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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesSPECIAL PRESENTATION: MAYOR'S 1999 BUDGET MESSAGE. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 12, 1998 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council President Pamela 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, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and Dave Fenton. OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Vicki Witschger, Director of Administrative Services; Kathy Rohlena, Personnel Analyst; Deb Ritter, Associate Planner; Michael Jenkins, Assistant Planner; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; and Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst. Mayor Rants said the proposed 1999 Budget does not require a significant shift in funding from capital and operations and maintenance and reflects necessary adjustments resulting from prior years budget constraints and emerging regulatory issues such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The budget also accounts for the continued growth and complexity of the City's service demands. The budget maintains the framework of past fiscal policies, and as shown in Attachment A of the Six -Year Planning Model, there is sufficient revenue projections to support both O &M requirements, as well as capital needs as presented in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Revenues from the two primary sources of revenue property tax and sales tax have stabilized. Prior to the annexation years, the City dedicated 50% of sales tax revenues for capital projects. In recent years, this percentage has eroded to 13 In 1999, sales tax revenue funding will increase to 17% for capital projects. Although the difference may not seem substantial, it does represent an important milestone, in that, this is the first time it has increased in the last five years. Revenue sources are increasing for fees for services, gambling taxes, and other small revenue sources. Although not included in the proposed budget, the City is considering a 1 /4 percent real estate excise tax increase to support a bond issue and a parking tax to support transportation efforts. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 12 October 12, 1998 Significant changes in the 1999 proposed budget include the addition of 11 new positions to the budget; most of which are funded by new revenues, decreased expenditures, or with Enterprise Fund revenues. The positions include: Code Enforcement Specialist to be paid for by new fees. Recreation Coordinator and Administrative Clerk funded by additional revenues, reduction of extra labor, and a 3 /4 time position reduction. Permit Technician position added to support the development element of the permitting processes. Additional permit fees revenues would pay for this position. Crime Analyst for Police Department grant funded through July 1999 and is recommended for City funding when grant expires. Street Utility Worker to handle the extra street maintenance backlog. Water Quality Fisheries specialist to respond to the requirements of the ESA. Need to be prepared and protect what happens. Surface Water Utility Worker help manage ongoing requirements of surface water. Economic Development Marketing Coordinator paid by hotel /motel tax fund. In addition to personnel recommendations there are several other items that affect the proposed budget. They include: Jail costs increase of $200,000 staff is working on procedures to reduce cost increase. The proposal reflects the additional amount as a contingency. Self- insured medical costs increase in the General Fund alone by $283,000. This reflects new positions added, but more significantly, premium increases. Salary settlements and step increases contribute about $600,000 to the base cost increase that must be absorbed. This amount represents approximately 27% of the total increase in 1999. There are a number of other issues which impact the expenditure side of the 1999 budget in the Six -Year Planing Model such as Sound Transit decisions, continued support of the Airport Coalition and participation in economic development initiatives. The ESA has yet to show its full impact. The City is attempting to address the most immediate needs with the hiring of the water quality specialist, but will have to do more in this area as the full impact of the ESA is felt. On the revenue side, the City continues to work with Seattle over their policies on the collection of utility taxes within the community. The City does not have any plans to levy a tax on its citizens. Current practice precludes the City from any reasonable consideration of this option in the future. The General fund analysis detail is provided on the attached 1999 expenditure summary sheets. In addition to the Contingency Fund, the ending fund balance of $655,000 is reasonably healthy. However, this balance is spread over a Six -Year Planning Model to allow it to balance and is not available for expenditure on new programs. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes For the first time in several budget cycles, revenue growth is exceeding the inflationary growth of the City's fixed costs. At the same time, demand for services continues to grow in numbers and complexity. The City must be cautious when identifying new programs and projects that will result in an outpacing of its revenues. Mayor Rants said the 1999 proposed budget achieves the objectives and meets some of the more critical needs that have been increasing within the past few years. The City has also avoided imposing some of the more traditional revenue builders such as utility taxes and business and occupation taxes. Mayor Rants asked for the Council's support of the proposed budget and noted a public hearing is scheduled for November 23, 1998. Administrator McFarland distributed a copy of the 1999 proposed budget and C.I.P. to Councilmembers. Council President Linder recommended dividing the proposed budget for review by Council Committees. CITIZEN COMMENT: Warren Wing. 11850 42nd Ave. South. Tukwila. thanked the Council for a birthday card he received. He then referred to a questionnaire concerning changing the name of Pacific Highway. He indicated he would prefer that it remain the current name and recalled incidents that occurred when the highway was first opened in July 1928. Renaming it to International Boulevard does not acquaint it with Tukwila and he is pleased to see some development improvement occurring along the highway. PUBLIC HEARING: AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A LOCAL OPTION TRANSPORTATION TAX ON COMMERCIAL PARKING IN THE CITY AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 3.25 OF THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE IMPOSITION OF A LOCAL OPTION TRANSPORTATION TAX ON COMMERCIAL PARKING IN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Page 3 of 12 October 12, 1998 Council President Linder opened the public hearing and swore in individuals wishing to testify. Director Doerschel said the City Council is considering a parking tax on all commercial parking lots and commercial parking where fees are charged to park. It excludes tenants. It mainly applies to lots providing airport parking. The purpose of the tax is to generate revenue for improvements of major public streets. Initial projected revenue is approximately $86,000 per year. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 12 October 12, 1998 Councilmember Haggerton said the Finance and Safety Committee has reviewed the parking tax request and recommends approval of same. Dwight McLean. 13015 38th Ave. South. Tukwila, indicated his perspective is based on his involvement on Pacific Highway. He mentioned that some score keeping is warranted regarding the highway and pointed to the fact that the Comprehensive Plan resulted in down zoning and rezoning of the highway. It was rezoned Neighborhood Commercial and specifically targeted the banning of airport parking. It was not considered a viable alternative. The neighborhood effort increased setback requirements and continues to do so with upcoming zoning changes that are being proposed. The sign issue was examined and a proposed sign code is in process to bring Pacific Highway into conformance with the rest of the City. He indicated that not all of these changes are necessarily detrimental and he supports many of them, however, through these changes, many restrictions have been imposed on property owners. The price tag for using these properties has risen. Now, the City wants to impose an additional parking tax. Mr. McClean said it seems like the City is attempting to model its fees from what SeaTac is imposing. He said the City should reconsider and not continue to burden businesses along the highway with yet another tax. Councilmember Haggerton noted the tax was not specifically targeted to businesses along Pacific Highway. The tax applies to all commercial parking lots within the city. There being no further public testimony, Council President Linder closed the public hearing. Councilmembers concurred to refer the request to the Council's next regular meeting on October 19. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Non Renresented Performance Management System: Director Witschger referred to the performance evaluation manual for the non represented employees. Last fall when staff was working on the non represented salary study a merit element was included. To complete the process, staff conducted a planning process to develop and implement the performance system. A committee of representatives from non represented employees was established within the different position levels from A to F. They were involved in discussions on whether to start a system from scratch, consider the current system, or combine all options and see what could be developed. The initial decision determined the present system was not necessarily broken, but could be improved and enhanced to be more effective. The committee designed the manual and the accompanying forms. All non represented employees received a copy and provided input. The Finance and Safety Committee reviewed the manual last week. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 12 October 12, 1998 Director Witschger reviewed the elements of the performance evaluation process. The process identifies the necessary steps of the performance review program. They include performance planning, managing, and the actual appraisal. The performance planning aspect identifies what the desired performance is between the supervisor and the employee. The managing of the performance is accomplished on a consistent basis during the review year and involves reviews of goals and plans that were committed to at the beginning of the review period. The performance appraisal consists of two parts. The first part reviews and rates the last year. This lays out the system for the next year's process. This system incorporates a six -month evaluation. The first six months are evaluated; and at the end of the year, a final evaluation covers the entire one -year period and is the basis to consider the merit component Goals are generally long -range and smaller elements of those goals could be considered within the framework of the review year. There may be goals that cover several years. Supervisors would take different segments of that and work with the employee as a performance expectation. Performance expectation should be clear and should be within the short-range targets that fit within the long -range goals. Standards of performance should be what is the minimum level of acceptable performance is for a particular goal. They should be attainable, specific, pertinent, and measurable for the employee. Sometimes people have difficulty in understanding this concept and samples are included in the manual. All supervisors and employees will undergo training. Employees need to know what the expectations are; and the supervisors as well as knowing the expectation, should also know what they are doing when rating employees. Some of the common errors when rating employees include the "halo affect" where supervisors rate employees too high in all categories when they may be outstanding in only a few. Another common error is to rate the employee below normal due to recent below average performance and not considering the performance for the entire period. Yet another is where the supervisor rates the employee as average or meets expectations because they have not taken the time to do a thorough evaluation. General information concerning how to conduct review and appraisal sessions is included to give supervisors information on structuring communication with employees, implementing the planning process, and understanding the importance of being prepared when conducting a session. The manual contains instructions for completing the process and forms. It includes a general overview of the evaluation forms. The form incorporates different aspects, some because of City Council and Administration direction. There are specific goals that an employee should complete within a specific period. Equal weight is also factored for daily operations, so employees do not lose focus of daily operational requirements. There are four ratings for performance and they include "Outstanding," Exceeds Standards," Meets Standards." The evaluation form includes three columns for the first, second, and overall review. An evaluation form is also included for management level E F positions. This form is designed to City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 12 October 12, 1998 include different management functions in the job and areas of responsibility and general performance elements. Performance evaluations are due 15 days after the completion of the employee's six -month review period. The final rating will determine if a merit increase is recommended for the employee. In response to Councilmember Duffle's question concerning an employee's disagreement with the rater, Director Witschger said the review process includes a review by supervisor and a review of the evaluation by the supervisor's manager and then by Personnel. It is recommended that discussions take place to determine if a review should be conducted by the rater or the reviewer before an employee evaluation. Director Witschger answered Councilmember questions concerning subjectivity versus objectivity concerns with the evaluation process. Managers are responsible for insuring evaluations are completed on time. Director Witschger said the new system would become effective January 1, 1999. Training of supervisors and employees is being scheduled to insure everyone is trained and informed on the new performance evaluation system. Director Witschger said the system would be evaluated to insure it is meeting the City's needs. Councilmember Haggerton said the Finance and Safety Committee supports the proposed program and supports the six -month review schedule. b. Ordinance amending the current Sign Code: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING AND REPEALING PARTS OF ORDINANCE NO. 1274, AND AMENDING PARTS OF ORDINANCE NOS. 1768 AND 1792 AS CODIFIED AT TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 19, SIGN CODE; CREATING A STAGED COMPLIANCE SIGN AMORTIZATION PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR A LANDMARK SIGN EXEMPTION PROCESS; AMENDING DECISION REVIEW PROCESSES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director Lancaster said the proposed ordinance by the Planning Commission would, over a period of several years, bring non conforming signs in compliance with the City's sign code. He indicated the issue has been examined and discussed for some time. The Tukwila Tomorrow (group) was instrumental in the City's initial adoption of a sign code in 1995. Since then, various options have been discussed to establish a fair and flexible system for sign owners to comply. The Planning Commission's proposed recommendation is fair and provides unique incentives for property owners. Director Lancaster said the review of the proposal would prepare the Council for the public hearing scheduled October 19 and answer any concerns they may have regarding the proposal. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 12 October 12, 1998 Assistant Planner Deb Ritter provided an overview of the proposed sign ordinance. The program includes three sign categories; illegal signs, non conforming signs off premise, and non- conforming signs on premise. Under the proposal, illegal signs would be required to conform within six months after the adoption of the ordinance. Non conforming off premise signs would have to conform within first 18 months and non confirming on premise signs would have three years to come into compliance if they did not enter into a "Voluntary Sign Reduction Agreement." However, if a property owner did enter into this agreement, they would have additional time to meet compliance. Instead of three years, they could have up to 4 Y2 to 7 '/2 years to conform. Planner Ritter said generally, an owner would have to own more than one sign to qualify for the extended compliance program. The Voluntary Sign Reduction Agreement allows owners and tenants to tailor the program to their needs. Another element in the proposal is the landmark sign exemption program. Three signs are recommended by the Planning Commission, two of which were recommended in the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan. The ordinance incorporates recommendations from the American Planning Association Register of Historic Signs. Further, Ms. Ritter referred to Councilmember Hernandez's question concerning what process could be used to insure property owners and potential buyers are informed they may have legally, non conforming signs. Four options are included in the Council's packet with pros and cons for each option. Councilmember Carter said she had some difficulty understanding the complex formula used in the Voluntary Sign Reduction Agreement. Ms. Ritter said the formula is a way to quantifying the percent of reduction that would initially be done as a tradeoff for the longer period of time to bring the entire set of non conforming signs into compliance on a particular property. The formula is a way of establishing what the non conformity is, how much would be required to initially reduce it, and then how many months and /or years the owner would have to bring the balance of those signs into compliance. The amount of the initial reduction or non conformance selected by the property owner would determine how much time they could extend. Planner Ritter indicated the Planning Commission worked diligently on the formula and obtained considerable input from the business community to make it workable and equitable. At first glance, the formula seems complicated but it is easier to understand when it is applied to a situation. She pointed to the four examples as typical scenarios and how they would be executed. Councilmember Carter asked why the provision requiring the removal of signs, when a business is sold, was removed from the ordinance. Planner Ritter said some partial- section deletions were intended to simplify the amortization process and reduce confusion. The amortization tool that is provided in the existing sections would no longer be needed if full compliance were to be achieved City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 12 October 12, 1998 Councilmember Carter indicated she understood that concept, but the provision about removing signs when businesses move out has nothing to do with non conforming and amortization. Director Lancaster responded and said the current code has several small provisions that help eliminate non conforming signs over time. One of them is related to the closing of a business and the requirement to remove the signs within a certain period of time and over time, help reduce nonconforming signage. His concern is businesses which are closing and removing signs will increase the appearance of a vacant area which may not be a positive factor for the business area. The City does not have many empty buildings and the places that are vacant do not look as vacant as they might if the signage is removed. Councilmember Haggerton mentioned a business (restaurant) located on Pacific Highway that has been out of business for quite some time. He asked who is responsible for removing the lighted sign. Director Lancaster said under the current code, the property owner is responsible to remove it within 30 days. If this change goes into effect, it would be a non conforming sign and if the owner did not enter into the Voluntary Sign Reduction Agreement, it would have to be removed within three years. Councilmembers and staff discussed the historic signs and the fact that more than three were located within the City. Planner Ritter said the intent was to preserve signs significant during a particular era (30,'40's, 50's) and that have a certain style and visual characteristic. Discussion ensued regarding signage pertaining to grocery markets and how they would be handled in the proposed ordinance. Director Lancaster said staff and the City Attorney would put together some ideas for Councilmembers to consider. Councilmember Hernandez asked about property changes and how new owners would be notified of the sign code. Director Lancaster said when a Voluntary Sign Reduction Agreement is entered into it could be recorded in the title report, which would be available to anyone who is considering purchase of the property. Realistically, there are no other options available to the City to notify perspective buyers of the sign code requirement. Council President Linder cited an instance where several business owners contacted her regarding property they purchased where sprinkler installation was required. At the time of purchase they were not aware of the requirement and did not factor the cost into the purchase price. Director Lancaster suggested a process whereby notice would be given to the business owner when applying for a business license. Ms. Linder indicated that would only occur after they had purchased the property. Director Lancaster responded and said with the multitude of regulations that oversee property, owners often depend on the word of a realtor or other person saying this or that is allowed. At some point, property owners need to check with the City to see what is required and allowed. It would be too difficult for the city to assume this challenge. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 12 October 12, 1998 Councilmember Duffle asked why a sign code is needed. Director Lancaster said, at some point in time, the community decided it wanted uniformity and some control over how much signage and the nature of the signage was put on businesses. There are no state or federal requirements for a sign code; however, most communities have decided they want some level of control over signage for aesthetic and safety reasons. Director Lancaster acknowledged the uncertainty pertaining to notification of new owners regarding signage requirements and indicated staff would continue to review options. Councilmember Carter commented other cities in the area have shorter amortization periods. She noted the City of Covington is proposing sign compliance within six months. Councilmember Fenton suggested contacting other cities to see how they handle the issue. Councilmember Haggerton said he agreed with a citizen's comment at the Planning Commission public hearing regarding his opposition to the liberal amortization plan. It is too liberal. Additionally, specific historic signs should not be included in the ordinance. A set of criteria should be included which allows owners to apply for exemptions to the sign ordinance for historic signs. Councilmembers concurred with including criteria versus specific identification of signs. Assistant Planner Michael Jenkins explained the formal public outreach program and the planning process. Between April and July, the Planning Commission and staff began drafting a series of ordinances. In June, a briefing was held at the EDC's monthly meeting to inform the business community about the impending sign code changes. In July, the Pacific Highway 99 Action Committee was briefed. The Planning Commission directed staff to begin a public outreach program on the draft ordinance. Five hundred notices were mailed to businesses whom staff felt would be most impacted by the program. Notice was also sent to all sign companies who have done business in the City within the past two years. Participants in the 1996 sign code revisions were also notified. Numerous publications such as South County Journal, Highline Times, and the Chamber of Commerce were also sent information concerning the proposed sign amortization program. A briefing was conducted with the Chamber before the open houses on August 11 and 12. The Planning Commission public hearing was held on Thursday, August 27, 1998. Subsequent to that, a notice and brief description of the program was published in the September issue of the Southwest King County Chamber newsletter. c. Storm drain easement over Tukwila greenbelt nronertv above Interurban Ave. S.: Councilmember Mullet said the request was reviewed by the Utilities Committee and involves an above ground storm drain which would be located on the hill to transport the stormwater, which is currently running off the hillside. City Attorney Noe had inquired about City liability and slope, which has experienced problems before regarding indemnification against liability. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Councilmember Mullet said those issues have been resolved as per City Attorney Noe's memorandum, to the satisfaction of the Utility Committee. REPORTS: Page 10 of 12 October 12, 1998 Of the attorney representing Viewcrest, Councilmember Fenton asked if the complex was part of the multi family crime prevention program. Debra Ebbie Ricky, Counsel for Viewcrest Apartments, said she would inquire on that status and report back to the Council. Mayor Rants met with the Puget Sound Regional Council and Growth Management Transportation Policy Boards to discuss transit station communities and the half -mile diameter around the station. He provided the draft of the plan to Councilmember Carter. He said the meeting was a good opportunity to present to participants who have been involved with the Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2020. Rants said he was on the Vision 2020 Committee and believes everyone needs to adhere to its principles if the City's zoning and comprehensive plans are required to match the vision. He indicated he was disappointed that Sound Transit is not promoting the vision of Vision 2020 by considering a different route. Rants said participants were supportive of Tukwila's position on light rail with the Puget Sound Regional Council. Mr. Rants also attended the Chamber Governance Committee meeting and met the project manager who is responsible for siting the commuter rail station at the old Longacres parking lot. Rants said the conversation was good and he informed her that the City had zoned that area as an Economic Development Zone, specifically for the advent of commuter rail for the welfare of the City. Now, the thought is to turn the area into a 10 -acre parking lot for commuter rail. This option does not bring any economic viability to the City. The station seems to be sliding south. The station will be sited somewhere along the old Longacres Road and Minkler. Their justification for the change is because the property is cheaper than the property located on the north side. Mayor Rants reminded Councilmembers of the meeting on Wednesday October 14, at Foster High School for the community dialog on the design of Pacific Highway. The open house starts at 4:00 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Rants said three separate notifications were issued on the meeting. Councilmember Hernandez attended the earlier meeting of the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. Hernandez attended the King County Job Initiatives Sounding Board on Wednesday, October 7. The Board's commitment is to serve 200 clients. Currently, there are 150 clients. Fifty -eight of the clients are Work First clients and 18 live in Tukwila. She shared some success stories of some of the clients and indicated that even though the clients are finding good wage jobs, there are still housing challenges for many. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 12 October 12, 1998 Council President Linder attended the October 7 Human Services Roundtable. The Roundtable is developing a "Tool Box" for all of the cities involved. Three priorities have been selected. They include welfare reform and retaining the funds we have saved, housing, and health care. The "Tool Box" would be used by elected officials and would advise officials when calls should be made on an issue, the difference between email, fax, or writing, and personalizing the issue for a particular jurisdiction. Linder said the Roundtable uses two lobbyists and suggested the City should contact them to see what they could provide to the City. Linder also attended the October 8 Lodging Tax Advisory Board and informed them the City of SeaTac has elected not to participate. The Board is going forward and Tukwila can accomplish much on its own. Linder asked Administrator McFarland to facilitate the next meeting and suggested inviting Mike Ragsdale to attend the October 28 meeting. Linder said the City wants an economic developer to be in charge of tourism and all the other concerns they will need to be managed. Linder said Mr. Ragsdale could assist in pointing them in the right direction. Councilmember Mullet is scheduled to attend a Cascade Alliance meeting on Wednesday, October 14. At the last Utilities Committee meeting members discussed the need to push ahead with the City's assessment. The assessment costs an average of $5,000 to $9,000. Tukwila's assessment is estimated to cost $5,000. This is the final item which would enable Tukwila to join the Cascade Water Alliance. Because of Tukwila's unique position, it would receive payment to join the alliance, and because of some other things happening with water rates, the Committee feels it is important to move ahead now. The assessment does not bind the City to an agreement, but it moves us one step closer to being able to sign an agreement. The committee supports moving forward with the assessment and then move forward to consider signing an agreement by the end of the year. Councilmembers concurred with conducting an assessment. Councilmember Carter will attend a Transportation Committee meeting on Tuesday October 13. Agenda items include access to the Burlington Northern Yard and a review of the through street plan. Councilmember Haggerton attended the Community Affairs and Parks Community meeting. The Committee reviewed proposed revisions to process Comprehensive Plan amendments, which have been previously discussed by the Council and the Planning Commission. Several items were fine -tuned regarding "significant" and "non- significant." Changes will be forwarded for COW review. Councilmember Fenton attended the October 7 Sound Transit public meeting at Foster High School. He believed the meeting was mainly held to appease Tukwila. Fenton presided over a Site Council meeting on Wednesday, October 7. He had invited Brian Bixenman to the meeting to assist in coordinating the distribution of information to students, businesses, and parents regarding jobs for teens. This is an excellent opportunity for the community. Mr. Bixenman will check on the status in the next month or two. Brian is also City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes going to work with the Chamber and has volunteered "Youth Hall of Fame" space in his store to honor youths. Director Lancaster briefed the Council on the recent work Bob Johns has been doing on the Comprehensive Plan process. Staff has been working with Mr. Johns in examining regulations pertinent to essential public facilities, particularly the impact Sound Transit facilities will have on the community. He has come up with ideas for some amendments the Council may wish to consider that would make very clear to the community and to Sound Transit what the community's expectations are in regard to the impacts of facilities and how they should be mitigated. In order to consider these options during the 1998 Comprehensive Plan process for 1999, the Council would need to refer them to the Planning Commission. Director Lancaster said he has asked the Planning Commission for their concurrence and would like the Council's authorization to bring the draft language forward for consideration and referral to the Planning Commission. Councilmembers authorized staff to move forward on the request. ADJOURNMENT: Page 12 of 12 October 12, 1998 Moved by Linder, seconded by Hernandez, to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 p.m. for a Special Meeting. Motion carried. (7 -0) Pamela Linder, Council President RoluAt Robert H. Baker, Deputy City Clerk, for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary