Heated exchange over fireworks, volunteer gratitude spotlights interpersonal conduct in Tumwater council review

A July 14 Tumwater work session intended to review council rules turned, in part, into a candid conversation about interpersonal conduct after a council member described a donated fireworks presentation as “pitiful.”

Council members said the choice of timing and phrasing — criticizing the fireworks during a proclamation honoring Parks and Recreation — risked alienating volunteers, donors and partners. “When I said pitiful, not because the city didn't... it was because the city didn't do that,” one council member said, and other members responded that the comment could be received as a public rebuke of volunteers and sponsors.

Several members urged separating critique from ceremonial moments. One council member noted the fireworks were donated and that the event involved volunteer effort; the mayor said the display represented a $35,000 donation. Another member emphasized cultural optics, saying the display involved Red Wind, an economic development arm of a neighboring sovereign nation, and that celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary can bring complex feelings for Native nations.

Council members discussed whether interpersonal expectations in section 28 should be aspirational or prescriptive and agreed to revisit that section with specific language. Several asked colleagues to be mindful of tone in public meetings and on personal social media, noting that public posts about city business could become subject to public records requests.

The exchange grew heated at points, with the mayor reminding members of the time and asking that the meeting be conducted respectfully; members ultimately moved on and asked staff to return the rules with redlines reflecting the day’s discussion.

Next steps: Section 28 will be the focus of more detailed review in a future session and staff will return a redline for the council’s consideration.