HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-01 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council
City Hall Council Chambers
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
February 1, 2010- 7:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL
Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie,
Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER EKBERG
FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
CITY OFFICIALS
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Bob
Giberson, Public Works Director; Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director; Pat Brodin, Public Works
Operations Manager; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; David Haynes, Police Chief; Derek
Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Christy
O'Flaherty, City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Community Oriented Policing Citizens' Advisory Board (COPCAB) awards and overview of
2009 activities Jeff Baker, COPCAB Member
Jeff Baker, COPCAB member, conveyed the mission of the COPCAB is based on the concept that all
citizens share responsibility for the quality of life in their community. They strive to foster collaborative
relationships between government, businesses, residents, and the School District. The COPCAB has
worked to empower neighborhoods and has been involved with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Night Out
Against Crime, DARE graduation, Citizens' Police Academy, Block Watch training, and the Apartment
Managers' Network. There are business, residential, School District, and municipal members on the
COPCAB. Mr. Baker introduced members of the COPCAB in attendance at the meeting: Art Rosengren,
Lynn Churchill, Abdisamad Egal, Jeff Baker, Phi Huynh, and Chris Partman.
7:05 p.m. Councilmember Ekberg entered the Council Chambers
Mr. Baker indicated that each year the COPCAB recognizes a citizen and City employee for their
contributions to the community. This year the award for contributions from a citizen is being presented to
Sharon Mann. Ms. Mann has lived in the community for over 35 years, and is a strong advocate for law
and order. She is also an active participant in the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee
(TIBAC) and has assumed the responsibility for monthly trash cleanups along the highway. Ms. Mann is
truly a citizen who makes a positive difference in the community. Ms. Mann was presented a plaque from
the Community Oriented Policing Citizens' Advisory Board for her exemplary contributions to the
community.
Mr. Baker indicated this year the COPCAB recognition for contributions from a Tukwila employee is being
afforded to Assistant Chief Don Lincoln. Assistant Chief Lincoln has been an officer for 30 years, with 21
years spent in the City of Tukwila. This past year he has been instrumental in outreach to members of
the Somali community, as well as the Hispanic and Indian populations. Assistant Chief Lincoln has also
worked to involve law enforcement from the City of SeaTac to work collaboratively with businesses on
Tukwila International Boulevard to reduce criminal activity. Assistant Chief Lincoln was presented a
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2010 Page 2 of 6
plaque from the Community Oriented Policing Citizens' Advisory Board for his ongoing work with citizen
groups to improve the quality of life in Tukwila.
The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Mann and Assistant Chief Lincoln for their ongoing involvement toward
improving conditions in the City of Tukwila.
b, Flooding History of the Green River Pat Brodin, Operations Manager
Pat Brodin, Public Works Operations Manager, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an overview
and photographs of flooding history in the Green River, to include the Howard Hanson Dam, building of
levees, barrier methods, levee awareness, and flood safety.
Mr. Brodin indicated that some of the early flooding in Tukwila was due to lack of pump stations. He also
stressed that historically the integrity of the Howard Hanson Dam was not in question, and flooding was
based on fast drainage into the tunnels.
Councilmember Duffie inquired if the sandbags along the levee have been vandalized. Mr. Brodin stated
that sometimes the burlap bags can disintegrate and split open, causing the sand to spill out.
Councilmember Ekberg inquired as to whether the HESCO bags need to be replaced on a yearly basis.
Mr. Brodin explained the HESCO sacks in the City are covered with visqueen and should not require
annual replacement.
Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133rd Street, inquired about what could be done in the Foster Point
neighborhood. Mr. Brodin conveyed the City has worked with Baker Commodities regarding a creek on
their property to minimize impacts of flooding at Foster Point.
The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Brodin for the informative presentation.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Robert Jensen, 11682 44 Avenue South, indicated on Sunday, January 31, he was walking his dog in
his neighborhood when his dog was attacked by a pit bull. Mr. Jensen indicated he carries a golf club
while walking his dog due to concern regarding loose dogs in the area. In this instance he used force to
stop the attack and did call 911 to report the incident. It was 45 minutes later before he got a return call
from the operator. He indicated that many of his neighbors are fearful to walk in the area. He brought
this to the attention of the Council a few years ago and is wondering about the status of how to deal with
vicious dogs.
Council President Robertson is interested in whether the animal control officer was ever notified and what
was done to follow up. The City does have a dangerous dog ordinance, and Tukwila shares an animal
control officer with the City of SeaTac.
Mr. Jensen also referenced ongoing issues with graffiti in the City. He has noticed graffiti on the shoreline
use sign on the south side of 42 Avenue, the trestle bridge near the Community Center, the Highway 99
bridge, and on the Light Rail system. He uses the graffiti hotline, and it is sometimes 8 weeks before
cleaning occurs.
Mayor Haggerton thanked Mr. Jensen for bringing the animal control and graffiti issues to the attention of
the City. With regard to graffiti, the Mayor conveyed there are times when perpetrators are caught in the
act, and this is an ongoing problem on a regional level. The City will continue to work this problem.
Abdullahi Jama, 1006 South 99 Place, #50, Seattle, expressed that as a member of the Somali
community, he is appreciative of the work of Assistant Chief Don Lincoln in working with youth in the
area. The efforts of the Tukwila Police Department have been very helpful, and he conveyed his thanks.
Mary Koontz, 13802 Military Road South, representing Neighbors Without Borders, thanked the City for
the installation of the flashing lights on South 135 Street near the school.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2010 Page 3 of 6
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 1/19/10 (Regular); 1/25/10 (Special)
b. Approval of Vouchers #351451 #351592 and #201002011 in the amount of $473,571.90.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED
AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a grant agreement with King County to accept grant funding for a
Stream Team Stewardship Training program, in the amount of $22,208.44.
MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY SEAL TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDING FOR A STREAM TEAM
STEWARDSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,208.44. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
b. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with King County Solid Waste Division to
accept grant funding for the Tukwila Recycling Program, in the amount of $81,069.00.
Councilmember Quinn recused himself from discussion on this item.
MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY SEAL TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY SOLID WASTE DIVISION TO ACCEPT GRANT
FUNDING FOR THE TUKWILA RECYCLING PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,069.00. MOTION
CARRIED 6 -0, WITH QUINN RECUSED.
c. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Fehr Peers for transportation modeling for
the Transportation Element to the Comprehensive Plan Update, in the amount of $308,479.00.
MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY QUINN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT
WITH FEHR AND PEERS FOR TRANSPORTATION MODELING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION
ELEMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $308,479.00. MOTION
CARRIED 7 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
An ordinance granting a cable television system franchise extension to Comcast of Washington
IV, Incorporated.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 1688 §2 AND 2224 §1, "LENGTH OF FRANCHISE," TO
GRANT A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM FRANCHISE EXTENSION TO COMCAST OF
WASHINGTON IV, INCORPORATED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Comcast, formerly Telecommunications, Inc., was granted a 15 -year non exclusive franchise by the City
for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a cable system by Ordinance #1688. In February
2009, Ordinance #2224 extended the franchise to February 1, 2010. This ordinance will extend the
franchise to February 1, 2013.
MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ
BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS
READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2273.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2010 Page 4 of 6
Council President Robertson explained this item did not follow the standard process in that it came
directly from a Council Committee meeting to the Regular meeting. While there were timeline issues
associated with this item, the City Administrator has indicated there will be minimal exceptions to
deviations from the standard process in the future.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
During the week of January 25, 2010, Mayor Haggerton attended the Association of Washington Cities
(AWC) Board of Directors meeting and the AWC Legislative Conference in Olympia. At the Legislative
Conference, Tukwila staff and elected officials met with senators and representatives regarding issues
specific to the needs of the City. The materials provided by Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, were
extremely beneficial for use at the conference. On January 29, 2010, the Mayor attended a meeting with
Sound Transit staff and other local Mayors and City Administrators regarding South County issues.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie attended the AWC Legislative Conference during the week of January 25, 2010
and conveyed it was extremely beneficial.
Councilmember Hernandez asked the Council to return information to her by February 16, 2010 in
preparation for the performance review for Council staff.
Council President Robertson also attended the Legislative Conference the week of January 25, 2010. He
indicated the information provided by Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, was instrumental in both focusing
on specific issues and being well informed regarding the bills under consideration. Mr. Robertson
indicated he provided approval for the City to apply for a $1 million grant for an Emergency Operations
Center (EOC). The decision to apply for the grant had to be made in 1 day, and there is a City match
requirement of $333,000, but the City is not committed to accepting the grant. In the future, the City
Administrator has indicated there will be greater lead time and adherence to the Council process on
issues such as this. Additionally, Mr. Robertson has provided 3 draft procedures regarding citizen
complaints to the City Administrator for review. After his review, the Council President intends to bring
them to the Committee of the Whole meeting for discussion and formalization of the process.
Councilmember Ekberg relayed he has been using the Light Rail system and finds it a beneficial mode of
transportation. He indicated he has noticed issues such as faded block watch signs at South 130 Street
and 42 Avenue South and uprooted dead -end signs in the community, and he would like an
understanding of how these types of items should be reported by citizens.
Mayor Haggerton requested the City Administrator be the initial contact, and he will then provide direction
to the appropriate City department.
Councilmember Seal indicated space has been provided at the Fellowship Bible Church in SeaTac for
needs associated with the Kids Without Borders program. Currently there is a storage unit filled with
clothes that will be transported to the new location. The City's Volunteer Coordinator, Tracy Gallaway,
will be organizing a work party at the new location on February 20, 2010. Those interested in assisting
can contact Ms. Gallaway at 206 768 -2822.
Councilmember Hougardy also attended the Legislative Conference the week of January 25, 2010. The
current budget shortfalls provided a notable difference in the discussions from prior years.
Councilmember Quinn reported he will be speaking at the National Smart Growth Conference on
February 3, 2010.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2010 Page 5 of 6
c. Staff
Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, provided an overview of the Animal Services Work Group meetings
being undertaken by King County and the cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Redmond, Bellevue,
SeaTac, Kent, and Tukwila. The participants will be meeting weekly with the goal of developing a
potential regional animal services model for King County and individual cities to consider. The group may
determine to convene a larger group of City stakeholders to review progress and issues. The participants
agree the approach to developing a regional model will be interest based and that if a regional model is to
work, the solution must provide mutual advantage to King County and the cities. Additionally, the
participants intend to conclude the discussions by March 31, 2010, with an agreement in principle for
regional animal services, including a recommended model, costs, and cost allocation. The agreement will
provide for regional animal control, sheltering, and licensing services. A contract based on the agreement
in principle will be developed by May 15, 2010.
Mayor Haggerton indicated the City is very sensitive to animal control issues and will continue to seek an
approach that best serves the citizens of Tukwila.
d. City Attorney
There was no report.
e. Intergovernmental
The Council Analyst was not in attendance.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Duffie expressed that a citizen has complained to him about the inability to drive a
motorcycle in an area of Foster Point that is now inaccessible to vehicles. Additionally, Councilmember
Duffie has received complaints about the lack of basketball hoops at Thorndyke Elementary School and
at Crystal Springs Park. Citizens have told him they feel their children should have greater accessibility to
basketball hoops in these areas of the community. He has heard suggestions that the Tukwila Library be
turned into a Teen Center when it closes.
Council President Robertson explained the basketball hoops were removed from Crystal Springs Park
due to ongoing criminal activity and alcohol use by adults in their twenties. The removal of the basketball
hoops brought about a cessation of negative activity.
Councilmember Quinn conveyed the City does not have the background on the decisions made by the
School District regarding the playground equipment at Thorndyke Elementary School. The Council will
have a great deal to discuss during these economic times as it relates to the commitment of funds and
staff time for new facilities.
Councilmember Seal relayed this would be another good opportunity for the City and School District to
communicate about possible options. She reported there will be no summer school this year, and there
will be kids looking for things to do in the community.
Councilmember Hougardy inquired as to the status of the agenda for the upcoming Council Retreat.
Council President Robertson indicated he would provide a draft agenda at the next Committee of the
Whole meeting.
Mayor Haggerton indicated a report would be forthcoming regarding Crystal Springs Park from the Parks
and Recreation Department.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2010 Page 6 of 6
ADJOURNMENT
8:46 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7
so;
Ji aggerton, M
7 d
Christy O'Flah- City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 2/16/2010