Tacoma City Council
Study Session
Noon, Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Room 16
Tacoma Municipal Building North
728 St. Helens Ave.
Cross District Association update
The first portion of study session features a presentation from the Cross District Association of Tacoma, which represents all 12 neighborhood business districts. The presentation will update the mayor and City Council on district activities and issues from the perspective of active business members.
Mid-biennium adjustment
A status overview of the City of Tacoma funds, particular issues impacting the budget and proposed adjustments will be discussed during the second portion of the study session. The public may attend but will not take any comments.
Tacoma City Council
Regular Meeting
5 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Council Chambers
Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market St.
Convention Center financing
The council will consider two ordinances regarding the long-term financing for the construction of a regional convention center and the expansion of public parking facilities in the downtown area. The first ordinance provides for the sale and issuance of revenue bonds in the principal amount not to exceed $31 million. The second ordinance provides for the sale and issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $43 million. Citizens may comment on the ordinances and when the council votes on these measures Nov. 4.
Shoreline code revisions
The council will consider a proposal to amend several sections of the Tacoma Municipal Code related to shoreline management. If approved, the amendments would streamline the regulatory process for waterfront property owners who apply for exemptions from the citys shoreline regulations to make normal maintenance repairs to shoreline properties. The changes would also make it clear that mineral extraction uses apply only to commercial mining operations and would add normal maintenance and repair of existing structures or development, including damage by accident, fire or elements as a permitted use for each shoreline district. These amendments would save applicants time and money when acquiring shoreline permits for normal maintenance repairs to their property. Citizens may comment on the ordinances at the meeting and when the council votes on the measure Nov. 4.
Proposition 1 revenue plans
The City Council will consider and vote on a plan to use revenue from the proposed sales tax increase that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. If Pierce County voters approve the additional sales tax, of up to three-tenths of 1 percent, the proposed plan calls for using its share of the revenue to increase services for domestic violence victims and to fund public safety-related programs. Suggested programs include such things as a one-stop center for domestic violence victims, truancy officers, probation officers, a youth assessment center, prevention programs and business district security.
Public hearing: Property tax levy
A public hearing will cover the property tax levy for general purposes and Emergency Medical services for collection in 2004. The recommended increase is the 1 percent limitation imposed by Initiative 747. The public hearing will take place at approximately 5:30 p.m.
