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Dec. 15, 2009 at 5:00pm

City Council Meeting Liveblog

Live from Tacoma, it's Tuesday night!

Stay tuned for tonight's liveblog....

... and let the liveblogging commence!

5:09 PM

Meeting called to order.

5:12 PM

Proclamation for December 31, 2009 naming the day as First Night Tacoma in recognition of the downtown event of the same name.

5:18 PM

Public comment begins.

5:19 PM

Mike Price addresses resolution 27958. Suggests the ethics board does not adequately address objections raised by citizens, pointing to his own objection which was thrown out.

5:24 PM

Tom Absher w/ Pacific Plaza addresses resolution 37959 (whcih would allow that 1400 sq. ft of retail space for use as office space for the state AG). Asks that the council approve the resolution, citing the current condition of the commercial real estate market.

5:29 PM

[missed his name] also discusses resolution 37959. Also asks the council to approve this proposed leasing agreement.

5:34 PM

Whitney Rhodes also discusses resolution 37959. Voices her approval of the Pacific Plaza project, as an urban planner. She points out the justification for public funding of the project was because of the retail component of the project.

5:39 PM

Phillis [missed last name] her support for for resolution 37953 (provides additional funding for the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society).

5:40 PM

Phillis Harrison, as a downtown merchant (LeRoy), discusses resolution 37959. She also does not support the resolution. She describes the concept of "destination" retailers. Retailers that thrive not only on downtown office workers but on people coming from outside, she suggests, should be the type of tenant we should find for Pacific Plaza.

5:45 PM

Kevin Phelps congratulates the outgoing councilmembers. Also discusses resolution 37959. Urges the council, whatever they decide, to not send the message that was sent in 1997 (that Tacoma is not a good place to do business).

5:50 PM

[first name?] Johnson voices his support of ordinances 27867 and 27868.

5:55 PM

[missed his name] discusses resolution 37959. Points out that storefront retail attracts more retail, and lack of storefront retail discourages it. Also points out the soon-to-be-vacant Russell building.

6:01 PM

[missed her name] discusses resolution 37955. Suggests something be worked in to support the recent fallen officers' families.

6:02 PM

Seth Farber finds himself agreeing with Phelps that the Pacific Plaza is an incredible accomplishment. Points out that 10 years ago "Destination Downtown" set pedestrian uses as a priority for downtown. Points to the Woolworth's building which made a similar proposal, being unable to fill its retail space at the time. Suggests this as an example of a city council making decisions in a crisis environment may solve a short-term problem, but may be detrimental long-term.

6:07 PM

Marty Campbell discusses resolution 37959. Relays the message that the cros-district business association echoes the downtown merchants group's view that street-level space needs to be retail.

6:10 PM

George Webb also discusses resolution 37959. Points out the last thing Tacoma needs is additional office space, given that the recession has created a flood of vacancies.

6:12 PM

[missed his name] points out that the AG would be increasing it's lease rate by more than double during a time when the state is making deep budget cuts. Suggests the city can't tell a state agency how to spend its money, but it can choose not to participate in something that can be considered financially irresponsible.

6:13 PM

[missed his name] discusses resolution 37954. Also shares some sentimental words about the council's past year of service.

6:19 PM

[missed his name, still catching up!] voices his concern over ordinance 27867 and 27868.

6:21 PM

Public comment ends.

[... will fill in missed notes later ...]

7:00 PM

Resolution 37958 adopted. Approving the Administrative Procedures of the Board of Ethics.

7:03 PM

Resolution 37959. Authorizing the execution of the third amendment to the Development, Sale Back, and Lease Agreement for South Park Plaza Public Parking Garage with Pacific Plaza Development, LLC, to provide for the use of approximately 14,000 square feet for nonretail purposes, for a lease with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

There is some discussion an amendment which is adopted, adjusting the definition of what the base lease rate consists of. It also increases the city's portion from 5% to 10%.

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Dec. 3, 2009 at 12:52pm

Tacoma in the 3rd Dimension

Help me put Tacoma on the map!

Being a nerd, and a huge fan of Tacoma, I get particularly excited when the two obsessions converge. Today I discovered Google is hosting a "Model Your Town" competition, challenging users to build 3D models of as many local buildings as possible. Check out the intro video:

Since nobody has yet represented T-Town in this competition, I am making this the official call to arms for anyone interested in helping me put us on the map (of the Google variety). Drop me a line if you'd like to join me, and the official details are here: http://sketchup.google.com/competitions/modelyourtown/index.html

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Nov. 24, 2009 at 5:11pm

Tacoma City Council Liveblog

Live from Tacoma, it's Tuesday night!

The liveblog begins a bit late today!

5:05 PM

Meeting called to order.

5:07 PM

Motion adopted to promote councilmember Strickland to deputy mayor.

5:08 PM

Tacoma is one of 5 recipients to receive a $750,000.00 federal grant. Will be providing funds for Thea Foss Waterway improvements.

5:10 PM

Baarsma calls Julie Anderson forward. She is presented with a City of Tacoma seal in recognition. At this point we hear each councilmember speaks his/her goodbyes (and going-away gifts, I'm jealous!).

5:33 PM

Public hearing for the amended Six-Year Comprehensive Transportation Program for amended year 2009 and 2010-2015 begins.

Documentation will be made available here: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/page.aspx?hid=1235

Hearing begins with Tim Harvey making a presentation on the program. Outlines projects removed from the plan (most were completed, the rest consolidated with other programs/plans). He notes that about $200M of the $400M budget is currently funded.

Stan Smith thanks the council for addressing the adjustments to the plan to accommodate ADA-related isues (namely curb ramps).

5:42 PM

Public comment on agenda items begins.

Resolution 37926: the naming of the park area located north of city hall as "Ben Gilbert Park," the pedestrian area of 1300 block of Broadway Plaza as "Harry P. Cain Promenade," and renaming Celebration Park, located at 429 South 80th St. as "Ryan's Park."

Mark Smith voices his support. Describes some background on Harry P. Cain, who had quite an impressive resume, too much to list here!

Two more citizens I missed, will update afterwards.

Phillip Hill endorses the naming of "Ben Gilbert Park."

Lenny Johnson also voices his support. Brings attention to Ben Gilbert's background.

Resolution 37927: Adds Urban Grace Church to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places.

Jennifer Dean thanks the council for considering adding Urban Grace Church to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places.

Sharon Winters, representing Historic Tacoma, also endorses the addition.

Resolution 37931: Related to the sale of the Bicintennial Pavilion.

[missed his name] voicing his support for the Bicentennial Pavilion going to the Hotel Murano.

Ordinance 27852: Issues GO bonds for funding the Cheney Stadium rehab.

Tom Cashman, director of the Foss Waterway Seaport, voices his support.

Glenn S. points out the loss of available parking at Cheney Stadium over time, and the consequential overflow of cars occupying neighboring parking lots. Suggests the problematic nature of premium pre-paid spaces remaining vacant on a regular basis.

Ordinance 27853: Provides additional requirements to alcohol-serving establishments to require reports to the Fire Marshal and Police Chief prior to license approval, and all security personnel to have approved training.

Josh McDonald, on behalf of the Washington Restaurant Association, voices his concern that the wording in this ordinance is too vague and could cause unintended consequences. Expresses his interest in working with the council to adjust the wording if possible.

6:23 PM

Regular agenda is resumed.

Resolution 37911 adopted. Authorizing the execution of an extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Tacoma Joint Labor Committee through December 31, 2012.

Purchase Resolution 37921 adopted. Awarding a contract to: HDR Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $988,838, sales tax not applicable, for a cumulative total of $2,288,535, budgeted from the Solid Waste 2001 Bond Construction Fund, to increase the contract for additional architectural and engineering services associated with the Tacoma Landfill Solid Waste Transfer Facility – Specification No. PW06-1011F.

Resolution 37922 adopted. Authorizes the execution of a ten-year Institutional Network Services Agreement with Click! Network, in the approximate amount of $113,000 for the first year, budgeted from the IT Municipal Cable TV Fund, for the ongoing construction, maintenance, and operation of the City's institutional network.

Resolution 37923 adopted. Authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians for the proposed stormwater conveyance system improvements on Grandview Avenue.

Resolution 37924 adopted. Reestablishing the position of Risk Analyst, Fair Housing Investigator, to include benefits that would require enrollment in the City's Retirement System.

Resolution 37925 adopted. Designating the geographic boundaries of the city as a recovery zone for the purpose of issuing Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and Recovery Zone Facility Bonds.

Resolution 37926 adopted. Naming the park area located north of the Tacoma Municipal Building North as "Ben Gilbert Park," the pedestrian area of the 1300 block of Broadway Plaza as "Harry P. Cain Promenade," and renaming Celebration Park, located at 429 South 80th Street, as "Ryan's Park."

Mayor Baarsma recognizes Mayor Cain's contributions to civil rights during the internment of Japanese-Americans (during a time when it was unpopular).

Resolution 37927 adopted. Designating the Urban Grace Church, located at 902 Market Street, as a historic landmark and adding said property to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places.

Mayor Baarsma recuses himself from voting, acknowledging his membership in the Church's congregation.

Resolution 37928 adopted. Authorizing the execution of an Assignment of Contract Rights and Agreement with Pierce County, in the amount of $20,000, plus costs, for the acquisition of an approximately eight-acre parcel located adjacent to South 52nd Street and Mullen Street for open space conservation purposes, and executing a Stewardship Agreement and Restrictive Covenant pertaining to such parcel; and acquiring an abutting undeveloped County tax title property, for the sum of $500, plus costs, both acquisitions to be budgeted from the Community and Economic Development Special Revenue Fund.

7:09 PM

Resolution 37929 adopted. Authorizing the execution of an amended and restated lease agreement with Pacific Seafood Washington Acquisition Co., Inc., for property located at 1199 Dock Street.

Resolution 37930 adopted. Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the Bicentennial Pavilion Management Agreement with KS Tacoma Hotel, LLC, to allow the term to be extended for a six-year period, ending on December 31, 2015.

Apparently there is about $1.9M of repairs currently needed for the building.

Battery is getting low, may need to do a recap on the rest. Will continue posting for as long as my battery allows...

Resolution 37931 adopted. Authorizing the execution of an Option Agreement with Aspen Pavilion, LLC, for the sale of Bicentennial Pavilion, located at 1341 Market Street, in the amount of $2,240,000.

7:23 PM

Final reading of ordinances.

Amended Ordinance 27845 adopted. Granting a ten-year agreement to the City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, Light Division, d.b.a. Click! Network, to provide cable television services in the City of Tacoma.

Ordinance 27846 adopted. Granting a ten-year agreement to the City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, Light Division, d.b.a. Click! Network, to provide cable television services in the City of Tacoma.

Ordinance 27848 adopted. Authorizing an increase in 2010 for Ad Valorem tax collection in terms of both dollars and a percentage increase of one percent.

Ordinance 27849 adopted. Authorizing an increase in 2010 for property tax revenue collection in terms of both dollars and a percentage increase of one percent for Emergency Medical Services.

Ordinance 27850 adopted. Fixing the 2010 Ad Valorem property tax levy.

Ordinance 27851 adopted. Fixing the 2010 property tax levy for Emergency Medical Services.

Ordinance 27852 adopted. Providing for the issuance and sale of up to seven series of limited tax general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $51,000,000, to rehabilitate Cheney Stadium, acquire land, and construct and improve other capital projects.

Councilmember Lonergan, Talbert, Strickland voice their support, cite the importance of some of the specific projects.

