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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOUNCIL ATTENDANCE: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL September 24, 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 and Police Lieutenant Doug Part low. Present were Council President Joan Hernandez; and Councilmembers Joe Duffle; Pam Carter; Jim Haggerton; Pamela Linder; and David Fenton and Richard Simpson. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Damon. o /b /o Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce. invited all Councilmembers to the "Salute to Tukwila Government" affair on October 24, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites. Invited guests will have the opportunity to meet current City Councilmembers and City officials. Additionally, all Councilmembers and candidates for Council positions will be given 3 minutes to speak on any topic. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. An Ordinance Adopting Local Traffic and Parking Regulations AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING TMC CHAPTER 9.20, LOCAL TRAFFIC AND PARKING REGULATIONS, TO ADDRESS VARIOUS PARKING ISSUES; REPEALING ORDINANCE NOS. 1370 §1 (PART), 1502 §2, AND 1804; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilmember Fenton noted Finance Safety Committee members reviewed this proposed ordinance and agreed to its content. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach led the Council in a review of the proposed ordinance. After noting the need for some essential changes, the review was conducted on a page by page basis, with Police Captain Doug Part low participating throughout. City of Tukwila September 24, 2001 Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 It was agreed that Section 9.20.020, PLAYSTREET, Sections A B would be stricken from the proposed ordinance. The term was defined by Ms. Lauterbach and City Administrator John McFarland. Mr. McFarland spoke in favor of removing that portion of the proposed ordinance and in favor of City Administration handling the matter administratively, as in the past, through a permitting process. It was agreed that on page 1, last WHEREAS clause, to strike "traffic engineer" and insert "Public Works Department It was agreed that on page 2, Section 9.20.050, 4th sentence, to strike "dealing with abandoned and junked motor vehicles" and placing a period after "...Chapter 9.20 It was agreed that on page 3, Section 9.20.090, Item A, to strike "traffic engineer" and insert "Public Works Department It was agreed that on page 3 of the proposed ordinance, Sections B C, the words "traffic enforcement" would be stricken; and the word "police" would be inserted. It was agreed that on page 3, Section 9.20.100, Section B, to strike "leave" and insert "provide for..." Pat Molara. Tukwila resident,, spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance; including the potential for impounding vehicles. He spoke against the "...72 hours..." and spoke in favor of allowing permits to last as long as 4 to 7 days, as many residents vacation longer than 3 days. Mr. Molara spoke against the Public Works Department being authorize to place traffic control devices as they deem necessary; and proposed the words "...place and..." be removed from 9.20.090, Section A., first sentence. Council was not in favor of such proposal. It was agreed that (pages 3 4) 9.20.110, Penalties, Sections C D need additional work for clarification. Captain Partlow, Ms. Lauterbach and Council agreed the paragraphs were long, and somewhat ambiguous. Ms. Lauterbach will re -work the paragraphs. The amended, proposed ordinance will be presented to Council at the October 1 Regular meeting. b. A Resolution Providing Medical Benefits to Dependents of Military Personnel A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, PROVIDING FOR EXTENDED MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VISION COVERAGE FOR EMPLOYEES' DEPENDENTS WHILE EMPLOYEES ARE ON ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY LEAVE FROM THE CITY DUE TO RESULTS OF THE NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, D.C. TRAGEDIES For consideration, City Administrator John McFarland presented the proposed resolution to Council. Noteworthy is the fact one City Police Officer, Brendan Kerin, has been called to active duty. Existing is the potential for 12 others who may be called to active duty. These are employees who currently serve in the Reserves or National Guard. City of Tukwila September 24, 2001 Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 The last time such a resolution was considered was in 1991, during "Desert Storm." Calling the resolution "prudent," Mr. McFarland spoke in favor of Council considering such a resolution which would provide medical, dental and vision services, to dependents of military personnel all without a change in current providers. Mr. McFarland explained no additional cost to the City (in premium payments) would be incurred. He also noted budgetary impacts are not expected, as premiums for military personnel will actually be covered by the military, as it relates to medical expenses. Public Works Director Jim Morrow and Mr. McFarland thanked the Council for considering such a proposed resolutions as they have both been affected by such issues in the past. For consideration, this item is being forwarded to the October 1 Regular meeting. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported on the proposed 2002 budget. Department Directors are working on their third draft of the 2002 budget; and in light of recent world events, have been asked to prepared a zero growth, operations and maintenance balanced budget. Two goals cited by Mayor Mullet were no layoffs of City staff, and continued services to the community. He also noted CIP funds may be accessed where an inherent need arises. The shift commanders in the Fire Department are on hold as the cost is approximately a $250,000.00 "hit An unfilled Assistant Fire Chief's position may be staffed by a "fire marshall" position which is at a lower rank. The passage of Initiative 747 would further complicate matters and impact City budgets. To that end, Councilmember Carter spoke in favor of a resolution opposing the initiative. It was agreed by all Council to prepare and consider such a resolution. Mayor Mullet next reported the Economic Development Coordinator position is currently open. Staff has decided to take received responses and determine whether or not to fill the position from the outside. It may be that the position can be filled in- house. He noted the City is gearing up to be as flexible as possible over the next couple of months. Acknowledging an assured sales tax loss for September 2001, Mayor Mullet spoke of keeping a positive approach and keeping business strong. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie reported "bad potholes" at 140th 55th. He asked City staff to check on them. He thanked City staff for preparing correspondence and sending it to the resident who was feeding the crows. The crows are beginning to decrease in number as they are no longer being fed. City of Tukwila September 24, 2001 Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 Councilmember Carter reported attendance at the September 18 SCATBd meeting and the September 20 Regional Transportation Committee meeting. Council President Hernandez participated in the September 19 Race Equality Day; and attended a "Citizenship Celebration 2001" swearing -in ceremony of 25 new American citizens. These citizens were sworn in at the Tukwila Community Center in a ceremony overseen by the Washington State Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance. On September 20, Ms. Hernandez attended the Tourism Marketing Committee meeting. Councilmember Haggerton reported attendance at the September 19 Suburban Cities Association Board of Directors meeting. He was unable to attend the September 24 Cascade Water Alliance Resource Planning Committee meeting; and informed Council the Jail Advisory Committee meeting for the same date was canceled; and will be reset. Finally, Mr. Haggerton asked for an update on Crestview Park. City Administrator McFarland informed Council the Water District will sponsor a formal, grand re- opening ceremony in early fall. Councilmember Linder reported the King County International Airport meeting for later this month will be rescheduled. Additionally, she reported on an article in the Seattle Times, related to the Sacred Mound. A representative for Adam Cline called Ms. Linder and informed her Tukwila resident Georgina Kerr is making headway on the issue. A meeting of the minds will take place where they may discuss "creative ways of getting money from other people." Councilmember Fenton had no report. Councilmember Simpson attended the September 19 swearing -in ceremony of new American citizens. Additionally, he attended the September 19 Garden Club meeting. Finally, he participated in the Highway 99 clean -up event on September 22. c. Staff City Administrator John McFarland reported the Sabey Corporation will host a September 28, 10:30 a.m. grand opening of the Riverton Creek. Mr. McFarland was unable to deliver a jail report as he was on vacation during the last meeting. It was, however, procedural in nature. With a new negotiator, new ground rules were laid. King County has advised area cities that jail costs will rise in 2002. Tukwila has informed the County fees are negotiable and will not change until they are negotiated. A September 27 meeting is planned. d. Legislative Analyst Ms. Lauterbach reported distribution of a King County Redistricting memorandum. Included are options presented by King County. The State of Washington distributed a re- districting map this afternoon which has not yet been received. Upon receipt, Ms. Lauterbach will scheduled this item for discussion at a Committee of Whole meeting. City of Tukwila September 24, 2001 Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Carter reported future contact with all those in e -mail address book as she has been volunteered for the MDA Lock -Up Charity program again. The drive is to raise funds for muscular dystrophy research and patient assistance programs. ADJOURNMENT: 8:49 p.m. Duffie moved; Fenton seconded; to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 7 -0. 2 Joernandez, CouncitPresident Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Signed: October 8, 2001. a