[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6078486,"mediaKeyId","2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7","parentId",2959510,"title","Council directs staff to prepare ordinance using lower-tier impact-fee option; staff to return in May","audioSeconds",3423,"startMs",895019,"endMs",4318885,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7&start=895&end=4318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7/thumbnail_895019.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6078486/Gig-Harbor/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-directs-staff-to-prepare-ordinance-using-lower-tier-impact-fee-option-staff-to-return-in-May","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078486-84fdadfe6b5a78f77aded67dbf375102/orig.mp4?Expires=1771055657&Signature=i5IQNmCRU4PfAhnfIUEExS9qqWrwpV~fsIuJvMDIYO8Mpc1Z8EXgIbUcm3S9Ca~RvEgATJUPbzIY1mLPVR8NCcNuBYEaf5eMlGeVFJgteC5HgAnSWy4UT5MlsBJZcg~BY8zTqTN7G~BOxIg7-i2QxVpkkFZbCvYY3fEzWcCq-ncsi849mAQrTZTzwi47JspNHjYcAhwG7Nb8b~Sj4vahyh8p8yrBfvBFJVrQNaaGJwfi6UUk7M8ubo~90ILnFOqBnQ7QoZQM1X5TKDZNWGjEEXhseIlvJbiWos~H31bU6cK6gwZJvmQ5w81AwrsGywAdGNfKJ23LNtdr3PY3oxHsyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gig Harbor City, WA","date","2025-03-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Gig Harbor City Council heard a follow-up presentation from transportation consultants and city staff on updating the city’s transportation impact fee (TIF) program and indicated majority support for the lower-rate option. Staff will return with a draft ordinance implementing the chosen rate and related code language.

At the study session, Marissa Milam of Fehr & Peers (consultant) reviewed the update process and three rate options based on the city’s short-term transportation project list and a possible partial inclusion of the Hunt Crossing project. The city’s current TIF rate is about $7,500 per PM peak-hour vehicle trip, adjusted annually for inflation; consultants presented three sample rates: roughly $8,600 (option 1), about $10,400 (option 2) and about $11,500 (option 3). They said option 1 would fund roughly 80 percent of the eligible portion of the short-term project list (and about 75 percent if Hunt Crossing were included), while option 3 would fund a higher share.

The consultants explained that state law restricts impact fee funding to growth-related capacity and excludes costs for existing deficiencies and growth outside city limits; the consultant team noted that including projects on the impact-fee eligible list can make those projects more competitive for external grants by showing local commitment.

Council members debated the tradeoffs. Council member Eckberg, among others, urged caution about large increases because higher developer fees can be passed into rents and sales prices. Several council members asked about whether TIF applies to changes of use (staff said the city provides credit for prior use when calculating fees) and about how frequently the city can update fees (staff said the rate study can be updated as often as council wants; code allows annual index adjustments for inflation and fees are commonly adjusted once per year). Council member Vandenberg noted option 1 represented about a 14 percent increase from the current indexed rate and option 3 about a 52 percent increase; council discussion stressed predictability for developers as a policy consideration.

Milam reviewed optional legislative exemptions: accessory dwelling units now must be charged half the single-family rate by law, and state law provides for either partial or full exemptions for low-income housing and early learning facilities. Under a partial exemption, developers can be exempted from up to 80 percent of the fee (but developers would still pay 20 percent); a full exemption requires the city to pay 20 percent of the fee for those projects using non-impact-fee public funds (for example, general fund or other non-impact-fee sources). Staff asked council whether to include these options in the ordinance; several council members asked for more time and said the exemption language could be discussed separately.

Council discussion touched on Hunt Crossing, a large long-term project. Consultants had proposed treating 10 percent of Hunt Crossing’s cost as impact-fee-eligible to provide local matching flexibility for grants; councilors noted grants are not guaranteed and that including large projects can materially raise the maximum allowable fee.

