HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesCITY 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; Tom Keefe, Fire Chief, Nick Olivas
Assistant Fire Chief; Bruce Fletcher, Assistant Parks Recreation Director; and Lucy
Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
Arts Mural Proiect
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
January 24, 2000 7 :00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
Assistant Director Fletcher reported the Arts Commission was awarded a cultural education grant
from the King County Arts Commission through the hotel /motel tax fund of $5,500. The project
partners include the Arts Commission; Parks Recreation Department, City of Tukwila; and
Foster High School students and staff. Students are providing monthly reports to the Arts
Commission on the progress of the project. He introduced Art Teacher Priscilla Zimmerman
who provided more details on the Arts Mural Project.
Ms. Zimmerman, 17515 16 Avenue West. Seattle. 98166, indicated she and the students have
been working on the project for approximately six months. She introduced Foster High School
students Crissy Floyd and Jeff Kissler. The students explained how the history was researched
by U.S. History class students and translated into art by art students. The mural artwork titled
"Celebrations of the Arts" depicts art/historical images of five decades from the 1950s to 2000.
The mural contains art components of dance, music, art, theater, and architecture by decades
along a timeline that includes political, social, and scientific events. A computer was used to
develop the timeline. Information along the timeline was then translated into images. The
mural is 130 feet long by 11 feet high. The mural is anticipated to be completed by the end of
June. Approximately 20 art class students are involved in the art mural project.
Russell Bradley, Arts Commissioner reported Priscilla Zimmerman was Washington State's
Secondary Art Teacher of the year for 1997.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS /CORRESPONDENCE:
There were no public comments.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes January 24, 2000
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. An ordinance establishing requirements and regulations for automatic fire
alarm systems in new and existing buildings within the City of Tukwila
b. An ordinance establishing requirements and regulations for fire protection
systems in new and existing buildings within the City of Tukwila.
Councilmember Linder reported the Finance and Safety Committee reviewed the proposed
ordinances at its January 10 meeting and recommends approval to the City Council.
Assistant Chief Nick Olivas explained the history of the current ordinance. The City currently
requires sprinkler systems in buildings over 10,000 square feet and fire alarm systems in
buildings under 10,000 square feet. The proposal is to divide the current ordinance into two
separate ordinances with each focusing on (1) sprinkler systems and (2) fire alarm systems.
The proposed ordinances are intended to be more user friendly.
Yonesin Kane, 1550 Alki Avenue SW #500, Seattle, WA 98116 indicated he is the owner of a
small 2 -story commercial building located at 15129 Pacific Highway. He feels the code is too
strict and unnecessary for smaller buildings. Installing a system for his building would cost
approximately $1,000.
Councilmember Fenton requested more information on the location of the speaker's property and
some of his concerns. Chief Olivas explained Mr. Kang's property is located on the west side of
Pacific Highway. The ordinance requires that when a building is sold and not protected by an
automatic sprinkler system, a fire alarm system must be installed. Fire alarm system standards
are based on NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72, which has changed and evolved
over the years.
Councilmember Carter commented it is not uncommon for other jurisdictions to require
retrofitting of properties that have been sold. Chief Olivas confirmed it is the trend to retrofit fire
alarm or sprinkler systems or a combination thereof, when properties are sold. He responded to
questions concerning the costs of such systems and indicated some systems can be expensive,
however, the cost benefit outweighs the initial cost of a fire alarm system. Chief Olivas reported
the City of Tukwila subscribes to NFPA 72 standards.
Councilmember Hernandez suggested clarifying language in Section 10 Applicability, to
ensure clarity for different types of residential buildings, i.e., condominiums or single units
within a large building. She suggested including the clarification within the "exception" section.
Councilmember Hernandez questioned how an owner could be held responsible for alarm
systems that have been intentionally disabled by tenants. Chief Olivas responded the Fire
Department inspects commercial buildings every 18 months. However, under state law, the Fire
Department does not have legal authority to enter individual apartments to check smoke
detectors. Due to Tukwila's diverse population, many residents from other countries may not be
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes January 24, 2000
aware of how smoke alarms work or if they have, in fact, disarmed a smoke alarm unknowingly.
It is important to make sure owners of apartments check smoke alarms periodically or when
tenants move out to ensure the smoke detector is operational. He stressed how critical the issue
is for the Fire Department. In any apartment building that does not have a modern fire alarm
system, approximately 80% of the detectors are either not working or are not there. This is a
serious fire issue. Chief Olivas reiterated the requirement is to ensure the owner periodically
checks fire alarm systems on their properties.
Mr. Kang concluded his comments and indicated he obtained quotes for a fire alarm system for
his building. He noted all of the quotes suggested the fire alarm system would provide too much
protection for the building. Fire alarm representatives suggested contacting the City to discuss
the issue. He requested the City inspect his building and provide a recommendation. Chief
Olivas confirmed the Fire Department would send someone out to review the situation and notify
the Council of the results.
Chief Olivas referred to the proposed ordinance on sprinkler system requirements and indicated
Section 4 (D) requires floor layouts drawn to scale, as some of the previous drawings received by
the department were not adequate.
Councilmembers commented on the difficulty of deciphering which sections of the ordinance
were new or deleted and requested staff provide better clarification in the future.
Councilmember Fenton referred to the Council's retreat discussion on streamlining the permit
process within the City. He noted the City's goal is to ensure permit and other services are
friendly, expedited and user friendly. He questioned if the additional proposed requirements
would circumvent these goals. City Administrator McFarland responded he and Chief Olivas
discussed the issue. He indicated the department receives such a wide variation of plans that it
actually slows the review process as no standard architecture scale is used. Establishing a
standard scale would expedite the process for the permit reviewers resulting in quick turnaround.
Mayor Mullet reiterated as a former contractor, architects and builders expect a plan will be
required. The key is to determine what an adequate and standard scale should be. He suggested
establishing -inch as the standard scale.
Councilmember Fenton referred to his apartment properties and said the two apartment
complexes have wired smoke alarms versus battery operated smoke alarms. He questioned Chief
Olivas on what his obligation, as a property owner would be, if he decided to sell his properties
today or in five years. Chief Olivas reassured him his only obligation would be to disclose to the
new owner the requirement the owner would need to meet under the City of Tukwila's ordinance
on retrofitting fire alarm systems. Retrofitting to a sprinkler system would not be required,
however an upgrade of the existing fire system might be required.
Councilmember Carter referred to language in Sections 4(C), (D), Section 8 (A), (B), and (C),
and suggested all references to codes, requirements, standards, or laws should be included within
the provision to provide guidance for the reader for reference purposes.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes January 24, 2000
Chief Olivas clarified for Councilmember Hernandez the only new language on page 2 of the
proposed ordinance for sprinkler systems pertained to item D.
Councilmember Carter recommended revising page 3 (sprinkler system ordinance), Section 7 (A)
to read, "Sprinkler installations and modifications shall be done by companies licensed by the
state to perform this type of work."
Councilmember Carter suggesting striking "spec" from page 3 (sprinkler system ordinance),
Section 7 (B).
Councilmember Carter suggested adding a "definition" section in the proposed ordinance
(sprinkler system ordinance). Chief Olivas confirmed splitting the one ordinance into two
inadvertently excluded the definition section in the proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Fenton referred to proposed language in Section 9 (A) of the sprinkler system
ordinance and shared his concerns regarding the proposed language to require an existing
building to be fully sprinklered if the resulting total structure falls under the coverage of Section
5.A of this ordinance (10,000 square feet in size). He noted he and his business partner are
considering expansion of an apartment complex and the proposed language would drastically
affect his business in the future. Councilmember Fenton expressed some concern with possible
conflict with his personal circumstances and that of a Councilmember adopting policy. Attorney
Noe advised Councilmember Fenton that as a Councilmember adopting an ordinance for
legislation, it is legally acceptable for him to express biases about the proposal.
Councilmember Haggerton indicated the issue of multi family housing has been a concern of the
City for a long time. Some multi family complexes are maintained while others are rundown, in
disrepair, and unsafe. He stressed the need to try to gain better control over multi family
complexes within the City for these reasons and said it would be impossible for the City to gain
some control regarding fire and safety hazards unless some policies are not established.
Chief Olivas reported if the ordinance were adopted, the section of concern would not be a
change from current policy.
Councilmember Fenton warned he foresees apartment owners coming out of the "woodwork" as
the ordinance progresses toward adoption. Out of the 80 to 90 apartment complexes within the
City, approximately 22 are certified under the Crime Free Multi Housing program. He suggested
that the City owes it to the 22 owners to notify them the City is exploring the idea of adopting
these ordinances.
Councilmember Carter reiterated the only changes proposed to the sprinkler system ordinance,
other than being a standalone ordinance, is to standardize the scale of plans.
Discussion ensued on Councilmember Fenton's potential expansion plans and if the policy
would apply to his situation. Discussion points included whether the expansion qualified as an
existing apartment building or a new standalone apartment complex adjacent to an existing
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Page 5 of 7
January 24, 2000
apartment complex, policy issues, and building code requirements.
noted his concerns with possible misinterpretation of the language. Chief Olivas emphasized the
policy applies to a building of less than 10,000 square feet, where the addition increases the
square footage to more than 10,000 square feet. He noted the new building (10,000 square feet
or more) would require sprinklers but the existing buildings would not be required to be
retrofitted with sprinklers. Councilmember Fenton asked to be kept advised when the
Committee reviews the proposed ordinances.
