HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2010-05-17 Item 7A - Crisis Diversion Facilities - Staff ReportREVISED STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
PREPARED May 6, 2010
CITY COUNCIL HEARING DATE: April 12, 2010, May 3, 2010, and May 17,
2010
PLANNING COMMISSION
HEARING DATE: February 25, 2010
FILE NUMBER: L10- 006 Proposed Code Amendments
PROPOSED CHANGES:
LOCATION: Citywide
SEPA
DETERMINATION:
STAFF: Brandon J. Miles, Senior Planner
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed code changes to permit Crisis
Diversion Facilities and Crisis Diversion
Interim Service Facilities within the City
Determination of Non Significance (DNS)
issued February 12, 2010. SEPA addendum
issued May 13, 2010
These attachments supplement the attachments in the February 18, 2010 Staff Report to
the Planning Commission:
DD. Rebid of the Crisis Diversion RFP, 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County
on March 11, 2010
EE.Addendum 1 of RFP 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on March 30,
2010
FF. Addendum 2 of RFP 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on April 16, 2010
GG. Addendum 3 of RFP 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on May 7,
2010
HH. Sign in sheets for pre -bid meetings for issued RFP.
II. Email between King County and City of Tukwila dated March 30, 2010
JJ. Comment Letter received by Downtown Emergency Service Center dated
April 29, 2010.
KK. MIDD Oversight Committee, February 25, 2010 Meeting Notes.
LL. Draft verbatim minutes of Speaker 1 from the April 12, 2010 City Council
Public Hearing
MM. MIDD Strategy 10b /CDF Planning Group dated April 20, 2009
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NN. King County Crisis Diversion Facility, MIDD Strategy 10b Planning
Meeting 2/10/09
00. MIDD Strategy 10B, CDF Population Sub Committee, January 9, 2009
PP. Data from Enterprise Seattle, dated April of 2010
QQ. Relevant Excerpt from the City's Comprehensive Plan
RR. MapQuest Directions to Valley Medical Center
SS. Map of Commercial /Light industrial Properties along West Valley
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Purpose of Addendum
The purpose of this revised staff report is to supplement the February 18, 2010 staff
report that was presented to the City's Planning Commission on February 25, 2010.
Since the date of that report, additional information has become available that was not
included in the February 18, 2010 Staff Report, included with this addendum are new
attachments. The order of the attachments follows the order of the attachments that
were included in the original staff report.
Introduction
On February 25, 2010, the Planning Commission forwarded to the City Council an
ordinance allowing Crisis Diversion Facilities (CDF) and Crisis Diversion Interim Service
Facilities (CDIS) within 1 /2 mile of the transit center along Andover Park West via an
unclassified use permit. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council
adopt the ordinance as presented.
Both the Crisis Diversion Facility and the Crisis Diversion Interim Service Facility are part
of the County's Crisis Diversion Program. The County has noted the importance of the
facilities being co- located or within close proximity of each other.
During the Planning Commission's deliberations on this issue, the Planning Commission
reviewed a staff report dated February 18, 2010 which outlined the proposed Crisis
Diversion Program This staff report was also forwarded to the City Council to be used in
their deliberations on the proposed ordinance. The February 18, 2010 staff report
provided a comprehensive review of all areas of the City to determine the appropriate
location or locations for the Crisis Diversion Program. As noted on page 9 -10 of the
February 18, 2010 staff report, the following method was used to evaluate possible
areas of the City for the Crisis Diversion Program.
1. All areas of the City were identified as possible locations;
2. Each area was judged against the County's locational criteria, including access
to freeways, nearby metro bus routes, ability to find a suitable building over 7200
square feet and overall access to the site;
3. The Comprehensive Plan of the City was reviewed to determine if the proposed
uses would comply with adopted policies and goals; and
4. The Police and Fire Departments were consulted in order to determine their level
of service in various areas of the City.
