HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
August 25, 1997 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
Council President Jim Haggerton called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the audience in
the pledge of allegiance.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT:
Council President Jim Haggerton, Councilmembers Pam Carter, Joe Duffle, Allan Ekberg, Joan Hernandez,
Pamela Linder, and Steve Mullet.
OFFICIALS:
John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Jane Cantu, City
Clerk; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator; and Lucy Lauterbach,
Council Analyst.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Regional Governance and Finance Update
Mayor Rants introduced Lynda Ring, Executive Director, Suburban Cities Association. Director Ring provided
an update on Regional Governance and Finance.
Director Ring said Suburban Cities have been working on the Regional Governance and Finance issue for
approximately one year. The Growth Management Planning Council established an oversight group to hear and
discuss finance and governance projects, partly because the special districts were not part of the original Growth
Management Planning Council. When new legislation was passed which supplemented the Growth
Management Act, it called specifically to look at economies and efficiencies in governance. A subsequent
Senate Bill (SB 5038) allowed cities and counties (if they agreed) funds could be redirected so revenues could
go directly to the service providing organization.
The primary services Suburban Cities have considered include parks and pools (an ongoing issue between the
'ounty and the cities) specialized police services, courts, human services, potential annexation areas, and the
Woodland Park Zoo. Seattle specified Woodland Park Zoo as an original issue of its own, which is separate
from the parks and pools issue. Seattle is seeking some sort of operations and maintenance agreement,
recognizing suburbs did vote 10 years ago on a bond issue to promote a 10 -year capital improvement at the
Woodland Park Zoo. Suburban Cities have been part of the Capital Bond Oversight Committee for over ten
years. The Bond Committee had its last meeting last week. Suburban Cities has already been engaged in some
zoo decisions for some period of time.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 11
August 25, 1997
Director Ring announced a September 3rd Suburban Cities special general membership meeting at 6:00 p.m., at
Bellevue City Hall to present a rough draft of proposals pertaining to Governance and Finance projects. She
indicated some of the projects have suffered a false start and the association needs to come back as a group to
reinitiate the process.
Suburban Cities is trying to re- identify what the process is regarding the discussion of courts. There is ongoing
city governance requiring cities to fund district courts through tax dollars on property. Additionally, there is the
legal question concerning the duplication of services (district versus municipal courts). The county's courts are
expensive to operate due to state mandates which dictate the number of required judges, regardless of the
number of municipal courts within the county. Another issue concerning district courts is funding for staff. It
requires a very large system, which the county must pay for.
Suburban Cities is looking at the court issue and perhaps approaching the county to address legislation which
would reduce this burden. It wouldn't restrict or reduce cities to have municipal courts, but it levels the playing
field to make the district court a more attractive option for those cities who may not want to continue with a
municipal court. Director Ring said Suburban Cities is also looking at some changes in the division of fines and
forfeitures and how to crate an equitable system. A subcommittee would also examine some administrative
changes.
[n police special services, Suburban Cities has explored looking at a better information sharing system, which is
not what was originally proposed. Initially, Suburban Cities was to examine ways to improve current services.
[nstead, a recommendation was received on an elaborate and expensive project. Thanks to the efforts of Mercer
[sland Mayor Judy Clifford, efforts are back on track to examine cost efficiencies and services which go beyond
routine patrol. Director Ring cited examples of police services such as canine units or bomb squads which most
small cities do not have and ways to provide those services to cities in an affordable way. Other services could
include technical computer skills are required in investigating computer fraud cases and major accident
investigations. Currently, if the county is the only provider of those specialized services, most cities cannot
ifford to contract those services with the county. The lack of such services ultimately creates a regional risk
both in the potential loss of police officers and citizens. Ms. Ring said they are examining ways of pricing those
Services in a way which is fair and affordable to cities.
VIs. Ring said human services are another element Suburban Cities has been reviewing. In the next several
weeks, a package of information specific to each city will be distributed. She indicated no changes to the
urrent delivery of services are anticipated. Director Ring said she verified King County is not considering
raking over the services currently provided by non profits. In most cases, the services would continue to be
;ontracted and most cities would want to continue the service.
She cited the difference between what south end cities fund versus eastside cities. In many cases, eastside cities
Fund very little for human services. She said Suburban Cities is identifying the basic package at per capita cost.
For Tukwila, it might be less than 25 percent. However, for some cities which currently fund at a low level, it
night mean an increase in countywide revenue. In the south end cities, senior and youth recreation programs
lave not been included in the basic package. Suburban Cities is looking at domestic violence and anticipates
his would be the biggest change along with youth counseling services. For most cities, these services have
ong been provided through the Youth and Family Services Bureau, which covers the whole county and has
)een doing so for years.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 11
August 25, 1997
Director Ring said pools and parks got off to a bad start. Everyone thought it was important and would be
easier. The initial discussion happened fast and the group recommended a levy to pay the bill. Obviously, this
didn't go over well and the group has been reformed to a group which is similar in makeup as the human
services review group. The new group includes some elected officials and park directors to oversee the work of
a technical staff which would consist of finance and parks staff. The group will look at definitions which
would be agreed to and establish criteria for defining what parks and pools go with the definitions. If it were
determined to be credible, then the group would examine existing resources to finance it as opposed to looking
for a new revenue stream.
Councilmember Duffle asked if the cities take over the pools, would they be entitled to the former trust fund.
Director Ring indicated virtually no former trust money is left. The county has been operating the pools out of
their general fund for some time. Director Ring said during the deliberations she has indicated all of the former
trust pools are included. The former trust pools are an obligation to the public. They are a regional system of
pools which are frequently located in places cities would not have located them if they had been developed as
part of the city's comprehensive plan for parks and pools. Many of the pools are in unincorporated areas and
are now located in cities which have inherited them by virtue of annexation. Between the deferred maintenance
aspects of the pools and the fact they are not necessarily where cities would have located them, they are more
difficult to program and would probably not be revenue producers. Director Ring said it is her belief some of
the pools would pass to the cities. A financial arrangement involving the capital might be negotiated along with
shared funding of maintenance and operations. She indicated it would be a long ongoing process to resolve the
financial issues surrounding the transfer of pools. She indicated it was possible for the cities to run the pools a
[ittle more efficiently even in their current state and location, but did not think that's necessarily what the
Driginal obligation was. The pools were a region -wide effort and the citizens paid for those pools. The county
was happy at that time to assume control. It was after they discovered the pools were not revenue generators
they decided the cities should assume responsibility.
Director Ring said she would not advise Suburban Cities to assume the pool obligation since the former trust
obligates the county to continue running the pools.
Souncilmember Hernandez said she noticed all three of the human service options contain language referring to
A Sub Regional Partnership Board and asked what role Suburban Cities would play under that scenario.
Director Ring said if it turns out to be the governance model adopted, it would depend to some extent on the
slue of funding. Higher service level needs in the south end might prompt eastside cities to take back their
Funding since the south end requires more funding due to higher usage. At some point, policy decisions on
human services will pass through the Regional Policy Committee. If the Growth Management Planning
Thuncil becomes an ongoing forum then there would be an opportunity for balance. The county has an
Accounting system already set up to establish seven sub regions.
Director Ring said her concern with that type of a self governing structure would be the likelihood of cities such
As Kirkland, Redmond, or Bothell wanting all their money back.
Thuncil President Haggerton asked if Suburban Cities has been contacted by a group which is trying to form or
encourage the formation of a Puget Sound County? Director Ring said she received a call and a request for a
substantial amount of information but politely told them they had the funding and consultants to obtain the
nformation and Suburban Cities could not be tasked with the laborious chore of generating that type of
nformation.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 11
August 25, 1997
Director Ring explained the organizational makeup and the objectives of Suburban Cities. Suburban Cities is a
membership of 36 cities representing over 700,000 people. The largest city is Bellevue with a population of
110,000. The smallest is Skykomish with a population of 210. The association provides policy analysis; and,
when there is consensus on an issue, advocacy for cities in King County. The primary work is interaction with
King County and occasionally with Seattle. Sometimes the work of Suburban Cities enters the legislation
arena. However, Suburban Cities does not duplicate the efforts of the Association of Washington Cities.
Councilmember Ekberg asked if any discussions involved jail issues. Director Ring indicated jails were not
originally considered during the review of the courts. Recently, however, jails have been added to the list due to
concerns regarding jail costs. Director Ring reviewed how Suburban Cities is generally not involved in re-
negotiating jail contracts. However, she and several mayors have inconvenienced the re- negotiation process by
questioning the proposed increases and consequently were able to reduce a projected increase of 40% to 31
Ring indicated she and the mayors were very concerned with jail costs and did some research. What they found
in many other states is jail costs are often offset at the state level for misdemeanors as well as felons. They have
asked the county to explain jail increases and the county has indicated they have nothing to compare against.
On further review with other states, some jail costs are $23 per prisoner regardless of the prisoner's
classification. In some states, the state offsets the entire cost. The King County jail averages $82 a day and the
Kent jail is approximately $40 for a misdemeanor. Eastside cities have been talking seriously of establishing
their own jail. Seattle is more concerned than Suburban Cities, since the southend cities can rely on the Kent
jail, whereas Seattle has to use the King County jail since their costs would increase if they elected to use the
Kent jail. Suburban Cities has been talking with Seattle and Director Ring said she anticipates more discussions
taking place concerning the issues.
Councilmember Carter asked about the situation between the county and Cascade Water Alliance and asked
what was Suburban Cities' perspective on what is occurring. Director Ring said she doubts surface water
would be included in the initial package of Governance and Finance, mainly due to other pressing issues. She
Idvised Councilmembers to keep abreast of issues surrounding the funding of the Regional Services Water
Management Regional Needs Assessment. The other two issues relate to the possibility of the Conservation
District being reactivated. She indicated she is hearing different things but is aware the county can impose a $5
Fee per parcel. She said in the past, Suburban Cities has been successful in thwarting the county's efforts to
°evive the Conservation District. She has never seen a viable product result from the Conservation District and
cautioned the Council to resist assessing what she perceives to be as an aggressive tax. Although the $5 tax is
mall, once established it sets policy on approving aggressive taxes.
the third issues relates to King County's wish to become the region's water purveyor. Three separate pieces of
egislation last year looked innocent, but if you put them together, they make King County the water purveyor.
Suburban Cities is opposed to this concept and have included some language to help clarify the legislative intent
vvas not to make the county the water purveyor. The county, prior to the legislative session, joined the water
Ind sewer associations and has promoted the concept at numerous public hearings.
Touncilmember Carter referred to growth management audits concerning the achievement of higher density by
ncluding incentives such as establishing consistencies in development codes, uniform fire and building codes,
echnical design standards for streets, and master utility permits. She said she senses a "Big Brother" attempt to
ake away cities' discretionary power. Director Ring said she shares the same concern. At the Suburban Cities
3oard, there have been some discussions about the Housing and Policy Committee of the King County Council.
[here is some degree of work being done which suggests some of the planning coming out the committee would
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
be an attempt to override cities' comprehensive plans. She cautioned the committee needs to be watched
closely and Mayor Rants is tracking the issue.
Councilmember Carter emphasized many of the areas have annexed or incorporated to get away from county
oversight, especially concerning zoning. That was a major reason for many incorporations and annexations.
Council President Haggerton thanked Director Ring for the update.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Gambling Tax Ordinance Amendment
Page 5 of 11
August 25, 1997
Councilmember Linder referred to the Finance and Safety Committee minutes of August 18, 1997 and indicated
the item relating to the gambling tax law change had several inaccurate sentences. The second sentence inferred
local governments could for the first time charge a gambling tax on charitable industries. The sentence should
have reflected the change relates to a change in the charge on gambling tax of charitable industries. The third
sentence is inaccurate and should read to indicate the City of Tukwila will lose about $17,000 from applying
this tax.
Director Doerschel referred to his memo which summarizes all of the changes to the ordinance. There were
numerous proposals to change the state gambling tax. The only one passed related to the one which affected
punchboards and pulltabs where charitable and non profit organizations are taxed at 10% of net versus 5% of
the gross. It leaves it up to local governments whether to tax other organization at 10% of net or 5% of gross.