7:30 PM

First reading of ordinances.

Ordinance 27853: Amending Chapter 6B.70 of the Municipal Code, relating to entertainment and dancing establishments where alcohol is served, to require such establishments to provide reports to the Fire Marshal and Police Chief prior to license approval, and that all security personnel working at such establishments receive approved training; and to set standards for approval and denial of such licenses.

Councilmembers Talbert, Strickland, and Manthou acknowledge the need to possibly examine the wording further.

Ordinance 27854: Amending Title 17 of the Municipal Code, entitled “AnimalControl,” to clarify liability for animal violations, responsibilities of owners of potentially dangerous dogs, and to impose requirements that animals be humanely restrained.

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Nov. 17, 2009 at 5:00pm

City Council Meeting Liveblog

Live from Tacoma, it's Tuesday night!

... it's coming, wait for it... waaaaait for it... 

and the liveblog is a go! Keep that refresh button handy!

5:07 PM

Meeting called to order.

5:09 PM

ROAR Recognitions: Recognizing city staff, officers, and other contributors for making our communities stronger.

5:14 PM

Public comment begins.

Jeff A. voices his support for resolution 37916 (the complete streets guidelines).

Peter Stackwold (Pierce Transit) voices his support of resolution 37916.

John Truman expresses his thanks for the council's support of neiborhood business districts. Expresses interest in restoring Old Town dock. Asks for the councils help in doing so.

Cathy Mantke (sp?) voices her support for ordinance 27852 to include the restoration of Old Town dock.

Leslie Carol (Pierce County Health Department) voices support for resolution 37916.

Alan Douglas also supports resolutions 37916 and 37919.

Stan "Mr. Tacoma" Naccarato encourages the council to ensure Cheney stadium is renovated.

Joe Ladenburg emphasizes the importance of the Cheney stadium improvement/renovation plans.

5:33 PM

Public hearing regarding the almost $5M in proposed tax-exempt muni bonds for the Cheney Stadium renovations.

Baarsma emphasizes this is only one part of the financing package for this project. The overall budget calls for financing of approximately $47M for all the projects involved. Cheney Stadium will require approx. $30M, $28M of which will be funded through the sale of bonds.

Alan Douglas expresses his support for these renovations.

5:42 PM

Resolution 37916 adopted. Endorses the creation and ongoing development of the Complete Streets Design Guidelines.

Councilmember Ladenburg expresses her approval. She emphasizes the importance of vocal citizens to how effective these guidelines will be. Because these aren't mandates, most projects will still be derived from public feedback.

Councilmember Strickland asks how retrofitting/modifying existing streets will be affected. It is emphasized that these guidelines also address these types of projects.

Councilmember Talbert points out the health benefits to these guidelines and the health department's early support of walkable street designs.

Councilmember Fey emphasizes the mixed-use center aspects to these guidelines.

5:56 PM

Resolution 37917 adopted. Authorizes the City to increase the 2010 Ad Valorem property tax levy to 1%.

Councilmember Fey receives clarification that the mentioning of wind turbines in the resolution specifies their exclusion from this tax levy increase.

Councilmember Lonergan acknowledges the unusual need for raising taxes, despite the current economic climate. It is also pointed out that although there will be a 1% increase, the decline in property values mean a net reduction in property taxes for most citizens.

6:04 PM

Resolution 37918 adopted. The other part of the tax increase, except related in this case to the Emergency Medical Services levy.

6:05 PM

Resolution 37919 adopted. Authorizes the execution of a 30-year lease with SDL Baseball Partnership, LLC for the lease of Cheney Stadium from 1/1/2011 through 12/31/2041. The annual lease is approximately $500,000/year. The city would retain 100% of the ticket revenue and 50% of the parking revenue.

[missed his name, help?] (President) voices his support, and points out that Tacoma was/is the most important component during the design process.

Councilmember Ladenburg expresses her gratitude for the value Cheney Stadium has brought to Tacoma.

Councilmember Talbert acknowledges how important it is that this commitment is for 30 years. Suggests it speaks volumes for how the organization sees and is committed to Tacoma.

Councilmember Strickland thanks Ladenburg and Manthou for their leadership in this process.

Councilmember Lonergan observes the ambition of a 16-month schedule.

Mayor Baarsma points out the quality of our favorite local baseball team. Mentions how much more affordable it is for people who might not otherwise go to a professional baseball game. He also points out how important local teams are to establishing a sense of community.

All of Cheney Stadium's staff stands for applause.

6:25 PM

Final reading of ordinance 27847. Adopted. Amends the Municipal Code to align the retainage requirements on public improvements with state law.

6:26 PM

Final reading of ordinances 27848, 27849, 27850, and 27851. Vote postponed until next week.

6:28 PM

Final reading of ordinance 27852. Provides for the issuance of no more than $51M in GO bonds to rehab Cheney Stadium, acquire land, and construct/improve other capital projects.

Councilmember Lonergan suggests more scrutiny for the other projects included in the resolution before a vote is taken. Does not feel enough attention/clarification has been brought to them.

Mayor Baarsma points out many of the items have been discussed extensively. Emphasizes the urgency of some of these items needing funding, and suggests these other projects have been well vetted over decades of discussion.

Councilmember Walker addresses the project related to People's Pool. Emphasizes the community's desire for the pool to be restored/reopened.

Councilmember Fey validates Lonergan's concerns, but acknowledges the importance of these specific projects.

Councilmember Ladenburg ... missed her comments, will update once I get them ....

Councilmember Talbert reviews some of the proposed projects, and also agrees they are worth the proposed funding.

6:45 PM

Unfinished business begins.

Mayor Baarsma gives Julie Anderson a sendoff. Points out this is her last council meeting. Presents her with a plaque on behalf of the city council, recognizing her contributions.

Mayor Baarsma discusses the need to fill the two vacant council seats. Makes a motion to have the city manager begin accepting position 7 and position 8 applications with a deadline of 5PM on December 9. This does not preclude the new council from accepting more applications following January 1st.

6:52 PM

Committe Report: Environment and Public Works Committee

Councilmember Fey reviews what was discussed during the two most recent meetings. Included the complete streets guidelines, among other things.

6:55 PM

Councilmember Talbert addresses the issue of access to the H1N1 vaccine. Directs people to tpchd.org.

6:57 PM

Councilmember Strickland asks rhetorically whether or not the new vacancies will involve the appointments committe.

6:59 PM

Meeting adjourned!

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Nov. 10, 2009 at 5:00pm

City Council Meeting Liveblog

Live from Tacoma, it's Tuesday night!

This week's new and improved un-interrupted liveblog is powered by a tethered iPhone internet connection! Here's hoping I didn't just jinx it...

5:00 PM

.... and the waiting begins ...

5:09 PM

Meeting called to order.

5:11 PM

Resolution 37911 continued until 11/24.

5:12 PM

Public comment begins... and we've got nothing.

5:13 PM

Purchase Resolution 37914 adopted: Authorizes funds for improvements/maintenance for the Thea Foss Waterway and wastewater treatment plant.

• A Tacoma-based contractor was considered, but not selected. Baarsma asks for explanation.
• Baarsma notes these wastewater improvements are ahead of the curve. Impressive.

5:18 PM

Purchase resolution 37915 adopted. Funds additional design services for the servicing of the Puyallup River trestle currently needing maintenance/upgrades.

5:20 PM

Final reading of ordinance 27844. Allows administrative hearings related to the breach/termination of cable TV franchises to be heard by the Hearing Examiner.

5:22 PM

First reading of ordinance 27847. Amends the municipal code to align the retainage requirements on public improvements with state law.

5:23 PM

Report from the economic development committee.

