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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-03 Regular MinutesCITIZEN COMMENT: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 3, 1998 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers REGIJLAR MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Rants called the regular meeting to order at 7:01 p.m., in Council Chambers, City Hall; and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Linder, Council President, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton and Dave Fenton. Councilmember Haggerton moved; Duffie seconded, to excuse Councilmember Mullet. The motion carried 6 -0. OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Bob Noe, City Attorney; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk, Alan Doerschel, Finance Director. Joanne McManus, 5610 133rd Street, noted 2,700+ cars a day go down her street. She and her neighbors are concerned with the volume of traffic as well as a plethora of crimes which occur in the area. Therefore, she spoke of a petition in support of closing the road. She has already gathered 50+ signatures in support thereof. She would like the support of Council and stated the safety of the children is imperative. Council President Linder assured Ms. McManus work is in progress for this area and action cannot be taken without a very careful analysis first taking place. Councilmember Fenton also noted police are more noticeably present than in the past. Councilmember Carter noted there are actually two problems with respect to this area crime and traffic. Ms. McManus argued there is only one issue the street remaining open, allowing so much traffic; thus, she's in favor of closing the street. This, in her mind, would solve the problem. Mayor Rants stated there are ramifications to this which the Council must address; i.e., if Council closes the street in question, what are they doing to another neighborhood? This is just one issue which must be considered. He understands and is sympathetic to the situation. Council does want to cure the problems. Continued discussion took place between Ms. McManus and various members of Council. All agreed there are problems and all agreed decisions must be made to improve the situation. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 Margaret Bratcher, 13003 56th Ave. So., spoke out of concern for the Foster Point neighborhood. She argued Mayor Rants' earlier statement that the area is a nice neighborhood. She said it may have been, but is not. The community members are trying to make it nice once again. She, too, spoke of the children in the area as well as senior citizens. The cars go altogether too fast and safety is a key factor. Councilmember Carter noted one item brought up at the Transportation Committee was a Safe Streets Campaign. This is a program which gathers neighbors together and informs property owners where their drug houses are (assuming they are rentals) and telling them they will be sued, in small claims court, due to the drug activity on the property. Our police department has information on this process. Council President Linder stated she did not see the Foster Point neighborhood on the list for the Night Out Against Crime scheduled for August 4; and noted this would be the perfect opportunity to meet the Councilmembers and Police as they visit various neighborhoods. She asked if they were to have a block party August 4. Ms. McManus stated she did not believe so. Many would be attending a previously scheduled picnic. Mayor Rants informed Ms. Bratcher she may attend the Finance and Safety Committee meetings or contact Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst, to receive updates on this situation. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Approval of Minutes: 7/6/98; 7/20/98 b. Approval of Vouchers: No's. 206413 206670 for $650,566.32 Councilmember Hernandez moved; Fenton seconded, approval of the consent agenda, as presented. The motion carried (6 -0). BID AWARDS: RESOLUTION #1403 A resolution waiving a minor irregularity in bids and awarding a bid for the nurchase of a backhoe loader to Smith Tractor Equipment Co.. Inc.. in the amount of 551.0.59.78. before taxes. Councilmember Carter moved; Duffie seconded, the proposed resolution be read by title only. The motion carried (6 -0). City Attorney Noe read the proposed resolution by title only Councilmember Haggerton moved; Carter seconded, approval of Resolution 1403, as read.* City of Tukwila Page 3 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 Councilmember Fenton asked for clarification on one point. Smith Tractor Equipment is a Kent -based company. NC Machinery is based in Tukwila. He asked why the bid was not awarded to NC Machinery. Mayor Rants stated it was a bid process and NC Machinery did not beat the bid of Smith Tractor Equipment. The differences are marked in the bid analysis which was provided to Council. Councilmember Carter explained the minor irregularity. City staff determined a gear type pump, instead of a piston type pump is insubstantial to the performance of the equipment. City Council can waive the minor irregularity in bids which are insubstantial variances and which do not provide an unfair advantage to any individual bidder. The best means for providing such a waiver is through Council's acceptance of the proposed resolution. *The motion carried (6 -0). OLD BUSINESS: Consultant Contract Amendment with Microflex for sales tax auditing (Contract #97 -069). Councilmember Haggerton noted the amendment to this contract represents a change from the way the City has approached the auditing in the past, where a percentage of monies found was paid to the consultant. Instead, the City will only pay a flat fee of $2,500.00 monthly to a maximum of $30,000.00. Councilmember Carter moved; Haggerton seconded, Council authorize the Mayor to approve the contract amendment for $30,000.00, for the period 7 -1 -98 to 6- 30 -99, to audit all sales tax transactions in Tukwila. The motion carried (6 -0). NEW BUSINESS: a. RESOLUTION #1404 A resolution rejecting all bids for a triplex greensmower. Councilmember Carted moved; Duffle seconded, the proposed resolution be read by title only. The motion carried (6 -0). City Attorney Noe read the proposed resolution by title only. Councilmember Haggerton moved; Fenton seconded, adoption of the resolution as read.* Councilmember Carter noted City staff had the low bidder bring the machinery on site for trial use. They decided the mower would be difficult to maintain and parts availability would be limited. For those reasons, staff recommends Council to reject all bids. Since then, staff has done additional research and learned another type of mower is available at a considerably lower City of Tukwila Page 4 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 price. Due to the reduced rate, staff would not have to re -bid the item. The City can obtain three quotes and select the lowest of those. If Council passes this resolution, all bidders would be notified of same. Council President Linder complimented staff for taking an affirmative step in realizing the mower does not fit the our needs. *The motion carried (6 -0). b. ORDINANCE #1845 An ordinance amending TMC Chanter 16.06 to adopt the 1997 edition of the Uniform Housing Code: revealing Ordinance 1738: providing for severabilitv: and establishing an effective date. Councilmember Duffie moved; Council President Linder seconded, the proposed ordinance be read by title only. The motion carried (6 -0). City Attorney Noe read the proposed ordinance by title only. Councilmember Duffie moved; Hernandez seconded, adoption of the proposed ordinance as read.* Councilmember Duffie noted this to be an item which is customarily updated every three years. Council President Linder noted there were only minor house keeping changes. *The motion carried (6 -0). c. ORDINANCE #1846 An ordinance amending TMC Chanter 16.16 to adopt the 1997 edition of the Uniform Fire Code. revealing Ordinance 1741. providing for severabilitv: and establishing an effective date. Councilmember Duffie moved; Hernandez seconded; the proposed ordinance be read by title only. The motion carried (6 -0). City Attorney Noe read the proposed ordinance by title only. Councilmember Duffie moved; Hernandez seconded; approval of the ordinance as presented.* Councilmember Duffie noted this, too, is an ordinance which must be updated every three years. Again, minor housekeeping changes were made. Councilmember Carted moved; Haggerton seconded, amending Item 17 from $25.00 to $50.00.* City of Tukwila Page 5 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 This item was an oversight and is be corrected to be in line with the Uniform Fire Code fee schedule. *The motion carried (6 -0). Clarification was sought by Councilmembers regarding various items contained in the ordinance. These items were for discussion purposes only and no action was taken as a result of said discussions. COIJNCIL REPORTS: Mayor Rants asked Finance Director Doerschel to provide Council with a financial update as it related to budget considerations in 1999. The mayor wanted to make clear there are no bundles of money coming through the City. He noted that pursuant to an earlier conversation with Mr. Doerschel, 1999 may mark the first year where the budget is actually level with that of a previous year. Mr. Doerschel began with a summary statement. He relayed 1998's actual year is a "stop the bleeding year." It's the first year revenues and expenditures will balance, or come very close thereto. In looking at the future planning model for the next five years, the City must add an average of $1.131 million per year, in new revenues, to the general fund, just to pay for existing personnel, services and items we currently maintain. This number equates to a 4% inflator. Councilmember Hernandez noted we are losing some sales tax revenue while remodeling is going on in downtown; but we'll also gain sales tax from the tenant improvements. She wondered how they balanced. Mr. Doerschel noted that hasn't come yet, and probably will not come to the City for approximately two months. Mayor Rants stated that our ability to predict revenues is often made difficult by actions contemplated or taken by the State Legislature that impact sales or property tax collections by cities. Councilmember Carter noted Councilmember Mullet wanted her to speak on sewers this evening. The committee wants to continue the process of assessing who has sewers, how much money is coming in, etc. The Committee has a desire to continue the process and thus, have asked staff for ways to continue putting in sewers. Councilmember Carter would also like to add another funding source parking tax. A tax usually not paid by the residents. This is a tax on paid parking. She stated that rather than waiting until additional lots are erected, we should start now, in anticipation of future lots. Council President Linder asked if research should be done and have the matter forwarded to Finance Safety Committee for consideration. Mayor Rants answered affirmatively. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 Mayor Rants noted the Japanese Sister City was here for the last four days. This was a cultural exchange versus economic. He thanked the Council for their help and support during their stay. The delegation flew to Disneyland this morning. He said some of the sights while touring with the Japanese were incredible. Council President Linder noted the Ikawa visitors stay was the most enjoyable experience she has ever had on the Council. Although scheduling did not permit her to serve as a host family, she will definitely go on the next trip to Ikawa. Councilmember Hernandez was happy to serve as a host. She learned much about the Japanese culture. She was very happy to tour with the visitors. There is much effort which goes into their stays with us. She was happy to be a part of it. Councilmember Duffie stated everyone involved did a great job. He especially thanked City Administrator McFarland for his outstanding work. He enjoys the visitors from Ikawa and looks forward to their next stay. Councilmember Duffle then noted he would like to see the names and /or pictures of those who served on the various committees contributing to the success of the Ikawa visit, in the next issue of the Hazelnut. This could serve as a nice memento when sent to those who came to visit. Councilmember Haggerton noted he had a Finance Safety Committee meeting this evening before the regular Council meeting. On the agenda was the 1999 budget discussion. Noteworthy was Mayor Rants' statement that the Sister Cities Committee may seek 501(C)(3) status. Councilmember Duffle reported an outstanding weekend with those from Ikawa. He noted much work went on behind the scenes for which Mr. McFarland should be recognized. He also complimented Jason Jones, Code Enforcement Officer, for being responsive to a recent complaint he made, which was promptly handled. Councilmember Hernandez reported a trip to Emerald Downs with her visitors from Japan. She actually won a drawing which allowed her and her guests into the Winner's Circle. She then noted August 1 was "Paint Your Heart Out Day" sponsored by REACH. Three residences were painted that day. The first home, in Allentown, belongs to Henrietta Senior, 12207 50th Avenue South. Her house was painted and steps re -built by the Tukwila Police Department. The second home, in the Cascade area, is owned by Daniel Right, 3250 So. 137th Street. The crew was from the City of Tukwila, including the Planning Department, St. Thomas and the Knights of Columbus, Habitat for Humanity, Blue Bells, Tukwila Human Services and volunteers from the Foster Community Club. The third home, off Ryan Way, owned by Jan Winjard is located at 4920 107th South. Finally, she noted the first official meeting of the Equity and Diversity Commission is Thursday, August 6, 1998, at 5:00 p.m., at Showalter Middle School. City of Tukwila Page 7 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 Council President Linder stated she was looking forward to the Night Out Against Crime, on August 4. She'll do a ride along with the Police Department. August 4 also marks the date of a Hotel /Motel Tax Advisory Committee meeting. She brought in an article from today's Seattle P.I. entitled What's in a Name? Resnectability Tukwila Hones. This article is related to the possible name change to Pacific Highway South. Finally, she thanked Ms. Lauterbach and Ms. O'Keefe for the fabulous job they did at the recent breakfast in honor of our friends from Japan. Councilmember Carter attended the Transportation Committee meeting last Tuesday, July 28. All items on the agenda were considered at this evening's meeting. Councilmember Haggerton noted one of tonight's Finance Safety Committee meeting items was the Water Quality staff position. The need for this position arises out of our involvement with the Endangered Species Act as it relates to salmon. This item is to be forwarded to the August 10, 1998, C.O.W. meeting. There is a person working in a contract position right now which expires in mid- August. That person fits all the requirements of the staff person making for a smooth transition. The second item was the 1999 Council Budget. The Sister Cities participation was one of the items thereon. He noted the State Auditor will not allow the Council to receive future Cost of Living Assessments. An update from Chief Haines revealed the cost of portable cameras is approximately $10,000.00 each. He noted the need to budget for maintenance of cameras to eliminate erroneous decisions. Finally, Councilmember Haggerton reported that for all of the functions over the past four days, Tukwila came off as classy and professional. He is certain we were viewed the same way by the Japanese. Everybody did a great job! Councilmember Fenton complimented the Mayor and his wife, Sarajane, for the fine job that they did on the Sister Cities Committee. It was a tremendous benefit to the City of Tukwila and Ikawa. He also congratulated John McFarland for the hard work he and his staff performed. He reported attendance at a Domestic Violence meeting on July 30, 1998, at the Community Center. The court process was explained and information was shared from a representative of the Victims Crime Assistance program. City Administrator McFarland noted an August 19, 1998, Youth Violence Summit will take place at the Community Center, to be sponsored by the Washington State Governor's Office. He then reported the U. S. Ambassador to Laos, Wendy Chamberlain, will be in town August 5, 1998, at the Jasmine Thai Restaurant. Congressman Smith's Office is coordinating the efforts. Lastly, he thanked everyone for their kind comments and expressions. He said it was indeed a team effort to make everything work so smoothly. Ms. Lauterbach and Ms. O'Keefe were a great help. He stated the positive outcome of the events are a representation of what a community can do when it comes together under a common purpose. City Attorney Bob Noe made no report. Councilmember Haggerton requested a blessing of Council to attend the National League of Cities, Fall Convention, December 1 5, 1998, in Kansas City. He has found some inexpensive City of Tukwila Page 8 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 3, 1998 flights to the convention site when he did his own pricing versus those suggested by the Convention Committee. Blessing and consensus of Council was given. Councilmember Duffie relayed he may be able to assist with lower ticket pricing. MISCELLANEOUS: Council President Linder asked if anyone had a report on the Ikawa Councilmember who did a ride -along with Tukwila Police from 4:30 a.m. to a time unknown. Mr. McFarland responded the Councilmember had a great time with no incidents occurring. They appreciated the ride along as well as the stops at many City facilities, including the fire stations. Council President Linder then asked where the Volunteer Coordinator position fits into the budgeting process. Mayor Rants replied that it is indeed part of the budget process. He said it isn't a new position, it's just not a hired position. Mayor Rants thanked the Police Department for their efforts for the cavalcade and the other things they did for us during the visit of our international guests. Finally, Council President Linder stated she would like to send a letter, on behalf of the Council, to the Police Guild, thanking them for their sensitivity during the visitors' trip to Tukwila. Consensus of Council is to send the letter. EXECIJTIVE SESSION: Item stricken. ADJOURNMENT: At 8:35 p.m., having no other business to come before the Council, Councilmember Fenton moved; Duffie seconded, adjourning the regular meeting. The motion carried (6 -0). e() ,adziL Johr(W. Rants, Mayor ckA,- Robert H. (Bob) Baker Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Approved:g 1:2 (4 /i t"