Most of the other jurisdictions are enacting changes to apply to charitable or non profit organizations only.
Changes can be initiated now or in the future. The other change concerns Tukwila's long- standing exclusion of
taxing punchboards. Most of the other cities assess a tax on punchboards. This issue was not discussed at the
Finance and Safety Committee. Director Doerschel said he notified Committee members after the meeting.
Councilmember Mullet asked what the standard percentage is for prizes. Director Doerschel indicated a citizen
who is speaking on the issue after the staff report could provide that information. He said it is determined by
°ach organization's policy and the figure varies between organizations. Punchboards and pulltabs are different
From bingo, where prizes are automatic. Prizes for punchboards and pulltabs are dependent on the owner's
letermination of what prizes will be included. Director Doerschel said organizations submit a State Gambling
Commission form. Local taxes are based on data from the state submission. Taxes are paid quarterly. The city
-eceives close to $400,000 in gambling tax revenue. Pulltabs and punchboards comprise the largest portion of
gambling tax revenue to the City. The Jaycees are the largest gambling tax contributor in the City. The Jaycees
s an organization which provides training opportunities to youth and business and private sector business
people tutor young people concerning the business world.
Councilmember Carter referred to previous minutes of meetings which indicated there were different tax rates
For public card rooms versus social card games and asked what the difference was. Director Doerschel said the
City does not currently have any organizations which offer social card games and he is unsure of the difference
)etween the two. He indicated he would check the definition to ensure it is current and accurate.
Council President Haggerton asked if the City issues permits for special "Casino Nights" that some
rganizations sponsor as fundraisers. Administrator McFarland said the state issues a permit for those types of
:vents and the local jurisdiction's police department signs off and insures rules are followed for each
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
fundraising event. Director Doerschel said if the fundraising is limited to $5,000 or under, there is no
requirement to obtain a permit.
Director Doerschel said the revenues the City receives from gambling tax have to be used for gambling
enforcement purposes.
Page 6 of 11
August 25, 1997
Council President Haggerton requested the August 18, 1997 Finance and Safety Committee meeting minutes
should be corrected and distributed to Councilmembers.
Tim Iszlev. 14027 Interurban. owner of the Silver Dollar Bar Grill distributed a handout to
Councilmembers and indicated the Council has the ability to make a decision on the gambling tax structure for
pulltabs (5% of gross or 10% of net). Most cities would ask why they would want to reduce gambling tax
revenues. Mr. Iszley said there are many reasons why the Council should make the change. The pulltab
industry has been strangled by the current tax structure. Five percent of gross forces the operators to reduce the
payout, thereby reducing their tax burden. This is not good for the industry, the operators, or for the players.
Indian gambling establishments have not had to deal with this issue and subsequently are able to offer higher
percentage payoff rates, which creates new customers and retains loyal customers. The bingo halls under the
new structure will also be able to do this as well. The dollar pulltabs, which are now legal, are designed to be
higher payoff percentage games. All of the games are based on a payout if the game sells all of the tickets. The
average quarter pulltab is designed to payout 65 netting 35% for the operator. However, it often does not
work that way, since all the tickets are not always sold. The operator does have the ability to pull the game.
Most of the dollar games pay out 75% to 80 If there is the ability to offer $1 tickets (Indians have been able
to do so for some time and bingo halls are now also allowed to so) independent operators will need the new tax
structure. Most of the operators will not offer $1 tickets if the tax structure is not changed.
Thuncilmember Duffle said he is concerned operators have a right to pull the game anytime, even when the
game is paying off. Mr. Iszley cited the example of a player spending several hundred dollars on pulltabs with a
payout of four $100 prizes, only to have the operator pull the game. He indicated it has been done, but it's not
good for business and almost insures the customer would never return and operators would go out of business if
:hey conduct that type of operation.
Mr. Iszley said he used to be involved in the bingo industry and competed heavily with the Indian casinos /bingo
galls. It was a tough job since they were open seven days a week and the bingo hall was only open for three
lays a week and was heavily taxed. The change in the taxing methodology would provide a benefit to operators
n the competitive gambling arena.
Thuncilmembers concurred to forward the issue to the next regular Council meeting.
b. Foster Point Waterline Extension
iouncilmember Mullet said this extension is in response to a request by citizens who indicated they did not
lave adequate water pressure for fire prevention and staff has found a way to provide additional pressure at a
otal cost of approximately $50,000.
iouncil President Haggerton stated although he is in favor of the project he is concerned more and more
)rojects are funded from the water fund ending balance, thereby further reducing the ending balance for next
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 7 of 11
August 25, 1997
year. Discussion followed between the Mayor and Councilmembers regarding concerns with depleting ending
fund balances and the need to balance ending fund balances against needed projects which are unfunded.
Discussion ensued regarding which project budget to allocate funding from for the project. Funding is available
in the West Valley Highway System at $60,000 (not anticipated to start until 1998) and $90,000 from the
Interurban Water Reuse System. Mayor Rants said it would be more logical to allocate funds from the
Interurban Water Reuse System for the Foster Point project. Councilmember Mullet said the project was
expanded somewhat to accommodate future growth, which resulted in the project cost of approximately
$50,000.
Engineer Shelton reviewed the water system at Foster Point. Water District #125 incorporates areas within 56
Avenue South, South 133 57 Avenue South, and continues across the railroad tracks and serves an area east
of Union Pacific and Burlington Northern railroad tracks. The City took over two or 4 -inch lines on 56
Avenue South from Water District #20. The problem concerns the lines assumed by the City. The lines do not
serve 56 Avenue between 133 and 130 Place satisfactorily to meet fire codes. The domestic water line only
provides 140 gallons per minute. For a sprinkler system, 30 to 40 gallons per minute are needed. Staff knew
the line was deficient by fire code, which requires a minimum of 500 gallons per minute. The 500 to 1,000
gallons per minute threshold allows a builder to construct a building with a fire hydrant and a sprinkler system.
Staff looked at tapping off a Water District #125 line in 56 Avenue or in 57 Avenue to try to accommodate
the developers so they could build. A suggestion was raised during the Utilities Commission of coming down
56 Avenue from 133 Staff considered this alternative and although it costs more, it solves the neighborhood
problem. Future growth in the area would now be supported by the new waterline extension and would change
development opportunities and fire service requirements in the neighborhood.
Councilmember Duffle asked if latecomers would be required to pay a surcharge if they hooked up to the new
xtension. Engineer Shelton indicated no latecomers fees would be charged since it is only an inter tie to Water
District #125 and it is a supply line only with no direct domestic connections.
Thuncilmembers concurred to move the request to Council's Consent Agenda at the next regular Council
Tneeting.
c. An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 1794 Regarding Truck Parking In Neighborhoods
Touncil President Haggerton said the issue has been discussed quite frequently at the Committee level and
ndicated the ordinance currently in place was supposed to resolve the issue.
Analyst Lauterbach reviewed history to date concerning the issue and indicated the Council passed an ordinance
n May 1997 prohibiting commercial trucks in residential neighborhoods. The problem continues and truck
railers are now parking in yards and other areas which are not specifically prohibited in the ordinance. The
craft ordinance for consideration would prohibit trailers from parking in residential zoned areas. Analyst
Jauterbach reviewed the proposed changes in the ordinance.
Touncilmember Linder referred to the minutes and indicated they no citizen reports complaining about parking
commercial trucks in residential neighborhoods had been received. Councilmembers indicated they have
)rought the issue up themselves and some citizens have complained but did not pursue the complaint through
)fficial channels.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Ekberg recommended replacing "truck" with "vehicle" in the change recommended by
Councilmember Carter relating to Section C.4.f.
Page 8 of 11
August 25, 1997
Councilmember Hernandez recommended the minutes be corrected to reflect a number of unofficial citizen
complaints have been received.
Discussion ensued on the language changes to the ordinance and circumstances related to residential
construction sites and dump trucks. Councilmember Carter suggested changing Section C. 4. f. to read as
follows, "Commercial vehicles shall not be parked in residential areas except on the normal driveway of a truck
operator's house." Councilmember Mullet said the current draft language appears to allow parking of dump
trucks in residential areas. Analyst Lauterbach indicated dump trucks were covered under another section of the
TMC and she would check to insure it was covered. Councilmembers considered including an exception for
machinery on construction sites in residential areas. Councilmember Ekberg suggested reviewing the exception
issue and language at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee after the ordinance has been adopted.
Councilmembers concurred.
Mayor Rants said the draft ordinance is too liberal and cited several examples of trucks parking in residential
areas around Tukwila.
Councilmember Hernandez said her preference is to include the exemption for residential construction sites
prior to the adoption of the ordinance. However, in lieu of it not being included, she asked the Community
Affairs and Parks Committee include the exemption under C.4. as item g. as a future amendment.
Councilmember Ekberg agreed to review the language during the next Committee meeting.
Council President Haggerton indicated the ordinance would be referred to the Regular Council meeting on
September 2, with the minor changes incorporated into the draft. The exemption language related to residential
onstruction sites would be reviewed by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee for a possible future
amendment.
REPORTS:
Mayor Rants reminded Councilmembers of the upcoming Suburban Cities meeting at Bellevue City Hall on
September 3. The meeting's topic is Regional Governance and Finance.
The Suburban Cities budget will be requesting an increase in cellular phone expenses of $400, a pager at $60,
Printing increase of $1,200, and equipment replacement at $2,500. The total budget increase is $5,560.
Fukwila's 1998 dues are $4,090. The 1998 dues are essentially the same as in 1997.
Zants referred to Director Ring's comments earlier in the evening concerning Woodland Zoo and the Aquarium.
Seattle would prefer them to be considered "regional facilities" and would like to pass a bond issue so Seattle
foes not have to continue to assume the financial responsibility of both facilities. Rants said the first meeting
with the PAA (Planned Residential Area) with Seattle, King County and Tukwila was recently held. An
arbitrator was present as per the mutual agreement to work through some of the issues. One of the issues
pertains to the 16 Avenue Bridge. According to Seattle, the bridge is not a regional facility as it is located in
Tukwila. King County and Tukwila proposed conducting a survey to determine egress and ingress on the
fridge (origination of visit and destination). Seattle indicated they would not support funding the survey as it
nay indicate the bridge is a regional facility, in which case, Tukwila would also request a bond issue to pay for
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 9 of 11
August 25, 1997
upgrades and maintenance. Rants noted it would be an interesting process with the arbitrator concerning the
negotiations between the three jurisdictions.
Rants indicated King County is in support of the bridge as being designated a regional facility. Most likely
Tukwila and King County will fund a survey without funding from Seattle to determine usage of the bridge.
King County is proposing a New Jobs Initiative to fund and support jobs. This would be a new program with a
proposed budget of $600,000. The proposal includes city /county partnering relationships with other entities in
an effort to generate the base necessary to move the program forward. Program targets include 200 families
with 140 job placements planned. The objective is to provide ongoing stable employment to 91 of the 200
families. If the cost of the program were evaluated in terms of retained placements, the cost would be
approximately $6,600 per job.
Administrator McFarland distributed a proposed budget schedule to Councilmembers. Rants referred to the
recent Executive Session with Councilmembers and issues related to non funding due to the potential purchase
of property on Pacific Highway and the uncertainty of the purchase price. Subsequently, the last step related to
the budgeting process had been delayed. He referred to the proposed budget schedule and asked for
Councilmembers' input on the process and timelines.
Rants announced he and his wife recently sold their home and moved to a condominium.
Councilmember Duffle reported some residents contacted him and expressed their support of the teen curfew.
Councilmember Hernandez said she met with the two housing program coordinators for REACH at U.S.
Bank. U.S. Bank has donated the office space in Renton, a desk, filing cabinets, and a fax machine. They are in
geed of a computer. The REACH representatives would like to provide a briefing on the program to the
Council during a September meeting.
Council President Haggerton attended an ACC meeting on August 20. Haggerton said he would schedule an
°xecutive session for an ACC budget presentation by ACC Chairman John Rankin in September or early
Dctober. Also, the ACC attorney will meet later with Councilmembers during an executive session and provide
in update on ACC activities.
:4aggerton attended the East Marginal Way ribbon cutting on August 19.
-Taggerton will be absent for the September 2 Council meeting.
Saturday, August 23, Haggerton attended the country square dance lessons at South Center Mall and shared how
he dancers rotated their dance lessons between area malls from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Councilmember Ekberg reported he would be attending a Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting
)n August 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Councilmember Mullet said he also attended the East Marginal Way ribbon cutting ceremony. He reported
here was a good turnout but was disappointed there was no press coverage.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 10 of 11
August 25, 1997
Councilmember Carter reported she recently attended the Tukwila Community Cares meeting and reviewed
Michael Rissottos's draft report. The group discussed what it could do in addition to acting as a communication
umbrella. Suggestions were made the group should also focus on volunteerism and
communication and celebrate "National Volunteer Week" in April or participating in "Tukwila Days." In
general, the City does not have any citywide events which recognize volunteers. Each organization recognizes
their respective volunteers, but there are many volunteers who are not part of an official volunteer program, and
a need exists for recognition of these individuals. The next meeting is scheduled for October 1.
Carter indicated she attended a budget workshop presented by Tumwater's Finance Director Gayla Gjertsen
which was very informative and was a good way to benchmark Tukwila's budget process.
Carter attended a Transportation Committee meeting earlier in the evening. An agenda item included the
Transportation Study. The study includes $19,000 for a study for the 16 Avenue Bridge origin/destination
survey. The Burlington Northern (BN) yards were also discussed and staff is negotiating with a consultant.
BN has completed one study which provided four alternatives, of which two alternatives were offered. One is
exiting to Gateway and the other is near the police firing range and bingo hall onto East Marginal. A greater
level of detail is needed. Staff is negotiating with the consultant on a contract.
The second quarter Public Works report was also reviewed with no major surprises.
Carter referred to parking on Pacific Highway and indicated she was under the impression some blocks would
allow parking while other blocks would not. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is opposed to any
parking along the highway. DOT has agreed to lower the speed limit to 40 MPH. A detailed parking analysis
has been completed (copies distributed to Councilmembers) for the highway. Carter reviewed the parking
analysis and indicated the committee has directed staff to pursue no parking on the highway. Staff is requesting
Lo review the parking issue with the Highway 99 Task Force and the Planning Commission. Carter said no one
iolution would make everyone happy and she wanted to keep Councilmembers apprised of the status of the
parking issue along the highway.
Councilmember Ekberg recounted a recent trip to New Jersey which also had a highway named Pacific
Highway South. No parking was allowed on the highway, however frontage roads were available and served as
he on- street parking alternative. He said he was uneasy as cars pulled out of parking slots into traffic along the
Frontage road.
tarter reported Council President Haggerton has been nominated for an award by the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilmember Linder said she also attended the East Marginal Way ribbon cutting ceremony.
.,finder reported she would be out of town during the next Utilities Committee meeting.
kdministrator McFarland reported Ken Reed, the former Executive Director of ACC is having a going away
'inner on September 4 beginning at 5:45 p.m. at Anthony's Home Port in Des Moines.
Tukwila former Police Chief Bob McQueen was recently in a serious motorcycle accident in Portland. He was
n critical condition and has been upgraded to serious condition in a Portland hospital. He is expected to be in
herapy for some time due to numerous injuries.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
McFarland reported there are several issues relating to a potential federal lawsuit (a civil rights claim) involving
a 1983 claim over a building permit which would need to be reviewed in the next several weeks during
an executive session. City Attorney Noe is also working on mediation between Tukwila, King County, and
Seattle.
Ms. Patty Stryker did not abide by the court order and there has been no improvement in the condition of the
property. Tukwila is going back to court. The court will then sanction her and give her an additional 10 days to
clean up the property. Ultimately, abatement proceedings will most likely result.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Council President Haggerton requested each Committee Chair review minutes of committee meetings with staff
before distributing the minutes to Councilmembers.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Duffie, seconded by Hernandez; to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried.
Date Minutes Approved:
/i`7
Council Pjfesident J aggerton
CYL,
014 E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
fe1'Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary
A/A /99
Page 11 of 11
August 25, 1997