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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesSPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers August 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Council President Hernandez called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Don Lincoln, Assistant Police Chief, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joan Hernandez, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Pam Linder, Dennis Robertson, Verna Griffin, De'Sean Quinn. Councilmember Hougardy was not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. Promotion of Don Lincoln to Assistant Police Chief. David Haynes, Police Chief, conveyed that Don Lincoln has been promoted to the position of Assistant Chief in the Police Department. Mr. Lincoln has been a member of the Tukwila Police Department for the last 20 years. He graduated from the Northwest Traffic Institute and has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. In 1997, Mr. Lincoln was the first Sergeant for the Tukwila Anti -Crime Team, and in 2007 and 2008 he was asked to participate in a national think tank on intelligence issues relating to the United States. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Assistant Chief Lincoln, and his wife pinned on his badge. The City Council, Mayor, and audience members congratulated Assistant Chief Lincoln on his promotion. CITIZEN COMMENTS Matt Peters, 13552 Macadam Road, indicated he has appeared before the Council several times regarding the noise from the new Sound Transit Light Rail system. He previously provided an audio recording of the noise levels at his home, and he also invited the Council to hear the noise first hand. Mr. Peters was then directed to provide his concerns to staff. He has been informed about the studies that are underway, but he has not been provided a status report or comments on the information he provided. He expressed concern regarding the lack of communication from the City relating to his noise complaint. Councilmember Robertson clarified that there is a process the City Administration and Sound Transit are currently utilizing to complete the review of noise issues. Compilation of all the data will take some time to complete before a resolution can be considered. Roger Lorenzen, 14038 Macadam Road South, distributed an invitation to the Council and invited all attendees to a summer garden party in support of the Arts Corps. Mr. Lorenzen explained the Arts Corps is the largest nonprofit arts educator in King County. The event will be Friday, August 28, 2009 at 14038 Macadam Road South in Tukwila. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 24, 2009 Page 2 of 5 Pam Carter, 4115 South 139 Street, provided information on Initiative 1033. Ms. Carter explained that 1 -1033, if passed, would restrict the growth of government general fund revenues and result in lower property tax rates. The annual growth of State, County and City revenues would be limited by an arbitrary formula based on the rate of inflation and population growth. An example of this restriction would be the Tukwila South annexation area and the plan that growth pays for growth. 1 -1033 would not allow the additional property taxes received in the annexation area to pay for services; instead, it would go toward lowering the next year's property tax. Ms. Carter requested the Council take action against the initiative. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Bid Award for Storm Lift Station No. 18 Improvements. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on August 17, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated the Storm Lift Station No. 18 improvement project will replace the existing single 8" pump with two 10" pumps to increase capacity and provide a secondary backup pump. Ro -Con Equipment Specialists, Inc. provided the low bid in the amount of $294,610.00. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING DIRECTLY FOLLOWING TONIGHT'S COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. b. Local Improvement District Formation Schedule for Tukwila Urban Center Access project (Klickitat). Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on August 17, 2009. At the request of the Committee Chair, staff is updating the full Council on the steps necessary to begin the Local Improvement District (LID). Cyndy Knighton, Senior Engineer, explained forming an LID involves various steps that must be taken in specific order, as well as adherence to strict public notification requirements. The proposed schedule includes two open house events, as well as public hearings for the resolution stating the intent to form an LID and the ordinance to form the LID. Should the LID not receive the necessary approval, the City would lose approximately $8 million in grant funding. Councilmember Robertson indicated recent news reports suggest the recession should be ending in November 2010. He stated it is important to the business community that Southcenter Parkway be open and that businesses be accessible. Mr. Robertson inquired how the City could ensure that construction would be completed on schedule. Ms. Knighton indicated that communication would occur with staff from the City and the Department of Transportation to review possible incentive options that could be provided to the contractor to keep the project on track and completed on schedule. c. An ordinance amending the SCORE Jail Interlocal Agreement. Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on August 18, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The ordinance would amend the original SCORE Jail Interlocal Agreement to change the nature of participation by the City of Des Moines. The rights and obligations under the original Interlocal Agreement would not change as a result of the changes contained within the amended agreement. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 24, 2009 Page 3 of 5 d. Tukwila Village development negotiations update. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained the City is currently in negotiations with Tarragon, LLC to develop Tukwila Village. Discussions have reached a point that the basic terms can be provided to the Council. Mr. Speck utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide a status report on the negotiations: Process to Date: 1998 2006: Project creation, land acquisition 2006 2007: Background research, analysis and revision of the Tukwila Vision Statement 2008 2009: RFQ /RFP process, negotiations started and global financial crisis Next Steps: 2009: Final term sheet and creation of the Memorandum of Understanding 2009 -2010: Purchase and Sale agreement and Development Agreement Tukwila Village Draft Deal Terms (non bindina statement of intent): Restating the vision Work cooperatively Developer will expend resources Affordability: at least 20% of residential units for families earning up to 80% of the median income, currently $47,200 for a one person household Cooperative negotiations with King County Library System to relocate Foster Library into Tukwila Village and acknowledgement that King