After discussion, staff and the majority of council signaled support for Option 1 (the lower-tier increase) as the basis for an ordinance. Public works staff said they will prepare an ordinance reflecting that direction, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, unless council directs otherwise. Staff indicated the ordinance and final rate study would likely be ready for council consideration in May.

No formal vote was recorded at the study session; council direction was given by majority preference and staff will return with the ordinance for formal consideration.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Gig Harbor, WA City Council Study Session - March 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Gig Harbor City Council asked staff to return with a draft ordinance adopting the lower-tier transportation impact-fee rate after a consultant review of three rate options and discussion of impacts on development and future capital projects.","taxTitle","Gig Harbor, Pierce County, Washington","taxId",60969,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078489,"Gig Harbor council reopens park-naming decision, asks Parks Commission for more research",838,36711,875665,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7&start=36&end=875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7/thumbnail_36711.jpg","/articles/6078489/Gig-Harbor/Pierce-County/Washington/Gig-Harbor-council-reopens-park-naming-decision-asks-Parks-Commission-for-more-research","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078489-6d872a1689e7e43cf21feda9f9040db2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771055657&Signature=BUSaJMFjy7gqplb-UDJSg3~9HGfxITAIiX422wZwzhB5jhnuYbW59RIgY5eo~d2gUW5WegQqVC4bsyqx0J4yOCY9eYreswmT1IayGSF7xarK-f1lx5VJsKT9a52sFhiUWAXNZsbuxDkFwrjdLRcSDX82vrUB~6X0BU33WNifgXnUetTy1nVVBqTZdVbbA7-DuvLLdwWk8FnLiJX1cycwHAqKzzvr5APcx4oSu8nNEIlX0tDe68fC6NgErPCXh9Kgg6o~7Il1zrTz8rVwPllT2N13BTyMbDQUnvmDcDXItRKhbQcLagZEN4uTS0aDV0AQ-oSc8wmxsvVoQI6RjxgOFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Presiding Official called for reconsideration of the council’s park-naming recommendation for a new park at the city sports complex, saying councilors should follow the city’s naming criteria before finalizing the name.

The issue matters because Resolution 7.17, the city’s criteria for naming parks and facilities, directs the council to weigh neighborhood or geographic identification, natural or geological features, historical or cultural significance (including persons), and resident preference. Council members said the Parks Commission’s recommendation relied heavily on what “the kids liked” and nomination forms that lacked historical context for some suggested honorees.

Council member Rosenberg said she was “a little uncomfortable with the name that we all thought might work” and urged the council to consider notable local figures. “This is an opportunity to name something in town after a significant female athlete,” Rosenberg said, referring to nominee Doris Heritage and others. Rosenberg and other council members noted that the commission’s nomination packet had uneven documentation for some nominees and that additional research could change the commission’s recommendation.

Other council members disagreed about whether to override the commission’s vote. Several said they would not “usurp the Parks Commission” but supported sending the recommendation back for more context. One councilor said the commission’s recorded vote had been four in favor of the playful name and that the commission’s role is to make recommendations. Another council member said, “Let’s not send them in any direction…if they want more context about the people, let’s give them that.”

Council members discussed the number of names to return to the commission for public review; several favored a short, manageable list. One councilor said three names would be sufficient and another suggested five as a hard maximum, but the council did not adopt a formal cap during the discussion.

The council did not take a formal roll-call vote on the item during the study session. Staff and council members agreed to ask the Parks Commission to gather additional background information on nominated individuals, provide fuller documentation for nominations (for example, news articles or biographical context), and return with a refined list for council consideration. The council’s remarks emphasized following Resolution 7.17’s criteria and avoiding directing the Parks Commission toward a specific outcome.

The council discussion included repeated references to nominees Doris Heritage, Hugh McMillan, Terry Lee and Gilbert Nolan and to the proposed lighthearted name that some members characterized as popular with children. Councilors asked staff to coordinate with the Parks Commission on next steps; the commission’s next actions and any formal vote by the council will be reported when they occur.

Minor procedural and scheduling matters followed the discussion.

","Council members asked the Parks Commission to provide additional background on nominee names after several councilors said the commission relied too heavily on informal preference and nomination forms when recommending a playful name for a new park at the sports complex.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078475,"City advances Crescent Creek Lift Station No. 1 design after deeper geotech findings; cost estimate around $2.4 million",361,5870430,6232280,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7&start=5870&end=6232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7/thumbnail_5870430.jpg","/articles/6078475/Gig-Harbor/Pierce-County/Washington/City-advances-Crescent-Creek-Lift-Station-No-1-design-after-deeper-geotech-findings-cost-estimate-around-24-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078475-1968b7916f31768f0ff9fe28c736e715/orig.mp4?Expires=1771055657&Signature=YQ1GRNXJQsPeSkHyk4iz9i6FCBwFOPEKIFltpZdfvyLoRnmunTj79uJ1nuKjGuQYx5eLrME1Y1DcvMjsDE9ngGgwrfxajvBLz8g67aXKOhQRSLxOI9P4ltBc~q0EyUTzGw6hEkve2ySdATqvSQNMOY80EKSBFsBUUK8XkgBXvJ6mI3mkM8tZNXyvZNlGg1ibUc8FHd2yFoQhiNcfgAFYbNPFX8dSxPl7Mf~HGHOKzkPHpbU1rH0A~~39mai42tN7X--0StIz0Mc-ell8ZiKbM3ZRKHOjdFBI~054Fy0Uv21YNyYK4pl1Eqq1IMryNdUlqNPo9z6~AyuWFG7nF8Z7IA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public works staff and consultants reported updated design work and cost estimates for the Lift Station No. 1 rehabilitation at Crescent Creek Park and said they will advance to detailed design and prepare a construction package.

The historic lift station dates to the 1974 original sewer system. A second, deeper geotechnical investigation found soil conditions requiring a deep foundation approach (for example, piles or drilled shafts). To reduce construction cost impacts, the consultant revised the building design from concrete masonry unit (CMU) construction to a metal building with a facade to match the park aesthetic. The consultant’s 30 percent-design cost estimate shows a construction subtotal of about $2,400,000; additional project costs for construction support, inspection and materials testing are included in the total estimate and will be refined in 60 percent and final design.

Staff said the city has water- and sewer-capital budget capacity in the 2027 schedule but may ask council to move available funds into 2026 if construction is accelerated. Staff will return with contract amendments for construction engineering and owner’s construction support; the 30 percent design is complete and the consultant expects to submit 60 percent design in early April.

Council members asked whether siting at the low-lying location near the creek remains necessary (staff said the site is the low point and moving it would introduce system-wide changes and pumping) and whether the metal building and facade approach has precedent. City operations staff and the consultant said similar metal-building solutions with appropriate HVAC and interior work have been used successfully at comparable utilities projects.

Council did not take a formal vote during the study session but provided direction to proceed with the design changes and return with refined final estimates and contract amendments.

","After deeper soil borings revealed unstable soils, staff and consultants recommended a deep-foundation approach and switched the building shell from CMU to a metal building to control costs; consultants estimate construction subtotal near $2.4 million and staff will return with contract amendments and funding details.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6078480,"Council to pursue emergency water right and design for Well No. 9 at Shaw Park amid creek-impact concerns",478,2792290,3271059,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7&start=2792&end=3271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2959510-a779f1c59d4c750939df130afb079dc7/thumbnail_2792290.jpg","/articles/6078480/Gig-Harbor/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-to-pursue-emergency-water-right-and-design-for-Well-No-9-at-Shaw-Park-amid-creek-impact-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6078480-6db1652f3b14a06dd25b952f4b41c9c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771055657&Signature=lnLmNKYbrdyCGrts5tDxN~P3EJrmkyP1SAfgSGfjV2~7YgV6zvXNw9nWvpJ4YM3ePvpmvcDaYRD42pRF0KSGUbVnJHIoW5vaMER0whk0oT136d12Ub612Hjr3XVLc~17MO37T7eLC-Yeym1LDyNxcBPCfTy-pdkRyz4VTaqaDIfgOpfd2WLhRWPaojb99SK8ImzJw2FS0YD89vbq2HR5kb~sgo2Wgx3gl~m5QjkbxeIO1T8rSf0Tzlv-3MD8L2swLu0ZTl6wed4raBPRRGiGLCtP-tb7~e2FeT3C~cAfUpHF9pY0oOT0iwnZts-CeN7J4hI-DD77H4Gx6qx03EqLsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff described a multi-year process to address water-system redundancy in Gig Harbor North and said they will apply to the Washington State Department of Ecology for an emergency water-right change for Well Number 9 at Shaw Park, proceed with design and drilling, and continue updates to groundwater modeling with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Staff said the city reengaged the Well Number 9 water-right application in February 2022 after the 2018 water system plan identified the need for redundancy in the Gig Harbor North (450) pressure zone. After reviewing three candidate well sites, staff and consultants selected Shaw Park and submitted a new water-right application. Groundwater modeling based on an earlier USGS aquifer model indicated that operating a deep well at the Shaw Park site (modeled at roughly 1,000 gallons per minute) would cause measurable drawdown in several creeks; Ecology and tribal reviewers accepted the model results and asked for mitigation in the form of creek augmentation if the city operated the well under permanent rights.

Staff said Ecology indicated it would be more receptive to supporting a temporary or emergency water-right change that could be used to supply the 450 zone — including Saint Anthony Hospital — during outages or emergencies, rather than granting a permanent right immediately. Ecology told staff it would consider an emergency source and advised that a temporary right could be more readily approved; Ecology also suggested that temporarily serving the whole 450 zone rather than limiting the change to the hospital would be acceptable if the city submits the application.

Because the existing groundwater model contains uncertainties about how water transfers between aquifers, the city plans to work with USGS to update the aquifer model; that work could take multiple years and is not currently fully budgeted. Staff said the model’s current results show significant far-field impacts that would require mitigation (for example, drilling augmentation wells to maintain creek baseflow), and that the mitigation costs and logistics are the core issue Ecology and the tribes are scrutinizing.

Staff recommended, and council agreed by consensus during the study session, to pursue the emergency-right approach, proceed with design, drilling, well-house and treatment facilities at Shaw Park (built to full standards but operated only as an emergency source), and continue the USGS aquifer work. Staff said the city expects to use a point of withdrawal tied to the city’s existing Well No. 11 water rights by a change application; operating Well No. 9 would require switching off Well No. 11 (they could not run simultaneously under current rights). Staff indicated there is capital budget capacity in the current water program for construction in 2027 and said they would seek to move available funds into 2026 if council directs earlier construction.

Councilors asked about the emergency trigger, the potential need for routine testing runs, and the cost and timing of the USGS model update. Staff said the emergency designation would cover system failures, major outages and other unplanned interruptions in the 450 pressure zone and that routine test pumping would be part of operations. Several council members expressed support for moving ahead with the emergency-right application and advancing design work to ensure redundancy for the hospital and the 450 zone.

","City staff presented groundwater-model results showing potential impacts to creeks from a proposed Well No. 9 at Shaw Park, and said the Department of Ecology is supportive of a temporary/emergency water-right approach; council directed staff to proceed with an emergency-right application and to advance design and drilling as an emergency source,","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council directs staff to prepare ordinance using lower-tier impact-fee option; staff to return in May

Gig Harbor council reopens park-naming decision, asks Parks Commission for more research

City advances Crescent Creek Lift Station No. 1 design after deeper geotech findings; cost estimate around $2.4 million

Council to pursue emergency water right and design for Well No. 9 at Shaw Park amid creek-impact concerns