Pierce County Council approves consent agenda, confirms two advisory-board appointments and extends conditional chief-of-staff offer

The Pierce County Council approved its amended consent agenda and unanimously confirmed two advisory-board appointments on March 25, 2025, and voted to extend a conditional offer of employment for the council’s new chief of staff.

The council voted 7-0 to approve the consent agenda after moving two consent items to section 8 for separate consideration. Roll-call results were announced as “7 ayes and 0 nays.”

In separate roll-call votes, the council confirmed two resolutions placing new members on citizen advisory boards. Proposal R2025-125, a resolution confirming the appointments of Syed Hashmi and Trevor Payne to the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, passed by roll call, 7-0. Council member Ayala moved R2025-125; the motion was seconded. Syed Hashmi introduced himself on Zoom and described roughly 13 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and current employment at Western State Hospital. Trevor Payne introduced himself in chambers as a special-education teacher in University Place School District who works with students aged 18–22 on transition services.

Proposal R2025-126, confirming appointments of Joshua Wheeldon (listed on the resolution) and Christian Campbell to the Pierce County Conservation Futures and Open Space Citizens Advisory Board, was also approved by roll call, 7-0. Vice Chair Herrera moved R2025-126. Christian Campbell introduced himself online and said he will represent small towns and described outdoor and conservation experience.

Separately, the council authorized, by voice vote, a conditional offer of employment to Hugh Taylor to serve as chief of staff for the Office of County Council. Council member Morrell moved the motion; after discussion and expressions of support from several council members, the council adopted the motion by voice vote and the chair announced the motion carries.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (as amended, moving C2A and C2B to section 8): Roll-call vote 7–0 (ayes). Outcome: approved. - R2025-125 — Confirm appointment of Syed Hashmi and Trevor Payne to the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board: Roll-call vote 7–0 (ayes). Outcome: approved. - R2025-126 — Confirm appointment of Joshua Wheeldon and Christian Campbell to the Conservation Futures and Open Space Citizens Advisory Board: Roll-call vote 7–0 (ayes). Outcome: approved. - Conditional offer: Extend conditional offer of employment to Hugh Taylor as chief of staff, Office of County Council: voice vote; chair announced motion carries.

The council noted it would discuss one pulled appointment (R2025-130 appointing Julie Dimuth) in a future rules meeting; no vote on that item occurred on March 25.

Ending: Council business for the day concluded after community forum and other business; the council adjourned with no additional roll-call items.