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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesCouncil Committee Tukwila City =~=,~~..~,"" ~~~~... ..~.. of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers August 12, 2013 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Hougardy called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Hougardy explained that due to unforeseen circumstances, the report scheduled under item 5.e. (Study/report options for Allentown and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Intermodal Facility) will be rescheduled to a future Council meeting. Comments from the public on this issue will still be taken at tonight's meeting. Mn. Hougardy also explained that at meetings that will continue past 9:00 pm, a break will be called to allow the videographer to change discs. OFFICIALS Present were Kathy Hougardy, Council President, Joe Duffie, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn. Kate Kruller Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Ekberg were not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim HagQerton, Mayor; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Jack Paoe, Community Development Director; Bob Giborson, Public Works Director; Peggy McCarthy. Finance Director; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Nora Gierloff, Deputy Community Development Director; Todd Rossi, Police Sergeant; Rick Mitchell, Police Commander; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer; Maggi Lubov, CTR Coordinator; Laurel Humphnay, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Police Chief Mike Villa explained several medals will be awarded this evening. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for conduct or judgment that is exemplary or for dedication to duty during a prolonged time of crisis, emergency or unusual occurrence. He asked Sergeant Todd Rossi to provide further information. a. Meritorious Service Medal to Officer Patrick Hisa. Todd Rossi, Police Sergeant, recognized Officer Patrick Hisa for his quick thinking and exceptional service on April 5, 2013. Officer Hisa responded to a call at the Comfort Suites, where a 1-year-old child was reported under water. Officer Hisa arrived less than two minutes after receiving the first call, and observed bystanders and family members at poolside attempting CPR on the child. Officer Hisa cleared the child's airway of water and began CPR. Within one minute the child began breathing. Sergeant Rossi spoke with the family two weeks ago and they expressed their appreciation and reported their daughter has experienced no lasting effects from the incident. Those in attendance honored Officer Hisa with a standing ovation. Chief Villa presented the medal and a certificate and expressed congratulations to Officer Hisa. The Councilmembers also expressed their gratitude and congratulations to Officer Hisa. b. Distinguished Service Medal to Officer Eric Devries and K9 Stryker. Chief Villa explained the Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for an act that results in significant enhancements of the department's operations or for distinguished career service to the department, and is being awarded to Officer Eric Devries and K9 Stryker. He asked Commander Rick Mitchell to provide Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12.2013 Page 2ofY/ further information. Commander Mitchell stated that his position oversees the City's K9 unit. Over the past 8 months, two K9 teams have retired. Officer Devries has been with the Police Department for 13 years. He went through the selection process 7 years ago to become a K9 handler and Stryker was purchased in February 2007. Officer Devries and Stryker completed a 400-hour police patrol training course, and have diligently served the citizens and department for 6 years, retiring in March 2013. Their accomplishments, captures and prolific cases are a testament to their outstanding perfonnanoe, prufessiona|ism, selfless service and dedication, which led to their nomination for this award. The function of the K9 units is to respond to calls and incidents where suspects are armed and dangerous, in-progress felonies, and fleeing suspects. They also search for articles of evidence, patrol and do public demonstrations. The K9 units provide protection for officers when responding to serious calls in the community. Officer Devries and Stryker have been deployed 395 times, located or captured 118 fleeing suspects, and recovered 58 items of evidence, which assist in prosecution of these criminals. They are also called to serve many of the cities in the surrounding area when needed, including tracking a suspect in a rape case in Des Moines and at a double shooting (attempted homicide) at an apartment complex. Chief Villa presented medals to Officer Devries and K9 Stryker. The Councilmembers expressed their gratitude and congratulations to the team. c Distinguished Service Medal to Officer Jamie Sturgill and K9 Gino. Commander Mitchell stated that Officer Jamie Sturgill and K9 Gino served the Tukwila Police Department from December 1, 2008 through October 19, 2012. Officer Sturgill has been a member of the Police Department for 11 years and was selected as a K9 handler 4 years ago. Officer Sturgill and Gino completed a 400-hour police training course. They assisted the department with difficult cases including armed and dangerous suspects and in-progress felonies. Their accomplishments have included 195 deployments and capture of 71 suspects. In 2009 they assisted with the capture of a robbery and assault suspect, during which Gino was stabbed in the neck. The suspect was later