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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesStart: 6:02 p.m. Council President Robertson announced the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Legal Issues Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) To discuss the legal risks of a proposed action or current practice that the agency has identified, when public discussion of the litigation or legal risks is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. Pending Litigation Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). It will last no more than 60 minutes and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session. Attendees: Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Shawn Hunstock, Interim City Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Hillman Mitchell, Emergency Management Coordinator; Tukwila City Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. End: 7:02 p.m. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers January 11, 2010 7:00 P.M. CITY OFFICIALS MINUTES EXECUTIVE SESSION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Shawn Hunstock, Interim City Administrator; David Haynes, Police Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Lisa Verner, Project Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION a. Update on Cascade Land Conservancy Workshop "Taking Action in Tukwila." Jack Pace, Community Development Director, introduced Skye Schell, Community Engagement Manager with the Cascade Land Conservancy Group. Mr. Schell provided background about the Cascade Land Conservancy. He explained the group engages citizens to guide their neighborhoods toward a complete, compact and connected future. Citizens becoming involved and defining the community allows the community to grow and prosper. The Community Stewards Program first started in Tacoma with a workshop that was well attended by 70 community members. That created an advocacy network that, in turn, organized a series of meetings in which the community members identified and developed campaigns to improve their City's livability and environment. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 11, 2010 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Schell explained that the first "Taking Action in Tukwila" workshop will be held on January 21, 2010. He extended an invitation to the Council and all the audience members. The workshop will be one day only at the University of Phoenix Tukwila Learning Center. Councilmember Ekberg inquired as to how the Cascade Land Conservancy group came to Tukwila. Mr. Schell indicated the City joined the Cascade Land Conservancy as a Leadership City in January 2009. b. Update on Library Services. Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, indicated that for the past five months the Tukwila Library Advisory Board has been working with the King County Library System (KCLS) relating to low circulation at the Tukwila Library. Mr. Still introduced Bill Ptacek, King County Library Services Director. Mr. Ptacek indicated that on February 27, 2010, KCLS will close the Tukwila Library. The Tukwila Library has had the lowest circulation within the King County Library System for the last few years. He explained that KCLS will reassign library resources into the community through partnerships with the City, the Tukwila School District, and other local agencies within the community. He explained the Foster Library will operate an extra nine hours a week with additional computers. Tukwila is unique in that the City will continue to have the Foster and Southcenter locations to utilize for special title reservations, book orders, and computer use. Councilmember Quinn thanked the Library Advisory Board members for their work with KCLS and for the recommendations they have provided to the Council. CITIZEN COMMENTS Robert Jensen, 11682 44 Avenue South, explained he is concerned with the progress of the construction project for the Allentown pump replacement. He commented on the recent amount of rain and indicated there is standing water in the area. Council President Robertson thanked Mr. Jensen for the information and asked that City Administration provide a written response to Mr. Jensen. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review (BAR) roles and responsibilities. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on December 14, 2009. The committee members were unanimous in forwarding this item to the Committee of the Whole Meeting for discussion. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, indicated the proposed separation of the Planning Commission (PC) and the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) was suggested by staff due to the increased workload for the volunteers over the last year. The legislative matters under review by the Planning Commission have increased and that, in turn, increased the number of meetings per month. As development within the City increases, the workload will also increase and this could lead to development delays. She explained the City's insurance authority has advised the separation of the boards, and establishment of two separate bodies would allow them to focus on either legislative or quasi judicial actions. Ms. Kerslake explained the number of members and composition is at the discretion of the Council. However; she suggested the Council select an odd number for the number of board members. Councilmember Hernandez requested clarification relating to the current Planning Commission members and what would happen to them under the staff recommendation. Ms. Kerslake clarified the current commissioners would choose which body they would like to serve. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 11, 2010 Page 3 of 6 Council President Robertson called for citizen comments. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, indicated he is speaking on behalf of himself and not the Planning Commission. He explained he does not have a concern about the proposal to separate the Planning Commission and the Board of Architectural Review. However; he does not support the proposal. It appears as if this is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If the legislative agenda was expected to be as heavy as it has been the last two years, he would agree with the separation. Mr. Parrish explained that if the PC had a poor track record through appeals, the separation of the PC /BAR would be a solution. However; that is not the case. He also suggested the positions be made open to the public, so the incumbent would be required to reapply for the position, which is the same process the Council goes though in elections. The purpose of the boards and commissions is for community representation. He suggested that if the Council approves the ordinances, the members terms be changed to allow for new volunteers and turnover in representation. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62 Avenue South, indicated he is speaking for himself and not on behalf of the Planning Commission, and he approves of the draft ordinances. He explained that during the final Planning Commission meeting in 2009, staff provided the commissioners with the information relating to the proposal of separating the PC /BAR. He fully supports the proposal because the separation would increase the number of qualified members and allow those volunteers to start the process for possible Council roles in the future. Bill Arthur, P.O. Box 88208, Tukwila, clarified the Planning Commission does allow for changes to membership and the Administration does appoint responsible volunteers. He explained that in the past the PC has included a variety of individuals with business expertise. That cross section of businesses and residential representation is very important to the Planning Commission. The history of the PC shows an example in the past when a commissioner did not best represent the community and that commissioner was removed. Mr. Arthur suggested the Planning Commission remain as one body and keep the membership at seven. Councilmember Duffie explained the business member is an important representative to the Planning Commission. In order to represent all of the community members, it is important to include a business member. Councilmember Hernandez indicated she would support a larger member base if there were a separation. However, she is concerned about how the creation of a Board of Architectural Review would affect the budget. She also explained the business member for the BAR would require specialized training and would possibly limit the number of qualified applicants. Councilmember Ekberg indicated he served on the Planning Commission and that as the City has grown, the number Planning Commission members also grew. He explained he does not support a reduction in the number of members for the PC. Mr. Ekberg requested the commissioner position information be changed to reflect the actual number of meetings per month that are part of the position. Since some of the work has been shifted to the Hearing Examiner, he feels the separation is not necessary at this time. Councilmember Hougardy indicated she feels there is a compelling case to keep the board make -up as it currently exists. She agrees with the statement that the separation is a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Ms. Hougardy stated she is in favor of repositioning the commissioners every four years. Councilmember Quinn indicated he is comfortable with the proposed separation of the boards. He explained this could increase the volunteer participation within the community, and it would benefit the City. The addition of new volunteers that have different experience with significant land use issues would be beneficial. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO RETAIN THE PLANNING COMMISSION WITH ITS CURRENT COMPOSITION. Council President Robertson indicated if a change is required in the future, City Administration may revisit the issue at that time. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 11, 2010 Page 4 of 6 b. Extension to Contract #09 -121 with KPFF Consulting Engineers for Tukwila South Permitting. Lisa Verner, Project Manager, indicated on July 20, 2009 the Council adopted Resolution No. 1686 delegating permitting authority for the Tukwila South Project to Anchor QEA, LLC and KPFF Consulting Engineers. KPFF has worked through the authorized contract amount; however, their original scope of work has not been fully completed. Ms. Verner indicated KPFF has assisted with finalizing the Southcenter Parkway design and will play an instrumental part in the selection of a construction management firm. She explained in July 2009 staff utilized a mid -range amount for the KPFF contract. As the contractor progressed with their work, it was determined the contract would require additional funding. The City has approximately $18.5 million in grants that could be lost if the project is not started in May 2010. The Council is being asked to add $50,000 to the contract with KPFF. Council President Robertson indicated it has been the practice to have Tukwila South items bypass the Council Committees and be presented directly to the Committee of the Whole. He is requesting the Tukwila South issues now follow the normal process starting at the Committee level. He explained now that the annexation is complete, the Tukwila South project and development are a part of the daily business for the City. Council consensus existed to have all business items follow the standard process of appropriate Council Committee, Committee of the Whole and Regular Meeting. If the item is time sensitive, it can be reviewed directly at the Committee of the Whole for a recommendation. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Council housekeeping items. Council President Robertson has requested a discussion of Council representation on regional, state and national committees and, commissions and /or boards for the 2010 calendar year. Mr. Robertson read the committee assignments for the 2010 year. Citv of Tukwila Local Representation: Firemen's Pension Board Councilmember Quinn Lodging Tax Advisory Board Council President Robertson Equity and Diversity Commission: Councilmember Hernandez and Councilmember Seal Reaional Representation: Cascade Water Alliance Board of Directors Mayor's Alternate Councilmember Seal Highline Forum Mayor's Alternate Councilmember Hernandez Suburban Cities Association Public Issues Committee Mayor's Alternate Councilmember Hougardy South King County Area Transportation Benefit District (SCATBd) Councilmember Seal South King County Economic Development Initiative (SKEDI) Councilmember Hougardy Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA 9) Mayor's Alternate Council President Robertson National Representation: Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) Councilmember Hernandez National League of Cities (NLC) Institute for Youth, Education Families (YEF) Councilmember Seal National League of Cities (NLC) Human Development Policy Committee Councilmember Seal The Council discussed and agreed with the above list of representatives. The Council Analyst will provide the organizations with written confirmation of the City's representatives and the alternates. Council discussed the following housekeeping items: Citizen Issues /Complaint Tracking: The Council discussed the sample draft tracking form. There was Council discussion to review several options for resolving citizen issues. Council President Robertson will provide the Council with an update at a later date on the finalized process to be used. Council Project Tracking Form: The form is designed to provide the status of tasks and /or projects of each committee to be reported on quarterly by the Committee Chair. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 11, 2010 Page 5 of 6 Lobbying Trips State and Federal: Council President Robertson explained the Federal and State lobbyists have suggested that this year the Council travel in smaller groups in order to focus on specific lobbying activities and /or issues for the City. Mr. Robertson explained that three Councilmembers will attend the January 26 -28 AWC Legislative Session and another group of Councilmembers will be encouraged to travel to Olympia toward the end of the session or when the rental housing bill is proposed. There was Council discussion relating to attendance at the National League of Cities Conference and Federal lobbying. There was Council consensus to separate the NLC Conference and the lobbying efforts. It was determined that none of the Councilmembers will be attending the NLC Conference. Councilmember Quinn expressed concern about the deadlines for appropriations and grant applications. If a delegation were to travel to Washington D.C. for lobbying, it would be beneficial to know the time that would be most advantageous to the City. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained there will be another appropriations bill for 2010. However, the challenge is that the schedule has not been determined at this time. He explained if the City were to apply for a grant, and an individual Councilmember is knowledgeable about the item, it would be beneficial to the City to have that Councilmember attend the hearing. Committee -Level Budget Review: Council President Robertson explained that each of the committees should review the assigned budget pages for their committee and be prepared to have detailed discussions relating to the budget sections. Council Retreat: Council President Robertson indicated the 2010 Council Retreat will be held at the Coupeville Inn on Whidbey Island. The retreat will be very busy for the Council while they are working through the budget. d. A resolution adopting a legislative agenda for the 2010 legislative session. The legislative agenda is intended to be utilized as a tool for Councilmembers when they meet with State Legislators in Olympia, January 27 -28, 2010. Council President Robertson explained he would like to schedule a strategic planning meeting with appropriate Councilmembers and staff to review the legislative agenda prior to the delegation departing for the legislative session in Olympia. Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, stated the draft resolution contains new language which identifies the State Legislative Agenda as a list of priority items and in no way precludes the Council from opposing or supporting additional items that may arise during the session. She explained that because of the input from staff, additional legislative items have been reviewed and supported by the Council in the past. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the Government Affairs Committee meeting on January 5, 2010. On January 6, 2010, he toured the Black River Pump Station, and he attended the 2010 Legislative Coalition Breakfast on January 8, 2010. On January 11, 2010 he attended the grand opening of the Margarita Prentice Trauma Unit at Valley Medical Center. b. City Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the Government Affairs Committee meeting on January 5, 2010. On January 7, 2010 she attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting, and on January 8, 2010 she attended the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 11, 2010 Page 6 of 6 Councilmember Ekberg attended the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on January 8, 2010. Councilmember Seal attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting on January 7, 2010. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Government Affairs Committee meeting and the South King County Cultural Coalition meeting on January 5, 2010. She also attended the 2010 Legislative Coalition Breakfast on January 8, 2010. c. Staff Shawn Hunstock, Interim City Administrator, indicated he will discuss the Tukwila South agenda items and the process requested by the Council with the new City Administrator, Steve Lancaster. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council that the next Regular Meeting will be on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday. ADJOURNMENT 9:33 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk