The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About1997-03-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 24, 1997 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL PRESENTATION Tukwila Home Page/Internet CITIZEN'S COMMENTS TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES REVISED 4/8/97 Council President Jim Haggerton called the Committee of The Whole meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS JOHN MCFARLAND, City Administrator; STEVE LANCASTER, DCD Director; VIKI WITSCHGER, Administrative Services Director; CHRISTY O'FLAHERTY, Records Management Technician; LUCY LAUTERBACH, Council Analyst; JANE CANTU, City Clerk. rf Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers ROLL CALL JOAN HERNANDEZ; JIM HAGGERTON, Council President; ALLAN EKBERG; STEVE MULLET; PAM CARTER. Councilmember absent It was the consensus of the Council to excuse Councilmember Pam Linder. Christy O'Flaherty, Records Management Technician, City Clerk's Office, stated that this past summer, the City of Tukwila joined the ranks of the internet community. The City contracted with an internet service provider. We chose a company by the name of Access One located in Kirkland, WA. There are various kinds of accounts one can acquire. The City chose the ISDN -128K dedicated line. That means a modem is not used to connect to the internet; the City has a direct phone line to the provider. The Administrative Services Department has been charged with the task of overseeing the internet account. Policies have been established for appropriate usage by City staff. Currently, there are three designations with active e -mail boxes: Administrative Services /City Clerk, Public Works, and the Information Systems Coordinator. Other City departments will be brought on -line based on the viable needs and usage deemed essential by the Administration. The City's e -mail address is TUKWILA CI.TUKWILA. WA.US Natalie Hunter, 14239 53rd Avenue South, commented that the new Community Center is really nice but the elementary -age kids are getting restless because there's not enough to keep them busy before and after school. She asked if something could be worked out with staff, leaders, and the kids to possibly resolve this matter. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 2 Citizen's Comments (Cont'd) SPECIAL ISSUES Ordinance amending a portion of Ord. #1758 re. height limits A resolution supporting the Senate Transportation funding package Council President Haggerton complimented Hunter for coming forward with her suggestions, and appealed to her for forbearance while the City staff work through the problems, which usually come with most new structures of this magnitude. Hunter also expressed concerns about being charged for child care services even when her child is absent for a period of time. She said the Community Center policies state that if they know in advance a child is going to be absent, the Center will issue a refund. She called the Center on several occasions in this regard and left messages; however no one ever returned her call. Therefore, she has never been able to get a refund. In talking with other parents, she found that they are experiencing the same problems. Mayor Rants assured Ms. Hunter that he will look into this matter. Steve Lancaster explained that the draft ordinance was recommended by the Planning Commission at their February 28, 1997 hearing. The revisions include the reinstatement of the 115 foot height limit in the HI zone, as well as the requirement for Design Review on developments over 45 feet. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that a public hearing be scheduled to consider the ordinance at the April 7, 1997 Regular Meeting. Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst, explained that on April 1st, the Senate Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on their transportation package. After a couple of months wrestling with the issue, the committee's proposal is for a $.05 per gallon increase in the gas tax for the first year, and a $.02 increase the 2nd year. Lauterbach said the City of Tukwila has very large transportation improvement needs which will be difficult to fund without additional, outside revenue. She said discussions on the proposal will begin tomorrow morning (March 25th) in Olympia. If the resolution is approved tonight, it will need to be faxed first thing in the morning. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 3 A resolution supporting the Senate Transportation funding Package (Copt' d) REPORTS A brief discussion ensued with Councilmembers making minor amendments, and most agreeing that they were not in favor of raising taxes but the funds that are provided by state grant agencies are needed more urgently now than ever before. It was the consensus of the Council to forward the resolution with amendments to tonight's Special Meeting for approval (Duffie dissenting Linder absent). Councilmember Duffie reported that he had recently attended the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. He had an opportunity to hear a speech by Vice President Gore. Duffie said the Conference was great and he thanked the Council for supporting him in this effort. Councilmember Hernandez reported she had attended the Crime Free Multi Housing Program where she was given a notebook and a certificate because she attended both nights Tuesday and Thursday from 5 9 p.m. She said she is very impressed with the way that Karen Wright and Tom Kilburg teach the class. It's a real benefit to the Tukwila community to have such a program. Hernandez said she also attended the Human Services Round Table meeting on Thursday. She distributed handouts that she had picked up at the meeting. Some of the handouts dealt with the legislative bills that affect human services, families and children. Based on the legislative report given at the meeting, she said if the state doesn't mitigate some of the cuts that are forthcoming, they expect that a lot of needs will fall to local government and non- profit agencies that don't have the resources to meet the growing needs of its citizens. An update was also given on regional finance and governance by a task force made up of members of the Human Services Round Table. The task force discussions are focusing on what basic needs of survival services should be regional or local. Councilmember Carter inquired if the Round Table had been in touch with Suburban Cities to review their recommendations. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes March 24, 1997 Page 4 Reports Cont'd City Administrator McFarland responded that he will be attending a meeting with Suburban Cities next Friday, March 28, to discuss those types of issues. ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING 8:45 P.M. On Saturday, March 22, the dedication of Fire Station #53 was held. The following Councilmembers attended: Hernandez, Haggerton, Duffie and Carter. The dedication was well attended and everyone appeared to be please with the completed project. Councilmember Carter announced that she will be attending the AWC Leadership Institute Workshop on Friday, April 18, 1997 at the SeaTac Marriott. Councilmembers who are interested in going should contact Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst, 433 -1834. Carter also informed the Council that AWC is starting a Certified Municipal Leadership Program where credits can be earned for attending some of the workshops. MOVED BY HAGGERTON, SECONDED BY MULLET, TO ADJOURN TO A SPECIAL MEETING AFTER A FIVE MINUTE RECESS. MOTION CARRIED. g 71)/ Celia Square, Deputii City Clerk Council President