HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesMinutes of 2/9/98
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
February 9, 1998, 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
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CALL TO ORDER: Council President Linder called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Council President Pamela Linder, Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Steve Mullet,
Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and Dave Fenton.
OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Steve Lancaster, Director of
Community Development; Moira Bradshaw, Associate Planner; Nora Gierloff, Assistant Planner; Brian
Shelton, City Engineer; Ross Earnst, Public Works Director; Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
Pacific Highway Draft Revitalization Plan: Planner Bradshaw said the plan is a result of many years of work
that involved many City departments, consultants, and real estate professionals. The plan covers a large area
incorporating the commercial corridor along Highway 99 that begins from 160 on the south to 116 on the
north and from Military Road to the City limits on the west to 42 and 40 on the east. The plan is meant to
accomplish a number of items including documenting successful efforts resulting from increased activity along
the commercial corridor and providing potential investors and other interested parties with information. The
plan includes strategies for discussion and debate regarding future actions to consider for the Highway 99
corridor.
A schedule of meetings has been set to review and discuss the plan and its strategies. The Highway 99 Action
Committee will be first of many to review the plan, followed by a joint 99 Task Force /PlanningCommission
briefing on February 19. The Foster Community Club will review the plan on February 25. The Government
Operations Committee of the Chamber of Commerce will receive a briefing on March 3, followed by a
community -wide open house scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at the Foster Commons.
Planner Bradshaw said the numerous briefings and subsequent discussions should provide some direction
regarding what's next for Pacific Highway. A public hearing before City Council would be scheduled to
receive public testimony on the plan. After reviewing all input and testimony, staff and the Council would
review what options are available concerning the plan. Finally, City Council would receive an amended plan
based on staff /Council review with a final plan prepared for Council adoption.
The approved projects within the plan would be carried forward in the budget for the next six years.
Additionally, regulatory amendment packages would be drafted, reviewed, and adopted (if approved) by the
Planning Commission and City Council.
The plan represents the City's commitment to its citizens concerning the area and is an important tool to insure
the development success of the targeted area.
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Planner Bradshaw reviewed components of the plan. They include:
Introduction Section highlights current successes and identifies past, present, and future
stakeholders involved.
Goals and Challenges confirms community desires for the area and identifies obstacles preventing
them from being attained.
Table 2 (page 36)— compares the goals with the challenges identified for the area.
Suggested Revitalization Strategies determines what the City can develop based on the plan's
identification of three major types of activities the City generates. They include:
Projects funded and completed by the City.
Programs that are organized, supported with staff, and funded by the City.
City adopted laws, regulations, and standards.
The strategies are organized into four main target objectives and include:
1) Real property investment
2) Expanding markets
3) Augmentation of Community Development
4) Upgrade of Infrastructure and Facilities
Timeline for projected actions (Table 9, page 95)
Appendices
Existing Conditions Report
Planner Bradshaw said the Pacific Highway Improvement Project is a significant portion of the revitalization
plan and involves developing a commercial main street with on- street parking between the outside lane and the
sidewalk. Due to safety concerns, staff reviewed other options and developed a preferred concept consisting of
four through street lanes with a center turn lane. Under this scenario, private parking could be accommodated in
the right -of -way, and in some cases, when more land is available, behind the sidewalk additional parking can be
accommodated. The Transportation Committee and 99 Task Force reviewed the preferred alternative and have
developed alternative concepts that could be used when businesses are significantly impacted or the alternative
could also be employed on a temporary basis, until such time as permanent improvements are made utilizing the
preferred concept.
Planner Bradshaw indicated the Department of Community Development and Public Works requests the
Council's concurrence on proceeding with the Pacific Highway Design Report based on the alternatives as
presented. She said many issues remain and will need to be resolved between the City's Design Report, the
Pacific Highway Street Improvement Project, and the state's multi jurisdictional Pacific Highway
Redevelopment Project.
Planner Bradshaw introduced Seyed Safavian, Project Manager for the Pacific Highway South Redevelopment
Project. Manager Safavian passed out Open House invitations for February 19, 24, and March 5. Manager
Safavian said invitations would be mailed to residents and businesses along the Pacific Highway corridor from
Tukwila to Federal Way. He distributed a newsletter that has been developed for the public along with a project
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update highlighting some of the major issues. He indicated that the focus of the improvement project involved
safety, reducing accidents and improving pedestrian protection, improving and enhancing the transit system, and
providing improved traffic movement and continuity to those driving through cities along Pacific Highway 99.
Manager Safavian reviewed the project's planning process and indicated the project is in the pre- design phase.
The next three phases include project responsibility from local jurisdictions, which involves environmental
documentation and preliminary design, PS &E, and the construction phase.
Manager Safavain said public and community review has occurred over the last several years. Input from that
process has resulted in the overall analysis and projected improvements needed for the roadways and
intersections. The overall plan will be presented to the public for more comment and input, and from there a
recommendation would be presented on the master plan for the project.
The project roadway is a state route and consists of a 15 -mile segment beginning from South 356 from Federal
Way to 116 in Tukwila. There have been some improvements to date. Sea -Tac has completed Phase I and II
and is applying for Phase III. Kent, Des Moines, and Federal Way are beginning the work on preliminary
engineering for their respective areas. Manager Safavain said the project is a collaborative effort between the
cities, King County, DOT, and the Federal Highway Administration. A steering committee meets on a regular
basis to insure all interests are reviewed and considered.
The status of the project involving DOT is 80% percent completed. The remaining 20% percent is probably the
most challenging in that it involves a public process. It is anticipated that the public process phase will be
completed in several months. From there, DOT would present the project to Tukwila for approval. Once
approved, the project would be incorporated into the City's revitalization plan and the City's Comprehensive
Plan.
Manager Safavain indicated DOT and local jurisdictions are working together to insure roadway and other like
projects are coordinated jointly.
The master plan will incorporate each jurisdiction's uniqueness concerning design features and operational
elements.
Manager Safavain reviewed the public notification process to Tukwila citizens and businesses.
Mark Larson, 4022 S 160 Street asked if a bike lane is planned for Pacific Highway. Planner Bradshaw said
there is no plan to stripe a bike lane, however there has been discussion on the width of the outside lane. The
outside lane will be 14 -feet wide and could accommodate bike traffic.
Councilmember Mullet asked when a drawing of the proposed improvements on Pacific Highway would
become available. Planner Bradshaw said a draft has been circulated to some of the affected property owners
for discussion purposes. She said a complete drawing incorporating all of the improvements would be included
in the Design Report. The Design Report is targeted for completion in July.
Planner Bradshaw asked for Council's concurrence to proceed with the Design Report based on the proposed
street alternatives and cross section as presented.
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Councilmember Carter said the Transportation Committee has reviewed the plan and that some of the issues
have been resolved while others can't be resolved easily.
Consensus: Councilmembers concurred with staff's recommendation to continue to move forward on the
plan.
Director Earnst said staff would continue work on the Design Report and that some of the work has slowed due
to parking issues and one -on -one negotiations with property owners.
Planner Bradshaw referred to the revitalization plan and appendix A and asked if the general timeline of
activities as listed meets with Council approval and if other reviews by Council would be required.
Councilmembers agreed to the timeline and indicated they would like additional review prior to the public
hearing.
Councilmember Carter asked why the draft plan wasn't reviewed with the Real Estate Committee. Planner
Bradshaw said the broker's forum substituted for the Real Estate panel, however, another review before the Real
Estate Committee would be scheduled.
Review of Subdivision Ordinance: Director Lancaster referred to the draft ordinance and said the changes
reflect the policy direction by Council over the last several months during the ordinance review process.
A new policy issue conflicts with Council's general policy support for infill development and a provision in the
current subdivision code and the ordinance draft. The issue pertains to the exclusion of square footage of
private access easements when calculating minimum lot area calculations. Director Lancaster illustrated the
effect of this issue using some practical situations as examples. The current subdivision code as it is applied to
single family residential establishes minimum lot sizes of 6,500 square feet per lot. However, the lot area
definition excludes from consideration any area that is an access easement that gains access to a rear lot. Since
the easement area can't be considered as part of the 6,500 square foot minimum lot requirement, it limits the
ability of certain existing lots, which has more than the minimum required area for two lots to be subdivided,
due to the exclusion of the easement square footage. The problem is enhanced when the lot is narrow. The
issue was brought to staff s attention by a landowner that is interested in developing a short plat.
Director Lancaster said there are four options the Council can consider. They include:
1. Do nothing and leave ordinance language as is.
2. Allow areas within private access easements serving one lot to be considered in the
minimum lot square footage requirement.
3 Allow all private access easement areas serving two or more lots to be considered in the
minimum lot square footage requirement.
Director Lancaster said he recommends option number two and reviewed properties in the City that might be
affected by the ordinance. Previously, the City has disallowed the access easement to be considered in the
minimum lot size calculation.
Cathy Doolin, 11828 48 Avenue South, said she lives in Allentown and is preparing for retirement with her
only asset her property. She said her future plans for the property are consistent with the current
neighborhood. She said existing houses on lots in her area are currently under the minimum lot size
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requirement and that she would like the Council to consider more flexibility in the minimum lot size or to allow
the inclusion of the easement square footage as part of the lot size to satisfy the minimum lot size requirement.
She said her property is on the borderline in that she is only short 500 square feet in meeting the minimum lot
size requirement (excluding the easement footage).
Director Lancaster and Councilmembers discussed driveway minimum and maximum lengths, emergency
vehicle access, examples of properties that might be affected, and what option they preferred.
Director Lancaster referred to Council consensus on the issue and recommended the following revision to
Section 18.06.505 Lot Area (page 37):
"Lot area: means the total horizontal area within the boundary lines of a lot and exclusive of street right -of -way,
street easement, or private access roads serving more than one lot authorized pursuant to the subdivision
ordinance."
Director Lancaster referred to an additional correction to the code involving the filing provisions for a plat once
it is approved and ready for filing by the county. He requested Council consider changing the size of the survey
from a specific size to record of survey format size. This change will allow the code to be consistent with
county's survey size requirements; in the event the county changes the size requirement in the future. The
requested change includes the following:
Section 17.04.060 Survey Content (page 3)
(a) The survey shall be done to record of survey format."
Section 17.16.030 Preliminary Binding Site Improvement Plan (BSIP) Approval (page 19)
(7) "...to demonstrate the BSIP meets the ordinance requirements, on record of survey format..."
Councilmember Mullet referred to page (26) of the code and suggested that the language referring to cul -de -sacs
be changed or modified so it is not as restrictive. Director Lancaster said staff prefers to retain the language due
to the access by emergency vehicles issue relating to cul -de -sacs. The shorter the cul -de -sac, the easier it is for
emergency vehicles to get in and out.
Discussion ensued between Director Lancaster and Councilmembers concerning the length of a cul -de -sac and if
alternative methods of exits are available for emergency vehicles. Director Lancaster said emergency access to
cul -de -sacs is not the only issue but that it involves policy within the City's Comprehensive Plan concerning
traffic flow and accessibility and the desire to limit them. By not limiting cul -de -sacs, traffic is being diverted
to other neighborhoods, which creates traffic impacts.
Councilmember Haggerton suggested leaving the current language and studying the issue in the very near
future.
Consensus: Councilmembers concurred with changing the language to allow cul -de -sacs longer than 600
feet if alternative emergency access is available.
The meeting recessed for a ten minute break at 8:40 p.m.
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Review of Senior Housing Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Planner Gierloff said of the 1997
Comprehensive Plan amendments, the Senior Housing Comprehensive Plan and Code Amendments were the
only ones continued for review by the Council. Since that time, the Community Affairs and Parks Committee
has reviewed the issue and made some tentative policy decisions. The proposed amendments were forwarded to
the Planning Commission, which conducted several work sessions and a public hearing. The proposed
ordinances are presented to City Council for final review and adoption.
Planner Gierloff said the proposed policy changes are attributed to different needs for senior citizens pertaining
to recreation space, housing density, and types of housing. The three ordinances comprise the three main
issues attributed to senior citizen needs. The first ordinance allows senior housing at 60 units per acre in High
Density Residential, Neighborhood Commercial Center, and Regional Mixed Use zones. Senior housing at 100
units per acre would be allowed in Tukwila Urban Center Mixed Use Residential and Tukwila Valley South
Mixed Use Residential zones.
The next ordinance addresses convalescent, nursing and retirement homes. The proposed ordinance separates
nursing homes from senior housing as nursing homes accommodates people of all ages with medical
difficulties. Recreation space was also addressed along with housing density.
The last ordinance pertains to Multi- Family Design Guidelines and are applied when any multi family project
goes through a design review. Some very detailed diagrams and requirements are applied for multi family
housing that would be difficult or not appropriate to apply to senior housing. Some of the items pertain to
landscaping areas and access that is required by code that would impede the higher density allowance. Quite a
few of the requirements concern playground and recreation spaces for children that wouldn't apply to senior
housing.
Planner Gierloff said the draft ordinances were forwarded to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on
January 26, 1998. The committee made some minor changes to the ordinance language. The changes have
been incorporated into the draft ordinances as presented.
Councilmember Mullet said he had some concerns regarding the parking allocation for senior housing and
indicated most seniors keep their cars as long as they can. Planner Gierloff said Tukwila's parking requirements
are higher than most adjacent jurisdictions. She said Tukwila's densities are lower and the parking requirement
higher than in neighboring jurisdictions.
Planner Gierloff said the parking allocation was not an issue during the review process.
David Livermore, 13212 31 Avenue South, Tukwila, said he had some concerns about the ordinances
affecting affecting senior housing. During the Planning Commission public hearing, Arthur Martin of State
Housing Assistance Group (SHAG) gave a presentation to the Planning Commission and arranged for a tour of
some apartments in Federal Way. He said the demand for affordable senior housing is growing and the
population continues to age and that one of the things seniors need is affordable housing at about 60 units per
acre. It's a worthwhile goal to encourage senior housing in Tukwila and he agreed with moderate density
credits. However, the proposed changes go too far. He indicated he was the sole dissenting vote on the
Planning Commission due to his belief that developers will build to the allowed density and will charge
whatever the market will bear. This will not result in lower senior housing rental rates. The intent of the
Comprehensive Plan is to keep density in Tukwila at a moderate level. The current maximum density is 22
units per acre. To allow up to 100 units per acre with reduced parking and recreation space for a separate class
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of citizens will result in developers over building senior housing complexes. Mr. Livermore said although the
intent of the ordinances is to provide affordable housing for seniors, developers might take advantage of the
allowances to the detriment of the community.
A better approach would be to allow senior housing units at 30 per acre, which would give some incentive to
developers to build senior market rate housing. In addition, allow a 100% percent density credit if the developer
provides affordable senior housing which meets the federal guidelines and requirements. This would allow non-
profit organizations, such as SHAG the opportunity to provide some affordable senior housing in Tukwila. It
would also provide some incentive to provide some non affordable senior housing in Tukwila. He said he
agrees to the parking and recreation allocation as listed in the proposed ordinances.
Mr. Livermore said another item for the Council to consider is to provide some incentive for assisted living
senior housing for people who need assistance 24 -hours a day. He suggested reducing the parking and
recreation space requirement for any assisted living housing. The category for assisted living could apply to
people of all ages.
Councilmember Hernandez said she agrees with some of the remarks by Mr. Livermore and said she has visited
the apartment complex he referred to. She has also visited Harrison House in Kent with 94 units on 1.39 acres
with 54 parking stalls. It calculates to approximately 60 units per acre. She has concerns with allowing up to
100 units per acre as she has no frame of reference to relate to.
Mayor Rants recounted a personal experience concerning assisted- living units with approximately 60 to 70 units
per acre and how impressed he is with the facility.
Councilmembers discussed senior housing and if an influx of seniors would overburden human services within
a community. Councilmember Hernandez offered to coordinate a tour for Councilmembers of the Harrison
House in Kent to get a better idea of how the facility is situated in the community. Councilmembers Carter and
Hernandez expressed concerns with developers finding loopholes in the ordinance.
Discussion continued on senior housing density levels, physical limitations of seniors pertaining to the high
story buildings, and the reality of trying to second guess what impacts would occur if 100 density units were
built. Councilmembers concurred with maintaining the density levels as proposed.
Councilmember Mullet said he would prefer that some landscaping /site treatment requirements for senior
housing exist in the ordinance. Planner Gierloff said the zoning code does require some landscaping /site
treatment dependent on the location of the project to other adjacent land use zones. She said the Multi Family
Design Guidelines provide a guide to developers in designing projects.
Councilmember Mullet referred to the design guide and said he had concerns regarding the picture on page three
pertaining to criteria number five concerning the gradual transition of building heights. He said the requirement
should also pertain to senior housing since some senior housing will be located in pedestrian- oriented areas.
Planner Gierloff suggested deleting Figure 3 pertaining to one -story buildings.
Consensus was reached by Councilmembers to delete Figure 3 (picture) but retain the criteria language
for item five in the Design Guidelines.
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Councilmember Carter noted the performance standards were not included on page 70 of the draft ordinance and
requested the performance standards as listed on page 71 be included on page 70 prior to Section 4. Also the
addition of item 10 on Section 18.16.020 (page 70) Permitted Uses should include the existing items and be
renumbered.
Councilmembers agreed with the suggested changes. The ordinances will be revised to include the changes and
brought forward to Council for adoption.
REPORTS
Mayor Rants referred to the Community Center Operations Report and reviewed the 1996 and 1997 City tax
contribution. The tax subsidy remained the same in 1997 as in 1996. In 1997, the revenues increased
significantly along with the expenditures. In 1997, the budget deficit was only $10, 630.
Mayor Rants indicated he had a letter from Mayor Booth urging his attendance at a workshop for the League of
Cities on federal preemption of state and local authorities related to railroads. He asked that Councilmember
Haggerton attend the workshop on his behalf since he is not attending the meeting.
Mayor Rants referred to a survey from Suburban Cities regarding municipal courts and said he submitted his
survey. Councilmembers said they would submit a collective survey.
Mayor Rants referred to the Transportation Committee notes from the legislative session and said the first note
of interest concerns the governor's versus the GOP's Transportation Plan. The governor has proposed $8.9
billion for new transportation funding and the GOP has proposed $4.2 billion. The governor would bond $1.58
billion with the remaining to come from existing funds and gas tax increases. The GOP would bond $2.4
billion. The governor is against spending above the 601 limit, while the GOP says yes. The governor is
supportive of a gas tax; the GOP is against a gas tax.
Mayor Rants said the motor vehicle excise tax was never intended for a road tax but was put in effect in lieu of
a personal property tax.
Mayor Rants asked Councilmembers to read bulletins regarding the Endangered Species Act and how future
acts and events will affect land use planning in the community.
Councilmember Hernandez attended a chamber sponsored presentation on the Northwest Expo Center. She
said the Expo Center plans to charge $4 for parking, something she was not aware of. There will be no FAM
tours this year, since the hotels believe they don't generate enough revenue to justify the expense. The Chamber
will be putting on a roadshow to attract business.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. Nine people were in
attendance. Applications for commission vacancies were distributed. Local ethnic families will be invited to
the next meeting by one of the attendees.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. Eight agenda
items included a Human Services Plan review, a proposal to move Tukwila Days Festival to an
afternoon/evening event from noon to 8:00 p.m., and a golf and facility maintenance facility design agreement.
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Council President Linder will attend a 99 Task Force meeting and will also attend the Transportation
Committee meeting for Councilmember Duffle.
Councilmember Mullet recently attended the Utilities Committee meeting with the main issue focusing on the
utility hookups in Allentown. The next phase will occur along the river due to the number of people willing to
hook up.
Councilmember Mullet recently attended the Part-150 Airport Mitigation Study meeting. A temporary sound
meter will be placed somewhere in Tukwila to measure airport traffic noise.
Councilmember Carter received a letter from Senator Gordon in response to her letter concerning IS
(Intermodal Surface) money. She also received a letter from Mary Gates from the ITA Board reassuring her
that the board is addressing all issues concerning light rail alignment.
Councilmember Haggerton participated in an ACC conference call concerning items of litigation.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting and reported on
the community bleachers agenda item. In 1997, $5400 was budgeted for purchase of bleachers, however the
bleachers were not purchased. An alternate method to fund the purchase in 1998 is being pursued.
Another agenda item concerned the golf and parks maintenance facility design contract. It was recommended
that Wayne Ivary, who has worked for the City in the past, be awarded a consultant contract for $61,300 for the
design work.
A six -year Parks and Open Space Plan was also on the agenda. The plan needs to be implemented prior to
applying for IAC grants.
A petition to name the old Tukwila Community Center has been circulated, however the process to name the
area was discussed with a target date of March 4 established to reach a decision on a new name so it can be
included in the new Facilities Guide.
Councilmember Fenton thanked Councilmembers for sponsoring his attendance at the AWC Conference. He
attended a utilities workshop and learned quite a bit about utilities. Seattle City Light conducted a survey
concerning electric deregulation which reflected that two thirds of the respondents don't want deregulation to
occur. Seventy -four percent of residents in Seattle also indicated they do not want deregulation to occur.
Councilmember Fenton said Senator Gordon has introduced a national energy deregulation bill and he expects
some serious repercussions concerning the state's utility rates within the next year or so. The federal
government has mandated it for Washington state. Seattle City Light has a lot of political power due to no
reliance on the BPA and owning their own dams outright.
City Administrator McFarland met with RTA staff representatives last week and they have proposed meeting
with community stakeholders on February 25. Stakeholders have been identified as the City Council, Highway
99 Action Committee, 99 Task Force, Tukwila Planning Commission, and members of the Foster and
Dwammish Improvement Clubs. They want to review the project schedule that will ensue as the project moves
through the DEIS process and site selection. A special COW work meeting is recommended for Wednesday,
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February 25. The meeting should take no longer than two hours and will be an informational meeting with
RTA staff. Councilmembers agreed to a 7:00 p.m. meeting time.
On April 4, RTA will be conducting a community -wide workshop on the criteria for light rail development.
Due to non availability of meeting sites in Tukwila, Administrator McFarland recommended conducting the
workshop in Council Chambers and will invite as many community groups and members as possible to attend.
It was suggested that Showalter Commons be considered as the meeting location due to the attendance size.
RTA is also planning a series of field trips to Vancouver, B.C. and Portland to study their respective rail
systems. Seats on the buses are available beginning February 20 and extending to the end of March. He asked
Councilmembers to contact him if they wanted to attend.
There are two bills for review during the upcoming Utilities Committee meeting. They pertain to a
telecommunications right -of -way bill, which has no benefit to the City, and a bill relating to siding and the
elimination of height restrictions of telecommunication towers.
City Administrator McFarland reminded Councilmembers attending the Employee Appreciation Banquet to
submit their RSVP.
The February 16 Council Meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, February 17 due to the President's Day holiday.
(11:05 n.m.) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
Pamela Linder, Council President
Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary