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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-19 Regular MinutesREGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, and De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Tukwila City Council City Hall Council Chambers MINUTES Regular Meeting April 19, 2010— 7:00 P.M. Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer; Mary Hulvey, Code Enforcement Officer; Rick Still, Interim Parks and Recreation Director; Tracy Gallaway, Volunteer Coordinator; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. Mayor Haggerton announced an Executive Session will occur near the end of the meeting this evening. The purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss pending litigation. It will last no more than 20 minutes, and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Annual State of the City Address Mayor Haggerton Mayor Haggerton conveyed his pleasure at presenting his second State of the City address to the City Council. The Mayor explained his message this evening comes with a sense of cautious optimism. The current downturn in the economy that became evident at the end of 2008 had an extremely negative impact on our sales tax receipts, which is one of the major revenue sources for Tukwila. During 2009 we began evaluating how the City conducts business, and the harsh reality is that the year 2009 ended with our sales tax receipts down by $3.5 million. This represents a shortfall of nearly 20% from our budget estimates and a reduction of 10% from our actual receipts in 2008. Internal controls were put in place to operate more efficiently and reduce non essential expenditures. In 2009, departments were asked to reduce spending by 3 and that request was exceeded by ending the year with savings of 7% below budget. At this time, more significant measures are required to address the financial shortfall. Mayor Haggerton commended the City Council for their commitment to the City and for taking a balanced approach to the fiscal situation by way of considering revenue growth and spending reductions. The Council's approval of a "rainy day fund" will help build reserves to protect the City in the event of unforeseen economic conditions. Despite the difficulties associated with this economy, continuing to pursue economic development while holding expenses to minimum levels is needed to protect City services. Tukwila is unique in that we provide a positive environment in which to conduct business, and business owners are looking to locate and expand in our City. In 2009, significant progress was made toward long -term business growth. The Tukwila South Development is underway, and this project will be instrumental in directing the economic vitality of Tukwila and the entire region. Additionally, the City continues to work on the Tukwila Village project. Due to the current economic situation, it is anticipated construction may begin on this project in late 2011 or 2012. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 2 of 8 One of the biggest challenges to face the City is the situation with the Howard Hanson Dam. Damage to the dam in early 2009 has resulted in a change in the way the Army Corps of Engineers controls the water pool behind the dam. Due to the potential for excess flows downstream, Tukwila and other valley cities were faced with significant unbudgeted expenses. The King County Flood Control Zone District has reimbursed some of the expenses, yet many of the costs have not been reimbursed. We will continue to pursue recovery of other expenses with the County, State, and Federal government. We are also working closely with King County and valley cities to push for more extensive temporary repairs and the quickest possible completion of permanent repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam. Intergovernmental teamwork is but one example of how well we partner with our neighboring cities. By working with the Cascade Water Alliance, we accomplished our objective of purchasing Lake Tapps to guarantee adequate future water supplies. Additionally, we are working with partner cities on the SCORE jail facility. King County will no longer provide jail services for area cities after the year 2012. The SCORE facility is progressing on time and on budget and should open in late 2011, which will result in lower daily jail costs to Tukwila and the partner cities. Mayor Haggerton represents the City on the Boards of both the Cascade Water Alliance and the SCORE jail facility. He also provides representation for the Valley Com. 911 Center, Enterprise Seattle, Suburban Cities Association, and the Association of Washington Cities, which are organizations instrumental in promoting the interests of the Tukwila community. Important accomplishments over the last year include construction of Tukwila International Boulevard, which is currently on schedule and on budget and anticipated for full completion by September 2010. The City also completed the installation of a new pump station in the Allentown neighborhood. Additionally, the Museum of Flight appears to be a finalist for being awarded a NASA Space Shuttle, and the final details are also underway for a new Aviation High School. The Mayor expressed pride at the way the City has faced the major challenges of the past year. While former City Administrator, Rhonda Berry has taken a new position with King County, we are pleased to have such a close friend in the Executive's Office. The Mayor thanked Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, for his leadership and expertise in accepting the role of Interim City Administrator. The Mayor acknowledged those long -term employees who have been promoted due to their exceptional performance: Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Robin Tischmak, City Engineer; and Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director. The Mayor also relayed the City's good fortune in welcoming back those former employees who have returned to Tukwila: Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Joyce Trantina, Executive Assistant in the Mayor's Office; and Steve Lancaster, City Administrator. We are well positioned to succeed at the challenges ahead. Recently the Mayor attended a convention at a hotel in Tukwila where an attendee summarized Tukwila very well. She said the Tukwila Urban Center and the retail and commercial activity are assets that any City would welcome, but her perception was that away from all the hustle and bustle, Tukwila still has a rural, small town feel with all the trees, parks and trails. A true compliment to our City. The Mayor indicated he looks forward to working with the Council, staff, residents and businesses in the years ahead to address the challenges before us. We can and will make Tukwila an even better place to live, to work, and to raise our families. b. Proposed use of the former Tukwila Library for display of community history Pat Brodin, Chair of the Historical Society Pat Brodin, Chair of the Tukwila Historical Society and City employee, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an overview of this issue. The former Tukwila Library (14475 59 Avenue South) is owned by the City of Tukwila and began as the Tukwila School in 1922 and then became City Hall from 1947 -1978. This building is also listed as an historic building with the National Historic Register. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 3 of 8 The Tukwila Historical Society is asking the Council to consider use of this facility for an historical museum and culture and heritage center. The mission is to enhance the historical place our community holds in the Pacific Northwest by collecting, preserving and sharing the historical, archaeological and ethnological records that pertain to Tukwila and the local region. Mr. Brodin explained there are Tukwila documents, artifacts, and antiques currently being stored at the facility that could be put on display under the care of the Historical Society. Since the Historical Society is a non profit group, with 501(c)(3) status, there is the ability to apply for grants, so there will not be a need for the City to put funds toward this endeavor. Mr. Brodin introduced Louise Jones Brown, who is a member of the Historical Society and direct descendent of James Maple, who became one of the first white settlers on the Duwamish River in June 1851. Ms. Jones -Brown hopes the City will consider allowing the Tukwila Historical Society use of the former Tukwila City Hall as a heritage and cultural center. Tukwila has a rich history that began almost 160 years ago, and use of this building provides an opportunity to enrich the Tukwila community by creating a unique place to display, share, and protect historical items, as well as a place for citizens to gather and hold local events. Additionally, a partnership has been established with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Executive Director, Leonard Garfield. Mr. Garfield has agreed to become an advisor for this effort, making his expert staff available for consultation to the Tukwila Historical Society. The Tukwila Historical Society is also preparing to move forward on fundraising projects, with the intent of creating a Foster High School Scholarship and an annual donation fund to the Tukwila Food Pantry. Ms. Jones -Brown indicated that many surrounding cities have an historical presence such as the Renton Historical Museum, the White River Museum in Auburn, the Des Moines Historical Museum, and the future Highline Historical Museum to be located in Burien. The former Tukwila City Hall has landmark status and would be an excellent choice to showcase Tukwila's history. Councilmember Hernandez inquired about whether the items at the facility are being stored in proper conditions. Mr. Brodin explained there had been some problems with moisture that have been resolved. Council President Robertson thanked Mr. Brodin and Ms. Jones -Brown for the excellent presentation. He would like this topic assigned to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee for staff to prepare an analysis of potential uses, to include costs and benefits. The Committee can then make a recommendation back to the full Council. Council consensus existed to forward the issue of potential uses for the former Tukwila City Hall to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. PROCLAMATIONS A proclamation recognizing Volunteer Week Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation recognizing April 19 -23, 2010 as National Volunteer Week in the City of Tukwila and encouraged all citizens to recognize the outstanding volunteer spirit that exists in the City of Tukwila. Tracy Gallaway, Volunteer Coordinator, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for their support of the Volunteer Program. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 4 of 8 CITIZEN COMMENTS Pat Brodin, Chair of the Tukwila Historical Society, conveyed that the Tukwila Historical Society is affiliated with the South King County Cultural Coalition (SOCO). SOCO is comprised of over 70 arts and heritage groups based in South King County, all of which are represented on the website, www.sococulture.orci. Membership with SOCO allows the Historical Society to reach a large audience throughout South King County. Those who attend cultural events also spend money on food, gas, and other merchandise as part of the overall experience, which contributes to the well -being of Tukwila. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 4/5/10 (Regular) b. Approval of Vouchers #352720 352993 and #201004191 in the amount of $1,913,375.65 MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Designating the name of park property at 12929 50 Place South in Tukwila as Codiga Park. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY SEAL TO DESIGNATE THE NAME OF PARK PROPERTY AT 12929 50 PLACE SOUTH IN TUKWILA AS CODIGA PARK. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. b. Residential Rental Housing: 1. An ordinance establishing Residential Rental Housing regulations, to be codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 5.06, "Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program." MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HOUSING REGULATIONS, TO BE CODIFIED AT TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.06, "RESIDENTIAL RENTAL BUSINESS LICENSE AND INSPECTION PROGRAM PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ.* The Councilmembers expressed thanks to Council President Robertson for his efforts toward this important issue. Council President Robertson conveyed appreciation to the Code Enforcement staff for the work they put forth on this matter. Councilmember Ekberg indicated he would like to see consideration given to increasing the fees. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2281. 2. A resolution adopting a Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program fee schedule. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 5 of 8 Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed resolution by title only. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A RESIDENTIAL RENTAL BUSINESS LICENSE AND INSPECTION PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1710. c. An ordinance granting a non exclusive franchise to AboveNet Communications for the purpose of constructing, operating and maintaining a telecommunications system in certain public rights of -way in the City. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, GRANTING A NON EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO ABOVENET COMMUNICATIONS, LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY IN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2282. d. An ordinance granting a non exclusive franchise to PAETEC Holding Corporation, an Iowa Corporation, for the purpose of constructing, operating and maintaining a telecommunications system in certain public rights -of -way in the City. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, GRANTING A NON EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO PAETEC HOLDING CORPORATION, AN IOWA CORPORATION LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IN CERTAIN PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY IN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2283. e. An ordinance adopting the 2010 Standard Specifications for road, bridge, and municipal construction. MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 16.34, ADOPTING THE 2010 EDITION AND ALL FUTURE AMENDMENTS OF THE STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR ROAD, BRIDGE AND MUNICIPAL CONSTRUCTION, SETTING NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE HELD Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 6 of 8 FOR PUBLIC REVIEW; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2193; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2284. f. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with KPG, Inc., for the 2010 Annual Small Drainage Program, in the amount of $47,990.16. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY QUINN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH KPG, INC., FOR THE 2010 ANNUAL SMALL DRAINAGE PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,990.16.* Council President Robertson relayed that keeping up on these types of drainage projects has reduced flooding in the residential and business areas of the City year after year. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. g. A resolution urging the United States Department of Defense to select the Boeing Company to build the next mid -air refueling tanker. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed resolution by title only. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO SELECT THE BOEING COMPANY TO BUILD THE NEXT MID -AIR REFUELING TANKER. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0 TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1711. REPORTS a. Mayor On April 14, 2010 the Mayor attended the Regional Policy Committee meeting at the King County Council Chambers. It included an annual report from the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) Committee, as well as a discussion regarding siting of a crisis diversion facility. That same evening he attended the Suburban Cities Association Public Issues Committee meeting, where the MIDD Committee item was withdrawn due to the Suburban Cities representative to the Committee not being present. The Mayor reported they are working on a statement to send to the Board of Directors of Suburban Cities that will relay the position of the cities on the siting of crisis diversion facilities. On April 16, 2010 there was a Tukwila Pantry fundraising event at the Tukwila Community Center sponsored by the Tukwila Rotary Club. The Mayor will be contacting the Tukwila Pantry to ensure the Councilmembers are invited to these kinds of events. Mayor Haggerton commented on a recent newspaper article that referenced how vibrant the Tukwila area is due, in part, to the Light Rail Station. b. City Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting on April 15, 2010. The Centennial events, as well as the efforts by Pat Brodin and Louise Jones Brown, have brought about an increase in membership to 25 individuals. The group is growing in interest and enthusiasm. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 7 of 8 Councilmember Ekberg attended the TukwilaTalk (a local blog) event at the Denny's Restaurant on April 17, 2010. It is his understanding the restaurant will be remodeled since undergoing fire damage, and he suggested the Council receive an update on this issue. Councilmember Seal said that in the spirit of Volunteer Week, there are 2 upcoming opportunities available in Tukwila. This Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, there will be planting and spreading of bark at the Tukwila Pond. Sandra Whiting, Tukwila's Urban Environmentalist, is organizing this event. Additionally, on April 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, volunteers will be painting and sorting clothes at the Kids Without Borders clothing bank. Volunteers will also be picking up trash on Tukwila International Boulevard from 9:00 -10:00 a.m. on April 24, 2010. Councilmember Hougardy attended the South County Economic Development Initiative (SCEDI) meeting on April 14, 2010. On April 17, 2010 she attended the Duwamish Alive North Weir planting celebration. Councilmember Quinn hosted the Council Coffee Chat on April 10, 2010 and relayed that those who attend have come to expect it and find it very beneficial. In his view, the Coffee Chats are a very good use of the Council's time toward sharing and receiving information from citizens. c. Staff Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, reported there will be a test of the Emergency Notification System on April 20, 2010 that will involve phone calls and email notifications. Additionally, the Allied Waste haulers from Teamsters Local #174 have ratified their labor agreement. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental The Council Analyst was not present. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Robertson commented on crime activity that is occurring in both the residential and commercial areas of the City. It is important for the Council to have a thorough understanding of its role as a policy making body in regard to addressing crime related issues. He would like to see the Finance and Safety Committee explore the informational needs of the Council in this area. It would be beneficial for the Police Chief to meet monthly with the Finance and Safety Committee. Councilmember Quinn, Chair of the Finance and Safety Committee, indicated a monthly update would be helpful for the Council. He expressed the importance of being aware of those matters that are under investigation and of a sensitive nature. Councilmember Seal conveyed the importance of the Council being aware of its role, as members of the community do come to the Councilmembers with questions. Councilmember Hernandez referenced the Block Watch Newsletter that was discontinued some time ago due to budget reductions. She indicated it would be beneficial if the neighborhood statistical data related to crime activity could be provided to the Councilmembers. Councilmember Ekberg indicated there are people in the neighborhoods who are fearful due to burglaries and sudden loud noises, and more information coming to the Council would be helpful. Councilmember Duffie suggested the Council consider holding community meetings in the neighborhoods. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, indicated he would talk with the Police Chief and get back to the Chair of the Finance and Safety Committee. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 8 of 8 Mayor Haggerton indicated that after a brief recess the Council will go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) It will last no more than 20 minutes, and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session. 8:17 p.m. Mayor Haggerton called a brief recess. 8:20 p.m. Mayor Haggerton reconvened the Regular Meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION Start Time: 8:20 p.m. Attendees: Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Tukwila City Councilmembers: Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. End Time: 8:38 p.m. ADJOURNMENT 8:38 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. i Haggerton, n Christy O'Flairty; City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 5/3/2010