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Public comments at Pierce County Council: DIY septic inspections, utility-easement dispute and local evidence-room access among concerns raised
Summary
During community forum, residents urged Pierce County to implement a DIY septic inspection program, asked for help with a delayed utility-easement permit and requested an evidence room at a local sheriff’s precinct for recovered property.
Several members of the public addressed the Pierce County Council during the March 25 community forum, raising issues including a request for a DIY septic-inspection program, a long-running utility-easement dispute, and a request for local evidence-room access for recovered property.
A resident who did not state a full name addressed the council about a DIY septic-inspection program that Washington state has allowed and that other counties have implemented. The commenter said Pierce County Health has given conflicting information about when such a program would be implemented locally and said staff described other counties’ programs as “highly inadequate,” a claim the speaker disputed. The resident urged the council to implement a DIY inspection program to help seniors, veterans, people on fixed incomes and others who struggle to afford inspections and maintenance.
Kenny Lloyd of Buckley described an ongoing utility-easement dispute that has left him relying on a generator and accruing mounting bills. Lloyd said the county required a $15,252 payment before he could apply for a permit; he said the permit and scheduling delays make a county-imposed June 15 completion date unrealistic and that he was receiving past-due notices. He asked the council to help resolve the permitting and billing delays.
Angela Lynn Esquierdo requested evidence-room and recovered-property procedures be established within the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department precinct serving Puyallup so local residents can access recovered belongings without traveling to a facility in Tacoma. She said transporting items to another jurisdiction creates hardship for residents with transportation or financial barriers and asked the county to station evidence-room capacity locally.
Terry Heard, a veteran who identified himself during the forum, thanked the council for the earlier veterans’ proclamation and for recognizing first responders. Council members indicated they will forward the public comments to appropriate departments for follow-up.
Ending: Council members acknowledged the concerns and noted staff or departments would be asked to follow up; no formal votes or policy changes were taken during community forum.
