Public Meetings - Puyallup, Washington

The Puyallup City Council met in study session on September 22, 2026, to hear three informational presentations: Pierce Transit Proposition 1, Pierce County's Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness, and a possible re-evaluation of the Rural Buffer Residential future land use designation. The council approved the agenda 7-0, heard public comments, and postponed an executive session on potential litigation until a future meeting before adjourning at 8:38 p.m. Agenda Approval - Councilmember King moved approval, Councilmember Gilliam seconded; the motion passed 7-0. Pierce Transit Proposition 1 – Informational Presentation - Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus and Acting Chief Planning Officer Tina Lee presented Proposition 1, a November 2026 ballot measure adding 0.3% to the sales/use tax (3 cents per $10) within the existing Pierce Transit service area to fund a 47% increase in transit service. The measure would not expand the district to new areas. - Griffus said Pierce Transit is funded at half the rate of peer agencies, its sales-tax rate has not changed since 2002, and its passenger-mile efficiency is the best in the Puget Sound region; it has generated $9.3 million in savings from 133 projects. Without new funding, service reductions could begin as early as 2031. - Lee described proposed improvements: new routes including a Shaw Road route in Puyallup, three high-capacity lines, 86% of current routes operating more often, seven routes at 15–20 minute frequencies, 23 routes every 30 minutes or faster, later spans, eight light-rail connections, senior fare-free service, and expanded paratransit boundaries covering about 27,000 people. - Puyallup would receive a 94.8% service increase, the highest of any municipality in the service area, including improved Route 402 on Meridian, improved Route 409 on 72nd Street, and weekend Route 400 service. - Councilmembers discussed restoring the discontinued 425 connector for seniors (Adler), why Puyallup received the largest increase (Gilliam; Griffus cited historic under-service and local advocacy), and transit's value during fuel/energy disruptions (Kastama; Griffus noted buses run on compressed natural gas). Public Comments & Testimony - Doc Hansen, a Ridgecrest resident, supported removing the Rural Buffer Residential designation from the Ridgecrest neighborhood. He said the designation had been used to prevent lot subdivision and noted that 8% of subdivision lots are non-conforming. - A resident of Pierce County District 2 (named Andrelyn Izquierdo in the minutes; the transcript renders the name differently) described personal barriers for people experiencing homelessness, including lack of wayfinding, disconnected sidewalks, appointment-based shelter and food-bank systems, vehicle residency, and unsafe walking conditions. Pierce County's Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness – Informational Presentation - Pierce County Council Chair Jani Hitchen, Policy Analyst Mary Connolly, and Lakewood Mayor Paul Bocchi presented the proposed Unified Regional Approach (URA). - Connolly shared data: in 2025, 580 people receiving homeless services reported sleeping in Puyallup the previous night, and 219 reported a last permanent address in Puyallup-area ZIP codes 98371–98374. Mayor Witting questioned those figures and estimated the true Puyallup-proper count was in the 70s; he cited a 20–40 person waitlist for the city's hotel-model shelter. Also presented: 422 Puyallup school students identified as homeless in 2024–25, and 100 eligible Puyallup households applied to Pierce County's eviction prevention program from January 2024 to July 2025. - The URA would be created by interlocal agreement, with Pierce County as administering agency and a board of elected officials from participating governments. It would start with 2–3 staff and an annual budget of $400,000–$600,000; Puyallup's estimated contribution is $17,000–$25,000 per year, with dues beginning in 2028 and full dues in 2029. It would not be a separate legal entity like the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. - Next steps described include jurisdictions adopting resolutions of intent and developing an interlocal agreement. Pierce County, Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Orting, Ruston, and Tacoma have already adopted resolutions. - Councilmember Kastama expressed skepticism about whether regional coordination would reduce homelessness, citing county spending growth from $14.6 million to $75.7 million (2019–2024) alongside a 79% increase in the homeless count, and similar outcomes in King County. He called for specific measurable goals and raised neighborhood impacts and drug addiction concerns. - Deputy Mayor Johnson urged a data-driven, holistic approach, with involvement from business, policymakers, and faith communities, and said current efforts need to show results rather than just "try." - Councilmember Adler called the criticism from the dais disheartening, thanked the presenters, and offered to give up her seat on the URA elected leadership group to a colleague who wanted to shape the proposal directly. - Mayor Witting voiced strong reservations about the governance structure, saying committees and elected boards spread responsibility without a clear person in charge. He noted the county's homelessness budget is about $55 million compared with the city's roughly $250,000 in direct spending, and argued the county should attach requirements to its funding. He said the emphasis should be on healing and self-reliance, not only housing. - Councilmember Smolko supported measuring outcomes first, establishing baselines, and publishing regular dashboards with cost per successful outcome; he cautioned that the homeless population is not homogeneous and that the housing market itself can overwhelm successful programs. Rural Buffer Residential Future Land Use Designation – Informational Presentation - Planning Manager Chris Beale presented a possible re-evaluation of the Rural Buffer Residential (RBR) future land use designation. RBR is not a zone district; it is implemented primarily by RS-35 (35,000-square-foot lots, one unit per acre) and an agricultural/recreation/open space zone. - Beale explained the original purposes: transition from rural county areas, low-density housing where urban services are limited, protection of critical areas, agricultural/open-space preservation, and reflecting past one-acre development patterns. - Examples included the Shaw-Pioneer/agricultural area, Redesco, areas southwest of the city, Ridgecrest, Terridon, the WSU campus, and Clarks Creek/Stewart Avenue. He noted Ridgecrest was rezoned to RS-35 in 1997, and a 2017 attempt to move it to a lower-density designation was dropped after neighborhood concerns; many lots are non-conforming. - Beale proposed a framework organized around rural-edge, environmentally constrained, infrastructure-limited, and established-neighborhood conditions, and said the review could be coordinated with the single-family zone consolidation planned for 2027. - Deputy Mayor Johnson supported reducing large minimum lot sizes where site studies and mitigation can protect critical areas, said growth should pay for growth, and argued the city should not let infrastructure or critical-area constraints block responsible smaller-lot development. - Mayor Witting said the map-by-map decisions were hard to evaluate in the abstract and proposed meeting one-on-one with staff to discuss individual areas; Councilmember Adler asked to participate in that discussion. Key Outcomes - No formal council votes or binding decisions were taken on the three informational items. - The agenda was approved 7-0. - The executive session on potential litigation was postponed until the next meeting because of the late hour; the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

The Puyallup Civil Service Commission met virtually via Zoom on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Chair Dan Smith presided, with Vice-Chair Brian Spracklen and Commissioners Ajay Garg, Jim Kelly, and Scott Case present. Staff included Senior Human Resources Generalist Shelley Werner, sitting in for Katie, and Administrative Clerk Yessenia Abarca. The Commission unanimously approved the agenda, the August 17, 2026 minutes, and four eligibility lists. No public comments were received; written comments had been accepted until 8:00 a.m., and no public comments were accepted via Zoom. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved 5-0 on a motion by Vice-Chair Spracklen, seconded by Commissioner Case. - The August 17, 2026 minutes were approved 5-0 on a motion by Vice-Chair Spracklen, seconded by Commissioner Garg. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items Lateral Entry Police Officer Eligibility List - SHRG Werner reported that the Lateral Entry Police Officer list contained one name: Sadee Jones, who is currently employed with Thurston County and has corrections experience. - Jones passed a standard oral interview before a panel of three police representatives. - The list was approved 5-0. Blended Advanced Entry Police Officer Eligibility List - An advanced entry candidate, Diana Myers, was interviewed on August 13, 2026. She has previous law enforcement experience with the Port of Seattle and passed with scores of 70 percent or higher. - The blended advanced entry list contained four names in order of score: Brad Anglin, Diana Myers, Tyler Campbell, and Caroline Marin-Melgar. - The list was approved 5-0. Blended Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List - Seven entry level police officer applicants were interviewed on August 13, 2026. - The entry level process consists of an oral board plus a written test administered through Public Safety Testing; the two are combined into a final score that includes any applicable veterans' preference. - The new blended list contained 17 names, including Nick Jankens, Drtania Iaulualo, Krista Espinoza, Marcelle Robinson, Brinder Kaile, Noah Cheyne, Logan Aikas, Thomas Arreygue, Jenel Aparicio, Joshua Shannon, Dylan Paganini, Julian Genriech, Josh Lemon, Forrest Preston, Jocob Albers, Brayden Janiki, and Liam Lyle. - During discussion, SHRG Werner noted that one person was in background on the entry list, one off the advanced police list, and one off the lateral list, and that the City balances academy spots when moving candidates forward. - The list was approved 5-0. Blended Lateral Entry Corrections Officer Eligibility List - An oral board was held on August 24, 2026, for the Blended Lateral Entry Corrections Officer Eligibility list. - Candidates who passed with a score of 70 percent or higher were added. The updated list contained six names: Christian Hansen, Brent Kempster, Kristen Kraemer, Nathaniel Smith, Katrina Saunders, and Tiffani Hernandez. - The list was approved 5-0. Chief Examiner's Report - SHRG Werner advised the Commission to anticipate an October Civil Service Commission meeting, as she expected to schedule oral boards for corrections positions. - The meeting would follow the normal schedule on October 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Key Outcomes - All four eligibility lists were approved unanimously by 5-0 votes. - The next Civil Service Commission meeting was scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. - The meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m. Note: The minutes and transcript contain minor spelling variations for some names, including Sadee/Sadie Jones, Diana Myers/Diana Meyers, Brad Anglin/Brad Englin, and Caroline Marin-Melgar/Carolina Marin Melger.

