1. Condo developments could get limited property tax exemptions

City Council members will hear two resolutions during their Feb. 22 meeting that could award multi-family limited property tax exemptions to two condominium developments totaling 110 units along Market Street in downtown Tacoma. The first resolution would allow an exemption for New Urban Properties, LLC, to build 52 condominium units between 708 and 714 Market St. in the downtown mixed-use center. The second resolution would offer the exemption for Catapult Development Partners, LLC, to build 58 condos between 728 and 740 Market St. Time will be set aside for public comment near the beginning of the council meeting.

2. Citizens have one week left to weigh in on City Manager survey

One week remains for Tacomans to weigh in on the City’s online survey about the attributes and characteristics that a new City Manager should possess. The survey will remain on the City’s online newsroom at www.cityoftacoma.org/tacomanews through Feb. 25, which is the deadline for applications. The City opened the application process and the online survey on Jan. 25. Under the current timeline, the City expects to begin interviews with finalists for the position in late April.

3. Ordinance could help improve access to Commencement Bay

If approved Feb. 22, an ordinance could help improve boat access to Commencement Bay by accepting a combination of state funds and funds from Metro Parks Tacoma for a total of $2.31 million that would lead to a $2.51 million Point Defiance Boat Ramp expansion project. The City already accepted $200,000 for the project in 2003. If approved, the project would lead to float, breakwater and boat ramp improvements for the main access point for boaters seeking to ply the waters of Commencement Bay and south Puget Sound.

4. Public hearing to deal with ‘adult uses’ portion of land use code

The City Council will hold a public hearing at approximately 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 to consider proposed amendments to the land use regulatory code portion of the City’s Municipal Code that would add “sexual encounter establishment” to the list of uses categorized and regulated as “adult uses” within the city.

5. Power rate adjustments and Tacoma Rail top study session

During a joint City Council and Public Utility Board study session at noon on Feb. 22, discussion of power rate adjustments and the status of business with Tacoma Rail lead the agenda. The public may attend the study session in Room 16, Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market St., but the Council will not take public comment. CityPost (Channel 85 on Click!, Channel 77 on Comcast) will air the audio portion of the session live.

6. Government Leadership Institute says, “Show me the money”

On Feb. 23 the Government Leadership Institute will near the end of its series of free seminars intended to inform and educate students and citizens on the basics of accessing community programs and services, engaging in the public process and examining the challenges within the community. The seventh seminar, “So Much to Do, So Little Money: Matching Community Needs and City Budgets,” will be held from 6:45 to 9 p.m. in Carwein Auditorium (KEY 102) on the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) campus, 1900 Commerce St. Featured panelists will include City Council Members Mike Lonergan and Rick Talbert; City Manager, Jim Walton; Tacoma Director of the Office of Management, Budget and Analysis, Diane Supler; Tacoma Finance Director, Steve Marcotte; and West End and Tacoma Community Council chairperson, Ginny Eberhardt. The Leadership Institute is a cooperative effort of the City of Tacoma and the UWT’s Urban Studies Program. Various topics will be discussed over the next several weeks.

7. Workshop takes guesswork out of Artist Initiative Program funding

Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride will present a free workshop for artists Feb. 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Room 708. Workshop participants will be walked through the Tacoma Artist Initiative Program application process, along with explanations of guidelines and answers to other questions. The program provides funding for individual artists of all disciplines within the City of Tacoma to create new artwork. Selection is competitive and awards are made at a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000. Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of Tacoma Arts Commissioners and community members. To apply, visit http://www.cityoftacoma.org/arts. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 25, 2005 by 5 p.m.