Tacoma City Business Preview - Week of April 21, 2015

Freighthouse Square Amtrak Station

Last we heard WSDOT had decided (after significant public process) to locate the new Tacoma Amtrak station in the middle section of Freighthouse Square, and was taking public comment on design options. During this week's study session they will brief Tacoma City Council on the latest progress for the station, which is scheduled to open in late 2017. The News Tribune this week has a little more on the design process to-date, which is at about 30% complete, expected to hit 60% in June with final designs ready by November.

Paid Leave

The first of three meetings scheduled to gather public input on rulemaking for Tacoma's new mandatory paid sick and safe leave is scheduled for this Wednesday. These sessions will be an opportunity for workers, employers, and other interested citizens to get information on the drafts of rules so far, and to provide feedback. Learn more at cityoftacoma.org/paidleave. Two other meetings are scheduled for May and June.

April 22. 2015
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tacoma Public Library Main Branch (Olympic Room)
1102 Tacoma Avenue South

May 14.2015
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Wilson High School Library
1202 North Orchard Street

June 10. 2015
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Star Center (Discovery Room)
3873 South 66th Street

Bees

This week the Tacoma City Council Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee will hear an informational briefing on bees and other pollinators in the area, including threats and opportunities for action by the City and citizens.

Bees are an important part of a healthy ecosystem - even in the city. Unfortunately they also struggle to find habitat, are at risk of disease and parasites, and suffer greatly with the use of pesticides. Better and clearer outreach to the public could help homeowners make decisions about pesticide use and other actions that could improve the environment for bees (and other insects, animals, and people).

The City of Tacoma doesn't use insecticides, including neonicotinoids, on its properties, but there may be further opportunities in how City-owned properties are managed that could make them friendlier habitats for bees and other pollinators.

Business Tax Amnesty

At last week's council meeting we heard the first reading of an ordinance that would create a one-time, limited duration tax amnesty program for delinquent and unlicensed businesses in Tacoma to settle their accounts with the City. This week we're scheduled to hear the final reading of that ordinance. 

Tacoma Power Financing Plan

Also scheduled for final readings this week are three ordinances related to a new financing plan proposed by Tacoma Power, in which the utility would call in $1.22 million in existing bonds, and take out a pair of low-interest loans to cover expenditures and reserve expectations from rating agencies over the next two years, resulting in an overall savings. The ordinances had a first reading at last week's meeting.

Hazard Mitigation

The City is required to have a "Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan" to be used for planning to reduce potential for economic loss, personal injury, and damage from natural and man-made hazards, in order to receive federal pre-disaster mitigation funding. The 2015-2020 plan has been completed and approved by relevant State and Federal agencies, including FEMA. It lays out the City of Tacoma's commitment to reduce risks from natural, man-made, and technological hazards, and serves as a guide for decision-making in committing resources to reduce the effects of such hazards. A resolution on this week's agenda would adopt the plan as approved.

Mental Health 

Two resolutions on this week's regular council meeting agenda authorize agreement with Metropolitan Development Council, a Tacoma nonprofit agency, budgeted from the City's Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Fund for related services through the end of 2016.

• $890,000 for the treatment and housing needs for those experiencing homelessness.
• $370,000 to support individuals struggling with mental illness by providing co-occurring disorder treatment services and additional support for individuals housed in secure housing units.

Purchase Resolutions

Two purchase resolutions appear on this week's council meeting agenda.

• $9,559,752 budgeted from the Transportation Capital Fund, for the reconstruction of Port of Tacoma Road from Marshall Avenue to East 11th Street, including a new water main from Lincoln Avenue to East 11th Street.
• $1,900,000 budgeted from the Information Systems Fund, for SAP Technical and Functional Consulting Services, for the period of May 1, 2015 through May 1, 2018, with possible extensions through May 2020.

Other Items

A resident of south Tacoma is appealing the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner regarding the Assessment Roll for a Local Improvement District for the placement of permanent pavement with curbs and necessary storm drainage on South 69th Street, from Durango Street to South Madison Street, and on South Proctor Street, from South 69th Street north approximately 225 feet. An item on this week's agenda sets Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at approximately 5:30 p.m., as the date for the City Council to consider the appeal.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 will be proclaimed as Earth Day, and Sunday, April 26, 2015 as Domestic Violence Awareness Day in the City of Tacoma.

An appointment will be made to the Foss Waterway Development Authority.