The Library Advisory Board of Puyallup, Washington, met in person in the Puyallup Library Board Room at 324 S Meridian, Puyallup, on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order, but a quorum was not present. After waiting 10 minutes, roll call confirmed only two board members in attendance. Chair Melanie Fuemmeler adjourned the meeting at 6:12 PM without conducting any business. The agenda had included approval of the May 18, 2026 minutes, an Unattended Child Policy, a Code of Conduct Policy, the Library Director's report, and reports from the Friends of the Library and Library Foundation, but none were addressed. Call to Order & Roll Call - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. Staff informed the chair that a quorum was not present and asked whether to wait. The chair requested a 10-minute delay. - At 6:11 PM, roll call was taken. Present: Chair Melanie Fuemmeler and Board Member Sarah Weishaar. Absent: Vice-Chair Justine Ziemer. Excused: Board Member Kimberlee Gerstmann. - With only two members present, the board did not have a quorum to conduct official business. Adjournment - Chair Fuemmeler adjourned the meeting at 6:12 PM due to the lack of a quorum. Key Outcomes - No motions were made, no votes were taken, and no policies were discussed or approved. - Public comments and all new business items were not heard. - The next regular meeting date was not selected during this session.

The Puyallup City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 333 S. Meridian, with all seven councilmembers present. The meeting included proclamations, citizen comments, approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing and first reading of a street vacation ordinance near Puyallup High School, first reading of a Design Review Board ordinance, and department reports. The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m. Presentations and Proclamations - Mayor Witting read a proclamation honoring former Councilmember Robin Farris, who passed away on August 27, 2026. The tribute noted her 20-year U.S. Navy career, service as one of the first female naval officers aboard the USS Blue Ridge, retirement as lieutenant commander, eight years representing District One on the City Council, and her pride in Team Puyallup. Current and former elected officials reflected on her legacy; Councilmember Kastama shared a story Farris had asked him to tell about her grandfather and the Meeker Mansion, and Deputy Mayor Johnson suggested naming a future promenade in her honor. - Mayor Witting proclaimed the week of September 21–26, 2026 as Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center Appreciation Week. Todd Murray, director of the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, accepted the proclamation and noted the center's programs, including the Stormwater Center and Master Gardener Program, and the upcoming WSU Day at the Washington State Fair on September 26, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen comments on 7th Street NW: Lydia Mayer, Aubrey Jones, Noah Reyes, Cris Luis Antonio, Noor Albermany, LeighAnn Mahaffie, Joseph Romero, and Sandi Monahan supported permanently closing or keeping 7th Street NW closed, citing student safety, previous accidents, pedestrian volumes, and safe campus access. Mahaffie said she had been struck by a vehicle near the school; Monahan, Puyallup High School cross-country coach, said the closed road provides warm-up space for 79 athletes. Christy Sparks-Galan, a PHS staff member and 1990 graduate, also supported permanent closure, citing near misses. Jim Jenkins opposed permanent closure and suggested closing the street only during school periods, while Archer Grimes, Jessica Degner, Mitzi McMahan, and Rebecca Singer expressed opposition or concern that the closure had shifted traffic, speeding, parking, and litter into surrounding neighborhoods. Singer urged a balanced approach addressing both student and neighborhood safety. - Other citizen comments: Paul Wicklander, speaking for the Home Addition Neighbor Group, discussed a 23-page technical supplement submitted for the Critical Areas Ordinance update. Dave Sunich described Puyallup High School's Good Neighbor Action Plan. Valorie Dent presented results of a community survey she conducted across all three council districts, with approximately 4,500 surveys distributed, including 300 mailed. Nadine Weinrich encouraged coordination among the School District, City, and Police Department on traffic safety. Andrelyn Izquierdo raised concerns about extremist groups and threats. - Public hearing testimony on the street vacation: The public hearing was opened at 8:15 p.m. and closed at 8:28 p.m. Val Dent opposed permanently closing 7th Street; Mitzi McMahan said the closure shifted traffic and pickup activity into neighborhoods and urged coordinated mitigation; Jim Jenkins opposed the permanent vacation. Lydia Mayer, Joseph Romero, and Aubrey Jones supported permanent closure, citing student safety and prior incidents. Romero, a Puyallup School Board member and past president, said he had witnessed about 10 students hit during his terms and cited Tacoma's street-vacation practice. Archer Grimes opposed the closure and said neighborhood engagement had been inadequate. Consent Calendar - Authorized a contract with Herrera Environmental Consultants, Inc. for landfill regulatory consulting services. - Authorized change orders for the Van Lierop Park Playground Installation Project and accepted the project as complete. - Approved accounts payable, payroll, and electronic fund transfers from July 2026. - Authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Pierce Conservation District for natural resource and ecological conservation projects. - The consent agenda was approved 7-0. Discussion Items - Public hearing and first reading – W Main/7th Street NW vacation near Puyallup High School: Development and Permitting Services Director Courtney Brunell and Brady Martin, executive director of construction, maintenance, and facility planning for the Puyallup School District, presented the proposed street vacation. The district petitioned to vacate a portion of W Main between 6th Street SW and 7th Street SW and all of 7th Street NW between W Main and 2nd Avenue NW. A temporary closure pilot began December 23, 2024, following a 2024 conditional use permit that added portable classrooms. Martin said the pilot improved pedestrian safety by eliminating vehicle-pedestrian conflicts between the main campus and portables and that a traffic study found no adverse impacts to traffic, travel speeds, or parking, although traffic increased on some streets such as 8th Street NW. Portables are expected to remain for 10–20 years under phased construction, with baseline construction costs estimated at $120.3 million. Brunell presented a revised mitigation package including intersection improvements, bulb-outs, crosswalks, lighting, sidewalks, half-street improvements on 8th Street NW, and wayfinding signage. Funding options included waiving approximately $375,000 in right-of-way compensation so the district could complete the full package, or requiring the district to purchase the right-of-way, which would likely delay some improvements. Mayor Witting noted that roughly 600 students cross that block during a five-minute passing period, about 120 per minute. Council discussion emphasized student safety, neighborhood impacts, coordination with the district, and the 60-day traffic management pilot proposed by Councilmember Kastama. Deputy Mayor Johnson suggested considering additional street closure measures, and the City Attorney noted that a street vacation ordinance can reduce but not add segments. - First reading – Design Review and Historic Preservation Board ordinance: Planning Manager Chris Beale presented an ordinance amending Puyallup Municipal Code Chapter 2.29 to shift architectural design review for downtown mixed-use, commercial, and multifamily areas from the Design Review and Historic Preservation Board to an administrative review process. Beale said the change was intended to address quorum-related delays and would not change existing design standards. The board would continue to oversee historic preservation matters and would be consulted during future design-standard updates. Council discussed attendance challenges facing boards and commissions. Reports and Announcements - City Manager Steve Kirkelie reported that the September 22, 2026 study session would include Pierce County's regional approach to homelessness, Pierce Transit Proposition 1, and a discussion of the rural buffer zone and potential changes. - Councilmember Gilliam recognized Deputy Chief Greg Massey of the Puyallup Police Department and announced his retirement reception at the Public Safety Building at 4:00 p.m. - Councilmember Smolko announced she would deliver a TED Talk in Tulsa titled In the Room Where It Happens, encouraging educators to run for public office. - Councilmember Adler thanked the public and Puyallup High School students who attended the hearing. - Deputy Mayor Johnson clarified that his suggestion to use the Sound Transit lot was an option for further consideration and reiterated support for evaluating additional neighborhood-impact measures. - Mayor Witting reminded councilmembers to submit budget initiatives in advance of upcoming budget study sessions so staff could review and comment. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda 7-0. - Approved first reading of the street vacation ordinance and set second reading for December 8, 2026, by a 7-0 vote. - Approved an amendment directing City staff to work with the Puyallup School District on a 60-day traffic management pilot to redirect student pickup and drop-off activity away from residential streets, evaluate a parent waiting or cell-phone lot, provide signage, communication, and on-site traffic direction, and report back to Council; passed 7-0. - Approved an amendment requiring the school district to provide an annual report on the Good Neighbor Action Plan; passed 7-0. - Approved first reading of the ordinance amending PMC Chapter 2.29, Design Review and Historic Preservation Board, by a 7-0 vote.

The Parks and Recreation Board met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board considered the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Element of the Comprehensive Plan during a public hearing, approved the element for forwarding to City Council, and adjusted meeting times for November and January. Staff provided updates on the Puyallup Parks Foundation and summer recreation programs. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion carried unanimously. - Consideration of Minutes: Motion to approve the July 13, 2026 minutes carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Zachary Sanders (District 2 resident) spoke twice: once during general public comment and again during the PROS public hearing. He advocated for including aquatics in the PROS plan to enable future pool development and grant eligibility. He noted his website swimpeullup.com, a survey with 25 responses, and an offer from an aquatics design firm to present to the board. He also suggested that future city surveys ask where residents travel for amenities not available locally. Discussion Items - PROS Element Public Hearing: Consultant Alex presented the PROS Element of the Comprehensive Plan, explaining that the update aligns the PROS plan with the city’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan to extend grant eligibility from 6 to 10 years and place both documents on the same update cycle. The plan is based on public survey feedback (hundreds of responses) and an August open house. Board members discussed survey findings (73% of respondents did not participate in department-sponsored programs, attributed to question wording), the need for replacement reserves (not typically included), and potential aquatic partnerships with the Puyallup School District. No changes were requested; the board voted unanimously to forward the PROS Element to City Council for adoption by year-end. - Updated Meeting Time: Chair proposed changing the start time for the November and January meetings to 6 PM. After discussion, a revised motion to set the start time at 5:30 PM passed unanimously. Staff Reports - Puyallup Parks Foundation Board Update: Brian reported that the revived foundation now has a solid board, regular meetings, and incoming funds. The foundation facilitated a Kiwanis contribution for summer kids’ activities and is receiving a Names Foundation grant to replace two scoreboards at the outdoor recreation facility. An MOU with the city is being finalized to enable co‑branding and promotion. The foundation will help fund the Bradley Lake project and pursue other grants. - Summer Recreation Update: Cody highlighted key summer 2026 programs: - Senior programs: Patriotic 250 party, picnic at Clark’s Creek, Harmony of Rock concert (500 attendees), inaugural Foothills Trail bike ride (12 participants). - Trips & tours: Expanded due to three bus drivers; a Leavenworth trip filled 20 seats with 28 on a waitlist. - Day camp: 1,000 registered children, 180 unique campers, 5,720 volunteer hours from the Counselor-in-Training program. - Specialty camps: Parkour, robotics, arts, dance, and sports camps. - Move Puyallup fitness program: 1,600 participants (up 300 from 2025). - Walk Puyallup: 600 participants, including walks with former mayor John Hopkins and a park ranger. - Other events: Soggy Doggy splash park event (50 dogs despite rain), Concerts in the Park (Journey tribute band drew over 4,000), Kiwanis Kids’ Days (4 events), Outdoor Cinema (nearly 1,000 attendees), and free summer meals partnership (2,000 meals distributed). - Bradley Lake grant: Application is above the cut line, expected to be fully funded at $500,000 if state funding continues. - Trail updates: WSDOT anticipates completing the SR 167 trail from Meridian to the Rec Center in fall 2028, and the full Puyallup-to-Tacoma trail in fall 2029. A pedestrian underpass will connect the Rec Center. - Skate park: Demolition of old ramps complete; construction expected to begin next week. - Wildwood Park: First public meeting scheduled for October 22, 2026 (5–7 PM) at the pavilion; concepts will be presented for community feedback. Key Outcomes - Vote on PROS Element: Motion to approve and forward the PROS Element to City Council for adoption carried unanimously (all ayes). - Vote on Meeting Time Change: Motion to change start time for November and January meetings to 5:30 PM carried unanimously. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 8, 2026 (note: November meeting date may adjust based on board calendar).

The Puyallup Planning Commission met on September 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers to continue work on Phase 2 of the zoning amendments implementing the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. All six commissioners were present (Commissioner Greg Martin excused). The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. The session focused on zoning map changes, code amendments, and future land use map updates, with extensive discussion on neighborhood commercial designations, the River Road corridor, and infrastructure needs. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved by motion (Crosby/Barney), passed 6-0. - Minutes of August 12, 2026 approved by motion (De Groot/Landon), passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered in person, online, or submitted in writing. Discussion Items - Phase 2 Zoning Map Amendments (Package 6 of DPS Work Plan): Associate Planner Rachael Brown presented proposed rezones to implement the Comprehensive Plan, including rezoning areas to Limited Mixed Use (LMX), adjusting the Shaw Pioneer area, rezoning the South Hill Business and Technology Park, eliminating CL and OP zones, rezoning Western Washington Fair parcels, and adjusting the fair parking overlay. New changes since July 8 included rezoning three existing neighborhood businesses to LMX, rezoning several parcels along 3rd/2nd Street SE to single-family RS6 instead of LMX, and rezoning two utility parcels to Public Facility instead of UCX. Commissioners questioned the RS6 designation for downtown-adjacent parcels; Planning Manager Chris Beale noted lack of development interest and lot constraints (lots 4,900–5,000 sq ft) favored LDR over LMX to avoid non-conforming status for existing homes. - Phase 2 Zoning Code Amendments – Chapters 20.31 (MX), 20.35 (M), 20.30 (C), and 20.15 (Definitions): Brown presented amendments to update use allowances, simplify development standards, and align with state law. Key changes included: retooling LMX as a neighborhood commercial zone, allowing car dealerships in River Road MX zone per council direction, eliminating CMX zone, updating manufacturing uses (including warehousing at property owner request), adding fencing standards, and new definitions (live-work units, nightclubs, vape shops, etc.). Commissioner Landon expressed concern about warehouse and distribution uses in the Business Park (MP) zone, noting truck traffic and paved surfaces; Vice-Chair De Groot and Chair Taylor also echoed unease. Commissioner Landon proposed limiting data center square footage to match existing uses—staff clarified data centers were not part of the current proposal after earlier council discussion. Discussion also covered density maximums in UCX: Brown and Beale explained that parking requirements and lot coverage (65%) effectively cap density despite maximum height of 75 feet. Commissioner De Groot questioned the removal of height bonuses for structured parking; staff confirmed the bonus was being deleted to simplify height allowances in UCX and RMX. - Phase 2 Future Land Use Map Amendments, Land Use Element Text, and River Road Corridor Plan Text: Brown outlined three major changes: creating a new Mixed Employment Business Park (ME-BP) designation for the South Hill site; reverting a parcel at 15th & Meridian from MUC to CG per owner preference; and harmonizing FLU maps to match LMX rezonings. Text amendments included referencing the River Road corridor as an “important auto dealership corridor” per council direction. Commissioners expressed mixed views: Chair Taylor strongly opposed highlighting dealerships at a main city entry, while Commissioner Washburn recalled the area’s historic car-buying reputation. Vice-Chair De Groot suggested differentiating Meridian from River Road to focus dealerships on the latter. Beale clarified the amendments aim to align existing regulations with council decisions without discarding the mixed-use vision. No boundary changes were proposed. Key Outcomes - Votes & Decisions: No formal votes were taken on the amendments; the worksession was for discussion and direction. Staff will incorporate commissioner feedback (particularly on warehouse allowances and data center limits) into the September 23 package. - Schedule & Next Steps: The next Planning Commission meeting is September 23, 2026 for final review of all amendments. A public hearing is set for October 28, 2026, at which the Commission will forward a recommendation to City Council for final adoption in November and December 2026. Council has only one meeting in December, making the timeline tight. - Public Outreach Update: Staff sent rezone notification letters to 97 parcels (covering all subject properties) with a table showing current and proposed zoning. Only 3–4 property owners called, and feedback was largely positive. A second outreach phase will mail informational flyers to properties within 500 feet of LMX rezone sites, including a survey. A broader mailing and neighborhood signs with QR codes will precede the October 28 hearing. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Crosby inquired about a transportation infrastructure presentation from City Engineer Hans Hunger; Beale confirmed it will occur after the zoning amendments are completed. Vice-Chair De Groot urged prioritizing transportation improvements on the east side of Meridian, especially Shaw Road, noting no alternative routes exist. Chair Taylor announced community events: Meeker Mansion Cider Squeeze (September 19) and Dolly Day by the Main Street Association (September 25).

The Fire Pension Board met on September 8, 2026, at 11:03 AM in Conference Room 503 of City Hall. The meeting was called to order by City Clerk Dan Vessels with a quorum consisting of Finance Director Barbara Lopez and Member Gary Turner. The board approved the agenda, the June 9, 2026 minutes with a correction, and reviewed financial updates and actuarial reports. Approval of Agenda and Minutes - The board approved the agenda with a motion and second. - The minutes from June 9, 2026 were approved with a correction noting the mayor's absence. Financial Update - Financial Report as of August 31, 2026: Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented the report. The fund received fire insurance premium tax of just over $102,000, which has been steadily climbing. Interest income remains decent. Pension payments for the year are expected to be around $200,000. Professional service costs of $11,500 cover the actuarial report. The fund is performing well, and the city remains responsible for pension payments regardless of fund balance. - Pension Calculations as of July 1, 2026: A COLA adjustment based on CPI was reflected in the calculations effective July 1. The board approved the calculations. - Actuarial Valuation as of January 1, 2026: The actuarial valuation is required every two years. Key highlights: the total present value of future benefits is $2.173 million, with approximately 45% of that amount currently on hand. The city is not required to be 100% funded in advance. The report includes predictions of future pension payments. The board approved the valuation. Other Business - Member Turner inquired about survivor benefits for Floyd Butler, and it was noted that HR has been sending annual inquiries to ensure all benefits are properly administered. - Discussion on Central Pierce Fire contract negotiations: a shift was added a year ago, resulting in a 25% increase, but it was noted that this did not help retirees. Future pay scales may affect pension calculations. Key Outcomes - The board approved the agenda, minutes (with correction), financial report, pension calculations, and actuarial valuation. - The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM. - The meeting was adjourned at 11:12 AM.

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on September 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM in City Hall Council Chambers, with a recess at approximately 10:30 AM and adjournment following the vote. The committee reviewed an additional service fee for the Puyallup Gateways project, heard city-initiated proposals, and considered 2027 lodging tax applications from nine organizations. Total funds available for committee allocation were $853,690, derived from $1,897,100 in hotel tax revenue after a 55% reserve for city initiatives. The committee approved a final allocation package that fully distributed the available funds. Discussion Items - Puyallup Gateways Additional Service: Public Affairs Officer Eric Johnson presented a revised cost estimate of $72,581 for additional design work to relocate a water main and sewer line and to address geotechnical issues (liquefaction) requiring deeper posts at the two gateway arch sites (North Meridian near Fifth Avenue and the Blue Gate area). The committee acknowledged the work was necessary but took no formal action as it was previously council-approved; the item was presented for comment only. - City-Initiated Proposals: Johnson outlined three city LTAC requests for 2027: (1) continuation of the "Always in Season" tourism campaign (increase from $100,000 to $150,000 in 2027), (2) additional downtown street furnishings (benches, receptacles, planters), and (3) fabrication of wayfinding signage. Mayor Whitting noted these were already council-approved for LTAC spending and were presented for committee comment only. - 2027 Lodging Tax Proposals: Nine organizations presented their funding requests and answered committee questions. Key points from presentations: All Things Fun Sports (Amy Wirtz): Manages multiple races (Puyallup Valley Half Marathon, Chocolate & Coffee Lovers 5K/10K, Daffodil Classic, Gobble Gobble). Received $8,000 of $20,000 requested in 2026; all events were still held. Entry fees range $30–$70. Requested $2,200 for 2027. Arts Downtown (Nicole