First of four budget workshops begins this weekend
The City Council will hold the first of four workshops to create the 2005-2006 Biennial Budget Nov. 6. The agenda includes discussion of the 2005-2006 Legislative budget, responses to budget information requests and setting the agenda for future budget deliberations. Council members will meet from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 16 of Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market St. Other budget workshops are scheduled Nov. 12 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 17 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon. CityPost (Channel 85 on Click!, Channel 77 on Comcast) will air the audio portion of the workshops live.
Convention Center opening festivities kick off Nov. 13
Get your first look inside the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center Nov. 13 following ribbon cutting ceremonies at 11 a.m. The center at 1551 Broadway Ave. will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guided public art tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy entertainment, speakers and an amusement area, with open house activities continuing Nov. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. Guided public art tours will be held again at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Motorized scooter regulations considered
City Council members will hear the first reading of an ordinance Nov. 9 regarding motorized scooters and electric scooters. If approved, road use of gas-powered scooters would be restricted to persons 16 years old and older. Electric scooters would not carry an age restriction and would be classified as alternative transportation for pedestrians.
Council to consider property and emergency medical service tax hikes
The City Council will consider increasing property and emergency medical services tax rates with the first reading of two ordinances Nov. 9. If approved, one ordinance would raise the 2005 Ad Valorem Property tax rate by one percent and another ordinance would increase the 2005 Tacoma Emergency Medical Services tax rate by one percent. Time will be set aside for public comment.
Grant would help fund Tacomas Weed and Seed program
City Council members will vote on an ordinance Nov. 9 that would authorize a $225,000 grant award contract with the U.S. Department of Justice that would help Tacomas Weed and Seed program. Tacoma has been an official Weed and Seed site since 1997. The Weed and Seed program helps implement a community plan to prevent, control and reduce narcotics-related crime and prostitution in targeted areas. The program helps weed out crime through law enforcement and community-oriented policing and then to seed the targeted neighborhood with community development and human services programming.
Council to tackle budget during study session
The Office of Management, Budget and Analysis will update the City Council on the budgeted versus actual expenditure and revenue figures, including data from August and September, during the noon study session Nov. 9. City Manager Jim Walton will also share the results of a survey taken by Council members and staff regarding the effectiveness of the City Council Standing Committees. 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 study session live.
City offices closed Nov. 11; garbage/recycling on regular schedule
City of Tacoma administrative offices will close Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection will not be affected. Tacoma Solid Waste Management will collect garbage, recycling and yard waste on Nov. 11, and the City’s landfill, recycling center and household hazardous waste facility will be open that day. Customers with solid waste-related questions may call (253) 591-5543.
Behind the Scenes Tacoma Art Studio Tours
As part of the Tacoma Artists’ Month celebration, the City is sponsoring a free, self-guided tour of nearly two dozen studios in Tacoma. On Nov. 13-14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit artists’ environments, see demonstrations, view private collections and purchase artwork for the holidays. A different set of studios is open each day.
