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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers October 14, 2013 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Hougardy called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Kathy Hougardy, Council President, Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller. Councilmember Duffie was not present. CITY OFFICIALS David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Frank Iriarte, Public Works Deputy Director; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Pilot Parking Program at Tukwila Light Rail Station. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained there was a recent article about the pilot parking program, and staff from Sound Transit are present to update the Council on that program. He introduced Chelsea Levy, Government and Community Relations Officer, and Michael Miller, Customer Facilities and Accessible Services Manager, with Sound Transit. Ms. Levy stated she would update the Council on Sound Transit's update to the Long -Range Plan for regional transit. The plan was last updated in 2005, and starting in fall 2013, the plan will be updated again to reflect current public priorities. This process will ask the public where, how and when mass transit should continue to expand after the scheduled 2023 completion of Sound Transit 2. The Sound Transit Board will update the Long -Range Plan following an environmental review process. The updated Long -Range Plan will provide the vision for future expansions by identifying candidate projects and services for future ballot measures. The process will begin October 25 and run through November 25, 2013, when Sound Transit will seek input on which potential changes to the Long -Range Plan should be studied. Public involvement will continue following the publication of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in mid -2014. The plan will be used by the Sound Transit Board to identify future projects that will be presented to the voters. Ms. Levy introduced Mr. Miller and explained he will update the Council on the Pilot Parking Program. Mr. Miller said the Sound Transit Board began discussing issues surrounding parking at several stations in March 2013. The goal and objective of the pilot program is to learn more about parking management strategies to determine when and whether they help increase transit riders per parking stall. Mr. Miller utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Council on the program, and highlights of the presentation included: Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 2 of 7 Parking management pilot: Sound Transit will launch 3 -part pilot in 2014: • Parking permits • Rideshare collaboration • Real -time parking availability information. The number of spaces available will be pushed out to individuals who sign up via a mobile application. Parking permits: • High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and Standard Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) parking permits at Tukwila International Boulevard Station • Permits available to regular transit riders • Permits are opt in • At least 60% remain general transit parking (as required by law) • Up to 20% HOV permit parking before 10:00 a.m. • Up to 20% SOV permit parking before 10:00 a.m. Violators will be warned, then towed Parking permits- applvinq for a permit: Outreach begins late 2013, online applications available February 2014 Online permit applications require: • ORCA number(s) to validate regular transit ridership • Quarterly administrative fee -$33 for SOV, $5 for HOV Sound Transit will: • Validate three transit rides /week • Process administrative fee • Mail placard -style permit • Parking permits- evaluation (permits piloted Jan -Oct 2014). Staff will monitor and report on: • Parking impacts • What time the facility is at capacity • How full nearby lots are and the effect on neighborhood streets • Transit ridership • How many riders catch transit from the facilities each day • How full the fullest AM buses /trains are • Customer experience • Ease of access for regular riders /permit holders • Ease of access for occasional riders Councilmember Robertson commented the plan does not address that there are not enough parking spaces at the Tukwila International Boulevard Station. He explained "parking determination" is part of the Development Agreement the City has with Sound Transit. He asked when Sound Transit would address this issue. Mr. Miller explained Sound Transit has been conducting the parking studies when the facility reaches a specific percentage for a certain number of hours during the day. The parking determination being referenced requires Sound Transit to evaluate and try to ease parking congestion, not increase the parking at the facility. His staff is responsible for conducting the vehicle counts at the parking facilities and surveying the neighborhoods for overflow parking. Councilmember Ekberg asked when Sound Transit anticipated completing the parking determination study at the Tukwila International Boulevard Station. Mr. Pace explained parking decisions were incorporated into the original Development Agreement (DA), and the recent amendment to the DA provided additional time to Sound Transit to address the parking issues. He explained the issues associated with off -site parking have been documented. Approximately 60% of the riders using the Tukwila station reside south of the City. It was thought that once the SeaTac station was complete and opened, it would ease the parking issues at the Tukwila station. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 3 of 7 Councilmember Robertson inquired as to when the City would ask Sound Transit for parking relief. Mr. Pace stated after the completion of the U -Link in 2016. Councilmember Ekberg thanked Mr. Miller and Ms. Levy for the presentation, and he asked how the real - time monitoring would be conducted. Mr. Miller stated the plan is still under development, and it is proposed to have equipment installed that would monitor the number of vehicles entering and exiting the facilities. It would then report that number and riders would then know the number of open stalls available. Councilmember Quinn thanked Mr. Miller for the information presented relating to the real -time monitoring. He voiced his concern about the representation of the Sound Transit Board, and stated that it is important that the parking issues at the Tukwila Station remain at the front for resolution. The City is impacted by the parking issues at the Tukwila station. Mr. Miller clarified that 21 of the 28 Sound Transit parking facilities are at capacity 95% of the time. As of today, Sound Transit signed a lease with the City of SeaTac for an additional 60 spaces across the street from Tukwila International Boulevard Station. They hope the additional parking will ease some of the congestion. Councilmember Kruller stated a lot of the people in the Tukwila area live below the poverty level, and she is concerned about the increased costs associated with the parking passes for single parent families. Mr. Miller stated federal regulations require that 60% of the parking continue to be general parking. Council President Hougardy asked when the real -time monitoring will be launched. Mr. Miller commented that due to the technology required, they should have a launch date by the end of 2013. The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Miller and Ms. Levy for the information and the presentation. CITIZEN COMMENTS Abdirisak Hashi, 14818 Tukwila International Boulevard, stated he formed the Somali Refugee and Community Services Organization, based in Tukwila in May 2010, to provide assistance to the Somali community. He explained to the Council that his organization provides individuals with educational, immigration and employment resources and assistance. He thanked the Council for the opportunity to introduce himself and alert the Council to his non- profit organization. The Council thanked Mr. Hashi for providing the Council with information about his organization. Anthony Murrietta, 14675 Interurban Avenue South, stated he is President of Teamsters Local 763. He is here this evening to talk to the Council about the City's Self- Insured Health Care Fund. Mr. Murrietta distributed a 5 -page document that included some history and figures of the City's Self- Insured Health Care Fund. He explained the City has a Health Care Committee, and in two weeks the Council will be presented with information by R.L. Evans relating to the Health Care Fund reserves, and noted that the Health Care Committee did not request the review and presentation. He said his agenda is to ensure that all City employees, represented and non - represented, continue to be provided health care. He reviewed the historical data (as distributed) and asked the Council to review this matter prior to receiving the presentation by R. L. Evans. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance updating the Tukwila Municipal Code regarding the Parks Commission. Councilmember Ekberg indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on September 23, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 4 of The Park Commission governance structure (TMC Section 2.32) was last updated in 1977, and there have been a number of changes within Tukwila. The draft ordinance reflects the changes within the City such as the formation of the Parks and Recreation Department, policies and procedures implemented with regard to instructor services and park reservations, quorum and record - keeping standards. This proposed update also incorporates recent interest in Tukwila and regionally to increase youth "voice" by having student representation on the Park Commission. The Council is being asked to consider and approve the draft ordinance. The Council exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the draft ordinance. There was Council discussion surrounding annual meetings of the City Council and the City's Boards and Commissions. After Council discussion, there was Council consensus for Council President Hougardy to work with the Council Analyst to explore potential options for the Council to consider. It was suggested this item be a topic of discussion at the 2014 Council Retreat. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. An ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained the City's Comprehensive Plan is a 20 -year rolling vision that guides the City as it grows and changes. The Growth Management Act requires that the update to the Comprehensive Plan be completed by June 30, 2015. Per the adopted public participation plan, staff used a variety of methods to inform and engage the community about the 2013 portion of the Comprehensive Plan update. Community engagement included a public open house, updates to the City's website, and articles that have been printed regularly in the "Tukwila Reporter" and "The Hazelnut." All Planning Commission and City Council work sessions and hearings were duly noticed for the public. In 2013, the Council conducted a review of six elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The draft ordinance and exhibits include the Council edits that were discussed at the Council work sessions. Councilmember Robertson stated while there have been several edits to the exhibits he feels there are some additional edits he would like to discuss. The first relates to Exhibit C, "Capital Facilities," page 14- 6 "Foster Golf Course." He suggested the following language be removed and read as follows: "Within the current financial structure, The Golf Course is expected to meets its capital and operating needs over the 20 -year planning period and maintain a rate structure competitive with nearby municipal courses." Council President Hougardy asked if there was consensus to review the proposed changes by Councilmember Robertson. There was consensus to review the proposed changes. Councilmember Robertson stated the second proposed amendment is still in Exhibit C, "Capital Facilities," page 14 -12, item 14.1.13. He suggests the first sentence should read as follows: "If funds are available: The City shall pay consider paying for local improvement district formation costs in addition to the preliminary and construction engineering costs, in order to provide a more timely option for residential street improvements." Councilmember Robertson also proposed creating a new section relating to "transportation priorities," that could include a maintenance plan for streets and infrastructure networks. Currently, the City does not address the maintenance needs of these items. Councilmember Quinn said he is not supportive of creating an implementation strategy for this type of item at this time. Councilmember Seal commented that a maintenance plan would be a good topic for discussion by the Transportation Committee. Council President Hougardy asked staff how often the Comprehensive Plan can be updated by the City. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 5 of 7 Ms. Gierloff stated the Comprehensive Plan can be updated annually. Council President Hougardy asked if there was consensus to have staff make the two proposed wording changes identified above in strike- through underline format. She commented that the items involving wording could be reviewed by the Council at a future work session and included (if the Council agrees) in the 2014 update. Ms. Gierloff stated staff will make the requested changes and include those pages in strike- through underline format for the Council in the Regular Meeting agenda packet. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM AS AMENDED TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. An ordinance regarding Council compensation. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on October 8, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember compensation has not increased since 2005, despite inflation rates as well as an increased time commitment required for serving in the position. The proposed ordinance would amend Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 2.05 to increase the amount of monthly compensation from $1,050 to $1,250 per month. Councilmember Robertson explained the other issue associated with Council compensation is related to Council benefits. He explained additional information relating to Council benefits due to the Affordable Healthcare Act will be forthcoming from staff in the near future. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. An ordinance granting a non- exclusive franchise to Electric Lightwave, LLC. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on October 7, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Frank Iriarte, Public Works Deputy Director, explained Electric Lightwave, LLC (ELI) is a telecommunications company that provides communication network services for telecom carriers and provides both long haul and metro private fiber optic line services. The Council is being asked to approve the new ordinance for the renewal of the ELI franchise agreement with a five year term. Mr. Iriarte conducted a review of the draft ordinance (pages 39 -52 of the agenda packet) that included the administrative cost associated with the proposed agreement and the conditions of the non - exclusive franchise. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 8:59 p.m. Council President Hougardy called for recess to allow the videographer to change discs. 9:01 p.m. Council President Hougardy resumed the meeting. e. Discussion on final acceptance of the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project. Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on September 24, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The contract with Scarsella Brothers, Inc. is complete for the Southcenter Extension Project. This project installed street improvements on Southcenter Parkway from South 180th Street to South 200`h Street, along with new water and sewer facilities. The Council is being asked to accept and finalize the contract with Scarsella Brothers in the amount of $18,602,159.72. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 6 of 7 Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the project involved construction of the new five -lane road realignment which began in May 2010 and was completed February 2013. Thirty -one change orders were executed for the project. The majority of the cost increases were due to the Nationwide 14 Permit approval delay, the United States Army Corps of Engineers' decision on revisions to the Tukwila 205 Levee, and compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. He explained that the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project has been the most difficult Public Works project in the past 24 years. Mr. Giberson conducted a detailed review of the Lessons Learned Report (pages 67 -72 of the agenda packet) relating to the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. A State Regional Mobility Grant for the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) Pedestrian Bridge. Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meetings on June 25, August 27, and September 24, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The City has been awarded $6,870,000 from the Washington State Regional Mobility Grant for the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge. The 20% City match will come from the existing design grant, City funds, proposed General Obligation Bond and Park Impact Fees. Should the Council choose funding through a General Obligation Bond, future Park Impact Fees would be used to pay the debt bond service. Council is being asked to accept the Washington State Regional Mobility Grant. Mr. Giberson explained the Transportation Committee requested staff provide additional options for the required 20% match and the options available are listed on page 79 of the agenda packet. Councilmember Robertson said he is in favor of accepting the grant and the project. However, he would not support the use of a General Obligation Bond for the 20% match. He explained the City has made commitments to continue the Crime Reduction Initiative and the City will need to borrow monies for those efforts. He supports option number 3, "Internal Debt — Issue interfund loan from General Fund to Arterial Street Fund," with future Park Impact Fees to be used to repay the Interfund loan. Councilmember Quinn voiced his support for option number 3 "Internal Debt — Issue Interfund Loan from General Fund to Arterial Street Fund." David Cline, City Administrator, clarified that the issue associated with the funding source for the grant match could be finalized through a budget amendment. It appears there is Council consensus for the Council to accept the grant. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton was not present. b. City Council Councilmember Robertson hosted the October 12, 2013 Council Coffee Chat. He requested City staff provide him with copies of the Health Care Committee minutes in reference to the comments received under the Citizen Comments portion of the meeting. Councilmember Ekberg thanked everyone for the cards and well wishes he recently received. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 14, 2013 Page 7 of 7 Councilmember Seal announced that on Saturday, October 19, 2013, the Tukwila Pool will celebrate its 40th Birthday. Some of the events include swimming from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for $0.40 and a three - month pass can be purchased for $40.00. Councilmember Quinn reminded the Council of the Tukwila Parks and Recreation fundraiser on October 15, 2013 at California Pizza Kitchen. Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Tukwila Parks and Recreation Youth and Teens Basketball League. Councilmember Kruller attended the Tukwila School Board Candidate Forum on October 9, 2013, and the recent Northwest Weather Forum at the King County Emergency Operations Center. She suggested additional communication and coordination as it relates to City attendance at regional meetings. On October 11, 2013 she attended the Late Night Teen Program and All Night Basketball Tournament at the Tukwila Community Center. Council President Hougardy attended the ribbon- cutting event at the Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station on October 8, 2013 and the Soundside Alliance meeting on October 9, 2013. On October 11, 2013 she attended the SW King County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. 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 Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, announced she has been collecting data relating to 2013 Council expenditures to aid in budget forecasting, and she will provide the Council with the information in the near future. ADJOURNMENT 9:36 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 11/04/2013 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 11/05/2013