City Council Meeting - July 29, 2008

Tonight was somewhat of a speed-meeting without much discussion, but here are a few items of interest.

Resolutions
Resolution # 37548 authorizes the purchase and sale agreement with the Port of Tacoma, in the amount of $2,930,000, for the sale of 15.7 acres of industrial land located at the 1300 Taylor Way in the Tideflats area.

The proceeds will go to the Tacoma Power General Fund.

Resolution # 37549 authorizes the execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement with the Port of Tacoma to provide construction management services to the Port for the Lincoln Avenue Loop improvements on a reimbursable basis.

Resolution # 37550 declares that the use of the services of General Government departments, offices, and agencies by the Department of Public Utilities fulfills the requirements of Section 4.17 of the Tacoma City Charter.

Mayor Baarsma explained that this resolution will bring the Council into compliance with Section 4.17 of the City Charter. Section 4.17 amended the Charter in 1992 to empower the City Council and Government to consolidate staff functions. Apparently there was some argument at the time about the amendment. Baarsma said the purpose of consolidating staff functions was to save time and effort, not to have more control over the Department of Public Utilities, and this Resolution will close the door on 4.17 to end the process of the consolidation of functions.

Final Reading of Ordinances
Ordinance # 27576 reclassifies the property on the west side of Portland Ave, between the alley of East 46th St. and East 48th St., from an “R-2” One-Family Dwelling District and an “R-3” Two-Family Dwelling District to a “T” Transitional District, for the development of 49 single-family detached houses. This is part of the H&B Topsoil site we talked about once upon a time (Previously on Exit133).

Ordinance # 27701 reclassifies a 5.89 acre site at 3902 South 19th St. from an “R-2” One-Family Dwelling District to a “T” Transitional District, and a “C-1” Commercial District, for the development of a 69,000-square-foot office/medical center and a small retail component.

First Reading of Ordinances
Ordinance # 27735 authorizing a grant agreement with the State of Washington Community, Trade, and Economic Development Department, in the amount of $2,480,000, along with $25,000 from Pierce County, and depositing in and appropriating $2,505,000 from the Capital Projects Fund for the completion of Phase II renovations at Cheney Stadium.

If adopted, one of the renovations will include lowering the wall a whole foot for the possibility of “more homeruns and more exciting catches.” Apparently, this is standard practice these days, but it seems like an expensive way to make a good play.

For those keeping score at home, Mr. Hill was present during the meeting, but sat quietly reading a paper instead of participating in Public Comment and was not ejected from City Hall. Two points.