Councilmember Fenton
Councilmember Hernandez suggested staff provide a list of neighboring jurisdictions that have
adopted similar ordinances before the Council acts on the ordinances.
Councilmember Carter suggesting adding a provision to indicate single family residences are
required to be sprinklered if their water pressure level is too low or they are not within so many
feet of a fire hydrant. Chief Olivas reported the requirement is contained in another ordinance
that addresses fire hydrants and water systems. There are several situations where this may
occur. One includes those circumstances where the available flow is less than 1,000 gallons a
minute, which is required by the Fire Code for single family construction plus. He explained the
requirement is dependent upon a number of factors and provided examples of when the
requirement would not be applied and when it would.
Councilmember Carter suggested including references to sections of Tukwila's Municipal Code,
as the definitions are too vague. This would alert citizens other requirements might be necessary.
Councilmember Haggerton disagreed and indicated staff would be responsible for ensuring all
requirements were met and suggested minimizing additional references for the sake of clarity and
brevity. Attorney Noe confirmed all references as currently referenced in the proposed
ordinances are sufficient for the ordinance to be legally viable. Councilmember Haggerton
agreed with Councilmember Carter's intent but urged the Council not to clutter the ordinance
with unnecessary references.
Council President Duffle noted these ordinances would be forwarded to the next Regular meeting
agenda.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet attended the Green River Forum last week wherein discussions centered around
the Endangered Species Act and the problems related thereto.
Mayor Mullet then noted the City is experiencing some cost overruns on projects which have
previously been started. The items will be forwarded to the Finance and Safety Committee for
consideration.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes January 24, 2000
b. City Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended a 1/19/00 Developer's Roundtable meeting and was proud
to represent the City as they looked very good at the meeting. She also thanked the Council
President for leading such a good Council retreat last weekend. The retreat was quite productive.
She mentioned the Northwest Magazine feature of the newspaper included Katherine Kertzman's
name being mentioned. Ms. Hernandez then noted she will attend a REACH meeting on
1/29/00. There is a vacancy on the board and she would like to see Richard fill the vacancy.
Councilmember Carter attended the SWKC Development Roundtable as well. She felt it was
wonderful. She also enjoyed the Council retreat. She will attend a 1/26/00 Tukwila Community
Cares Network meeting and the Foster Community Club.
Council President Duffie thanked the Council for an outstanding Council Retreat last weekend.
It was productive and very worthwhile. Councilmember Duffie then noted Council Travel
expenditures will need to be discussed as many trips are planned for 2000.
Councilmember Haggerton agreed the Council Retreat was productive. He also attended the
Airport Communities Coalition meeting as well.
Councilmember Linder attended a 1/20/00 joint meeting of the Duwamish Improvement Club
and Foster Point Community Club wherein discussions centered around the Part 150 Study. It
was very well attended and made the process easy to understand.
Councilmember Fenton echoed earlier comments about the Council Retreat. He complimented
the Council President on the organization of the retreat. Mr. Fenton then noted concern over how
amendments to ordinances were presented in the Council agenda packet. He did not consider
items which were highlighted in the ordinance. He was concerned no note was made to read
those items which were highlighted and felt the ordinances were difficult to read. He asked the
same situations arise in the future, staff be directed to make a note on the CAS, to read the items
which are also highlighted and not to disregard them. Mr. McFarland noted additional care
would be taken in the future for better quality control over the items in the Council packet.
Councilmember Simpson noted attendance at his first Council Retreat. He also attended the
Development Roundtable, too.
c. Staff:
City Administrator John McFarland had no report.
d. City Attorney:
City Attorney informed Council the City of Seattle's City Attorney's Office applied for a grant
for domestic violence education purposes. This type of grant sends people all over the world to
attend conferences. Beth Button's name was submitted for a trip to Tucson, Arizona. Her name
was rejected and they asked Bob Noe attend instead as he is an attorney.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes January 24, 2000
MISCELLANEOUS:
Councilmember Hernandez thanked Lucy publicly for the notebook prepared for use at the
retreat. It made the meeting very organized and easy to follow. She also thanked Lucy for the
conference lodging location and arrangements.
Councilmember Carter asked if anyone was interested in attending the Suburban Cities meeting
on regional issues on 01- 31 -00. She is interested in attending.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Councilmember Hernandez; seconded by Councilmember Haggerton. The
motion carried 7 -0.
uncil Presid
RONA I N
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary
Date Minutes Signed: 6 3 6 6 /00