Summary of Documents
The Planning Commission relied heavily on documents produced by King County in
order to study specifically how the CDF and CDIS would be compatible with surrounding
uses, included in the February 18, 2010 Staff Report is King County Request for
Proposal (RFP) 1207- 09RLD and two subsequent addendums to the RFP
Since the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed ordinance, additional information
has been provided which significantly impacts many of the assumptions that the
Planning Commission made when it reviewed the proposed ordinance. This new
information includes:
1 Attachment G of February 17, 2010 Staff Report
2 Attachments N and 0 of the February 17, 2010 Staff Report
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1. Rebid of the Crisis Diversion RFP, 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on
March 11, 2010.
2. Addendum 1 of RFP 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on March 30, 2010.
Addendum 2 of RFP 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on April 16, 2010.
3. Addendum 3 of RFP 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on May 7, 2010.
4. Staff from the City of Tukwila attended two pre -bid meetings on RFP 1056-10
RLD.
5. City staffs had several interactions with King County staff regarding the proposed
CDF and CDIS. These interactions included a phone calls, meetings and
exchanging emails.
6. Comment Letter received by Downtown Emergency Service Center dated April
29, 2010.
7. MIDD Oversight Meeting Notes February 25, 2010.
8. Testimony received during the public hearing.
Summary of Changes
King County has modified the location criteria.
The County's new RFP issued on March 11, 2010, included changes to the siting
requirements for the proposed Crisis Diversion Program.
"King County has not selected a physical plant for this strategy but will consider any
location proposed by a provider as long as it meets the following criteria:
Centralized location with easy access and at least 2 routes to the facility by freeway
and /or major arterials. Routes to access Eastside 1 -405 1 -5; Seattle: Hwy 99, Hwy
509, 1 -5; Northside: Hwy 99, Hwy 509, 1 -5; Southside: Hwy 167, East vest Valley
Hwy"
The language in the new RFP reflects a discussion at the MIDD Oversight Committee in
which it was announced that the geographical location was being expanded in order to
"improve the chances of finding an appropriate location that works for everyone
With the change in location criteria, other areas of the City can now be considered for
the Crisis Diversion Program.
King County has clarified that the Crisis Diversion Program does not need to have
aood access to transit
The February 18, 2010 staff report put a great deal of emphasis on the need for transit
near the Crisis Diversion program. This was based in large part on the County's
statements that bus service could be a primary means of discharge transportation and
3 Attachment DD, Rebid of the Crisis Diversion RFP, 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on March 11,
2010
4 Attachment KK, MIDD Oversight Committee Meeting Notes, February 25, 2010
Id
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that this facility is intended to be regional in nature. In addendum 1 of the original RFP,
the following exchange between prospective providers and the County was documented:
Question: Is the CDF responsible for transportation of clients?
County's Response: The CDF is not responsible for transportation to the facility, but
needs to have plans for arranging for transportation from the facility when the person is
discharged. But tickets are acceptable. The County did not include consideration for
cars or vans in developing the CDF budget. The bidder many include transportation in
their proposal should they have a feasible mechanism to do so. Vehicle costs were
included in developing the mobile crisis team budget'.
Staff also reviewed background documents which discussed the importance of transit.
In the meeting notes from the M/DD Strategy 10b /CDF Planning Group dated April 20,
2009 it was noted, "The CDF should be on a major bus line, so that it's easy to get to for
family members, friends, and clients themselves to get to" The City shared the County's
concern that consumers of these services be returned to their community of origin when
finished with the clinical program. Thus, locating these facilities in an area with the most
diverse bus routes met both the City's and County's goal.
In subsequent conversations with the City, County staff has now indicated that while
access to transit is needed, they do not think that a significant number of people will
utilize transit upon discharge from the CDF or the CDIS. Despite the previous
information, the County sent an e -mail to the City, dated March 30, 2010 which stated:
"The RFP requirement is that the CDF be "accessible to a Metro bus route" We do not
anticipate that very many people will come to the facility by bus or need or use bus
transport when they leave the facility, but we wanted to have that as option. Access to
one bus route is sufficient from our perspective. People can always transfer from other
bus routes"
Thus, given the County's clarification regarding the transit needs of this program, it
would seem necessary to reevaluate other areas of the City that were removed from
additional consideration due to a lack of transit options.
Nearby Amenities for the CDIS are not needed
The February 18, 2010 staff report referenced a January 14, 2010 meeting between City
staff and representative from the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) 11
DESC is an interested provider for the both the Crisis Diversion Program. The meeting
was specifically limited to discussing the needs of the CDIS. During the meeting, which
is outlined in the February 18, 2010 staff report, DESC noted that DESC would likely
organize supervised trips to stores, restaurants, and other local establishments. These
6 Attachment N, Addendum 1 to King County Request for Proposal 1207 -09RLD
Attachment N, Addendum 1 to King County's Request for Proposal 1207 -09RLD at p. 3
8 Attachment MM, M1DD Strategy 10b /CDF Planning Group dated April 20, 2009 at page at p. 7
9 Attachment II, Email between King County and City of Tukwila dated March 30, 2010
10 A review of DESC website, htto: /www.desc.ora/ indicates that they have extensive knowledge regarding
the needs of people with mental health and /or chemical dependency issues
11 DESC is one of several providers who are interested in responding to the County's current RFP.
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organized trips were important to reintegrating the consumers of the CDIS back into the
community.
The comments made at the January 14, 2010 meeting by DESC were reflective of
comments made during the planning process for the Crisis Diversion program. County
documents note that both the CDF and the CDIS should be non- stigmatizing that the
CDF is not a jail, but a warm, welcoming environment. County documents also
discussed the importance of not criminalizing people with mental illness and drug
dependency issues
Placing the Crisis Diversion program within the Urban Center allowed people with mental
illness and drug dependency issues to be placed within the heart of the community,
supporting their reintegration into the community.
However, in a letter to the City Council dated April 29, 2010, DESC now indicated
concern with allowing this program near the mall. Essentially, that placing the Crisis
Diversion program near amenities would distract consumers from the clinical programs
of both the CDIS and CDF facilities. "The success of these clinical programs would be
best serviced by a quite private location that is removed from commercial activities and
crowds
DESC's April 29, 2010 letter echoes testimony heard by the City Council on April 12,
2010, by Graydon Andrus, also with DESC. Mr. Andrus stated "that DESC is a multi-
service agency focused on providing service to homeless adults, and providing a range
of services to meet all of the various needs Mr. Andrus voiced concern with locating
the proposed program near the Southcenter Mall. He testified that the area around the
mall was not "remote" enough and that the consumers could be distracted by the mall
and other commercial activities which could interfere with the ability to provide for the
consumers' treatment needs.
Given the concerns raised by DESC, it seems prudent to examine alternative locations.
The Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF) will not be a compelled facility
City staff was led to believe by King County that the CDF would be a compelled facility
and people brought to the facility on a police hold, in lieu of being taken to jail, could be
involuntary held at the CDF. Included in the February 18, 2010 staff report to the
Planning Commission was a memo from Ian Goodhew with the King County Prosecuting
Attorney's Office
Mr. Goodhew's memo specifically notes:
12 Attachment NN, King County Crisis Diversion Facility, MIDD Strategy 10b Planning Meeting 2/10/09,
"Access to the CDF services is user friendly and non stigmatizing, open to walk -ins, drop ins, drop offs by
stakeholders, including family members" at p. 2.
13 Attachment 00, MIDD Strategy 10B, CDF Population Sub Committee, January 9, 2009, "...CDF should
be inviting enough to the point where people want to come at p. 4
14 Attachment JJ, Comment Letter received by Downtown Emergency Service Center dated April 29, 2010
at page 3
15 Attachment LL, Draft verbatim minutes from the April 12, 2010 City Council Public Hearing
16 Attachment N, Addendum 1 to King County Request for Proposal 1207- 09RLD. This memo was also
included in the current REF that has been released (Attachment DD)
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"If the person chooses note to engage in services, and /or becomes combative,
uncooperative or threatening, then the CDF staff will temporarily detain the individual
and re- contact law enforcement in order to take the person back to jail on the criminal
allegation
Mr. Goodhew's statement is consistent with other statements found in the County's
background documents, including meeting notes from King County Crisis Diversion
Facility, MIDD Strategy 10b Planning Meeting dated 2/10/09:
"Ian Goodhew discussed the meaning of "diversion" as a sort of democratic coercion,
offering people a choice between treatment or charges. Coercion in this sense could
entail the arrested person being required to sign a paper presented by the police officer,
stating that they person agreed to stay in the CDF for a certain period of time, or
treatment was not working out, that person would be given back to police custody.... The
CDF would need to hold the person for a minimum length of time. Officers need to know
that the CDF is a good choice; that the person won't be back on the street in four to six
hours. lan considers 48 hours a good outside window
At the April 12, 2010, Public Hearing, Graydon Andrus noted that the facility would not
be compelled and that police diversions could not legally be held at the facility if they
demanded to Ieave When asked how DESC would deal with people who wanted to
leave, but were brought to the facility pursuant to a police hold, he testified:
"...we have lots of experience in agency; at DESC, at engaging people in finding reason
for them to participate in services they don't otherwide think that might be useful. And
that's, that's where we would be putting out energy, is talking to people before they just,
impulsively just walk out the door to what, they have nothing to walk out to usually if they
are homeless...But it in the end its my understanding, we could not literally restrain
them, or keep them incarcerated...we may be able to delay the process, by you know
talking to them, persuading them, working with them...
DESC also provided written comments stating that the CDF would not be a compelled
facility. In their letter to the City Council dated April 29, 2010, DESC provided a fact
sheet about the CDF. The fact sheet noted:
The CDF will be iocked but is not an involuntary treatment program
Participants may leave if they wish, but considerable effort will be made to
ensure that they complete their stay at the CDF.
The referring police force will be contacted and requested to intervene with a
participant refuses to complete the 72 hour program.
In the event a participant leaves prior to police response, and they refuse to
accept transportation back to their home community, the police will be alerted
and requested to assist.
17 idat6
18 Attachment NN, King County Crisis Diversion Facility, MIDD Strategy 10b Planning Meeting 2/10/09 at p.
6
19 Attachment LL, Draft verbatim minutes from the April 12, 2010 City Council Public Hearing
20 Id
21 The County's RFP notes that time -delay locks should be provided.
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Based on the information presented by DESC, DCD staff examined the licensing for the
CDF. The RFP states that the CDF will be licensed by the Washington State
Department of Health as a residential treatment facility per Washington Administrative
Code (WAC) 246 -337 and by the Washington State Department of Social and Health
Services as an Adult Residential Treatment Facility pursuant to WAC 388 -865. These
licenses do allow for restraining of individuals, but it appears only for medical reasons.
The County's RFP does not require that the CDF be licensed as a Crisis Stabilization
Unit
When the Planning Commission considered possible locations for the CDF Program
they considered the availability of emergency services, including police as well as
compatibility with surrounding uses. This analysis was premised on the assumption that
the CDF could detain people, at least until the police could respond. However, the City
is now being told that this is not the case.
If the CDF is not a compelled facility, as DESC states, it will significantly impact the host
City's police department, who may have to act as a taxi to transport police holds to jail.
It's unlikely that where ever the CDF is located in Tukwila, that the arresting agency
would be able to quickly get to the CDF and transport an individual to jail. It's important
to remember that the people leaving the facility could be in mental and /or chemical
dependency "crisis In this crisis state these individuals could pose a risk to
themselves, others or risk being victimized It's paramount that police and EMS can
respond quickly, locate the individual and quickly take the person to a compelled facility
or a hospital. In addition, the fact that this is not a compelled facility for those who are
taken to the program in lieu of jail, presents neighborhood compatibility issues which
must be reviewed.
Additional Location Analysis
Based upon the new information available to the City, DCD staff began to reexamine
other areas of the City to host the CDF Program. Given that the County has broadened
the Iocational criteria, areas in the southern portion of the City would meet the County's
location requirements, specifically the West Valley Highway Area of the City.
West Valley Highway is a major north /south route in south King County. In Tukwila, it
extends from Southcenter Blvd to the southern city limits. At Southcenter Blvd, West
Valley Hwy becomes Interurban Ave South, but the roadway is essentially the same
north /south route. In addition, West Valley Hwy is specifically listed in the County's
current RFP as a route to provide access to the Crisis Diversion Program
When the Planning Commission considered areas of the City to place the Crisis
Diversion Program, West Valley was included in the analysis for the Southcenter Area,
Tukwila South and the Interurban South Corridor. The current recommendation, to allow
the CDF program within 1/2 mile of the Metro transit center along Andover Park East
would include some properties along West Valley Hwy. The review of Interurban Ave
22 Goodhew's Memo, included at attachment N, does make mention of the crisis stabilization unit license.
23 Attachment M, Article from the September, 2005 edition of the Psychiatric News published by American
Psychiatry Association
24 Attachment DD, Rebid of Crisis Diversion RFP, 1026- 10 -RLD, issued by King County on March 11, 2010
at p. 8
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South corridor also concluded that the area provided good access from freeways and
major arterials. However, concern was noted that the Interurban Ave Corridor did not
provide good access to transit and that many parts of Interurban Ave South are adjacent
to residential areas
Thus, in light of this new information of the needs of this Program, a separate review of
the West Valley Hwy is appropriate. This analysis will not be bundled with the Urban
Center, Tukwila South, or the Interurban South Corridor. This is appropriate given that:
1. While parts of West Valley are zoned Urban Center, the Green River separates
the portion of West Valley zoned Urban Center from the larger urban center area
on the west side of the River.
2. While the City's Comprehensive Plan calls out the east portion of West Valley
Hwy as being part of the Tukwila South (TS) area, in reality this area functions
significantly different than the west part of Tukwila Valley South. Unlike many
properties on the west part of TS, the east part of TS is developed and is
served by utilities.
3. Unlike the Interurban Ave South Corridor that exists north of Southcenter Blvd,
the West Valley Hwy area does not contain nor is it adjacent to existing
residential uses.
West Valley Hwy Area
There are two distinct areas of West Valley Hwy, those properties along Strander Blvd
and north that are zoned Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) and those properties south of
Strander Blvd zoned Commercial /Light Industrial (C /LI).
County's Criteria
As was done in the February 18, 2010 Staff Report, staff will evaluate the West Valley
Hwy utilizing the County's current criteria.
Access
West Valley Hwy provides superior regional access. The area includes two off ramps
from Interstate 405, one of the routes specifically mentioned in the County's RFP
Additionally, West Valley Hwy itself was mentioned in the County's RFP Access to
Interstate 5 and State Route 167 can easily be achieved by using Interstate 405.
East/West connections are present in the West Valley Hwy area by utilizing Southcenter
Blvd and S. 180 Street. Southcenter Blvd, which turns into Grady Way in Renton,
provides cross valley access to Tukwila, Renton, and SeaTac. S. 180 Street, provides
cross valley access for Tukwila, Renton, Kent and SeaTac.
State Hiahwav
1 Interstate 5
Interstate 90
Interstate 405
Access to We st Valley
1 Yes, via 405
1 No, no place in Tukwila has access
1 Yes, two off ramps and two on ramps are
25 The February 18, 2010 Staff Report noted concern that the 24 -hour operation of the CDF would not be
compatible with residential uses.
26 The City's Comprehensive Plan refers to this area as being part of TVS; however this area is not subject
to the development agreement between Segale Properties and the City of Tukwila.
27 Attachment DD, Rebid of Crisis Diversion RFP, 1026- 10 -RLD, issued by King County on March 11, 2010
at page 8
28 Id at page 8
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1 Interstate 509
SR 99
SR 167
1 SR 181 (West Valley Hwy)
1 SR 518
available. An additional on and off ramp is
available near the Mall.
1 Yes, via 518/405
Yes, via 405 or by utilizing Southcenter
Blvd
Yes, via 405 or via Grady Way or S. 180
Street
1 Yes
1 Yes, via 405
Access to Transit
Bus access is limited with the West Valley Hwy area. Route 150 and 155 run east/west
along S. 180"' Street and the 140 runs along Strander
Building Space
There is significant buildings space with the West Valley Hwy area that would meet the
County's space requirements for the CDF and CDIS. When concerns were raised about
the price per square footage near Southcenter City staff obtained commercial lease
information from Enterprise Seattle Enterprise Seattle provided City staff with lease
information for office, flex, and light industrial operations in and around the Urban
Center. None of the properties listed had a price per square foot that was above the rate
included in the County's RFP. In fact, all of the properties listed were significantly less
than $38.90 per square foot; office space immediately adjacent to the Mall had the
highest rate of $25 per square foot.
Distractions for users of the CDF Program
The City Council has received testimony indicating that the CDF Program needs to be
located in an area where consumers will not be distracted by adjacent
retail /entertainment operations31 32. The West Valley Hwy Area includes two specific sub
areas, a north area zoned Tukwila Urban Center and south area zoned
Commercial /Light Industrial. These areas have different compatibility issues.
The north portion of West Valley Hwy is zoned TUC. This area is bordered by the
Sounder Station to the east and the Green River to the west. This area serves as an
important link to a pedestrian connection plan from the Sounder Station to the Mall.
Additionally, through the draft Tukwila Urban Center plan, the City is working on
attracting housing to be located next to the Sounder Station. Goal 10.4.40 of the City's
Comprehensive Plan notes with regards to this area:
"Allow residential development in proximity to water amenities or within walking distance
of the Sounder commuter rail /Amtrak station...
Currently, the north area of West Valley is dominated by retail and commercial activities,
including retail establishments, restaurants, and hotels. The area also provides
somewhat easy access, both pedestrian and auto, to areas around the Mall. For
29 Attachment H, Map of King County Metro Routes in Tukwila
3° Attachment PP, Data from Enterprise Seattle, dated April of 2010
31 Attachment JJ, Comment Letter from DESC dated April 29, 2010
32 Attachment LL Draft verbatim minutes from April 12, 2010 City Council Public Hearing
33 Attachment QQ, City's Comprehensive Plan at page 116
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sometime, the City has been working to construct a pedestrian bridge to connect the
West Valley portion of the TUC to the remaining TUC area. Once this bridge is
constructed, it will provide easy pedestrian access from the Sounder Station on the east
side of the TUC to the Mall on the west side of the TUC. Thus, this area may contain the
same distraction factor and incompatibility issues that were complained of in the Urban
Center location.
The south area of West Valley Hwy is zoned C /LI and contains many commercial, small
offices, and light industrial uses. There is a small retail establishment in the City of Kent
at the corner of West Valley Hwy and S.180 The southern portion of West Valley Hwy
does not have easy access to the Mall or the retail core of the Urban Center. There is
access into the Urban Center via S.180 Street, but this part of the Urban Center is
away from the retail core. Pursuant to the City's draft Urban Center plan, this south area
of the Urban Center will be a "workplace" area and not have the intense retail and
commercial activities that will be found near the mall.
Police and Fire Services
While emergency response times are good throughout the City, some areas have better
coverage and in some areas the City can bring more resources to bear faster. Given
that this facility is not a compelled facility, it is necessary to determine a location which
Tukwila police and EMS can quickly respond to and if necessary transport an individual
to jail or a hospital.
Staff's February 18, 2010 staff report indicated that the City maintains a sizeable police
force with the Urban Center. Often times the City maintains two patrol officers within the
Urban Center. Additionally, the City recently received a Federal grant to allow additional
officers to be stationed in the Urban Center. The Police Station's location at City Hall,
near the Urban Center, allows for resources to be brought to a situation quickly in the
Urban Center if the situation warrants such a response.
The West Valley Area of the City is located directly next to the Urban Center. if a police
hold demands to leave, the CDF calls Tukwila Police as indicated in DESC letter dated
April 29, 2010, an officer from the Urban Center could be dispatched to locate the
person and take the person to an appropriate facility Also, the West Valley Hwy area
is located near Renton and Kent, which would allow mutual aid response to the CDF, if
needed.
The facility, as outlined by DESC, requires a symbiotic relationship with the host City. If
that is the case, then besides being located in an area that can easily be accessed by
other regional law enforcement agencies, the CDF program should also be easily
accessible to the host City's Police officers given that the CDF could create a significant
burden on the host City's Police Department
It's important to also remember that while medical staff will be present at the CDF, it has
a long list of medical exclusionary criteria The CDF will be accepting people who
34 Through the unclassified use permit process the City could examine if any mitigation would be needed to
offset costs to the City's Police Department.
36 King County has not set aside mitigation funding for impacts to the host City's Police, Attachment GG,
Addendum 3 of King County RFP 1056 -10 -RLD at p. 5.
36 Attachment DD, Rebid of the Crisis Diversion RFP, 1056 -10 -RLD, issued by King County on Marcy 11,
2010 at p. 26
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could be under the dependency of drugs and alcohol. It is possible that someone may
need to go to a hospital once they arrive at the CDF and its determined that they have
medical issues that cannot be resolved at the CDF. Valley Medical Center is located
near the West Valley Hwy area. From the intersection of West Valley Hwy and S. 180
Street, the drive to Valley Medical is approximately five minutes
Summary of West Valley Hwv Area
West Valley Hwy complies with all of the County's criteria:
1. The area provides exceptional regional access, second only to the Urban Center.
2. The County's access routes are complied with.
3. The County's building size can be accommodated for the CDF and /or CDIS.
4. There is access to transit as required by the County.
Regarding distractions and compatibility issues for the Program, the north part of West
Valley contains a retail environment that is similar to the area around the mall that was
objected to. Also, the north area provides easy access to the areas around the mall.
The south area of West Valley Hwy, which is zoned C /LI, appears to have an
environment that Tacks many of the distractions that are present around the mall. The
area also does not have easy access to the Ma11
The location reduces, but does not eliminate, impacts to the City's Police Force. As
outlined by DESC, the host City could be significantly impacted by the CDF when a
police hold demands to leave. The CDF location should be easily accessible by the host
City's law enforcement. Locating the CDF Program along West Valley Hwy will allow a
Tukwila Police officer to quickly respond. Just as important, the Tukwila Police will be in
a central location to take the person to a number of locations, including the Kent Justice
Center, Bellevue, or the downtown jail. A location on West Valley Hwy will allow a
Tukwila police officer to quickly be back in service once an individual is taken to jail.
Finally, the proposed area is removed from other areas of the City where users of the
Crisis Diversion Program could be victimized.
West Valley Hwy is also directly adjacent to Kent and Renton, allowing those
jurisdictions officers the ability to quickly access the CDF. SeaTac officers can also drop
down from S. 178 /S.180 to access the CDF Program.
Staff's Revised Recommendation
The Planning Commission has recommended that the City Council adopt an ordinance
allowing the CDF and /or CDIS to locate within 1/2 mile of the transit center along Andover
Park West via an unclassified use permit process. Given the testimony heard at the
Council's public hearing on this matter and the new information provided by the County,
the City Council asked staff to review alternative locations.
Attachment RR, Mapquest Direction to Valley Medical, this doesn't assume going lights and sirens to the
hospital.
38 It has been noted that up to '/a of the people who use the CDF will walkout. in a meeting with City staff on
March 29, 2010, DESC mentioned that when individuals walkout of the CDF they could wander to the mall
and scare mall patrons.
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As outlined in this staff report staff recommends that the CDF and CDIS be allowed as
an unclassified use in the commercial /light industrial zoned property south of Strander
Blvd, along West Valley Hwy.
Staff is basing its recommendation on the following:
1. The proposed area meets the County's location criteria. Regional access to this
area is excellent. A location along West Valley Hwy can easily access, Interstate
5, Interstate 405, State Route 167, and State Route 99. The area is also served
by S. 180 street a principal east/west arterial in south King County.
2. The area meets the County's transit requirements.
3. West Valley Hwy was one of the specific routes mentioned in the County's RFP.
4. Tukwila police would have easy access to the West Valley Hwy area which will
enable them to adequately serve the facility.
5. The area is removed from residential areas and thus the 24 -hour operation of the
CDF would not disrupt residential uses.
6. The commercial /light industrial nature of the area allows the CDF Program to be
located in an area that is free from incompatible uses that might interfere with the
success of the CDF and CDIS program.
Staff has prepared a substitute ordinance for the Council to consider and act upon at the
May 17, 2010 meeting.
39 The February 18, 2010 staff report noted that there were several unanswered questions regarding the
operation of the CDF and CDIS. The County has provided information that there are still questions regarding
exactly how the CDF and CDIS will operate, "The RFP is not designed to be a document that includes all the
polices and procedures that will be in place. These will be developed by the successful bidder in
consultation with MHCADSD Attachment GG, Addendum 3 of King County RFP 1056- 10 -RLD at p. 4
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