Community Government

Gig Harbor City Council accepting online comments again

The Gig Harbor City Council voted unanimously to reinstate online public comment on Monday, Jan. 22.

The council previously suspended commenting by people attending meetings via Zoom in December, after learning of obscene and racist comments submitted in other cities.

The council also moved the period allotted for public comment on non-agenda items to later in meetings, after the it has concluded action on business items. And it limited the public comment period for non-agenda items to 30 minutes, though the mayor can adjust the time limit.

The council will further discuss the public comment policy at its annual retreat on Feb. 2.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the change. Councilmembers Le Rodenberg and Roger Henderson were excused from Monday’s meeting.

Summer trolly service limited again

Pierce Transit, citing a shortage of drivers and mechanics, will not offer full-time trolly service this summer, according to City Administrator Katrina Knutson. The agency will operate trolly service on summer  Saturdays and during the Waterfront Farmers Market, which is Thursdays in June, July and August.

Pierce Transit provided the same limted trolley schedule in 2023. In 2022, again due to a driver shortage, it wrapped its regular Gig Harbor Route 100 bus to resemble a trolley car and added a stop at the Uptown shopping center.

The shortage of drivers is an issue for transit agencies and school districts around the country. In December, the Peninsula School District warned that it may abruptly cancel some bus routes due to a driver shortage.

Other business

• Mayor Tracie Markley announced that the city has partnered with Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers to provide free legal advice on matters related to eviction, landlord-tenant problems, family law, consumer issues and more. The free sessions will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, starting Feb. 13.
• The council unanimously re-elected Councilmember Brenda Lykins as mayor pro tempore.
• The council voted unanimously to designate Gig Harbor a “Welcoming City,” that “embraces diversity, promotes unity, and celebrates the richness of all its residents.”

Upcoming meetings

The council meets for a study session at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the civic center on Grandview Street. Agenda items include changes to the state building code, adding another watermain in Gig Harbor North and a “lid lift” on city property taxes.

The council’s next regular council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the civic center. All city meetings can be accessed via Zoom.