“Tacoma City CouncilStudy SessionNoon, Tuesday May 9, 2000Room 16, Municipal Bldg. N.728 St. Helens AvenueTacomaStrategic Plan PrioritiesThe Council met March 31 and April 1 to study and redefine the City’s strategic plan. City staff have fleshed out the plan’s proposed modifications with guidance from the Strategic Plan Project Steering Committee, comprised of Mayor Ebersole, Council members Phelps, Crowley and McGavick, the city manager and deputy city manager.The Council will review proposed modifications to two of the City’s four priorities – economic development and government performance. The Council will address public safety and neighborhood enhancement, at the May 16 study session.The Council will ask citizens and neighborhood groups, including neighborhood councils and business districts, for written comments on proposed changes.Tacoma City CouncilCouncil Meeting5:00 p.m., Tuesday May 9Room 16, Municipal Bldg. N.728 St. Helens AvenueTacomaLonger Moratorium on Adult BizThe Council will take public comment on a proposal to extend the adult retail and entertainment business moratorium for an additional six months. The current six-month moratorium on building permits and business licenses for adult retail and entertainment businesses ends May 28.The Council conducted a hearing April 5 on a proposed ordinance restricting the locations for adult retail businesses. The testimony at the hearing indicated more time would be necessary to create an effective ordinance.If approved by the Council at a later meeting, the moratorium would halt the opening of any new adult retail or entertainment businesses in Tacoma for another 180 days. A public hearing on the moratorium would take place before the Council on June 27.Downtown Development LoanIf the Council approves a City loan to developers, up to 90 market rate apartments, 100 parking spaces and 8,000 square feet or retail, restaurants and other businesses may be built at the intersection of South Seventh and Commerce streets by autumn, 2002.The Council will take comment on awarding a loan up to $2 million to Lorig Associates for the project. The loan package, including $250,000 for buying the site and $1.8 million for development of market rate housing, would provide the $12 million project the financial backing necessary to begin.Low interest loans could also come from federal funds designed to help spur urban development.Lorig hopes to break ground in summer 2001.Low-Priced Power to the PeopleTacoma Power customers have gone for over five years without a rate increase. The City Charter states all rates and charges for utility services be reviewed or re-enacted every five years. The Council therefore, must formally re-enact the current electric rates.”