since 2005. Mayor Whitting supported the motion, describing tutoring students the previous afternoon through the Golden Bridges program at Karshner Elementary. Councilmembers Gilliam and Smolka expressed openness, while Councilmembers Castro, King, and Deputy Mayor Johnson opposed the motion on process and precedent grounds. Castro noted he served on the original Communities in Schools board in Puyallup in 2002 and that the organization had not received city funding in several recent years. - The motion to add the $10,000 grant FAILED on a roll call vote: Smolka and Adler in favor; Gilliam, Castro, Johnson, and King opposed; Mayor Whitting's vote was not recorded. - Deputy Mayor Johnson then moved to accept the committee's recommendations as presented. That motion FAILED 3–4 (Adler, Johnson, and Whitting in favor; Castro, Smolka, King, and Gilliam opposed). - Councilmember Gilliam moved to refer the matter back to the committee with direction to stay within the $180,000 budget while including support for Communities and Schools. The motion PASSED 5–2. Capital Improvement Projects — Streets & Utilities - City Engineer Hans Unger presented the CIP budget, describing prioritization factors: council initiatives, resident requests, aging infrastructure, growth capacity, regulatory requirements, adopted plans, and grant competitiveness. He noted the city is heavily reliant on grants for street projects, with nearly all street projects needing grant funding to move forward. - Ongoing projects include: 4th Street NW storm improvements (Stage 2); replacement of a collapsing concrete sewer pipe identified through CCTV inspection; 7th Avenue SE sidewalks (utility relocations occupied about nine months before sidewalk construction began); a third secondary clarifier at the sewer treatment plant (a roughly $7 million project); seismic retrofits of two water tanks (one FEMA-funded, one grant pending); 5th Avenue NW improvements including porous asphalt; the Meeker Street parking lot expansion; AMI water meter replacement; and fish-passage culvert replacements, including a $7 million grant for Deer Creek culverts. - Unger said five project managers each carry workloads of more than 10 projects and credited the grants coordinator with making the city more competitive, comparing the role to an orchestra conductor. Parks & Recreation Capital Projects - Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Cody Geddes presented the parks CIP update. The Wildwood Park Master Plan is underway; for the project, the LaBelle property is being called "Lower Wildwood." A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Pioneer Park Pavilion, with concepts expected for council in early 2027. - The Minnick Trail connecting Upper Wildwood to Lower Wildwood is about 50% complete on its first phase; an easement with MultiCare was finalized, construction is underway with Washington Trails Association, and the trail is expected to open in early 2027. - The Bradley Lake playground replacement project ranked 20th of 58 projects in an RCO grant application; if the funding line holds, the city will receive a $500,000 match on top of the council-approved $500,000, making a $1 million project, with construction hoped for in fall 2027. - The Parks Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan is expected to come to council in early 2027; adopting it alongside the comprehensive plan update would extend state grant eligibility to eight years. - Demolition at Puyallup Skate Park began in September, with reopening hoped before the end of the year. Facility updates: Pavilion AV upgrades and Giorgio's roof replacement are complete; the Memorial Center roof and HVAC work is nearly complete; Public Works and library HVAC work is ongoing. - Geddes noted the city operates 19 parks within roughly 14 square miles serving about 43,000 residents, including a five-mile loop trail. The seasonal park ranger, Chris Medlin, worked through the summer; Deputy Mayor Johnson suggested exploring a year-round ranger position. Council Initiatives - Mayor Whitting proposed a feasibility study for an experiential arts center: four to six studios (painting, pottery, glass blowing, stained glass, jewelry, printmaking, and more), a classroom, and a gift shop, potentially anchored by the Fred Oldfield Western Heritage and Arts Center. Councilmember Castro cautioned that similar past efforts and incubator models became bureaucratic. Councilmember Gilliam called the vision too vague, and Councilmember King estimated such a study could cost $200,000–$250,000. - Deputy Mayor Johnson moved to authorize the Arts Commission and Arts Downtown to independently and collaboratively develop ideas for positioning Puyallup as an arts destination city. The motion PASSED by voice vote; Mayor Whitting voted in favor "with a high degree of skepticism," and City Manager Kirkley was directed to arrange a meeting with the two organizations. - Mayor Whitting also presented a Chamber of Commerce business growth accelerator proposal: a 12-week program covering business assessment, planning, financial literacy, marketing, and digital marketing, budgeted at $50,000 for a contracted facilitator plus about $69,000 for Chamber administration (about $119,000 total), with no participant fees. Councilmember Gilliam questioned the lack of participant investment, and Councilmember Castro said the field is already crowded with resources such as the WSU Small Business Development Centers. The motion to proceed received no second and was declared dead. Wrap-Up and Next Steps - City Manager Steve Kirkley said the preliminary budget will go to first reading and a public hearing at the regular council meeting on October 27, 2026, with the community grants committee follow-up work to be completed beforehand. - Mayor Whitting summarized the budget: balanced with no new taxes and only the routine 1% property tax increase; the city receives 10.4% of the property tax bill; the average residential property tax is projected to decline from $567 (2026) to $564 (2027); the reserve stands at 15%; police and public works account for 30% and 25% of staffing, respectively; seven new positions are proposed while FTEs per 1,000 residents remain at 7.6; 2027 streets funding totals $9.2 million, including an additional $400,000 from tier-three funds; and $1.5 million is committed to the public safety radio system. He contrasted Puyallup with Tacoma's reported $40 million deficit and Lynnwood's $20 million debt. - Deputy Mayor Johnson urged council members to be measured in public statements about city finances, and Councilmember Adler thanked staff for producing a balanced budget. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved unanimously. - Motion to add $10,000 for Communities and Schools of Puyallup FAILED (2–4 on roll call; Mayor's vote not recorded). - Motion to accept the community grants committee's recommendations as presented FAILED 3–4. - Motion to refer community grants back to the committee, staying within budget while including Communities and Schools, PASSED 5–2. - Motion to commission the Arts Commission and Arts Downtown to develop an arts destination vision PASSED by voice vote. - Business growth accelerator proposal died for lack of a second. - Next step: preliminary budget first reading and public hearing on October 27, 2026.

The Puyallup City Council held a budget study session on October 13, 2026, to review the preliminary 2027-28 budget, discuss staffing requests, and deliberate on funding allocations from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), including a controversial Gateway Arch project. The session featured presentations from Finance Director Barbara Lopez, City Manager Steve Kirkley, and Public Affairs Officer Eric Johnson. The Community Grants agenda item was postponed to the following night. Agenda Approval - The council unanimously approved the agenda. 2027-28 Budget Overview - Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented the preliminary biennial budget. - Citywide revenues total $348.3 million for the biennium, with expenditures at $355.1 million. - The general fund is balanced. Property tax revenue is projected at $23.1 million and sales tax at $65.9 million over the biennium. - Councilmember Castman highlighted that the city's portion of the property tax on a median-value home is $568, representing only 10.4% of the total property tax bill, emphasizing the city's fiscal restraint. - Tier 3 one-time funds total $2.7 million. Proposed uses include facility maintenance, street repairs, police drone replacement, park mowers, and radio system upgrades. Staffing Requests - City Manager Steve Kirkley presented seven proposed new positions across the general fund and utility funds. - General Fund (4 positions): Municipal Court Commissioner, additional Prosecutor (citing a 24% caseload increase), Parks & Recreation Maintenance Worker I, and Assistant City Manager. - Councilmembers strongly supported the Assistant City Manager position. Deputy Mayor Johnson called it a "force multiplier," and Councilmember Adler stated it would help the city "serve our residents better." - Utility Funds (3 positions): Maintenance Workers for the sewer/stormwater collections division and a Journey Level Civil Engineer for stormwater compliance. City Manager Kirkley confirmed these were accounted for in the previously approved utility rate study. LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) & Gateway Arch Project - Mayor Whitting delivered an overview of LTAC funding rules, emphasizing funds must be used for tourism-related activities. City Attorney Joe Becker clarified visitor count definitions. - LTAC Committee Awards: The committee recommended awarding $850,690, providing a standard 16% increase to most applicants. Full funding was recommended for Arts Downtown, the Daffodil Festival, Fred Oldfield Art Center, and Tacoma Regional CVB. - City LTAC Initiatives: Public Affairs Officer Eric Johnson requested funding for the "Puyallup Always in Season" campaign ($150,000), downtown street furnishings ($30,000), and Wayfinding Signage ($1.1 million). - Gateway Arches Project: A detailed debate occurred over the Gateway Arch project. Capital Projects Supervisor Drew Young presented updated cost estimates of $1.75 to $2.45 million for the two arches, plus $483,000 for design. - Councilmember Castman made an extensive statement strongly defending the arches as a vital piece of downtown revitalization and a valid use of tourism funds, criticizing media reports for omitting LTAC restrictions. - Councilmember Smokle expressed concerns about rising costs, calling the project a potential "vanity project" and suggesting funds could be directed to projects like completing the Riverwalk Trail. - Deputy Mayor Johnson made a motion to approve the $72,581 contract amendment with MIG for the arches' additional design work. - Vote: The motion passed on a roll call vote of 4-3. - Ayes: Deputy Mayor Johnson, Councilmember King, Councilmember Gilliam, Councilmember Castro. - Nays: Councilmember Smokle, Councilmember Adler, Mayor Whitting. Citizen Comments & Testimony - Valerie Dent (District 2): Questioned the lack of state participation in funding tourism improvements on state highways like Meridian. - Burt Masker (District 3): Criticized the council for a perceived lack of public engagement and for what he characterized as mistreatment of the public during the project approval process. Key Outcomes - Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Gateway Arch Design Amendment: Approved (4-3). - Community Grants: Postponed to the next city council meeting (October 14). - LTAC Package Delay: Final consideration of the city's LTAC awards package was deferred pending review of a council member initiative.

The Puyallup Library Advisory Board met in person in the Puyallup Library Board Room at 324 S Meridian on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Board members present were Chair Fimmler, Vice Chair Zemer, and Board Member Weissar; Board Member Kerstman was absent. With a quorum established, the board approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes, adopted policy updates, received the Library Director's September and October reports, heard from the Friends of the Library and Library Foundation, and adjourned at 6:22 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as written, without objection. - Approved the minutes of May 18, 2026, and September 21, 2026, as listed on the agenda. Note: the transcript's initial roll-call discussion referred to a September 23 meeting, but the final motion and the agenda identify the September meeting as September 21, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person, and no written comments had been received. Discussion Items - Code of Conduct Policy Update: The Library Director presented updates adding items 4.6 and 4.7, responding to a growing trend of items being left plugged into library outlets unattended and of larger-than-personal-use items such as generators and battery packs being brought into the library, which library staff described as fire hazards. One board member asked how unattended plugged-in items would be handled; staff responded that the library would follow its lost and found policy by holding them for one month and then, depending on value, sending them to the police or donating them to a local charity. - Unattended Child Policy Update: The policy now states that library staff will call the Puyallup Police Department when children are left unattended. The Library Director noted this was added so parents would not be surprised. One board member questioned how the age-of-eight threshold was determined; the Library Director described it as an industry standard and explained that children age 8 and up are expected to follow the code of conduct, while a child must be at least 13 to supervise a younger child. - Library Director's Report: The Library Director reported that circulation, door counts, and card holder numbers continue to rise, with OverDrive helping drive card holders and circulation. Summer reading had the most finishers ever at 1,800, with roughly three times that number starting; teen participation almost doubled. Prizes were changed to include a book for signing up and a book for finishing. The director also announced the retirement of Bonnie, the children's librarian, after 37 years with the city, with an informal drop-by gathering planned in the meeting room; her successor, Laura Compton from McKinney, Texas, begins Monday, October 26, and will overlap with Bonnie for one week. - Friends of the Library Report: The Friends held their final book sale of the year, with proceeds not yet reported. They approved the next year's programming budget with a $3,000 increase to offset book costs, partnered with Barnes & Noble for discounts, and supported the rising cost of treasure box items, now about $150 per month compared with the previous $100 budget. - Library Foundation Report: The Foundation, meeting next door at 5:30, is doing well and completing paperwork and transition work. It has held successful silent reading events and participated in Library Giving Day, and is discussing projects to fund. Its next quarterly meeting is expected in January via Zoom, and a board member volunteered to attend, with January 11 at 5:30 mentioned as the likely date. - Board Member Comments: Board members shared community observations, including appreciation for the library during Banned Books Week, a toddler's love of library books and story time, an adult son's return to reading through a Bellingham library card, and positive feedback about the children's museum partnership. The Library Director responded that the partnership with Green Trike Tacoma, formerly the Tacoma Children's Museum, draws about 100 attendees at the Tuesday morning session and about 60 at the afternoon session. Key Outcomes - Approved the Code of Conduct policy changes by voice vote, with no nays or abstentions noted. - Approved the updated Unattended Child policy by voice vote, with no nays or abstentions noted. - Scheduled the next regular board meeting for November 16, 2026. - Adjourned at 6:22 PM.

The Senior Advisory Board met on October 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured a Pierce Transit presentation on Proposition One, a University of Washington Tacoma student project on transportation barriers for older adults, citizen comments requesting a revitalized senior resource fair, and staff updates on summer activities and a new sculpture at the Activity Center. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 8, 2026 draft minutes with a correction (changing "Vice Chair Shipman" to "Chair Shipman"). - Approved the agenda as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Virginia King, marketing chair for the Village Co-op senior housing (which opened in July 2024, per a later correction), urged the board to revive a past event at Pierce College in May (previously "Rock Your Retirement") that covered caregiving, finances, and downsizing. She noted that AARP designated Puyallup as an age-friendly community and asked for a new focus on housing and downsizing resources. - Liz Knox, a retired principal and fellow resident of the Village Co-op, supported King's request. She said many residents moved from out of state due to Puyallup's age-friendly designation and that the earlier event was not well advertised. She recommended expanding it into a larger informational fair for seniors transitioning to retirement. Discussion Items Pierce Transit Presentation – Proposition One (Item 5A) - Nicole Warner (Community Development Coordinator) and Nathan Babel presented Pierce Transit’s services and a November 3, 2026 ballot measure, Proposition One. The measure would increase sales tax by three cents per $10 (from the current 0.6% rate), generating an estimated $55–60 million annually to expand services by 47%. - Proposed improvements for Puyallup include a 95% increase in transit service, a new Route 491 connecting East Puyallup, more frequent Routes 4, 402, and 409, and later evening service (Route 4 until midnight on weekdays and Saturdays). Free bus and shuttle service would be provided for adults aged 65 and older. - Board members asked clarifying questions: estimated revenue ($55–60M), definition of senior (65+), and timeline for free senior service (first phase after tax collection begins in April 2027, exact date TBD). Members were reminded not to advocate for or against the measure as it is on the ballot. Bridging the Gap – UWT Spring 2026 Practicum (Item 5B) - Professor Jody from University of Washington Tacoma presented a student project on transportation barriers for older adults. Spring 2026 nursing students surveyed over 100 PAC attendees. - Key finding: 67.1% drive independently to the Activity Center; 11.2% carpool; some use public transit. Many would not attend if parking were reduced. - Recommendations: educate about Pierce Transit’s Runner service, develop a carpool buddy system, support the proposed free senior transit, and seek AARP grants. - Students will return in Winter and Spring 2027 for further projects; board can propose new topics. Senior Advisory Board Trifold (Item 6A) - Staff distributed a new informational brochure about the board. Members discussed promoting it in retirement communities and improving outreach. The board’s email address (seniorboard@puyallupwa.gov) was noted. Senior Services Report (Item 7A) - Summer 2026 activities included: a 250th Independence Day patriotic party (July 2, 85–100 attendees), a senior picnic at Clark’s Creek Park (July 29), a VIP concert with Harmony of Rock moved indoors due to smoke (August 5), an inaugural Foothills Trail bike ride, Amazon Fulfillment Center tours, mystery trips, multiple Leavenworth trips (three scheduled due to demand), and an end-of-summer luau. - A new sculpture "Single Point" by Kevin Patel (a ballerina) will be installed in the Activity Center lobby. - Upcoming events: Holiday Bazaar and annual Christmas party. Key Outcomes - Agenda and minutes approved. - No vote on Proposition One (ballot measure). - Board members offered to volunteer at upcoming events. - Staff will explore improved outreach methods, including use of the Puyallup Alerts text system for key events. - Motion to adjourn carried unanimously.

