HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesMinutes of August 10, 1998 Page 1 of 9
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
August 10, 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 Duffie, Joan
Hernandez, Jim Haggerton, Dave Fenton, Pam Carter, and Steve Mullet.
OFFICIALS: John McFarland, City Administrator; Steve Lancaster, Director Community Development; Ross
Earnst, Public Works Director; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Administrator McFarland, speaking as a citizen, announced Friday, August 14, as the last working day of
Assistant Parks Recreation Director Evalyn Schultz. Evalyn is pursuing her dream of becoming a scuba diver
instructor in Maui. Bruce Fletcher is joining the staff as Evalyn's replacement. Administrator McFarland
thanked and acknowledged Evalyn's contribution to the City.
Councilmembers individually thanked Evalyn for her work for the City and especially her work on `Tukwila
Days' and coordinating the entertainment and wished her the best of luck in her new adventures.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
Joint Transit Advisory Commission Meeting: Director Lancaster said several months ago the City and Sound
Transit entered into an agreement that required a number of deliverables from the City in exchange for funding
assistance from Sound Transit concerning light rail. The four deliverables include the following:
1. The City's review of light rail station locations and their impact on the community, environment, and the
City's development plans. This review will occur through the City's involvement with the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project and staff anticipates some preliminary graphs and
other information by the end of this month. This is a preliminary draft of the EIS. After the Draft EIS is
issued in late November or early December, staff will work with the Transit Advisory Commission to
finalize the document.
2. The second deliverable is the market assessment. The market assessment identifies the areas along the
preferred alternatives that have the best potential for transit oriented development or other kinds of
benefits and contributions. Phase I of the market study will be reviewed more in depth by the consultant,
Crandall Arambula. Director Lancaster indicated it would be appropriate for the Council to take formal
action only after the EIS is issued.
3. Deliverable number three relates to station area planning which requires some policy decisions. The
station area planning will begin when Sound Transit identifies `locally preferred options.' The City can
then begin reviewing the routes and station locations with respect to land use planning for the areas they
have determined as `locally preferred options.'
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 2 of 9
4. Once the plans are developed, Council legislative action would be required to adopt any changes to the
Comp Plan and zoning codes resulting from land use changes.
Director Lancaster introduced consultants George Crandall, Don Arambula, and staff members Alice Strand and
Lynn Miranda who were hired to assist with the project.
Responding to Council President Linder's question concerning the release of the Draft EIS, Director Lancaster
said Sound Transit is providing staff an opportunity of reviewing the preliminary Draft EIS. Some sections for
review include noise, land use, and traffic. The Draft EIS is scheduled for release on November 30. The
preliminary date Sound Transit will determine the preferred options is March 11, 1999. Sound Transit staff may
also review the preferred options selections with City staff a month before the official announcement.
George Crandall explained the team structure, which included a specialist in market analysis and a traffic
transportation engineer along with staff and the project consultants. The fast track schedule began on June 1
and concluded July 17, 1998.
There are two parts to the market analysis. The first part consists of a straight market analysis where numbers
are compared. First, the transit corridor is identified with a 2,000 -foot "market" boundary on each side of the
corridor. Current population and employment figures are factored for the "market corridor" as they exist today.
Taking this information into account, the corridor is analyzed for future growth to year 2020 dependent on
regional growth projections and existing zoning for the corridor. Future population and employment are then
projected for 2020. This gives an overall snapshot of the future. Then, as potential transit stations are identified
within the area under existing zoning, potential for redevelopment in those areas around the transit stations are
examined and analyzed.
The second piece of the analysis is the planning aspect. It is characterized as a `consumers report' method of
evaluating the corridors and the potential for development around stations. This report assesses the potential
market of today and in the future if light rail is located within its corridor. The first task is to identify the ideal
transit station or TOD (Transit Oriented Development). The goal is to develop a neighborhood hub at the
station that would include local services such as a grocery store, retail, office, support services, and a
community gathering place. Within eight miles of the station, high density housing would be prominent at
approximately 40 units per acre. Within 1 /a mile of the station, density would be approximately 25 units per
acre. This would be the ideal TOD. Because of the density, the station would experience, in all probability,
high ridership, which is one of the major goals for locating a station in a specific location.
The next step is to determine how to evaluate an area for a station. In the planning analysis, the corridor is
identified and then divided into segments. Each segment is examined for its potential to locate a transit station.
It consists of a visual inspection by using aerial photographs and on site surveys. The site is then measured
using six criteria:
(1) What is the existing population within a 1/4 mile of the station?
(2) What is the potential for new development or redevelopment within 1/4 mile radius of the station?
(3) What is the potential for the area to contain a neighborhood hub space wise? Is there room for all
the required retail and services?
(4) What is the access? Can you get to the station from within the 1/4 mile radius? Is it convenient
and direct?
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 3 of 9
(5) What is the quality of the platform environment? Is it safe and secure?
(6) What intermodal connections are available?
The information is evaluated by a good, fair, or poor rating for each segment and graphically produced to more
effectively highlight the quality of each segment and the overall alignment and the best locations for transit
stations. Mr. Crandall said the information provides an accurate portrayal of the potential and explained how
the information is evaluated.
Mr. Don Arambula referred to the maps displaying three proposed alignments. They include Pacific Highway,
Martin Luther King, Jr, (MLK) and the Interurban alignments. The Pacific Highway alignment starts at the
Boeing Access Road continues along Pacific Highway and exits in the area of Highway 518. The MLK
alignment begins at the Boeing Access Road and follows along MLK and crosses over along the edge of the
City and toward Long Acres through South Center Mall and along Highway 518, exiting at Sea -Tac. The
Interurban alignment follows Interurban Avenue to Marginal Way, to Boeing then to Long Acres and South
Center Mall to Highway 518 and exits at Sea -Tac. Mr. Arambula said the data indicates that of the three
alignments, no single one is superior to the other and each of them has its own weakness and strength.
Individually, the Pacific Highway alignment has been determined not to be transit supportive in the northern end
of the route.
When the individual segments were analyzed, the areas with the highest potential occurred on the southern end
of the alignment near 144 152 and 154 Streets. With current conditions, these areas were deemed good but
not outstanding. In the MLK alignment, the northern end was also determined to be non transit supportive due
to its location and sparse population. However, transit opportunities were determined in the Long Acres and
the Interurban areas. The Interurban alignment is similar to the MLK alignment and shares many of the same
characteristics.
The next aspect of the evaluation was examining the same alignments in 2020. The three alignments improve
dramatically with the MLK and the Interurban alignments determined to be the best of the three.
Specific drawbacks in each area of study were examined. The Boeing Access Road was considered as a
potential intermodal station as part of the overall link to the transit system rather than a TOD. The area is very
difficult to get to by pedestrians or bicyclists and would be a challenge as a TOD.
The next area examined was 144 Street on the Pacific Highway alignment. Opportunities include existing
mixed uses that would support a TOD and established infrastructure. One drawback with the site is that it is an
auto oriented corridor and recently the City has encouraged this orientation through various policy decisions.
Policy decisions regarding business development would be required if this area is selected.
The benefit of 152 and 154 Streets is due to the proximity of SR518. At SR518, an intermodal station would
be ideal due to its location. Another development aspect involves the potential of creating a town center if the
144 and 152 Street stations are developed. The downfall is the current level of service of the roadways is
poor and adding two stations would create some traffic and pedestrian difficulties, which need to be considered
and analyzed.
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 4 of 9
The MLK and Interurban alignments are similar in alignment. At the Long Acres site, there would be a large
pool of riders since the area is a regional employment center. A commuter rail station combined with the large
employment numbers would strengthen transit oriented development. The challenge with the area is that it is
isolated and has fewer infrastructures.
Development of a station at either Strander or Baker Boulevards (South Center Mall area) would be strong due
to the proximity and activity occurring at the South Center Mall area. However, some infrastructure weaknesses
are noted especially for pedestrian traffic.
Mr. Crandall referred to chart on TOD profiles with light rail that identifies 144` 152 Baker and Strander
Boulevards, and the Boeing Access Road and reviewed potential development for the future at those stations.
The capacity under the existing zoning is one factor and the capacity under framework zoning is another.
Framework is a step up of the existing zoning. The area would be rezoned and rebuilt with new roads to create
a TOD site attractive to development. On Pacific Highway, there is the potential for more housing of up to
5,200 housing units in 2020. South Center however only shows an increase of housing units up to 3,000
housing units. However, considering employment population, a projected increase from 1,100 to 2,000 for the
Pacific Highway area pales in comparison to the increase from 12,000 to 17,000 or 18,000 in the South Center
area. Employment is substantially higher at the Long Acres and South Center locations. There is not a lot of
employment potential near the Boeing Access Road. The numbers are very general but provide an overall sense
of the magnitude of development that would need to occur. Add that to regional policies, citizen interests, and
where the City wants development to occur and the task becomes much more complicated. The other issue
concerns the ridership side and how the numbers translate into ridership. Sound Transit will be asking what
those numbers are as the process continues. The data shows that ridership is acceptable but none of the areas
indicates ridership would be exceptional.
Mr. Crandall provided the following answers to questions from Councilmembers concerning the study results.
The anticipated Boeing employment at Long Acres has been included in the employment projections for that
area. Tourism ridership does not significantly increase ridership numbers. The term `rail -modal split' means
the number of people who ride transit versus those who walk, drive, or bike. Amtrak, local commuter rail, and
the light rail system near Long Acres were identified in the study as an opportunity for a station site at Long
Acres in the analysis. A separate study was also completed on Amtrak at the Long Acres site.
Mr. Crandall said the information, in general, tends to be very abstract and the team has attempted to dilute the
abstractness by stating the rationale for either an evaluation or a rating. Discussion continued on the analysis
and how various factors, such as population, minorities, and employment was included and analyzed. Ridership
projections were discussed between the three alignments with Director Lancaster indicating Sound Transit
projected higher ridership for Interurban than for Pacific Highway. However, the model reflects that overall,
ridership would decrease in the Interurban area because of the delay going down Interurban.
John Welsh, a resident said he does not see the projected employment numbers for Boeing included in the
analysis. Director Lancaster said Boeing has reduced its plan for an employment base. The difference between
current and future (2020) potential reflect how important land use decisions and commitments occurs.
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 5 of 9
SPECIAL ISSUES
Water Oualitv Staff Position Endangered Species Act: Director Earnst indicated the memorandum
explains the need for the Water Quality/Fisheries Habitat Specialist position. The position would be located in
the Public Works Administration area and Public Works Coordinator Doug Micheau would be the supervisor.
At some point, the position would move into the surface water area as more information is gathered on water
quality requirements and issues resulting from the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Councilmember Haggerton questioned why the minimum qualifications only required knowledge of salmon
versus all types of fish. Director Earnst said the general principles apply to all fish.
Councilmember Carter asked what fund the contracted employee was being paid from. Director Earnst said the
contractor was funded from the Public Works Administration extra labor budget line and from some other
projects pertaining to surface water, such as the Riverton Water Quality Study. The new position will be
budgeted in 1999 and split between surface water and the General Fund.
Councilmember Hernandez said she was concerned about raising surface water rates to fund the position until
she learned that Tukwila's rates are a third of what King County charges.
Director Earnst said he envisions testing programs to be implemented for all outflows. At some time in the near
future, the City will have to determine specifically if there is contamination in the surface water, and if so,
determine where it is originating from. This implies the need for a testing program. Tukwila currently has one
stream gauge that includes an automatic sampler. More testing will be required at other outflow sites.
Councilmember Mullet asked how this would affect neighborhood ditches and streams. Director Earnst said he
anticipates a push to reduce the sediment loading and that it will probably be identified as the largest
contaminant source. Bypasses and regional detention will be examined in an effort to determine how to slow
the water down and cut the peak flow rate. However, streams need to remain viable for fisheries and others.
Some areas require restoration also.
Director Earnst said staff will have to review regulations and implement processes just to satisfy clean water
regulations. When the ESA becomes effective, the City will be required to consult with the National Marine
Fisheries for approval of the City's capital projects that may impact fish life.
Council President moved the request forward for City Council approval at the next regular Council meeting.
REPORTS
Councilmember Duffle attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee and reviewed the meeting
agenda. Items discussed included revisions to the Comp Plan amendment process. The Committee has
recommended several minor changes. The recreation fee policies were reviewed. Administrator McFarland
said some clarification was needed as to how the fees were structured. The Mayor sets the fees from the policy
approved by the Council. He indicated staff would be submitting additional information and a matrix to help
clarify how fees are established.
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 6 of 9
Duffie said other agenda items included a review of TMC Chapter 12.48 which prohibits the feeding by anyone
of wild animals in the City's parks and the possible name change of Pacific Highway to International Boulevard
and the public process that would occur.
Duffie mentioned that he would not be attending the August 17, City Council Meeting.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Community Affairs and Park Committee meeting and on Thursday,
August 6, Hernandez attended the first formal Equity Diversity Commission meeting with the full appointed
Board. Hernandez distributed copies of the Commission's meeting minutes and mentioned a guest who has
done some diversity work for Boeing attended and volunteered to record the minutes, in the absence of the staff
person.
Council President Linder reported that she attended the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting and that
Director Doerschel's predictions concerning tax receipts were on target. Two new members representing
Embassy Suites attended the meeting. Linder said the hotel accounts for 68% of the lodging tax receipts for the
City. The Chamber submitted a contract to the Committee that will be reviewed at the next meeting scheduled
in two weeks. Linder said she has indicated to the Committee that Tukwila's perspective is to promote Tukwila
as a destination and to change or improve the City's image, to diversify the use of the lodging tax, and take
advantage of local expertise, i.e., the Chamber, The Lodging Committee, and Tourism. Tourism has submitted
a proposal that includes attending several tourism tradeshows from Canada to Portland. Linder said it is also
important to collaborate with Sea Tac, Kent, and Renton and approach tourism from a regional aspect versus a
local aspect. Linder will continue to pursue meeting with the other jurisdictions.
Linder attended the Night Out Against Crime event on August 4. This year she rode with Police Officer Partlow
and was able to visit several locations and spend some quality time with local residents. She said she heard
many positive things about Tukwila Police Department from residents.
Linder will attend the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 11.
Councilmember Carter referred to the Sister City visit and mentioned that a resident remarked that she was
able to meet local Tukwila residents by attending the Sister City social events.
Carter also attended the Night Out Against Crime event and rode with Officer Richardson.
Carter attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting.
Carter mentioned her concern regarding RTA's proposed operations and maintenance facility site. One of the
proposed sites would be located where the Seattle Firing Range now exists. Carter spoke with the Captain of
the Training Division of the Seattle Police Department who has indicated Seattle, the Association and the RTA
have met concerning this issue and that the Association is opposed to any movement by the RTA to consider the
site for its facility. Carter said she was told that imminent domain cannot be enforced between two government
entities.
Administrator McFarland agreed that there is an issue concerning imminent domain but there is also the issue of
essential public facilities under the Growth Management Act that needs to be resolved. Administrator
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 7 of 9
McFarland indicated there are a number of things Seattle wants from RTA and the firing range could be the
sacrifice worth giving up to obtain them. Currently, there are several restrictions concerning range operations
such as hours of operation and types of weapons they can use.
Councilmember Haggerton said he missed the Night Out Against Crime event due to a meeting conflict.
Haggerton attended an ACC meeting on August 5. An Executive Committee Retreat for ACC has been
scheduled for August 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Haggerton complimented the new Deputy City Clerk for the promptness in producing the meeting minutes. He
said he also received a comment from a citizen concerning the timeliness of minutes being posted on Tukwila's
Home Page. Councilmembers indicated that an approval cycle is necessary prior to the publication of meeting
minutes and is the primary reason for the delay in posting to the Home Page.
Haggerton noted for the record that Sound Transit would be mistaken if they overlooked or did not consider the
number of tourists as it relates to ridership in Tukwila.
Councilmember Fenton also attended the Night Out Against Crime on August 4. He said it was a real
revelation for him and an opportunity to meet citizens. Fenton visited a half dozen or more housing complexes,
enjoyed meeting with people, and listening to some of their concerns.
On August 5, he visited several families at the Foster Point neighborhood to discuss their concerns with traffic
and crime. Residents complimented Councilmember Duffie for his participation in a neighborhood block watch
meeting. Some residents are now rethinking the issue of blocking 56 Avenue. The police and fire departments
have expressed some concerns with the possible blocking. Fenton said he is personally aware of the traffic and
running of the stop sign and a number of residents are suggesting converting the road to a one -way street.
Fenton indicated he wasn't sure what the answer was but felt the visit was good to gain an understanding and
perspective from the residents' point of view.
STAFF
Administrator McFarland said the City was notified that it is the recipient of the King County Green Works
Award (a commercial award). The presentation will be made upon the Mayor's return.
McFarland referred to a letter from Richard and Bonnie Johnson regarding the encroachment on their property.
McFarland said their property has been restored and completed to the satisfaction of the Johnson's.
McFarland cautioned the Council regarding a letter from Jim and Stephanie Amaradie regarding the Crestview
Park and that the matter may become a potential quasi judicial process. Staff is sending a letter to the
Amaradie's advising them not to communicate with the Council concerning the issue and why. The SEPA
responsibility belongs with the school district and the water district.
A letter of support was received from Terry Anderson expressing his support of renaming Pacific Highway 99 to
International Boulevard. McFarland will copy Councilmembers with the letter.
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 8 of 9
McFarland said staff is planning a Highway 99 community dialog by having a dessert potluck in the second
week of September at the Foster High School Commons. The review and discussion would focus on
development plans along Highway 99 and what the community's vision is and what would they like to see occur
that is consistent with the revitalization efforts along Highway 99. Several developers have indicated they are
also attending.
An open house is scheduled at the Foster High School Commons for August 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on
August 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the sign amortization amendments.
McFarland indicated he received some information from the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA)
concerning the recent State Supreme Court ruling against Spokane Councilmembers concerning some land use
decisions. McFarland provided a brief summary of the issues and said he would schedule, at some time in the
future, a briefing by WCIA on Councilmember liabilities, legislative actions, roles, and responsibilities.
Recent complaints have been received from citizens regarding airport trucks hauling dirt to the third runway
project at Sea Tac Airport. Trucks are not permitted on Southcenter Boulevard or 154 Citizens should
attempt to identify the license number of the trucks that are not complying with the roadway ban and report
them to the Public Works Director at Sea Tac. McFarland has discussed the issue with the Director. They will
contact the contracted hauler and correct the situation. Information concerning the truck ban will be published
in the next edition of the Hazelnut. A citizen in the audience also complained about the trucks. McFarland said
he would contact Sea Tac to insure that the issue is being addressed.
The City received the results of the annual audit by the State Auditor's Office. The City of Tukwila has an
admirable record of legal compliance with state and federal laws and its own policies and procedures and has
continued to improve its internal controls and to seek guidance on these matters from the State Auditor's Office.
It's financial reporting process, as always, is timely and accurate. It is committed to serving its residents in the
most cost effective manner and dedicated to the accurate and timely financial reporting, etc.
McFarland concurred with Councilmember Haggerton's suggestion to publish the findings in the Hazelnut
newsletter.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Duffie complained about a garbage truck parked on Interurban. Council President Linder said
she has reviewed the concern with the Code Enforcement Officer and was informed the truck could be parked
up to 72 hours legally. She indicated the people are aware of the regulation and most likely move the truck after
70 hours to prevent ticketing.
Councilmember Hernandez also participated in the Night Out Against Crime event. She marched in the
Candlelight parade. She will also be attending a REACH and Chamber meeting during the week
Councilmember Carter said the Friends and Family event is scheduled for October 28, 1998. She also attended
the Puget Sound Fresh Luncheon at one of the wineries last week.
Minutes of August 10, 1998 Page 9 of 9
Council President Linder said during the Night Out Against Crime she asked Officer Partlow to drive his
unmarked car through the Foster Point neighborhood to see if any traffic infractions were occurring. None
occurred during his patrol through the area.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Haggerton moved, seconded by Councilmember Duffle, to adjourn the meeting at
9:18 p.m. Motion carried.
Pamela Linder, Council President
Rce P II. L,id OhiLk
Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary