Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-03 Regular MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:06 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Verna Griffin, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. MOVED BY GRIFFIN, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER ROBERTSON FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. CITY OFFICIALS Tukwila City Council City Hall Council Chambers MINUTES Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Don Lincoln, Assistant Police Chief; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction of new employees: Kelsey Massoth, Administrative Support Assistant, Parks and Recreation Department Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Kelsey Massoth to the City Council. Ms. Massoth was previously employed in the Parks and Recreation Department at the City of Federal Way. She has a great deal of day -to -day interaction with customers at the Community Center and is a welcome addition to the team. The Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Massoth to the City of Tukwila. PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS Regular Meeting August 3, 2009 7:00 P.M. a. Confirm the appointment of Sean Albert to Position #1 on the Parks Commission, with a term expiring 3/31/2010. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY LINDER TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMNET OF SEAN ALBERT TO POSITION #1 ON THE PARKS COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/2010.* Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Sean Albert to the Council. Mr. Albert has lived and volunteered in the City since 2006. *MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. b. Presentation of Well City Award to Stephanie Brown, Bev Willison and Trina Cook, Tukwila Wellness Committee representatives. Mayor Haggerton presented Stephanie Brown, Bev Willison and Trina Cook, Tukwila Wellness Committee representatives, with the Well City Award. This is the 6 th year in a row the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has recognized Tukwila with this award. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 2009 Page 2 of 6 Stephanie Brown, Wellness Committee Chairperson, expressed appreciation for the award and provided an overview of the Wellness Program. The Wellness Committee meets on a monthly basis and is comprised of representatives from various City departments. The Committee assesses program needs and seeks input from employees about health related issues of concern. They also provide educational opportunities, sponsor health related events, and strive to raise awareness about wellness. Councilmember Duffie relayed that he was in attendance at the AWC Conference in Spokane when the City officially received this award. He explained that 150 cities participated, and Tukwila continues to be a leader in the area of employee wellness. He expressed appreciation to Mayor Haggerton for his leadership in this area, and indicated that the National League of Cities (NLC) has also recognized the Mayor for his support of wellness in the workplace. Councilmember Hougardy read excerpts from a letter from the National League of Cities to Mayor Haggerton, recognizing the success of Tukwila's health promotion program and extending congratulations to all those who participated. Mayor Haggerton expressed that Tukwila is a strong leader with regard to employee health and wellness, and he thanked Councilmembers Duffie and Hougardy for sharing the letter from the National League of Cities. CITIZEN COMMENTS Brian Kennedy, 12802 37 Avenue South, indicated he would like to see additional funding provided for the Arts Commission. Since a new Fire Station is planned for the Tukwila South development, it would be helpful for the commission to have increased funds. He also relayed that it would be helpful for the Link Light Rail system to have a station farther south for those residents who live in that area of Tukwila. Mayor Haggerton indicated the City would look into both issues. Kathleen Crabtree, 115 Wells Avenue North, Renton, is a member of the King County International Airport Roundtable, and she provided documentation and an update regarding issues involving the airport. She indicated the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised the decibel levels for homes qualifying for sound insulation, such that 6 homes in the Allentown area will qualify. She also relayed that Renton Airport and Payne Field are closing their runways for the next 10 days, so there will be more air traffic into Boeing Field during that time period. Councilmember Linder relayed that the decibel level revision represents a dramatic change from the past. When she participated in the roundtable discussions, all of the homes in the Duwamish area and a large part of the Allentown area were eligible for sound insulation. She requested additional information as to the basis for the change. Ms. Crabtree indicated she would look into this issue. The Councilmembers and Mayor thanked Ms. Crabtree for her service to the City in providing this valuable information. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, indicated she rode the Light Rail system on a Saturday, and there were no spaces available in the parking lot. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 7/20/09 (Regular) b. Approval of Vouchers #348038 #34833 #200908031- #200908032 in the amount of $1,294,814.97 c. Accept as complete the Infiltration Inflow 2009 Side Sewer Installation at 13906 51 Avenue South project with Duane Cameron Bulldozing, Inc. (Contract #09 -057); authorize release of retainage subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $43,690.05). Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 2009 Page 3 of 6 MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. An ordinance renewing a six -month moratorium on the acceptance of applications for Sign, Development, and Electrical Permits for certain types of signage. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RENEWING A SIX -MONTH MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS FOR SIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND ELECTRICAL PERMITS FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF SIGNAGE WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2246. b. Authorize the Mayor to sign Supplement #5 to Contract #05 -071 with HNTB for the Tukwila Urban Center Access Project (Klickitat) in the amount of $63,350.00. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN SUPPLEMENT #5 TO CONTRACT #05 -071 WITH HNTB FOR THE TUKWILA URBAN CENTER ACCESS PROJECT (KLICKITAT) IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,350.00. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. c. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Authorization for Transfer of Funds in the amount of $162,000.00, from Enterprise Fund Capital Outlay accounts to the Equipment Rental fund, to purchase a Front Loader for the Public Works Department. MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS #BT09 -004) IN THE AMOUNT OF $162,000.00, FROM ENTERPRISE FUND CAPITAL OUTLAY ACCOUNTS TO THE EQUIPMENT RENTAL FUND, TO PURCHASE A FRONT LOADER FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. d. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Authorization for Transfer of Funds in the amount of $958,158.00, from departmental budgets to the ending fund balance in the General Fund, to implement a 3% budget reduction. MOVED BY LINDER, SECONDED BY GRIFFIN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS #BT09 -005) IN THE AMOUNT OF $985,158.00, FROM DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS TO THE ENDING FUND BALANCE IN THE GENERAL FUND, TO IMPLEMENT A 3% BUDGET REDUCTION. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. NEW BUSINESS a. A resolution endorsing the efforts of the Valley Cities Association and authorizing an application for a Federal Grant to fund broadband opportunities offered through the U.S. Department of Commerce and allowing the Mayor of the City of Auburn to sign the application on behalf of the City. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 2009 Page 4 of 6 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ENDORSING THE EFFORTS OF THE VALLEY CITIES ASSOCIATION AND AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR A FEDERAL GRANT TO FUND BROADBAND OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED THROUGH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed resolution by title only. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY LINDER THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on July 28, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval and forwarded this item directly to the Regular Meeting due to the grant deadline. This resolution endorses the efforts of the Valley Cities Association and authorizes an application for a federal grant in the amount of $4.3 million to fund broadband opportunities. The resolution also allows the Mayor of the City of Auburn to sign the application on behalf of the City. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained that Tukwila's contribution will be in -kind services of fiber and conduit that are already in place in the City. Tukwila has joined the other area cities to put a contract in place for maintenance related needs. *MOTION CARRIED 6 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1687. b. Discussion of time limit for speaker comments. Council President Hernandez indicated the new public comment process during Council meetings has been in place since the July 13, 2009 Council meeting. She indicated the agenda front sheet, the pink speaker sheets, and the Council Procedures ordinance all reference the 5- minute time limit for speakers. The 5- minute time limit can be changed by amending the Council Procedures ordinance. Councilmember Duffie spoke in favor of the 5- minute limitation, and indicated there may be times it is necessary to make exceptions. Councilmember Linder supported continued use of the time keeping system. She indicated the Council Procedures ordinance provides a method for the Presiding Officer to extend additional time if necessary. Councilmember Griffin relayed that she is comfortable with the current process. She conveyed concern about allowing longer comment periods for one topic as opposed to another topic. Councilmember Hougardy distributed a memorandum containing suggested changes to the process. She would like to see the current process kept in place for Public Hearings. For other speaker comments, she would like use of the buzzer discontinued when the 5- minute period has elapsed. In her view, the person should be politely interrupted and offered the opportunity to make a brief statement in conclusion. If and when the Council asks clarifying questions that, by nature, would extend the time; however the speaker's presentation time would be over. She is in agreement with the 5- minute time limit, and is primarily concerned about abruptly ending a speaker's comments. Councilmember Quinn indicated he is comfortable with the current process and stressed the importance of consistency and transparency. He stated there are also other methods available to citizens to communicate with the Council such as email, phone calls, and the Council Coffee Chats. In his view, a formal process that is consistent is beneficial to the citizens in knowing what to expect week to week. He has concerns about extending speaker comment times as it could appear arbitrary. He sees this as a protection to the City and not a limitation. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 2009 Page 5 of 6 Council President Hernandez distributed documents from the City Clerk regarding the time keeping process, as well as a pink speaker sign -in sheet. She indicated that since the Presiding Officer will not be receiving the pink slips in this process, it can be difficult to address the speakers by name. She would like to see this part of the process refined. The Mayor asked for input from the City Attorney. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, referenced the need for consistency and content neutral regulation of speech at Council meetings. She argued a case at the Supreme Court level wherein the court determined that business is conducted at Council meetings and found it reasonable to impose time limits on speaker comments. She indicated that if the Chair wants to waive the speaker time limits, it should be done by a majority vote of the Council to suspend the rules. She also suggested that it be done for the entire meeting, and that there be a purpose given for the change at the beginning of the meeting. She conveyed it would be problematic to show preference toward hearing more from one person than another person. She indicated it is acceptable to allow a speaker to exceed the 5 minutes by a few seconds to finish up a thought. The problem arises when the speaker chooses to go on and on for additional minutes. She feels the Council is headed down the right path with this process. Council President Hernandez inquired if a vote to suspend the rules could be done at Committee of the Whole meetings, and the City Attorney answered in the affirmative. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton was the Master of Ceremonies at the July 28, 2009 North Wind's Weir salmon estuary habitat restoration event at the west end of South 112 Street where it enters the Duwamish River. He also attended the July 30, 2009 unveiling ceremony of the P -8A Poseidon aircraft at the Boeing facility in Renton. He also attended a meeting of the Eastside Tolling Advisory Group where they discussed the potential of additional HOV or "hot" lanes on 1 -405; the hot lanes on Highway 167 have been very successful. The Mayor reported that the SCORE jail group will have a groundbreaking ceremony on August 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. on the site of the new jail at 1801 South 200 Street in Des Moines. He also offered a reminder that there will be a roundtable discussion at the Tukwila Government Affairs Committee meeting on August 4, 2009. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the recent AWC Conference in Spokane. Council President Hernandez attended the July 28, 2009 North Wind's Weir salmon estuary habitat restoration event and the July 30, 2009 unveiling of the P -8A Poseidon aircraft at the Boeing facility in Renton. She also attended the Teamsters family picnic at Starfire Sports on August 1, 2009. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reminded the Council that August 4, 2009 is the National Night Out Against Crime event in Tukwila. She also reported the City is the recipient of the COPS grant, which is part of a stimulus package involving community oriented policing, administered through the Department of Justice. The grant funding is the equivalent of 3 officers. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, reported that he recently met with 7 residents of the Allentown and Duwamish neighborhoods regarding Sound Transit noise concerns. He is encouraging citizens to communicate both with Sound Transit and the City of Tukwila regarding any issues of concern. It is important to have a record of potential problem areas with regard to noise issues. Communication with both agencies will help ensure the maximum benefit to the community. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 2009 Page 6 of 6 Councilmember Hougardy suggested a link be put on the City's website where citizens can sign up to be on a listsery regarding Sound Transit noise issues. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated she would look into that possibility. Mr. Pace indicated he would talk more with citizens about this issue during the National Night Out Against Crime event. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, indicated that Councilmember Hougardy will host the Council Coffee Chat on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the Starbucks on Interurban Avenue. She relayed that additional work sessions regarding the Shoreline Master Program may be needed, and she would like the Council to provide information as to their schedules. ADJOURNMENT 8:29 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. J aggerton, IVl 1 I Christ O'Flahertjy'City 7 APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 8/17/2009