Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers May 10, 2010 7:00 P.M. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Rick Still, Interim Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Johnson, Interim Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS A proclamation recognizing Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation designating May 11, 2010, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and presented the proclamation to Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief of the Tukwila Police Department. CITIZEN COMMENTS Brian Whiting, 3469 South 152 "d Street, explained he has concerns regarding the new Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program and feels the Council should have asked for discussion from stakeholders. He manages the Avalon Apartment complex and that while it is in a rough area of the City, it is clean and safe. The majority of the tenants are low income or retired. He would like more information about how the program works and associated fees. In his view, if the program becomes mandatory, the City will be pushing away affordable housing in Tukwila. John Krussel, 14800 Interurban Avenue South, explained that his family has been managing rentals for a long time, and they represent the Towne and Country Suites, La Rochelle Apartments, Ridge Cliff, and Ridge Springs. They have revived some of the worst units in the City and are confused by the Council passing an ordinance regarding Residential Rental Licensing without seeking advice and input from stakeholders. When they have problem tenants, they follow the law and have them removed, and passage of this law infers that property owners are not doing a good job. He participates in the Tukwila Apartment Managers and Owners (TAMO) Network, and when he asked for funding assistance for literature on the program, the request was denied. In his view, the Highway 99 area of Tukwila is where the City's focus should be and not about trying to control all of the housing in the City. By working with TAMO and following the Civil Search Warrant Program, the good landlords could be rewarded and the bad landlords could be identified. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 2 of 9 Karyn Kuever, 10064 Aerosmith Avenue South, Seattle, explained she has owned a 13 unit complex in Tukwila for the last 2 years, and her main concern for the property is ensuring that the units are clean, affordable, and safe. Passage of Ordinance No. 2281 regarding Residential Rental Licensing will negatively impact affordable housing as the costs of the program will be passed onto tenants. From her standpoint, the City is targeting a small percentage of rental units, and those could be addressed through the State's Civil Search Warrant Program. The ordinance was passed quickly and without input from the owners and managers, who want to be a part of the solution through open communication. Julie Johnson, 529 Warren Avenue North, Seattle, indicated she is the President of the Rental Housing Association (RHA) and represents approximately 4,400 rental property owners throughout King County. Ms. Johnson referenced prior legal issues the RHA has had with other cities to include the City of Seattle, whose program was not upheld in Court and the City of Pasco whose program was upheld due to the use of 3rd party inspectors. While Tukwila has been trying to implement an inspection program since 1999, in her view, since 2010 the program has been primarily discussed at the staff level and not with the full Council. The City preempted the State Law that becomes effective June 10, 2010, which defines parameters for municipal rental inspection programs and offers the Civil Search Warrant authority. Ms. Johnson asked what steps had been taken to encourage and improve enforcement of rental housing before adopting a mandatory inspection program. Rental unit tenants and homeowners have the same rights to privacy. The RHA has tools available for use in addressing rental inspections, and she asked the Council to consider other options rather than moving forward with the adopted inspection program. Jeff Scherrer, P.O. Box 1094, Lynnwood, indicated that he owns the Maple Apartment Complex, and he opposes Ordinance No. 2281, passed by the Council on April 19, 2010. Mr. Scherrer said he leads the Tukwila Apartment Managers and Owners (TAMO) Network that was created as part of the Crime Free Multi Family Housing Program. The group meets monthly to work toward the best management of rental properties. Many staff members have spoken at the meetings, and the Mayor has been invited to attend. Excluding the TAMO from this process is disrespectful, and they could have provided beneficial input. All across America, budget cuts are taking place and jobs are valuable, and employees will do whatever it take to ensure their jobs are secure, including City staff. Mr. Scherrer referenced a comment by Mayor Haggerton in a recent letter, "We will find a way to a more stable future for our City." Rushing the passage of ordinances will not lead to stability. The Council relied on a 2004 windshield survey from a company that is no longer in business in passing this ordinance. He indicated the fees for the program will be passed onto the tenants and urged the Council to reconsider Ordinance No. 2281. Norma Wade, 14132 37 Avenue South, Apartment 104, indicated that she is a tenant of the Maplewood Apartment complex. She is on a fixed income and does not know where she would get an additional $35.00 for the rent increase due to the new inspection program. Ms. Wade feels the ordinance is an invasion of privacy for all rental- housing tenants. She asked the Council how they would like to have a stranger come into their home and perform an unnecessary inspection and possibly declare the home unsafe and require them to move. Ms. Wade asked the Council to reconsider this program. Stephen Cox, 4055 South 146 Street, explained the public process with the City is very good, yet the lack of stakeholder input is upsetting. The majority of the rental properties in the City are meeting the established standards and applicable codes. The State legislature passed a process that would address the issues that City inspectors have with difficult property owners. He was surprised the City would pass this type of program with the associated fees during a recession. Mr. Cox feels the Council should reconsider Ordinance No. 2281 and work with the TAMO and utilize the State Civil Search Warrant program that takes effect June 10, 2010. Mohammed Aminpour, 921 NE 20 Street, Clyde Hill, indicated he owns the Edgewood Apartment complex. More than half of the tenants are on Section 8 and are subject to annual inspections. The Fire Department, financial institutions, and his insurance company also conduct annual inspections to ensure the complex is up to code and insurable. He supports annual inspections of his units when they are based on probable cause. From his standpoint, the City should not impact all rental property owners, and he would like his tenants to have privacy. He would like the City to reconsider Ordinance No. 2281. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 3 of 9 Chander Lall, 4710 Summerset Avenue, Bellevue, said he owns the Riverside Terrace Apartments property. He has been in this business for over 30 years and his property is in excellent condition. Mr. Lall explained that staff assessing the rental units from the side of the road is not the appropriate way to judge property. He asked the Council to reconsider the inspection program and suggested staff work with TAMO and RHA to resolve any issues about the rental properties within the City. Councilmember Hougardy requested clarification on the fees relating to the Residential Rental Business License and Inspection program. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, indicated that the $35.00 inspection fee and associated Certificate of Compliance is valid for 4- years. This would be an increase of approximately $0.75 per month for the tenants. Councilmember Duffie asked if any notices were mailed to the residents about the proposed inspection program. Mr. Pace explained the original intent was to conduct an extensive outreach program. However, with the passage of Senate Bill 2469, the City was advised to continue with the program within the small window of time. Councilmember Hernandez asked if any properties within the City would be exempt from the Residential Rental Business License Program. Mr. Pace explained that any units that are inspected for housing quality standards, such as Section 8 housing, are exempt from the program. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Renaming of Sound Transit/Amtrak Station. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on April 26, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained that Sound Transit is requesting the City's input on the renaming of the Sounder "Tukwila Station." With the Link Light Rail station now operational, many people are referring to that station as the Tukwila Station rather than the Tukwila International Boulevard Station. This is causing confusion with the Sounder "Tukwila Station," which is also an Amtrak stop for the Cascades train service. Sound Transit staff is suggesting the station name be "Tukwila Longacres Station." Councilmember Hernandez explained she agrees with the recommendation of "Tukwila Longacres Station," because Longacres was a part of the history of the area. Councilmember Ekberg suggested that name be changed to "Tukwila Valley South Station." Councilmember Seal indicated she agrees with Councilmember Hernandez. The recommendation of "Tukwila Longacres Station" is a great talking point to highlight the history of this area. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, indicated the proposed name could be truncated to "Tukwila Station" and that would still cause confusion. He suggested the Council review other options for renaming of the station. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 4 of 9 b. A resolution designating the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee (MWPAAC) representatives. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 27, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This resolution will designate Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, as the City's representative and Pat Brodin, Maintenance and Operations Manager, as the alternate to the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. An agreement with Carolla Engineers for the Water and Sewer Comprehensive Plans. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 27, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained this agreement is for the 2010 update to the Water and Sewer Comprehensive Plans. The Departments of Health and Ecology require that the City update the Water and Sewer Comprehensive Plans every six years. The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Carolla Engineers for the 2010 Water and Sewer Comprehensive Plan updates. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Budget Review Status Report. Council President Robertson explained he requested budget updates for the Council to be provided at the Committee of the Whole meetings. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, explained that at the April 26, 2010 City Council Meeting, the Council provided direction to City Administration on several revenue enhancement options. At the February 2010 Council Retreat, the Council identified 3 different areas to address the City's current financial situation. Those areas were revenue enhancements, program or service reductions, and salary and benefit changes. The overall targeted reduction from all 3 areas is $9 million per year. Mr. Hunstock explained the property tax levy lid lift and Emergency Medical Services levy have been tabled until 2011. Staff will have the Business License fee and Revenue Generating Regulatory License ordinances at the June 8, 2010 Finance and Safety Committee meeting and subsequent Committee of the Whole and Regular Meetings. He also explained the wage and benefit changes will be provided to the Council in June. Council President Robertson stated the new revenue options approved by the Council are $1.1 million short of the goal of $3.4 million. Councilmember Quinn requested information relating to the Special Purpose Fire District or Fire Authority. Mr. Hunstock explained this particular item will require voter approval, and there are various impacts to the City, and the Council will be briefed at the June 28, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting. Councilmember Quinn explained the Council has been working through the budget process, and a recent statement by a citizen that residents should be aware of the City's current situation relates to the current budget discussions. Notifying the citizens of the situation would be beneficial to the City. Council President Robertson explained the June 28, 2010 Committee of the Whole Meeting will be dedicated to the discussion of a Fire Authority /Fire District. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 5 of 9 e. Program Reductions: Boards and Commissions, City Council, Mayor's Office, Community Development, Municipal Court, Evaluation of CSC program for potential gaps /duplication. In accordance with preliminary budget targets and the schedule established at the April 5, 2010 Regular Council Meeting, staff is presenting information on proposed program or service reductions related to Boards and Commissions, City Council, Mayor's Office, Community Development, Municipal Court and Human Services. Council President Robertson requested the administration make a slight wording modification on the proposal decisions to state "No action" rather than "No decision." He also explained the Council should review all the proposed reductions as policymakers and encouraged the Council to ask clarifying questions from staff. Councilmember Hougardy requested clarification about the purpose of the discussion. She asked if the Council would be able to comment on the service reduction impact. Council President Robertson also asked if the Council would review all the proposed reductions and upon completion of the review, ask for citizen comments. Councilmember Quinn indicated this is an opportunity for the residents to provide comments to the Council, and he would like them to be able to comment on the topic of discussion. Councilmember Duffie concurred with Councilmember Quinn. Council President Robertson clarified that his request is that all the proposed reductions be reviewed prior to seeking citizen's comments during the initial review process. Councilmember Quinn indicated he is comfortable with the process, and he would encourage citizen comments. Councilmember Hougardy suggested that the Council allow citizen comments at the completion of the review of all the suggested program reductions. There was consensus to allow for citizen comments at the end of the Council review of all items for Special Issues 4e. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, explained he would introduce each of the items and provide a brief background on the proposed reductions. Jack Pace, Community Development Director will review that department's proposed reductions. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Arts Commission: The proposal is to reduce the Arts Commission budget by 50% by eliminating: the Tukwila Days Art Show, Music in the Park, All Nations Cup Art Show, and reduce the annual budget for art acquisition to $4,600.00 per year. These reductions would have an annual cost savings of $21,500.00. Council President Robertson asked who would be responsible for deciding the actual reductions for the Arts Commission. Mr. Lancaster explained the reductions would be proposed to the Arts Commission, and staff would work with them to achieve the cost saving goal. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 6 of 9 Equity Diversity Commission: The proposal is to reduce the Equity Diversity Commission budget by 50 This would affect the amount of funding the Commission provides to community groups and organizations offering programs in support of the Commission's goals. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $3,100.00. Councilmember Hernandez indicated that the Equity Diversity Committee has agreed to the funding reduction. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Sister Cities Committee: The proposal is to reduce the Sister Cities Committee budget by 50% by reducing expenses related to the hosting of the Miyoshi delegations. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $2,850.00. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. CITY COUNCIL: The proposal is to reduce the "Other Services and Charges" and "Supplies" budget by 10% or $5,000.00. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $5,000.00. Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, explained that reducing "Other Services and Charges" would limit travel by the Council. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. MAYOR'S OFFICE: The proposal includes elimination of the "Analyst" position within the Mayor's Office. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $100,000.00. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Leaal Services: The proposal is to modify the contract for legal services. The City could reduce costs substantially by contracting separately for general City Attorney and Prosecution services. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $50,000.00. Councilmember Hougardy asked if the City has reviewed the costs associated with in -house legal services, and she asked how the budget overruns for this item would be addressed. Mr. Lancaster explained the City has investigated this option, and the costs associated with this option are greater than the contracted rates. He also explained that staff will review and adjust the 2011 -2012 budget line items for Legal Services. Mr. Lancaster explained when the City takes on a new task with the City Attorney's Office; the new task has not been budgeted. The administration provides this information to the Council, and seeks Council approval prior to directing the City Attorney to work on the new task. The contract with Kenyon Disend clearly defines the costs associated with regular City Attorney services and extra services. Council President Robertson explained that at the request of City administration, he has not continued with the request of reviewing a nuisance ordinance because of the cost associated with a new program for the City Attorney. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 7 of 9 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Electrical Inspector Position: This proposal is to eliminate the second electrical inspector position, as current permit volumes do not require a second inspector. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $94,500.00. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Reduce the Graphics Specialist position to half -time: This proposal is to reduce the level of graphics and mapping services provided within the Community Development Department and to other departments. This reduction will have an annual cost savings of $45,800.00. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Cross Trained Permit Technicians: This proposal is to create a team of 4 cross trained Permit Technicians with existing Community Development and Public Works staff and reduce planners by 0.50 Full Time Employee (FTE). Mr. Pace explained that cross training the staff will increase productivity, customer service, and efficiency. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $15,000.00 for 2010 and $46,500.00 for 2011. Councilmember Duffie asked if the position proposed to be reduced is a union position. Mr. Lancaster explained that staff is working with the appropriate parties as it relates to the proposed reductions. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Geographic Information System: This proposal is to transition to a lower -cost, web -based Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis tool. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $17,080.00. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Staff increase /re- assianment: This proposal is to fund the existing 0.50 FTE Building Inspector, a 0.25 FTE Administrative Support Technician, and a 0.25 FTE Code Enforcement Officer from the Rental Housing Program revenues. While this proposal will not provide for an annual cost savings, it would generate $80,000.00 in additional revenue. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Unanticipated Needs: This proposal would reduce the capacity for responding to unanticipated staffing needs. Community Development has traditionally used funds from the Professional Services and Overtime budget to allow for a rapid response to emerging issues. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $16,120.00. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 8 of 9 MUNICIPAL COURT: This proposal is to improve efficiencies in Municipal Court, probation, and parole services. This reduction would have an annual cost savings of $6,000.00. Judge Walden explained that staff has consolidated 2 half -time court calendars into one, which reduces the expenses associated with interpreters and public defenders. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS TO MOVE THIS ITEM FORWARD TO A FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING. HUMAN SERVICES: Mr. Lancaster explained the Council asked the Human Services Manager perform an analysis of the Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) funding and programming. There were not any duplicative services provided. Councilmember Seal requested a copy of the Stewart Foundation evaluation report. Ms. Boykan indicated she would provide the Council with a copy of the report. The Councilmembers thanked Human Services and Parks and Recreation staff for all the work they do on the programs that are provided to the residents of Tukwila. Mayor Haggerton explained he has seen this program first hand, and it is very valuable to the students and residents of the area, and there is a human aspect to this practical application. Councilmember Hernandez asked if the Human Services Advisory Board reviews this contract as well as all the other Human Service contracts. Ms. Boykan explained this program does not follow the standard process for Human Services contracts and funding. This program previously was included in the Parks and Recreation budget, and the administration requested the contract be transferred to the Human Services section for program monitoring. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, explained that everyone is aware the City has been spending more each year and utilizing the ending fund balance to balance the budget. It has taken a recession to address these spending issues. The proposals appear to be small reductions for the Boards and Commissions. However, these types of reductions will affect the Commissions greatly and reduce the work they do. Councilmember Hernandez explained she would like the Boards and Commission budget reductions to be temporary and that the funding restored after the economy improves. Mayor Haggerton suggested the City could combine the Tukwila Days and Family 4 at the Fort events to reduce expenses in 2011. He explained that if the Council chooses this type of approach, the administration would need to begin the planning as soon as possible. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton participated in the Delegation to Washington D.C. with Governor Gregoire, King County Executive Constantine, along with the Mayors of Kent, Renton, and Auburn, to meet with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The delegation was seeking funding for the Howard Hanson Dam repairs. He also explained the Army Corps of Engineers will be performing the recertification inspection on the levees in the City on May 12, 2010. Mayor Haggerton also clarified that staff did speak with the Rental Housing Association and Tukwila Apartment Managers Association prior to the passing of the Residential Rental Business Licensing and Inspection Program. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 10, 2010 Page 9 of 9 b. City Council Councilmember Duffie hosted the Council Coffee Chat on May 8, 2010. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting on May 6, 2010. She also explained the Equity and Diversity Commission will not hold meetings in the months of July and August. Councilmember Quinn explained he was asked by community members to thank the Police Department for their quick response and resolution to an incident on May 9, 2010. Council President Robertson attended the Codiga Park ribbon cutting on May 8, 2010. c. Staff Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, announced that Lisa Verner, Project Manager, is leaving the City, and her last day will be May 14, 2010. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the Law Enforcement Memorial event on May 11, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., the Tukwila Pond ribbon cutting ceremony on May 12, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., and the Seattle Southside Grand Opening on May 13, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Ms. Matej explained the 3 budget work sessions have been scheduled for May 25, 2010, June 8, 2010, and June 22, 2010. The work sessions will be from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief, thanked Councilmember Quinn for the information regarding the incident response team. He explained the K -9 unit was able to track the burglar to a section of a wooded area near the victim's residence. The officers were then able to apprehend a burglary suspect and recover the victim's $1,400.00. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hernandez asked if there was Council consensus to send a letter to the TAMO group clarifying two erroneous comments relating to the $35.00 fee and the exemption clause. Council President Robertson explained he would discuss this request with staff and the City Administrator. Councilmember Ekberg asked if the staff would be creating an informational pamphlet about the Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, answered in the affirmative. ADJOURNMENT 9:56 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEE AIZ,IOURNED T9 CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. nis Robertson, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk