HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
November 22, 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
Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Steve Mullet, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and Pamela Linder.
OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Bob Noe, City
Attorney; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Jim Morrow, Public Works
Director; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Keith Haines, Police Chief; Tom Keefe, Fire Chief;
Mike Alderson, Assistant Fire Chief; Deborah Ritter, Assistant Planner; Maggie Lubov, CTR
Coordinator; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Chief Haines reported the upcoming World Trade Organization Conference (WTO) would be
one of the largest public safety challenges to face Tukwila for some time. The WTO is
comprised of 135 members, with hundreds of prime ministers planning to attend, and up to 13
heads of state, possibly including the United States President.
For security reasons, heads of states are not confirming or denying their attendance. Between 80
to 100 U.S. senators and congress representatives will also attend. Tukwila Police and Fire
Departments are tasked to ensure life and property are protected. Through the cooperative
efforts of all local jurisdictions, Tukwila will be working closely with the Secret Service, FBI,
U.S. State Department, U.S. Capitol Police, Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol,
King County Police, Police Departments from Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines,
Pacific, Algona, and Boeing Security.
He explained that due to security reasons, specific information could not be shared regarding the
number of police resources tasked to provide security. He indicated the law enforcement
community is expecting demonstrators. Three people were arrested earlier in the day during a
demonstration in Seattle. There are several groups expressing disagreement and hostility
towards the WTO, including organizations concerned about potential adverse impacts to the
environment, labor groups representing concerns about exportation of jobs, and church groups
who are worried about social justice issues. He indicated Tukwila has spent months planning for
the possibility of thousands of protesters /demonstrators and over $100,000 in training,
equipment, and overtime. The funding has come from budget savings achieved earlier in the
year. He expressed confidence the Department would stay within the authorized budget for
1999.
City of Tukwila Page 2 of 7
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 22, 1999
Chief Haines complimented other departments within the City and reiterated the WTO
conference has challenged all law enforcement agencies within the region and the collaborative
efforts initiated during the preparation of the WTO conference would extend long after the
conference has concluded.
Chief Keefe reported on the preparations the Fire Department has been working on jointly with
other fire departments and emergency medical units within the region to prepare for any
incidents concerning hazardous materials, fire, or medical response during the WTO conference.
A secondary contingency of fire apparatus, equipment, and manpower will be staged at the
airport and away from the Museum of Flight. A WTO dinner is planned at the Museum of Flight
on Tuesday, November 30, 1999.
Beginning Sunday, November 28, the Tukwila Fire Department will be fully staffed with all
apparatus and personnel for the entire week of the WTO conference. The City will be fully
staffed to also support City public emergency needs.
Councilmembers and staff discussed public concerns, police and fire coverage for Tukwila
residents, and sharing of resources between the cities during the conference.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS /CORRESPONDENCE:
No comments were received.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Proposed 2000 Budget and Six -year Capital Improvement Plan
Council President Fenton opened the public hearing on the proposed 2000 Budget and Six -Year
Capital Improvement Plan.
Joanne Davis. 5906 S. 144 Tukwila. remarked on the size of the budget and reported her
concerns are with using City funds to sponsor Council trips to Ikawa, Japan. She supports
Councilmembers attending conferences where knowledge is gained for the benefit of the City.
Ms. Davis questioned if City vehicles are properly maintained by the City and pointed out a
recent vehicle transporting seniors experienced a flat tire during its use. She stressed that for two
years, the seniors have needed more lighting at the community center and nothing has been done.
Dwight McLean. 13015 38 Avenue South. Tukwila. spoke on his concern with sponsoring
Council trips to Ikawa, Japan and asked the Council to consider increasing the Mayor's salary.
There being no further public testimony, Council President Fenton closed the public hearing.
City of Tukwila Page 3 of 7
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 22, 1999
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. An ordinance amending the Sign Code (Title 19), revising sections dealing
with freeway interchange signs, political signage, and public off premises
signs
Planner Deb Ritter reported Council's November 8 review of the sign code amendments as
recommended by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. The amendments concern three
areas: 1) political signage; 2) freestanding signage for freeway interchange businesses; and 3)
off premises permanent signage for public facilities. Council directed staff to draft the proposed
sign code amendments into an ordinance format. She noted the draft ordinance was for
Council's review.
Planner Ritter clarified language in Section 19.32.140(D)(2) and described how a business would
only be eligible for one Freeway Interchange Business Sign and a freestanding sign. Businesses
are allowed one freestanding sign and may have a second sign that may qualify as a Freeway
Interchange Business Sign.
Council President Fenton indicated the item would be discussed during the Council's Special
Session later in the meeting and a public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for
December 6, 1999.
b. An ordinance extending the moratorium on gambling establishments
Attorney Noe reported the legislature amended the Gambling Act to permit social card rooms to
convert to mini casinos. The immediate proliferation of these establishments caused the City
some concern along with the issue that the City's zoning code did not specifically address zoning
of gambling establishments. In February 1999, the City Council passed a six -month moratorium
on all gambling establishments to provide the City some time to review the issue with respect to
zoning codes. During that period, there was activity among neighboring cities that led to a threat
of possible litigation. Tukwila took a "wait and see" stance and was hindered in developing a
work plan addressing the issues due to these developments.
In July 1999 when the moratorium was scheduled to expire, the City Council extended the
moratorium. Since then, the state has met with staff to discuss impacts of mini casinos. In
September, a legislative roundtable was conducted regarding mini casinos. Since that time, the
gaming industry has been working with the Association of Washington Cities (and Counties) to
develop legislation that would clarify the ability of jurisdictions to regulate mini casinos via
zoning.
Attorney Noe noted most indications point to legislation passing in the upcoming session would
allow cities the ability to regulate mini casinos via zoning.
City of Tukwila Page 4 of 7
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 22, 1999
Councilmember Haggerton reminded the Council of its previous verbal desire to not extend the
moratoriums. He recommended that when the current moratorium expires, Council conduct a
public hearing and deliberate on action the City wants to take regarding the issue.
Councilmember Mullet expressed concern with no action coming from the legislature thereby
restricting the City on futures options. He noted he was uncomfortable with making a decision to
either ban or permitting mini casinos outright until the legislature has had some time to work
through the issue.
Council President Fenton confirmed a public hearing would be conducted on December 6
regarding the moratorium extension.
c. Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Interlocal Agreement and contract
CTR Coordinator Maggie Lubov reviewed the CTR Interlocal Agreement, which covers a
two —year period, and the King County Metro Implementation Contract, which covers the period
of July 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999.
Councilmember Mullet questioned if future commuter rail service would have a positive impact
on the CTR program. Coordinator Lubov indicated she has been working closely with Sound
Transit on marketing issues. She reported the nine county task force, which represents
employers of 100 employees and participates in the CTR program is recommending to the
legislature at its December 6 special session, consideration of requiring all employers with 50 or
more employees to become affected employers under the CTR program.
Council President Fenton moved the request forward to the next regular Council meeting on
December 6, 1999.
d. An ordinance reducing the gambling tax rate on bingo to raffles from 10% to
5%
Director Doerschel reported the requested action is required based on legislation reducing the
gambling rate for bingo and raffles from 10% to 5 The Tukwila ordinance would implement
compliance with the new law.
Director Doerschel responded to Councilmember questions and said the tax reduction amounts to
approximately $10,000 to $12,000 in revenue. The reduction represents less than 1% of total
gambling revenue receipts.
Council President Fenton deferred further discussion on the issue until the Special Session
scheduled later in the meeting.
City of Tukwila Page 5 of 7
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 22, 1999
e. Increase in surface water utility rates for residential and commercial
customers beginning January 1, 2000
Director Morrow reported several public workshops were held to convey to the public the
components and future project needs of the City's surface water program. The workshops were
beneficial and helpful with respect to learning from the public some problems and issues they
were experiencing as well as educating the public on how extensive the City's surface water
program really is. Staff intends to continue the public workshops with two workshops scheduled
every quarter.
Councilmember Carter indicated the Utilities Committee reviewed the request and has
recommended a 40% increase as one half of the increase remains in Tukwila and benefits
Tukwila residents directly. The Committee also recommends the creation of a Utility
Commission to provide input on a number of issues relating to all City utilities and conducting
workshops several times a year to receive and provide information to the public.
Councilmember Hernandez agreed with some comments from the public and the chamber
concerning the excessive rate increase. However, she noted that although the increase is
substantial, the increase is justified within the work plan. She recommended not implementing
the rate increase until July, 2000, to afford budgeting consideration to business and residential
customers.
Councilmember Haggerton reported the Utilities Committee approved of the plan along with
many citizens. He urged Mayor -Elect Mullet to establish the recommended Utility Commission
as a high priority.
Council President Fenton acknowledged the rate increase is substantial but reiterated the surface
water program has been underfunded for some time. He acknowledged staff efforts with
conducting workshops and sharing with the public some of the projects will be considered
during the next five years.
Council President Fenton moved approval of the Surface Water Utility proposed increase to the
next regular Council meeting for approval.
f. Airport Cities Legislative Agenda
Administrator McFarland reported the project is in the early stages. The Airport Cities
Committee is comprised of managers and administrators from the cities of Burien, SeaTac,
Tukwila, Normandy Park, Des Moines, and Federal Way, which are cities most affected by the
presence of the Port of Seattle.
Members recently met and discussed some of the issues of concern from a legislative perspective
at the state level. Members agreed to meet with legislators before the end of the year to inform
legislators about airport city concerns.
City of Tukwila
Page 6 of 7
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 22, 1999
The City of Burien has been working on a legislative package for the City and agreed to expand
it and include other airport cities concerns for the proposed December 9 legislative breakfast.
Administrator McFarland referred to the draft discussion points and requested input from
Councilmembers. Councilmembers reviewed the draft and offered possible
suggestions /revisions.
Administrator McFarland reported another concern involves the state initiating some efforts to
adjust for the I -695 funding shortfalls in transportation. The concern involves the state using
grant sources to acquire additional funding sources. The committee recommends adding
language to discourage the state from using grant sources to fund transportation project
shortfalls.
Administrator McFarland responded to concerns by Councilmember Carter pertaining to sections
addressing the City of Burien issues only and indicated the combined package would not include
specific issues related only to a specific airport city. He described the document as a combined
policy statement is relevant to all airport cities.
(8:20 p.m.) Council President Fenton adjourned the meeting for a five- minute break.
(8:25) Reconvene to Special Session.
(8:45) Council President Fenton adjourned the Special Session. (Minutes provided
separately for the Special session.)
(8:45) Reconvene to regular COW meeting.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
g.
Review of proposed 2000 budget
Mayor Rants reviewed and answered questions from Councilmembers regarding the 2000
proposed budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Councilmembers completed their
review of the 2000 budget and CIP.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Mayor Rants reported he has been attending meetings with the Green River Forum.
Mayor Rants announced Sound Transit, when it issued its decision on the location of light rail,
indicated a willingness to work with Tukwila regarding how rail will be routed through Tukwila.
Representatives of Sound Transit are in Washington, D.C., to seek funding for the project.
City of Tukwila Page 7 of 7
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes November 22, 1999
(9:33 p.m.) Council President Fenton adjourned the meeting to executive session.
(10:03 p.m.) Council President Fenton reconvened and adjourned the COW meeting.
David Fenton, Council President
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary
Date Minutes Signed: /2 99