• 9/29 meeting, discussed a SWOT analysis of Tacoma (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).
• 10/27 [... too busy typing, post in the comments if you caught this part!]

5:33 PM

Public Hearing: Setting the proposed Ad Valorem tax levies.

5:35 PM

Public Hearing: The 2009-2010 biennial budget modifications and the 2010-2015 Capital Facilities Program.

Stan Smith speaks during the public comment period:

• Observes we have the highest number of people with disabilities that are fully employed.
• Brings attention to the city's curb ramp program.
• Notes that the volume of work related to curb ramps is substantial.
• The current plan requires approx. $500k per year.
• Current funding only provides for $250k per year through 2013.
• Points out the liability risk of not making this a priority. Pointing out that Sacramento was sued and was required to spend 20% of the transportation budget to address their ADA transitioin plan.
  

5:47 PM

Meeting adjourned. Wow, that was a quickie!

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Oct. 28, 2009 at 5:36pm

Merritt or Strickland for Mayor?

My thoughts... what about yours?

After receiving my ballot I had every item marked except for my choice for mayor. At that point my ballot sat on my kitchen counter for days. Finding both Jim Merritt and Marilyn Strickland to be excellent candidates, I found myself wanting to elect both of them, but sadly there can only be one mayor. Below are the conclusions I came to after thinking long and hard, and the final decision I made.

I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks of the candidates. Did you make your decision already? What swayed you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

I find Strickland to be more focused on Tacoma's social issues and education (as demonstrated by her excellent track record). Both these issues are extremely important to me, and I knew she would be a valuable advocate for them. Merritt is more focused on what I would expect a local business owner and architect to be focused on: economic, business, and urban development issues. These are also very important to me, and I have found these to be the most neglected by our current leadership.

The way I see it, electing Strickland wouldn't change very much. She's already on the city council, and because of the structure of our city government, simply promoting her to mayor wouldn't do much more than free up a council seat. That being said, she has my trust and I have no doubt she would do an excellent job as mayor.

Electing Merritt to mayor has the chance to be something much more pivotal. He has the nerve to stick up for Tacoma and could be an extremely influential advocate for our city (something our current leaders have yet to demonstrate). Plus, electing him would effectively place both of them on the council which, in a way, would achieve my original desire to elect both of them (at least for a little while).

Ultimately I decided to take a chance and vote for Merritt. Not only because of my thoughts above, but because I think he would really push the limits of his role beyond that of a council member with a symbolic title. Observing both candidates' personalities, I am most convinced that Merritt would leverage his mayoral status to effect some much needed change.

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Oct. 27, 2009 at 5:03pm

City Council Meeting Liveblog

That's right, live from downtown Tacoma!

Since I'm all nice 'n comfy with my laptop at tonight's city council meeting, I thought I'd take a crack at my first liveblog. I'll be updating this post as the meeting continues. I can't promise I'll be fast enough to include everything, but I'll try and include all the interesting tidbits.

Stay tuned!

5:10 PM
Meeting called to order, the suspense is killing me!

5:12 PM
Discussing resolution 37902, which would update the working relationship Tacoma has with Puyallup in building/running a 800MHz radio communications network. Basically police/fire/emergency radio stuff.

... and adopted!

5: 16 PM
Discussing Art at Work Day...

5:23 PM
TAPCO is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Bill Baarsma proclaims 10/27/2009 as TAPCO Credit Union Day. Woah, they get their own freakin' day!

5:28 PM
Now discussing some pretty depressing pancreatic cancer statistics...
Recognizing the contributions the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Tacoma.

Baarsma proclaims November 2009 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

5:33 PM
Public comment begins... any drama this week?

Mr. Alan Douglas discusses the conveyence of 22 city-owned parks to Metro Parks (also Wright Park), voicing his support.

Mr. John Miles points out the Wapato Hills property is noticeably omitted. Notes that 4 gov't agencies own the property, none of whom have a master plan to develop it to benefit the public. Baarsma acknowledges the value of the space.

5:40 PM
Public hearing begins on renewal of the cable TV (and probably internet) franchise agreement with Comcast.

5:44 PM
Public hearing begins on renewal of the Click! cable agreement.

Lonergan discusses interesting issue that other states have started moving franchising authority up to the state level (something AT&T has apparrently been spending a lot of money to encourage). Not yet in WA, but if it happened, Tacoma would lose its authority to grant franchise agreements in exchange for funding/support for things like TV Tacoma, free cable services for our schools, etc. I'm not understanding the details 100%, but if AT&T wants it, I'm thinking it's a bad thing...

6:00 PM
Purchase resolution 37903 adopted. Autorizes payment of $275,000 to Piper Jaffray & Co. for bond underwriting services for 2009 muni/GO bonds. Apparrently $275K the maximum, and may not reach that high. Interesting...

6:02 PM
Purchase resolution 37904 adopted. Authorizes $305,000 to cover legal expenses related to telecom, cable, open video, and private communication services.

6:07 PM
Resolution 27905 adopted. Conveyance of those 22 city owned parks to Metro Parks.

6:08 PM
Resolution 37906 adopted. Conveyance of Wright Park from the city to Metro Parks. Baarsma notes this is somewhat historic as it places Wright Park under the authority of Metro Parks after over 100 years of being the City's responsibility.

6:11 PM
Discussion begins on implementing parking pay stations (sub. ordinance 27840), rollout would start come next March.
Will be rolld out in 3 areas - UWT, the downtown core, and everywhere in between (sounds like one big area to me?).

6:18 PM
First reading of ordinance 27843, which would authorize Click! to raise service rates. This would be the 4th rate increase in Click!'s history, with Comcast having raised rates 13 times during the same time period.
Cites statistic that other WA cities pay almost 40% more on average for cable TV service.

Lonergan asks whether it would be possible to keep the two rate hikes at least a year apart (since the first one is being delayed).

Baarsma notes this is the first time Click! (as with the rest of the country) actually has to pay licensing fees for broadcasting what is free OTA. Apparrently the FCC is investigating this (thank goodness).

6:30 PM
City manager reports on plans to purchase electric vehicles and alternative energy facilities paid for with federal stimulus dollars (reminding me also of TPU's involvement with the state's plan to roll out electric charging corridor through I-5).

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Oct. 19, 2009 at 1:28pm

Sound Transit's Latest Renderings

Not so bad, or lipstick on a ber... err pig?

As requested by the city council two weeks ago, Sound Transit has presented renderings of what the berm design will look like once completed. What do you think? Good, bad, somewhere in between? Does this affect your position on the matter?

http://bit.ly/8gF0G

I'll start with my thoughts. To me it looks just awful, and reminds me of the outskirts of Bellevue or Everett. Even with those pretty little flowers and trees, and the nicely manicured lawn that is clearly intended to soften the otherwise hideous blow to our streetscape, I can see where this will go.

To me this design looks like a heavy rail line ramming through our city with little regard to what it destroys. Rather than a design that "tip-toes" around the urban fabric, designed to have as little impact as possible, we have a design that leaves a physical wake of dirt and gravel behind it from which we may never recover.

Also, it looks like someone forgot the chain-link fencing that will have to go alongside the tracks to protect pedestrians from themselves. I imagine regulations require such a fence to be 20 or 30 feed beyond the tracks/gravel, meaning even if that grass was somehow magically maintained, everything on the other side of that fence would become weeds and litter. Just look at our highway overpasses and existing rail berms to see what it will look like when that lipstick washes off...

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Oct. 8, 2009 at 3:05pm

Downtown Tacoma vs. the Burj Dubai

Result: The tallest building in the world is going to be crazy tall...

Just for fun, I grabbed the height of our two tallest highrises downtown and added it to a graph comparing various buildings to the planned height of the Burj Dubai. Just for kicks, have a look:

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