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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers July 12, 2010 7:00 P.M. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:05 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, De'Sean Quinn. Councilmember Hougardy was not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Joyce Trantina, Executive Secretary; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Johnson, Acting Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief; David Haynes, Police Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Brandon Miles, Senior Planner; Bob Benedicto, Building Official; Mary Hulvey, Code Enforcement Officer; Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. A proclamation recognizing the recipient of the 2010 "Treasure of Tukwila" award. Mayor Haggerton explained the history of the "Treasure of Tukwila Award" and read a proclamation honoring Anna Bernhard as the recipient of the 2010 Treasure of Tukwila award Ms. Bernhard has exemplified the spirit of volunteerism through her selfless service and active involvement in our community. Ms Bernhard was described as the kind of person "you could always count on to help out," and "a good neighbor and friend to all a true treasure." Mayor Haggerton presented the proclamation honoring Ms. Anna Bernhard as the 2010 "Treasure of Tukwila" to Jim Bernhard, Anna's husband. (Anna was unable to attend due to illness Jim Bernhard thanked the Mayor and the Council for honoring his wife with this award. The Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Ms Bernhard's dedication and contributions to the City b. A proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation Month. Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation month in the City of Tukwila. Mayor Haggerton presented the proclamation to Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director CITIZEN COMMENTS Nicholas Lee, 2800 Southcenter Mall, indicated a "soft" Grand Opening of Seafood City will be held on July 16, 2010, and a Grand Opening event will take place on July 22, 2010. Mr. Lee invited everyone to attend these events at the new Seafood City store at the Southcenter Mall. Sunny Mulholland, 13731 44 Avenue South, explained she and her husband are new to Tukwila. She recently had an issue with the removal of a tree in a sensitive area located next to her home. She spoke with Councilmember Hernandez and was directed to contact staff in the Community Development Department. Ms. Mulholland explained staff was very attentive and responded to her request Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 12, 2010 Page 2 of 6 expeditiously. She thanked the staff and Councilmember Hernandez for their time and assistance with the tree issue. Dave Fenton, 14201 42 Avenue South, expressed appreciation for Ms. Anna Bernhard and everything she has accomplished in the past 34 years. Council President Robertson requested the Council amend the agenda to include the discussion regarding the ballot measure timeline relating to the Tukwila Pool COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD THE BALLOT MEASURE TIMELINE FOR THE TUKWILA POOL AS SPECIAL ISSUES ITEM 4.B.3. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A bond ordinance for Southcenter Parkway Construction. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meetings on June 8, 2010 and July 7, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Council is being asked to approve an ordinance authorizing issuance of General Obligation bonds for the construction of Southcenter Parkway in the Tukwila South development area, as well as the purchase of capital and other equipment for emergency preparedness and response. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, stated that Lindsay Sovde from Seattle Northwest Securities was present, as well as Hugh Spitzer from Foster Pepper, the City's bond counsel. Ms. Sovde spoke regarding the bond ordinance and explained the City has gone through an extensive bond rating. She further noted that Moody's has affirmed the City's AAA -1 credit rating, due to the lower than usual assessed value decline. Moody's further appreciates that the City of Tukwila has very manageable debt levels. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Budget issues: Council President Robertson provided an overview regarding the budget issues impacting the City. 7:59 p.m. Council President Robertson called for public comments. Brian Kennedy, 12802 37 Avenue South, explained he has been on the Arts Commission for several years and stressed the importance of the programs they support. He encouraged the Council to continue the Tukwila Days events and not limit the spending relating to arts within the City Anthony Murrietta, 14675 Interurban Avenue South, explained he is the Business Manager for Teamsters Local 763, which represents 156 Tukwila employees He provided the Council with an information packet detailing the past communications between the City and the Teamsters that included: May 27, 2010 A letter to the Teamsters from Cabot Dow regarding a proposal to re -open labor contracts June 17, 2010 A letter to Stephanie Brown from the Teamsters regarding the proposed cuts to Teamster Bargaining Units June 21, 2010 Informational Memorandum to the Tukwila City Council from Steve Lancaster, City Administrator June 25, 2010 A letter to the Teamsters from Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director, regarding the proposed cuts and employee concessions and a meeting schedule Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 12, 2010 Page 3 of 6 June 29, 2010 A letter to Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, from the Teamsters regarding a public information request July 7, 2010 A letter to the Teamsters from Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, regarding the anticipated availability date of records in response to the public records request Spreadsheet detailing a comparison of the City's healthcare costs associated with the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) options An email with information pertaining to Public Employee Benefit Board (PEBB) plan rates Summary of a comparison of the AWC health plan and Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust Medical Plan -A Mr. Murrietta explained the union has been informed the employees are to absorb 15% of the healthcare costs, and the City is not interested in changing healthcare plans as the City takes pride in its Self- Insured Healthcare Plan. He explained that during labor negotiations in 2007, the Teamsters informed the City's negotiation team that they would incur financial difficulties if they continued with the current healthcare plan Mr. Murrietta requested someone be present at the July 15, 2010 meeting who would be able to explain to the employees why the City is not willing to review other healthcare options that could save the City approximately $800,000.00 annually. The request from City Administration for the Teamster members to concede $1.4 million in reductions is disturbing, because not all of the Teamster members are General Fund employees. He feels staff furloughs would provide the City the necessary time needed to review all healthcare options and not place the cost burden on the employees. He explained the City is expending funds that would be equal to employee salaries while proposing staffing cuts. This plan is difficult for the union to support, and he feels the Teamster members are being unfairly targeted. Ellen Gengler, 13727 Macadam Road South, explained she has been a Tukwila Pool member for a long time, and she was confused by the inclusion of overhead in the Parks and Recreation presentation on July 6, 2010. She feels that "overhead" is a part of operations, and those costs should not be included when the City establishes pricing for programs offered at the Tukwila Community Center. She feels that everyone working or living in the City should be allowed to pay a "resident" rate for use of any facility She urged the Council to review all the costs associated with the programs and provide the public more information and creative ways to address the budget issues Mark Segale, P.O. Box 88028, expressed his concerns relating to the proposed Revenue Generating Regulatory License He explained Tukwila is unique in that the major portion of the City's revenue is sales tax. His concern is the City is trying to balance the budget shortfall by taxing the local businesses. Mr. Segale feels the current business climate is terrible, and several businesses in the area have had to reduce staffing levels to control costs, including Segale Properties. He explained when there is a new tax on a business that operates within a city, every dollar of that increase equals a 15% reduction in their staffing. Mr. Segale explained the Federal Aviation Administration has a facility they are trying to site in the area, with Tukwila as an option. In his view the current rate of impact fees in Tukwila would cost a developer 5 times more to develop the 518,000- square -foot facility in Tukwila than in the City of Renton. He urged the Council to review its policies, reduce costs by reducing staffing levels, and create incentives to attract more businesses to the City rather than taxing the existing ones. Dave Fenton, 14201 42 Avenue South, indicated the multi family housing industry has been hit twice as hard with the new Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program and the adoption of the Fire Codes as of July 1, 2010. Mr. Fenton indicated the new Fire Codes required him to spend $5,000.00 to update the smoke alarms in his properties, and he feels the $35.00 inspection fee is unfair. He would like the Council to reconsider the Rental Housing Inspection Program and not lump all the property owners into the same category. Karyn Kuever, 3251 South 176 Street, SeaTac, indicated she is speaking against the Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program ordinance. Ms. Kuever explained she has lowered her monthly rates by 8 However, with the adoption of the new program and the inspection fee of $35 00 per unit, she feels she will have to raise the monthly rates for the tenants. She requested the Council reconsider the implementation of the inspection program. 8:33 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the public comment period. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 12, 2010 Page 4 of 6 1. Options for decreasing expenditures and increasing revenue to the City, to include but not limited to business license fee changes, utility tax changes, revenue generating regulatory license fee implementation, and permitting fee changes. Discussion shall include consideration of the amount and timing of implementation of any new fees or changes to existing fees and /or taxes. 2. Forward ordinances regarding business license fee changes, utility tax changes, and revenue generating regulatory license fee implementation to the next Regular Meeting. Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, indicated at the Council's direction staff has provided three draft ordinances for review and consideration. The Council is being asked to approve the ordinances to 1) adopt a Revenue Generating Regulatory License; 2) extend the sunset provision on a Utility Tax for City operated utilities; and 3) increase Business License Fees He explained the City has modeled the Revenue Generating Regulatory License ordinance after the City of Redmond model The Councilmembers discussed this issue and asked clarifying questions of staff. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 3. Ballot Measure Timeline (per agenda amendment on page 2.) The Council has requested a timeline that identifies essential dates in the process of submitting a ballot measure relative to generating revenue to support the Tukwila City Pool. Council President Robertson explained that a citizen group must spearhead the movement, and he asked for Council consensus relating to the preferred date for a Special Election. After Council discussion, there was consensus for the City to hold a February 2011 Special Election Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52nd Avenue South, #5, indicated she supports a pool ballot measure, and offered to spearhead the community group. As a City with a waterway, it is very important the City have a way for people to receive the proper water safety training classes that are offered at the pool. She encouraged the Council to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Barbara Bader, 13660 Military Road South, expressed concern regarding the option of funding the Tukwila Pool by a tax initiative. She asked the Council to be cautious when considering taxing the property owners for programs that require additional funding. c. An amendment to the Doak settlement agreement. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on June 28, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval The Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Doak Homes modifying the terms of a settlement agreement with the City. The following changes are being proposed: 1) The agreement will be extended an additional 36 months; 2) Provisions for waiving permit fees will be removed; and 3) The City will not expedite the review of their construction permits. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. An ordinance updating and expanding the Sign Code. Brandon Miles, Senior Planner, explained following the June 28, 2010 public hearing, the Council requested staff address the testimony received. A matrix of substantive comments, including staff's response to the comments, and a comparison of the City's Sign Code with similar cities is included in the packet. Mr. Miles requested the Council provide direction on how to proceed with the draft ordinance at the August 9, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilmember Robertson called for public comments on the Sign Code. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 12, 2010 Page 5 of 6 Clifford Mihm, 7515 East Portland Avenue, Tacoma, explained he is a member of the Northwest Sign Council. A representative of the Northwest Sign Council submitted comments for the June 28, 2010 public hearing, and he urged the Council to consider those changes Mon Wig, 4811 134 Place SE, Bellevue, explained that retail involves tenants of all sizes and together they create the gravity needed to attract customers to the area. He feels signage for all types of tenants is just as important as signage for larger retailers. He thanked the Council and staff for their work on the Master Sign Program. Nicholas Lee, 2800 Southcenter Mall, explained the retail fabric of Tukwila is sensitive and advertising is a very large part of that fabric. All retailers play a role in the success of the Southcenter area, and Westfield relies on the success of the surrounding retail businesses. Mr. Lee requested the Council consider the previously submitted recommendations relating to the Master Sign Program and the maximum signage area increase to 6% of building face or a maximum of 500 square feet. Westfield would like to opt -into the new Master Sign Program; however, as the proposed Sign Code is written, it would make the newest Westfield sign non conforming and they would not qualify for the program. Westfield is requesting the Council consider allowing retailers with significant distance from the street the option of having the greater 500 square foot signage area. Robert Schofield, 4212 Hunts Point Road, Hunts Point, explained the staff has provided a new "opt out" provision as an option, and he thanked the staff for reviewing their concerns and considering them This option will allow his retail stores the adequate signage his tenants need to continue to be profitable. Isaac Duke, 1255 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, indicated he represents the National Sign Corporation. He explained they provided written comments for the June 28, 2010 public hearing, and he urged the Council to consider those proposed suggestions. They feel the draft code targets smaller retail centers and that a change should be made to the proposed Sign Code allowing for 25 -foot freestanding signs. The Councilmembers discussed this issue and requested staff return to a future Council Meeting with a staff recommendation incorporating Westfield's maximum 500 square feet proposed recommendation COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE AUGUST 9, 2010 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. e. An ordinance adopting the State Building Code. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on June 28, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Benedicto, Building Official, explained the Council is being asked to approve the draft ordinance adopting the 2009 Washington State Building Code with local amendments. The City will need to adopt the current 2009 State Building Code in order to ensure the minimum requirements and building standards in the City are not less than those contained in the State Building Code. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. A resolution establishing a Seattle Southside Visitors' Center (SSVS) Change Fund. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on July 7, 2010. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval The Council is being asked to authorize the establishment of a change fund for the Seattle Southside Visitors' Center. SSVS plans to begin selling tourism related items such as admission tickets to the public. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 12, 2010 Page 6 of 6 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton explained that Scarsella Brothers has received the notice to proceed with construction for the Southcenter Parkway Extension project, and the ground- breaking is scheduled for July 30, 2010. He also reminded the Council of the Seafood City opening on July 16, 2010 b. City Council Councilmember Duffie reminded residents to use 9 -1 -1 during an emergency. There have been several instances within the last few weeks that required emergency service, and it is very important everyone remember to utilize the emergency system Councilmember Hernandez hosted the Council Coffee Chat on June 10, 2010 She provided the Council a list of concerns that came up in the discussions. She also suggested the location be changed to the Friendz Cafe on the next schedule for the Council Coffee Chat. Councilmember Ekberg attended the Tukwila and SeaTac small group meeting on July 8, 2010 Councilmember Seal attended the Tukwila and SeaTac small group meeting on July 8, 2010 c. Staff There was no report. 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 Night Out Against Crime event on August 3, 2010. ADJOURNMENT 10:53 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TING ADJOURNEJZ 9 1 I A n Dennis Robertson, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk