HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-04 Regular MinutesMinutes of 5/4/98 Page 1 of 6
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Rants called the Regular Meeting to order and led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL: Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Council President; Steve Mullet, Pam Carter,
Jim Haggerton, Dave Fenton.
OFFICIALS: John McFarland, City Administrator; Bob Noe, City Attorney; Rhonda Berry, Assistant
City Administrator; Ross Earnst, Public Works Director; Don Williams, Parks and Recreation Director;
Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator; Records Manager Rosa Krows, Police Department; Lucy
Lauterbach, Council Analyst; Jane Cantu, City Clerk.
PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Rants read a proclamation designating the week of
May 3 -9 as Drinking Water Week in the City of Tukwila, and urged all citizens to get involved in local
water issues so that citizens can continue to have a safe and dependable supply of water both now and in
the future.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions:
Community Oriented Policing Board
•John Houde, Pos. #2; term expires 3/31/02
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
May 4, 1998, 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Moved by Hernandez, seconded by Fenton, to confirm the appointment of John Houde to Position
#2 on the Community Oriented Policing Board. Motion carried (7 -0).
Sister Cities Committee: Mayor Rants requested that the appointment of Barry Turnbull to Position #5
be withdrawn to allow for appropriate discussion at a future COW meeting. It was the consensus of the
Council to forward this issue to the May 11th Committee of the Whole meeting for further
consideration.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Violet Buchanan, 12560 51st Place South, commented that she is
opposed to Burlington Northern route proposal which will divert traffic away from 124th and route it to
48th. She said if 48th is used it would mean she will have to sell her home. She said she will not sell.
She said she doesn't understand why the traffic couldn't be routed to 112th.
Mayor Rants responded that the City will continue to discuss this issue with citizens concerns in mind.
Dottie Anderson, 12533 51st Place South, commented that area in question is a residential area and she
wants to keep it that way.
Cathy Katts, 12529 51st Place South, commented that the property Burlington Northern plans to
purchase is directly across from her home. She said she was told prior to buying her home that anyone
Minutes of 5/4/98
who bought that property would have to keep it strictly residential. She said she wouldn't have bought
the property otherwise.
Karen He lde, 12537 51st Place South, commented that because of the diesel fuel odor, she's concerned
about her property value.
Frank Avery, 12537 51st Place South, said he also opposes Burlington Northern route along 48th
Avenue South.
Mayor Rants thanked the citizens for their comments and informed them that there will be more
opportunities for them to voice their concerns.
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Public Works Director Ross Earnst explained the process involved to pursue this project: 1)
Notification must be received that the T.I.B. grant funds have been approved; 2) Public Works staff will
negotiate a design report and design contract; 3) Forward to Council for discussion with recommended
alternatives 4) Council decide on how they wish to proceed with the recommendations schedule a public
hearing date, etc. 5) Notify affected property owners of public hearing date and their prospective
options.
Councilmember Mullet clarified that this project doesn't require large property acquisition.
Dwight McLean, 13015 38th Avenue South, Co -Chair of the Highway 99 Action Committee, informed
the Council that he and the Committee had completed the task of removing the unsightly billboard from
the Highway 99 area and disposed of it by using the City's free dump coupon.
McLean also announced that the litter patrol unit has scheduled the date of May 9, 9:00 a.m. for picking
up litter from the Derby Tavern to approximately 130th.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Vouchers: Nos. 204746 204988 in the amount of $340,866.02
b. Approve the renaming of old Tukwila Community Center site to Riverton Park.
c. Accept as complete the Community Center frontage improvements /S. 124th St. /42nd Ave. S.
construction project with Scoccolo Construction, Inc.; authorize release of retainage. (Final cost
of project: $522,698.23.)
Moved by Hernandez, seconded by Duffle, to approved the consent agenda as submitted. Motion
carried (7 -0).
PUBLIC HEARING
The proposed use of 1998 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) funds to reduce crime
and improve public safety.
Mayor Rants opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Minutes of 5/4/98 Page 3 of 6
Tukwila Police Department's Records Manager Rosa Krows explained that the grant in the amount
of $55,773 was awarded October 1, 1997. She said one of the special conditions prior to the obligation
and expenditure of these funds is holding at least one public hearing regarding the proposed uses of the
grant funds. Another condition was to establish an advisory board as follows: Representatives from
local police department, Lt. Dave Haynes; local prosecutor's office, Bob Noe; local court, Amy Bell;
local public school system, Dr. Horst Momber; and local religious group, Dave Lundsford.
Mayor Rants closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m.
Rants thanked the Police Department LLEBG Committee for their effort in pursuing these types of
grants, which in turn help defray some of the costs associated with the City's overall budget.
OLD BUSINESS
Accept Community Development Block Grant pass through status; approve current strategies;
designate $79,369 to the housing repair fund. Mayor Rants explained that the Council must review
local strategies and accept pass- through status in order to receive CDBG funds. Council must also
indicate a rough estimate of housing repair funds for 1999.
Moved by Mullet, seconded by Carter to receive the CBDG pass- through funds, accept the local
strategies as shown in tonight's Council agenda packet and discussed at the April 27, 1998;
Allocate funds to human services, and planning and administration, and estimate that Tukwila will
spend approximately $80,000 in 1999 housing repair. Motion carried (7 -0).
Approve final list of park improvements to old Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Duffie
explained that this issue had been discussed at the April 13th Community Affairs and Parks Committee
meeting, and the committee agreed to accept the Parks Director's recommendation to consider the
following: picnic shelter and 4 tables; Irrigation for upper park; and asphalt walking path for upper park
totaling $50,000.
Moved by Duffie, seconded by Hernandez, to approve final list of park improvements to old
Tukwila Community Center.*
Councilmember Hernandez commented that the Community Affairs and Parks Committee agreed that the
covered picnic shelter would be located on 131st upper level instead of next to Macadam Road.
*Motion carried (7 -0).
NEW BUSINESS
Transit Advisory Commission recommended light rail alternatives for study in the Sound Transit
Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Public Works Director Ross Earnst commented that The
Tukwila Transit Advisory Commission has considered numerous alternatives and a vast amount of
information during the past nine months in preparing to make a recommendation regarding link light rail
alternatives. The Advisory Commission finalized their recommended alternatives on April 22nd.
Minutes of 5/4/98 Page 4 of 6
Former Councilmember Allen Ekberg commented that the Transit Advisory Commission has reached a
milestone in the course of deliberations regarding the proposed Sound Transit Link Light Rail
alternatives that traverse and serve the City of Tukwila. The focus thus far regarding link light rail has
been to consider and screen numerous alternatives and options resulting in a recommendation of the
alternatives that should be given further evaluation and analysis in the Sound Transit Draft
Environmental Impact Statement. He said the Advisory Commission understands that the Council will
consider this recommendation when their comments are submitted to the Sound Transit Board in time for
the May 8, 1998 deadline.
Ekberg said the Commission is extremely supportive of link light rail as an element of an integrated
transportation system that will serve the Puget Sound region including Tukwila. Also, per Council
request, the Sound Transit staff has agreed to include the study of an elevated alignment for the entire
Pacific Highway alignment. This would elevate the station and the track along the total Pacific Highway
alignment. With this in mind, the Commission proposes the following alternatives: 1) Interurban
Avenue that follows Baker Boulevard and Tukwila Parkway through the Central Business District with
stations at the Boeing Longacres Commuter Rail/Inter -City Rail station and in Tukwila Urban Center; 2)
Martin Luther King Way that follows Strander Boulevard through the CBD with stations at Boeing
Longacres Commuter Rail/Inter -City Rail station and in the CBD; 3) Pacific Highway with stations at
Boeing Access Road and in the vicinity of South 144th Street; 4) Pacific Highway alignment elevated
for the entire length along the highway.
Ekberg said the Commission feels the Interurban Avenue and Martin Luther King Way alternatives,
while apparently somewhat more costly than the Pacific Highway alternative, meet the goals, strategies,
and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan and the region's Vision 2020.
Mayor Rants stated that in his draft response (in tonight's agenda packet) to the Sound Transit Board, he
addressed the issues of Vision 2020, economic development, town center, job supply, and housing
supply in hopes that these issues would be included in the Environmental Impact Statement; otherwise,
the Pacific Highway 99 route will not serve the City's ultimate purpose. Rants shared a portion of
Dwight Pelz's letter addressed to Bob Drewel, Chair, Sound Transit Board, as follows: "I will not be
able to attend your May 14th meeting so I would like to request in writing a couple of points for
consideration by the Board: evaluate all three of Tukwila's options. The City of Tukwila makes a strong
case that link rail should travel to the Southcenter area." Rants also pointed out supporting comments
from several other city officials.
Councilmember Fenton asked if the Transit Board were going to make a decision based on facts
presented on paper or will they be willing to discuss Tukwila's issues with a City representative one -on-
one.
Ekberg responded that Public Works Director Ross Earnst is diligently trying to schedule him (Ekberg)
on the Sound Transit Board members' May 14th agenda so that a voice for the City may be heard.
Ekberg says Kirstine Whisler is in attendance at a public meeting with Sound Transit tonight
representing Highway 99 Action Committee. Tomorrow night, May 5, Sound Transit will hold another
public meeting. He encouraged the Council to send a representative, if possible.
Minutes of 5/4/98
REPORTS
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Council consensus: After reviewing the Mayor's Draft Letter to the Sound Transit Board, regarding the
City's position on the proposed link light rail route alternatives, it was the consensus of the Council to
send the letter as it appeared in tonight's Council agenda.
Mayor Rants reported he met with Ron Sims this morning and discussed Regional Governance, Regional
Transit Authority (RTA), and proposed annexation areas (PAA) issues.
Councilmember Duffie reminded everyone to vote on the school levy on May 19th. Duffie also reported
that he had received complaints about heavy traffic and parking problems on 53rd at Foster Park during
special sports activities.
Mayor Rants commented that the Parks and Recreation Director Don Williams has brought this issue to
the attention of the Soccer Association. The meeting resulted in the association rescheduling a staggered
schedule so that all the teams don't arrive at the same time. A car -pool schedule and other measures
have been worked out to help alleviate the problem on 53rd.
Councilmember Hernandez reported she attended the Community in Action Breakfast on April 29th to
benefit the Tukwila School District, the Adult Literacy Program and Highline College. Sheriff Dave
Riechart was the guest speaker. Councilmember Carter also attended. Hernandez also attended a
Suburban Cities Association meeting the same evening. She attended an open house for Primerica
Financial Services on May 2nd. Hernandez announced that the Equity and Diversity Commission will
meet on May 7th at 5:15 p.m.
Hernandez asked that her "bio- page" on the City's homepage be corrected to reflect the appropriate
meaning of the acronym REACH to read Regional Efforts to Achieve Community Housing
instead of Affordable Housing.
Councilmember Mullet reported he attended an alternative water meeting on April 29th.
Councilmember Carter reported that May 1 was Young Author's Day at Tukwila elementary schools.
Carter announced that on Saturday, May 9, the Foster Community Club will be cleaning up the grounds
of the Foster public library. Also reported, Tukwila School District Appreciation Night is scheduled for
Tuesday, June 2.
Councilmember Haggerton reported he will attend an ACC meetings on May 6th and on Saturday, May
9th. He will also attend the Suburban Cities meeting on May 13th. Haggerton also reported on the May
4th Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Regarding the Pyramid Point fire, Haggerton reported that
Chief Keefe stated the fire was arson and that potential suspects have been identified.
Councilmember Fenton reported he attended the Apartment Manager's Network meeting earlier this
evening.
Assistant City Administrator Rhonda Berry reported that the Spring Cleanup was completed on May 3rd.
Approximately 810 dump passes were distributed through the City Clerk's office as compared to 857
passes issued lasted year. Final reports will be given to Council as soon as they are available.
Minutes of 5/4/98
(8:37 n.m.) ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Duffle, seconded by Hernandez, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
John Wants, Mayor
/-7
_A' e
.-/IcCeliaSquare, Deputy Cfty Clerk
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