Public Meetings - Puyallup, Washington

The Fire Pension Board of Puyallup met on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 10:58 a.m. in City Hall conference room 503, with Zoom access. The meeting covered financial updates, pension increases, W-2 processing improvements, and recipient verification procedures. All agenda items were approved, and no public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion by a board member, seconded, carried unanimously. - Approval of September 11, 2025 Minutes: Motion and second, carried unanimously. (Note: The draft minutes from the agenda were attached; no minutes transcript was available.) Discussion Items - Fire Pension Report as of November 30, 2025 (4a): Staff reported the fund began the period with just over $1,000,000. The city received $93,000 from the state fire insurance premium tax. After pension payments, the year-end balance is projected to be just under $1,000,000. Staff emphasized that regardless of the fund balance, the city remains liable for all future pension payments until obligations end. A motion to accept the report was made, seconded, and carried. - January 2026 Pension Increase (4b): This item was informational only. The union contract calls for a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment, but the official updated pay scales from Central Pierce Fire are pending as they have not adopted their budget. The increase is expected to take effect January 1, 2026, with an additional adjustment in April for DRS COLA changes. Staff will bring the final numbers once received. - W-2 Process Confirmation and Status (5a): Staff acknowledged past issues with incorrect W-2s and 1099-Rs being sent to retirees. To prevent recurrence, a staff member will serve as a second set of eyes on the files before distribution. One board member mentioned they had not received their Medicare Part B notice but had successfully submitted an adjustment after discovering two years of missed Medicare payments. - Recipient Verification Status Update (5b): Staff sent letters to all retirees requesting notification of any changes, especially Medicare Part B premium adjustments. Staff and the board are also actively monitoring obituaries and other sources for death notifications to avoid payment errors. Two retirees are known to be remote and difficult to track; no recent deaths have been found. Key Outcomes - Financial Report Accepted: The November 30, 2025 Fire Pension Report was accepted by unanimous vote. - Pension Increase Timing: The 2.5% pension increase is pending official pay scales from Central Pierce Fire; expected implementation January 1, 2026, with a subsequent COLA adjustment in April. - Verification Process Improved: A two-pronged approach was affirmed: mailing verification letters and conducting proactive searches for death notifications twice a year. Staff will continue to act as a second check on W-2 and 1099-R distributions. - Next Meeting Scheduled: The next Fire Pension Board meeting is set for March 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall.

The Puyallup Planning Commission met on December 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Vice-Chair Marty Kiilsgaard presided. Commissioners present: David De Groot, Greg Martin, Kyle Landon, and Tracy Taylor. Commissioners excused: Chair Kenya Jones-Lowell and Art Seeley. Staff present: Planning Manager Katie Baker, Senior Planner Kendall Wals, Senior Planner Chris Beale, and Administrative Clerk Yessenia Abarca. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a public hearing on code amendments for plats and subdivisions, worksessions on zoning map updates and middle housing, and concluded with commissioner comments and a resignation. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda (motion by Taylor, seconded by De Groot, passed 5-0). - Approved the November 12, 2025 minutes (motion by Taylor, seconded by De Groot, passed 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received in person or via email. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Code Amendments (Title 19 and Noticing Procedures): Senior Planner Chris Beale presented updates to the subdivision code, including increasing short plat allowances from 4 to 9 lots (the state maximum), establishing a preliminary short plat review process requiring improvements before approval, administrative final plat approval for major plats, and new subdivision types (unit lot subdivisions and residential lot splits) required by state law. The amendments also updated noticing procedures to include short plats, per Senate Bill 5290. Commissioners discussed the need for public notification, the RS zone name (which no longer reflects single-family only), and clarity on utility and access requirements. The commission voted 4-1 to approve the code amendments, with Vice-Chair Kiilsgaard dissenting. - Worksession – Zoning Map Updates: Senior Planner Kendall Wals presented a two-phase approach to align the zoning map with the updated Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map. Phase 1 includes straightforward changes: public facility zone updates for city and school district properties, mixed-use updates in the South Hill area, residential zone changes (e.g., RS4 to RS6, RM10, RM20), and removal of the agricultural overlay at the Red Dot development and an invalidated overlay near Shaw/East Pioneer. Phase 2 will address more complex areas: new neighborhood commercial zones, Fair parking overlay adjustments, mixed-use zoning along Shaw/Pioneer, and manufacturing zone changes. Commissioners asked about the agricultural overlay near Wildwood Park and the need to rename RS zones to reflect middle housing allowances. Staff noted that a public hearing on Phase 1 will be scheduled early 2026. - Worksession – Middle Housing Code Amendments (PMC 20.15, 20.20, 20.21): Planning Manager Katie Baker explained that the city must comply with House Bill 1110, which requires allowing middle housing in residential zones. Puyallup (tier 2 city) must permit at least 2 units per lot, and up to 4 units if within ¼ mile of the Sounder station or if one unit is affordable. An interim zoning ordinance was adopted in June 2025 and extended to June 2026 by City Council. The draft permanent code adds definitions for cottage housing, courtyard apartments, stacked flats, and unit density; integrates middle housing into the RS zone chapter; and includes a prohibition on middle housing and ADUs in the volcanic hazard (Lahar) zone, with an exception for lots within ½ mile of the hillside base. Commissioners debated the Lahar prohibition: some supported it for safety, while others questioned equity and infrastructure. Commissioner Martin expressed support for courtyard apartments and stacked flats. Staff outlined a timeline: additional work session in January 2026, public hearing in February 2026, and recommendation to Council by March 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved Code Amendments (Title 19 and Noticing Procedures): Motion passed 4-1 (Kiilsgaard opposed). The ordinance will proceed to City Council for consideration in Q1 2026. - Zoning Map Updates: Staff will return for a public hearing on Phase 1 in early 2026; Phase 2 will follow later. - Middle Housing Code: The commission will hold a second work session in January 2026, followed by a public hearing in February 2026, and a recommendation to City Council by March 2026. Community outreach (survey, open house) is planned. - Vice-Chair Kiilsgaard Resignation: Announced his resignation effective immediately, citing personal reasons and dissatisfaction with City Council’s lack of responsiveness to the commission and community. He expressed hope for improved council engagement. - Commissioner Landon noted high-water flows and flooding concerns around town, and Commissioner De Groot wished everyone happy holidays.

The Puyallup City Council met at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Council Chambers. The meeting included citizen comments, public hearings on a downtown development agreement and the six-year Transportation Improvement Plan, second readings of four ordinances, a presentation on the Bradley Lake Park playground replacement, and a debate over the downtown gateway arches project. The meeting adjourned at 10:11 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda (7-0). - Authorized a contract with MIG, Inc. for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. - Authorized a contract with MIG, Inc. for final design and engineering of the Downtown Puyallup Wayfinding Signage Plan Project (Item 2C moved to Other Business at Councilmember Witting's request). - Authorized an Interagency Agreement with the Administrative Office of the Courts for the Therapeutic Court Program. - Authorized an Interagency Agreement with the Administrative Office of the Courts to reimburse interpreter service costs. - Authorized an Interagency Agreement to provide jail services for the Town of Steilacoom and cities of Bonney Lake, Sumner, Milton, Fircrest, Orting, Lakewood, and Federal Way. - Approved a professional services agreement with Mackenzie architects for pre-design work on the city jail and downtown police substation remodel. - Authorized a contract with Motorola Solutions for a Jail Management System. - Accepted a grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts to support the Post Conviction Alternative to Incarceration program. - Authorized a Memorandum of Understanding between Our Rescue and the Puyallup Police Department for the donation of one Magnet Forensics Training Annual Pass. - Approved amendments to leases for City Hall commercial spaces. - The consent agenda passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - John Hopkins (District 1) urged the council to proactively acquire parking lots to avoid adverse impacts on downtown businesses, recalling past disruptions from Sound Transit parking. - Steve Aldridge expressed dissatisfaction with the comprehensive plan's critical areas options, noting a 200-foot setback was approved despite Planning Commission pushback. He questioned the need for change and cited confusion about setbacks applying to ditches versus wetlands. - Brandon Simmons (Schooley Foundation) reported on philanthropic activities including a Grinch Run with over 100 runners, providing food to thousands of families, and planning a car giveaway. He expressed a desire to include the Grinch Run in the parade weekend. - Kim Field (All Things Fun Sports) praised the council's commitment to community, highlighted toy drives and a Christmas Eve car giveaway, and proposed making the Grinch Run a two-day event with the city during the parade weekend. - Kathleen Macleod criticized the council, stating that several members had earned the title of "city council Scrooges of 2025" for spending city funds on a jail and a festival street despite voter opposition, and for not heeding public input. - Chris Chisholm (Puyallup Voters for Integrity) raised concerns about the jail renovation costs compared to more cost-effective alternatives like using Pierce County jail. He also criticized the consent agenda process and the mayor's handling of citizen comments. - Andrelyn Izquierdo (human rights activist, District 2) highlighted racial influences on modern-day human trafficking, forced labor, and forced marriage, especially affecting Puerto Ricans and Hispanics, and urged the council to support preventive measures. - Joe Stinson (condo owner) expressed concerns about downtown parking, calculating that 240 new apartment units with 0.7 parking spaces per unit will leave many without spots and increase street parking congestion, potentially harming downtown amenities. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Development Agreement for 204 4th St SW (Bell Site): City Manager Steve Kirkelie presented a 5-story, 100-unit market-rate multifamily residential building with ground-floor parking for about 70 vehicles (0.7 stalls per unit). Public benefits include replacing a century-old water main (extended 280 feet, estimated value $417,000). The 0.7 parking requirement is a strategic move ahead of a state mandate reducing parking minimums to zero within a half-mile of the Sounder station by 2029. Public speakers suggested alternative parking solutions (e.g., converting the vacant former Starbucks property, elevating parking at the fairgrounds, extending time limits). Council discussion noted state-level mandates and the city's efforts to secure parking (800 Sound Transit spaces available weekends, 50 dedicated senior parking spaces). The resolution passed 7-0. - Public Hearing – 2026-2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): City Engineer Hans Hunger presented the TIP, an aspirational plan with 64 projects averaging $17 million annually, but realistically funded at $6–9 million per year from local revenues and grants. Categories include non-motorized paths, intersection improvements, and road maintenance. The plan distinguishes baseline projects (expected within 20 years) from mitigation projects for anticipated traffic impacts. Council discussed Shaw Road ($80 million, relying on federal grants) and traffic from unincorporated Pierce County. The resolution passed 7-0. - Bradley Lake Park Playground Replacement Project: Parks Director Cody Geddes proposed replacing the 20-year-old playground with inclusive surfacing, new equipment (inclusive merry-go-round, net climber), and relocated swings. The city has allocated $500,000 and will apply for an RCO Local Parks Grant. Council expressed strong support, emphasizing safe pedestrian connectivity and inclusive surfacing. The resolution authorizing the grant application passed 7-0. - Informational Presentation – Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program: Police Chief Scott Engle and Captain Jason Visnaw presented the DFR program, which uses docked drones for rapid response. A proof-of-concept over 25 hours responded to 29 calls, with drones first on scene 82% of the time and officers canceled on 45% of calls. Benefits include officer safety, de-escalation, and efficiency. Initial drone station locations proposed at City Hall and South Hill. The program is expected to be managed internally to control costs. No vote was taken. - Gateway Arches Project (Item 2C, moved from Consent Agenda): Councilmember Witting questioned the project's priority given rising costs, suggesting LTAC funds could be used for other tourism-related projects like the WSU Aspen Institute or a Riverwalk Trail attraction. Public Affairs Officer Eric Johnson clarified the council had allocated $525,000 in LTAC funds in 2024 for final design, with total construction costs estimated at up to $2 million. After debate, the motion to authorize the contract with MIG, Inc. passed 4-3 (Adler, Door, Witting opposed; Johnson, Gilliam, King, Kastama in favor). Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda (7-0). - Approved the consent agenda as amended (7-0). - Approved the development agreement for the Bell Property (204 4th St SW) (7-0). - Approved the 2026-2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (7-0). - Approved second reading of the ordinance to extend interim zoning controls for middle housing (5-2; Adler and Door opposed). - Approved second reading of the franchise agreement for Forged Fiber 37, LLC (7-0). - Approved second reading of the 2025 routine budget adjustments (7-0). - Approved second reading of the parking time-restrictions ordinance for 208 W. Main and 214 W. Main (7-0). - Approved the resolution authorizing a grant application for the Bradley Lake Park Playground Replacement Project (7-0). - Approved the contract with MIG, Inc. for final design and engineering of the Downtown Gateway Arches Project (4-3). - Received an informational presentation on the Drone as First Responder Program; no action taken. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2026.

The Puyallup Senior Advisory Board met in person at City Hall Council Chambers on December 8, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 3:53 PM. Chair Mike Boisture presided. The board reviewed the 2026 work plan framework, received updates on downtown parking developments and the annual health fair, and heard a senior services report. Board members also discussed honoring the late board member Mary Butler. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously (5-0) approved the agenda as presented. - The board unanimously (5-0) approved the October 13, 2025, meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted or presented. Discussion Items - 2026 Workplan, Goals & Objectives: Puyallup Activity Center Supervisor Doug McCormick presented an 11-point framework for the board’s 2026 work plan, including vision, volunteer engagement, outreach, fundraising, training, and evaluation. Board members asked about fundraising limitations and requested the senior center’s own 2026 plan to align support. McCormick agreed to present the center’s plan at the February 2026 meeting and provide materials one week in advance. One board member expressed full support for all goals, stating a desire to contribute actively rather than “just take up space.” Another noted the advisory board’s role is to advise based on the center’s plan. - Parking Update: McCormick briefed the board on the Bell property (204 4th Street SW) development—a five-story, 100-unit market-rate apartment building with 70 parking stalls, to be built by Urban Olympia (same developer as the AOB lot). The AOB lot behind the activity center will be replaced with 27 angled parking spaces. The board discussed potential alternative parking on Elm Street, behind the library, and along Pioneer Avenue, but raised safety concerns about parallel parking on Pioneer. Collaboration with the post office for parking was noted as having been repeatedly refused by the city. The board requested clearer construction timelines and parking plans, and was told that once the Bell project is approved (public hearing the next night), a timeline will be provided. Estimated rents were mentioned around $2,500 market rate, with some units at 15–17% below market. - Annual Health Fair 2026: The board discussed continuing the Spring Into Health Fair, previously led by a former board member. Board Member Jenny Krzemien confirmed her availability to organize the 2026 fair. Options included scheduling it alongside the farmers market (to attract visitors) or on a separate date due to past parking issues. Krzemien requested a marketing flyer by February and scheduled a planning meeting for early January. The board supported continuing the event as a volunteer opportunity. - Senior Services Report: McCormick and Senior Services Assistant Shelby Grenon highlighted recent and upcoming programs: Spooktacular Halloween Party (Oct 31): Featured magician Jeff Evans, sold out with 100 attendees, praised for organization. Holiday Bazaar (Nov 8): 40 vendors, many sold out, raised funds via $40 table fees (increased from $20). Fall trip to Lattin’s Cider Mill: Positive feedback; Lattin’s cider now available at Costco. Santa Paws photo event (Dec 5): $5 per session, fully booked. Santa Parade (Dec 6): Senior center bus decorated with lights for the first time, seniors on board waving. Elvis Christmas Party (Dec 12, 11-1 PM at Pioneer Park Pavilion): Danny Vernon performance, limited to 250 attendees, volunteers needed at 9 AM. Noon Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 11:30-1): Countdown at noon with sparkling cider, photo booth, and decorations. - Board Member Comments: BM Krzemien announced the Healthcare Providers Council of Pierce County holiday party on Thursday, distributing $3,000 to each senior center in Pierce County. BM Jodi Erickson reported UW Tacoma students are receiving clinical placements and will collaborate with the Puyallup Activity Center on assessing AARP age-friendly designation alignment. She noted her recent publication in Geriatric Nursing. BM Ellen Bradley-Mak thanked staff for holiday well-wishes and shared positive feedback from friends about the center’s programs. Vice Chair Steve Shipman proposed creating an honorary recognition at the center for the late board member Mary Butler. Parks and Recreation Director Cody Geddes explained that naming any city property requires City Council approval. Shipman offered to research the process and meet with Geddes to develop a proposal for the February agenda. The board expressed unanimous support for honoring Butler. Chair Boisture praised staff for the comprehensive meeting packet and outstanding programs, and strongly supported the recognition initiative. Key Outcomes - Votes: The agenda and minutes were approved 5-0. No other votes were taken. - Decisions: The 2026 health fair will continue, with BM Krzemien organizing. The senior center’s 2026 plan will be presented at the February meeting. The board will pursue a formal recognition for Mary Butler, with a proposal to be developed for February. - Next Steps: Board members will review the work plan framework and provide input at the February meeting. Parking timelines and construction schedules will be clarified after the Bell project approval. The health fair planning meeting is set for early January. The February agenda will include the center’s plan and the Butler recognition proposal.

The Puyallup City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included routine approvals, a public hearing on extending interim middle housing zoning, first readings of ordinances, discussion of a major hospital development agreement, and reports from the City Manager and Council. All votes were 7-0 unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Accept the Inter Ave Rehabilitation project with Becker Blacktop LLC as complete – Unanimously approved. - Authorize a contract with HCON, Inc., for the 7th Avenue SE Sidewalk Improvement project – Moved to item 6b at the request of Councilmember Johnson for discussion. - Amendments to Interlocal Agreement providing municipal court services to the City of Milton and Professional Services Agreement with Claire Kintanar – Approved. - Approve accounts payable, payroll, and electronic fund transfers from October 2025 – Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Caleb Lemoine (District 2) – Praised the City’s Traffic & Engineering department for rejecting a developer’s alternative methods request for the Fruitwood Overlook project, citing community safety concerns. He emphasized that the department prioritized listening to residents over developer shortcuts. - Andrelyn Izquierdo (Pierce County District 2) – Highlighted discrepancies between reported job growth statistics (19,800 net payroll jobs added in Washington over 12 months, per the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee) and the actual employment challenges residents face. She urged the Council to increase fair-paying jobs, improve reporting mechanisms for labor trafficking, and audit abusive work environments. - Chris Chisholm (District 2, treasurer/founder of Puyallup Voters for Integrity) – Criticized the Council for tax increases passed over the past year, particularly for the police station project. He presented a cost comparison: the 2023 ballot proposition (which failed) was advertised at $56 million including a jail, but the current police station project is $114 million. He requested a detailed cost breakdown on the city website. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Extension of Interim Zoning Controls to Accommodate Middle Housing – Planning Manager Katie Baker presented a six-month extension of the interim zoning ordinance (originally adopted in June 2025) to allow more time for the Planning Commission to finalize middle housing code revisions consistent with HB 1110. The extension is needed because the lahar zone buffer study is on a separate track, and Councilmember Witting urged moving forward quickly due to concerns from the Master Builders Association. The public hearing was opened and closed with no citizens speaking. Vote: 5-2 (Councilmembers Adler and Door opposed). - First Reading – Ordinance Granting a Franchise Agreement to Forged Fiber 37, LLC – City Attorney Joe Beck explained that Forged Fiber 37, an AT&T subsidiary, acquired Lumen Technologies’ fiber business and needs a franchise to operate in city rights-of-way. AT&T plans to upgrade the network, increasing competition among providers (Ziply, Comcast, Astound, Zayo). Councilmembers expressed support for enhanced competition. Approved 7-0. - First Reading – Ordinance Pertaining to 2025 Routine Budget Adjustments – Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented an ordinance modifying the 2025 budget to include new grants, capital project funding, carry-forwards, and technical corrections. Approved 7-0. - First Reading – Ordinance on Parking Time-Restrictions at City-Owned Parcels (208 and 214 W. Main) – City Manager Steve Kirkelie explained that the lots (one gravel, one paved) are being used by Sound Transit commuters, filling up by 6-7 AM. The ordinance would restrict public parking until 8:30 AM, while downtown business permit holders can park from 6:30 AM. Enforcement will be by the parking enforcement officer (with a $35 fine) and police as needed. The City plans to educate drivers before issuing citations. Approved 7-0. - 2026 City Council Meeting Calendar – City Manager Kirkelie presented the calendar, which includes approximately 22-24 regular meetings per year, quarterly study sessions, and two-day budget study sessions. A retreat date (likely February) is to be determined. Approved 7-0. - Authorize Contract with HCON, Inc. for the 7th Avenue SE Sidewalk Improvement Project – City Engineer Hans Hunger reported that the project, long planned, received 11 bids with the low bid 20% below the engineer’s estimate of $3.3 million. The project will install over 2,700 linear feet of sidewalk on the south side of 7th Avenue from 10th Street to 21st Street, including enhanced crossings with rapid-flashing beacons and conduit for future lighting. Work is expected to begin in February 2026. Council praised the project’s safety benefits for students walking to Spinning Elementary. Approved 7-0. - Informational Presentation – Draft Development Agreement for MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital – Senior Planner Chris Beale presented an overview of a 20-year phased campus expansion, based on the master plan approved June 10, 2025. Phase 1 includes a new patient care tower with 160 licensed inpatient beds, 30 observation beds, and a shell floor for up to 40 more beds; parking garages; and an expanded utility plant. Future phases include medical office buildings, a central support tower, and a third-street expansion. The development agreement would formalize a customized permit process, frontage improvement phasing, and ambulance bay enhancements (phase 1: overflow lane; phase 2: doubling the bay footprint). Council expressed strong support, noting the $430 million investment, job creation, and regional healthcare benefits. No action was taken; a public hearing is expected in Q1 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Agenda (items 3a, 3c, 3d) – 7-0 (3b moved to 6b). - Approved October 21, 2025 minutes – 7-0. - Approved extension of interim middle housing zoning controls – 5-2 (Adler, Door opposed). - Approved first reading: franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37, LLC – 7-0. - Approved first reading: 2025 routine budget adjustments – 7-0. - Approved first reading: parking time-restrictions on city-owned parcels – 7-0. - Approved 2026 City Council meeting calendar – 7-0. - Approved contract with HCON, Inc. for 7th Avenue SE sidewalk project – 7-0. - Next meeting: December 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM, featuring a public hearing on the Bell property development agreement, the 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan, Bradley Lake Park playground replacement, and a drone-as-first-responder presentation.

The Arts & Culture Commission of Puyallup, Washington, met on November 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM. However, due to the absence of Commissioners Paige Rooney and Ashley Veal, only three of the five members were present (Chair Brad Pugh, Vice-Chair Amora Bussey, Commissioner Patience Chege), falling short of a quorum. The meeting was called to order and immediately adjourned at 4:11 PM without conducting any business. Key Outcomes - No quorum present; meeting adjourned without any votes or actions taken.

The meeting was called to order at 4:06 PM and adjourned at 4:47 PM. The board discussed a pre-application for the mixed-use redevelopment of the former city administrative office building (AOB) site at 330 Third Street Southwest. No public comments were received. The board provided feedback on the design, and staff updated on upcoming projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda: Motion by Board Member Schlumpf, seconded by Vice-Chair Rooney, passed 5-0. - Approval of the October 2, 2025 minutes: Motion by Board Member Schlumpf, seconded by Vice-Chair Rooney, passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizen comments were submitted in writing or presented via Zoom. Discussion Items - AOB Site Mixed-Use Development – Pre-Application: Senior Planner Chris Beale presented the project overview – a five-story, 140-unit multifamily building with 99 parking stalls, 2,300 sq ft of retail, and a residents-only gym. The project is in the CBD Core zone, subject to downtown design guidelines, with an approved development agreement allowing an upper floor stepback exemption. C2K Architecture (Nathan Miller, Juliana Seymour, Tim Boylan) presented the design, including brick façades on the ends, ribbed metal cladding in the center, and ground-floor public plaza areas. Board members provided the following feedback: - Appreciated the overall design but recommended enhancing articulation on the brick ends without requiring upper-story stepbacks. - Suggested exploring dynamic window fenestration groupings to break up the long (over 400-foot) façade. - Expressed concern that the plaza location felt mid-block and not inviting; requested better integration with pedestrian activity and retail entrances. - Noted that the central “gray bar” section appears repetitive; recommended adding features (e.g., false balcony fronts, trellis elements, or color changes) to break up the visual mass and screen mechanical units. - Raised concerns about the parking garage openings being too visible and tall; suggested screening with vegetation, structure, or architectural treatments to minimize the parking garage appearance. - Asked for contextual renderings showing the building in relation to the library and park to assess pedestrian-scale impact. - Staff Report: Planning Manager Katie Baker thanked the board for feedback and noted upcoming projects: Bell Place (on hold pending development agreement), Seasons on Meeker (Cornforth Campbell site), and a small project. She requested members inform staff of planned absences for scheduling. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made on the AOB project. The pre-application session was for feedback only. - Staff will transmit board comments to the design team, and the team aims to return for a formal review in December 2025 or January 2026. - Board Member Schlumpf requested minutes and recordings from previous design review update meetings; Planning Manager Baker stated they will be shared after Thanksgiving.

The Puyallup City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, beginning at 6:30 PM and adjourning at 8:56 PM. Mayor Jim Kastama presided. Councilmembers Adler, Gilliam, Johnson, Witting, and Deputy Mayor King participated; Councilmember Door was excused. The transcript initially reads Deputy Mayor King as excused, but she joined virtually later in the meeting; the minutes list her as present. The agenda and the October 7 and October 14, 2025, meeting minutes were approved at the start of the meeting. The evening included proclamations, the consent calendar, citizen comments, fee and property-tax resolutions, a downtown housing development agreement briefing, a Puyallup High School street-closure update, and final action on audio-visual improvements for Pioneer Park Pavilion. Presentations and Proclamations - Mayor Kastama read the Small Business Saturday Proclamation, declaring November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in Puyallup. Alison Shaffer, President/CEO of the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce, said the holiday period is vital for small businesses to turn a profit; John Palmer, President of the Puyallup Main Street Association, described downtown businesses as the heart and soul of the community and urged residents to shop and dine locally. - Police Chief Scott Engle recognized retiring K9 Griff and Officer Cam Olinger. Chief Engle reported Griff had served as a certified police canine tracking team member since January 2021, completed 1,456 training hours, participated in 378 deployments, and contributed to 79 apprehensions, 10 of which involved bites. Officer Olinger thanked his family and said Griff’s successor, named Cal Raleigh, continues the baseball naming tradition. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, 6-0, after removing item 4.h (Pioneer Park Pavilion LED Screen Audio Visual Upgrade) to Other Business. Approved items included: - Accepting the Chip Seal project with Doolittle Construction, LLC, as complete. - Authorizing contracts with Skillings for the East Main Deer Creek Culvert Replacement project and Brown and Caldwell for the Clark’s Creek Retrofit Plan Upgrade and Street Sweeping project. - Accepting the 27th Avenue SE Traffic Calming project as complete. - Authorizing a contract with Catalyst Workplace Activation for furniture and equipment for the Public Safety Building Project. - Authorizing a contract with Psomas for the 7th Avenue SE Sidewalk Improvement project. - Approving accounts payable, payroll, and electronic fund transfers from September 2025. - Accepting grants from the Puyallup Kiwanis Foundation and Puyallup River Watershed Council for the Puyallup Library Kiwanis Imagination Station. - Accepting a Washington State Traffic Safety Commission grant for the Law Enforcement Liaison position. - Authorizing an emergency declaration and a contract with BHC Consultants LLC for the 4th Avenue SE Sewer Main Emergency Repair project. Public Comments & Testimony - Valorie Dent thanked the Puyallup Police Department for traffic improvements on 12th Avenue SE, noting six campuses in less than a two-square-mile radius and more than 3,300 students. She said further improvements are needed. - John Hopkins praised the redesign of Inter Avenue and Van Lierop Park, called the park award-worthy, and encouraged the City to work with Pierce County on trail connections and bridge blockages. - Mark Palmer, treasurer of the Puyallup River Watershed Council, said the Council awarded 10 small grants this year to organizations including the Puyallup School District, thanked the City for supporting the Salmon Homecoming event, and invited everyone to a free Dec. 9 watershed symposium at Pioneer Park Pavilion. - Di King expressed frustration about parking violations blocking her driveway and dangerous driving in her neighborhood since the 7th Street closure, stating she felt abandoned by the school and police. - Mitzi McMahan said the school district’s memo measured collisions, not conditions, and challenged its use of about 5.4 years of mostly pre-closure collision data. She requested a community-centered safety study with field observations, resident-involved working groups, and full reevaluation of the closure with safety measures. - Don Cottam praised the Van Lierop playground but suggested adding benches for older visitors. - Vera Glace restated her opposition to co-housing developments and demanded the City restart face-to-face neighborhood district meetings that stopped around the COVID-19 pandemic, asking for a phone response within two weeks. - Shawn Manley of the Puyallup Food Bank described the organization as providing about 100 meals for every $20 of operating funding and moving 4.7 million pounds of food last year. He urged Councilmembers to visit and highlighted $170,000 in recent community giving. - Chris Chisholm, identified as founder/treasurer of Puyallup Voters for Integrity, opposed the Public Safety Building project, arguing voter intent and objecting to the project’s cost. He said he would return with a detailed breakdown. - Stacy Crnich, CEO of GoodRoots NW, expressed gratitude for the proposed grant and described the organization’s refrigerated Amazon locker system serving a 250-square-mile area in East Pierce County, including a new Pierce College locker with 201 orders in its first month and 682 Puyallup households currently served. - John Palmer, in a second comment, called the Van Lierop playground opening a success, said Forever Green Trails had raised $10,000 toward a $15,000 goal, and reported the Puyallup-to-Tacoma Trail’s first segment is scheduled for completion in summer 2027 with full completion in 2029. Discussion Items - City Clerk Dan Vessels Jr. presented the annual resolution amending the City’s Fee Schedule. He said most changes were minor; some administrative fees would move from fixed amounts to actual cost recovery, several Police Department fees would be eliminated, and Parks and Recreation fees would be adjusted. Councilmember Witting asked about unified punch pass fees, and Vessels said the change creates one resident/non-resident rate for staff efficiency. The resolution passed 6-0. - Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented the second reading of the 2026 property tax levy ordinance. She reported the Council’s first-reading action removed the one percent allowable increase of $112,187, leaving an estimated levy of just under $11.3 million. The companion resolution stated the dollar and percentage increase are zero. The ordinance passed 6-0 on a roll-call vote; the resolution passed 6-0 by voice vote. - Ms. Lopez also presented the second reading of the 2026 Mid-Biennium Adjustment to the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. The only change from first reading was the addition of $50,000 in Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding as a match for the WSU conference center facility feasibility study. The ordinance passed 6-0 on a roll-call vote. - Councilmember Adler introduced a proposal for one-time $5,000 grants each to the Puyallup Food Bank, Nourish Pierce County, and GoodRoots NW, citing economic hardship, SNAP reductions, healthcare benefit losses, and the government shutdown. She noted Pierce County had committed over $400,000 to food banks. The motion passed 6-0. Downtown Development Agreement — 204 4th Street SW (Informational) - City Manager Steve Kirkelie and Walker John of Urban Olympia presented a potential development agreement for the privately owned Bell site, adjacent to the Police Station. The proposal is a five-story multifamily building with ground-floor structured parking, 70 parking stalls, and 100 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. With Urban Olympia’s nearby AOB lot development, the two projects would total 240 units. - Key agreement elements discussed included upgrading an aging water main on Pioneer Avenue (estimated by the City at about $417,000 for roughly 270 linear feet), architectural consistency between the Bell and AOB sites, and a proposed parking ratio of 0.7 rather than 1.0. Mr. Kirkelie noted state law will limit required parking to 0.5 in summer 2027, so the 0.7 commitment preserves more parking than the future minimum. - Councilmembers expressed support for the project’s quality and downtown benefits while raising concerns about parking availability, infrastructure, design details, and density near the Sounder station. Mr. John estimated the combined investment across the two properties at roughly $70 million. Council directed staff to schedule a formal public hearing on the development agreement for December 9. Puyallup High School Road Closure Update (Informational) - Brian Devereaux, Puyallup School District Director of Facilities and Planning, and Marni Heffron of Heffron Transportation presented the post-closure analysis. The District reported Puyallup High School enrollment of about 1,780 students, excluding 120 full-time Running Start students, and said six additional portables were opened in January 2025. The 7th Street SW closure was implemented in late 2024 as a pilot condition of the City permit. - Ms. Heffron described a collision review covering roughly five and a half years of data (January 1, 2020, to May 17, 2025), finding limited collision history and no identified increase attributable to the closure; she highlighted zero collisions since the closure at 7th Street and Pioneer Avenue. She also recommended parking-management changes, including tightening some four-hour restricted zones to two-hour permit limits to reduce student parking in neighborhoods. - Councilmembers raised concerns about school parking capacity, neighborhood impacts, and student accountability. Councilmember Johnson asked whether unused Sound Transit garage spaces could be used for student parking and requested the pre-closure crossing video for review. Councilmember Gilliam requested formal student education on being good neighbors and greater student voice. Councilmember Adler supported those calls. City Manager Kirkelie explained that permanent closure would require the District to file a street vacation petition, a public hearing, and two readings of an ordinance, with a goal of completing the process before the next school year. Other Business - Parks and Recreation Director Cody Geddes presented the Pioneer Park Pavilion LED Screen Audio Visual Upgrade project, which had been pulled from the consent agenda at Councilmember Johnson’s request. The project adds two 165-inch LED monitors on interior slat walls above the HVAC system for daytime events, live broadcasts, conferences, weddings, and other rentals. Geddes said the existing projector would become outdated and the podium monitor would also be upgraded so speakers can see their slides. The Council approved the Avidex Industries contract, 6-0. Reports and Next Steps - City Manager Kirkelie announced there would be no Council meeting the week of Thanksgiving. The Dec. 2, 2025, agenda is expected to include a public hearing on extending interim zoning controls for middle housing, the 2026 Council meeting calendar, and a MultiCare Good Samaritan discussion about a potential campus master-plan development agreement. - Councilmember Witting noted it was Fraud Awareness Week and suggested making fraud-prevention training available to the public. Mayor Kastama announced his monthly senior center meeting for the next day at 12:30 PM on natural disasters and the lahar threat. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda, including construction acceptances, contracts, grants, September 2025 vouchers, and a sewer emergency repair declaration (6-0). - Approved the K9 Griff surplus/ownership transfer resolution (6-0). - Approved the annual Fee Schedule resolution (6-0). - Approved the 2026 property tax levy ordinance and zero-increase property tax revenue resolution (6-0 each). - Approved the 2026 Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment ordinance (6-0). - Approved one-time grants of $5,000 each to the Puyallup Food Bank, Nourish Pierce County, and GoodRoots NW (6-0). - Approved the Pioneer Park Pavilion LED screen audio-visual contract with Avidex Industries (6-0). - Directed scheduling of a Dec. 9, 2025, public hearing on the proposed downtown development agreement with Urban Olympia.

The Puyallup Library Advisory Board met on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Library Board Room. Chair Melanie Fuemmeler called the meeting to order with a quorum present. Key topics included updates on the children's area renovation, Library Foundation status, and the scheduling of the January 2026 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Board Member (BM) Gerstmann, seconded by BM Weishaar, passed 4-0. - Approval of September 15, 2025 Minutes: Motion by BM Gerstmann, seconded by BM Weishaar, passed 3-0 (BM Ferguson abstained as she was not present at the previous meeting). Library Director's Report - Children's Area Renovation: Following the Teen Zone project, the library is now renovating the children's area (Imagination Station), which after 6-7 years of use is showing structural wear. The Kiwanis organization provided a $30,000 grant to the Library Foundation, but because the Foundation's 501(c)(3) status had lapsed, the Friends of the Library agreed on a one-time basis to accept the donation on the Foundation's behalf. The library is working with Version Group to incorporate local flora into resin pieces. Additionally, a Puyallup River Watershed Council grant of $1,683 was awarded for an interactive piece on pollination and bees. - Teen Zone Usage: The Teen Zone is being used more than anticipated, with excellent acoustic separation. - Circulation Statistics: Overall usage is higher than last year. The library is planning to upgrade its door-counting system to better measure traffic patterns. Digital circulation has increased significantly, from approximately 3,000 checkouts per month three years ago to mid-7,000 now. The library is allocating a larger share of its collection budget to digital materials. Friends of the Library Report - The Friends of the Library have had successful book sales and approved the 2026 programming budget, which includes book bags for summer reading sign-up prizes and new books as completion prizes. They also assisted with the Kiwanis grant by accepting the donation on behalf of the Library Foundation as a one-time measure. Library Foundation Report - The Library Foundation has restored its 501(c)(3) status after a lapse due to administrative turnover. The Foundation supports capital improvements and is considering future projects, including a recording studio and hallway renovations. - Library Giving Day: The Foundation had collaborated with Pierce County and Tacoma Public Library Foundations for a joint Library Giving Day over the past two years. Both Pierce County and Tacoma reported decreased donations, while Puyallup saw a slight increase (from $1,000 to $1,500). The group is likely to discontinue the joint approach, but the experience provided valuable insights. The Foundation is exploring other collaborative initiatives, such as shared advocacy. - Upcoming Fundraiser: A silent reading event at Lazy Ballerina on November 18, 2025, from 6-8 PM, with tickets at $30 ($20 to the foundation, $10 toward food). Board Member Comments - Arts & Culture Commission Display Case: BM Gerstmann inquired about the Arts & Culture Commission's plan to work with the library. Library Director Erickson reported that the project is progressing under City PIO Eric Johnson. Three contractors have submitted bids to build a third display case near the parking lot entrance. The case will be managed solely by the Arts & Culture Commission and designed to accommodate various art forms, with built-in storage and electricity. - Hold System: BM Gerstmann praised the library's hold system, noting shorter wait times than at other libraries. Director Erickson explained the 8-to-1 ratio policy for purchasing additional copies of popular titles. - Social Media: BM Weishaar commended the library's social media presence, especially posts highlighting physical book availability for titles with long digital wait lists. Director Erickson noted a new social media person who is enthusiastic about trying new approaches. - Display Cases: Chair Fuemmeler expressed interest in the library's display cases. Director Erickson explained that the office assistant manages the cases, which can be booked for a month through the LibCal software. Two new display cases have been added upstairs outside the history room for longer-term exhibits of 3-6 months. Key Outcomes - Next Regular Meeting: The Board discussed the January meeting date, noting that the regular third Monday (January 19, 2026) is a holiday. A motion by BM Ferguson, seconded by BM Weishaar, to move the meeting to January 5, 2026, passed 4-0. The meeting will be held via Zoom only due to potential winter weather concerns.