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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 26, 1990 7:55 P.M. CALL TO ORDER COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT OFFICIALS SPECIAL ISSUES Discussion on Solid Waste Recycling Policies and Program Options as recommended by the Utilities Committee. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES W77 COW Revised Pages- 4/6/90 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Council President called the Committee of The Whole Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order. JOE H. DUFFIE, DENNIS ROBERTSON, JOAN HERNANDEZ, Council President; CLARENCE MORIWAKI, ALLAN EKBERG, STEVE LAWRENCE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY EKBERG THAT JOHN RANTS BE EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING WHILE VACATIONING IN HAWAII. MOTION CARRIED. JOHN COLGROVE, City Attorney; JOHN MCFARLAND, City Administrator; RICK BEELER, Director, Department of Community Development; REBECCA FOX, Associate Planner; ROSS EARNST, Public Works Director. Councilmember Duffie praised the recycling committee for the fine job they are doing with this program; and informed those present that this item was for discussion, only, to obtain suggestions and input to help formulate a plan to manage the City's recycling plan. He stressed the point that this is not an ordinance nor a resolution. Craig Benton, Consultant, Sound Resource Management Group, commented that he's been working with the City of Tukwila for over a year and a half on this project and have made substan- tial progress in the last few months. Mr. Benton introduced the Summary of the Utilities Committee Solid Waste and Recycling Program Recommendations, and gave a brief overview of the key policies. He stated that by the end of last year a report had been drafted with a list of different options; two public meetings in January one for residents and one for businesses. The residents' meeting was very well attended. We held four meetings with the Utility Committee and looked at different options and different administrative approaches, and developed the following policy guidelines (in brief, the full report may be obtained in the Planning Department): The City should develop a comprehensive recycling program to comply with State legislation and County plans to reduce and /or recycle at least 50% of its solid waste by 1995.. The goal of the City's program should be to provide ample opportunity for residents and businesses to reduce and recycle waste. Since over 75% of Tukwila's waste is generated by com- mercial sources, efforts should concentrate on reducing and recycling waste produced by businesses. The City should set waste reduction and recycling standards and assist bussinesses with meeting those standards. Participation should be encouraged by educating resi- dents and businesses and by using rate incentives and technical assistance. Residential Recycling: Promote private buy -back centers; set -up and operate at least two multi-material drop sites; provide voluntary curbside collection service. Councilmember Lawrence stated that the state and county have set guidelines to reduce and /or recycle at least 50% of its solid waste by 1995 He realizes that through a voluntary program we may not be able to achieve that. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 26, 1990 Page 2 SPECIAL ISSUES (Con't) Lawrence is hoping that we can create incentives that will Solid Waste Recycling entice businesses to do the necessary recycling; and in the residential community he's hoping we can structure the rates for the garbage cans and for the recyclables so that it will also encourage participants to reach their goals. The con- sensus of the Solid Waste Citizen's Advisory Committee is that if we're not on course in meeting our five -year goals, more stringent measures may have to be taken. Councilmember Ekberg added that quite a few residents use the local dumping facilities for their garbage haul. Therefore, measures will be taken to honor their efforts and at the same time try to encourage the City's overall recycling program. We haven't gone to mandatory recycling and mandatory garbage pick up at this time because we want to see the residents' response to a voluntary program first. Mr. Benton asked the Council to review the policies and program options as recommended by the Utility Committee. Mayor Van Dusen asked the question regarding residential recycling. In regards to setting up and operating at least two multi material drop- sites, will this be kept in the pri- vate sector or are we talking about making this The City's responsibility? If so, he has some real problems with it. Councilmember Lawrence responded that this is in the private sector. These drop -sites would be unmanned, raw, drop -box- type that have several compartments for the various recyclables. The reason we thought it necessary to have this available is because we're not requiring mandatory recycling or even garbage pick up. So for the people that aren't voluntarily having curb -site recycling pick up, they will be able to haul theirs to convenient points and be able to dispose of their recyclables in this manner. Mayor Van Dusen acknowledged that Lawrence's explanation was very clear but asked that Lawrence proceed with caution with regards to finding appropriate locations. Lawrence stated that the committee had done research and will continue discussion on adequate drop -site. Mr. Benton stated that in the past, the City has provided residents with two free dump passes a year. Because the free dump pass program serves as a disincentive to participation in both solid waste collection services and recycling programs, it should be transformed into a free spring and fall clean -up that encourages waste reduction. Councilmember Robertson suggested time be allowed for the whole Council to read the Recycling Plan since the document is so extensive. Councilmember Robertson expressed concern about the cost of the program and would prefer to see figures prior to making any final decision. Councilmember Lawrence stated that if the program proves to be costly, then obviously changcs would have to be made. He referenced one of the guidelines in the Plan which was to keep the cost down. Council President Hernandez announced that there will be public hearings before this program is implemented. Councilmember Ekberg suggested this issue be taken back to the Utility Committee to work on the Plan, Public Hearing and Costs. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 26, 1990 Page 3 SPECIAL ISSUES (Con't) Discussion on an ordinance recreating the Tukwila Planning Commission CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Councilmember Robertson announced that prior to public discussion he would like to make three changes in the Draft Ordinance: Section 2 add residential business; Section 4 Change to 4 years in two places instead of 3; and delete the words: .and no commissioner shall serve more than two terms. Dennis Olson, President, Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, Stated that the business community is about 85% of the City's tax base, and that many communities would go for the advantages that could bring to them. The message that is being sent by this draft ordinance is not a healthy one. He continued, the City is in the middle of major considerations such as the Sensitive Areas Ordinance (SAO) and this type of restructuring is not appropriate at this time. The Chamber supports a 4 -year term of office, but would rather see the existing Planning Commission Ordinance remain status quo. Catherine Harris, 5610 South 141st Street, inquired who were the originators or sponsors of this post legislation. Council President Hernandez stated that this ordinance came as a recommendation from the Community Affairs and Parks Committee which consists of three members: Clarence Moriwaki, Dennis Robertson, and Steve Lawrence. Mrs. Harris commented that she was looking for some real justificationm for this action and asked had their been any complaints from the com- munity or anyone else for that matter. She thinks it would be shameful to eliminate the two seats for the business com- munity. She thinks this is a thinly disguised, vindictive and vengeful vendetta against the Planning Commission due to a recent voice raised in a matter relating to land use. Jack Flesher, a businessman and a member of the Planning Commission, commented that he has established his priorities between home and the community and has served the City well. He feels if this ordinance passes it would be a "breach of faith" to his confirmation as a member of the Commission, and will send a negative message (if not already) to the busi- nesses in general. Dennis Lensegrav, Manager, Puget Power in Tukwila and Renton, wants the record to reflect that Puget Power supports the existing ordinance because they've been successful and will continue to be so, if left alone. The City of Tukwila is commercially rich, but would not be known as "a rich little City" if it were not for the businesses. Puget Power sup- ports the 6 -year term of office, for it allows for stability, consistency and continuity for planning purposes. Bill Scheffler, 4033 South 128th, shared a letter for Sharon Bernhardt who was unable to attend the meeting. Mrs. Bernhardt's letter stated that she believes the entire com- munity must be represented on the Commission. Mr. Scheffler supports two members from business community and a four -year term of office. David Morgan, 5190 South 166th, doesn't want outsiders to dictate how to run the City. He supports three -year term. Barry Reid, 5103 South 164th, supports Planning Commission the way it is currently structured with two business repre- sentatives as it is a way the business community can make a contribution. Vern Merryhew, re sic ;i corm iitE.J that the business com- munity is 6 vcry vital part of the City and needs to be represented on the Planning Corissior,< Jim Haggerton, 15326 Ord Avcnt;E_ .youth, concurred with others in that there must be some underlying reasons for this issue to have come up at this time. He added that the Council may want to follow in Kent's footsteps by appointing nine members to the PlAnniing Commicioi,, but continue to have two seats fur the bui:;dess community� TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 26, 1990 Page 4 CITIZEN'S COMMENTS An ordinance Recreating Planning Comission (Con't) ov77 Woody Wilkerson, representative of properties along East Marginal Way, supports partnership between business and resi- dents and urge the Council to discontinue this pursuit. Pat Carter, 4115 South 139th, reported that there had been complaints that the Planning Commission had too often made land use recommendations that would allow business or industry to intrude on the residential areas. She would rather see an all- resident Planning Commission. Kathy Stetson, 13258 40th Avenue South, commented that she feels the City should be able to find qualified residents to serve on the Planning Commission; three or four year term is appropriate. She added that only residents have to live with the results of the decisions made by the Planning Commission. Daniel Aragon, 2310 South 124th, stated that he feels the Business Community is too important to the City to eliminate them from the Planning Commission. He read a letter from the Duwamish Improvement Club stating their position is to retain current Planning Commission. Betty Gully, 13017 42nd Avenue South, stated that she's not knocking the business community, but something needs to be done to make the residents feel that they have an equal opportunity to be heard. Paul Seely, representing the Boeing Co., 7755 Marginal Way, commented that experience and expertise will be needed to make the kinds of decisions on the issues that are facing and will be facing the City. If there are problems between resi- dents and business they should try to work them out because we are interdependent of each other, not independent of each other. Becky Reid, 5103 South 164th, opposes this draft ordinance because we need the business community and the business com- munity needs us. Joan Merryhew doesn't have a problem with current structure but suggested we could add two additional members if we felt more residents should be given the opportunity to serve on the Planning Commission. Mayor Van Dusen, resident, stated that he became involved with the City in 1974 and has been consistent as a team player. But most of all he has always supported what was best for the City. The issues we are now facing are more complexed. Our need for cohesiveness is almost mandatory if we are going to keep Tukwila on an upward swing. He added, the present system serves the City well. Councilmember Moriwaki read a letter from John Rants and from Mr. Mrs. Lamb. Rants supports changing the current requirements for residency and terms of office. The Lambs concurred by adding they prefer an all- residents Planning Commission with shorter terms of office. Councilmember Robertson commented that it was not his inten- tion to exclude business participation, we just want the business participants to be residents of the City. Councilmember Duffle stated that this craft ordinance defeats everything the previous Cot?nt;.i Iraembers fought so hard for. He would rather see thf: mrr crship incr to nine members to give more resident paticipatior, but Lee the two scats for the bu: mess community. Councilmember Robertson suggested that tic d' of t ordinance with the three changes be forwarded to ti c, i i 2, 1990 Regular Council Meeting. MOVED EY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY MORIMK' YHt'T THE AMENDED DRAFT ORDINANCE BE FORWARDED 10 THF nPRJ,l_ :19M REGULAR MEETING.* TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 26, 1990 Page 5 CITIZEN'S COMMENTS An ordinance Recreating Planning Commission (Con't). RECESS 9:55 10:15 SPECIAL ISSUES Discussion on Sensitive Areas Ordinance. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Councilmember Lawrence stated that it was no one's intention to exclude any one group. The ordinance is just trying to create a philosophical balance. It just seems logical that the resident of a City is going to have a more balanced perspective on the way things should be done. Lawrence com- mended the Mayor for the excellent job he has done in pro- posing people from a cross section of the community and has faith that the Mayor will continue to do so. Councilmember Ekberg supports the draft ordinance that resi- dential and business be identified as community members. Ekberg also added we need people within the commission to identify more solely with the residency of the community. Councilmember Moriwaki concurred with Lawrence in that it just seems logical that a resident of a city is going to have a more balanced perspective on the way things are done. *MOTION CARRIED WITH DUFFIE VOTING NO. Council President called the meeting back to order with Councilmembers in attendance as listed above. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT ITEM 2g "DISCUSSION ON SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE" BE NEXT ON THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED. Council President Hernandez inquired how much will this study support the SAO Ordinance. Attorney Colgrove replied that it depends upon what kind of study is done. There is no well defined state laws and statute to show when you've crossed over the line from legislative to a quasi judicial form of action. To the extent you use scientific information and consultant to come up with an ordinance, you've probably sup- ported what you've done. You can never have too much scien- tific information, but the attorney asserted he would not recommend that consultants go out and identifyh each parcel and detail the standards the standards be applied to which parcel. Councilmember Lawrence expressed he was concerned about the site specific issue. He prefers not to specifically point out the sites for wetland purposes. But if categories could be identified of wetlands within the City, then based on those categories, set up buffers regarding those categories within the ordinance, this would provide a base line for people who wanted to develop their properties while at the same time identifying what base line buffers are. Pam Thornson, General Manager, Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce commented the Chamber supports the SAO Ordinance because it allows Tukwila to protect the quality of life in this City; and provides for reasonable development. Ms. Thornson expressed appreciation to the Council for responding to their suggestion to develop the Citizen Advisory Committee for the purpose of examining SAO issues. This type of public process is applauded and she encouraged the Council to con- tinue in this direction. Bill Arthur reported according to the consultant who did the study for the City in October 1989, the 17 wetlands iden- tified in that report comprised 95 to 98% of all the wetlands in the City. The watercourses are also identified for the most part in the Surface Water Management Study. Mr. Arthur is requesting that the Council approves completion of that study and inventory watercourses to determine specific buffer requirements for each type. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING March 26, 1990 Page 6 SPECIAL ISSUES (Con't) Discussion on Sensitive Areas Ordinance. ADJOURNMENT 11:30 p.m. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT DUE TO THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR (11:00 p.m.) THAT THE DISCUSSION ON THE SAO BE CONTINUED ON THURSDAY, 6:00 p.m AT THE SAO AD HOC COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEE.* Councilmember Robertson stated it would be desirable if we could deal with the wetlands individually but it raises all kinds of other issues, deemed it wiser to hire a consultant. Becky Reid suggested the committee be precluded from looking at the sites. Assign the consultants this job and it would be done in a fairer and more evenhanded manner. She also added that we use the same consultant because they are cheaper and won't need to do as much field work since they've already analyzed this situation. Another consultant would be substantially more expensive $35,000 as opposed to $17,000. Councilmember Robertson stated that the council will not allow the Sensitive Areas Ordinance to adopt the inventory area. The inventory was a research to see if we did have wetlands in the City. Councilmember Lawrence mentioned the SAO Committee feels the work they've done is incomplete. We have not allowed them to finish the job. Councilmember Moriwaki added the study was to be completed by February 12, 1990. We are not keeping to the timeline and it's frustrating. He's concerned about being site specific. That's something that should be done in hearings, appeals or by the Planning Commission. the setbacks change depending on the season. The run -off is so undefinable. We should set some kind of standards, but to go into the ordinance and define the setbacks outright would be preconceived. *MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED. Jlan Hernandez, Council Presid-dnt ia Square, Record i nag Secretary