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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesMinutes of 3/9/98 Page 1 of 13 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL March 9, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES 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, and Dave Fenton. COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmembers Pam Carter and Jim Haggerton. OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Ron Waldner, Chief of Police; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Ross Earnst, Public Works Director; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; Phil Fraser, City Engineer; Jack Pace, Senior Planner; Moira Bradshaw, Associate Planner; and Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Coordinator. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Chief Waldner introduced Tukwila's new police officer, Rory Mettlin. Chief Waldner said Mr. Mettlin is a Foster High School graduate and a graduate of Central Washington University with a degree in Law and Justice. Mayor Rants administered the oath of office to Rory Mettlin. Councilmembers congratulated Officer Mettlin on his new appointment as a Tukwila Police Officer. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS: Robert Greninger, 16127 45 Avenue South, Tukwila, said he's appearing again to assert this legal rights to build his storage shed on his property. He indicated Tukwila had said they would follow King County's zoning requirements (when the area was annexed to Tukwila), which allows for some types of structures to be setback five feet from the property line. He indicated Tukwila is not following the guideline and is requiring a setback beyond the five feet. Administrator McFarland referred to a memorandum from Director Lancaster regarding the issue. Mr. Greninger and Director Lancaster have had a number of telephone conservations regarding what options Mr. Greninger has regarding setback requirements under Tukwila's zoning code. Council President Linder asked Administrator McFarland to provide a copy of the memorandum to Mr. Greninger. Mr. Greninger said the issue started in December and that he feels the City is not protecting his rights as a homeowner regarding this issue. Administrator McFarland said the code requires the storage shed to be moved to the proper setback requirement. Mr. Greninger has the option of applying for a variance to the code or he can pursue a zoning code change through City Council. In respect to the retention of King County rules and standards when the area was annexed, Administrator McFarland said he was involved in the annexation petition and one of the primary Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 2 of 13 reasons for annexing to Tukwila was to be under Tukwila's zoning codes and regulations and not King County's. other than requesting a variance or going through a code amendment process, administratively there is very little staff can do to rectify Mr. Greninger's concerns. Councilmember Duffie requested that the issue be listed as an agenda item at the next Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. Administrator McFarland said he and Planner Pace would meet with Mr. Greninger in the lobby to discuss what options are available to him. SPECIAL ISSUES: Interlocal Agreement for Ecosystem Restoration Study: Councilmember Mullet said the Corps of Engineers and local governments of the Green/Duwamish watershed have been working on the Interlocal Agreement. Tukwila has budgeted its share of the agreement (half in 1998 and half in 1999). Mayor Rants said Tukwila has four major projects involved in the feasibility study. He said the feasibility study is a good start toward the aversion of implementing the endangered species act. Tukwila is two years ahead of other jurisdictions. The feasibility study also keeps Tukwila involved in the Green River forum. Council President Linder referred the Interlocal Agreement to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting for approval. Pacific Highway Draft Revitalization Plan: Planner Bradshaw said the briefing would involve a discussion on reviewing recommended strategies in the Pacific Highway Draft Revitalization Plan. Approximately one month remains before the public hearing, scheduled for April 20. A community wide meeting is scheduled for March 25. Planner Bradshaw said between now and the public meetings, staff and Council would continue its broad review of the plan with changes incorporated during the reviews. Planner Bradshaw referred to a matrix of recognized obstacles and proposed strategies along with associated costs, partners /departments, regulatory requirements, and budget status. She indicated the matrix does not include assigned timelines for strategies. Also, the strategies are interrelated and selecting one strategy may not necessarily accomplish the overall goal. The review included the following list of obstacles with suggested draft strategies: Obstacles: Reputation of area and certain land uses make potential developers nervous and desired uses less likely because of perceived incompatibility and or real crime problems Strategy: Combine rigorous code enforcement with partnerships with housing agencies and /or others to rehabilitate housing. Discussion: Discussions with various professionals indicate that a three -prong effort consisting of enforcement of existing codes and regulations; offering incentives; or having the City acquire property. Working in partnership with interested housing agencies would result in undetermined costs to the City. Those costs would be determined when a specific project was determined. There would also be some costs associated with more rigorous code enforcement. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 3 of 13 Planner Bradshaw said using a combination of different methods could result in changing the character of the area to that of more desirable land uses. Councilmember Hernandez suggested adding REACH to the list of "Partners /Departments" as they have identified in their 1998 workplan that they want to document intervention and strategies to use to bring about improvements to multi family housing conditions and coordinate city and county departments to improve properties and provide technical assistance. Planner Bradshaw said a letter is being sent the housing agencies to encourage their input and participation in the process. Councilmember Mullet said the reputation of the area has already begun to improve and perhaps by increasing publicity about the positive aspects of the area, public perception would change. Planner Bradshaw referred to strategy number eleven and said a publicity process is recommended as a strategy. Obstacles: The visual impact of the area acts as a disincentive to investment or redevelopment. Strategy: Concentrate rehabilitation funds in the Pacific Highway area (p. 48) allocate Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money for a 6 year period for housing repair establish a grant program for site rehabilitation of multi family and commercial properties begin by sponsoring a demonstration project Discussion: Planner Bradshaw indicated it often takes a community demonstration project to publicize grant funding opportunities to landowners and there are ways to solicit volunteer help through agencies and colleges to participate in such a project. Councilmember Hernandez suggested adding Jim Imputt from Housing and Community Development to the "Partners /Departments" list as they were instrumental in assisting in rehabilitating the Beverly Hills apartments several years ago. It might be possible to duplicate a project like the Beverly Hills project. She also suggested adding REACH. Obstacles: See above 2 obstacles Strategy: Encourage redevelopment of existing multi family housing by adopting a "redevelopment incentive period" Allow redevelopment of existing housing at current densities (see Table 11, p. 110 of Draft Plan) (versus allowable densities) or as office but only for a limited time)) Discussion: Councilmembers discussed the pros and cons of the strategies and indicated they were worth considering if the desired results occur. Planner Bradshaw indicated staff work program priorities would be affected and that it would probably involve property owners participating in a focus group to determine the specifics of the strategies relating to implementation of a "redevelopment incentive period." Planner Bradshaw reviewed allowed density levels in current zoning codes. Councilmember Mullet suggested including an incentive that if a property owner redevelops with mixed use, a higher density would be allowed. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 4 of 13 Mayor Rants said although mixed use is perceived as a good development tool, it is not profitable and doesn't work unless it's within a tight urban area such as Queen Anne or downtown along the waterfront (Seattle). In other suburban areas, which have designated mixed use, it hasn't succeeded. Developers are very tentative about mixed use developing due to these reasons. He is optimistic that the strategies suggested will be successful in improving the area. Council President Linder said providing "redevelopment incentives" to future property owners along with current property owners is also a good way to promote redevelopment. Obstacles: Configuration and size of existing commercial sites are not large enough for typical new developments. Strategy: Allow commercial use of residential sites when combined with development of parcels fronting on Pacific Highway (p. 50) thereby increasing potential for redevelopment and infill at specific sites (see Fig. 11, p. 53) subject to specific conditions: 1. frontage and access on Pacific Highway (or commercial local access or collector arterial) 2. parcel aggregation and collective development 3. BAR review and approval of development Discussion: Planner Bradshaw said the suggested strategies require a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Planner Bradshaw referred to the map (figure 11) on page 53 of the Draft Plan and indicated some commercial parcel configuration and sizes are not large enough to accommodate new commercial development. The City's consultant identified some sites along the corridor that could be consolidated. Some potential sites for redevelopment include: 1. Big Wheel currently utilizes most of its lot for the building and parking lot. Due to the configuration of the lot there is no place for loading or for locating a dumpster. A recommended strategy would be to pull the commercial district line west. 2. Southgate Mobile Home Park is a site that is prime for redevelopment and is under single ownership. One of the possibilities discussed is vacating and donating City right -of -way. This would provide an incentive to the property owner to redevelop the property. 3. Another area targeted for this strategy is located between 144 Street, 142 Street, and Military Road. The area and is bordered on the south with regional commercial and to the north by high density residential. The area has many different lot sizes and owners. One of the benefits of the strategies offered is the willingness of the City to be flexible with land use boundaries, but at the same time, specifying specific terms regarding development. Also, during discussions regarding development along Pacific Highway, South 144 was thought to be a good area to promote an active and viable pedestrian area and that should also be considered. Councilmember Mullet cautioned that it's possible that developers would submit a plan for approval, have it approved (under the strategy), and then sell the property. He said he would consider the recommended strategy but is concerned that "spot zoning" would occur. Planner Bradshaw said there are many land use instruments where approval is given on the plan but not to the property owner. The condition associated with this strategy would Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 5 of 13 Obstacles: See above obstacle. Strategy: be based upon complying with City requirements. She said it's more like a contract rezone than a "spot zone" and that the City enters into a contract with the owner of the property and specifies the terms of use for the property. Councilmembers discussed how the City would set conditions when approving plans. Planner Bradshaw responded and said in the real estate world some measure of predictability is key. Industry opinion dictates that land use requiring public hearings would discourage development. Planner Bradshaw said staff has proceeded and submitted Comprehensive Plan Amendments for the areas. It doesn't mean that the zoning would change, it just establishes the potential to implement recommended strategies. She said the process to initiate the proposed strategy would be to develop a plan that satisfies the City's requirements without tying it to a public review process. Council President Linder asked how that would be accomplished without giving every property owner a blank check. Planner Bradshaw said Council would have to decide what level of detail they want to review. In design review, staff currently reviews site plans, landscape plans, building elevations, color renderings, and floor plans relating to a development plan. Council would need to decide if they want to be involved in that level of detail or if it remains at the staff level. Design review doesn't address land use as much as it addresses orientation of the building, layout, pedestrian and vehicle circulation, building materials, roof outline, etc. Director Lancaster reviewed the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process and said the goal of this strategy is to provide a balance that is attractive to developers but ensures certain City standards are maintained. The process shouldn't be where the City tells the developer it will take two years for them to complete the plan process. Councilmember Duffle said he is concerned with notifying affected neighborhoods of any changes. Planner Bradshaw said a community -wide meeting would be held on March 25. Staff is also undertaking a public notification process (mail) to property owners affected by this strategy. Discussion ensued regarding notification to affected property owners. Mayor Rants said Tukwila's zoning code is flexible and very workable. Developers want expedited permits and processes (development review board), they don't necessarily want zoning changes, per se. Mayor Rants said it's the City's job to ensure that the Comp Plan and zoning codes are adhered to. If developers are not happy with the answers, developers can pursue options through the City Council legislation process. Allow the BAR to waive landscape /setback standards during design review (p.50) Encourage circulation between properties and shared driveways thereby improving safety for pedestrian and motorists on Pacific Highway and increasing efficiency of small sites. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 6 of 13 Discussion: Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: Planner Bradshaw said the strategy encourages property owners to share on -site circulation. To accommodate that, the City would waive certain requirements within the zoning code such as landscaping and setback requirements. It would also require some legal documentation between the sharing owners. Councilmember Duffle expressed concerns regarding circumstances involving disputes between shared property landowners. Planner Bradshaw said that some past issues regarding shared property probably occurred because a verbal agreement was made and was not documented legally. Under the proposed strategy, shared agreements would be included in the property title and recorded. Planner Bradshaw said she would research the issue further to ensure those types of situations doesn't occur in the future. Developed parcels are more difficult, time consuming, and costly to develop than vacant parcels. Engage in brokering development in the Pacific Highway Corridor (p.55). Use "99 specific site selection criteria" developed for the area to promote redevelopment: sites with current undesirable uses sites at key locations sites that are constrained, i.e., by size sites needed for public projects Use a variety of purchase /financing methods to assist in acquisition. This strategy would continue a process that has been previously reviewed with Council. Some site selection criteria have been developed for properties if the City were to actually purchase sites. There are limitations on the City purchasing property and those limitations are noted in the Draft Plan. Property sales typically have to be associated with a potential for public use. The City could opt to implement an urban renewal process that gives the City more latitude in purchasing properties. The costs noted in the matrix are costs for broker services related to purchasing and financing property. Demand for commercial goods and services from surrounding market area is weak; appearance and character of existing developments discourages office development, property owners revenue expectations established by commercial zoning prevents light industrial uses. Discuss market opportunities for competing commercial areas with the affected cities such as Burien and SeaTac (p. 57): strategize methods of improving the health of commercial areas, partner with the Southwest King County Chamber; market the areas. Fund and direct a market analysis and market option analysis. Market conditions along Pacific Highway are actually healthy. There are not a lot of vacant properties or buildings along the commercial corridor. Changing the actual market uses along the commercial corridor is one of the goals in the Comprehensive Plan. The market analysis revealed strong competition between the competing market areas of Burien, SeaTac, and White Center. The strategies recognize other cities commercial needs and how adjacent cities /markets could join together to compete healthier or Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 7 of 13 segment to particular market niches. The strategy is meant to recognize that the Tukwila jurisdiction is fairly small and that Tukwila has competing commercial areas in adjacent jurisdictions and there may be some economies in strategically positioning undertakings in the different commercial areas. Obstacles: See above obstacle Strategy: Allow new housing in the RC zone (p. 58). Modify code to allow housing in this zone (increase the number of households allowed in NCC zone). Discussion: The current RC zone does not allow housing. The strategy suggests allowing housing in the RC zone. Obstacles: The quality of the residential environment is poor; residents of area are short term and are not invested in their area. Strategy: Build community partnerships between neighbors and between the city government and neighborhoods (p. 60): Neighborhood Signage Programs support efforts to improve neighborhood identity Urban Forestry Plan and Planting Program Use tree planting and stewardship to enhance area and build a sense of community Discussion: The strategy is included to emphasize the importance of partnership between the community and the City to strengthen the residential environment in the corridor. Obstacles: Reputation of area and certain land uses make potential developers nervous and desired uses less likely because of perceived incompatibility and or real crime problems. The visual impact of the area acts as a disincentive to investment or redevelopment. Strategy: Develop the Public Art Program (p.61). Use public projects as opportunities to involve community members in creating memorable and fun places: identify applications (i.e., transit zones, sculpture, murals) sites and funding sources. identify capital projects that should incorporate art identify projects that should include an artist in project development establish minimum percentage or fixed costs for art within the corridor for budgeting and project coordination Discussion: One of the goals for the area is to improve quality in residential and multi- family and encourage denser commercial environment. The overall look of the area doesn't currently attract these types of land uses. A public art program builds a sense of community. Good public art involves the community through the review process. The strategy is to insure that the City considers and includes public art as an important asset in the revitalization of the area. Obstacles: Reputation of area and certain land uses make potential developers nervous and desired uses less likely because of perceived incompatibility and or real crime problems. The visual impact of the area acts as a disincentive to investment or redevelopment. Strategy: Modify existing codes to improve the appearance of the Pacific Highway area: Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 8 of 13 Discussion: adopt the Pacific Highway Design Manual to improve the quality of future development require design review of all new development in the RC zone (current review threshold is 5,000 sq ft) amend the landscape chapter of the Zoning Code to increase quality and quantity of landscaping along streets (current work program item for DCD) modify setback standards to improve transition between commercial and residential districts (see figure 15, pg. 68) develop a sign amortization program to improve the appearance of business signs and the streetscape During the review process, it was noted that a number of parcels in the RC zone are less than 5,000 square feet. The strategy suggests changing the threshold for a design review to parcels less than 5,000 square feet to provide some design review benefits due to vehicle and pedestrian circulation. Another strategy pertains to amending the landscape chapter to require landscape standards for private development. Setback standards are also suggested for modification along with developing a sign amortization program. Obstacles: Real Estate investors are typically not "pioneers" in questionable areas, they like to follow a market rather than lead. Strategy: Create a public information, involvement, and Pacific Highway Marketing Program. Change the impression the region has of the area and expand efforts to involve and communicate with property owners and businesses. Discussion: The strategy consists of two parts: during the next several years changes will occur that will impact people in the corridor requiring a proactive public information process to keep property owners and other affected residents apprised of current and future improvement plans and activities; changing the reputation of the area regionally and publicizing the changes. Obstacles: Poor quality public environment, unsafe streets. Strategy: Develop a pedestrian/bicycle plan (p. 70), create an area -wide network for bikes and pedestrians; identify bike routes, facility standards and the connections between bikes, paths, and transit; engage in safety programs for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Discussion: Safety is key in this area. Pedestrians and bicyclists have needs for a safer environment. Planner Bradshaw said the issue is a difficult one to solve since creating wider lanes to accommodate bicyclists leads to motorists driving faster, which in itself creates a safety hazard. Wider lanes require more time for pedestrians to cross. She said there is no easy answer to solve the problems but stressed the strategy suggested is a good way to address the safety aspect of the area and includes a recommendation to develop a pedestrian/bicycle plan. Obstacles: Household incomes are modest in the area. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 9 of 13 Strategy: Discussion: Obstacles: Poor quality public environment, unsafe streets. Strategy: Discussion: Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: Collaborate with the Tukwila School District on implementation of their Strategic Plan (p. 70). Assist where appropriate with the school district in enhancing skill building opportunities for City residents. The district has identified specific items where City assistance is desire: off (school)site learning facilities assistance in providing sports recreation for students a joint newsletter b/w Chamber, School and City mentoring involving seniors and others human support needs services teen center on highway expanded community center hours In the plan, goals for the area promote greater prosperity for the area's households. Staff reviewed Tukwila's Strategic Plan to see if there were any items or activities where the City and School District could collaborate to promote and support the district's education goals. Improve safety, function, and appearance of Pacific Highway (p.71): reduce speeds limit and consolidate access driveways install streetscape improvements underground utilities mitigate impacts associated with improvements (known impacts to date are parking; potential undergrounding cost impacts) Key infrastructure points were identified to accomplish in the design of the Pacific Highway. They include reducing speed as identified in the Draft Plan and limiting and consolidating access driveways to minimize hazards to pedestrians and motorists traveling on the highway. Making the area more readable and landmarks more recognizable for motorists and installing streetscape improvements and incorporating art such as street poles. Other points include undergrounding utilities and mitigating impacts associated with improvements. The cost and time of installing infrastructure /utilities can act as a disincentive to potential investors; conversely, available infrastructure can act as an incentive. Extend and upgrade utilities (p. 83). Provide minimum required levels of utility improvements (hydrant spacing and water line sizes are substandard) for development and coordinate state of the art installation (or accommodation) of telecommunications equipment with street improvements in order to attract business development. Extending and upgrading utilities is typically done by the developer. Planner Bradshaw indicated that the hydrant spacing requirement is substandard in terms of meeting Tukwila's code. Another important element to consider is fiber optic improvements continue to be made which should be accommodated in the City's right -of -way. Notification letters should be sent to telecommunication providers advising them when the streets are open so conduit can be installed to provide customers with increased services due to technology advances. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 10 of 13 Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: The cost and time of installing infrastructure /utilities can act as a disincentive to potential investors; conversely, available infrastructure can act as an incentive Improve cross streets one block east and generally west of Pacific Highway from S. 154 to 139 Streets (p. 83). Create a street design and streetscape plan, identify opportunities and criteria for street vacations if possible, and prioritize improvements (see 21, p. 87). Construct improvements. Another major requirement of an applicant at time of development is to install cross street improvements. When the area was reviewed for right -of -way it was determined that many streets have different sized right -of -ways, even along each street. Some streets had as many as six different dimensions of right -of -way in a one -block section. Part of the process would involve identifying what right -of -way the City requires and then what type of cross section is needed. Costs have been identified for improving the areas if the City chooses that course. The City may want to selectively improve areas such as 144 as it is a major arterial. The design report for the entire area's cross streets would be approximately $500- $700K. This represents approximately ten percent of the area's entire improvement costs related to street improvements of $7.7 million. Reputation of area and certain land uses make potential developers nervous and desired uses less likely because of perceived incompatibility and or real crime problems. Site and construct a neighborhood resource center (p. 55) use "Pacific Highway site selection criteria:" sites whose current use is undesirable sites at key locations sites that are constrain, i.e., due to size sites that are needed for City projects Develop a site to serve the needs of the community and that would be a model for expected future development. If the City chooses to construct a neighborhood resource center, the Pacific Highway site selection criteria would be used. The quality of the residential environment is poor; residents of area are short term and are not invested in their area. Site and construct a neighborhood park west of Pacific Highway "Cascade View Park" (p. 90): use "Pacific Highway site selection criteria" to assist in locating property(ies) improve the residential amenities of the area and provide recreation opportunities. This is one of the highest priority items in the current parks and open space plan because this is the only area where there isn't a park. Councilmember Mullet suggested developing a park in conjunction with a development. Planner Bradshaw said parks could also be considered in terms of timing. Parks could be delayed to demonstrate improvements in the area have been successful and alleviate concerns citizens may have regarding parks being utilized in undesirable ways. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 11 of 13 Obstacles: Strategy: Discussion: The quality of the residential environment is poor; residents of area are short term and are not invested in their area. Improve Southgate Park (p. 91) Improve city property and provide trail linkage between corridor, recreation opportunities, and neighborhoods. The strategy recommends providing a trail linkage between the corridor and areas offering recreational opportunities and neighborhoods. Planner Bradshaw concluded her review and encouraged Councilmembers to attend the community open house on March 25. She offered to provide the Council with any additional information they may need to assist them in determining what strategies to select. The open house on March 25 will provide a review of the plan and will include a map highlighting the area. City Optional Grant/Interlocal Agreement for Solid Waste/Recycling Program: Councilmember Mullet said it's an annual grant from King County for the commercial recycling program. Council President Linder moved the agreement to the next regular scheduled meeting of City Council for approval. Councilmember Mullet commended Rebecca Fox for her efforts and fine job in coordinating the commercial recycling program. REPORTS Mayor Rants reported that he recently attended the redistricting meeting in King County. Two main issues were discussed Federal Way Courts. Portions of caseloads will be assigned to Southwest Court and part of Federal Way Court is going to the Aukeen Court to balance out the workloads among the three courts. Mayor Rants referenced a statement made by Councilmember Carter some time ago where she said she received reports that Tukwila citizens were still going to some of the other courts. Rants said Tukwila citizens may be called for jury duty to the other courts, but for court matters such as small claims, Tukwila citizens would report to the Tukwila court. Rants also attended EDC meeting. Copies of Bellevue's Chamber of Commerce brochure were distributed to attendees. Rants said it's a very nice publication and cost approximately $20,000 to develop (costs split between Bellevue and the Bellevue Chamber). Ron Sims provided some interesting statistical information during the meeting. On the plateau (Issaquah area), the medium household income is approximately $110,000 a year. In Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, and the eastside cities, the average household income is $86,000 a year. The average household income for the entire South King County area is approximately $46,000 per year. Tukwila is below the average of South King County. Councilmember Hernandez attended the REACH open house on Wednesday, March 4. A proclamation by Ron Sims was read proclaiming March 4 as "Paint Your Heart Out Day" to promote the regional effort to achieve community housing. The Housing Authority was represented by Dan Watson who presented REACH with a check for $16,000. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 12 of 13 Hernandez attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting on Thursday, March 5. Joyce Harris from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory also attended and has offered to assist the Commission in its efforts. Councilmember Duffie attended a Parks Commission meeting and residents indicated they don't want a ball field at the Southgate School Park. They are only interested in seeing it developed as a passive use park. They also don't want any lights installed. Duffle said the soccer and baseball leagues would be meeting with Community Affairs and Parks on March 23. Council President Linder attended the Government Affairs meeting and said they are in the process of sending a support letter to the Department of Transportation indicating their preference for the Amtrak station and are also sending a letter to the RTA. She gave them a copy of package containing the design criteria and although they don't know how each of the criteria would be weighed, they are going to respond as if they know. Linder said she attended a three -hour Human Services Regional Governance meeting. A package of information is available for review. Linder also attended the Economic Development Council meeting. She noted that on the EDC committee meeting agenda an item to review a recommendation to the council for a new position Economic Development Director Burien was listed. Councilmember Mullet said he attended a Utilities Committee meeting. Several garbage haulers were in attendance (SeaTac) and the meeting included a discussion on solid waste. City Administrator McFarland referred to a report distributed to the Council regarding crime -free multi housing report, which lists by name, and by property, citizen participation since its inception. He said if the Council has any questions on the information he would contact Karen and get answers or if more information were needed he would schedule a review before Finance and Safety or at a COW meeting. McFarland referred to a status report on the Council Chambers acoustic and sound system project and said the report contains what progress has been made to date. The sound system was never what it was expected to be. A number of fixes have been made through the years. One of the problems is the acoustics in the Council Chamber and how the reverberation causes an affect on how the mikes transmit the feed through the amplifier. Acoustical panels will be installed on the ceiling along with some modifications with the speakers, such as adding some speakers behind Council seating. The Home Page for the Fire Department is now on line. Also Council biographies have also been added to the City's Home Page. The Home Page received approximately 256 hits a day. McFarland said he is working on how to ascertain true hits versus hits from City employees, etc. MISCELLANEOUS Rants referred to Mr. Greninger complaint and said he had discussed with Director Lancaster what options were available to Mr. Greninger, Mr. Greninger was called and given the information. Minutes of 3/9/98 Page 13 of 13 Linder said she would like staff to send Mr. Greninger something in writing to document City follow -up regarding his complaints Rants attended the Amtrak meeting between the four mayors. Amtrak reaffirmed their position that they are selecting Tukwila. Rants provided Amtrak with a copy of two letters and the resolution and also followed it with a formal mailing. Amtrak has asked Rants to appear at the Department of Transportation and testify, after which the decision will be formally announced. Hernandez said she received several faxes pertaining to recent legislation and wanted to pass the information on but is not aware of the status. One concerns the Preemption Bill, which did pass the House and Senate. She said she's not sure if the Governor will veto or sign into law. The bill undermines local control regarding landlord/tenant issues. The other concerns a draft letter she received from Terry Zimmerman, President of South King County Human Services requesting everyone send a similar letter to legislators on behalf of the Community Network established a few years ago. Apparently, they are in jeopardy of losing their funding. Linder said she had received a ten minute phone message from a woman who was instrumental in getting Suncrest cleaned up. The woman indicates the area is once again experiencing drug dealing and garbage in the area. She is concerned since she a mother with two small children. McFarland said he has set up a meeting with the woman, Assistant Administrator Berry and Assistant Chief Haines. He urged the Council to give staff some time to research the issues and determine what action is appropriate. Rants recommended Council President Linder not attend the meeting. He said he would provide a full report on the meeting and continuing developments. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Council President Pamela Linder Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary