City Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon. I'd like to call to order the Pierce County Council meeting for June 2, 2026. The time is 3.01 p.m. We have a little bit of an echo. We're going to keep moving forward and see if we can figure it out. We are still trying to figure out the audio system. And I would like to ask the clerk to please call the roll.

Council Member Herrera?

Here.

Council Member Kruver? Here.

Here.

Council Member Ayala. Here. Council Member Yambe. Here. Council Member Denson.

Here.

Council Member Morrell.

Here.

Council Member Hitchen.

Here. You have seven members present. With seven members, we do have a quorum. Thank you all for joining us. In a moment, Council Member Ayala will be leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and read a land acknowledgement. Following the pledge, I'll ask that you remain standing and join me in a moment of silence for the 11 victims of the recent tragedy in Longview and for the families, coworkers, first responders, and community members that were impacted by this tremendous loss in the explosion that happened in Longview. Please rise for those that can for the Pledge of Allegiance.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional homelands of the Coast Salish Tribes. Coast Salish people have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial and continue to do so today. We recognize that this land acknowledgement is one small step toward true allyship, and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land.

Thank you, Council Member Ayala. That brings us to Section 4, which is our agenda. Are there any objections to our agenda as presented this afternoon? seeing none we will consider the agenda approved public comments on today's council agenda there will be multiple opportunities for public comment on the consent agenda you may provide comments on any final action item this does not include items that are placed on the consent agenda for introduction and scheduling then during sections eight and nine of the agenda we'll take public comment on each ordinance and resolution separately And finally, under community forum, there'll be an opportunity to address the council on any topic that was not up for final action in today's agenda for more information on public participation. Please review the bottom of page 1 of today's agenda. We're now the consent agenda and on the consent agenda today. We have 2 sets of minutes 1 appointment resolution to grant applications in 1 final settlement agreement. Is there any item that a member would like to remove from the consent agenda? Seeing none, Vice Chair willing to make a motion?

Chair, I move to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Second. It's been moved and seconded that we approve the consent agenda. On that consent agenda, I mentioned that we have some appointments. One of our appointees who is joining the Pierce County Flood Control District today, Marianne Dominique from Fife, is here. Would you like to introduce yourself and share a little bit about why you'd like to serve? Or maybe you were voluntold since you're from the city. I don't know.

That is accurate. Again, Mary and Dominique, I am actually second in line. My father was on the council right before me and he was on the flood board and it was something that he very much cared about. And I also very much care about. We get to do our first meeting this Friday, so I'm kind of excited and also nervous because everything with new appointments, you don't know what you're doing until you do it. But thank you for this. It's an honor to be nominated and for you guys to believe in me enough to do the job.

Thank you. Are there any questions from colleagues or comments? We'll go to Councilmember Yambe.

Not so much a question but a comment that councilmember Dominique is a little modest and she is was elected this November to serve on the City Council and she's always been very involved in from our parts and our various different commissions and boards in the City of Fife and has been a dedicated community booster and very thoughtful, and I can't wait to see what she's going to contribute to on the Flood Control Advisory Board. And I've said that Council member wall from behind before her was very, very much active in our blood control zone committee. And I think at 1st, it was like, you know, that was an important. Board to go to and participate in, but then really got into it and really got immersed into it. So I think we'll have some continuity on many different levels in a different perspective, especially as a.

uh third fourth generation you know five five bn and so i'm just looking forward to your contributions and thank you for throwing your name in it's willing to serve thank you mr weinsberg i will point out that uh the other appointee is in the attendees and maybe we can try and promote them in case they also want to speak but we will go to the vice chair now

Thank you, Chair. Thanks for stepping up. Really important advisory committee. It's good to have a new perspective of maybe someone who's not as educated in it because you're the spokesperson. If you don't know, then that means the people don't know. So that would be a great perspective on this. A lot of good and big things are coming up in that flood control district, and we're excited to have you.

Thank you. Thank you. And Council Member Murrell.

Thank you madam chair. I too appreciate anyone stepping forward in a volunteer role. This is a real important committee. The city of 5 has benefited with several project over the last decade. And they've had great representation. So I'm quite sure Miss Dominique, you will have some big shoes to fill, but you will catch on really quick. And then Hans hunger. Has always been very collaborative and his knowledge has always been welcomed on this committee and we're just grateful for his involvement on this. So I will look forward to working with both you and my colleagues in the near future as we try to navigate this whole. flood rivering challenges that we have in the valley. So anyway, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Council Member Kueber, do you want me to allow Mr. Hunger to introduce himself and then have you speak? Absolutely. Okay. Mr. Hunger, I missed that you were in the Zoom room, so thank you for joining us. We haven't voted yet, but we are doing introductions. If you'd like to introduce yourself and why you'd like to serve.

Yes, I'm Hans hunger. I'm currently the city engineer at city of and our mayor, um. Uh, Mr council member waiting mayor waiting thought it's best for my experience to be able to be on the advisory and him in more. Of the support role in that sense, which I appreciated that. I'm also a former Pierce County employee. I worked in the surface water management group for better than 20 years. There, so I thoroughly, you know. Appreciate the willingness to put me on this board to be able to kind of, um. Help out with some education. As best can on some very tough decisions before the board and how to frame it in such a way that. Is easier for the public to understand of the decision before us and.

And how to make those, thank you very much comes my recruiter.

Thank you. I just wanted to stress how important that this particular commission is and I just really appreciate you all stepping up to do this. I know that you folks are very busy with family with work. And your lives in general, and this is going to take, I think, a fair amount of time and a fair amount of thought and research and what you do. And it's probably 1 of the more. I think it would be very intense. um board so i just appreciate what you're doing stepping up and i look forward to working with you on these different issues the water is a big deal so thank you thank you manager

thank you i will i too will add my um gratitude to anybody saying yes pick me to do more work on a voluntary basis so um thank you for speaking up for your communities and being willing to do that work um not seeing any other comments so thank you uh customer dominique We are going to move to public comment on the Consent Agenda. Is there any member of the public that would like to provide comment? Again, this is on the two sets of minutes, one appointment resolution, two grant applications, and a settlement agreement. So those are the things that you can talk about. Is there anyone in chambers? If you can't see online, we have a full chamber, which is always fun. I'm not seeing anybody jump up. So, Mr. Winesberry?

Yes, Madam Chair, for any members of the public who wish to provide comment on any final action items, press the raise hand icon in Zoom or star nine on your telephone keypad. And I see no hands, Madam Chair.

With no hands raised, let's close public comment, bring it back before the council. Is there any further discussion on the consent agenda? Seeing none, can I ask the clerk to call the roll on the approval of the consent agenda as presented?

Council Member Denson? Aye. Council Member Morrell?

Aye.

Council Member Herrera?

Aye.

Council Member Kruver?

Aye.

Kruver says aye. Council member Ayala. Aye. Council member Yombey.

Aye.

Council member Hitchin.

Aye. You have seven ayes, zero nays. With seven ayes and zero nays, the motion is adopted. Thank you. Section 6 is messages from the executive or other county elected officials. We have the message from executive Melos that he approved and signed on May 27th. uh ordinance 2026-500 and this is an ordinance of the pierce county council adopting amendments to the pierce county comprehensive plan and development regulations to resolve a challenge to the 2024 comprehensive plan periodic update and the second one is ordinance 2026-513 which is an ordinance of the pierce county council granting non-exclusive franchise to holiday hills community club incorporation for water lines We are now at section 7, which is proclamations. Our proclamation today is the council and executive proclaiming June 2026 as 2 S, plus pride month in Pierce County. And I'd like to welcome and invite the following individuals to the podium. We have. uh james and i should have asked you how to say this i'm gonna go with junta and i don't know if i'm even close um and puka uh domingo from the pierce county lgbtq plus erg and they can tell me how badly i butchered their names here when they introduce themselves along with michelle kelly borago the deputy director from the oasis youth center and joanne levy the new executive director and Jessica Leslie, the board president from the Rainbow Center. If you'd like to come to the podium while I read this into the record, and then we would love to hear from you. So this is a proclamation of the Pierce County Council and executive proclaiming June, 2026 as 2 S, plus 5 month in Pierce County, Washington, whereas the month of June is internationally recognized as pride month commemorating the stone wall uprising in June, 2020, June, 28th, 1969 in New York City, a pivotal moment in the modern 2 S, plus civil rights movement. sparked by people who stood up against discrimination and injustice. And whereas the legacy of Stonewall has inspired generations to pursue equality, dignity, and visibility for all LGBTQIA2S plus people, and Pride Month serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure safety, acceptance, and inclusion for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. And whereas Pierce County and the City of Tacoma have a rich history of the LGBTQIA2S Plus engagement, community building, and resilience, as reflected in the vibrant annual Tacoma Pride Festival this year held at Wright Park on Saturday, July 11th from 12 to 6 p.m., and the many contributions of local individuals and organizations such as Tacoma's Rainbow Center, which for 20 years has served as a pillar to support providing education, advocacy, and the celebration for the LGBTQIA2S plus community. And whereas Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma and Lakewood celebrated their 40th anniversary as a community partner, along with serving over 10,000 LGBTQIA2S plus youth age 11 to 21, youth ages 11 to 24, along with their parents and guardians and other community members since 1985, providing a safe and affirming space to connect, learn, thrive, and help foster the next generation of leaders and advocates. And whereas despite significant progress, LGBTQIA2S plus individuals, especially transgender and non-binary people, continue to face disproportionate challenges, including discrimination, housing insecurity, barriers to healthcare, and coordinated legislative efforts to limit their rights and freedoms, making public affirmation and allyship more essential than ever. And whereas 2025 marked the sixth consecutive record-breaking year for total anti-LGBTQ plus bills considered, with 111 enacted into law, the highest enactment count on record, targeting healthcare, access, public facilities, education, legal recognition, and the daily safety and dignity of the LGBTQIA2S plus individuals, particularly transgender and non-binary people. And whereas even as harmful legislation has advanced in many states, the Washington State Legislature has advanced bills to strengthen hate crime protections, promote safe and supportive school environments, and preserve access to health care, reaffirming our state's commitment to the safety and dignity for all LGBTQIA2S plus residents, and the Pierce County Council and executives support these protective measures. And whereas we celebrate the elections of members of the LGBTQIA2S Plus community as leaders in Pierce County, including Congresswoman Emily Randall, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, House Speaker Lori Jenkins, Port Commissioner Kristen Eng, and Superior Court Judge Ingrid McLeod, and many others that are not listed here. and whereas the lgbtqia2s plus neighbors co-workers friends and family members have contributed measurably to the civic economic and cultural life in our community now therefore be it proclaimed on the second day of june 2026 by the pierce county council and executive that june 2026 is designated as lgbtqia2s plus pride month in pierce county washington and we encourage all communities and community members to participate in the Tacoma and surrounding Pride events that continue working towards a future where everyone is valued, respected, and included. Thank you all. Let's give them a hand. So we have an employee resource group in Pierce County, and we'll start with them today, and they can correct me on how badly I said with their names, but James, you told me at the beginning, Pooka, no?

Pula. All right. Good afternoon, council members, community members, colleagues, and everyone present today. My name is James Chuanza. I'm honored to be here representing the Pierce County LGBTQ Plus Employee Resource Group alongside my fellow co-chair here, Paula Domingo. Thank you to the council for recognizing Pride Month and for giving us the opportunity to share a few words. Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and remembrance. It is a celebration of LGBTQ plus people, our identities, our families, our relationship, and the joy of being able to live openly and authentically. It is also a time to remember those who came before us, people who advocated, organized, and sacrificed so that future generations could have more freedom, dignity, and safety. Here in Pierce County, LGBTQ plus people are our coworkers, friends, neighbors, family members, and fellow residents. Pride Month reminds us that visibility matters and that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in the places where they live, work, and serve.

As representatives of the LGBTQ plus employee resource group, we are proud to help support a workplace where LGBTQ plus employees and allies feel connected, respected, and included. That sense of belonging matters not only for employees, but also for the communities we serve. When public servants feel valued and included, we are better able to serve the public with empathy, fairness, and understanding. This proclamation is meaningful because it reflects a commitment to dignity and respect for LGBTQ plus people in our workplace and throughout our community. It is a reminder that inclusion is not only something we celebrate during Pride Month, but something we continue to practice throughout the year. At the same time, Pride reminds us that the work continues. Many LGBTQ plus people still experience rejection, discrimination, fear, and isolation. Continued support from leaders, co-workers, families, friends, and community members remains important. On behalf of the LGBTQ Plus Employee Resource Group, thank you for this recognition and for standing with us during Pride Month. May this proclamation be both a celebration and a renewed commitment to belonging, dignity, and respect for all. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Hello. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Michelle Kelly Baroga, and I'm the deputy director at Oasis Youth Center. On behalf of Oasis Youth Center, thank you to the Pierce County Council for recognizing Pride Month through this proclamation and for taking the time to celebrate the LGBTQ plus community. Pride is one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, there are rainbow flags, there are community celebrations, and enough glitter and confetti to keep a craft store in business for months. But beyond the festivities, Pride is really about belonging. It's about creating communities where people can show up as their authentic selves and know that they are welcome, valued, and respected. For LGBTQ plus folks, especially LGBTQ plus youth, seeing their county formally recognize pride sends a powerful message. You belong here, you matter, and your future matters too. Sometimes a proclamation may seem like a simple gesture, but visibility and recognition can have a meaningful impact on people who are still discovering who they are and where they fit. At Oasis Youth Center, we have the privilege of seeing that impact every single day. We work with young people who are leaders, advocates, artists, organizers, and changemakers. But through community, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, they discover strengths that they may not have realized that they had. They remind us that LGBTQ plus people are not problems to be solved. They are assets to be invested in. When young people are supported, affirmed, and given the chance to lead, amazing things happen. Pride gives us a chance to celebrate the best of who we are as a community. I've seen firsthand how LGBTQ plus people show up for one another with humor, resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to making sure nobody has to navigate life alone. Those strengths have carried us through challenges and they continue to help us build a stronger community today. To me, this proclamation is more about recognition. It's a reminder that creating a community where everyone belongs is something we all have a role in. It doesn't require perfection. It just requires people being willing to learn, to grow, and to keep showing up for one another. And from what I've seen in Pierce County, that's something we're really good at. So today we celebrate. We celebrate queer joy, the community, leadership, and many people who have helped make Pierce County a place where more people can live openly and authentically. And we do that with hope, gratitude, and maybe just a little bit more sparkle. Oasis Youth Center and the Rainbow Center, we're hosting a open house today, so we would love if folks can join us from five to seven. Come enjoy some food with us and community, and I don't know, more fun and glitter. Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Good afternoon. My name is Jess Leslie. I use she, her pronouns, and I'm the president of the board at the Rainbow Center. It is an honor on behalf of the Rainbow Center. It's an honor to be here today, and we are very grateful to the council for this year's proclamation. As we speak, there are people around the country, in our hometown, actively working to erase LGBTQIA2S plus people from public life, from public policy, and even history. And it is important, and we have really amazing organizations like No Hate in Washington State that are working to actively and relentlessly push back against these policies that are looking to limit our rights and our protections. And at the Rainbow Center, we are deeply committed to all aspects of our community, and particularly those most marginalized and most harmed. That includes our trans siblings, BIPOC, LGBTQIA plus individuals, and those who are continually experiencing discrimination and harm and barriers to safety, to housing, to health care, and to belonging. And our commitment goes beyond inclusion in name. It also is really about creating safe spaces and brave spaces for our community. And so as we celebrate today, we also need to recognize that pride is rooted in protest and in joy, that it is a declaration of visibility, of resilience, and proudly the best party in town. We are excited to celebrate with all of you at the Pride Awards on July 10th, at the Tacoma Pride Festival on July 11th. And again, just a reminder, you know, pride, we need both. We need joy, this joy that sustains us and the organizing that protects us. So thank you very much.

Thank you. Joanne, you're good? So thank you all for being here and the work you do actively in the community to help people feel supported. I'm going to look to see if my colleagues have any comments before we attempt to take a picture.

Council Member Allen. Thank you chair. I want to say thank you to everyone that's here in support. And also to to lift up the what what has been said several times over. Not only this declaration, but this month and kind of creeping into July as well. The notion of belonging, dignity and respect. It is a very low bar. For for society to to engage in that and to know that there are communities out there that are still struggling. To to meet that is should be a call to action to all of us to. To really take a look at our own privileges and the things that allow us. To advance and advance without thinking, because very often we do not recognize. what we have that makes it challenging for someone else to to exist in in circles and so um i want to say thank you for everyone that continues to fight to celebrate and to um though it is not your job to educate um because really it is our own responsibility to educate ourselves and to do the work um to um be better together thank you chair

Thank you. Well, I will add before we try and take this fun photo that while Tacoma has the one that happens in July, there are multiple opportunities to celebrate Pride Month across the community from Puyallup has one, the Peninsula has one. I know there's one in Fife.

Fife.

five you have a list it's on your website so if you just google tacoma pride you can find the list and find a place to to experience joy and a whole lot of color um and again one of the reasons that that i sponsor this and bring this forward every year on this council is that that They're human beings. They live here and they love here. It shouldn't matter who they love or how they live or what they look like. They're part of our community and they should be welcome. End of story. So we do Pride Month to make sure they feel that way. And we're going to have a party in July. So we're going to bring you up and do a photo mr. wines very can we do one with just the group and then one with anybody else that showed up with them down at the floor kind of like we did earlier with your space that would be fabulous Okay, so thank you all for that. We are gonna pick up with our regular agenda. I think, I assume they will come back, they'll figure it out. Councilmember Kruver, I'm going to be going to you for a motion, so just flagging that for you. We now have proposal R2026-150S. Councilmember Kruver, for a motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I would like to move R2026-150S for approval. Second. It's been moved and seconded. Can the clerk please read into the record?

Proposal number R2026-150S, a resolution of the Pierce County Council submitting the question of reauthorizing Spanaway Lake Management District Number 1 to the owners of land within the Lake Management District for vote, finding that the reauthorization of the Lake Management District is within the public's interest, identifying the annual and maximum charges, and establishing the process for issuing, collecting, validating, and tabulating ballots.

Thank you and we have this right hunt to tell us what all of that means.

Thank you so much. Erica, right? Hunt council staff. So the proposal before you today submitting the question regarding reauthorization in the span away Lake management district. for a vote. It basically authorizes the county to conduct a vote of property owners for the reauthorization of the Lake Management District. So the resolution will find that it's in the public interest to reauthorize the Lake Management District, that the duration of the Lake Management District, the duration of the authorization is to be for five years. that the rate to be charged is $4 per foot of lake frontage, that the maximum charge for any private property owner is set at $1,500 per year. The resolution also sets forth the rules for preparing and distributing the ballots, as well as how the ballots will be validated and counted. With this reauthorization, all of that validation and counting is going to happen at our Pierce County Elections Center. So a big shout out to our Elections Center for taking on that additional work on our behalf and doing the great professional job that they do. The ballots are weighted based on each dollar of estimated charge, and they have to be postmarked on or before July 3rd, 2026. Also, a simple majority is required for the reauthorization to pass. So that's all contained within the action of the resolution today. So just as a little bit of background, the Spanaway Lake Management District number one was formed in 2021 and authorized for five years with the purpose of addressing water quality, managing invasive species and restoring habitat. so for the last four and a half years planning and public works surface water management has been operating the district with guidance from the span awake lake management district citizen advisory board and that board is appointed by the executive and confirmed by the county council so every year the lake management district submits an annual report and we received last year's annual report last month and that was distributed through our eidc committee and as of 2025 the treatments that have been the results of lake management district have demonstrated progress toward major lake management issues such as limiting excess aquatic vegetation growth and eliminating harmful algal blooms So with the passage of the resolution, we would submit this to the voters. If the majority of the voters do not pass, then that will be the end of the reauthorization process. But if it does pass, then we will have two other pieces of legislation that come forward before the end of the year. One will be an ordinance that actually goes through the motions of reauthorizing the district. And then the last one will be setting the rates and charges and doing what we formally need to do to get that into or continue that into our taxation system. So in your packet we have, you'll find a community equity note as well as a fiscal note. Now the resolution itself has a de minimis fiscal impact But if reauthorized, the Lake Management District would generate up to a maximum of $500,000 in revenue that would be used to cover the expenses of the improvement and maintenance activities over the next five years. So just as point of reference, between 2021 and 2025, the Spanaway Lake Management District collected $366,000 a little short of $367,000, we'll say, from property owners based on the current assessment, which is the same as proposed, $4 per linear foot. But during the same period, the Lake Management District also received a little over $300,000 in grant funds that were used towards the activities of the district, as well as a contribution of about 782 000 from our surface water management funds so a lot of a lot of money from some different pools is going into the progress that's been made for the last four years this comes to you with a do pass as substituted recommendation from rules and operations committee And the amendments there established the rate at $4 per square foot and set the reauthorization for five years, which was a little different than originally proposed.

Thank you. Council Member Krueger, do you have any comments before we open this up for public comment? I'll just wait for final.

Thank you.

Any questions? Not seeing, oh, Council Member Morrell.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just so I have a better understanding, is this the same rate that they've been paying per square foot or lineal foot?

That is correct.

Okay. What happens if they don't pay?

What happens if, for example, the vote fails and the district was not reauthorized?

No. No. What happens if a landowner, let's say it does pass.

Oh, I understand.

If a landowner does not pay, what happens?

It's collected through the property tax system. So whatever would happen to people if they don't pay their property taxes, that is what would happen.

And that would be even if they paid their property tax and left this amount off, it would still go into the same process?

I actually don't know the answer to that question.

Okay. Just curious. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Any additional questions? not seeing any so at this time i'd like to open this up for public comment is there any member of the public that would like to provide comments on our 2026-150 s which is the uh spanoe lake management district you can come to the podium you have up to three minutes and if you'd like your name on the record please state it

Hello, my name is Penny Howard, and I'm on the Quick Handle Advisory Board for the Spanaway Lake Management District. And I just want to thank the council for approving this and helping us to move forward for another five years. We really appreciate your support and surface water management support and hope that the voters see it the same way we do and approve it so we can continue to make strides towards better lake quality.

thank you thank you anyone else in chambers not seeing anyone so we will go online again this is on the spanaway lake management district mr winesbury yes madam chair for any members of the public who wish to provide comment on proposal number r2026-150s press the raise hand icon of zoom or star 9 on your telephone keypad And at this time, I see no hands, Madam Chair.

With no hands raised, I'm going to close public comment, bring it back before the council for any final comments. Council Member Krueger, you indicated we'll start with you.

Thank you, Madam chair. I just want to say, thank you for to the council for your support on this and for all of the work from the folks living on the lake. This has been a long process and I'm just kind of shocked at how many years have gone by already. And earlier when I stressed the work that goes into being on the allocation committee earlier, these folks on the lake really care about the asset that it is, and they're willing to put the skin in the game and they have meetings and meetings and meetings. And I just want to thank them for all their hard work. And to see this progress has been a great exercise in government and self-governing. And I really appreciate all that has gone on through this. And it's exciting to see how it is expanding outward and the legacy that it has. So appreciate the support. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Any additional comments well, I will send my gratitude to the residents around the island that do the volunteer work literally sometimes doing work in the lake. But more importantly for us at the county that they work with us to figure out how we can basically amplify the work by leveraging additional local dollars. It really means a lot and opens doors to grants and opportunities that because local people are. literally taxing themselves by choice to invest in the water quality near their homes is fabulous. And it really is, it's slow going, but it is making progress. And so truly appreciate the work that's going on here and hope that we will earn the support of all my colleagues. I'm going to ask the clerk to call the roll on the approval of R2026-150S.

Council Member Yambe.

Aye.

Council Member Denson. Aye. Council Member Morrell.

Aye.

Council Member Herrera.

Aye.

Council Member Kruver. Aye.

Say that one more time really loud, Council Member Kruver.

Kruver says aye.

Thank you. Council Member Ayala. Aye. Council Member Hitchen. Aye. You have seven ayes, zero nays. With seven ayes, zero nays, it sounds like we will, this is adopted, and we will have some work to do to get some ballots ready. So thank you, everybody. We are now at the ordinance section, and we have Proposal O2026-520S before us. Council Member Yanbei for a motion.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move proposal number O2026-520S. It's been moved and seconded.

Can the clerk please read it in the record?

Proposal number O2026-520S, an ordinance of the Pierce County Council related to reducing zoning barriers for daycare facilities by adopting amendments to the Pierce County Code Chapter 18.25 definitions and Title 18A development regulations zoning, adopting findings of fact and setting an effective date.

Thank you. And this afternoon we have Mr. Mike Krueger, Principal Policy Analyst, to brief us on this item. Mr. Krueger.

Thank you, Chair Hitchin. Good afternoon, council members. The proposal before you this afternoon would adopt amendments to the Pierce County development regulations that control the location of new childcare centers, modify the maximum number of children allowed in home-based childcare facilities, and modify certain regulatory requirements that are applicable to childcare facilities. In April 2023, the Council adopted resolution number R202341S, which initiated amendments to the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan that were associated with the required periodic update to that plan. One of those amendments initiated by the Council requested that the plan in the Public Works Department consider authorizing commercial daycare centers with no limits on hours of operation or number of children in the moderate density single family designation. In November 2023, the council adopted ordinance number 2023-65-S2, which implemented the 2024-2025 biennial budget and requested certain county departments to take certain actions. Section 2 of that ordinance requested the Economic Development Department of the county identify best practices, regulatory options, and incentives that could be used to support the provision of infant and child-friendly workplaces and on-site child care within businesses and multifamily housing developments. The Department, and this is right out of the budget, the Department shall present this information along with the Department recommendations to the Council's Economic and Infrastructure Development Committee no later than February 1st, 2025. The report was completed and provided to the Council's Economic and Infrastructure Development Committee in 2025, in March of that year. The county's comprehensive plan was then later adopted, but did not specifically include policies related to commercial child care facilities and residential zones. However, there were several policies that address child care facilities, and several of those are included in this staff report. I'm not going to read through them, but what I would say is that they provide the council with a lot of flexibility in how you handle this particular land use question. I would also note that this proposal was considered at the Community Development and Environment Committee on May 11th. There were eight amendments that were approved by the committee at that time. And so my description of what this legislation will do mirrors the base proposal, as well as the amendments that were adopted at the committee. So this proposal would change the permitting process in various zones that control the location of new childcare centers. It would modify the number of children that are allowed in home-based childcare facilities and modify certain regulatory requirements that are applicable to home-based daycare facilities. Among things that are happening here, this proposal would authorize daycare centers in most urban residential zones as an outright permitted use. There would be a conditional use permit requirement in the residential resource zone and within urban residential zones that are within the urban growth areas adjacent to the city of Gig Harbor. This proposal would also authorize daycare centers in the employment center zones with a conditional use permit. The proposal would also authorize daycare centers in rural commercial zones as an outright permitted use, and daycare centers would be prohibited in rural residential zones generally, and that's the majority of the county's rural areas. So we generally have a prohibition within that territory, but there is an exception that's associated with churches and other civic uses where the daycare facilities would be permitted. the legislation before you would authorize home-based daycare facilities to serve up to 16 children through a State Department of Children, Youth, and Families waiver. That's an increase of four children for the in-home facilities. And there's an exemption here in the code from the typical home-based standard, home occupation standards that apply throughout the county. In the county, the county permits home-based businesses of many types, but there's a set of regulations that apply to those home-based businesses, and they would not apply to home childcare centers. As I mentioned, this proposal was considered by the Community Development and Environment Committee back on May 11th, and the committee forwarded the proposal to full council without a recommendation. This proposal was considered at your June 2nd meeting but continued from June 2nd until today, and I do have one amendment that I can describe, Chair, when you're ready to

about that thank you are there any questions from colleagues on the underlying bill before we take up the amendments council member morale you madam chair mr krueger on the commercial daycares located within the residential resource zones what type of Childcare is permitted in those in that zone.

There's a licensed outdoor nature-based childcare facility, which is a type of childcare center that would be permitted outright in that zone. All other childcare facilities would require a conditional use permit, and home-based daycare centers would be permitted similar to other residential zones.

Okay, thank you for clarifying that also within the the urban areas you had stated that schools were exempt um from daycare facilities as far as uh the amount of individuals or kids that can go there within the

So the underlying legislation allows all civic uses to permit daycare facilities, commercial scale, as an accessory use to that permittable civic use. So a school, a church, and other civic uses could accommodate daycare centers.

Okay. And of the daycares that are actively involved in operations now, they would obviously be somewhat grandfathered in.

So, yeah, so vesting grandfathered rights are, all are based upon new proposals that are submitted. And so if you have an existing facility that's a daycare, either home-based or commercial daycare center in a residential zone, you would be grandfathered based upon the rules that were in effect when you applied for your permits. Now, I would note that this legislation eliminates many of the requirements that pertain to daycare facilities in urban residential areas. And nonconforming rights are not necessarily punitive, I guess, is one way to put it. And so if the new regulations that council is considering are adopted, and an operator wanted to follow new regulations so they wouldn't be limited, for example, to hours of operation, they could abandon their non-conforming right and take advantage of the new code.

Okay. Thank you for clarifying that. Also, at study session, you had mentioned a Department of Commerce is developing guidelines. Right. And what do you think those guidelines will entail?

They will provide a model ordinance for cities and towns to consider adopting that would satisfy state law related to childcare facilities that might be located within urban residential zones and would not be subject to a conditional use permit process. And so typically we would see examples of mitigation that local government could implement as part of a development regulation to mitigate impacts related to that use in residential neighborhoods. That's what I would expect to see.

Okay. And do you expect that to be completed by when?

Like the first quarter of 2027 would be the deadline. It could happen any time between now and then.

Okay. And then we could always revisit it at that time? Sure. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Any additional questions before we take up the amendment? Not seeing any. Council Member Denson for a motion.

Thank you, Chair. I move for approval. Amendment number one. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. Can we get an explanation as to what this does, Mr. Krueger?

Yes, ma'am. So amendment number one specifically addresses permitting standards related to home-based child care facilities and commercial child care facilities in urban residential zones throughout the county. And so that's important to understand that it's a small portion of child care centers that would fall within this amendment this would not affect child care centers that are operating or proposed to operate in commercial areas for example they wouldn't be subject to these regulations so the first thing that's happening in this amendment is that it is clarifying that home-based daycare facilities are an accessory use to a resident in in all zones regardless of location So if you have a home, your family lives in the home, and you want to operate a home-based childcare facility, the code is clear that that would be an option for you in all of the zones in the county. The second thing that's happening here is that the committee amendments that were adopted on May 11th that deal with home-based daycare centers would be eliminated. They would just go away and be replaced by standards in a new chapter. And the new chapter is attached as an exhibit to the amendment memo. And it creates a new chapter of Pierce County code that concern child care facilities, again, located within urban residential zones that are licensed by the State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. And there are separate standards for home-based facilities than commercial facilities. And so I'll run through them quickly. For home-based child care facilities, the outdoor recreation area would need to be enclosed by a DCYF-approved fence. Home-based child care facilities would need to meet building codes, fire codes, and state licensing requirements. That kind of all goes without saying, but it's important in local government's zoning code to kind of state the obvious sometimes when folks are looking to operate businesses out of their homes as a reminder that there may be permitting requirements. The next item regarding home-based daycares indicate that you could have up to 12 children, but with a waiver you could get 16 children, provide service for 16 children in your home, and that's a new option in Pierce County upon adoption of this amendment. Language includes the character of the home-based childcare facilities, and it indicates that that facility needs to be residential in character. So the business isn't going to change what the home looks like. There are no additional off-street parking requirements for home-based businesses. However, there would be a designated safe passenger pickup and drop-off area within 100 feet of the facility or on site, such as within a provider's driveway. The business hours of operation would not be limited. And so these home-based businesses could go 24-7, but there would be a restriction on the hours of outdoor play from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. And then there's a standard that indicates clearly that the home occupation standards of the code that apply to other businesses would not apply to home-based childcare. So that's the new section of code that would apply to home-based childcare. Then there's another new section that deals with childcare centers that are commercial in character. Again, they would need to provide a DCYF-approved fence for their outdoor recreation area. There would also be a screening requirement for some sort of buffering between the outdoor play area and adjacent uses. That would need to have at least a six-foot height, and a solid board fence could qualify as that barrier. There's also a requirement for safe passenger pick-up and drop-off, again, on-site or within 100 feet of the facility. The hours of operation for the play areas would be the same as for the home base. Daycare facilities, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There's a provision that says that the maximum number of individuals receiving childcare services would be limited to 60 children at any one time. And then finally, as Council Member Morrell had asked a question related to the residential resource zone, there's language that indicates that the outdoor nature-based childcare facilities are permitted outright in all of the urban residential zones, including residential resource. And so that summarizes the new standards that would be applicable to child daycare centers within urban residential zones.

thank you there's a lot in this amendment but appreciate um my colleagues for working together on this i'm going to pause and see if there are questions or if anybody wanted to speak to this amendment councilmember denson

Thank you, Chair. I'll start by thanking my co-sponsors, Councilmember Morrell and Councilmember Ayala. There has been a lot of discussion. We even paused this for a week working together, talking with the department, talking with stakeholders, making sure that we were very, very thoughtful about everyone that will benefit and be impacted by the legislation. I would start by saying that I think this one thing that this whole council can agree on is that we need more childcare in Pierce County. And that's a wonderful thing to all agree on. And this proposal forwarded us by the department and the executive and that we've worked on throughout our process here. greatly expands opportunities both for home-based childcare and commercial-scale childcare centers. So this amendment deals a little bit with both, but I want to focus on kind of the biggest increase in opportunities, and that's for the commercial childcare facilities that are now going to be permitted outright. If this passes, they'll be permitted outright in residential neighborhoods. So this is a big change for us. Normally, these child care centers are only allowed in commercial areas or in churches, community centers. But when we say that now commercial child care centers like a kinder care, for example, are permitted outright in neighborhoods, That means that there is no community notification, no little green cards in the mail for neighbors. There's no opportunities for comments or appeals, no hearing examiner to take into consideration impacts and require mitigation like lighting or hours or traffic or any of that. That's what outright permitting means. It definitely makes it a lot easier for the childcare facilities too. So the benefit is that we get more commercial large childcare facilities. And so allowing outright these commercial child care operations is definitely going to increase child care spots in the community. Right now, none are allowed through these commercial child care facilities and residential neighborhoods. But I think we need to be realistic that there are going to be impacts to neighborhoods. which beforehand have been used to home-based operations, home-based child care, other people operating businesses out of their home, whether it be salons or accounting firms or small businesses out of their homes. This is very different. This is a commercial facility. So this amendment, I think, is really important because it It continues offering this amazing opportunity, increasing child care spots in our community, but it also takes into consideration and is respectful of the fact that we know that there is going to be some impacts of this. So as Mr. Krueger described, we established in this amendment a limit of 60 kids at a time, and it's 24-7 care is allowed. So this could be shifts of kids. They could enroll more than that, but 60 kids at a time, which is still a lot. And again, that's an increase from zero right now. The fencing that was described is reasonable for the safety of the kids for sure. And then We are allowing, as I mentioned, 24-7 care, respecting that there's different shifts that people work all throughout the day and night. But we are restricting outdoor play between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Again, just wanting to allow these opportunities, increase these opportunities while also protecting respecting neighbors that are going to be sharing their neighborhoods with these commercial facilities. So it's a big change. There's obviously a lot more in this proposal that increases opportunities to open up more childcare spots. And I think this amendment makes sure that we're respecting all stakeholders and mitigating a few impacts to show that we understand that we all need to be part of the solution here. Thank you. Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you. We're going to go to Council Member Ayala.

Thank you, Chair. I want to echo the appreciation for the child care providers that very rapidly came together for a little stakeholder sample on this, our Planning Public Works Department and us both. staff here at the council and staff at the executive's office to to really figure out what are those gaps we need to address as we move this forward all of this to say that um regardless of what's here there's still a lot more to be done so what i mean by that really is there's a lot of um Uh, misunderstandings around what applies to certain childcare providers and what doesn't and so there, there is a stewardship of of the rules and regulations that I would like to be very careful about how we share that out to folks. And then, knowing that commerce is going to put something out later down the line, and we're going to have a good sampling of time of what are those pitfalls and those challenges that we're going to encounter. We then have an opportunity to shift and pivot in the future. So excited for what the learning is, but knowing that it really doesn't end today. Thank you.

Thank you. We're going to go to council member.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate the comments from my colleagues. This has been a collaborative effort, and there is no perfect legislation. We will still, as my colleagues said, probably have to make course corrections uh at a future date but i think this is a great start i would like to thank the executive office and staff for all their work mr krueger has spent endless hours working on this talking me through some of the concerns that I had and coming up with a workable amendment that included some of my concerns and my colleagues. So I would like to have done more, as I have said, in listening to some of the community and some of the daycare providers. There are other occupations that work odd hours, second shifts, nurses on calls, first responders, and we have to be cognizant that we're trying to make daycare acceptable to all, accessible to all. keep that in mind that we all don't work a nine to five. So maybe in the future we may have to adjust some of the components of this and hopefully my colleagues will see that and move forward with that. But other than that, I think this is a good step forward and I hope you support this amendment. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Member Morrell. Mr. Krueger, my recollection is that it was 24-7s for all of these, whether they were rural, urban. If it's home-based, 24-7, and commercial in the urban area is 24-7 as well. Correct. Okay. Just can't have kids playing outside at 11 p.m. at night next door to your sleeping kids.

How do you sleep?

The neighbors still do that, but not the child care provider. So we already did it. Good job. Other comments on this amendment? so um i too want to add my um add my gratitude um i think one of the things that the the hours of play outside um was something that we'd had conversations and i appreciate where this landed with my colleagues that sponsored this um i know that some of the feedback we got from the executives side of the house was to use the home occupation hours But it uses noise levels as a measurement. Kids do not make noise in regular intervals, unlike a bulldozer or a sawmill or something else that might make noise, or concert venue. They don't really have a way to go measure noise out in the county, so it makes more sense to just tell child care providers to go from 8 to 8. It is something that you can measure because you can go outside and stand in front of the child care provider and see 20 kids playing outside loudly at 11 o'clock at night. And that's measurable and provable, but how loud they are is... As a teacher who worked in schools said that would be very challenging to manage. So appreciate where we landed on this 1. so I'm going to ask all those in favor of adopting council amendment number 1 to 2026 520 essay. I. Any opposed motion carries so we now have this item before us as amended. Is there any further discussion or comments from colleagues before we open this up for public comment? And I am going to invite Mr. Anderson up from the executive's office first, kind of out of sequence, so if you have more than three minutes, as opposed to since you're speaking on behalf of, I would guess, the department kind of role.

Thank you, Chair, members of the Council. This is an important piece of legislation for Pierce County, and we're proud that the Council joined us in reducing barriers for childcare facilities in our communities. I have two young children of childcare age, so I know how important these facilities are. And I'd like to thank you. I'd like to thank the childcare providers that work so hard to take care of these kids. It's not an easy job. And so we thank them for their hard work for the families here in Pierce County. I also want to thank PBW staff, council staff, and all those who participated in drafting this bill, including all those childcare providers who responded. to the childcare report, which became the center of this work. We know these facilities are essential to our families, our friends, our neighbors, and we know we don't have enough of them. There are many reasons for the shortage of childcare facilities, but two important reasons cited by childcare providers themselves are zoning and permitting. So this piece of legislation addresses many of those challenges encountered by providers. We think this is a step forward and commend the Council for taking this important step. We know there's much more work ahead and we'll continue to look for opportunities to lower barriers to child care facilities in Pierce County so that our families can access affordable care for their children in their communities. Thank you again for your support for this legislation.

thank you thank you for working with us on it so i am going to open this up for public comment and if there are any members of the public that would like to write comment on o2026-520s as amended please come to the podium nobody getting up so we will go online mr weinsberg

Yes, Madam Chair. For any members of the public who wish to provide comment on proposal number O2026-520S, press the raise hand icon on Zoom or star nine on your telephone keypad. And at this time, I see one hand. Madam Chair, stand by. Name is Alyssa. Please state name for the record. You will have three minutes.

Melissa Johnstone go ahead. So, as a childcare provider in Pierce County, I just wanted to. Thank the Pierce County for partnering with providers to increase access. It's so important to us that we're able to continue our work and provide quality care to all children in Pierce County and Washington state. I also am currently trying to bring childcare to a. Part of our community that is gratefully disadvantaged out on the key peninsula and I would just say that as far as being a childcare provider in Pierce County, I pride myself in being an extension of the community. And so we're expecting the boundaries in these communities would be very important to me. I would be really surprised if you guys adopted this and we had issues with child care providers taking advantage. We're already so grateful for any allowances that were given to provide really great care. And it's so important to us and we hold such a high value to it that I definitely don't think that anybody will regret you guys expanding access to us. And again, I want to thank you guys for making this a priority. And making sure that we're able to continue the work that we're so happy and grateful to do. So, thank you.

And at this time, I'm sure there are no other hands seeing no other hands.

I'm going to close public comment, bring it back before the council. Is there any further discussion? We will start with council member.

Thank you chair. I'll just start by again thanking the department, thanking the executive's office. Nick Anderson's been in my office a lot talking about amendments. You all did a great job really opening up opportunities in a wide variety of ways for child care. Mr. Krueger has worked really hard as Councilmember Morrell said and all of my colleagues. what is within the control of pierce county is basically zoning and permitting there is there isn't a whole lot child care facilities are heavily regulated and most of it is at the state level so we've done what we can we may be able to do more once we get more information about how this plays out or what the department of commerce gives us with their model ordinance but we've taken a huge chunk of what is within our control i would encourage child care providers and ourselves to continue talking to our state legislators i believe in the report or maybe it was just somebody who shared with us to open a child care facility it takes like a process through 11 agencies or something like that it's very very difficult it's very expensive and i think the state could really be helpful in streamlining all that they do to help child care facilities open up in our area. I'm really glad that my constituent from Key Center joined us today because I was thinking of her throughout this process. As Mr. Krueger shared, when a commercial child care wishes to open up in a rural commercial area, which is what we have in Key Center now, They don't need a conditional use permit now. They're permitted outright. So this will be a huge cost saving, a huge time saving. There's still lots of hoops to jump through, especially in a rural area. It's limited on water and sewer and all the other stuff. But again, we've done what we can to ease the way. And I'm thrilled for providers that are interested in doing that work because we want to do everything we can to support them. So thanks to everyone for this. This is a big deal. This is significant legislation. And I'm excited about seeing what happens. Thanks.

Thank you. We're going to go to Vice Chair Herrera.

Thank you, Chair. A lot of my colleagues have had some great points on all this. I would say that this came about kind of organically. We've heard from just parents and people who are in the industry that something's got to happen. We all know, we're all old enough here to know that the days of living off of one income or over here in Washington State, or at least in this area, and many families have to work, both people in the household have to work to live here. One of the demographics that was speaking loudly to us was JBLM. JBLM, 70% of service members live outside of the base. So they live in our communities. And many of them are, you know, they're serving our country, and they don't get paid that much. And they most definitely have to live off two incomes. And a lot of them are a younger demographic that have small children. So we heard it loud and clear, and I appreciate the response of where we, you know, it's regulated by the state, but we're working at our level to make it easier to accommodate what the people have told us what they need and what we're all seeing. So thank you.

Thank you appreciate all the work on this. I'm not seeing any other hands raised. So, again, excited to see what daycare slots are open childcare slots. Maybe some nature based childcare very excited about that 1, but I know when we talk about things that the council can do, and the county can do to improve economic development childcare is at the top of many lists. So.

excited to see this make it over the finish line can the clerk please call the role on the adoption of o2026-520s as amended council member ayala aye council member yambe aye council member denson aye council member morale aye council member herrera aye council member krueger aye

Council Member Hitchen. Aye. You have seven ayes, zero nays. Seven ayes, zero nays. The motion is adopted. Thank you to the entire team. We are now at Section 10, which is Community Forum. Community Forum is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on topics of significance to or affecting Pierce County government and that did not appear on the agenda for final action today. There is a three-minute limit. I will remind you all that using public facilities like pctv to campaign is not allowed um and please state your name if you'd like it on the record we did have a couple people sign in with maybes or yes but they also said the pride proclamation so i'm just going to say if anybody in chambers would like to address the council please come to the podium come on up you have up to three minutes except i can't turn on Nope. There you go.

Okay, can you hear me now?

We can.

Hi, Vicki Burke. I'm in District 2. As a PCO and a member of Puyallup Pride, I am an ally and I'm very involved in my local community. I'm working hard to build an inclusive place where all people are welcomed. We in Puyallup recently had a vigil for a recently slain juniper blessing. At our vigil, many new people stood up with great transparency, expressing their concerns. They live in fear, real fear, not the performative actions of members of council who cannot enter a room where a pride flag is being flown. They have real fear. They don't want to go to the grocery store by themselves. They're afraid to walk in a bathroom at the park. So they asked for allyship and they said, if you see one of us trans people walk into a restroom, follow in there, make sure we get out. That's what's in their brains, okay? And these are things that are just breaking my heart, have many sleepless nights. So those actions of the members who reflect the personal view of council members, you should be able to represent everyone in your district. Whether you like it or not, this lovingly LGBTQ community lives in our districts. They need your support now more than ever. They don't need anyone hiding behind a wall. computer screen. So I want to thank those of you that were in support of this proclamation, and I challenge each and every one of you as members to represent everyone in your community, whether they are of the LGBT, I always mess it up, that community, whether there are people that are brown or they're white, wherever they are, you need to represent all your constituents. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Or Lee.

I'm a disabled veteran, and I served in the military to protect our rights under the Constitution, and for every person to have the right to the pursuit of happiness. I fully support all of the LGBTQ community, and I always will stand with them. I would like to say that I am ashamed of Councilmember Krueger for, again, another year in a row, not even having the decency to appear in the chambers because of her homophobic views. I respect every religion, but it doesn't give you the right to discriminate against the very constituents that you serve. Happy Pride Month to Monica Helms, the Navy veteran who created the Trans Flag, and to Gilbert Baker, the Army veteran who created the Pride Flag, and to everyone in the community. Thank you for the proclamation that respects our entire community.

Thank you. Angela Lynn?

Good afternoon, council members. My name is Angelina Scierto from Pierce County District 2. I'm speaking about abortion rights today. So in our state of Washington, abortions are legal and our rights to an abortion supposed to be protected too, according to Washington State Department of Health. A woman does not even have to be a resident in order to qualify for one. Even state-regulated health insurance plans and Apple Health, a.k.a. Medicaid, are required to cover abortion services. There's also no age requirement as there is a legal right to end a pregnancy without parental permission. But there still seems to be one small detail that I have seen and heard, that doctors and other medical professionals have overused that is a refusal of participating in the medical assistance for this specific women's health procedure by simply stating no. Even though it is legal and there's a noticeable emergency affecting the quality of life of the woman, and even including the case of rape or incest, which can still be deemed as approved by God in the general handbook serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other different faith traditions. In the case of the conscious causes of moral or religious objections, shouldn't there be a direct referral or transfer to another doctor in the facility or elsewhere to prevent a dead end? This can work well for the other excuses of institutional restrictions and state scope of practice laws also. This leaves a lingering question of why do we have these restrictions at all if we the people have the right to an abortion where it is aligned with the law? Not only I do not understand this, but friends, family members, and others share the same gripe when there are so many states in our country that have these necessary and lifesaving practices banned completely, inaccessible to all. Good Samaritan Hospital has been known to reject to reject doing abortions in the recent years, along with at least nine other hospitals and emergency rooms throughout the entire state of Washington. Can there please be an expansion of access since abortions are legal? Perhaps an insert of an amendment that helps bypass these preferential barriers to our rights to help prevent dishonesty, influences of human traffickers who encourage the denial of this procedure to targeted victims, and others of sexist, racist or discriminatory behaviors from interfering with the livelihood of pregnant women. Please consider this call for action to provide adequate and justifiable admittance to women's healthcare. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Anyone else in chambers?

I really wasn't prepared to speak, but I think I have to. So especially in regards to what happened in Seattle with that young trans woman, I actually went up there to lay flowers on her memorial because I was drawn to that. And I realized that 50 years ago, 100 years ago, when my group was the most discriminated against, I wondered how I would feel seeing members walk out and showing that they are not accepting of the queer community. I have family and friends who are a part of that community. I want them to feel safe. I want them to feel accepted. I want them to have opportunities that they deserve. And I think it's incumbent upon you, thank you for honoring them, but I think it's incumbent before you, especially in this time and age that we are living in right now in the United States, to show the example of acceptance and tolerance, not even tolerance, that tolerance is beyond that, acceptance of people who are different from you. Thank you. Did I say Oneida Arnold?

I was going to ask if you want your name on the record. Thank you, Oneida. Thank you. Anyone else before we go online?

Hello, I'm Vicki Stanich, and I live in Lakewood. And I'm not prepared really to make a speech, but I just wanted to thank you for making the proclamation for LGBTQ plus community. I grew up in Hawaii, and I think about, you know, I went to University of Hawaii, and I think about the athletic team. It was called the Rainbow Warriors, the football team. And at one point they dropped Rainbow for one of the reasons I heard was because of the name calling, you know, the football team was being teased. And growing up in Hawaii, we had some people that were LGBTQ back then. We didn't call it that. We just embraced it. But they were picked on and bullied. And then in, I think it was 2013, the Warriors... Took back the rainbow name and now they're called rainbow warriors again, because the community really, there was a backlash about dropping rainbow Hawaii's got beautiful rainbow and. We have players on the football team. So, anyway, I just wanted to thank you again for acknowledging the community in this proclamation. Thank you.

Thank you.

not seeing anyone else come to the podium so we will go online mr winesbury yes madam chair for any members of the public who wish to provide comment press the raise down icon in zoom or star 9 on your telephone keypad and madam chair at this time only have one hand it looks like dewey please state name for the record you will have three minutes

Dewey, do you want to address the council? Dewey, you are unmuted, but we are not hearing you if you're speaking. If you're on Zoom, can you check to make sure you haven't muted yourself on your microphone end? Okay, now can you hear me? Now we can hear you. There we go.

Oh, okay. Yeah, hi, I'm calling because I had some questions about the do-it-yourself septic inspection video that Washington State Department of Health put out 12 years ago. I recently noticed that there's now a new disclaimer saying it's only for educational video and not intended for people to inspect their own septic systems. That doesn't really make sense to me because educational videos are supposed to teach people how to do something. What's even more confusing is that Other counties are using the same video for their DIY inspection programs. And when I spoke to Jeremy Simmons, he said the video was 100% accurate for someone to inspect their own septic system. In fact, Pierce County Department of Health even used the video for their pilot program to help people to do their own septic inspections. Now I'm hearing that instead of using the successful pilot program, they're planning to go a different route and use something similar to Kitsap County. The problem is no one uses Kitsap County's program because it's too expensive. If the pilot program was successful and people are happy with it, why move away from it? This should be a free program that people actually use, not something that costs more than hiring a professional to come out and do the inspection. Otherwise, it just seems like a waste of taxpayers' money trying to get this up and running and do a pilot program if you're not gonna use it. They've been working on this issue for three years now or more. And for five months now, the pilot program has been done, but yet nothing. I have some questions I'd like to have answered. Next time Chantel's there, maybe you can ask them. Why? Why doesn't the video now have a disclaimer showing only education when Jeremy Simmons says it's accurate for inspections? Why is it taking so long for this program to get up and running? Three years seems like an awful long time that Niner counties are already using and it's so simple. Why aren't they using the successful pilot program that was completed five months ago and that people would actually use? Why move towards a program that costs more than hiring a professional and no one will participate in? Why not ask Jeremy Simmons for guidance since he already understands how other counties are up and running their programs successfully? At what point do you question whether the current leadership on this project is effective if there hasn't been completion after all this time? Maybe Chantel is not able to do this job. And maybe you should question if she's the right person for the job. And once again, thanks again, Robin, for quitting. It's good. And Paul, thanks for doing nothing but collecting a paycheck. Thanks, I'm done.

Thank you for your comments.

And Madam Chair, there are no other hands.

With no other hands raised, I'm gonna close community forum. Thank you all. Are there any other, is there any other business or announcements from colleagues? Well, I will just make a quick comment. Mr. just did his last. There are no other comments and so wanted to make sure that comes that. He went out with an acknowledgement and a gratitude, but I miss it. Council member crew had her hand up. So we will go to you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted a quick announcement. This weekend is the Roy Rodeo. So then to make sure that I don't know what the weather will be, but it'll be a great show. Now back to Jair.

Okay.

Thank you.

And Council Member Denson. Well, thank you, Councilmember Krueger, because that reminded me that this weekend is also Maritime Gig Fest. So we've got the big parade and music on Saturday, and then we have the blessing of our fishing fleet on Sunday, which is really, really cool to see all the big boats rafted up together before they head out fishing for the season. So if you're looking for something to do, you can check that out as well.

So my options this weekend are horses or boats? Okay, good to know. Or both. So, again, Mr. Winesbury is leaving the Pierce County Council. Thank you for your years of service. He'll still be in Pierce County. Am I allowed to say where you're going? We did publicly already do this today. So he will be joining the Pierce County Library System, and we are very excited to take his amazing skills. So his soothing tones of speech, whatever he ends up doing, will be – with the Pierce County Library System.

So thank you for your years of service. Seeing no other business, we are adjourned.

Thank you, everybody.