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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesCITIZEN COMMENT: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL March 22, 1999, 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDE OF ALLEGIANCE: Acting Council President Steve Mullet called the meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Council President Steve Mullet, Councilmembers Pam Carter, Joe Duffle, Jim Haggerton, Joan Hernandez, and Pamela Linder. COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Council President Dave Fenton. OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Bob Noe, City Attorney; Jim Morrow Ross Earnst Co- Directors, Public Works; Don Williams, Parks and Recreation Director, Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; and Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk. Sean Mears, 13537 35 Avenue S., Tukwila, President, Foster Community Club, announced their next meeting is March 24. Students from the Foster High School SAVE Chapter will be the guest speakers; with Dustin Washington delivering the main address. Mr. Mears noted the students are taking on issues related to violence, poverty, and racism that many adults tend to shy away from; and that all should be proud of their efforts. Jesse Woods. 3924 South 117 Tukwila. spoke in opposition to the on -going activity at the firing range across the river from his home and neighborhood. He complained the noise never quits and many people disregard the ordinance which sets a 10:00 p.m. closing hour. He has spoken with the lieutenant at the firing range who had assured him late -night shooting incidents would not continue. The late -hour shooting continues; therefore, Mr. Woods contacted the Tukwila Police Department. Representatives there told him they could do nothing to assist. Councilmember Duffie reported that no other citizens have ever complained and asked Mr. Woods how long the noise been disrupting the neighborhood. Mr. Woods said the gunshots have been occurring since 1986. Councilmember Hernandez questioned if the noise is increasing. Mr. Woods said the noise has increased since more people use the firing range. He suggested contacting Officer Jason Jones (Code Enforcement) and having him visit the neighborhood and listen to the gunfire. Councilmember Haggerton recommended forwarding the issue to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee to review. He said the firing range was built during the time the area was mostly rural and that the issue should be handled in much the same manner as with airport noise. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Committee Meeting March 22, 1999 Page 2 of 5 Councilmember Carter suggested reviewing the issue with the administration at the range to see if operating hours could be adjusted and how the range could become a better neighbor with the local neighborhoods. Administrator McFarland said Assistant Berry and Mr. Woods have been in contact and he would insure that Mr. Woods is notified of the committee meeting. He indicated that the City has worked with the firing range in the past to insure that firings not occur after 10:00 p.m. Occasionally, however, they do fire after 10:00 p.m. When those instances occur it is important that the City is notified so action can be taken to insure it does not continue. The range is owned by the Seattle Athletic Association and leased to the Seattle Police Department for the purposes of qualifying for side arms. The location of the range is central to the police agencies of the area. Replacing the range would be very expensive and difficult due to the lead contamination and the noise. It is an extremely undesirable land use. However, since the range has been in existence for so many years, everyone is content with using it at its present location. Councilmember Linder, who lives in the same area, commented on the recent difference in the noise, which sounds almost like machine gun fire. Ross Earnst. retirine Public Works Director, announced this would be the last meeting he attended as staff. He thanked the Council for their support during his tenure and stated his enjoyment working with and for Tukwila over the past 15 years. Councilmembers wished Mr. Earnst well and invited him to return to visit any time. NEW BUSINESS: a. Crestview Park Expansion Aereement Director Williams noted a draft copy of the expansion agreement was sent to Highline School District and Highline Water District for their review and comment. Both parties have contacted staff and have indicated the need to review some minor issues. Mr. Williams is meeting with each entity to resolve those issues. Director Williams said the agreement is for the lease of the new land on which buildings are located. The tri -party agreement stipulates that the City will work with Highline School District and the Highline Water District's approval to build the park. Proposed contractual language changes were discussed by and between Mr. Williams and Councilmembers. Among those, Section 10, indicating the School District and the Water District agreement stipulates that the Water District will maintain the lands around the reservoir. However, one of the issues the Water District has with the agreement is the provision that states the City will maintain all of the leased property which has been improved. He anticipates the City and Water District will resolve the issue as the Water District wants to control what happens on top of the reservoir. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Committee Meeting Another change discussed was Section 11. The new agreement triggers the City's landscape regulations, which requires the installation of irrigation. Director Williams said staffs position is that if the project of the Water District triggers higher maintenance costs, then the Water District should bear that cost. The Water District cannot give away water; however, they may trade it for maintenance of the area. This means Tukwila would maintain the area. Language needs to be revised to reflect this intent. Mr. Williams answered questions from Councilmember Carter pertaining to the easements. He explained the easements affect most parts of the project. One example is the utility easement that comes off 42 Avenue. He confirmed the draft agreement is comparable to the existing lease agreement. Another agreement will be required between the Department of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Department, Highline School District, and the Highline Water District who will specify what park improvements will be made. He indicated local citizen input has been solicited to determine what park amenities they would like to see included. Citizen comments have geared toward a more passive park with trails and landscaping and no sport fields. Director Williams said the agreement would contain specific details concerning what the Water District will construct in the new area and reconstruct in the reservoir area. Councilmember Hernandez indicated lighting should be addressed. Director Williams said none of the neighbors spoke for or against lights and it wasn't addressed during the public meeting at the Parks Commission meeting. Some park walkways located within the City are lighted, such as the Crystal Springs Park. Other areas are not. Another Parks Commission meeting is scheduled in the next several weeks. Then a formal recommendation will be forwarded to the Mayor and the City Council based on the comments from the neighbors. Director Williams said he would prefer to defer the agreement to the next COW meeting to insure all the issues have been resolved between the City and the Water and School Districts. Councilmembers concurred to forward the agreement to the next COW meeting. b. Interlocal Aereement with Tukwila School District for School Plavfield Improvements Referring to the bidding process, Mr. Williams indicated improvements to Thorndyke would be limited to the backstop, fencing, and outfield areas with most of the funding going toward Tukwila Elementary School, which has a much larger area to develop. The School District administrative staff agrees with the proposed improvements. Councilmember Carter questioned the possibility of grants and asked if any had been requested. Director Williams indicated no grants were pursued because of the requirement to have an approved plan, which would have been required in May 1998. At that time, the final development plan had not been completed. The only grant that could be considered is the state IAC funding which works two years in advance, which also disqualified the City from applying. Council concurred to forward the agreement to the next regular meeting, April 5. March 22, 1999 Page 3 of 5 City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Committee Meeting Councilmembers consented to consider the executive session out of order and as the last item of the evening. REPORTS a. Mayor: March 22, 1999 Page 4 of 5 Mayor Rants reported he recently received communication from Suburban Cities concerning the EMS levy and wondering how Suburban Cities would like to go forward. Mayor Rants requested the Council consider the following questions and provide input to Suburban Cities on the following questions. 1. Do you support continued funding of the EMS? Advanced life safety, and BLS (basic life safety? (From the EMS levy, Tukwila received $200,000 to train firefighters in BLS.) 2. Do you support continued funding of EMS services through a periodic six -year levy? 3. Do you support a levy for advanced life safety only? 4. Do you support a longer levy, such as 10 years so that we know that the EMS is assured of being here for a while? 5. Do you support approval of the voters by 50% rather than 60 6. Do you support a permanent levy? 7. Do you have other thoughts or suggestions to be communicated to the Suburban Cities Task Force? 8. How would you like to see EMS dealt with funding wise? Mayor Rants informed the Council they could decide directly on the answers or seek public input to the questions. He informed them Suburban Cities is voting on the issue at its March 31 meeting Mayor Rants shared how major city sales tax equalization is apportioned out. Neighboring cities receive the following revenue from other major cities: Pacific $76,000 Covington $785,000 Des Moines $2,098,000 Maple Valley $591,000 Mercer Island $1,042,000 Normandy Park $680,000 Mayor Rants noted with the upcoming Tukwila Transit Advisory Commission meeting, Sound Transit staff has indicated if the TAC has determined it has completed its activities and are disbanding, Sound Transit may set up a new citizens advisory body to represent the City of Tukwila. Mayor Rants advised that the TAC will continue as a body to represent Tukwila. b, City Council: Councilmember Hernandez attended a REACH meeting on March 16. The program goals were reviewed, with number one being a focus on extending membership. Terry Smith, REACH Program Coordinator, is developing a letter to be sent to all mayors and city councils in South King County and is applying for a VISTA volunteer to assist in the "Paint Your Heart Out." An City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Committee Meeting March 22, 1999 Page 5 of 5 open house is planned during June to recognize volunteers who participated in the last "Paint Your Heart Out" program. Councilmember Carter attended a recent SCATBd TAC meeting. She distributed a copy of the meeting report earlier to all Councilmembers. She also attended a Utilities Committee meeting and indicated it is likely a drainage project can be constructed up on the loop and an update was received on the Cascade Water Alliance. Councilmember Haggerton attended an ACC meeting on Wednesday, March 17. Presentations were made by CASE and RCAA regarding wetlands and wetlands mitigation, environmental issues, water quality, and the Endangered Species Act. Councilmember Linder reported that she would be attending a lunch with legislators and the Human Services Roundtable on Wednesday, March 24. She said she is noticing more panhandlers on East Marginal Way /Boeing access road and recommended that the issue be referred to the Finance and Safety Committee. Attorney Noe said he has drafted an ordinance regarding the issue and would review it with the Committee. c. Staff: Administrator McFarland reported staff has contacted King County police representatives with respect to Metro and have made contact with appropriate officials of the King County Police Department, who are working on the law enforcement issues. Mr. McFarland will have more information at the next Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Councilmember Mullet recessed the meeting from 8:05 p.m. to 8:13 p.m. for a break. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m. to a Special Meeting. Dave Fenton, Council President Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date minutes signed: L.1 /99