Council, mayor join in condemning death of George Floyd
The mayor and City Council of Gig Harbor joined last week in declaring support for racial equality and an end to the unjust killing of black Americans.
“The people in Gig Harbor are 100 percent behind the peaceful cry for justice of the horrific and tragic death of George Floyd,” Mayor Kit Kuhn said at the June 8 City Council meeting, referring to the Minnesota man who died in police custody.
“The people of Gig Harbor are all for justice, equality, diversity and free speech” Kuhn said.
The mayor proclaimed June 10 as Stand Against Racism Day in the city. The date was chosen to mesh with the Walk for Unity and Solidarity scheduled for that day.
“As your mayor, my job is to bring people together and be welcoming of all people and all ideas with the belief that we are smarter, stronger when we join together,” Kuhn said.
Council Member Jeni Woock asked to have the proclamation amended so that it came from both the mayor and council. All council members in attendance agreed. Council Member Jim Franich was absent.
During the meeting, council heard updates from a handful of departments, including the Gig Harbor Police Department.
Police Chief Kelly Busey spoke about the police’s involvement during a Black Lives Matter movement in Gig Harbor on Wednesday, June 3.
Busey said there were around 400 people at the protest, and it was extremely peaceful. He added that there was a bit of tension when armed citizens showed up.
“We educated people that this was an open carry state and they could do that,” Busey said. “I heard great conversations of many different groups. A lot of the demonstrators were young, and they were asking great questions. Everyone was very respectful to each other, exactly how a peaceful protest should go.”
Council Member Spencer Abersold praised Busey for the way the police handled themselves.
“Chief Busey ran the operation like a pro,” Abersold said. “At no point did he lose any control of our streets, he had complete eyes on everything like a hawk, his presence Wednesday when he was handing out bottles of water really set the tone. While there was police at the event their presents was not heavy or known, and I just want to say Chief Busey and the Gig Harbor police department did an excellent job and are the shining example on how these kind of things should be done.”
In other business, the Gig Harbor city council:
Adopted an ordinance which allows council members ability to add items to any council study session by providing the city with five working days notice. The ordinance also specifies that agenda and meeting material for study sessions should be posted online at least four calendar days before each meeting.
Heard the mayor speak about Pierce County going into Phase II of the pandemic recovery plan. “Everyone has a little bit brighter smile on their face. We are in Phase II! It’s exciting for our community. Pierce County has worked hard together,” Kuhn said.
Adopted an ordinance that assists local businesses wishing to safely re-open and sell products consistent with the Governor’s “Safe Start Washington” by removing barriers to commerce. On June 5 an order was issued which temporarily suspended certain special use regulations and eliminated encroachment permit fees. Businesses will now be able to about a sidewalk encroachment permit free if they have a valid Gig Harbor business license and are engaged in an existing legal use.
CORRECTION: A story in The Gateway last week said incorrectly that the study session agenda ordinance was passed May 26. It was presented for first reading at that meeting and passed June 8.
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