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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL January 10, 2000 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall CITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council President Joe Duffie called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Joe Duffie, Councilmembers Pam Carter, Dave Fenton, Jim Haggerton, Joan Hernandez, Pamela Linder, and Richard Simpson OFFICIALS: Steve Mullet, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Bob Noe, City Attorney; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Moira Bradshaw, Associate Planner; and Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst. CITIZENS' COMMENTS /CORRESPONDENCE: There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARING: Tukwila International Boulevard Urban Renewal Designation Planner Bradshaw reported the Council adopted the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan in August 1998. A number of strategies were included in the plan, one of which encourages investments along the highway corridor by actively promoting development. The plan contains site selection criteria and recommends parcel sizes that should be actively pursued in terms of re- development. The plan addresses different ways to pursue re- development through various programs. After the plan was adopted, the City Council met and discussed various development scenarios with local developers. Following these discussions, the City concluded the best course of action to pursue the City's vision for the area would involve the City taking a more active role in the re- development process. This resulted in the Council choosing to pursue an urban renewal planning process for the highway corridor. Subsequently, staff worked with the Community Affairs and Parks Committee in reviewing the urban renewal area boundaries and relocation assistance strategies. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed urban renewal plan in October 1999. The Planning Commission's recommendations were forwarded to the City Council in November with the Council scheduling another public hearing at the January 10 COW meeting. Planner Bradshaw noted if the Council chooses to adopt the plan, the plan commits the City to re- developing the Pacific Highway corridor within the defined boundaries of the plan. Planner Bradshaw reviewed the proposed boundary lines. The plan provides the City with greater authority to become involved with private development in the re- development and development of properties. It provides greater flexibility in terms of the City's scope and authority concerning division of property and opportunities to use low interest loans available through federal funding programs for specific development, such as low- income housing developments. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 January 10, 2000 Planner Bradshaw explained the differences between the original plan adopted by the Council in August 1998 versus the current version of the proposed urban renewal plan. Changes include minor adjustments to the proposed boundary and the map showing specific acquisitions of properties. She indicated the urban renewal element would be an addendum to the document the Council adopted in August 1998. After adoption by the Council, the Tukwila International Boulevard Urban Plan would include the Revitalization and Urban Renewal Plan elements. Planner Bradshaw referred to minutes from Planning Commission meetings and staff reports (Tab 2). The staff report, as well as, the urban renewal plan, addresses the elements of an urban renewal plan as required by statute and also documents evidence of blight within a designated area of the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor. A draft resolution finds that blight occurs within a specific defined area. A draft ordinance has been prepared, which allows the City to adopt an Urban Renewal Plan for the area. Due to additional discussion and public testimony concerning relocation assistance, staff removed all references to relocation assistance and defers future action to the Council. Planner Bradshaw reported staff received emails from Sean Mears and Allan Ekberg. She read both letters into the record and noted both letters support the proposed action relating to the Tukwila International Boulevard Urban Renewal Designation. Council President Duffle opened the public hearing on Tukwila International Boulevard Urban Renewal Designation. Fred McConkey. 3006 Northrup Way, Bellevue, said he is the president of a development company and the main developer behind the Tukwila urban renewal process. He strongly endorsed the urban renewal plan under consideration by the Council. He noted two of his properties are located within the renewal zone and the designation would help in developing the properties. He commended staff and the Council for their aggressive look at the area and willingness to make changes. He commented that it is something most cities do not do. The designation is a real step in the right direction. The designation will allow the City to move forward with Tukwila Village Phase I, which is largely a city development on the north side and it would help in progressing to Phase II. Betty Gully, 13017 Macadam Road S.. Tukwila, said she is encouraged with the prospect of the plan but has several questions. She is a long -term advocate for maintaining residential areas within the city and noted the difficulties within the community of Riverton in retaining residential areas versus expanding commercial uses. Ms. Gully referred to some residential areas within the plan and indicated she has some concerns about what happens to some of the current residential development. She asked if the plan would ultimately result in the entire area being commercial use only and specifically referred to the corner of 146 and 42n as generally being residential. She questioned if commercial zoning would apply exclusively to the area. Planner Bradshaw reported zoning would not change within the urban renewal plan. The primary action pertains to the authority given to the City to become involved in re- development of the area. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8 January 10, 2000 Ms. Gully said it is wonderful the City is stepping forward and initiating some redevelopment along the area. She stressed the importance of retaining quality residential areas within the designated area. Mickey Ver2ilio. 14120 Pacific Hiehway. Tukwila. indicated he currently holds an option to purchase property at 140120 Pacific Highway South and has concerns and questions involving the extent the City would be allowed to condemn property or take property if owners are unwilling to sell. Planner Bradshaw said the urban renewal designation expands the City's authority to enable acquisition of property for private enterprise. Currently, the City has the authority to acquire and condemn land for public purposes. She reported the Planning Commission also considered the issue and addressed concerns that many people in the community have about the authority of the City to condemn property. She referred to and read language from a section of the Council notebook concerning how site acquisition processes should include all available acquisition methods. The power of eminent domain shall be reserved in those unique situations where other acquisition methods have failed and the Council determines it necessary to pursue to ensure the success of a specific urban renewal project. Mr. Vergilio indicated that as a businessman, he has considerable concerns with the City's power with eminent domain and with the City's role and participation with private developers. He reported that when Mr. McConkey's representatives approached him, they were very intimidating and threatened that if he were not willing to sell the property they would just condemn it anyway. He noted he has since spoken with City staff who explained the purpose of eminent domain. He stressed that as a businessman, it is very difficult and challenging anytime a business is relocated. In most cases, it is difficult to recoup the value lost in such a move. He confirmed his desire to see improvements occur within the area and cautioned the Council to consider the investment businesses have in the area with respect to property, time, and commitment. Lynn Livengood. 3716 S. 144`", Tukwila, stated he owns the True Value Hardware store. He had a conversation with a gentleman about a month ago who expressed interest in buying his land and building, tearing it down and rebuilding on the upper side facing east (he currently faces west). The gentleman indicated he would be willing to buy the land at land value only and then lease the new building at current market rates. Mr. Livengood questioned if the plan would include provisions that would force him from his building and property or if property owners would be forced to comply with additional requirements within the plan. Planner Bradshaw responded the plan is for private property owners to invest capital into their properties to rebuild those properties that should be rebuilt or need to be redeveloped. The plan has identified some sites that are more likely to result in redevelopment. There are no provisions that require property owners to change the way they are currently operating their businesses. His site is not currently identified as a site likely to need rehabilitation. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Councilmember Haggerton acknowledged speakers concerns and indicated once the plan is approved, it will enable the City to accomplish a number of things including some actions that have not yet been planned. He indicated the concerns are well founded but affirmed the City does not intend to initiate action against viable businesses. He reiterated the state requires the City to establish the urban renewal district before the City can proceed with improvements to the area. Councilmember Fenton noted the urban renewal area is located mainly on the eastside of Pacific Highway. The Council envisions that once projects are initiated they will be a catalyst for other developers to begin development efforts within the area. It will be a relatively small development to start and the plan should encourage private development along the highway. Kathleen Graff, 14153 37 South. Tukwila. said she lives on the corner of 142" and 37` South and questioned how the urban renewal area (outlined on the map) would affect her as a homeowner. Planner Bradshaw referred to the assessor's map and noted the boundary follows the right -of- way line. The intention of the designated area on the map is to follow the property line of several major property owners. Ms. Graff and Planner Bradshaw reviewed the map and the urban renewal boundary. Director Lancaster confirmed that Ms. Graff lives outside the urban renewal designation. Surrounding properties could experience an increase in property valves as properties are redeveloped and improved. Staff provided a copy of the proposed urban renewal area designation to Ms. Graff Bob Temnle. 14212 Pacific Hiehwav South, Tukwila, said he has some of the same concerns expressed by previous speakers. He reported he spoke to the City Council last August when the issue was reviewed and asked Mr. McConky about some of the projects he was contemplating. He specifically inquired about his business Country Vittles along with several other businesses and said the concept of an urban renewal area is dangerous for existing property owners. He would like to see the area improved as well, but it is unsettling as a business owner to think the business could disappear as the process proceeds. There being no further public testimony, President Duffie closed the public hearing. Page 4 of 8 January 10, 2000 Councilmember Hernandez clarified some of the maps contained in the exhibit and outlined the proposed urban renewal boundary and specific zoning areas within the urban renewal boundary. She referred to the some of the concerns addressed and asked if any residential areas are proposed within the urban renewal boundary. Planner Bradshaw responded there are a combination of different types of residential zoning, which includes low, medium, and high density. Councilmember Carter suggested designating Low Density Residential on the map to help clarify the zones. She noted the process is a positive step forward and the Council would be extremely reluctant to use the powers of condemnation. She suggested the Council should consider City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 January 10, 2000 stronger language developed by the Planning Commission, which recommends applying eminent domain as an act of last resort when the City has exhausted all other methods. She noted the urban renewal designation would provide some tools, such as financing opportunities to developers to complete some projects, which would have been difficult to obtain without the urban renewal designation. She supports the proposed plan and complimented staff for providing detailed background information. Councilmember Haggerton provided some background information for the benefit of the audience and shared how the City tried to improve the area after it was annexed. The City spent a considerable amount of money in handling the crime element along Pacific Highway South to include installing video cameras. Statistics reveal that crime has been controlled during the last several years. Step 2 concerned improving the image of the area. Seminars were held with individual developers. However, there was no interest among the developers based on existing parcels. The City encountered a developer that wanted to consider larger parcels in the area. Councilmember Haggerton reiterated the urban renewal designation is a good opportunity for the City to pursue the next step in improving the area. An urban renewal designation provides a process that gives the City some control on how to develop the area. He reiterated the City does not intend to eliminate established businesses within the area. Rather, the intent is to try to get a handle on some of the areas that have had a negative impact and begin improving those areas. He asked citizens to have faith in the City Council regarding their actions under the provisions afforded in the urban renewal plan. Councilmember Linder referred to the City and citizen's efforts in revitalizing the area. She referred to the City's outreach programs to citizens and developers and that the common complaint by developers concerned the small size and irregular shapes of parcels as reasons for not developing the area. The Council is attempting to initiate action to promote redevelopment efforts within the area. Councilmember Fenton disclosed it is inappropriate for him to participate in the decision related to the urban renewal area due to a possible conflict of interest (he is a property owner within the proposed urban renewal zone). Councilmember Simpson referred to the history and image of the area and indicated he would support the urban renewal plan. Council President Duffle clarified that although Councilmember Denton would not be participating in the vote, he could participate and listen to the discussion. Attorney Noe indicated the urban renewal law requires disclosure if an official /lawmaker has interest in a specific project within the urban renewal zone. The official must withdraw from decision making actions. However, the statue makes the distinction between an urban renewal project and an urban renewal plan. He advised that as a participant in the plan, Councilmember City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 January 10, 2000 Fenton is allowed to participate, but agreed with Councilmember Fenton's decision to act cautiously concerning the plan. SPECIAL ISSUES: Council retreat azenda Analyst Lauterbach referred to the list of issues suggested by Councilmembers for discussion at the upcoming Council retreat and requested feedback from Councilmembers. Councilmember Hernandez suggested providing copies of Mr. Ragsdale's recent presentation to the Council. Councilmember Haggerton recommended including a discussion on developing a basic philosophy and direction for the Council and consider establishing a budget program for residential and commercial street improvements. Councilmember Linder requested an update on the status of the Apartment /Owner Committee and include a general discussion on fire alarms in new and existing apartments. Councilmember Fenton recommended including a discussion on a visioning process to involve staff and citizens to help guide Tukwila's vision for the next several years. Mayor Mullet recommended including a discussion on funding and developing a program of undergrounding utilities. Administrator McFarland clarified that prioritizing budget goals pertains to developing a budget policy by the Council for 2001. Council President Duffle announced the Council retreat is scheduled from January 21 -23 in LaConnor. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported he spent the first week as the new Mayor meeting with staff. He stressed how fortunate Tukwila is to have competent staff. He announced the birth of his first grandchild last week. He urged Councilmembers to supply Analyst Lauterbach with as much information as they need to assist staff in preparing for the Council retreat. b. City Council Councilmember Hernandez attended the Equity and Diversity Commission on January 6. The Commission agreed to sponsor a forum with SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere). A report from SAVE was provided. She noted the forum was scheduled for January 18, 2000, which conflicts with a Council meeting. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 January 10, 2000 The AmeriCorps volunteer has recently left the program. The Commission discussed a possible replacement. A guest from the Census program invited members to an open house on January 18. A video was shown on a diversity fair sponsored by Boeing. The Martin Luther King Day celebration will be held on January 20 at Foster High School. The Commission elected new officers for the year. Finally, Ms. Hernandez plans to attend the Suburban Cities meeting on Wednesday, January 12. Councilmember Carter attended the Foster Site Council meeting on Wednesday, January 5. She also attended the January 6 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. On January 21 a special SCATBd meeting will be held at the Tukwila Community Center. The meeting will include policies concerning Metro service reductions. County Executive Sims has postponed Metro Service reductions. The Technical Advisory Committee has been meeting and the ETP (an eastern group similar to SCATBd) has developed a compromised formula, which leaves some bus service within the suburban and rural areas. Councilmember Carter will attend the Suburban Cities meeting on January 12. Council President Duffie announced that Friends and Family of Foster Library would have a meeting on January 11 at 7:00 p.m. An open house will be held on Wednesday, January 12 at Thorndyke Elementary School to explain future road improvements. Councilmember Haggerton will be attending a Cascade Alliance meeting on Wednesday, January 12 at 4:30 p.m. in Issaquah. He will also attend the Suburban Cities meeting. Councilmember Linder reported she attended the Human Services Roundtable Committee meeting on January 5. Issues for 2000 were reviewed. Two top issues include planning and responding to the I -695 issue and continuing efforts in domestic violence and support legislation or administrative policy, which is seeking $5 million to be dedicated for the training of DSHS WorkFirst caseworkers. The Committee will also be supporting policy and /or legislature changes that would allow women to be eligible for benefits if they file for protective orders against their spouse. On Wednesday, January 6, she attended the South King County Human Services Forum. She distributed some information on the forum and shared information on the efforts to form a south King County Human Services organization to represent the interests of south King County residents and jurisdictions. South King County does not believe the area has been receiving its fair of human services funding. An example is a substantial grant that was awarded to Seattle. If south King County has been properly organized to apply for the grant, south county would have doubled the population that was submitted by Seattle. The next meeting is on February 3 at noon. Councilmember Linder is also planning to attend the January 20 Part-150 Committee meeting at Peterson Hall and the Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on January 11. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes She noted, Thursday, January 13, the Backyard Wildlife Habitat group will have a meeting at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Fenton indicated he would attend the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting and the Part-150 Committee meeting. Mayor Mullet noted that the scheduled meeting date for the Part-150 Committee is on a Monday. Councilmember Simpson said he spent time reviewing the City structure and would be attending a "Welcome to City Hall Workshop" for newly elected officials on January 13 in Bellevue. Council President Duffie reconvened the a Special Meeting of the Council to consider a resolution relating to the determination of blight in a limited area of the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor and an ordinance approving the City's Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan, together with an addendum, as an Urban Renewal Plan of the City. COW meeting. Council President Duffie adjourned the meeting. 4) e u ncil Presidel t Prhat +-1 Pia k()A. Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signed: C/2., 14- /00 Page 8 of 8 January 10, 2000