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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOUNCIL ATTENDANCE: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 8, 2001 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Council President Joan Hernandez led the flag salute. OFFICIALS: Mayor Steven M. Mullet; City Administrator John McFarland; Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach; Deputy City Clerk Bob Baker; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Finance Director Alan Doerschel; Senior Engineer Michael Cusick; Parks Recreation Superintendent Tracy Thomas; Parks Recreation Facilities Coordinator Jessie Richardson. Present were Council President Joan Hernandez; and Councilmembers Joe Duffle; Pam Carter; Jim Haggerton; Pamela Linder; and David Fenton and Richard Simpson. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: a. Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration Margy Hunt, Program Mgr. Mayor Mullet reminded Council the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration project began just over one year ago; and introduced Program Manager /Administrator Margy Hunt. Ms. Hunt provided a handout to Council which outlines some accomplishments since November 2000. She also provided copies of the new brochures related to the program. The program started (again) on September 23, 2001; wherein all three elementary schools are completely full of participants. There are waiting lists at each of the elementary schools as well. The middle schools are close to being fully enrolled (approximately five open spots); and the Foster High School program is receiving more and more students. Word of mouth as to offerings at the High School is attracting more and more students. Students are offered a study table, tutoring, homework assistance, job- readiness skills, computer classes, poetry, scholarships from Bellevue Art Museum, etc. A full- service school (Foster High School) is working toward capturing students. To that end, surveys have been done to learn wherein student interests lie. Summer accomplishments, including low -cost immunizations (to 240 families) were highlighted before several parents and students expressed their appreciation for the program. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Diane Cook, Carrie Williams and Kim Carnes, parents and /or guardians of students enrolled in the program, spoke favorably of what it has to offer participants. All spoke in favor of continuing the program. Ashton Cook and Denny Russell, students in the program, also spoke favorably of the program and noted it gives them a place to go and things to do; rather than being on the streets or getting into trouble. Referrals to the program, desired make -up of the groups and their hours (for all school levels) were explained by Ms. Hunt. Responding to Councilmember Fenton's request, Ms. Hunt noted she put in a "proposal to request that the City of Tukwila take on...the Parks and Recreation component cost of the project." That amount is roughly $200,000.00 per year. Currently, the program is funded by 100% grant monies. The program is looking for "stable funding" for various components of the program. Councilmember Carter noted she would like to see the "stability of the families" tracked, as it would be discouraging to enroll a child in the program; help them along, and then have them move out of the community. Responding to that, Ms. Hunt noted past conversations with parents who have actually decided against moving out of the community, so their children may continue to be enrolled in the program. b. Foster High School Arts Projects 1. Arts Gala Cynthia Chesak. 13218 31st Avenue South. Tukwila, invited Council to a February 15, 2002 presentation entitled "For Love of the Arts." The music, vocal, instrumental, dance and theater groups will produce the show. Students agreed on five types of love 1. Family; 2. Friends; 3. Money; 4. Country; and 5. Arts (music, dance, theater, visual). Dances, songs, instrumental and theater pieces will be produced around the five types of love. 2. Poverty Hill Theatrical Grant October 8, 2001 Page 2 of 8 Cynthia Chesak. 13218 31st Avenue South, Tukwila. noted this has no "formal name, yet." The Seattle Rep. came to Foster High School last spring, seeking out Ms. Chesak to find out if the school would be interested in partnering to obtain a grant, to do a theater project. Ms. Chesak agreed and an application was submitted for $13,000.00 in grant funds. $10,000.00 was granted and $3,000.00 in subsequent grant monies have been received. Grant monies are to pay for a professional playwright. The playwright and Foster High School students will collaborate on the script. All will then produce a published play together for the 23rd and 24th of May, 2002. The vision of the play, about Poverty Hill, will proceed backward in time. Vie Hilbert, an elder with an area American Indian tribe (in the area) has visited the hill. She feels the Hill is "anxious" and unsettled. This is the starting point for the play. The main character, the Hill, will City of Tukwila Committee of whole Meeting Minutes tell the story. She will look backward in time as to what has happened through the 90's, 80's, 70's, 60's and so on. Randy Dickson is the professional playwright who will work with the Foster High School students in producing this show. Students will interview community members to learn what they remember what took place at the Hill, going back in time. Ms. Chesak invited Council to mark out the May 23 and 24th days now, to be sure to see the show. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: None. PUBLIC HEARING 7:35 p.m. Council President Joan Hernandez opened the public hearing. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, led Council on a discussion of the proposed vacation. Using the staff report as a guide, Mr. Morrow provided an overview of the issues at hand. He noted a fair market appraisal has been received from petitioner Bowen. Additionally, he noted the application meets all standards of the City's municipal code. From there, Mr. Morrow spoke in favor of the proposed vacation, with the following conditions: Said conditions also appear within the body of the proposed ordinance. 7:45 p.m. 7:46 p.m. October 8, 2001 Page 3 of 8 Petition for vacation of a portion of 51st Avenue South, North of Southcenter Boulevard 1. Mr. Bowen shall compensate the City for one -half of the appraised value of $22,240.00 2. Mr. Bowen will provide an easement allowing the City and State access for installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of existing and future infrastructure include the bridge. 3. Mr. Bowen will provide an easement for access to the bridge abutment and slopes within the right -of -way east of the bridge. Council President called for citizen comment on this matter. With no citizens coming forward to offer testimony, Council President Hernandez closed the public hearing. Council consensus exists to forward this item to the October 15, 2001 City Council Regular meeting. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Discussion on redistricting (Local, King County Elections Redistricting) October 8, 2001 Page 4 of 8 Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach led the redistricting discussion with Council. She noted three redistricting issues must be considered. They are a local, King County election districts; the State Legislative districts and the Federal Congressional district. Potential options were shared with Council, as presented in the packet for this meeting. Most have Tukwila being located within District 5. Interestingly, Dwight Pelz has one opponent in this election. That same district has grown in recent history (in population) and extends mostly to Seattle. Option G is the only map which something similar to what we have now, which is representation by two King County Councilmembers. Ms. Lauterbach asked if Council wishes for the City to be represented by one King County Councilmember (as provided in options A, B, C, D, E, F); or if they want representation by two King County Councilmembers (Option G). Discussion ensued between Councilmembers with clarification being sought on the maps and with a desire to hear from one another before making a final decision. Councilmembers Haggerton and Fenton noted concerns with accuracy in the materials presented. Council consensus exists for Option G, allowing Tukwila two King County Council representatives. To that end, Councilmember Carter suggested, and Council agreed, Mr. McFarland would write a letter, noting the preference of option "G yet stressing Council feels "more of a kin ship" with the South County cities; i.e., we are more alike the cities to the south of Seattle and believe more advantages could occur. (State Legislative Redistricting) With two Republicans and two Democrats and a non voting Chair, there are four alternatives for redistricting for State legislators. Differences take place outside Tukwila's borders, so although some legislators may lobby for a particular map, a preference as to options may not be critical. Ms. Lauterbach explained the various options created by four State Commission members. Each has drawn a redistricting map of the State. And, each map appears somewhat difficult to navigate. Responding to questions from Council, Ms. Lauterbach noted current legislators are (from the 34th district) Senator Michael Healey [sic] Dow Constantine, Representatives Erik Poulsen Dow Constantine [sic] Joe McDermott; and (from the 37th) Senator Adam Kline, and Representatives Sharon Tomiko Santos and Kip Tokuda. After a brief discussion of the options, Council consensus exists for Option BKM.01, number one; and Option JG.01, number two. This draft puts the great majority of the City in District 11, with only a section of Tukwila (South of SR 518 and west of I -5) being in District 33. Relating to this choice, Mr. McFarland will write a letter of support. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes (Federal Congressional Redistricting) October 8, 2001 Page 5 of 8 Ms. Lauterbach distributed and reviewed four federal congressional redistricting maps. These maps divide the City between District 9 7, currently Mr. McDermott's district (of Seattle). Option DF puts most of the City in District 9. Councilmembers spoke in favor of the work performed, on behalf of the City, by U. S. Representative Adam Smith, 9th District. After general discussion, questions and answers, Council consensus exists for Option DF.01.C. Mr. McFarland will write a letter of support for same. All letters will be written and provided to Council. Additionally, more information, when available, shall be provided to Council for closer analysis. b. An ordinance approving vacation of a portion of 35th Avenue South; South of South 126th Street (Council approved vacation November 6, 2000, pending fulfillment specific conditions.) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, VACATING THE NORTHERLY 623.85 FEET OF 35TH AVENUE SOUTH FROM SOUTH 126TH STREET, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF TUKWILA; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL STREET MAP OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Public Works Director Jim Morrow informed Council that conditions of a proposed street vacation at 35th Avenue South have been met. Said conditions were created in November, 2000, included: 1. Existing utilities in the proposed vacation area should remain in place with an easement provided to respective utility or be relocated at petitioner's expense. 2. A 50 -food easement with 35 -feet of pavement (matching current width) shall be granted to owner of property identified as Assessor's Parcels 206360 -0005, 0020, 0025, 0030, 0035, and 0036, for purposes of ingress and egress and utilities if the parcels of the property redevelop and the land use changes from residential to a permitted use within the zoning code. This easement shall run with the land and shall be binding on all parties having or acquiring any right, title, or interest in the land described herein or any part thereof, as long as the present facility or any business replacing it shall need the use of these parcels for the purposes described above. 3. Provision for emergency access to the southerly portion of the vacated area from South 126th Street and 35th Avenue South. 4. Compensation to the City in the amount of $85,780.00, in accordance with TMC 11.60. 5. Guaranteed pedestrian access shall run with the land and be binding on all parties. To that end, Council consensus exists to forward the proposed ordinance to the October 15 Regular meeting. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes c. Public Meeting I -747 relating to Tax Limitation October 8, 2001 Page 6 of 8 Citing the most recent initiative to come before the public in four years, the effect of passing this initiative could have serious impacts on the City's ability to offer services at the current level. Conversely, however, it would reduce citizens' tax bills. Tax on a $150,000.00 home would be reduced by approximately $23.00 per year. The three man provisions of Initiative 747 are: 1. It limits regular property tax levies of taxing districts to 1% 2. It amends the RCW which amends the definition of "substantial need" 3. It allows higher property taxes if approved by voters. This is allowed under current law. Finance Director Alan Doerschel did a summary of information presented to Council before this meeting. Based on the current taxing situation today, the City of Tukwila stands to lose approximately $200,000.00 per year. This number can change if we go into a recession. For cities like Des Moines and Mercer Island, where property taxes are the principal source of revenue, this is a devastating piece of legislation. Tukwila, on the other hand, is more unique as we receive and depend upon twice as much sales tax. The budget message, to be delivered in the future, will show that if I -747 passes, and sales tax goes flat for a few years, that, too could have a devastating impact on Tukwila's 6 -year planning model. The yearly loss does not "sunset" so the long -term affect could result in the ability to sell bonds. This could be the most impacting affect to the City. Mr. Doerschel noted there is a "strong chance this could withstand a court challenge" whereas other successful initiatives (I -695 and I -722) were not so fortunate. Potential cuts to programs /services were discussed. Voters need to know their choices and options; not to mention the potential outcome and consequences of their choices. Councilmembers and staff agreed an education process is very much necessary. CITIZEN COMMENT: Anna Bernhard. Tukwila,, spoke in opposition to the initiative. Joanne McManus, spoke against the City making cuts to programs and services. She and many other seniors rely upon those items offered by the City. The Community Center, for instance, provides the only outing some seniors make. Mr. Doerschel provided an overview of what could happen as it relates to property taxes in the event of initiative passage. After much discussion between Council and staff, Council consensus is to create a resolution opposing I -747. A proposed resolution will be presented at a future City Council Regular meeting. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet informed Council that a grant for "red light cameras" was denied. He invited three Councilmembers to attend the Economic breakfast on October 19. Finally, the Mayor asked who, on the Council, would be present for the Meriwether Lewis presentation on October 10 as dignitaries will be recognized. Finally, he noted the Hazelnut will be delivered to area homes before election time. b. City Council October 8, 2001 Page 7 of 8 Councilmember Duffle asked which committee he needed to address in order to run a 5000 watt generator during this Christmas season. Mayor Mullet informed him no committee need be addressed; and no permit is required to run a generator, so long as it does not disturb neighbors. Councilmember Carter attended tonight's Transportation Committee meeting. Additionally, she informed Council that AWC is rescheduling its Legislative Conference from February to January in 2002. She asked Ms. Lauterbach to confirm the conference dates to ensure they do not conflict with potential Council Retreat dates. Council President Hernandez attended the October 4 Equity Diversity Commission meeting. Councilmember Haggerton attended an October 3 Citizens Against SeaTac Expansion (CASE) meeting. The ACC meeting set for that same date was canceled. Mr. Haggerton noted three upcoming meetings for October 10 which he will report on later. Councilmember Linder reported two upcoming meetings related to an October 15 Study Advisory group for the King County Airport Part 150; as well as a South King County Council of Human Services meeting on October 23, 2001. Councilmember Fenton reported anticipated attendance to the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on October 9, 2001. Councilmember Simpson reported anticipated attendance to the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on October 9, 2001. Mr. Simpson reported long time City volunteer Lilly Bell Mallow passed away. He'll ensure Council is aware of confirmed funeral date, once set. c. Staff City Administrator John McFarland Mr. McFarland reported on litigation wherein Tukwila (along with other area cities) were successful in blocking an 18% increase to customers of Puget Sound Energy. He also reported jail contract negotiations are on going and proceeding well. Finally, Mr. McFarland noted a 6:00 p.m. Executive Session before the October 15 Regular meeting. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes d. Legislative Analyst Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach No report. ADJOURNMENT: 10:00 p.m. Duffie moved; Haggerton seconded; to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 7 -0. g6i).mt, Joan Fernandez, Council President Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Signed: October 22, 2001 October 8, 2001 Page 8 of 8