Public Meetings - Puyallup, Washington

The Parks & Recreation Board held a regular meeting on March 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered the election of officers, approval of minutes, staff reports on the PROS Plan survey and capital projects, board comments, and discussion of future agenda items. The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting agenda as published. (Motion 5-0) - Approved the January 12, 2026, draft minutes with a scrivener's error correction. (Motion 5-0) - Elected Erich Weiter as Chair. (Motion 5-0) - Elected Michael McCanna as Vice Chair after a nomination for Jerry Martin lacked a second. (Motion 5-0) Discussion Items - PROS Plan Survey Interim Results: Alex Campbell from AHBL presented preliminary findings from the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan survey with 599 respondents. Key findings: Bradley Lake Park most visited, Puyallup Skate Park least visited; a response gap in the 10-24 age group, though household data indicated strong representation for youth; over 75% of respondents were Puyallup residents; lack of awareness as a barrier to recreation program participation; primary information source was social media; top priorities for programming were youth, teen, and senior programs; for park facilities, maintaining existing parks, preserving wildlife habitat, and expanding trails were top priorities; amenities received lower ratings while cleanliness and attractiveness were rated highly; safety was the most important factor in choosing a park. Additional paper surveys and open-ended responses are still being processed. - Parks Capital Project Update: Parks & Recreation Director Cody Geddes provided updates: - Skate Park: At 90% design; construction recommended for fall 2026 to allow one more summer of use on wood ramps. - Minnich Trail: Washington Trails Association volunteers to begin trail cutting; rezoning completed; easement agreement with MultiCare near finalization; trail expected to open by summer 2026. - Riverwalk Trail Phase 5: Broken into Phase 5A (multi-use sidewalk from Veterans Memorial Park) and Phase 5B (river connection under SR 512). Phase 5A seeking grant funding; full connection likely years away. - WSDOT 167 Trail Extension: On schedule; completion to Rec Center by 2028, full trail to Tacoma by 2031. - Bradley Lake Playground Replacement: Part of "Bradley Lake Park Reimagined"; two public open houses scheduled (March 18 and March 25); 325 survey responses already received; grant needed for funding; project targeted for spring 2027. - Art Projects: Nature's Medley sculpture at Veterans Park passed structural test with a two-year follow-up; Van Lierop Park cycling sculpture awaiting artist concepts (donation from a local family). - Flood Remediation: Applied for FEMA assistance for silt cleanup and fence repairs at Veterans Park; evaluating options for silt accumulation in DeCoursey Pond. Board Comments - New board member Bogdan Tirtu was welcomed by Chair Weiter and members; Tirtu expressed appreciation and noted his background in park projects with the City of Lacey. - Board Member Spracklen raised concerns about wood chip cover at dog parks (especially Rainier Woods) retaining moisture and hygiene; suggested exploring pea gravel or other drainage solutions for future discussion. Future Agenda Items - Potential partnership with Puyallup School District regarding the planned closure of the high school pool (mechanical and funding issues); board to explore city options to keep the pool operational, pending ongoing public input. - Collaboration with school music and theater departments to bring performances to parks and involve students in educational clinics, building on the existing concert series. - Possibility of a multi-day music festival at the Recreation Center; Director Geddes agreed to investigate. - Continued work on the PROS Plan with updates from AHBL; future meetings to include recreation programming reports and Bradley Lake playground survey results for grant application. Key Outcomes - Election of officers completed: Chair Erich Weiter, Vice Chair Michael McCanna. - Approval of January 12, 2026, minutes with a scrivener’s error correction. - Board directed staff to consider dog park surface improvements and investigate pool partnership. - The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM.

