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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-07-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 12, 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 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 McFarland, City Administrator; Robert Noe, City Attorney; Don Williams, Director of Parks Recreation; Jim Morrow Public Works Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator; Marty O'Brien, Golf Course Manager; Bob Giberson, Senior Engineer; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Georiina Kerr. 3834 S. 116 St.. Tukwila,. referred to the trees and the greenbelt along Macadam Road and requested the City work to insure that the area is left in its natural state. She volunteered to work with staff to preserve the area. She provided a copy of an article on the properties within the area and urged the City to preserve it. Marearet Bratcher. 13003 56 Ave. So.. Tukwila, asked where to find information on boat speed limits on the river. There has been increased activity on the river by jet skis and motor boats. This could cause safety risks for canoes and kayaks. She commented on how her quality of life has improved at Foster Point since the road closure. Ms. Bratcher referred to the recent article in the Hazelnut about Council's salary and expressed her appreciation for all the hard work and countless meetings Councilmembers attend. She inferred that Council compensation is inadequate for the requirements of the job. Responding to a question from Councilmember Haggerton on airplane noise, Ms. Bratcher said the neighborhood often experiences noise from airport traffic at the King County Airport. Administrator McFarland said the City would research the issue and follow up with the Council on who has specific jurisdiction on the river. Director Williams reported that Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates boaters on the river and the Coast Guard has control to the turnaround area near the new Boeing office building. Joanne McManus. 5610 So. 133r St.. Tukwila. spoke to Director Williams at the recent Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting about the need for a full -time janitor at the Tukwila Community Center. She stressed that the facility needs to be maintained and mentioned City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes how the lack of maintenance at several local schools has resulted in the decline of the buildings. She suggested a day janitor is needed to insure the building is maintained. She requested the Council consider funding a full -time day custodian. Council President Fenton acknowledged that the Parks and Recreation Department are considering the issue and thanked Ms. McManus for her comments. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Foster Golf Course Master Plan Page 2 of 6 July 12, 1999 Councilmember Mullet said the plan incorporates two components. One relates to the maintenance of the tees and greens and improvements to the course to increase off -peak use. The second relates to plans for the new clubhouse. The Community Affairs and Parks Committee has reviewed and supports the plan. Director Williams said the previous six -year plan included the development and improvement of the course as the number one priority. Since 1978, a number of improvements have been made to the course. Current revenues are not sufficient to construct a new clubhouse; and before a new clubhouse can be constructed, the current facility needs to be moved to another location. The new Six Year Foster Golf Links Plan update identifies golf course improvements for the next six years, replacement of the maintenance buildings and a new clubhouse, and funding sources. The funding plan includes two elements. One documents sources of existing revenue and the second documents ways to increase revenues. As an enterprise fund, the golf course pays for operating expenses through receipt of green fees. Golf course revenues cannot currently fund all of the course improvements. Reserve revenues in 1999 could fund approximately 50% of the maintenance facility in 1999. Director Williams explained how to fund the remaining capital improvements through the sale of bonds and securing a loan. The funding strategy also includes an increase in green fees. Director Williams reported marketing packages of other competitive golf courses include weekend, junior and senior rates. He noted Councilmember Duffle's request to explore the possibility of a yearly pass. From a financial standpoint however, yearly passes do not increase revenues. The highest revenues are generated through 18 -hole summer plays and Monday through Friday leagues. Current green fees for 18 holes are $19 and 9 holes for $15. Proposed fees in 2004 are $18 for 9 holes and $25 for 18 holes. Manager O'Brien said the goal has been to keep fees as low as possible. Only a few other courses outside the immediate area are charging less. Among local competitors, Foster Links is the lowest. The course increases fees approximately 3% per year and has done so over the last six years. The increased rates have not applied to Saturday and Sunday while local competitors City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 July 12, 1999 have increased their weekend rates. The new plan raises the rates sufficiently to fund a new clubhouse. Manager O'Brien answered questions regarding the proposed pricing schedule. Currently, junior and senior rates are the same. The proposal includes lowering the junior rate below the senior rate. Additionally, the proposal includes opening the course to juniors after 4:00 p.m. on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). The twilight rate is also proposed for an increase along with extending the timeframe for twilight golfing. Councilmember Carter suggested including the twilight golfing hours on the City's web site. Manager O'Brien said no reduced winter rates are proposed other than all golfers pay the resident fee. Manager O'Brien stressed that a new clubhouse is important to the growth of the golf course. He pointed out the future increase of women's golf and reviewed some of the benefits involved in having a new facility along with the anticipation of increased revenues through restaurant and clubhouse activities. Director Williams explained why green fees should be increased. The City is now required to pay a 5% admission tax and sales tax. The City has been paying these taxes directly from the golf course revenues. Joe Ronno, 5490 South 149 Street, Tukwila, spoke in support of an annual rate that is reasonable. He shared annual rates of a golf course located in Everett for senior citizens. He described typical golf costs and limited incomes of senior citizens and said an annual pass should be offered at Foster Links. Councilmember Duffle questioned the effect on revenues if the golf course experienced a bad year. Director Williams acknowledged that the course has had a bad year in 1999. In good years, the course can have over 90,000 rounds of golf. However, the proposed plan is based on approximately 70,000 rounds a year. The high season occurs from late April through September. Drainage improvements will facilitate more golfers during inclement weather. Conservative revenue rates are included in the plan with a 3% growth projection for each year for operations and maintenance costs. Director Williams explained that until the Council authorizes the sale of bonds, the golf course cannot secure a loan to begin construction; and, if approved, anticipates the bid to be released in August or September for the maintenance building. Councilmember Haggerton said it is important to separate some of the issues such as special rates and how to fund golf course improvements. He suggested presenting more details on the financing plan at another COW meeting. Councilmember Hernandez requested that funding information be provided in a more clarified format. Council President Fenton announced that a presentation might also occur on the proposed plan at the Council's upcoming retreat scheduled for July 14. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 July 12, 1999 b. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Interlocal Aereement c. HOME Investment Partnerships Proeram Interlocal Aereement Coordinator Boykan requested the Council's approval to authorize the Mayor to sign two interlocal agreements. One is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the second is the HOME Investment Partnership program. The CDBG program allows Tukwila, as a member of the King County Consortium, to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low and moderate income residents. The HOME Partnership program consists only of federal funds for housing. Due to the fact the total amount of the funds is lower, the program is managed by King County rather than being distributed to cities to manage. The HOME funding source through the King County Rental Rehabilitation program is available to property owners to rehabilitate individual units in multi family housing to keep them affordable for low income citizens. Both agreements outline how the programs operate and Tukwila's responsibilities as a participating city. Changes recommended for the next three -year period are included. None of the changes affects how the program is managed locally. A new clause in the agreement allows for automatic renewal at the end of the three -year period; and, there are provisions for discontinuing participation in the program. Council President Fenton moved the request forward to the next regular Council meeting. REPORTS: a. City Council: Councilmember Duffie reported on the successful "Tukwila Days" festival and stated how much he enjoyed participating. Councilmember Hernandez thanked Councilmember Duffie for posting announcements for free bus rides to "Tukwila Days." She indicated the service, by some accounts, was well used. She noted eight people signed up for future Equity and Diversity Commission study groups. Council President Fenton and members of City staff recently met with Seattle Mayor Paul Schell. Mayor Schell indicated support for many of Tukwila's positions with respect to Sound Transit issues. Councilmember Mullet attended the Community Affairs and Park Committee meeting this evening. Councilmember Carter acknowledged the benefit of attending recent judicial training and indicated she stood in for the Mayor for the Executive Committee of the Corridor Project. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 July 12, 1999 She noted the diversity of the crowd during the "Tukwila Days" festival. She received the Hazelnut too late announcing "Tukwila Days." Councilmember Hernandez indicated she also did not receive her copy with her Council mail. Councilmember Carter announced she was recently invited to attend a hearing on Trade and Economic Development. The committee chair has expressed an interest in helping urban cities. She suggested Council develop an agenda of issues to be discussed with committee members before the legislature convenes next year. Next, Ms. Carter reviewed portions of the Utilities Committee meeting agenda from this evening. Bids have been received for the City Hall parking lot expansion. Director Morrow provided a review of the project to the Council due to the tight construction schedule. The Planning Commission was also provided with a presentation. He pointed out several issues concerning the sensitivity of the buffer zones for planting and said trees have been identified for retention within the buffer zone to protect the neighbors. The buffer zone will also have additional planting of trees and other plants to fill in gaps. In addition, a privacy fence has been added at the request of one of the neighbors. Other concerns involved security and safety. Lights in the parking lot were reviewed to insure non -glare intrusion into the adjacent neighborhood. Councilmember Carter said the Committee has recommended agreement on the proposed project. She described how ingress and egress would occur in the new parking lot. The City will gain an additional 50 parking spaces. Councilmembers concurred to move the request forward to a regular Council meeting. Councilmember Haggerton inquired if a method had been established to follow up on questions citizens submitted on a questionnaire during "Tukwila Days." Staff confirmed that follow up was being completed. He suggested receiving a report from the committee who assisted Community Affairs and Parks Committee with coordinating "Tukwila Days." b. Staff: Administrator McFarland spoke with the Chief Executive Officer from the City of Renton regarding their resolution supporting Tukwila's concerns with Sound Transit issues. He indicated a Council spokesman from Tukwila might be needed at Renton's City Council meeting to clarify Tukwila's concerns. The City of Burien has expressed interest in Tukwila's Sister City Program and has extended an invitation to Administrator McFarland to share information on the development of such a program. Administrator McFarland said the City would be sending letters of appreciation to area schools for students who submitted artwork during "Tukwila Days." City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Hernandez said a citizen approached her at the Council's table during "Tukwila Days" and asked if the Council would consider a public display of fireworks for the July 4 celebration. Councilmembers briefly discussed the request and noted that Tukwila's ordinance does not prohibit a professionally produced fireworks show within the City. Councilmember Hernandez referred to previous comments by Georgina Kerr concerning the possibility of the City purchasing property along Macadam Street to preserve as a greenbelt. She has obtained information on the property and recommended that the issue be referred to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee for review. Councilmember Duffle has been receiving complaints from citizens concerning a skyline searchlight and suggested a review of the situation. Administrator McFarland reported that staff is researching information from other jurisdictions and is in the process of determining whether or not searchlights are considered signs and if they can be regulated in terms of hours of operation and duration. (8:28 p.m.) Council President Fenton adjourned the meeting for ten minutes and then reconvened to an executive session. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Potential litigation :30 minutes Land purchase :30 minutes (8:37 p.m.) Executive session began. No action was taken. ADJOURNMENT: (9:24 p.m.) Having no other items of business, Council President Fenton adjourned the meeti 14. AL-- David Fenton, Council President Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signed: if 1 /99 Page 6 of 6 July 12, 1999