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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-14 Community Affairs and Parks Minutes City of Tukwila D Community Affairs and Parks Committee COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes December 14, 2009 S: 00 p.m.; Conference Room #3 PRESENT Councilmembers: Verna Griffin, Chair; Joe Duffle and Kathy Hougardy Staff: Shawn Hunstock, Jack Pace, Kathy Stetson, Shelley Kerslake, Christy O'Flaherty, Mary Hulvey Stacy MacGregor and Kimberly Matej Guests: Chuck Parrish CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair Griffin called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. In the interest of time, the agenda items below were discussed in an order different than what was listed on the Committee Agenda cover sheet. I. PRESENTATIONS No presentations. II. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review (BAR) Roles Responsibilities Staff is seeking full Council approval to separate the functions of the Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review into two distinct commissions /boards. Separating these functions will require ordinances changes. Currently, the seven member volunteer Planning Commission also serves as the Board of Architectural Review. This dual role causes the Commission to practice two separate decision making/recommending authorities legislative and quasi-judicial. This dual role can often be confusing as volunteer members determine their appropriate roles as decision makers and /or an advisory Commission to the City Council. Separate bodies carrying out legislative or quasi-judicial roles will allow for and encourage the specialty function of each; make workloads more manageable; and reduce liability concerns raised by the City's insurance carrier. Committee members asked several questions regarding the separation of Commission duties including the appointment process and timing for this item coming forward to Committee. Staff replied that the current appointment process for boards and commissions would remain in effect, where as commissioners and /or board members are recommended by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Additionally, in January a current Planning Commissioner will leave his seat to accept a position on the City Council. As applications are being received to fill this vacancy, it seems to be the most appropriate time to move forward with such a separation of duties. In summary, the Committee is supportive of the separation of duties into a Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review, agreeing that it is in the best interest of the City to consider this separation of duties. However, the members were not in agreement of the details of this separation including, but not limited to, the number of members on each commission/board; requirements for appointment (resident/business), and conditions of re- appointment/application. The Committee recommends forwarding this item to full Council in support of the separation of the Planning Commission into two bodies, but recommends further discussion on specific details. FORWARD TO JANUARY 11 COW FOR DISCUSSION. Community Affairs Parks Committee Minutes December 14, 2009 Paae 2 B. Resolution Sunporting Tukwila School District's Capital Levy for Instructional Technology and School Improvements Tukwila School District has requested, and Mayor Haggerton recommends, a Council resolution supporting the Tukwila School District's Technology Capital Levy which is scheduled as a February 9, 2010 ballot measure. Technology is not included in the State's definition of basic education, and often funds for school technology must come from local levies. Tukwila is one of only two school districts in King County that have not yet passed a Technology Levy. If passed, this Six -Year Levy will collect an average of $1.05 million annually. The funds will be used for 21s` century classroom hardware and software, quality infrastructure to support classrooms, instructional technology coaches, training and efficiency improvements. Due to time and election constraints Mayor Haggerton has requested this item come before full Council this evening. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO DECEMBER 14 COW FOR DISUCSSION. C. Rental Housing Licensinu/Insnection Update As an information only item, staff provided the Committee with an update on the status of the development of a licensing and inspection program for rental housing. Kathy Stetson began the discussion by sharing photos of code enforcement violations that compromise the health and safety of residential tenants. She further explained that inspection programs verify the safety and livability of dwelling units ensuring legal compliance to life safety code enforcement requirements. Staff continues to work with the Association of Washington Cities and other local municipalities to ensure government ability to implement such inspection programs. It is anticipated that proponents will return to the State in January with legislation limiting such inspections asserting to landlord and/or tenant right to privacy. The Committee encouraged staff's continued work on development of this program and looks forward to reviewing a draft ordinance and action item in the third quarter of 2010. INFORMATION ONLY. D. Noise Ordinance Update As an information only item, staff provided the Committee with an update on the changes being made to the City's current Noise Ordinance. Stacy MacGregor explained the two major sections of the ordinance which require clarification to improve efficiency and enforcement: variance, which is administered /enforceable by the Director of Community Development, and public disturbances /nuisances, which is administered /enforceable by the Police Chief. III. MISCELLANEOUS Meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Next meeting: January 2010 utes b M Additional changes will provide clarity and order to the code, and will suggest the requirement of appropriate fees and /or mitigation procedures when necessary to allow for the efficient administration of the code. Staff will return to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee in February 2010 with a draft ordinance for Committee review and recommendation to full Council. INFORMATION ONLY. Committee Chair Approval KAM. Reviewed SK.