captured by officers, due in part to Gino, and was later convicted for his crimes Gino was back to work 3 weeks later and received the Q1 3 Fox Officer of the Month award for July 2009. During the summer of 2010 Gino searched for and located two fleeing suspects after they attempted to drive at an officer with a vehicle. Chief Villa presented medals to Officer Sturgill and K9 Gino. The Councilmembers expressed their gratitude and congratulations to the team. d. Introduction of new Police K9 team, Officer Brent Frank and K9 Ace. Chief Villa introduced Officer Brent Frank and his K9 Ace. Ace is a 2-year-old German Shepherd that was born in northwestern Germany and imported to the U.S. in 2012. The City purchased Ace from the same kennel that had Stryker and Gino, which is operated by an Everett police officer. The team began a 450-hour training regimen in yWanoh, and received high praise from the Master Trainer. The training is conducted by an officer from the Redmond Police Department at no cost to the City. Upon completion, the team was accredited through the Washington State Training Commission and Washington State Police Association. Officer Frank and Ace returned to patrol duties in mid-June, and have had 5 captures. Officer Frank has been with the Police Department for 3 years. His selection as a K9 officer can be attributed to his demonstrated high performance, stellar work ethic and good judgment. Officer Frank explained Ace is still an adolescent dog, with excitement for coming to work each day. Officer Frank expressed that he is humbled and honored to be selected as a K9 officer, which was a goal even before he was hired. He attributed their success throughout the training and on the street to fellow officers who served as decoy suspects for Ace during training. He stated he is pleased to serve with the Patrol Team and serve the department. The Councilmembers congratulated Officer Frank on his new position. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12.2O13 Page 3o[1Y CITIZEN COMMENTS Kathleen McDermott, 5302 S. 137th St, Tukwila, explained she has three concerns: 1. Three parking spots have been painted on S. 137th Street at the new medical office building (above the park-and-ride lot). In her observation, these are very dangerous as two cars can no longer fit through the road easily and there is no sidewalk for pedestrians. A left-hand turn from 53rd Avenue S. could result in an accident. 2. The traffic speed along S. 137th Street—coming up 53rd Ave. S., which then ends in a 'T"—is also o concern. She has expressed her concern to street patrol officers She recently walked to the 7-Eleven with her 7-year-old grandson As they were crossing Interurban Avenue on the way back, a car turned left right in front of them and she stopped traffic in response. She was disappointed that an unmarked police car driving by did not intervene 3. Ms. McDermott's third concern is that her house address does not make sense on a map, and people have trouble locating the house Ms. McDermott asked that the Council observe a moment of silence for the Metro bus driver who was shot and hospitalized earlier today. Council President Hougardy stated Ms. McDermott's concerns would be referred to staff, and asked those in attendance to observe a moment of silence for all public servants. PUBLIC HEARING An ordinance updating the Comprehensive Plan. Council President Hougardy explained that public hearings are required by law before the Council can take action on matters that affect the public interest i.e. land use laws, annexations, rezone requests and public safet issues. 7:43 p.m. Council President Hougardy opened the Public Hearing. Council President Hougardy called for a staff report. Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, reported the current work is for the 2013 portion of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan update. Public testimony will be taken at tonight's meeting A Council work session will be held on these issues on September 9, 2013. After the Public Hearing tonight, staff is requesting guidance on how Council would like to proceed with that review. The Comprehensive Plan is a high-leve policy plan that is a 20-year vision and roadmap for the City's future. It guides the City's decisions on where new jobs should go; where new housing should occur; decisions on how to improve the transportation system; decisions on whether to invest in utilities, infrastructure, and other capital projects; and it is the basis for development regulations. It can be considered the framework for Tukwila's "big picture" decisions. The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1995. It was developed over a 2-year period, with the "Tukwila Tomorrow" Committee. The state allows the City to amend the Plan once a year, and requires the City to review and update the plan every 7 to 10 years. The last update was adopted in 2004, and the next update is due by June 30, 2015. In March 2013, the City Council began their review process, including adopting a work plan and public involvement program. From April to June of 2013, the Planning Commission held work sessions and a public hearing on draft changes to the Plan, which then came back to Council for discussion at work sessions held late last month. The update to the Comprehensive Plan will occur over several years. The Manufacturing/Industrial Center Element and Shoreline Element were completed in 2011 Per the adopted work plan, this year's elements are Capital Fmci|biem, Uti|ities, TransportaUon, Natural Environment with an Urban Forestry emphasis, updated narrative for the Shoreline Element, and the Southcenter Urban Center. Review during 2014 will include Economic Development, Housing, Residential Neighborhoods, Transportation Corridors, and Tukwila South. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12, 2013 Page 4 of 11 The basic goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan from 1995 will be retained: - improve and sustain the residential neighborhoods - redevelop and reinvigorate Tukwila International Boulevard - strong industrial uses along East Marginal Way - develop a thriving urban center in the Southcenter area 7:48 p.m. Councilmember Seal left the Council Chambers. Upon completion, the updated Comprehensive Plan will be formatted to be easy to use on -line, including links to all the background materials in order to provide additional information. The outreach and public involvement methods regarding the elements being reviewed in 2013 have included: - Planning Commission hearings and work sessions - Open house (in March) - Mailing to all residences and businesses in the City (which were also translated into Spanish and Somali) - Comprehensive Plan section on the City's website - Articles in "The Hazelnut" and "Tukwila Reporter" - Tukwila Tree and Environment Advisory Committee meetings - Informational presence at community events 7:50 p.m. Councilmember Seal returned to the Council Chambers. Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator, acknowledged receipt of three written comments received in the City Clerk's Office relating to the Comprehensive Plan update. The following written comments were distributed to the City Council and referenced into the record: 1. A 3 -page letter received from Wynn and Maxine Anderson, dated August 5, 2013 2. A 2 -page email received from Sandi Fukumoto, dated August 8, 2013 3. A 2 -page letter received from Brent Schmidt of Seattle City Light, dated August 9, 2013 Council President Hougardy called for public comments. Jami Balint, company counsel for Segale Properties, PO Box 88028, Tukwila, thanked staff for the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) element of the Comprehensive Plan. There were initially 3 elements to the TUC plan: the Comprehensive Plan amendment, the Zoning Code and the Design Guidelines. She noted staff has separated the Comprehensive Plan from the Zoning Code and Design Guidelines, which is logical and easier to review. In regard to the TUC element of the Comprehensive Plan, Segale is in support of the pedestrian orientation and the goals and policies related to pedestrian orientation. They do have a concern that those goals should not override the fact that the area is a regional shopping center and people travel in their automobiles to come to the Southcenter area. There is evidence of this in the Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan. One section specifically discusses that when the streamlined sales tax process changed (from the tax being origin based to destination based), Tukwila's revenues decreased, which indicates the majority of shoppers do come from outside Tukwila —most likely by automobile. They want to ensure that drivers are not overlooked and parking stalls are not sacrificed for trails, landscaping or open space. Ms. Balint referenced Policy 10.2.2 (on page 13 of the TUC), which states the City wants a finer grained street grid system, rather than the current "mega blocks." Segale agrees with the goal; however they would like the policy changed as one implementation strategy is to find a way to require development to pay for the cost of the street grid system. She pointed out that RCW 82.02.020 would not allow the City to require development to pay. Pursuant to RCW 82.02.020, development can only be required to make dedications of land or to pay fees or charges if the dedication, fee or charge is a direct result of impacts of the development. Simply wanting a finer grained street system is a policy and not a capacity or level of service issue. If a finer grained street system is a goal, the City may need to make policy decisions regarding how that can be implemented if they are not able to pass the cost on to development. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12.2013 Page 5nfY1 In the Natural Environment section, Policy 4.13.6 (on page 4-27) states that topping of trees and pruning is detrimental to the trees. Segale would like to note that topping is necessary in some cases when the trees are hazardous. As the City moves from the Comprehensive Plan to the Zoning Code, Segale would like acknowledgement that an exception is needed for topping of hazardous trees. Stewart Shusterman stated he is a resident of Tukwila and is the Facilities Project Manager in the Capital Facilities Office for the Renton School District, which he is representing this evening. He stated that 20 percent of Tukwila is within the Renton School District. The Tukwila Urban Center (Southcenter) falls within that area, as does Tukwila South. The school district also includes portions of Renton, Bellevue, Newcastle, Kent and a small portion of SeaTac and unincorporated King County. Mr. Shusterman referenced the residential housing development aspect of the Comprehensive Plan. Although development may not be a reality for many years, that residential development may impact the Renton School District and they will need to be prepared. In other municipalities where development has occurred, the school district has worked with those municipalities in accordance with the policies of the Growth Management Act to implement the assessment and collection of school impact fees in order to mitigate the effect of the development on district facilities and their ability to accommodate increased enrollment. The district currently has 5 students from Tukwi|a, who are picked up at the Claim Jumper. The school district is looking for the City's understanding that development may impact the school district, and they will be asking to work with the City to implement impact fees. Andy Padvorau, Senior Land Planner, Puget Sound Energy, Bellevue, stated that trees sometimes conflict with the opportunity to serve customers well, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has an active vegetation management program that complies with professional standards of aboriculture and National Electric Regulatory Commission reliability standards. There can be alternate meanings of the term ^huzandous" For electric utilities, a hazardous tree is one that could mature to interfere with overhead lines. The City's definition of "hazardous" infers a more imminent threat to life and property. The purpose statement in the Utilities Element reads, "To provide utility services and facilities that meet the community's current and future needs in a aafe, ro|iab|e, effioient, economic and environmentally responsible manner." PSE is in full agreement with balancing "safe and re|iab|e" with environmental responsibility. Mr. Padvorac distributed copies of a PSE handout to the Council entitled "Energy Landscaping," which is also available on their website. PSE offers tree replacement coupons when trees must be removed due to conflict with wires. Limitations on removing trees need to have careful review going forward. Mr. Padvorac had several comments on the Natural Environment Element: 1. Policy 4.13.1.B,"Promote tree retention," has an exception for "trees that interfere with underground or overhead uU|ities.^ Mr. Padvorac feels the term "interfere" is not well defined. 2. Policies 4.13.1.0 and 4.13.7, "Right tree — right place." PSE supports retention of significant trees in the right place. They also support expanding the existing language for mitigation off site to bring in oppurtunidesfor^feein|iau^inoaseswherethevvnongtnaeisunderopower|ineandneedstobe taken out, especially in a wetland or shoreline where extra scrutiny against environmental function and value is required. 3. Policy 4.13.4, "Replacement Trees," talks about replacement trees except where existing or future infrastructure impedes planting large trees. PSE recommends the word "utilities" be added to the CompnehenaivaP|an'sdefinidonof^infrestructuna.^ 4. PSE fully supports the City going forward to create an Urban Forest Management Plan. Mr. Padvorac also had a comment on the Utilities Element: Policies 12.1.45 and 12.1.46 relate to vegetation. PSE suggests moving these policies to the Natural Environment Element, or making very general statements within the Utilities Element, as these two elements could diverge from each other in the future. Mr. Padvorac distributed a letter to Council dated August 12, 2013, which includes PSE's suggested changes to the language in these two policies. 8:12 p.m. Council President Hougardy closed the Public Hearing. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12, 2013 Page 0of/1 SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance updating the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Fox explained that the ordinance is primarily a way to adopt the Comprehensive Plan following the Council's deliberation. Councilmember Quinn felt deliberation on the Comprehensive Plan should wait until the September 9, 2013 Work Session. Ms. Fox explained a clean copy of the Planning Commission's recommendations will be provided at the work session on September 9, 2013, plus a matrix that will capture comments from Council work sessions and staff suggestions on potential changes or other means to deal with the issue. The matrix will also incorporate comments received to date (including this evening), and those from Puget Sound Regional Council and the Department of Commerce. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 COUNCIL WORK SESSION. b. An ordinance adopting the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on July 22, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer, explained the International Property Maintenance Code (2003 edition) was first adopted in 2004, followed by the 2009 edition and now the 2012 edition. The PMC is the code that Code Enforcement uses to enforce property regulations and private property matters. As part of this ordinance, the adopted IPMC will be codified in a different chapter of the Tukwila Municipal Code from where the 2009 edition is currently codified. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. An agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program. Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on July 23, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The contract is to approve a grant from WSDOT for $74,206 to fund the City's CTR Program. Maggi Lubov CTR Coordinator explained this is a renewa of this contract which is done every 2 years. Ms. Lubov also detailed the success of the CTR program in Tukwila. This year the City of Tukwila itself- as an affected employer—met its commute trip reduction goals. Other affected employers that met CTR goals are the Department of Homeland Seourity, High line Specialty Center, Group Health and BECU. Ms. Lubov noted that she was a recipient of the Governor's Leadership Award last November for her efforts in trip reduction statewide. The City is currently managing a trip reduction grant related to RideshareOnline.com. She introduced Matt Johnson, who has worked at the City for the past year implementing this innovative project. Mr. Johnson explained some of Tukwila's techniques have been picked up by King County Metro and Renton. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Council policy on electronic devices. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on July 2, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12, 2013 Page 7of1/ She explained this policy is for cellular devices used by Councilmember This morning Shelley Ker |aka. CdyAttonney.fomvardedodditiona|infonnadonro|atingtnSeotion3ofthapo|ioy.^Pub|icRecords Qesponsibi|ities.^ She explained there was an additional situation during which the City may access Councilmember devices as may be needed in order to promptly fulfill its obligations. Ms. Kerslake proposed revising a sentence in Section 3 to read as follows (proposed new language is shown in bold and underline below): "A Councilmember's electronic device and the documents contained therein, whether under option A or B, or on an electronic device they purchased themselves that is used in the course of performing their duties as elected offioia|s, may only have the device data contents accessed to comply with public disclosure per State and Federal law, as part of an employment/ethics investigation, or in the case of a technical issue that needs to be addressed by IT staff." Councilmember Quinn stated the members of the Finance and Safety Committee were very thorough in their review of the policy, and this new information was not included when the item was moved forward. He felt a level of discussion to give clarity and definition was needed if an addition or change is to be considered. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO RETURN THIS ITEM TO THE FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE. e. Study/report options for Allentown and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Intermodal Facility. Mayor Haggerton explained that the staff person handling this item had a death in the family. Rather than pull the item, the decision was made to receive public testimony at tonight's meeting, and reschedule the presentation itself to another meeting. That staff person has been working with the City's lobbyists in Washington, DC and with BNSF staff in Fort Worth, Texas. Mary Fertakis, 11822 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila, explained she is speaking on behalf of Brooke Alford, who was unable to attend this evening. She read a statement prepared by Ms. Alford, which included: Ms. Alford has been involved with this issue since BNSF applied for a rezoning of residential property in Allentown approximately two years ago. During the summer of 2011, representatives of the Allentown community met with the Mayor, a few Councilmembers and the City Administrator at that time, Steve Lancaster. When the question of appropriate mitigation arose, a request was made for a professional consultant to assess the situation and to explore which mitigation strategies could be utilized to prevent further impacts on the community from any expansion of the intermodal yard activity and boundaries. The City Administrator wanted to ensure the community would support mitigation negotiations. A community meeting was held to discuss the issue and the group agreed to support mitigation research, with the full understanding the railroad industry holds federal preemptive rights that superseded local jurisdiction. The community has continued to make request for consulting services in the two years since. The south parcel that was purchased has since been developed and yard activity has been expanded with no buffer to the adjacent residential properties. She feels a study is needed, along with deer, meaningful mitigation measures for which to negotiate, and in a timely manner. The north parcel could also be developed at any time. Ms. Alford also feels opportunities were missed to engage Senator Maria Cantwell in this issue on their behalf. The neighborhood is in complete support of an alternative truck access. The BNSF reques for partnership in pursuing 30% design for bridge access from 48th Avenue would allow increased traffic away from the neighborhood. That increased yard capacity would need proper mitigation. At a meeting approximately two years ago, a BNSF representative stated the facility currently has capacity to load one-half of a truck in the yard. They would like capacity to load 1 full train in the yard. He also mentioned a potential need for automatic loaders at some point, both of which indicate potential expansion at this yard. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12, 2013 Page 8ofY1 She would like Council to vote to fund a livability mitigation study and to have citizen involvement in the crafting of the request for proposal (RFP). She supports the partnership to pursue the initial study and design of the alternate 48th Avenue access option. Lisa Krober, 11830 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila, acknowledged all the citizens who are in attendance this evening regarding this issue. She feels that what happens in the BNSF intermodal facility directly impacts the health and well-being of the Allentown community and the City, and the situation should no longer be ignored by the Council. The issues of where trucks are driven in and out of the site may be resolved with a potential new bridge on 48th Avenue; howaver, that does not change the impact of expansion of this facility on the neighborhood While Ms. Krober feels the new bridge may solve part of the prob|em, she does have an issue with the City spending public funds on a study for the bridge on behalf of a for-profit corporation. Ms. Krober feels the City should