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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW 2010-08-23 Item 3A - Discussion - Recommendation for Use of Old City Hall / Former Library Building at 14475 59th Avenue South1 CAS NUMBER: 10-092 AGENDA ITEM TITLE Recommendation for use of City Property CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Award I I Public Heanng Other SPONSOR'S SUMMARY Fund Source: Comments: MTG. DATE 08/23/10 10 -092 COUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS Inztzals Meeting Date Prepared by 1 Mgyoc'c review 1 ouncz review 08/23/10 SL 1 fir 09/13/10 SL 09/20/10 SL 1 ITEM INFORMATION 1 ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: AUGUST 23, 2010 ITEM No. or Mtg Date 08/23/10 Mtg Date Mtg Date 9/20/10 Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date SPONSOR Council Mayor Adm Svcs n DCD Finance Fire Legal (J P&R (J Police PW The Old City Hall/former library building at 14475 59 Ave S is located on a large parcel that includes Fire Station 52 and Hazelnut Park. Since the building is listed on the National Historic Register and the overall lot is zoned Low Density Residential (LDR), building use is conditional and limited. Staff recommends that this building be made available for community use subject to future specific approval by the City Council. REVIEWED BY COW Mtg. CA &P Cmte F &S Cmte Transportation Cmte Utilities Cmte Arts Comm Parks Comm. Planning Comm. DATE: 08/17/10 RECOMMENDATIONS: SPONSOR /ADMIN. Consider community use COMMITTEE Forward to Committee of the Whole for Discussion .COST IMPACT FUND SOURCE EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION MTG. DATE 1 ATTACHMENTS 08/23/10 Informational Memorandum dated 08/19/10, with attachments Informational Memorandum dated 08/11/10, with attachments Minutes from the April 19 and April 26, 2010 Council meetings Minutes from the Finance Safety Committee meeting of 08/17/10 2 TO: City of Tukwila INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM Mayor Haggerton Committee of the Whole FROM: Steve Lancaster, City Administrator DATE: August 19, 2010 SUBJECT: Recommendation for use of City property ISSUE What should be the future use of the old City Hall former Public Library building located at 14475 59 Avenue South? BACKGROUND At the April 19, 2010 City Council meeting the Tukwila Historical Society asked that the City consider allowing the old City Hall /former public library building to be used as a heritage and cultural center for the community. The consensus of the City Council was to forward the issue of potential uses for the former City Hall to the Community Affairs and Parks (CAP) Committee (4 -19 -2010 City Council minutes attached). (Note: This issue will be discussed at the August 23 CAP meeting.) During discussions a week later regarding the City's ongoing budget gap (April 26 Committee of the Whole meeting), staff presented its evaluation of several City properties for potential surplus and sale. The Council Committee of the Whole, by consensus, advised staff to remove the former City Hall building from the list of potential surplus property, and to continue analyzing its potential uses including lease options. The Council requested that suggested uses for this facility be reviewed by the Finance and Safety committee (4 -26 -2010 Committee of the Whole minutes attached). ANALYSIS Staff has completed its analysis of potential future use of the building by City Departments and determined there is no pressing need to use the building for a specific existing City function (see Informational Memorandum dated August 11, 2010 attached). This was reported to the Finance and Safety Committee on August 17, 2010. The Finance and Safety Committee agreed to forward the matter to the August 23 Committee of the Whole for discussion. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Committee of the Whole, at its September 13 meeting, formally consider the proposal of the Tukwila Historical Society to establish a heritage and cultural center at the old City Hall former Public Library building at 14475 59 Avenue South. ATTACHMENTS August 11, 2010 Informational Memorandum presented to Finance and Safety Committee April 19, 2010 City Council meeting minutes April 26, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes Jim Haggerton, Mayor 3 4 TO: City of Tukwila INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM Mayor Haggerton Finance and Safety Committee FROM: Bob Giberson, Public Works Director DATE: August 11, 2010 SUBJECT: Potential Surplus City Properties ISSUE Review staff recommendations for potential surplus city properties. Jim Haggerton, Mayor BACKGROUND At the April 26, 2010 Committee of the Whole, Council directed staff to continue with analysis for the potential sale of the Old Fire Station 53 and West Valley Highway /S 180 Street properties and a continuation of the analysis for the best use of the old City Hall /former library building Administration was requested to provide a recommendation and analysis on the three projects to the Council. Further, Council consensus existed to not consider the surplusing of the Way Back Inn properties on 42nd Ave S and Macadam Rd S. The Newporter property will be analyzed separately. ANALYSIS A high level appraisal and best use evaluation has been completed for the old City HaII /formerl library building as follows. The appraisals and evaluations of the old Fire Station 53 and West Valley Highway /S 180 properties are ongoing and will be brought back to a future committee. Property No. 4 Old City Hall /former library building This building is actually part of a large parcel that includes Fire Station 52 and Hazelnut Park. The building began as the Tukwila School in 1922 and then became City Hall from 1947 -1978. This building is also listed as an historic building with the National Historic Register, which limits the possibilities for other uses The overall parcel size is 50,530 square feet and the hypothetical lot size for the old City Hall /former library building is approximately 12,632 square feet. The overall lot is zoned Low Density Residential (LDR), which has conditional uses that include schools, libraries, museums, art galleries and fire stations. In order to surplus the Old City Hall /former library building, the overall parcel would first have to be short- platted into three parcels (one lot for each of the three uses fire station, park and Old City Hall). After the short plat has been complete, the one parcel would have to be re -zoned to office or commercial and approved by Council. Based on the above facts, the highest and best use is to retain ownership of the overall parcel and buildings as -is and seek out the best possible use for the community as a whole. 5 6 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council authorize staff to: 1. Continue to appraise and evaluate options for the old Fire Station No. 53 and the West Valley Highway /S 180 St properties; and 2. Evaluate and determine the best use for the community of the Old City Hall /former library building. ATTACHMENTS Vicinity Map of Old City Hall -April 26, 2010 Committee of the Whole Council minutes W\2010 InfoMemos lsurpluscityproperties.docx Old Library /City Hall Parcel 3365901275 1 --104ft CltyGIS Copyright O 2006 All Rights Reserved The information contained herein is the proprietary property of the contributor supplied under license and may not be approved except as licensed by Digital Map Products 7 8 APN: 3365901275 Address: 14475 59TH AVE S TUKWILA WA, 98168 Owner Name: TUKWILA CITY OF Owner Address: 6200 SOUTHCENTER BLVD TUKWILA WA, 98188 Owner Phone: Building SF: 5604 Acres (Assessor): 1.16 Acres (Calculated): 1.16 Lot Front: Lot Depth: Legal Description: 25 THRU 28 11 HILLMANS SEATTLE GARDEN TRS Land SF (Assessor): 50530.0 Land SF (Calculated): 50530.0 Land Use: PUBLIC: PUBLIC (NEC) Year Built: 1971 Assessed Value: $738,400 TBM Page: Sales Deed Cat: source: TAX_UPDATE 06/01/2005 00:00 Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 2 of 8 One of the biggest challenges to face the City is the situation with the Howard Hanson Dam Damage to the dam in early 2009 has resulted in a change in the way the Army Corps of Engineers controls the water pool behind the dam. Due to the potential for excess flows downstream, Tukwila and other valley cities were faced with significant unbudgeted expenses. The King County Flood Control Zone District has reimbursed some of the expenses, yet many of the costs have not been reimbursed. We will continue to pursue recovery of other expenses with the County, State, and Federal government. We are also working closely with King County and valley cities to push for more extensive temporary repairs and the quickest possible completion of permanent repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam. Intergovernmental teamwork is but one example of how well we partner with our neighboring cities. By working with the Cascade Water Alliance, we accomplished our objective of purchasing Lake Tapps to guarantee adequate future water supplies. Additionally, we are working with partner cities on the SCORE jail facility. King County will no longer provide jail services for area cities after the year 2012. The SCORE facility is progressing on time and on budget and should open in late 2011, which will result in lower daily jail costs to Tukwila and the partner cities. Mayor Haggerton represents the City on the Boards of both the Cascade Water Alliance and the SCORE jail facility. He also provides representation for the Valley Com. 911 Center, Enterprise Seattle, Suburban Cities Association, and the Association of Washington Cities, which are organizations instrumental in promoting the interests of the Tukwila community. Important accomplishments over the last year include construction of Tukwila International Boulevard, which is currently on schedule and on budget and anticipated for full completion by September 2010. The City also completed the installation of a new pump station in the Allentown neighborhood. Additionally, the Museum of Flight appears to be a finalist for being awarded a NASA Space Shuttle, and the final details are also underway for a new Aviation High School. The Mayor expressed pride at the way the City has faced the major challenges of the past year. While former City Administrator, Rhonda Berry has taken a new position with King County, we are pleased to have such a close friend in the Executive's Office. The Mayor thanked Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director, for his leadership and expertise in accepting the role of Interim City Administrator. The Mayor acknowledged those long -term employees who have been promoted due to their exceptional performance: Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Robin Tischmak, City Engineer; and Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director. The Mayor also relayed the City's good fortune in welcoming back those former employees who have returned to Tukwila' Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Joyce Trantina, Executive Assistant in the Mayor's Office; and Steve Lancaster, City Administrator. We are well positioned to succeed at the challenges ahead. Recently the Mayor attended a convention at a hotel in Tukwila where an attendee summarized Tukwila very well. She said the Tukwila Urban Center and the retail and commercial activity are assets that any City would welcome, but her perception was that away from all the hustle and bustle, Tukwila still has a rural, small town feel with all the trees, parks and trails. A true compliment to our City. The Mayor indicated he looks forward to working with the Council, staff, residents and businesses in the years ahead to address the challenges before us. We can and will make Tukwila an even better place to live, to work, and to raise our families. b. Proposed use of the former Tukwila Library for display of community history Pat Brodin, Chair of the Historical Society Pat Brodin, Chair of the Tukwila Historical Society and City employee, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an overview of this issue. The former Tukwila Library (14475 59 Avenue South) is owned by the City of Tukwila and began as the Tukwila School in 1922 and then became City Hall from 1947 -1978. This building is also listed as an historic building with the National Historic Register. 9 10 Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 19, 2010 Page 3 of B The Tukwila Historical Society is asking the Council to consider use of this facility for an historical museum and culture and heritage center. The mission is to enhance the historical place our community holds in the Pacific Northwest by collecting, preserving and sharing the historical, archaeological and ethnological records that pertain to Tukwila and the local region. Mr. Brodin explained there are Tukwila documents, artifacts, and antiques currently being stored at the facility that could be put on display under the care of the Historical Society. Since the Historical Society is a non profit group, with 501(c)(3) status, there is the ability to apply for grants, so there will not be a need for the City to put funds toward this endeavor. Mr. Brodin introduced Louise Jones Brown, who is a member of the Historical Society and direct descendent of James Maple, who became one of the first white settlers on the Duwamish River in June 1851. Ms. Jones -Brown hopes the City will consider allowing the Tukwila Historical Society use of the former Tukwila City Hall as a heritage and cultural center. Tukwila has a rich history that began almost 160 years ago, and use of this building provides an opportunity to enrich the Tukwila community by creating a unique place to display, share, and protect historical items, as well as a place for citizens to gather and hold local events, Additionally, a partnership has been established with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Executive Director, Leonard Garfield. Mr. Garfield has agreed to become an advisor for this effort, making his expert staff available for consultation to the Tukwila Historical Society. The Tukwila Historical Society is also preparing to move forward on fundraising projects, with the intent of creating a Foster High School Scholarship and an annual donation fund to the Tukwila Food Pantry. Ms Jones -Brown indicated that many surrounding cities have an historical presence such as the Renton Historical Museum, the White River Museum in Auburn, the Des Moines Historical Museum, and the future Highline Historical Museum to be located in Burien. The former Tukwila City Hall has landmark status and would be an excellent choice to showcase Tukwila's history. Councilmember Hernandez inquired about whether the items at the facility are being stored in proper conditions. Mr. Brodin explained there had been some problems with moisture that have been resolved. Council President Robertson thanked Mr. Brodin and Ms. Jones -Brown for the excellent presentation. He would like this topic assigned to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee for staff to prepare an analysis of potential uses, to include costs and benefits. The Committee can then make a recommendation back to the full Council. Council consensus existed to forward the issue of potential uses for the former Tukwila City Hall to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. PROCLAMATIONS A proclamation recognizing Volunteer Week Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation recognizing April 19 -23, 2010 as National Volunteer Week in the City of Tukwila and encouraged all citizens to recognize the outstanding volunteer spirit that exists in the City of Tukwila Tracy Gallaway, Volunteer Coordinator, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for their support of the Volunteer Program. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 26, 2010 Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52 Avenue South, indicated she has reviewed the new proposed noise ordinance She explained that Tukwila has a unique blend of existing residences and businesses co- existing in harmony. She requested the Council consider a modification to address noise in areas that are residential but have been zoned as a commercial district. She explained that in 1979 her husband constructed their triplex in a residentially -zoned area within Tukwila, and a few years later the City re- zoned the area Office /Commercial. She feels "residential district" should be defined as anywhere in the City where there is residential use. Allowing facility maintenance noise beyond 10 p.m in a residential area, zoned commercial, is an unfair burden to those residents She feels this technicality could be remedied by extending the noise code to all residential uses, not just residential zoning. Ms. Zaputil said she agrees with the proposed notification regulations pertaining to variances, and that notifying citizens of noise issues after 10:00 p.m is a courtesy to the affected residents. Lynn Peterson, 15185 62 Avenue South, indicated he is concerned about the language relating to the definition of "plainly audible sound" and the use of a tape measure rather than a decibel meter. He feels it would be in the best interest of the City to utilize a decibel meter Aaron Hundtofte, 3723 South 126 Street, indicated he has reviewed the proposed noise code amendments and the proposed changes would be beneficial to the City and the residents 8:50 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES Page 5 of 11 a. Budget Revenue Options: Surplus City Property, Property Tax Levy Lid Lift, EMS Levy, Planning Fees, TBD Sales Tax, Utility Tax on City -owned utilities, Increase business license fees; Revenue generating regulatory license. Surplus Propertvj Mr Hunstock explained there are City -owned properties that have the potential to be surplussed, and other properties that are underutilized that could be sold or put to a different use Selling the surplus property could be accomplished with little cost and effort by City staff He stated there are two major decision points to this proposal' 1) whether to sell each particular property; 2a) if the decision is to sell, when should the sale take place, and 2b) if the decision is not to sell, is there a better use for the property than its current use. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained the City does not have an expressed policy relating to the disposal of City property Upon review of the property that staff has identified as surplus, the Council could move forward with possibly selling the property Staff would coordinate an appraisal process and provide those values to the Council at a later date The property value information provided in the agenda packet was received from the King County Assessor's Office. Council President Robertson explained the purpose of the discussion of these items is to provide direction to staff and the administration. Property No. 1 Old Fire Station 53. located at 12026 42 Avenue South: The building is vacant and the garage currently is used for Police evidence storage Lease and sale of the existing land and buildings are constrained by the existing non conforming use in a residential zoned area It would be possible that a short plat of three Tots could be sold for $150,000 each. Council President Robertson explained he would be in favor of selling the property if it were developed as residential. He indicated he would like to review an analysis of the value of the property in its current state and the value of the property if the buildings were demolished Councilmember Hernandez explained that since the building is not usable, it would be better served as three lots for residential development. Councilmember Quinn indicated he supports selling the property. However, the issue of the Police evidence storage is a very big part of the final decision. 12 Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 26, 2010 Page 6 of 11 After Council discussion, there was consensus to have staff complete an analysis for the recommendation of selling the land with the caveat that it be developed into a residential use. Prooertv No. 2 South 180 and West Valley Hiahwav: Currently, NC Machinery is utilizing this space as generator storage with a month -to -month agreement without compensation to the City After Council discussion, it was determined the property has no other uses, and the Council requested an analysis for the recommendation of selling the property. Prooertv No. 3 Old Newoorter Site located at 149xx and Tukwila International Boulevard: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained the property was intended as a relocation site for Northfield Carwash, and it is currently vacant. Adjoining property owners have contacted the City about potential uses for the parcel, and staff is performing an analysis on the value of selling the property alone and the value of the property if it were to be sold in conjunction with adjacent properties Councilmember Hernandez explained that selling this property would raise the most funds and would decrease the amount of tax increases. She would like to see an analysis of the potential of the property including the appraised value of the property Councilmember Quinn explained he would like more information about potential uses of the parcel and the possible development. The location of the parcel is on Tukwila International Boulevard and a great development could continue to revitalize the area, maintaining the City's vision for that part of the City. Council President Robertson indicated the location of the parcel is within walking distance of the light rail station He would like to have staff provide detailed information relating to the possible sale of the parcel There was Council consensus to have staff continue with an analysis on a the sale of the parcel Property No. 4 Old Tukwila City Hall former library building: Councilmember Quinn indicated the Council heard three possible uses for this building at the April 19, 2010 Regular Council Meeting. He explained he would like more information on other potential uses and funding for the facility. Councilmember Hougardy explained she would like staff to research other uses that include leasing the facility. Councilmember Hernandez explained this building is the only building that is on the National Historical Register, and she would like to review other potential uses for the facility After Council discussion, there was consensus for staff to continue analyzing potential uses for the site with lease options, and to remove the facility from the surplus property list. Property No. 5 located at 15421 42 Avenue South This single family residence is leased to the Way Back Inn as a transitional housing facility. One family is currently utilizing the residence. Council President Robertson asked how the Way Back Inn is able to utilize the residence Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, indicated the City has a lease with the Way Back Inn for three transitional housing sites within the City Volunteers from the Way Back Inn maintain each of the facilities The City is responsible for the utilities and those costs are funded through the Human Services budget. Currently, approximately $15,000.00 is budgeted for these types of expenses Property No. 6 located at 14688 Macadam Road South This duplex currently has one family in each unit. Families are allowed up to 90 days in the transitional housing through the Way Back Inn program Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 26, 2010 Page 7 of 11 After Council discussion, there was consensus to remove both of the properties from the surplus list and continue the transitional housing program with the Way Back Inn Council President Robertson summarized that there is Council consensus for staff to continue with analysis for the potential sale of properties no.'s 1 -3 The Council would like properties no 's 5 -6 removed from the surplus property list; and continuation of the analysis for the best use of property 4, which is the old Tukwila City Hail /former library building. He requested the administration provide a recommendation and analysis on the four projects to the Council no later than July 2010. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, explained the administration could provide a recommendation and analysis on the potential sale of properties number 1 -3 However, at the direction of the Council, it was determined that suggested uses for the old Tukwila City Hall /former library building would follow the Council process and be reviewed at the Finance and Safety Committee meetings Mr Lancaster explained that staff would try to meet the July 2010 deadline for a recommendation of potential uses for that facility Property tax Ievv lid lift: Mr Hunstock explained the proposal would be to increase property tax assessments through an increase in the City's property tax levy rate The City's current levy rate is $2.67 per $1,000 of assessed value The City's maximum allowable levy rate is $3 10, and an increase of $0 43 that would generate $2 1 million in additional revenue. Councilmember Ekberg asked if the Council would be required to set the duration for the levy lid lift. Mr. Hunstock answered in the affirmative Council President Robertson explained this item could increase revenue by $2 1 million, and he is in favor of considering a property tax increase. Councilmember Hernandez explained the voters would decide on this property tax increase, and she would be willing to explore this option Councilmember Duffie concurred with Ms. Hernandez. Councilmember Quinn explained he does not approve of this option that at this time. He would like this option returned after the Council has reviewed the possible service reductions. Councilmember Hougardy explained the Council would need to be able to explain why the increase is necessary. She suggested postponing the discussion on this item until there is a good answer to that question Council President Robertson stated the Council would need to provide direction to staff about how much of an increase they recommend and the duration of the lid lift. After Council discussion, it was determined staff would provide information on a $0.20 increase or $2.87 per $1,000.00 of valuation for discussion in January or February 2011. Council President Robertson explained there is Council consensus to keep this item on the list of potential revenue options for a future discussion Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Levy: RCW 84.52.069 allows for an additional regular property tax levy for emergency medical services of up to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. King County currently has a county -wide levy for EMS purposes. The City could assess $0.20 per $1,000 of assessed value that would generate approximately $1 million in revenue Council President Robertson asked whether the City could consider this option if the City participated in a Fire District. 13 14 Finance Safety Committee Minutes Aucrust 17, 2010 Paae 2 B. Voluntary Separation Program Staff is seeking Council approval of a draft resolution that approves and adopts a Voluntary Separation Program for the City including the draft program description, agreement for voluntary separation, and notice of revocation. The Voluntary Separation program is not a savings strategy, but is intended as an option for employee consideration in lieu of potential layoffs due to the City's current budget crisis. Staff explained briefly that employees will have a 30 -day window to review and apply for the program, and an additional 45 -day period for the employee to review and revoke their decision, as determined by the employee. Decisions regarding positions eligible for participation in the voluntary separation program will be determined by the City, and will be based on the likeliness that the position will not be filled in the foreseeable future. Staff noted that the separation incentives increase as employee longevity increases. Potential savings would be based on participants. The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed program. Due to time constraints involved with the employee review timeline as outlined above, staff is requesting this item go forward to the August 23 COW and the Special Meeting immediately following. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO AUGUST 23 COW FOR DISCUSSION. C. Potential Surplus City Properties Based on the request of the Council made at the April 26 Committee of the Whole meeting, staff has been researching potential opportunities for revenue generation based on the sale of surplus property currently owned by the City. Staff has completed evaluation of the property that currently houses the former Tukwila Library/City Hall building. Since this building is located on a single parcel that also houses Fire Station No. 52 and Hazelnut Park, consideration to surplus the land would require a short-plat, re- zoning, and Council review and approval. Additionally, the building is listed with National Historic Register which limits its use potential. High -level appraisal and evaluation, has led staff to recommend the City retain ownership of above mentioned property, and seek out the best possible use for this section of property and building for the community. The Committee was informed that the Tukwila Historical Society has an interest in utilizing the former Tukwila Library/City Hall building and would like to come forward to the City Council requesting permission for use. Based on tonight's Committee discussion and recommendation, and in consideration of the continuity and pattern of decision making, Committee Chair Quinn stated that it would be most appropriate for the Tukwila Historical Society request to be heard by the Finance Safety Committee. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO AUGUST 23 COW FOR DISCUSSION. D. Microsoft Enterprise Licensine and VoIP Telephone System Staff is seeking Council approval to utilize funds associated with the recent issuance of limited tax general obligation bonds for the purchase of emergency response capital equipment (see Council minutes dated July 19, 2010), specifically for the procurement of a Voice over Internet Protocol (Vole) Telephone System and a City -wide Microsoft Enterprise license. Mary Miotke began her presentation by providing new and clarifying information to the Committee which was made available after submission of the original memo: Clarification was made of the funding source as noted above; staff is not requesting additional funding for these purchases. Specific and accurate pricing is now available for the hardware requirements to implement these systems, and it reflects any savings, as appropriate. An item was added to the hardware category reflected as legal compliance for e -mail archiving.