HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
August 23, 1999 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Council President Dave Fenton called the meeting to order and led in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council President Dave Fenton; Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Pam
Carter, Steve Mullet, Jim Haggerton, and Pamela Linder.
OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Don Williams, Director
of Parks Recreation; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, and Lucy Lauterbach, Council
Analyst.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
Louise Strander, 15000 57 Avenue South. Tukwila. read a letter from herself and other
business members. As a group, they are requesting the City consider them as representatives on
the task force to address long -term solutions re: truck traffic into Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railroad.
Joanne McManus. 5610 South 133r Tukwila, read a letter from herself and other neighbors
outlining their improved quality of living in the Foster Point area since the City- authorized road
closure of 56 Avenue South and 57 Avenue South at South 130 Place. The letter, containing
83 signatures requests the Council authorize a permanent road closure of the aforementioned
streets and replace the chains with gates. Ms. McManus reported no problems regarding access
by school buses or emergency vehicles. Council President Fenton referred the request to the
Transportation Committee for consideration when the current ordinance expires on October 1,
1999.
Scott Huish, 13635 Provincial Way. Lake Oswego. OR.. representing the Family Fun Center,
thanked the City Council, Mayor Rants, Director Lancaster, and City staff for their efforts in
providing assistance to the company during its development process. Also present was Mr. John
Huish, father to Scott. John Huish thanked Jim Morrow, the Fire Department and Public Works
staff.
Margaret Bratcher, 13003 56 Avenue South, Tukwila. reiterated Ms. McManus' comments
on improvements to the neighborhood since the closure of the streets in the Foster Point
neighborhood area. She indicated the neighborhood was 98% in favor of closing the streets
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ISSUES:
Six -Year Foster Golf Links Master Plan
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August 23, 1999
Parks Recreation Director Don Williams reviewed several concerns raised by Council during
the July 26 COW meeting regarding the financial strategy for the capital element of the Six -Year
Master Plan. He outlined the capital element in more detail; specifically, expenditures related to
the maintenance facility and clubhouse. He distributed copies of financial information, reviewed
the itemized budget information in greater detail, and answered questions from Councilmembers.
Responding to questions from Councilmember Carter concerning the ending fun balance of
$550,000, Director Doerschel explained that the City is using 1999 carryover funds to help fund
the first phase of the maintenance building.
Councilmember Haggerton shared some concerns expressed to him concerning the type of
clubhouse costs associated with a new clubhouse. Councilmember Haggerton asked if the $3.7
million was a firm number for constructing a new clubhouse. Director Williams noted that the
proposed funding amount was derived from the previous six -year plan. Currently, there is a
general conceptual plan, but no design drawings have been developed. He anticipates selection
of an architect next year to begin design work.
Councilmember Duffle indicated he was approached by many senior citizens who expressed
concerns about golf course prices. Their major concern is that prices will increase substantially
after the new clubhouse is built. Director Williams reported that a proposed game fee schedule
has been developed, which maintains past policy. The proposed $2 green fee increase every two
years is barely adequate to cover course maintenance to maintain a competitive course.
Currently, the golf course has some of the lowest fees, particularly if it is combined with the
resident discount. Director Doerschel reiterated that proposed senior rate increases reflect an
increase of only 12% over the next five years.
Councilmember Duffle reiterated his concerns that the proposed rates may be cost prohibitive to
senior players. Councilmembers discussed the proposed rates and generally agreed they are
reasonable for resident and non resident seniors.
Mr. Williams indicated a majority of the men's club members is anxious to have a new
clubhouse. He agreed rates are increasing yearly, yet pointed out incremental rate increases are
kept to a minimum. He stated revenues from the golf course would be reinvested into the course
to improve and retain its competitiveness with other local golf courses.
Councilmember Carter indicated the golf course is an enterprise fund, which is self funded
through golf course revenues. If revenues were not reinvested in the course, quality of the course
would decline substantially. She suggested referring the clubhouse design to the Community
Affairs and Parks Committee for review before contracting with an architect. She suggested
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 5
August 23, 1999
marketing the new clubhouse by posting signs at the current clubhouse advising of a new and
improved clubhouse project.
Councilmember Mullet referred to I -695 and asked if an adopted fee schedule would be exempt
from I -695 ramifications. Administrator McFarland said staff is researching how established
fees for an extended period of time would be affected by I -695.
Joanne McManus reported her husband golfs weekly at the golf course and has mentioned
green fees are lower than any other course in the area.
Director Doerschel and Mayor Rants clarified that Council adoption of the Six -Year Foster Golf
Links Master Plan does not automatically assume adoption of a $3.7 million bond. Staff will
develop a proposed budget based on the design scheme of the new clubhouse.
Council President Fenton moved the item to the next regular Council meeting for adoption.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor:
Mayor Rants reported an e -mail dated August 16, 1999, from Seattle Mayor Paul Schell,
outlining his position on Sound Transit. The correspondence advocates Sound Transit meeting
the needs of regional stakeholders and gaining region -wide consensus.
b. City Council:
Councilmember Duffle reported attendance at a Foster Point neighborhood meeting and received
positive comments from residents concerning Council's assistance in closing the streets. Many
residents spoke about how the closure has helped the neighborhood.
Councilmember Hernandez attended a REACH meeting on August 18. She met the new VISTA
volunteer, who will coordinate the Minor Home Repair Program (home repairs under $500 for
seniors and low income citizens).
She distributed pictures of homes painted during "The Paint Your Heart Out" program. She
called for volunteers to participate in painting one remaining house on Saturday, August 28.
On Thursday, August 21, Ms. Hernandez met with Police Chief Haines and Administrator
McFarland regarding a working location for an AmeriCorp volunteer for the Equity and
Diversity Commission.
Councilmember Hernandez commented on increased airplane noise during the week of August
16. She contacted the noise hotline several times. Administrator McFarland indicated the
increased noise was due to military aircraft, which are unregulated.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
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August 23, 1999
Councilmember Mullet reported attendance at a Cascade Water Alliance meeting. He indicated
new memberships have not been received. Three months remain to obtain enough new members
to officially establish the alliance.
Councilmember Carter attended a recent Utilities Committee meeting. About that, she noted a
possible change in BPA policy that would raise rates for customers of investor owned utilities,
such as Puget Sound Energy. Staff will be keeping the Committee advised and will contact
Suburban Cities to ensure they are tracking the issue.
The Committee also reviewed a Metro /King County sewer rate pass through for 2000. It is
customary for the Council to pass through water and sewer rate increases. She requested Council
consensus to schedule a public hearing and suggested establishing a hearing date of September
20 at the September 7 Council meeting. She explained that the Council would receive a briefing
on the rate increases at the September 13 COW meeting. Councilmembers agreed to include the
request on the Council agenda for September 7, 1999.
Councilmember Linder reported a full agenda for the August 24 Finance and Safety Committee
meeting. One agenda item is a report from Kathryn Kertzman on her efforts to promote tourism
in Tukwila.
Ms. Linder recently attended a Union Gospel Mission meeting and reported two distinct factions
are vying for control of the advisory group. Unless the group makes progress in the next few
meetings, she would not be attending future meetings.
Councilmember Linder attended the Human Services Roundtable on August 18. The focus of
the roundtable was narrowed to three specific issues for domestic violence to discuss with local
legislators at the sub regional meetings. A breakfast meeting with Ron Sims is tentatively
scheduled at the Tukwila Community Center. Possible dates include September 13, 14, 20, 21,
or 27. Participating jurisdictions include Kent, Renton, Des Moines, and SeaTac.
Councilmember Linder also attended a Joint Recommendations Committee meeting and
reviewed a draft on consolidated housing and community development plan for 2000 20003.
There are very few changes from the previous document.
She attended a Domestic Violence Task Force meeting. A representative from the International
Rescue was a guest speaker. She has asked for input for a short list for best practices on dealing
with domestic violence issues. She and Kent Councilmember Tom Brotherton will be preparing
a short list for all jurisdictions.
c. Staff:
Administrator McFarland reported on a press release recently received from the Washington
Utilities and Transportation Commission. The release announced two meetings to be held to
identify safety concerns associated with fast moving trains through Pierce and King County.
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Tukwila has a railroad crossing that is affected by the increase of train speeds. Train speeds will
increase to 79 mph for passenger trains, if approved. The City sent a letter requesting action be
deferred until the undercrossing is completed. The WTUC did not respond to the letter, other
than scheduling the public meetings. The first meeting is on August 30 at 6:30 at Puyallup High
School and the second is on August 31 at the Auburn High School.
Administrator McFarland said he will send a letter to Bob White regarding non notification of
the City of a community forum held at the Foster Library suggesting better methods to stay in
contact and inform one another on items of community interest.
Administrator McFarland will meet with a reporter from the Seattle Times, who is interested in
learning about the Tukwila Village plans. Mr. McFarland is unclear on some Sound Transit
routings and will receive a review of the proposed routes by staff.
8:20 p.m. Council President Fenton adjourned the meeting.
avid Fenton, Council President
�v a /i2LA
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary
Date Minutes Signed: Q 23 /99
Page 5 of 5
August 23, 1999