The Puyallup City Council held its regular meeting on February 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. All six present members (Mayor Witting, Deputy Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Gilliam, Kastama, King, Smolko) voted unanimously on all items; Councilmember Adler was excused. The meeting included public comments, approval of consent agenda, ordinances, resolutions, a budget authorization, and policy discussions on the parklet program and traffic impact fees. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM. Consent Calendar - Supplemental Agreement 4 with Gray and Osborne, Inc., for the Water Pollution Control Plant 3rd Secondary Clarifier Project (approved). - Acceptance of "Stop the Bleed Kits" from Pierce County Department of Emergency Management (approved). - Approval of accounts payable, payroll, and electronic fund transfers from December 2025 (approved). - Supplemental Agreement 2 with MIG for the Meeker Festival Street Project (approved). Public Comments & Testimony - Penni Thorpe thanked Council for the Black History Month proclamation and requested codifying the arrival of diverse cultural groups into a City resolution to celebrate unity. - John Hopkins advocated for direct transfers from mandatory IRA distributions to nonprofits to avoid tax issues and supported local initiatives. - Matthew Caras presented five demands focused on equity, truthful history, policy compliance, and re-including climate change analysis; he criticized changes to the Comprehensive Plan and recent racist attacks. - Kathleen MacLeod urged the Council to oppose an ICE detention center in Puyallup, citing conditions at the Tacoma facility. - Hollie Carty (West Pioneer Grill) expressed strong support for downtown parklets, noting their positive impact on foot traffic and businesses. - Mary Anderson (Wicked Pie Pizza) strongly supported parklets, stating they increased her revenue and city tax revenue; she offered to pay $750 per year to keep them. - Erik Showacy criticized the removal of diversity and equity language from the Comprehensive Plan and urged Council to live by its own proclamations. - Andrelyn Izquierdo shared struggles with identity theft and requested more services for victims to recover compromised accounts. - Chris Taylor urged Council to cover the city's $1,500 per parklet cost to support downtown businesses. Discussion Items - Parklet Program Policy Discussion – City Clerk Dan Vessels presented four options (A: permanent, no fee; B: partial cost recovery at $750; C: phased ramp-up to $1,500; D: sunset). Council debated merits. Councilmember Kastama moved to make the program permanent with no fee, prioritizing four units on Meridian and three in outlying zones (as per prior year). Councilmember King amended to add three additional parklets (total 10), funded by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). The amendment passed 6–0, and the main motion as amended passed 6–0. Council directed staff to work with LTAC and return with location details. - Traffic Impact Fee Discussion – City Engineer Hans Hunger presented a comprehensive study: current fee of $4,500 per PM peak trip (set in 2007) equals $4,185 per single-family home; adjusted for inflation would be $7,836. Eligible project list totals $64.3 million. Options ranged from a maximum defensible rate of $8,739 to regional averages ($6,500) or a phased approach. Policy choices discussed included indexing to construction cost, exempting early learning centers and low-income housing (up to 80% without backfill), truck trip adjustments, reciprocal fees with Pierce County, and payment timing (deferral to occupancy vs. early payment with vesting). Council expressed support for indexing, exemptions, truck adjustments, and reciprocal fees. Mayor Witting favored starting at a higher rate to ensure growth pays for growth; others preferred $6,500 with indexing. No action was taken; City Manager Kirkelie announced the ordinance would be brought for first reading on March 10, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 6–0. - Ordinances (municipal code amendments and zoning map amendments) both approved on second reading 6–0. - Resolution confirming appointments to citizen boards and commissions approved 6–0. - Budget Authorization for an additional Payroll Specialist position approved 6–0 (estimated $69,000 for half-year, primarily from general fund). - Parklet Program made permanent with no fee to businesses, total of 10 units (7 existing plus 3 new funded by LTAC), maintaining four on Meridian; further location refinements to be brought back. - Traffic Impact Fee – Council provided policy direction; staff will prepare an ordinance for first reading on March 10, 2026. - Mayor’s Report – Mayor Witting updated Council on the Unified Regional Authority for homelessness. Two funding options: fully by Pierce County and Tacoma, or cost-sharing ($18,000 for Puyallup). Documents sent to Council for review. - Council Reports – Councilmember Smolko announced a "City of Puyallup World Tour" during spring break; Councilmember Gilliam reported Meeker Days will move to June 12–14, 2026 (not Father's Day weekend), with bands and free family activities. Next Steps - Traffic impact fee ordinance first reading on March 10, 2026. - Zoning map amendments and land use policy discussion to continue. - Parklet location plan to be finalized after LTAC input. - Mayor will seek Council feedback on homelessness authority funding before the next meeting.

The Design Review & Historic Preservation Board met virtually on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 4:05 PM and adjourned at 4:36 PM. All six present board members (Chair Kris Stamon, Vice-Chair Paige Rooney, Members Ajay Garg, Abdul Khan, Shelly Schlumpf, Diana Wolfe) formed a quorum. Member Matthew Pitts was absent. Staff present included Senior Planner Chris Beale, Planning Manager Katie Baker, Senior Planner Kendall Wals, Associate Planner Nabila Comstock, Development & Permitting Services Director Courtney Brunell, and Administrative Clerk Erin Priddy. The board unanimously approved two design review applications. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Member Garg, seconded by Member Wolfe, passed 6-0. - Approval of Minutes – December 18, 2025: Motion by Member Garg, seconded by Vice-Chair Rooney, passed 6-0. - Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2026: Motion by Member Garg, seconded by Member Wolfe, passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No written or emailed citizen comments were received. Discussion Items - Seasons on Meeker Phase 1 (Design Review Application): Associate Planner Nabila Comstock presented the project at 115 Second Street Southeast, consisting of eight townhomes (2–3 stories) and conversion of an existing city-owned building into a 7,500 sq ft market hall and brewery, plus a pedestrian promenade. The project is subject to downtown design guidelines. Staff clarified that transparency requirements from Part 5 do not apply because the existing building is a character structure; the design meets Part 2 requirements. Staff recommended approval. Board members voiced no concerns; Chair Stamon noted the project aligns with the vision of POLUP. A motion by Member Garg, seconded by Vice-Chair Rooney, to approve as presented passed 6-0. - Bell Place Multi-Family Residential (Design Review Application): Senior Planner Chris Beale and C2K Associate Planners Juliana Seymour and Tim Boylan presented a five-story, 100-unit building (studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom) on a site near the police station. The project is a companion to the AOB development, with shared leasing office and no retail. Features include a second-floor amenity courtyard, terraces, and balconies as required by zoning. Materials include cream-colored brick, dark ribbed metal panel cladding, and fiber cement panels. The design team explained adjustments made in response to earlier comments (horizontal articulation, garage screen details). Chair Stamon expressed concern that the metal siding on the ground floor resembles a parking garage aesthetic; the applicant noted extensive study showed cleaner composition with the chosen material. Member Garg asked about shadowing impacts; Senior Planner Beale confirmed coverage through the planned action EIS. A motion by Chair Stamon, seconded by Member Wolfe, to approve as presented passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - Decisions: Both design review applications (Seasons on Meeker Phase 1 and Bell Place) were approved unanimously (6-0) without conditions. - Staff Report: Senior Planner Kendall Wals announced the planning division will schedule a consultant to present the draft design review standards document to the board. The draft is available on the project webpage. - Board Member Comments: Chair Stamon thanked members for their time and noted appreciation from applicants and staff.

The Civil Service Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Chair Dan Smith called the meeting to order, and all five commissioners were present: Chair Smith, Vice-Chair Ed Knutson, Commissioners Brian Spracklen, Jim Kelly, and Scott Case. Staff present included Human Resources Director/Chief Examiner Katie Ortega, Deputy Police Chief Gregory Massey, and Administrative Clerk Erin Priddy. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 AM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Spracklen, seconded by Vice-Chair Knutson, passed 5–0. - Approval of Minutes: Motions to approve the January 20, 2026 and January 29, 2026 minutes were made by Commissioner Spracklen, seconded by Vice-Chair Knutson, both passed 5–0. Discussion Items - New Business – Lateral Police Officer Eligibility List: Chief Examiner Katie Ortega reported that two lateral police officer interviews were conducted on January 28, 2026. A panel of assessors averaged their scores. One candidate failed; the other passed with a score of 70% or higher. The successful candidate, Cameron Ashworth, is currently employed by the Silicon (Stillicum) Police Department and stated he wishes to further his career at the Puyallup Police Department. With no remaining candidates on the prior list, his addition creates a new eligibility list of one. The commission approved the list by a motion from Commissioner Spracklen, seconded by Commissioner Case, passed 5–0. - Chief’s Report: Deputy Chief Massey reported that Chief Engel was traveling home from Arizona and had nothing to report. - Chief Examiner’s Report: Ortega provided a staffing update: one lateral and one advanced entry candidate are in the background check phase for police positions; a new officer started on February 9, 2026; a lateral corrections candidate will start in early March. Current openings: two in police and one in corrections. Potential retirements and leaves may increase vacancies, so interviews will continue. The next meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM via Zoom. - Commissioner Comments: The commission recognized Vice-Chair Ed Knutson, who attended his last meeting after eight years of service. Chair Smith expressed appreciation for his service, and Commissioner Kelly described him as a great inspiration and someone to learn from, thanking him for his commitment. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously (5–0). - The lateral police officer eligibility list containing Cameron Ashworth was approved. - The next regular meeting is March 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM via Zoom.

The Puyallup Planning Commission held a meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:56 p.m. at Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on proposed Middle Housing Code Amendments, required by House Bill 1110. Commissioners discussed and voted on several changes, including removal of restrictions on middle housing in the lahar (volcanic hazard) zone, and ultimately forwarded a recommendation to City Council with a 4–1 vote. Consent Calendar - Roll Call: Commissioners present: Chair Kenya Jones-Lowell, Vice-Chair Tracy Taylor, Commissioners Art Seeley, Greg Martin, Kyle Landon. Commissioner David De Groot was excused. - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Vice-Chair Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Seeley. Passed 5–0. - Approval of Minutes (January 28, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chair Taylor. Passed 5–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Isaac Stocks (local home builder/developer, Puyallup) spoke during citizen comments and again during the public hearing. He emphasized the need for comprehensive review of regulations affecting housing production, citing data on Puyallup’s housing supply challenges compared to other metro areas. He urged the Commission to align local policies with state housing goals under the Growth Management Act and challenged the interim zoning controls that exclude much of the valley floor (lahar zone) from middle housing allowances, arguing the restrictions are not evidence‑based and undermine state objectives for urban density. Discussion Items - Middle Housing Code Amendments (Public Hearing): - Planning Manager Katie Baker presented the background: House Bill 1110 requires cities to allow middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, cottage housing) in residential zones. Puyallup (tier 2 city) must allow up to 2 units per lot (up to 4 if affordable or within ¼‑mile of the Sounder station). An interim ordinance was adopted in June 2025 to meet the state deadline while permanent regulations were drafted. The draft before the Commission used that interim ordinance as a basis, including a prohibition on new middle housing regulations in most of the lahar (volcanic hazard) zone. Staff recommended forwarding a recommendation of approval. - Commissioners discussed the lahar zone restrictions at length. Several commissioners (Seeley, Landon, Taylor, Jones-Lowell) argued that the prohibition is inconsistent with past City actions (e.g., building City Hall and apartments in the valley) and is an overreach not based on evidence. They suggested alternative approaches like hazard notifications, evacuation planning, and risk communication. Commissioner Martin supported the restrictions, stating that building in the lahar zone is unwise. - Other technical amendments were discussed: adding “odors” to the limited manufacturing definition, and removing two specific provisions (page 42 letter M and page 43 item C2) that restricted middle housing in the lahar zone. Also, a discussion on fence height adjustments due to city street improvements was referred for future code amendments, along with impact fee reductions for affordable housing units. Key Outcomes - Motion to add provisions regarding odors in limited manufacturing definition (page 24): Motion by Commissioner Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chair Taylor. Passed 5–0. - Motion to remove letter “M” on page 42 (lahar zone restriction): Motion by Commissioner Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chair Taylor. Passed 4–1 (Commissioner Martin opposed). - Motion to remove item C2 on page 43 (lahar zone restriction): Motion by Commissioner Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chair Taylor. Passed 4–1 (Commissioner Martin opposed). - Motion to approve Middle Housing Code Amendments as amended: Motion by Commissioner Seeley, seconded by Vice-Chair Taylor. Passed 4–1 (Commissioner Martin opposed). This forwards a recommendation to the City Council. - Staff direction: Planning Manager Baker noted that the next meeting (February 25) will be canceled, and that further discussion with City Council on these amendments is expected in March and April. Direction was given to bring back fence height and impact fee proposals in future code amendment packages. Commissioner Comments & Adjournment - Commissioners expressed gratitude to outgoing members Chair Jones-Lowell and Commissioner Seeley (who are leaving the Commission) for their long service. Chair Jones-Lowell noted the need for a cultural shift toward resilience and transparency in addressing lahar risks. Commissioner Seeley advocated for reinstating annual joint planning meetings with City Council to improve communication. - The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

Note: The provided agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting actually occurred on January 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM, but per user instruction, the date is given as February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC. The following summary reflects the content of that meeting. Meeting Overview The Civil Service Commission met to approve three blended eligibility lists for corrections and police officer positions, hear reports from the Chief of Police and Chief Examiner, and discuss upcoming events. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Spracklen, seconded by Commissioner Case, passed 5-0. New Business - Approval of Blended Advanced Entry Level Corrections Officer Eligibility List: Presented by Chief Examiner Katie Ortega. One candidate interviewed January 20, 2026 passed with 70%+ score. List: Garreth Alvarez, Daythian Hamble, Carla Mancilla. Approved 5-0. - Approval of Blended Lateral Corrections Officer Eligibility List: Two lateral candidates interviewed January 20, 2026 (from Churchill County, NV and Ketchikan, AK). List: Christian Hansen, Brent Kempster, Jennifer Roth, Kristen Kraemer, Jerome Munson, Nathaniel Smith, Katrina Saunders. Approved 5-0. - Approval of Blended Advanced Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List: One advanced entry candidate interviewed January 1, 2026 (from Williamsburg, VA, relocating to be closer to family). List: Meghann Afoa, Jonathan Crandall, Carolina Marin-Melgar. Approved 5-0. Chief's Report Chief Scott Engle provided updates: - New police building construction on track for mid-March 2026 move-in; packing underway. - After move, downtown substation and jail will undergo light remodel; jail work extends into summer 2027. - Three staffing vacancies: one candidate (U.S. Air Force, local) joining in February; Captain Jason Visnaw retiring February 28, prompting promotion process. - Jail has two openings with one lateral candidate in background check. - Crime statistics for 2025: person crime down 6%, societal crime down 28%, property crime down 32% year-over-year. Attributed to technology like ALPRs and Star Chase. - Preparing for spring events (Spring Fair, Farmers Market). - Attracting more female applicants; attributed to word-of-mouth recruitment and officer outreach. Chief Examiner's Report CE Ortega noted: next meeting scheduled for February 17 (Tuesday after President's Day) in person to recognize Vice Chair Ed Knutson’s service (his last meeting). At least one eligibility list to approve. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were accepted or recorded during the meeting. Key Outcomes - All three eligibility lists approved unanimously (5-0). o- Next meeting set for February 17, 2026 in person at City Hall, with hybrid option. - Vice Chair Knutson to be recognized for his service.

The Puyallup City Council met on February 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting lasted approximately one hour, adjourning at 7:30 PM. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, passed two ordinance first readings, and received reports from the city manager, council members, and the mayor. Consent Calendar - Amendment to contract with Claire Kintanar, Attorney at Law, regarding services for indigent defense. - Lease with Chilcott Insurance Agency, Inc., for City Hall commercial space. - Authorize purchase of replacement vehicles for the Puyallup Police Department. - Authorize Supplemental Agreement with PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC for the Meeker Festival Street Environmental Clean Up project. - Accept the Valley Avenue NW Overlay Preservation Project with Miles Resources as complete. - Authorize contract with Green Field Services Inc. for Emergency Primary Sludge Line Repair. - Approve a resolution waiving competitive bidding and authorizing a contract with Life Line Screening for a comprehensive health screening program for the Puyallup Police Department. All items were approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Andy Anderson (District 2) provided a historical report on events following the Battle of Bunker Hill, including the colonial invasion of Canada and the capture of Montreal. He noted his ancestor Timothy Meeker served in the Revolutionary War. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - First reading of ordinance amending Puyallup Municipal Codes 2.54, Title 19, 20.11, and 20.12 (Plats and Subdivision Code Amendments): Senior Planner Chris Beale presented the amendments aimed at streamlining subdivision procedures, aligning with state legislation (e.g., Senate Bill 5290), and improving code clarity. Key changes include increasing the maximum lots in a short subdivision from 4 to 9, establishing a two-step short plat approval requiring minimum improvements before recording, transferring final plat approval to an administrative process, and adding unit lot subdivisions and residential lot splits. Council expressed support, noting the changes promote economies of scale and housing affordability without increasing density. Deputy Mayor Johnson highlighted the benefit for builders and homeowners. The motion to approve first reading passed 7-0. - Public hearing and first reading of ordinance approving amendments to the Zoning Map and Puyallup Municipal Codes 20.46 and 20.51 (Phase 1 Zoning Map Amendments): Senior Planner Kendall Wals presented updates resulting from the Comprehensive Plan periodic review. Changes include rezoning properties to public facilities, mixed-use (UCX), moderate/high-density residential (RM10, RM20, RS6), and commercial designations, as well as removing outdated overlays (e.g., Shaw East Pioneer Overlay) and cleaning up code chapters. Council discussed a parcel near South Hill Mall zoned RM10 instead of commercial; staff explained access and utility limitations. The motion to approve first reading passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - First reading of Ordinance 4a (subdivision code amendments) approved 7-0. Second reading scheduled for February 24, 2026. - First reading of Ordinance 4b (zoning map and code amendments) approved 7-0. Second reading scheduled for February 24, 2026. - City Manager Steve Kirkelie announced the next council meeting on February 24 will include second readings of both ordinances and a presentation on the parklet program. - Councilmember Adler announced $850,000 in federal funding for Meeker Street improvements, secured with assistance from Senator Cantwell and Congresswoman Strickland, fully funding the project. - Mayor Witting reported on the SHAPE capital fund, funded by 1406 funds from Auburn, Fife, Sumner, and Pierce County. The fund raised $586,000 in 2024 and aimed for nearly $1 million by 2025. For 2026-2027, Pierce County will match up to $500,000; if Puyallup contributes $83,000 annually, it would receive matching funds. No decision was made.

The Senior Advisory Board met on February 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board approved the agenda and minutes, recognized departing Chair Mike Boisture, discussed the 2026 workplan (deferred to next meeting), reviewed exercise equipment upgrades using donated funds, received an update on senior services and the UW Tacoma nursing partnership, and considered a memorial space for volunteers. The meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: Motion by Board Member Bradley-Mak, seconded by Vice-Chair Shipman. Passed 5-0. - Minutes Approval: Motion to approve December 8, 2025 minutes by Bradley-Mak, seconded by Shipman. Passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received via email or in person. Discussion Items - Recognition of Board Member: Parks and Recreation Director Cody Geddes and Senior Services Assistant Shelby Grenon announced Chair Mike Boisture's departure after eight years of service. The ad hoc committee for boards and commissions will conduct interviews, with new members expected by the April meeting. Grenon presented Boisture with a plaque of appreciation. - 2026 Workplan, Goals & Objectives: Geddes overviewed the board's role as liaison between the City Council and the senior community. Key goals include assessing recreation needs, reviewing programs, enhancing marketing for the Puyallup Activity Center, and updating the senior resource guide. The board discussed the workplan but suggested postponing further discussion to the next meeting to allow new members to participate. Pamphlets highlighting current board members were distributed; the board expressed strong support for updating and continuing this initiative due to its value in community outreach. Production costs were noted as minimal since the pamphlet was self-designed. - Exercise Equipment: Grenon highlighted that the Activity Center's fundraising/donation account has benefited from contributions, notably from the Healthcare Providers of Pierce County. In December 2025, that organization donated $3,000 to each senior center in Pierce County, a milestone. Much of the gym equipment is approximately 20 years old, and staff are considering investing in new bikes, ellipticals, and a rowing machine. Board feedback on future expenditures from the donation account is welcome. - Senior Services Report – UW Tacoma Nursing Partnership: BM Jodi Erickson reported on the partnership bringing BSN nursing students to the Activity Center every Wednesday. The 11 students engage in community health assessments related to the city's age-friendly designation, and they will present on topics such as doctor visits, scams, and sit-fit exercises over the next three weeks. Erickson also described a research study on end-of-life decision-making language. - Senior Services Report – Events: Staff summarized recent events: Christmas party with 200 attendees, New Year's Eve celebration (ringing in the year with Australia's countdown, 100 attendees), and Valentine's event with the Memphis Belles. The Aging Expo, themed "Flip the Script on Aging," will be held May 2 at Pierce College, free and open to the public. - Trishaw Bikes: The three-wheel electric bikes (purchased 2019) are currently stored due to battery issues. Former Mayor Cassima expressed interest in reviving them this spring for rides along the riverwalk trail. - Memorial Space for Volunteers: Discussion arose about a formal memorial space to honor long-time volunteers like Mary Butler. Vice-Chair Shipman suggested a broader conversation, and staff noted that Doug McCormick would lead that discussion at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Recognition Complete: Chair Boisture was formally recognized and presented with a plaque. He offered closing thanks for his eight years of service. - Workplan Deferred: The 2026 workplan discussion was postponed to the April meeting to include new board members. - Pamphlet Update Approved: The board supported updating the board member pamphlet with new photos and new members; staff will manage printing. - Equipment Purchase Direction: Staff will proceed with purchasing new gym equipment using donation funds; board feedback is invited for future expenditures. - Volunteer memorial concept introduced: A proposal for a memorial space was introduced and will be discussed further when Doug McCormick is present. - Meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM.

This retreat of the Puyallup City Council covered three major agenda items: the 2027-2028 biennial budget forecast, a progress report on the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan, and discussion of council initiatives. The meeting was held at Pierce College Puyallup and included presentations from the Finance Director and the Performance Management Analyst, followed by extended council deliberation on various proposals. No formal votes were taken, but several directions were set for future action. Discussion Items 2027-2028 Biennial Budget - Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented a budget forecast based on the city's budget stability policy, which uses core revenues to fund three tiers: core services, capital replacement, and one-time uses. Revenue forecasts for 2027 and 2028 show moderate increases, but ongoing challenges include persistent inflation, job market uncertainty, rising public defender costs, facility maintenance funding, and street funding shortfalls. The general fund is projected to have $3.5 million in net revenue in 2027 and $2.5 million in 2028 after transfers, barely balancing. Council discussed the need to maintain 15% reserves, potential use of affordable housing funds (HB 1406, $1.2 million) and opioid settlement funds ($630,000) for targeted programs. Councilmember Kastama noted that pooled contributions to the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners capital fund could be matched by Pierce County, and Councilmember King cautioned that legislators may reclaim unspent 1406 dollars. Director Lopez also reported that Tier 3 one-time funds stood at approximately $10 million, with $5.1 million available after commitments. 2025-2026 Strategic Plan Progress Report - Performance Management Analyst Tulika Makharia presented the first KPI-based progress report. Key highlights: commercial permit approval times dropped from an average of 109 days in the first half of 2025 to 61 days in the second half after setting a 65-day target; residential permit times improved from 91 to 52 days, with 88% issued within target. The value of new commercial construction increased significantly. Emergency response times for priority one calls remained within the 3–4 minute target, and the city has the fastest response time among peers. Resident satisfaction with police services and parks (83%) exceeded benchmarks. However, transportation infrastructure ratings declined slightly due to improved AI-based assessment methods. City newsletter engagement dropped after expanding the subscriber base, and employee engagement improved to 20% above the national average. Council praised the improvements and noted the need for continued data collection refinement, particularly in neighborhood engagement and diverse group outreach. Council Initiatives - Councilmembers discussed multiple proposals. Mayor Witting proposed a citizen recognition award beyond the existing keys to the city and coins. After discussion, council leaned toward utilizing current tools (proclamations, coins) more intentionally, possibly with a monthly proclamation and a year-end appreciation event, rather than creating a new award. A formal policy may be developed. - A second proposal for a structured citizen input board or survey evolved into a broader conversation about civic engagement. Councilmembers expressed mixed views: some favored using existing boards and commissions, others supported district town halls or neighborhood forums. No consensus was reached; the mayor will continue individual discussions. - Councilmember Gilliam requested updating the downtown neighborhood plan given upcoming developments (AOB, Bell property, brewery) and the Meeker Festival Street project. Council unanimously agreed to move that update forward in the schedule. - Councilmember Smolko proposed a review of council rules and development of a procedures manual, including a code of ethics. Council agreed to move forward with this. - Councilmember King proposed three ideas: a youth advisory council, quarterly neighborhood forums with specific themes, and a multicultural community belonging fair. These were received positively and will be further explored. - Councilmember Kastama requested $100,000 for city hall cleaning and repairs, and $200,000 for America 250 celebration items (a 100-foot flagpole by the river bridge and banners). Discussion noted that the flagpole height may be limited by code (68 feet) and that the chamber is already planning a $83,000 event using LTAC funds. Councilmember King expressed concern about spending $200,000 on decorations. No decisions were made; these will be considered during budget discussions. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to bring forward a recommendation for increasing street maintenance funding beyond the current $1.1 million annually. - Council will revisit the use of affordable housing (HB 1406) and opioid settlement funds in future meetings. - Council agreed to continue using existing recognition tools (proclamations, coins) and to develop a policy for monthly recognitions. - The downtown neighborhood plan update will be accelerated to 2026. - A council subcommittee will be formed to review council rules and develop a procedures manual and code of ethics. - The traffic impact fee discussion was postponed to the following day (February 6 session). - No formal votes were taken on budget or funding requests; these will be addressed in the formal budget process later in the year.