Martineau): All-volunteer nonprofit with 56 permanent artworks. Requests funding for upkeep, artist stipends, installation, and advertising. Requested $70,000. Daffodil Festival (Bob Sud Earth): 90+ year tradition; parade draws 100,000 attendees. Requested $50,000 (up from $44,000 in 2026). Recovering from a 2026 date conflict that reduced entries. Generous Influencers / First Pursuit (Patty Hoganson): Operates the Puyallup Night Market (Thursday evenings at Pioneer Park). Reports 1,000–1,500 regular attendance, 18,000–24,000 at special events, and over 20,000 annually. Requested $35,000 for tourism-focused marketing. Foothills Rails to Trails (John Hopkins): Art event along the river walk for emerging artists. Uses City Bits analytics showing 34% of attendees from 50 miles. Requested $25,000. Master Gardeners (Jan Lewis): Annual plant sale moved to the fairgrounds in 2026; 6,000 attendees from Everett to Olympia. Requested the same amount as 2026 to stabilize the transition. Northwest Sinfonietta (Karen Chu): Professional chamber orchestra performing at Pioneer Park Pavilion (October–May). Brings patrons from multiple counties and states. Requested $30,000 (up from $23,000). Puyallup Historical Society / Meeker Mansion (Shelly Schumpf): Operates one of four National Register sites in Puyallup. Hosts 15 annual events; technology investments key. Requested $68,000 (up from $49,000). Puyallup Main Street Association (John Palmer): Runs farmers market, Meeker Days, SIP, Santa Parade, Holiday Market, and new Nashville Nights event. Reports 250,000 participants annually, 10,000 from 50 miles. LTAC represents 20–25% of event costs. Requested $236,000. Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce (Stephanie Shram): Requests for visitor center, Red White & Kaboom (July 3), and Brewallop. Red White & Kaboom saw 30% growth in 2026, fireworks costs doubled. Marketing reached 2 million eyeballs outside region. Requested $260,000. Tacoma Regional CVB (Dean Burke): Destination marketing organization; books 200,000 rooms countywide, 35,000 specific to Puyallup. Supported transition at the fairgrounds. Amount requested not specified; fully funded in final motion. - Allocation Discussion: A debate arose over methodology. Councilmember Grove advocated for an across-the-board percentage cut, while Mayor Whitting opposed that as a default and instead proposed specific amounts based on judgment and prior discussions. After detailed proposals from the mayor, the committee approved a motion to allocate funds as amended. Key Outcomes The committee passed a motion (unanimous voice vote) approving the following allocations for 2027 (requested amount in parentheses where known): - All Things Fun Sports: $2,200 (requested $2,200) - Arts Downtown: $70,000 (requested $70,000) - Daffodil Festival: $46,000 (requested $50,000) - Generous Influencers / First Pursuit (Night Market): $25,000 (requested $35,000) - Foothills Rails to Trails: $25,000 (requested $25,000) - Fred Oldfield Center: fully funded (amount not specified, same as prior year) - Master Gardeners: fully funded (amount not specified, same as prior year) - Northwest Sinfonietta: $30,000 (requested $30,000) - Puyallup Historical Society / Meeker Mansion: $57,000 (requested $68,000) - Puyallup Main Street Association: $209,700 (initially proposed $208,000; remaining $3,434 split equally between Main Street and Chamber; requested $236,000) - Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce: $236,700 (initially proposed $235,000; remaining $3,434 split equally; requested $260,000) - Tacoma Regional CVB: fully funded (amount not specified) The total allocated matches the $853,690 available. The committee directed staff to prepare final award documents.

The meeting was called to order at 4:17 PM on September 3, 2026. Roll call showed three members present (Schlump, Gard, Staman), one excused (Vice Chair Rooney), and two absent (Wolf, Kahn). With only three of seven members present, the Chair stated that a quorum was not achieved. Consequently, the meeting was adjourned immediately without conducting any business. No agenda items were discussed, no public comments were heard, and no decisions were made. The board apologized for the inconvenience and indicated they would work to reschedule a future meeting.