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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-09-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 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, Joan Hernandez, Pamela Linder, and Steve Mullet. Absent: Councilmember Allan Ekberg. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL September 8, 1997 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator, Ross Earnst, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, DCD Senior Planner; Nora Gierloff, Assistant Planner; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Ron Waldner, Police Chief; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. Council President Haggerton amended the agenda for Special Presentations and added a presentation on South King County Youth Violence Prevention as item 3.a. on the agenda. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: South Kiniz County Youth Violence Committee Report Vincent Haynes, representing Foster High School for the South King County Youth Violence Committee, introduced several students from Foster High School who provided information on the program and commented on various youth activities available to Tukwila youth. Said activities include, the Foster pool, library, and the community center, which offers year -round youth activities. A chart was reviewed identifying 40 developmental assets which have been identified as a foundation in helping develop adolescent youth. The percentages indicate a number of Seattle 9th and 11 grade students report experiencing each asset in their life. The students pointed out how parents, teachers, youth workers, business, neighbors, city government, schools, religious leaders, and others can work together to provide young people with assets they need to thrive and become successful. Mr. Haynes said the objective is to share information with the Council and schedule a more detailed presentation. Mr. Haggerton recommended a short presentation to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee followed by a presentation to the COW. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 9 City Council of whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 King County Jail Services Chief Waldner introduced Art Wallenstein, Director, King County Adult Detention. Mr. Wallenstein introduced Jim Harms, Program Analyst and provided a brief update on King County jail services. Mr. Wallenstein was involved in the initial discussions concerning regional criminal justice planning issues. He has been with the King County Jail for the last seven years and has worked closely with Mayor Rants and Chief Waldner in that time. The Kent Regional Justice Center was opened in mid -March and there have been no reported incidents. The transition has been fairly smooth with the movement of detainees south rather than north, to Seattle. He extended an invitation to Councilmembers to tour the new facility. Jail population continues to grow, outpacing corresponding population growth. The growth does not reflect any particular crime trends; but speaks to the increased severity of sentencing and longer incarceration periods. Over the last decade, jail time for sentenced misdemeanors has grown from 12 days to 20 days due to changes within the criminal justice system because of public pressure for accountability of criminal behaviors. Mr. Harms said the fastest growing jail population is in the misdemeanor offenses. The majority of misdemeanors from Tukwila are from misdemeanor warrant -type offenses. In 1995, Tukwila averaged 2% of the total number of billable misdemeanor days. This represents approximately 1,500 billable bookings. Over the last several years, this amount has reduced to 1,200 billable bookings. All suburban cities have reduced their misdemeanor billable bookings. However, due to the longer jail stays, the jail is averaging 5% growth each year. Mr. Harms said Tukwila's estimate for 1997 reflects misdemeanor stays are below the 20 -day average. Tukwila pays close to $600,000 in jail services each year. The City of Tukwila is one of the better coordinated cities, which promotes quicker processing times for individuals in a pre trail status. Mr. Wallenstein said jail costs are consistent within the system jails. The Regional Justice Center does not handle medical or acute psychiatric care. Prisoners requiring such services are transferred to the Seattle facility, which is equipped to handle special services. Council President Haggerton questioned how Tukwila could reduce jail fees without sacrificing public safety. Mr. Wallenstein said it depends on what the City elects to do to reduce maintenance days. For instance, the City could assume home electronic monitoring responsibility. Mr. Wallenstein said Chief Waldner has the right approach in managing inmate population and suggested one way of controlling costs would be by implementing cooperative programs between jurisdictions to share costs. Councilmember Mullet referred to litter work crews and asked if the system bills Department of Transportation for litter cleanup. Mr. Wallenstein said the litter crews has fallen on hard times and the Department of Corrections (DOC) due to budget reductions has canceled many crews. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 9 City Council of whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 The Department of Ecology has federal grant money and is moving toward some decisions in the way the funding should be spent. Councilmember Carter asked what the reason was for the significant increase in the 1998 rates for transfer of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment costs from RJC Levy funding to the County General Fund. Mr. Wallenstein responded Councilmember Ron Sims (at that time) said he would not vote for the Regional Justice Levy Center level to be included on the ballot unless a treatment component was included for substance abuse. The levy included $500,000 each year for treatment funding at the North Rehabilitation Center. The Levy ends December 31, 1997. To continue to provide substance abuse treatment, funding must be added to the county's general fund. Mr. Wallenstein said the increase from $500,000 to $879,000 is for projected costs for next year' s program. There is no increase in the program, just normal increases related to COLA and built -in program increases. Mr. Wallenstein provided more details on the treatment abuse program, how the courts administer the program, length of stays, and a description of the facility location and extended an invitation to Councilmembers to tour the North Rehabilitation Center in Shoreline. Undate on Valley Communications Services Chief Waldner introduced Chris Fischer, Director of Valley Communications Center. Ms Fischer provided an overview of the Valley Communications Center operations beginning in 1977 to present. Ms. Fischer stated jurisdictions work together to solve issues and work toward a common goal. As new technology develops, the center is preparing for the advent of wireless communications, particularly as it impacts E911 services. Increased workload demand is always a factor and providing quality and responsive services is a priority at the center. The center has outgrown its present facility and is examining alternatives and cost considerations of a larger facility. This process should be completed by the end of the year and each of the four cities will be briefed on options and finances related to a new facility. Finally, the center is also aggressively educating citizens on how to access resources within their respective communities and the appropriate use of the E911 system. Councilmember Duffle shared a 911 experience and indicated he was concerned with the lack of 911 response. Ms. Fischer encouraged anyone with questions concerning services to contact their respective 911 center to clarify operation policies. Councilmember Mullet asked if the center has any statistics concerning 911 call abuse. Ms. Fischer said it is a very low percentage. Data reveals that out of 1,200 daily 911 calls, 950 are being dispatched. Approximately, one percent, if that, are inappropriate 911 calls. Different jurisdictions have different definitions of what constitutes a 911 inappropriate call. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 9 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 Councilmember Linder asked how Tukwila can assist in educating the public about 911 and community services. Ms. Fischer stated educational materials are available to the fire and police departments and 911 staff attends many job fairs, community civic meetings, schools, and community service clubs to further educate the public on what 911 services should be used for. CITIZEN COMMENT: Bill Arthur. 18000 Andover Park West #200, Tukwila, speaking on behalf of the Highway 99 Action Committee, thanked the Council and City Administration for the continued support to the Committee. They recently held their second, annual barbecue which was a great success. Several unsolicited contributions were received. On behalf of the Government Committee for the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Arthur informed the Council that a candidate, council, and administration reception would be held on September 22, 1997 at the Embassy Suites from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All members of the Council, City administration, staff and Highway 99 Action Committee members are invited. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Potential Services /Proiects Funded by Community Development Block Grant (funds to be received in 1998) Council President Haggerton opened the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. Coordinator Boykan reviewed recommendations for spending Community Development Block Grant funds for next year. Funds are received from Housing and Urban Development through King County and funneled to local jurisdictions based on the amount of low and moderate income residents. Funding areas include capital expenditures related to housing and infrastructure that serve residents, public services, and planning and administration. Three actions are required by Council. They include (1) discussing recommendations concerning the funding areas, (2) consider any contingencies should any increases or decreases occur within the funding areas, and (3) receive public comment on funding recommendations. Coordinator Boykan reviewed recommended funding levels for the three funding areas (Capital Programs, Public Service Programs and Planning Administration Programs). Councilmember Mullet inquired into the possibility of using some funds for a volunteer program and asked if that type of a program would be eligible for funding. Coordinator Boykan indicated it would, but the project would also require a minimum funding level of $5,000. There being no further testimony, Council President Haggerton closed the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Councilmember Mullet indicated Councilmember Ekberg expressed interest in insuring the single- family home repair had as much funding as possible. Council then discussed the need for City of Tukwila Page 5 of 9 City Council of whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 funding for single family home repair and the number of applicants applying to the program along with Council's desire to fund a volunteer program. Coordinator Boykan noted the maximum funding level for Public Service is capped at $22,408 and Planning and Administration is capped at $20,826. Additional funding can be added to the Capital program. The other advantage of the home repair program is participants repay the loans. Program income of $26,607 represents some loan payback income. Councilmembers concurred with reallocating additional funding from the utilities program if the program balance and funding for 1998 total more than $40,000 at the end of 1997 to the home repair program. Council President Haggerton requested another review before reallocating funding. Coordinators Boykan agreed to prepare a chart with the specific funding amounts as discussed and include a contingency for any increases or decreases in any of the funding areas. Coordinator Boykan provided more details on the Human Service Plan and indicated a consultant would be hired to comprehensively review the entire plan (has not been done since 1990). Items to be reviewed include the changing demographics, roles the City has played in terms of human services, future directions, and impacts of external factors, such as welfare reform and regional finance and governance. After receiving the copy of the biannual report for periods 1995 -1996, Councilmembers may have additional questions concerning the entire program. Coordinator Boykan said she welcomes comments from the Council. SPECIAL ISSUES: Code Amendment: Fermenting in Commercial Zones Code Amendment: Essential Public Facilities in Residential Areas Code Amendment: Heitht Limitation for Amusement Devices Senior Planner Jack Pace reviewed the proposed code amendments and indicated the Community Affairs and Parks Committee has reviewed them as well. The first one is a result of a request from the Sizzler restaurant. The second deals with essential public facilities as a request by the Highline Water District; and the third concerns a height limitation for an entertainment facility. If the Council approves moving forward with the code amendments, the amendments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on the code amendments. The Planning Commission will forward a recommendation and the amendments will go back for another review by the Committee. From there COW conducts a review and forwards to a regular Council meeting for a public hearing. Fermenting in Commercial Zones Council President Haggerton requested staff to inquire whether parking is affected when an existing business converts its operation from one to another form of business. Essential Public Facilities in Residential Area City of Tukwila Page 6 of 9 City Council of whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 Councilmember Mullet said the Committee was concerned with ensuring the facility is camouflaged. Community Development Director Steve Lancaster indicated other codes require same. Discussion continued on Councilmembers' concerns with establishing a precedent for locating essential public facilities in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Pace said when the amendment is returned for COW review, he would provide and review the existing unclassified use criteria to assist Council in their deliberations. Height Limitation for Amusement Devices Councilmember Mullet indicated the Committee has reviewed the request and along with the proposed 100 -foot amusement swing, the owners are proposing to build a hotel in the general vicinity. Mr. Pace said the proposed amendment includes the requirement of a conditional use permit. Under the public hearing process, applicants are required to submit all plans at the same time for one public hearing. Councilmembers concurred to forward the amendments to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation. An Ordinance Amending Animal Control Regulations Analyst Lauterbach summarized the proposed changes to the animal control ordinance and said they would follow the same procedures as used by King County for dangerous dogs. Other minor changes are included. Councilmember Linder said the Finance and Safety Committee reviewed the amendments and concurs with staff recommendation. Councilmembers concurred to forward the ordinance to the next regular meeting for action. Financial Planning Model /C.I.P. Update Mayor Rants provided an update on status of the Financial Planning Model. Last November when the budget was passed, the budget was balanced; however, the six -year plan did not balance. Since then staff has been working on the draft planning model and monitoring revenues. The previous figure of a $7 million deficit in the six -year program has increased to approximately $10 million. Staff began looking at economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and the O &M budget. Concerns are with balancing the O &M budget with decreased revenue and increased expenditures. A preliminary budget was developed along with an explanation of how the budget was developed. Historically, the City has used 5% as the inflation index in the annual general budget. In 1998, this figure has been reduced to 3 Three percent must cover salary increases, contract negotiations, current costs of utilities, and annual maintenance. In addition, as reflected in the planning model to be received in mid October, a recommendation is included for a City of Tukwila Page 7 of 9 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 reduction of the O &M portion to reflect an expenditure growth rate of 4% versus 5% as previously used in the model. These two reductions would effectively reduce the six -year deficit by $6.7 million. Mayor Rants reported the 1998 proposed budget and six -year program would be balanced along with maintaining a positive cash flow each year. By doing so, the City has established a new baseline in the finances of the City. Any further cuts will have to be in staff. Staff cuts equate to program cuts. Mayor Rants offered suggestions for increasing City revenues and indicated the City may be required to purchase property to promote economic growth. Economic development offers an opportunity to stimulate the City' s revenue growth by reducing the need for City services, such as reduced police calls to the Pacific Highway corridor due to economic development of the area. Councilmember Hernandez referred to funding opportunities afforded by grants and asked if the City was pursuing that source for revenue. Director Doerschel indicated there are 13 different grants available to the City. King County administers the grant application process. He noted, however, many of the grants attached prohibitive restrictions which the City would not be able to meet. Councilmember Hernandez recommended the City hire a professional grant writer to pursue grant funding opportunities. She indicated many economic development grants are geared specifically for crime and economically depressed areas. Director Doerschel said he would contact other cities which have a professional grant writer on staff and report back to the Council. REPORTS: Mayor: Mayor Rants reported he and Councilmember Hernandez attended a Suburban Cities meeting in Bellevue and received a presentation on the Suburban Cities 12 principals. He reviewed the report card Suburban Cities issued on the status of the 12 principals. Discussion followed between Councilmembers and Mayor Rants concerning issues related to Regional Governance and Finance between the county and Suburban Cities. City Council: Councilmember Hernandez attended REACH and Suburban Cities meetings. Council President Haggerton participated in the ACC Teleconference meeting on Friday, September 5, from the convenience of his own home. He also attended the Highway 99 Action Committee barbecue. Next, he reported a thank you from a visiting square dancer who complimented the City on its hospitality. Councilmember Mullet attended the REACH meeting. City of Tukwila Page 8 of 9 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 Councilmember Carter attended the September 4 dinner for Ken Reed and the Highway Action Committee barbecue. On September 11, she will attend a freight mobility symposium sponsored by the Puget Sound Regional Council's Policy Board. Finally, she'll attend a Chamber of Commerce lunch on September 12. Councilmember Linder also attended the Highway 99 Action Committee barbecue. She announced the next regular Highway 99 Action Committee meeting is scheduled for September 9, at 7:00 p.m. She is unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Staff: Administrator McFarland reported the Sisters City Committee donated food items to the Highway Action Committee event. He also noted staff met with Senator Slade Gorton's Senior Staff Assistant who wishes to receive information on the Highway 99 Action Committee's efforts. Staff is pursuing a demonstration grant for the highway. On October 8, the City of Newcastle is offering a short course on Local Planning. The course entails introduction to planning, the planning process, a guide for Planning Commissioners and Councilmembers, a source of practical problem solving information, a resource guide, and a guide which may be used to teach planning issues. Newcastle is seeking training participants. The Seattle, King County, and Tukwila mediation process kicks off formally on September 9 at Tukwila City Hall. Administrator McFarland and representatives from the DCD, Public Works, and the City Attorney will attend the meeting and begin discussions, in particular, on the area around 16 Avenue South Bridge and five other areas which have been previously discussed with Seattle concerning boundary line adjustments Mr. McFarland attended the Equity and Diversity Commission in place of Councilmember Hernandez. Attendance was small, but the group had a lively discussion. Discussion included ways to bring diversity into focus in the City and pursue opportunities, such as Tukwila Days, Friends and Family at Cascade View Elementary School, and the culture fair. The group agreed to take ideas back to their respective areas to further pursue and agreed to continue discussions at the next meeting. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Duffie noticed the appearance of different signs throughout the City and asked if the City was doing anything to remove them. The signs advertise for diets. City Administrator McFarland said between the City's street crews and the Code Enforcement Officer, over 500 of the signs have been collected. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (11:09 p.m.) Moved by Councilmember Duffie, seconded by Councilmember Carter to extend the meeting another :45 minutes for an Executive Session after a five- minute break. Motion carried 7 -0. City of Tukwila Page 9 of 9 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 8, 1997 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:00 a.m. ---z7 i President aggerton ..4,ce 6' J9n E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk for lerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Approved: /99