County Library System will need to sell the current library property Collaboratively negotiate a development agreement Property may develop in phases by mutual agreement, a certain number of buildings constructed at each step Development schedule will accommodate market conditions with performance milestones and deadlines City may repurchase property in event of default City to support zoning and comprehensive plan changes City will support multi family property tax exemption City will seek out public /grant funding for the South 144 Street improvements The developer will obtain entitlements The City will identify a project coordinator to expedite permits and communicate with the Council City will remain responsible and will indemnify Tarragon for environmental remediation required as a result of pre- existing conditions The City will vacate 41 Avenue S. with developer cooperation for access to the Normandy Court Apartments Developer will incorporate sustainable building practices Developer will ensure all residential units are built to condo quality standards Tarragon may purchase all six acres at one time; the development was based on all six acres The amount of net rentable area of 500,000 square feet will be available to Tarragon Tarragon will pay fair market value for the and at the time of purchase r The fair market value is based on land residual analysis and on appraisal Confidentiality of the agreement Councilmember Robertson requested clarification regarding the acknowledgement that the King County Library System (KCLS) will need to sell the current library property. Mr. Robertson inquired about the schedule and any impacts to that schedule if KCLS could not sell the property. Mr. Speck indicated that KCLS would be leasing a new location at the Tukwila Village site. Therefore, they would need to sell the current property prior to relocating. If KCLS could not sell the property, that could affect the development schedule. KCLS had indicated they would prefer to work directly with Tarragon. Kristin Jensen, Senior Development Manager and Partner with Tarragon, indicated the prior discussions with KCLS were positive for relocation to the Tukwila Village site. Tarragon had not contemplated the Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 24, 2009 Page 4 of 5 requirement of the sale of the current location impeding the decision to relocate. Ms. Jensen indicated they would work with KCLS on this issue when they have a better idea of the timeframe for the project. Councilmember Quinn inquired about Tarragon developing all six acres. During the selection process, discussions included development of four acres. If Tarragon were to purchase all six acres, that would remove the City from using the property. Mr. Speck clarified that near the end of the Request For Qualifications process, the question was asked if the developers would still consider the project with only the four north acres. Tarragon had indicated that to follow the vision for Tukwila Village, they would like to develop all six acres. The proposed design that was displayed during the selection process depicts the south two acres as residential units, and those would add the residential density the City has desired. Councilmember Quinn clarified that he was indicating the City would want to retain rights to the two south acres in the event of a need to utilize the land. His main concern is that the City would be waiving the right to all the property. Should the City decide to use the space for the Police Department, a Teen Center, or other facility, the City would then be leasing land it had owned at one time. Ms. Jensen explained that developing the entire six acres is what their design was based on. She stated Tarragon would be open to any discussions for suggested uses of the two acres. However, they would want to ensure any uses would still follow the established vision for Tukwila Village. Councilmember Quinn asked the representatives from Tarragon how they feel about the project and if it will come to fruition. Joe Blattner, President and Managing Partner, stated Tarragon is committed to Tukwila Village. They are expending resources on the project and view it as a long -term investment. Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, the market does not allow for groundbreaking at this time. Tarragon has a great deal of pre development to complete before the start of construction. They still believe in the project; however, with the current market conditions, the project will take more time. Mr. Blattner indicated Tarragon would work to create a schedule with timelines that are realistic and milestones that can be accomplished. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160th Street, indicated she supports the development of Tukwila Village. The discussion this evening is concentrating on the "what ifs." Focusing on uncertainties can cause negotiations to stray from the project vision. Dave Fenton, 14201 42nd Avenue South, indicated he has concern with the issue of vacating 41 Avenue S.. The area associated with 41 Avenue S. serves several purposes in the community. The Fire Department utilizes 41 Street as an access road, and residents of the Normandy Court Apartments use it to enter their rear parking lot. Additionally, the Samara Apartments have an easement and land in that area. Mr. Fenton also indicated the proposed building height would obscure the views of his residents of the Samara Apartments. He would encourage the developer to take all of that into consideration. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton indicated on August 20, 2009, he met with representatives from Westfield Southcenter who indicated an agreement has been reached with Seafood City. They will be occupying the former Mervyn's location, as well as an additional 4,000 square feet of mall space. The addition of Seafood City will add a new restaurant, seafood market, and grocery store to the area. He also updated the Council on the Sound Transit noise mailing completed for residents who have submitted complaints. The mailing provides updated information to citizens on the process and also contains contact information for Sound Transit staff who are involved with the noise mitigation study. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 24, 2009 Page 5 of 5 b. City Council Council President Hernandez attended the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting on August 19, 2009. She also attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting on August 20, 2009. Ms. Hernandez reminded the Council about the Shoreline Master Program work session on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Quinn requested the Finance Director provide a briefing to the Council on the impacts Initiative 1033 would have on the City if the voters approved the measure. ADJOURNMENT 9:18 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERNANDEZ DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING BE ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. JoaKHernandez, Council President 6 -4- Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk