County Council could reopen for live meetings soon

With the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly winding down due to more of the population getting vaccinated, it might not be too long before Pierce County Council meetings return to the in-person format that was the norm prior to virus-inspired lockdowns.

Council meetings are currently held virtually, utilizing computer and video technology to allow for off-site participation.

“Stay tuned for guidance from us for the public returning to chambers,” said Council Chair Derek Young at the June 8 meeting of the Pierce County Council, noting that new rules will likely be adopted in the next few weeks.

It seems, however, the pandemic’s effect on how the council meets will have some long-term effects.

“But I would anticipate that the council will continue to have remote participation for the public,” Young explained, which will be helpful for people who find it difficult or inefficient to drive to Tacoma to personally attend a council meeting.

This will also allow council members the opportunity to participate in meetings even when they are ill, without the risk of infecting fellow council members and others in attendance.

“Anyway, expect those changes soon,” Young said.

An ordinance adopting amendments to the Pierce County Code to resolve challenges to the “Centers and Corridors” legislation was continued until the next council meeting Tuesday. The “Centers and Corridors” proposal involves rezoning areas within a quarter-mile of roadways to be major commercial and residential developments per four community plans: Parkland/Spanaway/Midland, South Hill, Mid-County and Frederickson. The ordinance includes a proposed settlement in a lawsuit brought by Futurewise, a nonprofit that focuses on what the group calls “livable communities” via influencing environmental and economic policies.

The council passed an ordinance adopting amendments to the Pierce County Code regarding the “Pierce County Hearing Examiner Code.” The technical amendments address changes in code citations, as well as ambiguity in language and various oversights.

In a similar vein, the council passed an ordinance amending different sections of the Pierce County Code related to clarifying various codes and code compliance.