move forward with mitigation measures to safeguard the neighborhood without waiting for BNSF. Time and money has been spent on bike trails, a Community Center, and the Strategic Plan. She recognizes that BNSF has government-given rights to do what they do, but feels that does not diminish a responsibility to hold them accountable for their impact on the community, environment and neighbors. She stated that Senator Cantwell's office has asked the neighborhood community what they would like her to do. They want the most viable, solid buffer between the BNSF yard and the residents Josh Farris, 4408 S 124th Street, Tukwila, explained the effect the rail yard has on residences in the area. One year ago he installed a sliding door. The vibrations from trucks going by every day affect that door and their media center. Sometimes the door will close and latch and other days it will not, and the media center no longer sits level as the foundation is settling. He mentioned a report that says trucks drive through the Allentown neighborhood 900 times a day. Installing a bridge on 48th would be a better alternative; hovvewar, having a consultant work on mitigation is still important as it relates to the trucks driving through the neighborhood and the impacts of the type of work being done at this location. He feels spending public funds on a private company should not be done on principle; however BNSF does pay property tax on the area and they have some rights as well. The bridge would take the trucks out of the area. Mr. Farris noted that other commercial businesses such as Baker Commodities could also use the new bridge, relieving even more trucks from 42nd Avenue. He encourages support to fund a study on a 48th Avenue bridge and also for a mitigation study Karen Wendt, 12537 51st Pl. S., Tukwila, stated she lives across the street from where BNSF expanded the parking lot. Trucks travel in and out of the yard from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m When she has asked about calling the Police, she was told it is a civil matter and "it is BNSF." Vibrations from the truck traffic have caused cracks along their door jams and foundation, and there is also a lot of noise. She noted that the new entrance may be the best solution for the majority of residents in the area, but her home will still be exposed to a lot of dirt and exhaust. Dana Farris, 4408 S. 124th Street Tukwila, is a parent and she walks with her new baby across that street every day. She would like to see the speed reduced. During a conversation with BNSF's representative at the community's National Night Out event, she noticed a big separation from the rail yard and the truck drivers. BNSF does not take ownership for the trucks as the drivers are independent contractors. She feels this is a disconnect, as BNSF is the reason those drivers are in the neighborhood and any conversation needs to include discussion of those drivers. Emmett Jackson, 5023 S. 124th Street, Tukwi|a, explained his house is the last one before you would enter the BNSF rail yard. In 1997, he woke up to a scream from his wife. A truck was in their yard about 4 feet from their door. That truck took their neighbor's home right off the foundation. In November 1998, at 7:00 a.m., he thought there had been an earthquake when a truck hit his house. There have been many close calls since then. His foundation has settled and the back doors will not close. He noted there is a stop sign at the gate, but most drivers ignore it. He feels he would not be able to sell his house and said his property deed has a reference that says the area has problems with traffic, noise and pollution. Mr. Jackson stated 11 homes are being built on the other corner that will likely house young families with children who are not familiar with the situation they are moving into. He feels those people deserve some Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12.2O13 Page DufY1 Georgina Nelson Thomas, 3836 S. 116th Street, Tukwila, lives right across the river from Poverty Hill and Allentown, and she has been hearing these types of comments since she moved here in 1997. She stated she supports and is in agreement with those who have spoken this evening. Mark Wendt, 12537 51st Pl. S., Tukwila, remembers seeing a plan for a concrete barrier with a wood fence. The actual barrier in place is a cyclone fence covered with blackberries. He has been woken up numerous times late at night with trucks dropping and moving trailers with their lights on and beeping from being backed up, and the house vibrates from the engines running all night. The proposed bridge would come into their back door. Their only recourse is to be bought out. Council President Hougardy asked whether Council would like to delay discussion until the report is presented and staff are in attendance. Councilmember Duffie expressed appreciation for all the comments made this evening. In his opinion, he feels discussion on this issue should be handled separately from a Night Out Against Crime event. Councilmember Seal stated she would like to see the report rescheduled as soon as possible. Councilmember Quinn a the community coming together to express what it is they want and apologized for postponement of the presentation. He noted he would like to see a matrix of the comments received tonight included with the agenda materials when the report is presented. Councilmember Kruller acknowledged the neighborhood has been ver clear and united in their message, and that they want citizen involvement in the RFP process and decisions on mitigation plans. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO A FUTURE MEETING IN AN EXPEDIENT MANNER, AND FOR INCLUSION OF A MATRIX OF THE COMMENTS RECEIVED TONIGHT IN THE APPLICABLE AGENDA MATERIALS. 9:09 p.m. Council President Hougardy called for a 2-minute break to allow the videographer to change discs. 911 p.m. Council President Hougardy stated the meeting would resume. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended National Night Out event in the community on August 6, 2013. He noted an all-time high of 26 events were held throughout the City, some of which were first-time events. On August 9, 2013, he met with King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who now represents all of Tukwila. Among the topics discussed were the boundary lines of Boeing Field and the way the Potential Annexation Area matter developed (with no appeal by the City). On August 9, 2013, he attended the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce lunch. He stated that many companies are concerned about the ballot issue that was authorized by SeaTac City Council regarding an increase to the minimum wage for hotel and other service businesses in SeaTac. Mayor Haggerton commente on a "good news" email he received from the CEO of Valley Comm 9-1-1. A call taker took a call from a woman in Kent whose home had been broken into. The woman's wedding dress had been taken, and her wedding was scheduled for that day. The call taker told the woman that if the merchandise was not recovered in time, she had a dress the woman could use. The story has received a lot of attention in the media. The Mayor stated that an e-mail was sent out to Council regarding Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (PIC) meeting, asking for any objections or suggestions on the Mayor's water quality policy position that will go to the Board of Directors. Councilmember Quinn noted that he would not be able to comment due to a conflict of interest with his employer. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12, 2013 Page 1Dof1/ b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended several National Night Out events on August 6, 2013, and the Tukwila Rotary breakfast on August 8, 2013. Councilmember Seal attended the National Night Out in her neighborhood on August 6, 2013, which attracted 50 to 60 people. Councilmember Kruller attended National Ni ht Out event on August 6, 2013. One citizen commented on the flashing traffic signal by Foster High School. Traffic is extremely congested in that area, and they feel a stoplight is needed. Ms. Kruller hosted the Council Chat on August 10, 2013, where questions were raised about: - pedestrians on Tukwila International Boulevard crossing where there are no crosswalks and that there is no enforcement of the problem - the money spent on the Fourth of July event, with the question raised as to how many attendees are City residents and return on investment - the criteria for getting 15-minute parking spaces in front of a business - the font on signs advertising Parks & Recreation events is too small to read safely from a passing car Ms. Kruller also attended the Tukwila Pantry Food Bank's Volunteer Appreciation BBQ on August 10, 2013. On August 11, 2013, she supported the "Always Brothers 100-Mile Run," which came through a cheer station in Tukwila at 3:00 am. The run is a fund raising event by a group of Marines to support research for post-traumatic stress syndrome and brain injuries suffered as a result of being deployed. Councilmember Quinn stated that the issue of food trucks was discussed at tonight's Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting and staff is seeking policy direction from the Council relating to either further regulation, expansion or no changes to current policy. Council President Hougardy attended National Night Out events on August 6, 2013, and the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce lunch on August 9, 2013. She also attended the Tukwila Kids Festival on August 10, 2013, which she felt has gotten better every year and was well attended. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, was not present. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst stated a work session on the Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for September 9, 2013. Staff is also in the preliminary stages of scheduling a work session on the Capital Improvement Program for August 28, 2013. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie stated that a large amount of fireworks were discharged on the Fourth of July at Tukwila Elementary School and in his neighborhood. He feels the City's ban on fireworks is not working. Councilmember Seal stated that traffic is extremely congested since little league football has started up on Saturday mornings at the stadium. Cars are parked bumper to bumper on the right side as you head down Brummer's Hill (S. 144th Street) and present a traffic hazard as car doors open. She feels traffic direction will be needed in the area as school starts up again, especially in front of Showalter Middle School. The line-up of cars often hinders traffic getting out of adjacent neighborhoods. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 12, 2013 Page 11 of 11 Councilmember Kruller has heard concerns about ADA parking enforcement and asked about the status of citizen volunteers. She reported there is trash building up on 150th between 42nd and Tukwila International Boulevard. She also noted there is a reduced rate for self-haulers going to the dump if you separate yard waste from garbage. ADJOURNMENT 9:41 pm. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 9/9/13 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 9M0M3