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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers November 25, 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 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Kathy Hougardy, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller. CITY OFFICIALS David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Kimberly Matej, Government Relations Manager; Marty Roberts, Battalion Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Robin Tischmak, City Engineer; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Ryan Larson, Senior Engineer; Peter Lau, Senior Engineer; Cyndy Knighton, Senior Engineer; Pat Brodin, Public Works Operations Superintendent; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Kim Gilman, Human Resources Analyst; Brenda LaFleur, Human Resources Technician; Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Legislative update from Senator Bob Hasegawa. Senator Hasegawa explained the Washington Legislature is working on the details relating to the implementation of Initiative 502 (relating to cannabis). To balance the budget, the state legislature raided the Public Works Fund. He stated he has been working on a proposal to create a publicly owned state bank for the past several years. Currently, when the state collects revenue, those collections are deposited into the state's commercial account at Bank of America. 1 -502 has created a problem, in that the revenues collected are un- bankable. Federal banking regulations forbid commercial banks from receiving deposits they suspect are derived from illegal activity. Marijuana is an illegal drug under federal law, even though Washington voters decided to legalize marijuana through 1 -502. Under his proposal (SB 5955), the state bank would be modeled after the Bank of North Dakota. The Bank of North Dakota is the only state -owned bank in the nation, and they act as a funding resource in partnership with other financial institutions, economic development groups and guaranty agencies. Their four established business areas are Student Loans, Lending Services, Treasury Services and Banking Services. Senator Hasegawa commented that the Washington State Liquor Control Board has done a great job crafting the rules and regulations for implementation of 1 -502; now the financial end of the implementation needs to be addressed. He asked that people review SB 5955 and provide comments to his office on the proposed legislation. Councilmember Robertson asked if the bill has received strong opposition from the banking industry. Senator Hasegawa stated the banking industry has issued a white paper on why the state should not be involved in the banking industry. Councilmember Ekberg said the State of Colorado passed the same type of legislation; he asked how they are handling the banking issue. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 2 of 8 Senator Hasegawa relayed that Colorado officials are stuck in the same situation as Washington. He explained that while the State of Washington legalized medical marijuana, due to banking regulations the medical marijuana program is a cash system. Councilmember Seal commented that a cash system such as mentioned above would attract crime. By creating a state bank, there is opportunity to give back to the people of Washington and provide great assistance to several programs. Councilmember Duffie asked if there was support for the original legislation relating to the creation of a state bank. Senator Hasegawa said at one point the proposed legislation had 44 co- sponsors. Councilmember Quinn stated this is a creative idea and it can be folded into implementation of 1 -502. Implemented successfully, a state bank has the potential to provide a great benefit to the citizens of Washington. Councilmember Kruller clarified that providing education on the program and proposed legislation is the best way to garner support for the proposed state bank. She asked if education would be the benefit/focus of funding for the proposed bank. Senator Hasegawa clarified that state infrastructure is where the funding would be dedicated. He explained the Public Works Trust Fund Loan Program has experienced a zero percent default. Councilmember Kruller inquired about information on legislation relating to any new transportation funding packages. Senator Hasegawa commented that the House majority coalition caucus has created their version of a transportation package, and he is optimistic for transportation funding. Council President Hougardy thanked Senator Hasegawa for taking the time to meet with the Tukwila youth earlier in 2013. The Councilmembers thanked Senator Hasegawa for the update on the proposed legislation. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A discussion on Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 13 -134 with King Construction relating to the 2013 Annual Sewer Repair Program. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on November 18, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained King Construction was awarded the contract for installation of side sewers at 6532 and 6542 Southcenter Boulevard. After work began, three unforeseen changes occurred that included large boulders, concrete work, and additional septic connections. The Council is being asked to approve Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 13 -134 with King Construction in the amount of $28,825.85. The Council asked clarifying questions and exchanged comments on this agenda item. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE DECEMBER 2, 2013 CONSENT AGENDA. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 3 of 8 b. A review of the draft of Phase 4 of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent, explained the City is working to update the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The consultant, MIG Consulting, will present an update on the status of the project and conduct a review of the draft plan. Staff is seeking comments to the draft plan no later than January 13, 2014. Comments will be incorporated into the final plan, which is scheduled to be reviewed by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on January 27, 2014. He introduced Ryan Motthau of MIG Consulting. Mr. Motthau has been the Project Manager for the update to the City's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The project has received great input from the community. Mr. Motthau utilized a PowerPoint presentation to review the process undertaken in the creation of the draft plan. Highlights of the presentation included: Targeted Outreach: ❖ Moving listening sessions ❖ National Night Out block party intercept ❖ Education expert interviews ❖ Community leader focus group ❖ Staff advisory group Broad Outreach: ❖ Community questionnaire ❖ Community workshop ❖ Extended outreach Understanding the system - Listening to the community: ❖ Discussing with staff and City leaders ❖ Involving stakeholders ❖ Refining the inventory ❖ Referencing plans and policies ❖ Identifying challenges and opportunities Identifying key needs: ❖ Accessible and connected parks and recreational opportunities ❖ Walking and biking, health and wellness • Socializing, gathering and a sense of community ❖ Opportunities for all ❖ Affordable and convenient opportunities Plan Integration: Strategic Plan: ❖ Opportunities for all ❖ Inviting and connected places ❖ A sense of community ❖ Health and wellness Plan Integration: Comprehensive Plan: ❖ Goal 1: Convenient and Connected System ❖ Goal 2: A Sense of Community ❖ Goal 3: Opportunities for All ❖ Goal 4: Inviting and Affordable ❖ Goal 5: Healthy People and Places Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 4 of 8 Plan Recommendations: Themes: ❖ Maximizing the existing system ❖ Untapped potential of parks ❖ Refining service goals for programming ❖ New and expanded programs /services ❖ Recognizing the importance of partners ❖ Maintain a coordinated recreation system ❖ Fostering ongoing interaction within the community ❖ Make parks a stronger part of community Plan Recommendations: Categories: ❖ Walking and Biking ❖ Social Gathering ❖ Organized Sports ❖ Unstructured Play ❖ River Access ❖ Physical Planning and Management ❖ Forests and Waterways ❖ Programs and Services ❖ Communications and Partnerships Funding and Implementation: ❖ Expanding funding flexibility o Pursuing grants o Refining impact fees o Applying criteria ❖ Enhancing community relationships o Leveraging /managing volunteers o Building capacity ❖ Maximizing capital projects o Interdepartmental /interagency collaboration o Communication and planning Mr. Motthau explained this is the beginning of the review period for the draft plan, and he looks forward to receiving the Council's comments. He asked that any comments be submitted in writing to Dave Johnson, Parks and Recreation Superintendent. Councilmember Robertson voiced his appreciation to the team responsible for creation of the draft plan and the new ideas presented. He offered some suggested language edits to the Policies and Goals listed on pages 3 -2 and 3 -3 of the draft plan. Additionally, he feels maintenance of the existing facilities is important, and he will provide those comments in writing as well. Councilmember Ekberg voiced his appreciation for the work in the creation of the draft plan, and the inclusion of possible locations for a Dog Park. Councilmember Quinn voiced his support for the inclusion of the overarching pieces in the plan that are included in the City's Strategic Plan. Councilmember Kruller asked for information regarding outreach to the Rainbow Trailer site during the National Night Out Against Crime event. Mr. Motthau clarified that the Hispanic population was the targeted group that had not provided input on the proposed plan. The team conducted approximately 30 interviews during the National Night Out event. Council President Hougardy explained that she is part of the Technical Advisory Group. She commented that there are a lot of good comments that have been received during this process in Appendix D. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 5 of 8 Mr. Motthau thanked the Council for the opportunity to present the draft plan. He explained the PROS Plan needs to be adopted by March 1, 2014 in order for the City to qualify for the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant opportunities. c. A resolution relating to the 2013 non - represented employees' market study. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on November 19, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Earlier this year, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 1796 establishing a compensation policy for City employees. This is also the year in which a market study is conducted for non - represented positions, for 2014 wages. The compensation policy set the parameters as to what comparable jurisdictions would be used for the study. Councilmember Robertson explained the comparable cities have been the difficult issue, and the consultant suggested the City use assessed valuation as how to identify a comparable city. The Committee suggested that the 2014 Finance and Safety Committee review the issue again. Councilmember Quinn commented that this process took approximately three years to establish a compensation policy, and the Council has the opportunity to make adjustments in the future. Councilmember Kruller asked what the cost to the City would be with the addition of the two proposed additional floating holidays. She asked that the cost be included in the agenda information for the next Regular Meeting. Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director, clarified the proposal is to add one additional floating holiday, and she stated she would work with the Finance Director on the cost information. Kimberly Matej, Government Relations Manager, thanked the Council for allowing staff the opportunity to comment on this item. She explained that she spoke on this item at the November 19, 2013 Finance and Safety Committee meeting, and the Committee suggested staff attend the meeting this evening. Ms. Matej expressed her gratitude to the Council for their continued support of all City employees, specifically acknowledging the outstanding medical benefits offered by the City. She voiced her concerns relating to the parameters for comparable jurisdictions. She requested that the Council reconsider these parameters for the 2015 non - represented wages and benefits, in addition to considering making adjustments to the 2014 non - represented wages and benefits if the City's labor unions utilize a different set of comparables in the current negotiations. Ryan Larson, Senior Program Manager, explained the cities used as comparable jurisdictions for the non - represented market study do not have the complex issues that make the City of Tukwila unique, and the valley cities should have been used as comparable cities. 9:08 p.m. Council President Hougardy called for recess to allow the videographer to change discs. 9:10 p.m. Council President Hougardy reconvened the meeting. Mr. Larson stated Tukwila is unique in that the City has a major river running throughout the City, is part of the Flood Control District and has other environmentally sensitive areas. The City operates and maintains water and sewer utilities; Tukwila has a designated Urban Center and a Manufacturing / Industrial Center; Sounder and Link Light Rail stations are located in Tukwila; and portions of the City have been designated as a Super Fund Site. Tukwila maintains its own infrastructure, while the comparable cities contract the maintenance of infrastructure to King County. Tukwila is home to the largest mall in the Puget Sound region and 4 major highways bisect the City. He explained Tukwila is very similar to the other valley cities; however, the valley cities were not used as comparison cities. Mr. Larson requested the Council review the comparable cities used for the non - represented analysis, and he suggested a representative from the non -reps be part of the review process. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 6 of 8. Ms. Brown thanked the non - represented staff for voicing their concerns. As Councilmember Robertson commented, comparability is difficult to quantify. While it is desired that comparables between represented and non - represented employee groups are taken into consideration, the City has interest arbitration groups. Comparability plays a role with interest arbitration, and the City needs to be mindful of that when dealing with this issue. Mike Villa, Police Chief, commented that in conversations with other non - represented employees, the concerns voiced this evening are concerns echoed by the non - represented group. As a manager in the City, it is beneficial to the City to maintain and stay competitive in the market. Review of the comparables should also include the cities that Tukwila is competing with for employees and front line staff. He thanked the Council for their work on the compensation policy and City Administration and the Human Resources Department for the package presented to Council. Councilmember Quinn said he has been a non - represented employee, and he thanked the staff for voicing their concerns to the Council. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. A discussion on Council policies and procedures. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, explained at the 2013 Retreat the Council committed to documenting its policies and procedures in a formal and organized way. A list of subjects was agreed upon with rankings by priority. The Council President and Council Analyst have been organizing this effort, obtaining feedback from appropriate City staff and a subcommittee including Councilmembers Ekberg and Seal. Each policy is represented as an individual document and will be assigned a unique number if approved by the Council. This format was selected due to its flexibility in allowing policies to be added or amended in response to changing needs. Each policy will be marked with an implementation date and compiled in a notebook made available to each Councilmember. It is important to note that each policy has undergone legal review. The six policies are summarized as follows: 1) The Requests for Staff Assistance Policy supports the idea that significant requests for staff assistance must be made with majority consensus of the Council, as well as support for existing City priorities and the budget (page 41 of the agenda packet). After Council discussion, there was consensus to make the following edits to the Requests for Staff Assistance Policy: Edit the title to read: Individual Councilmember Requests for Administration Staff Assistance STATEMENT OF POLICY AND /OR PROCEDURES: 2. Request for significant staff assistance should be rye identified during a Committee of the Whole or Regular Meeting and must receive majority consensus. 2) The Election of Council President Policy describes exceptions to the Council President rotation -by- seniority outlined in the Tukwila Municipal Code (page 43 of the agenda packet). After Council discussion, there was consensus to make the following edits to the Election of Council President Policy: STATEMENT OF POLICY AND /OR PROCEDURES: 4. The Councilmember whose opt -out was accepted by the Full Council will remain at the top of the rotation with the opportunity to serve as Council President at during the following year. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 7 of 8 3) The Supervising Council Analyst Policy describes the responsibilities of the Council President in providing supervision to the Council Analyst position (pages 45 -46 of the agenda packet). There were no changes or edits. 4) The Planned Committee Meeting Absence Policy describes the steps involved when a Councilmember knows ahead of time he or she is unable to attend a Committee meeting (page 47 of the agenda packet). There were no changes or edits. 5) The Councilmember Travel Policy updates previously adopted Council travel guidelines (pages 49 -50 of the agenda packet). After Council discussion, there was consensus to make the following edits to the Councilmember Travel Policy: STATEMENT OF POLICY AND /OR PROCEDURES: III. Travel Expenses b. The City will not assume costs for a spouse, partner or guest. 6) The Councilmember Voucher Review Policy describes process and responsibilities involved when an individual Councilmember reviews vouchers prior to full Council adoption. Changes shown in the draft policy reflect discussion at the November 19, 2013 Finance and Safety Committee meeting (page 51 of the agenda packet). After Council discussion, there was consensus to make the following additions to the Councilmember Voucher Review Policy: STATEMENT OF POLICY AND /OR PROCEDURES: 6. Questions that arise during this stage of this review should be addressed to the Finance Director or the City Administrator. 7. Voucher review training will be provided to new Councilmembers under the direction of the Council President. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying comments on the proposed Council policies and procedures. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS Due to the lateness of the hour, the Council dispensed with reports. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Kruller commended the Tukwila Police Department on the assistance they provided the Presidential motorcade during President Obama's recent visit. Councilmember Robertson stated he received information and an action request at the National League of Cities Conference relating to railway freight car retrofitting. He distributed copies of the rail tank car issue summary and action request that included a draft resolution supporting the retrofit of DOT -111 Rail Tank Cars (the tank cars that are used to haul hazardous flammable material via freight rail). Support for the proposed retrofit of the rail cars is due by December 5, 2013 and he asked that staff draft a resolution in support of this issue for consideration at the December 2, 2013 Regular Meeting. Councilmember Seal urged City Administration to contact the City's lobbyists relating to this item prior to Council adoption of the proposed resolution. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 25, 2013 Page 8 of 8 ADJOURNMENT 10:01 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 12/16/2013 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 12/17/2013