City Council Meeting- Apr. 1, 2008

The City Council heard an earful from the citizens last night.

• The Council issued a proclamation in support of domestic violence programs. The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center received the proclamation which declared April 26 to be Domestic Violence Awareness Day.

• The Council approved Resolution 37438, granting The UPS store at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center a 50% reduction in rent. They provide a valuable service to visiting conferences and need this discount to make the store viable. They hope to break even this year and make money next year, after which time the discounted rent will no longer be necessary.

• Council approved a Tax Exemption for a multi-family development. Citizens raised questions about the planning (or lack there of) in the Tacoma Mall Mixed Use Center and how the tax abatement is applied. Councilmembers discussed the issue of overall planning and realized that the policy to regulate this area isn’t in place. They will take this up at a later date.

• Resolution 37441 was passed, stating an intent to enter into an agreement with the Town of Ruston to create an LID in the Point Ruston development. I wouldn’t want to be the City staffer tasked to work with Ruston on this.

• Citizens Forum was last night. Councilmembers heard about trees and sidewalks from North End neighbors, good urban design from South Tacoma neighbors and the need for a continuous waterfront walkway from Walk the Waterfront. Oh, and Mel Curtiss made an appearance.

R.R. Anderson, are you really done with your commentary?