In a recent meeting of the Fife City Council, held on July 23, 2024, council members addressed several pressing community issues, including homelessness, infrastructure concerns, and adherence to building codes.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by a pledge of allegiance and a land acknowledgment honoring the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The council emphasized the importance of recognizing the indigenous history of the area as part of their commitment to allyship.

During the public comment segment, resident Carol Sebrate urged the council to petition the Pierce County Council for a more rapid and localized approach to addressing homelessness. She expressed concern over the recent emergency meeting that lacked adequate representation from all districts, advocating for more inclusive discussions to better address the needs of the community.

Sebrate also raised questions regarding the city's decision to bill long-term residents for new sewer pump stations, which she attributed to the impact of large warehouses on the city's sewer system. She questioned why these businesses were not held accountable for the costs associated with infrastructure upgrades.

Additionally, concerns were voiced about potential violations of international building codes related to construction in flood-prone areas. Sebrate highlighted the need for the council to investigate compliance with established liquefaction and tsunami maps, which have been in place for decades, to ensure the safety and integrity of new developments.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions, but the discussions underscored the community's desire for transparency and accountability in local governance. The council's next steps in addressing these issues remain to be seen as they continue to engage with residents and stakeholders.