The Puyallup City Council met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to consider a consent agenda, ordinances, resolutions, and several major discussion items including the Riverwalk Trail Phase V and the Gateway Arches project. The meeting also featured two proclamations and the recognition of a retiring 37-year city employee. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 25, 2026 and September 1, 2026 minutes unanimously. - Approved consent agenda items 4a–4d and 4f–4j (routine approvals, agreements, contracts) by voice vote, after removing item 4e (Gateway Arches design contract amendment) for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Valerie Dent (District 2) expressed support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, sharing personal experience as a survivor, and also noted October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. - Jim Jenkins (District 1) presented a schematic for connecting 7th Street NW to 7th Street SW, argued against permanent street closure, and urged the city to reject the school district's plan. - John Hopkins (former mayor) urged council to support the Washington Wildlife Recreation Coalition's full $150M ask to avoid losing the Fife trail link; also supported a “soft trail” alternative for the Riverwalk missing link. - Andrew Brasser (District 2) requested safer pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure near 31st Avenue SW and Fruitland Avenue, referencing the upcoming Pierce County Pipeline Trail and the Puyallup Moves Active Transportation Plan. - Angelina Squirdo praised the purple lights program for domestic violence victims and called for improved 24/7 hotline services; also urged more effective conflict resolution practices. - Bud Metzger (District 3) criticized the city's reduction of health care benefits for non-union employees, arguing the Gateway Arches project (over $70,000) disrespects staff; requested better support for city workers, parks, and street maintenance. - Jill Roder (District 1) asked for speed limit enforcement on River Road and voiced opposition to new data center development, suggesting a moratorium to study impacts. Discussion Items - Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation – Mayor Whitting read the proclamation; Domestic Violence Victims Advocate Jeanette Morad accepted and highlighted community events (1K walk, partnerships with DAWN, purple lights, and educational sessions). - Community Conflict Resolution Day Proclamation – Proclaimed October 15, 2026 as Conflict Resolution Day; Marilise Hood Quant of the Center for Dialogue and Resolution spoke about mediation services, free workshops, and a fundraiser event. - Recognition of Bonnie Anderson – Celebrated her 37-year career as children's librarian; Council members shared personal memories and thanks. - Ordinance – Design Review and Historic Preservation Board (PMC 2.29) – Second reading passed unanimously by roll call (6-0, Councilmember King excused). - Resolution 6A – MFTE Agreement with Willows Pond Apartments, LLC – Approved eight-year multifamily property tax exemption for 30 market-rate units. Councilmember Smolko requested a future study session to revisit the policy, but the motion passed (voice vote, no opposition). - Resolution 6B – Sole Source Purchase of Police Radios – Authorized $492,949.58 for 60 portable radios from Motorola Solutions. Council discussed the high cost and sole-source justification; motion passed (voice vote). - MOU with Puyallup Parks Foundation – Approved a five-year partnership to leverage private fundraising for park priorities. Councilmember Adler suggested exploring a city staff seat on the foundation board. - Riverwalk Trail Phase V Project Update – Senior Project Manager Brian Skimmerhorn presented two alignment options: riverside (with costly revetment walls, $13M) or an alternative roadside route ($9M). Council debated impacts, costs, and flood risks; no consensus was reached. Staff will table the item and return with additional information. - Gateway Arches Project – Contract Amendment (Item 7C) – Council discussed the $78,000 design change due to utility conflicts, which could raise total project cost from $2M to up to $3M. Mayor Whitting moved to table the item for further discussion alongside next week's budget study session. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Aye – Councilmembers Smoke, Adler, Gilliam, Whitting; Nay – Councilmembers Castema and Johnson. Councilmember Castema noted the money comes from lodging tax (LTAC) and that the project was already approved. Key Outcomes - Proclamations adopted for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Community Conflict Resolution Day. - Ordinance amending PMC 2.29 passed (6-0). - Resolution 6A (MFTE) approved (voice vote). - Resolution 6B (police radios) approved (voice vote). - MOU with Parks Foundation approved (voice vote). - Riverwalk Trail Phase V tabled; staff to provide more details at a future meeting. - Gateway Arches contract amendment tabled to the next budget study session (October 13/14). - Council member appointments – Councilmember Castema will serve on the Elected Leaders Group for the Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness (offered by Councilmember Adler). - Executive Session held for 1 hour to discuss potential litigation and real estate matters; no action expected.