Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL November 8, 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, Steve Mullet, Jim Haggerton, and Pamela Linder. OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Keith Haines, Police Chief; Don Williams, Director of Parks Recreation; Deborah Ritter, Assistant Planner; Bruce Fletcher, Assistant Director of Parks Recreation; Paul Sure, Parks Superintendent; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: a. Parks Commission activities report Parks Commission Vice Chair Bob Merkle reported on recent activities of the Parks Commission and introduced other Commissioners. Accomplishments for 1999 included the following: Discussion on involvement with "Tukwila Days." The Commission encouraged the development of a citizen's working group to work with staff on "Tukwila Days." Reviewed the expansion of Crestview Park. Reviewed the Six -Year Plan for Foster Link Golf Course and forwarded recommendations to the Mayor to adopt the plan including the financial strategy for golf course and clubhouse improvements. The Commission reviewed the golf course fees and recommended a three -year plan to the Mayor. Recommended adding a project in the CIP for a skateboard park. In August, the Commission reviewed the Community Center fee structure and recommended changes to the Mayor, including a higher rate for non residents. The Commission is beginning a review of the Six -year Parks Plan. Mr. Merkle answered questions from the Council and indicated the Commission would be involved with reviewing the clubhouse design and other golf course improvements in addition to reviewing expansion efforts for Crestview Park. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 Councilmembers thanked the Commission for their efforts and hard work during the last year. Councilmember Mullet noted how important the east -west trails are to the City and requested the Commission focus some efforts on connecting links within the trail system. b. Arts Commission activities report Arts Commission Chair Brian Kennedy reported on recent activities of the Arts Commission. He noted the Commission has hired an artist from Portland who designed artwork on Portland's light rail system. His focus is to look at commuter rail stations and suggest various artworks. His services are being funded by Sound Transit. Ms. Linda Aldridge, an artist who designed some artwork for the City of SeaTac has been hired to work on an art mural on a canopy located at the corner of Pacific Highway at 144 Avenue. Mr. Kennedy explained the canopy is part of the Pacific Highway revitalization project. The canopy will be located on the northeast corner as part of the meeting place in the Tukwila Village. Another artist has been hired to complete a sign for the Foster Center for Performing Arts, which is scheduled for completion before the presentation of the mural in February 2000. Foster High School art students are completing the mural. The mural will be located in the hallway behind the music rooms at Foster High School. A grant was obtained from the King County Arts Commission to help fund the project. Mr. Kennedy introduced Commission member Russell Bradley who reviewed the 122 -foot long high school mural. He was involved in sponsoring the artist. The mural depicts five decades of Tukwila schools and the community. Mr. Bradley displayed a sculpture of a salmon, which is to be installed near the exit door at the Tukwila Community Center. Mr. Bradley reviewed other art projects under progress and indicated an artist from Vancouver, B.C., has been hired to complete a sculpture for the City of Tukwila's Fire Hall #54. Councilmembers thanked Commission members for the update on recent art projects occurring in the City and their efforts on the Commission. Councilmember Carter referred to recent information was shared during an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference in Wenatchee and suggested the Commission consider establishing criteria for accepting donated artwork. The City of Wenatchee also has a program called "Art on the Avenue" where artists donate artwork for display up to a year. The city furnishes the base. Displayed artwork is often purchased by corporations and donated back to the city. Mr. Bradley introduced Ms. Alida Gustafson, an art teacher. She updated the Council on recent community art activity. Approximately 127 artists participated in the art show during Tukwila Days. The "Music in the Park" series was conducted at Bicentennial Park. Artwork is currently City of Tukwila Page 3 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 being completed at the fire station and the library, and members are working with the school on art projects. The Commission also sponsored the first Chinese opera in Tukwila and an ethnic dance program is scheduled for November 20, 1999. CITIZENS' COMMENTS /CORRESPONDENCE: Anna Bernhard, 142241 59 Ave South, referred to the recent Sound Transit public meeting at the Tukwila Community Center and requested the City consider installing a raised platform/podium so members of the audience can see speakers. Director Williams said the Community Center has a large portable stage. However, Sound Transit did not request it for the meeting. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed increase in surface water utility rates for residential and commercial customers beginning January 1, 2000 (continued from 11/1/99) Director Morrow said he reviewed the proposed surface water rate increase with the Chamber of Commerce last week. He reported a number of business and residents were unclear about the surface water program. He described how beneficial the two public workshops were to both staff and residents regarding the complexities and issues surrounding the surface water program. He referred to the 1999 Comparison of Annual Fee report he shared with the Chamber of Commerce members and reviewed surface water program rates between neighboring jurisdictions. He reported on the status of some concerns expressed by eight citizens and indicated staff has responded to their concerns and has been able to solve several of the issues. Director Morrow indicated he supports continuing the quarterly public workshops. He noted not everyone endorses the rate increase, but comments from residents and businesses indicate a better understanding of the program and an appreciation of what is being accomplished. Council President Fenton agreed the public workshops were very beneficial and educational, as many citizens had no idea what surface water rate increases are, where the money was going, and why the City required an increase in the rate. Director Morrow confirmed Tukwila's proposed rate increase would retain Tukwila as the fifteenth lowest jurisdiction for surface water rates out of 16 jurisdictions. Council President Fenton opened the public hearing for public testimony. Linda Morris. 225 Tukwila Parkway, Tukwila. Chair of the Tukwila Governmental Affairs Committee for the Chamber of Commerce read her letter, protesting the 40% increase, to the Council. She indicated the business community of Tukwila could have supported the proposed City of Tukwila Page 4 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 increase and feels someday it may be possible. However, the business community was not provided with sufficient information to make an informed decision. The business community's first briefing on the proposed rate increase was not held until after two public hearings and after the original closing of public comment on November 1, 1999. Subsequently, the City Council extended the public hearing time to allow the business community to be briefed. She noted the 40% rate increase seems excessive and seems to speak to the "old days" when the City and the business community did not work together to accomplish a common goal. It also appears three regional projects rather than local projects contribute to the need for an increase. Marie White. 3726 S. 138 Tukwila, spoke in support of the proposed rate increase and the creation of a Utilities Commission. Ms. White suggested installing signs when projects are completed to alert citizens about projects benefit the community. Mayor Rants stressed the importance of committing to the projects included in the Six -Year CIP over the long term and indicated he supports the creation of a citizen's utility commission. Council President Fenton read a letter from Wen Lin, Econolodge into the record. Mr. Lin protested the 40% rate increase based on the magnitude of the increase. He stressed such increases are typically planned for a program in smaller incremental increases and noted the passage of I -695 was a last ditch effort by the public to control their taxes. He urged the Council not to pass the increase and indicated raising the rate 5% each year was more preferable than a one time 40% increase. Director Morrow explained the methodology of one large increase versus smaller increases and indicated smaller increases would not produce sufficient revenue to keep the CIP in a positive position in three years. Only those projects that are determined a priority within the program were included in the CIP Council President Fenton supported continuing the public workshops and concurred with the recommendation to install signs after a project has been completed to keep the community informed. Mayor Rants expressed concerns regarding the letter from Ms. Morris and said although another public meeting may not be necessary, additional time by the Council to review the proposal might be warranted to allow the business community time to review the proposed increase. Councilmembers discussed timing on the proposed action and agreed to delay action on the proposed rate increase until the December 6 City Council meeting. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. An ordinance updating business license regulation regarding peddlers and solicitors City of Tukwila Page 5 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 Councilmember Linder reported the Finance and Safety Committee reviewed the ordinance on October 26. City Clerk Cantu reported the proposed ordinance is mostly "housekeeping" in nature as the City has provisions in place. However, the proposed ordinance would strengthen existing licensing regulations. The proposed ordinance includes revision of the definition of peddlers and solicitors to include those individuals go from house to house, from place to place, or by indiscriminately approaching individuals from a location on any street, alley, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare. Additionally, the definition applies to any person who stands in a doorway or any unenclosed vacant lot, parcel of land, or in any other place not used by such person as a permanent place of business. A provision was added to require verification of applicant identification and included licensing requirements for corporations, partnerships, or any other organization that acts as the principal or employer for individual peddlers. Picture identification is also required for all licenses along with an increase in the license fee to cover the cost of investigation and issuance of licenses. Provisions are included for appealing the non issuance or revocation of a peddler's license. Councilmember Linder indicated the Finance and Safety Committee recommended publishing the licenses of peddler's /solicitors so the public can be more informed about the identity of peddlers and solicitors. City Clerk Cantu reported the City receives approximately 10 -12 applications each year. She answered questions from Councilmembers and indicated the proposed ordinance replaces the current Peddler's Licensing Regulations under TMC 5.12. Councilmember Hernandez suggested the ordinance should also apply to private streets. Discussion ensued on the applicability of the ordinance to private streets with general consensus the proposed language prohibiting door to door solicitation would suffice. City Clerk Cantu responded to questions from Councilmembers and indicated the term for each license is one year, which is renewable each January. Residents can verify licensing of individuals by contacting City Hall. Applicability to students selling door to door for school sponsored fundraising activities and verification of licenses after hours or on weekends was also reviewed. Richard Simpson. 13832 37 Avenue S.. Tukwila. said he had a recent encounter with a peddler at his home. A young man in his early 20's knocked on this door and indicated he would support Mr. Simpson for election and proceeded to try to sell him some magazines. When asked if he had a license, the solicitor indicated no license was needed. After some aggressive conversation by the solicitor, Mr. Simpson called the police. The police indicated they had removed the solicitor from the community several weeks ago. Mr. Simpson said the solicitor City of Tukwila Page 6 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 scammed a $100 check from his neighbor. Mr. Simpson said solicitors work the weekends to avoid code enforcement officers. Council President Fenton moved action on the ordinance to the next regular Council meeting. b. Sign Code revisions (workshop)- freeway interchange signs, political signage, public off premises signs. Planner Ritter reported the Community Affairs and Parks Committee is recommending revisions to the sign code in three areas: 1) political signage; 2) freestanding signage for freeway interchange businesses; and 3) off premises permanent signage for public facilities. She reported the COW previously determined the City should accommodate the special needs of the freeway interchange businesses and allow them to maintain tall signs. As a result, the amendment proposed in February by the Committee would bring these types of signs into compliance would no longer subject to the amortization ordinance. The Planning Commission recommends the businesses be subject to the same signage and amortization requirements as all other type of business. This issue was sent back to the Committee on October 19. Planner Ritter said if the proposed revisions from the Committee are acceptable, staff recommends a public hearing on December 6 and review of the draft ordinance at the November 22 COW meeting. Councilmember Mullet outlined the Committee's recommendations and indicated the Committee concurred with proposed recommendations pertaining to political signs and off premise signs for public facilities. The amendment pertaining to freeway signs includes two recommendations. One recommendation from the Planning Commission recommends no exemptions for freeway signage. The second recommendation supported by the Committee would allow freeway access signs. Director Lancaster reported on the intensity of the Planning Commission's deliberations regarding freeway signage. He cautioned including a grandfather clause might send the wrong message to the business community by singling out one type of use as allowed. Councilmembers agreed to the Committee's recommendation. Planner Ritter indicated a draft ordinance would be presented to the Council at its November 22 meeting. Councilmembers agreed to conduct a public hearing December 6 on the proposed sign code revisions. c. Rebid for Foster Golf Course maintenance facility Councilmember Mullet indicated the project was rebid, as the original bids did not include sales tax. The bids were separated into three components the base bid (maintenance facility) and two storage sheds to store and protect the City's capital investments. Ultimately, the issue concerns the budget and how to fund the two storage sheds, which is approximately $120,000. The City of Tukwila Page 7 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 Committee supports the importance of both sheds but expressed concerns with how to fund them and if the funds might be taken from future funds for the clubhouse. Director Williams reported there is sufficient funding for the base bid and sales tax. The adopted plan does not include funding for two storage sheds. The Mayor's recommendation is not to include the sheds at this time. If construction begins during the rainy season, the ten percent contingency may be needed. Councilmembers concurred maintenance sheds are needed to protect expensive City equipment. Discussion followed between the Council and Mayor Rants on funding the maintenance sheds. Mayor Rants reiterated the contingency of $114,000 could be used to fund the maintenance facility if no problems are encountered during construction. However, he expressed concerns with respect to the affects of I -695 and urged the Council to be conservative in their decision. He explained the bid for the sheds was $20,000 higher than the lowest bid for sheds by one of the other bidders. He did not support approving the maintenance sheds at this time and felt they could be considered later if contingency funds were not needed for the maintenance facility. Council President Fenton moved the item to the next regular Council meeting for action. d. Review of proposed 2000 budget Councilmembers reviewed the Arts Commission budget under Council Administration and inquired about the $15,750 designated for art purchases. Assistant Parks Director Fletcher replied $5,000 is for the Foster Performing Arts Center sign at Foster High School. Director Doerschel indicated grant funds were also included in the amount. Councilmember Duffle inquired about a guardrail for the Family Fun Center. Director Williams said approximately 80% of the area is state highway land. The City is working with the state to landscape the gateway area. The review continued on Parks Administration. Director Williams noted when opportunities arise the City tries to pursue development. He described future projects related to a multi -use project including a garden, boat launch, fish estuary, and passive use area. Director Williams reviewed some of the goals for Parks Administration and indicated the Six Year Parks Plan would not be completed until 2000. A marketing plan for the Tukwila Community Center will be completed before the end of the year. Director Williams expanded on the definition of the Recreation Service Plan and said it involves the City's recreation program, rental of the community center, and playground programs throughout the City. There are four elements to the plan that include reviewing and restructuring the center's rental fees, developing a marketing plan to promote advertising of the center, reviewing program fees, and increasing youth and teen activities. City of Tukwila Page 8 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 Councilmembers reviewed the Park Maintenance section. Director Williams reported adding new parks with existing staff would be difficult. The primary responsibility is to continue to maintain existing parks. Beginning in 2001, a new section will be added on urban trails, Riverton Park (opens in spring of 2000), Crestview Park (winter of 2000/2001), and the Tukwila Elementary School playfield. Impacts to staff with the addition of new parks will be reviewed along with developing a maintenance plan for all parks. Director Williams said staffing should be sufficient for 2000, but would need to be reexamined in 2001. Councilmember Carter suggested including information on extra labor requirements. Councilmember Duffle questioned the status of three historic place markers. Director Williams said one of the markers is designated for private property at South Center Mall to identify the history of the area and the other two are designated for neighborhood entrances. Councilmember Carter indicated she preferred to include the Crestview Park Maze in the CIP although it fell below the $25,000 threshold for projects. Director Doerschel indicated the project could be included to add more significance to the project. Councilmembers reviewed the Foster Golf Course budget. Director Doerschel assured the Council that budget actuals for 1999 would be updated. The review continued on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Councilmember Haggerton noted that areas on 42 South need immediate attention. Councilmembers agreed to discuss prioritization of street projects at the Council retreat in early 2000. Staff indicated they would improve the quality of the maps contained in the CIP to the extent possible. Councilmember Mullet inquired about the 180 Street Bridge funding. Director Morrow replied the $6 million from the Freight Mobility Board has been placed on hold until all parties have agreed to details of the project. The City has funding for completion of design work only. Director Morrow indicated the project is one of few that is currently underway, which helps to guarantee the funding source. In addition, the Transportation Improvement Board has been approached to fund $4 million in construction funds, which also adds strength to the project. Councilmember Mullet inquired about the additional impact to traffic resulting from commuter rail. Director Morrow said Burlington Northern Railroad (BNR) has requested two additional tracks to be added at Union Pacific One. Not included in the project are the additional tracks and an access road BNR has requested. Negotiations have resulted in BNR offering to contribute $1.5 million to the basic train separation project. He stressed the City would not negotiate any other package other than full funding by BNR for the additions requested by BNR. Mayor Rants reported he received a letter from the South Park Business Association requesting the 16 Avenue Bridge be renamed to "South Park Bridge." The letter was also sent to Seattle Mayor Paul Schell. Mayor Schell recognized the bridge may be changing ownership and City of Tukwila Page 9 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 deferred the issue to the City of Tukwila as the current caretaker. Councilmembers did not express any opposition to a proposed name change. Councilmembers deferred review of the Parks, Trails, and Golf until the next meeting. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Rants referred to the memo from Chief Haines regarding his scheduled update on preparations pertaining to the World Trade Organization conference. Tukwila is supporting the law enforcement effort. b. Council Councilmember Duffle requested staff schedule tree trimming on a tree located on 144 on the corner. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting on November 4. Dr. Silver has proposed appointment of two individuals from the school district to the Commission. Applications will be forwarded to the Mayor for review. Council President Fenton referred to and read a letter Councilmember Carter drafted to citizens regarding the Sound Transit meeting on November 4. The letter acknowledges citizens who attended the meeting. Councilmembers agreed to include the letter in the Hazelnut. Councilmember Mullet reported the Cascade Water Alliance might be short of members to insure its viability as an organization. He will keep the Council informed on the status of the organization. Councilmember Carter attended the Chamber luncheon on Friday, November 5 and a Utilities Committee meeting earlier in the evening. Councilmember Haggerton attended an ACC hearing at the Foster High School auditorium. He commented on the seating capacity of the auditorium and indicated people were turned away due to capacity limitations. MISCELLANEOUS: Council President Fenton reported on the debriefing meeting on the Sound Transit meeting and Tukwila's efforts to keep commuter rail off Highway 99. 10:41p.m. Council President Fenton adjourned the meeting to an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. City of Tukwila Page 10 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 8, 1999 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pending Litigation :30 minutes Execution session began at 10:41 p.m. Executive session ended at 11:10 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: 11:10 p.m. Having no other business to come before the Council, President Fenton adjourned the meeting. David Fenton, Council Presiden RtheAt 13/6th_t/L-. Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signed: /2 29j 99