Sneak Peek: Tacoma City Council - Week of February 13, 2012
Study Session
On this week’s study session agenda we see a presentation on the results of the economic impact study for housing in Tacoma.
The Council will also be briefed on the South J Street Air Rights Vacation Ordinance. This last item may sound more exciting that it is, since it has nothing to do with either going on vacation or low-flying aircraft over the Hilltop, and is instead only an update relating to a skybridge as a part of the medical center construction project. The final reading of this ordinance is on this week’s City Council meeting agenda. It’s been a while since the first reading – more than four years, actually.
Other Final Readings
The Council will hear the final reading of ordinances on changes in Click! cable rates. This most likely means your rates will be going up.
The final reading for changes to zoning regulations on large-scale retail developments is also scheduled for this week. If passed, this ordinance will govern potential new large-scale retail developments when the big box moratorium expires on the 29th of this month.
First Readings
This week will bring the first readings of ordinances on changes to parking requirements downtown (as discussed at the January 24 public hearing).
We will also hear a first reading on a reduction in B&O Tax exemption and deduction for nonprofit healthcare providers. There has been some conversation in recent months around what the appropriate amount of such a deduction would be, and it looks like the number we’ll be hearing this week is 75% of gross income, and a removal of the exemption for trauma-related charges and service fees.
Citizens’ Forum
It’s that time again, when we get to hear what you all have on your minds when it comes to things you wish you were seeing on the agenda.
Welcome TC Broadnax
Oh, and one more thing… This week we officially welcome TC Broadnax to work as the new City Manager. We look forward to getting to know him a little better.
The new Tuesday night line-up.
Filed under: City-Council
4 comments
F fredo February 13, 2012
Extra paperwork for developers, extra fees for cable subscribers, hey the city council is really getting into the spirit of Mayor Strickland’s goal of providing something “extra!”
J Jesse February 13, 2012
“This week will bring the first readings of ordinances on changes to parking requirements downtown (as discussed at the January 24 public hearing).”
I went through the link here and read that the parking requirement for developers is going to be eliminated? This is too good to be true… am I reading that right? Just so hard to believe they’re finally doing this.
C Chris Karnes February 13, 2012
Actually the Click rate changes are going to allow for TPU to offer faster download speeds up to 100mb, while also offering low cost 1.5mb service for $10.99/month for low income households.
I still maintain that fiber to the premise services should be in Click’s short term horizon. High tech companies are attracted to services like that. If the City makes the move and sets a date certain, private companies will have to ante up and provide service or risk losing out. Such a move by Click would follow in the footsteps of previous actions, which improved competition, improved service, and lowered prices for all ratepayers.
R RR Anderson February 13, 2012
make the Franciscan/Multicare deadbeats pay their fair share!