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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesSPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Human Services Program Review TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 26, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 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; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Ross Earnst, Public Works Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator; Stacey Hansen, Human Services; Deb Ritter and Michael Jenkins, Assistant Planners; and Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst. Human Services Coordinator Evelyn Boykan referred to Council's request from 1997 to conduct a review of the City's Human Services Program. Due to various governmental activities and welfare reform occurring in 1997, the study was delayed until now. The program study reviewed and examined the needs and the strengths of Tukwila, who utilizes services within the community, factors affect the community's strengths and weaknesses, and future direction of the Human Services Program. Ms. Boykan introduced Sylvie McGee of All For A Good Cause. Ms. McGee distributed copies of the study results to Councilmembers. In developing the Human Service Program for 1998, the study reviewed available data from existing plans such as the City's Housing Plan and the Highway Revitalization Plan along with data from the Tukwila Police Department, Tukwila schools and the Public Health District. A number of key informant interviews were conducted within the City, local human service agencies, the Police and Fire Department, and community businesses. Additionally, a community survey was distributed in the Hazelnut newsletter. Good local sources of data were obtained for many things. Ms. McGee reported on the key City characteristics and indicated Tukwila's population is stable and not growing at the rate of surrounding communities, due to the level of density achieved in the early 1990's. Ethnically, Tukwila is very diverse, with people from many different countries. Tukwila also has a large immigrant and refugee population. Despite population stability, the number of families with children continues to grow. Tukwila has a significantly higher proportion of low income residents. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 16 October 26, 1998 The City's greatest growth occurred between 1980 1990, due to numerous annexations and population migration. Since 1990, Tukwila's growth has averaged 2% percent versus the county's average growth of 7 The City's population increases during the day because of employment and shopping activities. Tukwila has experienced a 14% increase in school enrollment over the past three years, but has only experienced a 2% population growth overall. Family diversity is evident in Tukwila with 20.4% African American families, 14.3% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 12.5% Hispanic families. Twenty -five percent of the families use English as their second language and often need interpretative services within the schools and in human services. Environmental factors which affect the delivery of human services in Tukwila include: Increased Housing Costs Decreased Affordability of Housing Stock Change in Employment Market An Increase in Disparity of Income. Increased Reliance on Individual Solutions. Increased disparity in income also contributes to increases for human services. The income gap is widening between the rich and poor. Poverty increased among all populations except non Hispanic whites between 1980 -1990. People in the top 10% of income earned 6.5% more in 1989 than in 1979. Earnings fell for all others. The value of the minimum wage is also declining steadily over the years. Employee compensation often lacks health care benefits, has increased co- payments, or reduced health care benefits, particularly with the advent of managed health care. The value of public assistance has also declined, as the funding has remained steady in actual funding irrespective of inflation increases. Income decline is contributing to homelessness, family crisis and poor health maintenance. Since 1980, the real value of wages (adjusted for inflation) has stagnated with job growth increasing in the low -wage sectors. Approximately 31% of workers in Washington state are below the 150% of the federal poverty level, which is below the level used to determine eligibility for many federal entitlement programs. Ms. McGee noted the waiting list for low income housing for families if approximately two years. No applications are being accepted from single adults. The median household income in Tukwila is lower than in the county's 30 other cities in 1990. Current figures are not available between census taking. Half of the students enrolled in Tukwila schools are eligible for the free lunch program. Figures are probably higher as high school students do not use the program due to social stigma from peers. Jobs in the area are primarily within the manufacturing, retail, and wholesaling arena. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 16 October 26, 1998 Ms. McGee reviewed current housing costs. Typically, public assistance for a single family with two children totals $812, with only $598 in cash and the rest in food stamps. Average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Tukwila is $626, which results in a family cash deficit. Minimum wage full -time employment is $1,131 per month. Little remains for transportation, food, and other family related expenses. The full impact of welfare reform has not been determined. However, the first year saw a decrease in public assistance requests. DSHS staff report families are being sanctioned locally at rates higher than statewide rates. Welfare reform will likely require higher investments in childcare services, job training, and emergency services. Ms. McGee reported on some individual factors which increase the need for human services. They include people who are isolated such as the elderly (widows and widowers) who are not socially involved, people with limited English speaking skills, people with disabilities (hearing, mobility, or speech impaired), people who are newly arrived, and people with mental health issues. There are three general reasons for lack of effective advocacy skills. They include families who lack problem solving skills and cannot teach their children these skills, the elderly, limited English- speaking persons, and families or individuals experiencing a crisis beyond their coping mechanism. Additional stresses on families and individuals relate to where they live and work and how much the distance between the two contribute to commute time, greater distance from schools and other community resources and increases in cost of living expenses due to commuting, etc. Ms. McGee reported on Tukwila's human services strengths. They include the mutual sharing of space between the City and the schools, a crime -free multi- housing program, a domestic violence task force, community volunteerism, a small -town concern by the community, strong and effective social agencies, and effective City services such as human services and police. Ms. McGee identified community groups with specific needs. They include: The elderly Refugees Children Victims of domestic violence Substance abusers Nationally, every fifth person is affected by mental illness of some kind. Mental illness and substance abusers Families with multiple problems requiring services from several sources Ms. McGee reviewed recommendations resulting from the study. Three of the recommendations include current processes the City has successfully implemented. Three additional recommendations include doing more or something new. The recommendations include the following: City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 16 October 26, 1998 Continue meeting emergency needs Develop case management resources to identify families who continue to have consistent needs. Continue fostering collaborative relationships within the community. Increase basic support for human services. Support human services planning and coordination Ms. McGee commended the City for its investment and follow -up on its Human Services Program. She indicated a household written survey was mailed out with the Hazelnut newsletter. The response rate, however, was very low and could be attributed to surveys sent earlier in the year. Household surveys are more effective over the telephone. She encouraged the Council to fund at a level which would allow same. The study also suggests the City coordinate planning with other resident input efforts and convenes forums to provide local input. Councilmember Carter asked if people were successful at receiving services would they more likely stay within the community or are other issues forcing them to leave Tukwila. Ms. McGee indicated it is dependent on what type of human services they are receiving. Homelessness and low cost housing are long term problems. Homelessness has changed over the last 20 years. Most homelessness was short-term with the exception of long -term transient men. Currently, the largest group of homeless is families, which tends to be a long -term issue. For the immigrant and refugee population, it depends on what connections they establish within the immigrant and refugee community. Building a community is often difficult due to language barriers and cross culture barriers. Mechanisms which focus on these issues often help in stabilizing the community. Councilmember Hernandez asked what resources are available to provide case management. Ms. McGee stated there are several possibilities which include the South King County Multi- Service Center, which has experience in case management and has within the agency, access to a number of supportive services. Another agency is Catholic Community Services. They have a facility in Kent. The Renton Area Youth Families Services is the agency which serves Tukwila. They conduct outreach within the schools. The Seattle -King County Department of Health is another agency that can assist in providing case management services. Councilmember Haggerton indicated all efforts to continue human services programs does not address the core issue of what is causing the problems. He said there are many worthwhile programs that should be continued but no one is addressing the main problem. The International Rescue Committee has existing relationships with landlords and is familiar with the area thereby facilitating the placement of refugees within the community. The refugee and immigrant communities within Tukwila are well established and offer a sense of safety within those communities for people who have recently been placed. As long as this trend continues and gets stronger, Tukwila will become the focal point for people who come into the country. Ms. McGee confirmed immigrants and refugees seek out communities where others from the same culture are located. To some extent, as a community, Tukwila will continue to see this trend. On the other hand, that does not mean there would be a lack of community or human service needs. Immigrants and refugees present particular challenges to human services, as they City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 16 October 26, 1998 are more likely to require translation services and other support services. If appropriate services are provided in the beginning, long -term, ongoing support services should not be required by the typical refugee or immigrant family. Councilmember Fenton stated some groups are very well established and offer assistance to newly arrived immigrants, while many groups do not have the same network established for newly arrived immigrants and refugees. Ms. McGee said Tukwila's strong volunteer community is important in assisting immigrants and refugees in the short term to help in transitioning new arrived immigrant families within the community. Councilmember Hernandez remarked many of the interviews reflected people's appreciation for diversity within Tukwila. More should be done to educate the existing community about immigrants and refugees to minimize misconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices regarding other ethnic groups. Mayor Rants said he was disappointed the report contained no recommendations for job and skills training. Mayor Rants said he is very supportive of a diverse community but doesn't like the fact immigrant and refugee needs seem to be a constant cycling of new refugees and immigrants contributing to the demand for more human services. Ms. McGee responded and said the City could take leadership in convening a City /business partnership to review the issues. The human services system can respond to some of the employment needs but the business community can provide more training and information for job development. Mayor Rants said it is very difficult to find volunteers within the business community who are willing to help. Councilmember Carter remarked transportation was also noted as an issue in the report and commented on the difficulty of many people to find a bus route which would take them where they needed to go. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Revised Process for Considering Comprehensive Plan Amendments Briefing Community Development Director Steve Lancaster requested the Council confirm the public hearing scheduled for November 2, 1998. The Planning Commission and the Community Affairs and Parks Committee have reviewed the revised process and are recommending a public hearing. Councilmembers concurred with scheduling a public hearing on November 2, 1998. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes b. An Ordinance Amending 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 REMEDIES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY; PROVIDING FOR A LANDMARK SIGN EXEMPTION PROCESS; AMENDING DECISION REVIEW PROCESSES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Page 6 of 16 October 26, 1998 Community Development Director Steve Lancaster said the community has reviewed the sign code issue for the last several years. As a policy matter, a decision was made in 1995 to move forward with some kind of program to reduce and eliminate non conforming signs. Mr. Lancaster cautioned the Council no sign amortization process would be painless for business and property owners and for staff who must administer the program. The issue is difficult and as the full effort becomes known, some people will be clearly unhappy with compliance. Steve indicated the staged sign code compliance draft policy developed by the Planning Commission is reasonable, fair, and timely. It achieves a number of objectives, addresses the worst cases first, provides incentives for early action by businesses, and will achieve meaningful results quickly. It also allows businesses to spread out compliance efforts over time. The proposed ordinance also removes some current barriers which were in effect to the re -use of existing non conforming signs, which created some problems. Director Lancaster reiterated for Councilmember Carter the proposed ordinance would allow a new owner of an existing business with a non conforming sign up to three years to comply with the sign ordinance; or up to seven years, if the new owner signs a voluntary sign agreement. Councilmember Mullet noted the ordinance lacked a procedure to address inconsequential sign variance issues. If the ordinance requires a sign to be located 28 feet in the air versus 30 feet (as it now is), the ordinance should have a system to address those types of issues. Director Lancaster said the Planning Commission discussed issues relating to minor variances of the ordinance and ultimately agreed, after much discussion, the ordinance needed to be specific and allowing variances would only foster more extended variances. Councilmember Hernandez suggested eliminating the landmark sign exemption and establish an exemption criteria which would address landmarks signs and the inconsequential sign variance issue. Director Lancaster reviewed the four main issues raised by the Council at the October 12, COW meeting. They include: Issue #1: Concerns regarding the effect of the proposed amortization ordinance on long- standing businesses which have traditionally relied City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 16 October 26, 1998 upon continuously rotating temporary signs, advertising sale items or "specials" (e.g. grocery stores.) The current code does include an allowance up to 25% of the window space to be used for temporary sales advertisements. The proposed ordinance would have no direct impact on the use of such temporary signs, but it does apply a stronger enforcement program for non permitted temporary signs. This issue should be addressed at some point to determine how the City wants to deal with it. Councilmember Carter said she preferred the option which limits temporary signs to specific types of businesses having a unique need for such signage. She indicated it might be difficult to determine what specific businesses would qualify for temporary signs. Director Lancaster said there are many of types of businesses which might qualify such as video stores, movie theaters, stores, etc. He indicated a provision for temporary signage should probably not be included in the sign amortization program but should be included in staff's work program to work on over the next several months. Councilmember Carter concurred with the recommendation. Issue #2: Concern regarding proposed stage compliance program provides greater benefits (i.e., a greater ability to take advantage of the longer compliance periods) for businesses whose signage is farther from compliance with Tukwila's sign code. Director Lancaster said provisions allow businesses to extend the compliance period by a percentage of reduction in nonconformity that a business achieves in the first three years. Although it does allow businesses with the greatest non conformity more options for lengthening the compliance period, it does require the owner remove or modify nronortionatelv more nonconforming signage to reach the reduction percentages needed to obtain the time extension. Discussion followed between Councilmember Mullet and Director Lancaster regarding how effective the ordinance would be to actually obtain compliance by owners. Director Lancaster said the ordinance allows the City to enforce the removal of illegal signs and sends a strong message to owners with nonconforming signs. The City is serious in enforcing the sign code. Councilmember Duffie said he supports the adoption of the sign ordinance as presented. The issue has been reviewed and considered over the last several years and he does not want to see the sign code referred back to committee for more work. The sign code ordinance enables the City to start cleaning up the illegal and nonconforming signs. Councilmember Duffie said there may be some provisions which may need more review and they could be pulled for additional review. However, the overall ordinance needs to go forward for approval. Issue #3: Concern regarding the criteria for providing a Landmark Sign exemption, and with the specific signs identified as meeting these criteria. Director Lancaster said the provision might benefit if it were removed from the ordinance to conduct a further review of the issue to determine if the provision should remain, and if so, is the criteria acceptable. A task force could be assigned to review the landmark sign issue. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 16 October 26, 1998 Councilmember Carter indicated her preference to retain a Landmark Sign Exemption designation versus specific signs listed as exempt. A complete inventory of landmark/historic signs was not done prior to the inclusion of the three landmark signs in the ordinance (Ben Carol, Trudy's, and Riverside Inn). Most of the focus has been on businesses located on Highway 99 due to the revitalization efforts, however, there are other parts of the City have landmark signs which should also be considered. Councilmember Haggerton said he agreed with the option of setting aside the Landmark Signs provision for now and appointing a task force to review and prepare recommendations to the City Council. Councilmember Mullet reiterated any sign used by a business for more than 30 years is, in his opinion, a viable sign and should be considered a landmark sign. Councilmember Fenton agreed and said it makes sense for a lot of businesses with older and established signs to apply for a landmark sign exemption. Establishing criteria is warranted. Councilmember Carter inquired about the proposed code exemption and asked if a landmark sign review process is pursued, would it change the current exemption allowances within the ordinance. Director Lancaster said the proposed ordinance does not affect the exemptions as contained in the current code, with one exception. The proposed code reinstates the exemption for refacing nonconforming signs which the Council removed in 1996. Discussion ensued on Councilmembers' concerns to insure the task force reviews the landmark sign issue thoroughly and consider businesses who have had signs in place for many years and whose businesses are recognized through such signs. Director Lancaster said the proposed sign amortization program imposes more requirements on businesses versus the current ordinance. Director Lancaster said the proposed sign amortization program compels compliance with the City's existing code. There are some things with which he is uncomfortable. The main ones relate to how on and off premise signs are defined. Right now, the legal tax parcel defines it and he is not satisfied with the way it is determined. Another issue relates to freeway access areas and commercial advertising. Under this program, many of the signs could not be any bigger than the building. These areas need further review. However, to wait until the perfect sign code is developed is not recommended since it could be debated for an extended period of time. He recommended the task force should have an established narrow scope of work to develop criteria for the landmark sign exemption. Staff can review other issues which are more technical. Issue #4: Concern regarding notification of prospective business or property purchasers. Director Lancaster referred to the previous number of options presented to the Council with the recommendation staff not attempt to record a notice to title, due to legal questions and the effect on property transactions. Instead, staff supports the option of using publicity and notification programs through existing City communication channels (Hazelnut, business license process, etc.) However, those property owners entering into a voluntary sign agreement would have the information recorded and it would be transferred to the new owner. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 16 October 26, 1998 Director Lancaster proposed working on the issues over the next several weeks and returning with a draft ordinance which addresses those issues and develops a strategy for the other issues relating to sign variances, etc. The landmark sign exemption would be removed for further review by a task force along with a strategy for the task force. Temporary signs would also be removed and added to the list of items to be reviewed by staff. Staff would also provide recommendations on how to address the issue related to freeway signs. Susan Sampson. 1400 Talbot Rd. So. Suite 400. Renton, said she has previously addressed the Council as a representative of the Washington Sign Council and is representing Texaco Refining and Marketing in her comments. She indicated concerns with the proposed sign amortization program and said the program actually amounts to a sign abatement program. The removal of a sign within three to five years does not necessarily allow the sign owner the reasonable value for the investment of the sign. Her recommendation is to retain the current ordinance and only require change of signs when the business changes ownership or when the sign has obviously outlived its value. She cited a sign experiment in California which resulted in an injunction which prohibited the City from developing its amortization program until the City removed all illegal signs. After all illegal signs were removed, the City discovered the urgency for sign amortization no longer seemed as great. She suggested the City provide clear direction to the code enforcement officer and go after illegal signs to see what is remaining. Perhaps then the sign amortization program might seem less important. Mike McCormick renresenting KC Malls. Tukwila. agreed the issue is complex and implementing an ordinance which is balanced and fair is a difficult task. He indicated many of his neighbors expressed concerns with the proposed sign amortization and fairness issues. Many of the businesses are on properties which are below the level of Highway 99 and need higher signs to advertise their business. Mike Ainnersbach. renresentine SRO. PO Box 95429. Seattle. asked for a point of clarification regarding the Council's intent to review a range of criteria for unique signs. He indicated SRO has property that has frontage on three sides of the property. The property is a little more than eight acres and currently has three signs, two of which would be considered illegal under the sign amortization program. He said he wants to encourage the Council to initiate a process to address this issue. He asked if the Council is considering more review on the definition of "unique signs." Council President Linder said the issue could be reviewed by staff. Director Lancaster said under the current code, there is no provision which pertains to this specific issue. There is a "unique sign" provision in the code which requires a Planning Commission process, however, he does not believe this situation applies under that provision. Director Lancaster said he would review the multiple frontage sign issue during the next two weeks and report to the Council. Director Lancaster, responding to Councilmember Haggerton's concern with staff's work program for 1999, indicated the sign ordinance is not on staff's work program for 1999. Unless another goal is removed from the 1999 preliminary budget, the department has not allocated any time for additional work on the sign amortization program in 1999. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 16 October 26, 1998 Anna Bernhard 14241 59th So.. Tukwila. said the sign amortization issue is very complicated for the average citizen and indicated she is not pleased with many of the signs along Highway 99. However, the proposed sign amortization program is not fair to many businesses, especially as it relates to the landmark sign exemption. A small business which has been operating for as little as 10 years has as much right concerning the landmark sign exemption as McDonald's, Jorgensen Steel or Lewis and Clark. Jay Starr. 13190. Stone Ave. No.. Seattle, said like everyone else, he too is confused about the sign issue. He asked if any inventory had been conducted to determine how many signs were illegal. Director Lancaster indicated there is no current data with the number of illegal signs in Tukwila. Part of the problem with identifying illegal signs relates to the evidence and demonstrated proof no permits were obtained when they were installed. Many of the signs were installed in an area before it was annexed to Tukwila. No records are available to document these cases. He anticipates there are a minimum number of illegal signs. Mr. Starr said he was under the impression the code required removal of a sign which was nonconforming and if it was over 50 square feet or 12 feet high, its removal was required after the allowed amortization period expired. Director Lancaster stated the information was incorrect. Mr. Starr said many businesses would be affected in relation to the number of signs, size, and setback requirements. Economically, there is concern businesses will lose their tax amortization relating to signs which are required to be removed. He suggested staff survey a three -block area and determine what impact the proposed sign amortization program would have on the businesses. Bill Arthur. 1800 Andover Park West. Suite 200. indicated he is a Tukwila Planning Commissioner and indicated when the Planning Commission proposed the sign amortization program it was supposed to be a kinder and gentler approach in enforcing the existing sign ordinance. It was designed to convert many illegal signs to nonconforming signs and give businesses more time to convert their nonconforming signs to conforming signs. One change made, such as refacing signs, was intended to help businesses, not hinder them. The Planning Commission did not hear a lot of the testimony received by the Council. Mr. Arthur said his perspective on some of the issues has changed. He volunteered to work on the task force to review the different issues. He supports Council's decision to defer action on the ordinance for at least two weeks to allow time for staff to review issues raised by public testimony. c. An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds to Acquire One -Half of an Additional City Hall Facility. Construction of Additional City Hall Parking_ and Funding for Arterial Street Construction. Including Overlays AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR TO CONTRACT FOR INTERIM FINANCING OF COSTS AND EXPENSES OF THE CITY TO ACQUIRE ONE -HALF OF AN ADDITIONAL CITY HALL FACILITY; CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL CITY HALL PARKING; AND FUNDING FOR ARTERIAL STREET CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes OVERLAYS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Page 11 of 16 October 26, 1998 Finance Director Alan Doerschel indicated the draft ordinance has been reviewed and approved by the Bond counsel. The only item missing is the agreement to borrow the money, which will be presented when the actual transaction occurs. Mr. Doerschel said the process is in a holding pattern awaiting the sale process to move through its course. If the sale occurs this year, the 1998 budget would be amended, if it occurs in 1999, the 1999 budget would need amending. Councilmember Fenton said the draft ordinance has been reviewed and approved by the Finance and Safety Committee. Councilmembers concurred to move the ordinance forward for approval when the timing of the sale dictates. d. An Ordinance Imposing an Additional One Ouarter Percent Excise Tax on Sale of Real Estate AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, IMPOSING AN ADDITIONAL ONE QUARTER PERCENT EXCISE TAX ON SALE OF REAL ESTATE, PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION THEREOF, CAPITAL NEEDS USE, FIXING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Sam Pace. Washington Association of Realtors. 12015 115th NE. #195. Kirkland, inferred there might be an issue relating to several concerns. He asked if any portion of the proposed second 1/4% percent of the real estate excise tax is to be used to finance the portions of the bond anticipation or a subsequent bond to pay for the 6300 Building. Director Doerschel responded and said yes, part of it would be used to pay for the 6300 building. Mr. Pace referred to authorized City use of the original 1/4% percent real estate tax and the second 1/4% percent real estate tax. The City has wide discretion for allocating the first quarter percent, with the second quarter percent more limited. State legislation only allows the second quarter percent to be used for capital projects within the CIP relating to streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting systems, traffic signals, bridges, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, and parks. Mr. Pace said the association has concerns with respect to use of the second quarter percent for purchase of the 6300 building and believes it does not qualify, as required by the state. Another requirement pertains to the segregation and maintenance of the second quarter percent into a separate account for spending purposes. Director Doerschel said the anticipated tax revenue would be segregated into its own account. Between the two revenue sources, the City may have to reallocate some money, as the first account allows for more spending flexibility. He indicated he would review the process to insure the City is conforming to state requirements. Director Doerschel said the purpose of imposing the additional one quarter percent real estate excise tax is to generate a revenue source to fund capital projects contained within the City's City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Comprehensive Plan. Allocation of the revenue will comply with the RCW. Director Doerschel reaffirmed Tukwila is one of a few cities who has not levied the second quarter percent tax. Councilmember Haggerton recommended forwarding the issue to the next regular Council meeting for immediate action. Mr. Pace referred to the Finance and Safety Committee meeting minutes of October 19, 1998 and asked who at King County urged Tukwila to impose the additional one quarter percent real estate excise tax. Mr. Doerschel said the statement was somewhat overstated in the minutes in that the person who made the statement was implying it would help the county in processing tax proceeds to Tukwila. Mr. Pace said the association's concerns with assessing the second tax relate to fairness. The second tax is limited to improve infrastructure which serves everyone. In the last 180 days, 40 homes and 32 condominiums have been sold. Basic infrastructure needs broader funding than the excise tax gained from these recent sales. The second concern relates to the magnitude of the increase it's a 100% increase. Combined with the other taxes assessed on new homes, total taxes on new construction equate to a year's worth of property tax for each dwelling. Mr. Pace said he understands the City's needs to fund projects but wanted to convey the concerns the association has with regard to the fairness of the tax, the narrow focus the tax has and the significant impact the tax increase will have on citizens. e. A Resolution Authorizing the Annlication to Cascade Water Alliance A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, TO AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO MAKE APPLICATION TO CASCADE WATER ALLIANCE Page 12 of 16 October 26, 1998 Councilmember Mullet said the proposed resolution initiates the process to join the Cascade Water Alliance, but does not bind the City to joining. The $5,000 payment is to cover the costs associated with the City's water system audit and application procedure. Public Works Director Ross Earnst said the City expects to recoup some of the $5,000. Councilmember Carter referred to the Committee's minutes concerning District #125's contention they would not be joining the alliance. The issue is important to ratepayers, in that, if the District becomes disadvantaged in its current position, not only will the ratepayers suffer, the City will also have to contend with the after affects. She urged ratepayers to contact District #125 Commissioners and voice their concerns. Councilmember Haggerton asked if the Highline Water District is joining. Director Earnst indicated they are considering joining and are following the process closely. They have two well sources of their own in addition to buying water from Seattle. Councilmembers concurred to forward the resolution to the next regular Council meeting for action. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Councilmembers agreed to defer discussion on the 1999 Proposed Budget to the next Council meeting on November 2. REPORTS: f. Review of 1999 Pronosed Budget Page 13 of 16 October 26, 1998 Mayor Rants reported on a recent meeting between Ron Lamb and Kathy Allen, a consultant. The discussion concerned Sound Transit and possible ways to bring political pressure. The possibility of hiring a lobbyist was also discussed along with forming a grass roots campaign and collecting signatures affecting the elected officials of Sound Transit from a neighborhood perspective. Rants indicated the decisions by Sound Transit cannot be entirely based on money, science, and geography. It also needs to be based on people factors such as economic development, location, and impacts. The elected officials need to have this input. Both Lamb and Allen want to organize, collect signatures, and make an impression on elected Sound Transit officials and are asking for $10,000. Rants said he wants to be supportive of the group as they are representing Tukwila. Rants said he supports a $5,000 contribution from the City. Ron Lamb. 4215. S 139th Ave.. Tukwila said part of the effort is a lobbying effort of the RTA Board, but the other part is a community building effort the final end product. It involves contacting RTA elected officials and other influential people within the community and regionally. He indicated there is a window of opportunity and by March, 1999, the group should have some idea of how successful they have been. The opportunity is available now and is a new way of addressing the issues. He said they have the resources to succeed and several approaches can be made in the effort. Lamb said he attended the Rainier Avenue Group meeting and indicated the group is starting late but is moving quickly on its campaign. They raised approximately $15,000 at the meeting. Some of their issues relate to our own issues regarding the division of communities created by light rail. The Rainier Avenue Group wants all light rail to be underground. Mr. Lamb remarked funding would be used to hire Community Connections, a consultant company to assist with the effort. The name of the grassroots campaign group is Sound Decisions. Funding would also cover publicity efforts, postage, etc. The group would form as a 501 (C)(3) Non Profit organization. The organization would also solicit funding from the business community. Councilmembers agreed to support the group. In conjunction with the grassroots group, Rants met with the Chamber regarding a possible partnership between the City and Tukwila businesses. The business community has agreed to become a partner and has established a special committee. The Executive Board of the Chamber has approved the special committee and has conveyed their wish to be involved. The consultant and the committee will be sharing information. Rants said the effort needs to get started soon City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 14 of 16 October 26, 1998 and shared information concerning the release of Sound Transit's Draft EIS and public hearing schedules as well as possible dates for some major decisions regarding the location of light rail. Rants attended a Suburban Cities retreat on Saturday, October 24. Members reviewed the work plan for 1999. Rants said the County and City of Seattle are not pleased with Regional Governance and Finance. They only want to deal with one issue at a time and outside of the Regional Governance and Finance process. Rants reviewed the status of the Regional Governance and Finance proposal. King County and the City of Seattle have not approved the proposal. As it stands now, the proposal will be presented to the Growth Management Planning Commission (GMPC) this week without the approval of King County and City of Seattle. Rants said he received a fax from King County staff concerning the meeting agenda of the GMPC. The correspondence questions the Suburban Cities Committee's intent in presenting the Regional Governance and Finance proposal to the Commission without the backing of King County or City of Seattle. Rants said the presentation needs to proceed without endorsement, to insure legislative action by the Committee has been pursued. Suburban Cities has made a good faith effort to present a Regional Governance and Finance proposal. Rants reported continued negotiations with Seattle City Light concerning the taxation without representation issue. Stan Finklestein has done a good job in moderating the negotiations to develop a draft ordinance between Seattle City Light and the cities. Seattle City Light has backed off on several issues because they are vulnerable on two main issues vulnerability to the legislature and a $100 million investment. If all the cities decided to municipalize power, Seattle City Light would go bankrupt. They need a guarantee which they will have customers to serve. In order to obtain these assurances from the cities, Seattle City Light has agreed to return 3% (half of the 6% utility tax) back to the local jurisdictions. Additionally, they want a rate differential for electrical demands which exceed the cities negotiated power allocation, not to exceed 4 Rants said the contract should be presented to the Council before the end of December. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Association of Washington Cities Legislative Conference along with Councilmembers Carter and Haggerton and met with candidates running for office. Hernandez also attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting earlier in the evening and will be attending the Diversity Conference at the Seattle Center on Wednesday, October 28, 1998. Councilmember Carter referred to the AWC Legislative Conference and is amazed how legislators do not realize the impact of legislation on cities. Examples included legislative action to reduce or eliminate R &D taxes or reducing sales tax. Carter will be attending a Transportation Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 27 to review budget details. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Councilmember Haggerton indicated he also attended the AWC Legislative Conference. Page 15 of 16 October 26, 1998 An upcoming school board meeting will include an update on the RTA in advance of the community forum scheduled for November 17. On Tuesday, Carter will attend a conference on "Stay in School -Get Back In School." Wednesday, October 28, Carter will attend the "Tukwila Community Cares Network" meeting and a "Moving King County 2000" meeting. An Economic Development Advisory Board meeting was held on October 22 at the Fire Station. Liz Warman, from the Boeing Company, gave a report on their consolidation and changes within Boeing and how they will affect Tukwila and Kent. Haggerton attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. The Codiga Farm lease is being renewed. The monthly payment is increased from $360 to $400 per month and the lease will be extended through December 31, 2001. Either party can terminate the lease with a 60 -day advance written notice. Foster Golf Cart concession is obtaining 10 more golf carts. At the meeting, Councilmember Hernandez requested use of the golf carts for Councilmembers during "Tukwila Days." The Foster Golf Course restaurant agreement is being renewed. The concession will pay an annual fee of $18,000 from 1999 through 2000 and $20,100 from 2001 to 2002. Another item requested in the contract was the ability of the concession to sell beer and wine from a golf cart on the golf course. Councilmember Hernandez was opposed to the concept. Councilmembers Duffle and Haggerton were in favor. Haggerton said the issue would be brought to the full Council for review. The Committee also reviewed the proposed 1999 City Budget to include the Council budget, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Permit Coordination and Building, Golf Course GO Bond and the Foster Golf Course Plan. Councilmember Fenton attended the Hot Spots Task Force meeting on Wednesday, October 21. Fenton said there is good news and bad news. The good news is the task force is working hard to bring apartment buildings in compliance. Major problems continue with the Woodside, Pacific Village, and Birch Crest apartment complexes. There is no apartment manager for Woodside. The owner, who lives in Lacey has indicated he will manage it. The statistics show calls to the complex are continuing to rise. The Police Chief has sent a letter to the owner of the Birch Crest requesting a meeting and will advise Fenton on the date of the meeting so he may attend. Deja Vu is still violating the ordinance. Administrator McFarland said the City has filed a contempt action in Superior Court and is awaiting a trial date. Fenton said Bob Abbott has put together a paper regarding safety and overnight lodging. He has reviewed the program concept with Mayor Rants. The Mayor has approved moving ahead and obtaining more information on the program. Fenton said it is a similar program with respect to apartment dwellings, only the focus is on hotels and motels. Contact has been made with several hotel /motel properties and they are interested in participating to keep their properties safe. More information will follow as the program progresses. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Administrator McFarland said Abbott has been directed to develop a timeline, budget, resources and needs proposal and present it to the Mayor. The Council will review the proposal. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Hernandez reminded everyone Wednesday, October 28 is "Friends and Family Night" beginning at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Council President declared the meeting adourned at 10:52 p.m. Pamela Linder, Council President f� ,,od 44 5'1 cam_ Robert H. Baker, CMC Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Approved: 11/25/98 Page 16 of 16 October 26, 1998