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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesSPECIAL PRESENTATION: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL June 28, 1999 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall CITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council President Dave Fenton called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Dave Fenton, Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Steve Mullet, and Pamela Linder. OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Viki Jessop, Administrator Services Director; Keith Haines, Police Chief; Jim Morrow Public Works Director; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. a. Valley Communications Center (Valley Comm.) Construction Project City Administrator John McFarland stated the City of Tukwila has engaged in discussions as part of the Valley Communications agency for replacement of the existing facility. Discussions have evolved between city administrators from Kent, Auburn, Tukwila, Renton, and the largest contracting city Federal Way. The existing facility is beyond capacity in terms of housing existing personnel and technology needs. Valley Comm. has been considering a replacement facility for some time. A decision was made by the Administrative Board, which is comprised of the four mayors of the member cities, to recommend a new site. The team looked at several cities with a recommendation to site the facility in the City of Kent. The geography is important for siting the antenna and maximizing the transmission signal. The original design study costs presented by MCI Systemhouse were cost prohibitive. Value engineering has presented lower figures and a recommendation is forthcoming. The Operations Board comprised of fire and police chiefs of member agencies has provided substantial input on their current and future facility requirements relative to space and technology. The next steps include presenting more details on the specificity of the design, cost figures, construction timetable, and specific recommendations. Additionally, a recommendation is pending on the establishment of a Public Benefit Authority (PBA) by member agencies. A PBA would have authority to sell bonds. The PBA would use the combined financial status of the member cities to obtain the best bond rate, which would reduce debt service costs. By doing this, the PBA would allocate the debt services responsibilities between five cities (if Federal Way joins). City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 June 28, 1999 Negotiations are under way with the City of Kent for the purchase of property and are expected to be completed within the next several weeks. A local architectural firm has been contracted to begin more specific design work and work with the design team. The estimated cost to each member city is $2.5 million assuming all partners share equal cost of the new facility. Operations will continue to be based on a call for service ratio. Tukwila's estimated calls for service are approximately 13 By paying a full equity partnership, Tukwila is able to sustain a full partnership at the table rather than having a vote based on calls for service. A major issue is the status of the full partnership with Federal Way who is currently considering the issue. At this point, they have their own police department and contract fire services with King County Fire District #39. The recommendation includes the fire district becoming an entity under the City of Federal Way. The fire chief would become part of the Operations Board. Creation of the PBA would be formalized by an Interlocal Agreement among the participating cities. Estimated construction would begin in the spring of 2000. Although there is no urgency to replace the existing facility from an operations standpoint, there is some concern that the building does not meet seismic standards. Answering questions from Council, Mr. McFarland said it would be easier to structure one bond issue to cover both the facility and the CAB costs versus going out twice for two funding requests. Chief Haines explained some of the features of the upgraded computer system and indicated it will add greater information mobility to patrol cars. Computer mobility will allow for the instant transmission of photographs and other important information when patrol officers stop suspects or during investigations. Councilmembers concurred with moving forward on the proposed plan. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: No comments or written communications were received from the public. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Public Works Reoreanization Part L Phase I Director Jessop reviewed Phase 1, Part I, of the reorganization of the Public Works Department to include the following: Administrative Clerk Increase from part-time to full -time Meter Reader Increase hours of Meter Reader position to full -time as a Utility City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9 June 28, 1999 Worker II to allow for more diversity within the department. Superintendents Upgrade three Public Works Crew Chiefs to the position of Superintendent for Transportation, Sewer /Surface Water, and Water effective 1/1/99. This upgrade is also a part of discussions and understanding between the City and Union during the Teamsters' contract negotiation process and formalizes those discussions. Councilmember Hernandez reported the Transportation Committee agreed with the proposal, yet she expressed some concerns about the ongoing costs. Ms. Jessop stated Part II of Phase I will include further analysis for Council review and approval for future years. Councilmembers noted approval to forward the item. b. Rental dwelline licensine and inspection ordinance Assistant City Administrator Rhonda Berry reviewed the proposed draft ordinance initiated by the Hot Spots Task Force in response to concerns with specific areas in the City that continue to have problems. The Task Force wanted to insure that in addition to collecting fees, a livable standard is established in the City of Tukwila. The main purpose of the ordinance is to solve problems within the City. A dramatic drop in crime has occurred in those apartments that are fully certified under the City of Tukwila's Crime Free Multi- Housing (CFMH) program. In 1997 and 1998, crime rates dropped an additional 16% on top of all previous years. The proposed ordinance contains provisions for apartments certified as crime free and would have fewer units subject to inspection. In those units, a minimum standard would be established by a crime prevention officer. Properties whose managers participated in the Apartment Owner /Manager Network would have a higher number of inspections than those certified under the CFMH program but would not be subject to having all units inspected. Councilmember Linder stressed the proposed ordinance is a proactive approach and tool to resolve unfortunate situations. The ordinance would be another source of encouragement to owners /landlords to participate in the Crime Free Multi Housing program and would be instrumental in improving the inventory of acceptable housing within the community, which would contribute to residents residing longer within the community. Council President Fenton mentioned a potential conflict of interest with respect to his status as a landlord /owner within the City. Analyst Lauterbach reported that the issue is a legislative matter and that Council President Fenton could participate. Councilmember Hernandez said it's important to establish minimum livability standards within Tukwila. She supports efforts in encouraging apartment managers to join the Crime free Multi Housing program. She is concerned that raising the inspection fee will increase rental rates making housing even more unaffordable. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9 June 28, 1999 David A. MorEan. 5190 S. 166 Tukwila, a resident of Tukwila for over 20 years, has recently received a notice with respect to the proposed ordinance to enforce inspections of rental housing. The letter was received on the 25` with a three -day notice for response. He asked if Council had received his letter. Council President Fenton answered in the affirmative. Mr. Morgan said it is clear the ordinance may also apply to single family residents. It does not specifically reference how it would be applied and he referred to the language in the ordinance outlining the applicability. Assistant Berry confirmed the current language could apply to single family rental homes and that Council's discussion would determine if the language should remain or be removed. The intent is to have the ordinance apply to four plexes or more, since they are currently licensed. Staff is not considering licensing other rental units below four plexes. Mr. Morgan said he takes pride in his rental properties and that many of his tenants have resided in his rental properties for many years. He understands the concerns of the Council, knows where problem areas are located, and believes the ordinance is a possible solution to solve those problems. However, he urged the Council to rewrite the ordinance and apply it to those individuals that need it. He stressed that there are other alternatives to consider. Administrator McFarland said the letters were not sent to owners of single family rental properties and that Mr. Morgan received the letter as a member of Apartment Association of King County (AASK). Councilmembers reassured Mr. Morgan they are just beginning the process of considering the ordinance and that they will be reviewing the applicability of the ordinance in detail before its adoption. Jeff Shearer, owner of the Maple Apartments. 37 Avenue and South 142n Street, Tukwila, noted that before purchasing the apartments, he owned rental property in the City of Seattle. He said he survived a similar ordinance there that was eventually revoked. Ultimately, he received a check from Seattle because they had to rescind the ordinance. None of his units in Seattle were ever inspected or needed inspection. He recommended the Council not support the ordinance and stated the market is changing in Tukwila. Property owners are working to keep rental rates down and the ordinance would only result in increased rental rates. He relies on referrals from present tenants to fill vacant units and believes referrals fill vacancies due to the good condition of the units. His property is not certified in the Crime Free Multi Housing program, however he is working towards that goal. Mr. Shearer urged the Council to consider not enacting the ordinance and stressed education is important for tenants when it comes to preventing crime. Randy Banneher. representing AASK, clarified his organization sent letters to its members within a specific zip code sort. The letter informed owners the City is considering the ordinance. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9 June 28, 1999 The letter was not meant to antagonize, but to promote communication between owners and the organization on the possible ordinance. He indicated two pieces of the ordinance were included for information and reiterated the ordinance, as currently written, does apply to single family rental units. AASK is comprised of approximately 2,400 owners and managers of rental housing throughout King County, which strives to increase communication to managers and owners on the maintenance of quality housing in the area. He acknowledged the assistance of Finance and Safety Committee members on the origin of the ordinance. Mr. Banneher said the organization supports the goals of the ordinance. Irresponsible landlords are bad for business, along with irresponsible tenants. However, some legal issues exist, particularly with similar ordinances that have occurred in Seattle and Pasco. The organization is conducting a legal review of the ordinance and wishes to forward those comments on to the Council to insure the ordinance, if passed, is legally viable. He described the basis of concern with respect to balancing the City's interests and the responsibility of the organization to protect the tenant and landlord privacy. Currently, to conduct an inspection, the City needs consent or a warrant. Current language within the ordinance does not include these requirements. The organization fully supports complaint -based inspections initiated by tenants and encourages landlord and tenant education. Councilmember Duffle has a concern with representatives not attending committee meetings and providing feedback during the committee level review. He is not appreciative of uniformed organizations sending letters and alarming citizens on an issue that is just in the beginning stages of review. Mr. Banneher indicated the action was not meant to circumvent the process. The association recently learned of the proposed ordinance, secondhand, and felt it was their responsibility to inform their members. No advocacy statements, for or against the ordinance, were contained in the letter. Council President Fenton outlined what the City is trying to accomplish through an ordinance and pointed out that 60% of the City's residents live in multi family housing. The City has worked hard to organize and develop a Crime Free Multi- Family Housing program. However, out of 150 managers /owners who have completed the program, only 25 properties have been certified. He stressed that previous efforts have failed with a certain number of property owners who for a better lack of a term, "just don't give a damn!" Ms. Berry pointed out code enforcement calls in some of the worst and more offensive apartment units were not made by tenants, but from social workers and other service providers. Many tenants are not aware of their rights and are fearful of retaliation. While others understand their City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9 June 28, 1999 rights they also understand that the process can be long and drawn out. The proposed ordinance is another avenue for tenants who do not have the resources or tools to resolve issues. Councilmembers discussed recommendations to conduct the first public meeting on July 26. Assistant Berry said the mailing includes a summary of the draft with instructions to contact her if a copy of the draft ordinance is desired. Councilmembers discussed the issue of the ordinance pertaining to single- family rental homes and generally concurred there are problem properties that would need to be reviewed. Generally, they agreed to keep the option open as a future amendment and initially focus attention on four plex units and more. Another area of concern is with absentee owners. Administrator McFarland said staff uses the database for business licenses to send notices to property owners. Staff makes good faith efforts to contact both owners and managers. The Council agreed to conduct a public meeting on July 26 and suggested that a comment sheet be included in the mailing for property owners /managers unable to attend the public meeting. Norma Wade has lived at the Maple Apartments since 1978 and agreed with some of the points raised and noted she against anything that would raise her rent. Good landlords should not be penalized and charged the same as owners not in compliance. c. An ordinance amending the meeting times for council meetines durine the summer months Councilmember Linder said a fellow Councilmember brought the request to the Finance and Safety Committee. The Committee was somewhat divided on the request, however everyone agreed with changing the meeting time with the exception of one member. Council President Fenton said he brought the request forward to begin meetings one half hour earlier in the summer months to facilitate earlier adjournment times for Council and staff. Another request was to reformat the agenda to have reports completed first followed by regular Council agenda items. Anna Bernhard. 14241 51s Tukwila, said the 7:00 p.m. meeting time allows citizens to have dinner or watch the news before attending a Council meeting. It is difficult for people who work to attend a 6:30 p.m. meeting. She would prefer to leave the starting time at 7:00 p.m. Many people also have other meetings that begin at 5:00 p.m. This allows them enough time for dinner. Joanne McManus. 5610 S. 133r Tukwila., spoke against the earlier start time. She said it is often difficult to arrive at 7:00 p.m. Council start times are published to begin at 7:00 p.m. and City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes many people take for granted the 7:00 p.m. meeting time. She indicated many people are not interested in hearing Council reports and stay only for the main items on the agenda. Councilmembers expressed varying opinions on changing the start time. Councilmember Linder suggesting trying earlier meetings during the month of the August. Councilmember Mullet suggested moving the executive session to begin at 6:30 p.m. The Council concurred to schedule executive sessions to begin at 6:30 p.m. REPORTS: a. Mayor Page 7 of 9 June 28, 1999 Mayor Rants reported meeting with members of the King County Council and other community officials and conveyed the City's appreciation for their support on our position regarding Sound Transit. He said he is hearing more rumors of changes regarding Sound Transit routes. Next, Mayor Rants said he met with Tim Seese, King County's lead staff on the Endangered Species Act during a recent meeting of mayors from Des Moines, Tukwila, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Burien. He reported any project that includes federal funding is subject to a biological assessment before commencement of the project. He reported on possible requirements for management zones within new developments and changes in the use of herbicides and pesticides the City uses in parks, trails, and the golf course to control noxious weeds and blackberries. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle reported he attended a meeting on police profiling in Seattle sponsored by the NCCPA. Citizens registered complaints against the cities of Seattle, Mercer Island, Kirkland, and Redmond. He indicated complaints included police abuse that were not documented by the police in their reports. The meeting lasted approximately two and half -hours with numerous citizens complaining of abuse; none of which were against Tukwila officers. Councilmember Hernandez announced she recently received the 1998/1999 Human Service Award from the South King Council of Human Services for involvement in South King County for social and health services by an individual in government. Ms. Hernandez attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting and the AWC Conference in Wenatchee on June 22 -25. Next, Ms. Hernandez indicated her intentions to file for re- election as Councilmember in July. On June 23, Council President Fenton attended the King County Council meeting. He indicated he and staff visited with Councilmember Cynthia Sullivan concerning Tukwila's position on City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9 June 28, 1999 Sound Transit. Councilmember Sullivan shared some of the challenges she other members of the King County Council believe Tukwila faces and indicated that many officials feel Tukwila is this "rich little city out south" that has all this money. Council President Fenton also attended an EDAB meeting. A Tukwila Workforce survey was conducted that includes data that is part of a work in progress and documents the availability of jobs within the City and issues related to transportation. He reminded Councilmembers of the budget meeting on June 29 at 5:00 p.m. He indicated he also compiled some mid -year retreat notes to prompt budget considerations and discussion. Councilmember Mullet reported that the recent Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting agenda included a discussion on how to attract development of senior housing. An update was also received on the sign amortization program. Director Doerschel is working on a bond issue to fund the golf course. Courses have to be continually maintained and improved to be competitive with other golf courses within the surrounding areas. Councilmember Carter reported attendance at the AWC Conference in Wenatchee and shared some of the reference material received from the conference. She attended a Utilities Committee meeting earlier in the evening. The first phase of City Hall HVAC improvements have been completed. The Committee has recommended to the Council they approve release of retainage. Next, Ms. Carter reported an ad hoc sub committee meeting of SCATBd is scheduled for June 29. The sub committee is developing questions for Sound Transit to assist them in providing responses when they attend SCATBd meetings. Councilmember Haggerton enjoyed attending the AWC Conference that included workshops and sessions that would assist him in preparing for the upcoming budget meeting. He noted the Finance Directors from the cities of Tumwater and Lynnwood conducted most of the workshops, as they are members of the Washington State Finance Directors Association. He reported the City of Tumwater has produced a brochure that includes information on their mission, objectives and budget. Tumwater includes the preliminary and final budget on their web site. He suggested adding this item for discussion during the budget meeting. Councilmember Linder congratulated Councilmember Hernandez on receiving the 1998/1999 Human Service Award from the South King Council of Human Services. As Chair of the Finance and Safety Committee, she attended the Fireman's Pension Board meeting and announced the traditional cost -of- living raise. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hernandez noted an improvement in the maintenance of the City's trails along with maintenance of benches and picnic tables; while Council President Fenton thanked staff for working on the park near Computer City. Mayor Rants referred to Councilmember Haggerton's comments on the budget and said knowing the Council's policies assists him in preparing the annual budget. (9:40 p.m.) Council President Fenton adjourned the meeting to an executive session. David Fenton, Council Pre keA Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk For Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signed:/ /99 Page 9 of 9 June 28, 1999