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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL April 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 Duffle; Councilmembers Joan Hernandez; Pam Carter; Steve Haggerton; Pamela Linder; Dave Fenton; and Richard Simpson. OFFICIALS: Steve Mullet, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: a. Museum of Flight Expansion Plans Richard Beckerman, Director of Facilities Operations, Museum of Flight, provided an overview of the museum's expansion plans and introduced Public Affairs Information Officer Brian Bomb. Mr. Bomb provided an update on activities to commemorate the armed forces on May 29, 2000. Sadly, Mr. Bomb reported many activities commemorating the service of the United States Armed Forces on Memorial Day have been discontinued. The Museum is sponsoring an all -day Memorial Day event to honor those who have served in the armed forces. Admission is free to current and previous members of the armed forces. The main event scheduled at 1:00 p.m. will begin with the Presentation of Colors by the University of Washington ROTC followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Colonial Jackson. Brigadier General Robin Holmes will present the keynote speech. Several other outdoor events will include displays of vintage and modern aircraft. Military related films and tours will take place inside the museum. Kathryn Kertzman, Marketing Director, Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, reported on the efforts the Chamber is undertaking to promote the event. The Chamber will send separate press releases and has various websites listing the event. The next issues of the Hazelnut Newsletter and the Chamber's Business Advocate will also include articles. Mr. Beckerman announced he would be meeting with the City's Development Review Committee on April 20`'' regarding the expansion plans for the Museum and introduced Ralph Defino, Executive Director of the Museum of Flight. Mr. Defino explained that the Museum has been expanding its collections over the last few years. In 1997, the Board of Trustees reviewed the Museum's future and mission and agreed that by the City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7 April 10, 2000 21 century, the Museum would be the foremost educational air and space museum owned and operated by its members. To achieve this vision, the Museum plans to increase its exhibits, educational space, and family memberships. Family memberships currently total approximately 20,000. The goal is to attain 30,000 family memberships and provide educational programs for at least 100,000 people per year. Another goal is to build the Museum's endowment. Currently, the Museum has a balance of less than $500,000 in its endowment fund. Other goals are to increase public attendance, expand the enhancement plan for exhibits, and retire all outstanding debts. The Museum of Flight has been negotiating several years to acquire the Chaplin Collection from Arizona, which is one of the finest collections of fighter aircraft in the world. The collection includes World War II aircraft that are in operational condition. Mr. Defino reported attendance has grown considerably with both the general public and youth and public programs. Youth and public programs have increased by 200% with staff growing by 250 The Museum now has the largest educational staff of any air and space museum in the world. Youth and education subsidies have decreased by 60% over the year although approximately 60,000 students and 18,000 adults are being served this year. The goal is to increase participation by students to 100,000 and 40,000 for general public programs. In 1987, the Museum had a $2 million budget, this year the budget is $9 million. Staffing consists of 90 full -time employees and 55 part-time employees. Future staffing is projected to be 184 fulltime and 168 part-time employees. The Museum's expansion plans would increase footage to approximately 600,000 square feet. Additionally, the Museum has a restoration facility located in Everett at Paine Field. Through the generosity of Boeing, two parcels have been donated to the Museum. One is located west of the current facility and another site is located north of the field. Mr. Defino expansion plans for new facilities to be built. The estimated budget is $130 million for expansion related costs. The budget is currently being refined to reduce costs. The master plan is currently in process along with the architectural designs. Mr. Defino said the expansion proposal and design plans would be presented to the Board of Trustees on June 20 along with a feasibility study to determine if funding can be secured. Mr. Defino expressed optimism that with the assistance Tukwila, Boeing, State of Washington, and many others, the expansion would occur. PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS: A proclamation recognizing and honoring volunteers in the City of Tukwila during National Volunteer Week (April 9- 15.20001. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7 April 10, 2000 A proclamation honoring volunteers in the City of Tukwila was read into the record by Mayor Mullet. The proclamation acknowledged the efforts and time of citizens who sit on the City's Boards, Commissions, and others who assist the City. Michelle Rodell thanked the Council for the recognition. She described her volunteer services with the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Committee, and thanked the Council for their support of the committee. She presented the Council with a thank you card and certificate from the National Wildlife Federation recognizing the City of Tukwila's commitment. Ms. Rodell provided brochures of the program and announced project information packets are also available. The packets describe the process for certification of a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Councilmember Linder's yard has been certified and Mayor Mullet's yard is scheduled to be certified. Ms. Rodell announced the first annual Backyard Wildlife Fair, which celebrates the Committee's project would be held on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Tukwila Community Center. Assistant City Administrator Rhonda Berry thanked the Council for their support of the City's volunteer program which was formalized approximately 14 months ago. She thanked Councilmember Simpson for his assistance in developing the program and acknowledged the efforts of the City's Volunteer Coordinator. In the first quarter of 2000, 2,700 volunteer hours have been contributed. Bill Arthur, 18000 S. 180 Suite 200, Tukwila thanked the Mayor for the proclamation on behalf of the Highway 99 Action Committee. He noted the next meeting of the Committee is April 11, 7:00 p.m., and invited the Council. CITIZEN COMMENTS /CORRESPONDENCE: James, 26274 51s Place S. Lake Fernwood, requested the Council direct City Administration to establish a minimal consumer protection program. He explained most of the retail establishments he shops at are fine; yet one computer store decided they would not honor a computer warranty. He secured a court order last August, and to date, the store has been able to avoid payment, as they do not have a Washington State bank account. He suggested requiring businesses that secure business licenses or renewals have a Washington State bank account and show proof of same. That way, the court order could seize monies and the City would not be involved in the legal process. Administrator McFarland documented the information for further follow up. James Barnett, 11838 42 Tukwila asked for information on the Allentown sewer project. He was referred to Administrator McFarland for more information. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Briefing on the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration Page 4 of 7 April 10, 2000 Assistant City Administrator Rhonda Berry introduced the program concept of the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration and asked Councilmembers for comments. She noted the item would be an agenda item for discussion at the joint City Council /School Board meeting. She reported the Tukwila School District, City of Tukwila, DSHS, and Casey Family Program representatives would be meeting on Friday, April 14, to finalize the planning process for the program. Councilmember Hernandez questioned if funding would be required by the City in 2000. Assistant Administrator Berry reported program representatives would be analyzing the types of programs to be offered to children and families which are currently provided by the City, school district, and other public service agencies. Councilmembers expressed appreciation to staff for their time and efforts and affirmed their approval of the program concept. Assistant Administrator Berry reported the Casey Family Program recently hired a Project Manager who has extensive experience in the social services field. The manager was very complimentary of the City, the Council, and the partnership between them and the School District. b. Draft Council Travel Policy Councilmember Hernandez reported the draft policy incorporates more flexibility as suggested by Councilmembers during a recent COW meeting. She noted the policy would be helpful in preparing next year's budget. Councilmember Haggerton disclosed the travel policy would need to be adopted as a resolution. Councilmember Fenton complimented Committee members for the excellent job in revising the draft policy. Councilmember Carter suggested several changes to the draft. Councilmembers concurred with the changes. The changes include: V. Out of State Travel A. National 2. Revision of both sentences to read, "In order to gain the most benefit from a conference, the goal shall..." "This number will not include any member who needs to attend a national steering or nolicv committee." V. Out of State Travel W. National City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes 4. Revision of the second sentence to read, "When more than two council members are interested in attending an NLC conference, the member who has least recently attended the conference will be given preference." Council President Duffle referred the item for adoption as a resolution at the next Regular meeting. c. Joint Council /School Board agenda tonics Administrator McFarland requested the Council finalize agenda topics to allow sufficient time for staff to conduct research and prepare materials for the Joint City Council /School Board meeting. Council suggestions for agenda items included: Update on Foster High School /City of Tukwila Discussion on Council's interest regarding a skateboard park Student assistance with trash/litter pickup within the City Suggestion/revise meeting format re: School Board versus prepared staff presentations. Foster Library student litter and security issues. REPORTS: a. Mayor: Mayor Mullet reported attendance at the Rainier Symphony on Sunday, April 8. Page 5 of 7 April 10, 2000 Next, he reported City Administration will be meeting with Sound Transit Board members during the next few weeks. Tukwila will continue to reinforce the fact that Highway 99 is not an acceptable commuter rail route. b. City Council: Councilmember Hernandez also attended the Rainer Symphony. She shared that the conductor is also traveling to Japan on the sister City visit. Ms. Hernandez is planning to attend the Chamber luncheon on Friday, April 14. The Equity and Diversity Commission met last week and Linda Turner, Chamber of Commerce employee, has applied for the Chamber Representative position on the Commission. Additionally, City employee Roberta Nelson is applying as the City's representative. Councilmember Carter attended the Equity and Diversity Commission on Thursday, April 6 as well as the Tukwila School District's Public Relations Advisory meeting. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7 April 10, 2000 Tonight, Ms. Carter attended the Transportation Committee meeting. She reviewed agenda items. Minutes are forthcoming. Next, Ms. Carter plans to attend Puget Sound Regional Council's Transportation Policy Board meeting during the week; and, on April 14"' she will attend a joint meeting of SCATBd, ETP, and Sea Shore. Council President Duffie attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting and a job fair in which Tukwila Police officials participated. Councilmember Haggerton will attend a Cascade Water Alliance meeting in Bellevue followed by a Suburban Cities meeting in Pacific. Then, he will attend an Endangered Species Act Workshop scheduled for Thursday, April 27. Mayor Mullet encouraged Councilmembers to attend the workshop. Finally, Mr. Haggerton reported on the last Utilities Committee meeting. Councilmember Linder will attend the Highway 99 Action Committee on April 11 and the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Committee meeting on April 13. Councilmember Simpson attended the Rainier Symphony and commented on the standing ovation for the conductor and symphony. Next, he reported a Highway 99 clean up scheduled on April 13. He invited Councilmembers to participate. Councilmember Simpson reported that due to the rescheduling of the ESA Workshop to April 27 he would be unable to attend due to his granddaughter's graduation from high school. c. Staff Administrator McFarland reminded the Council of a meeting on Tuesday, April 25 to review progress of the budget. The meeting should not go beyond 8:00 p.m. Council agreed the meeting should begin at 5:00 p.m. MISCELLANEOUS: Mayor Mullet reported Kathryn Kertzman is now an employee of the City and not the Chamber of Commerce. He noted Ms. Kertzman is doing a great job and was recently instrumental in having an article about Tukwila published in the Seattle Post Intelligencer. Councilmember Carter referred to recent action by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of a City regarding land use. The Court ruled property owners are required to have a "reasonable expectation" for use of the property. Councilmember Haggerton referred to the previous discussion regarding litter in the City and said a relative who lives in Arlington recently visited and commented on how "trashy" the freeway ramps appear within the Tukwila area. He indicated it was probably a WSDOT issue and questioned what the City could do to involve the state in Tukwila's clean up program. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Administrator McFarland replied he had a conversation with Director Morrow on the issue and asked him to contact to the WSDOT regional director to direct more attention to freeway ramps in south King County. He acknowledged the ongoing litter problem within the City and on I -5 and past efforts by the City to improve the situation. He said the City would continue pursuing the issue with WSDOT. ADJOURNMENT: Councilmember Hernandez moved; Councilmember Haggerton seconded; to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. The motion carried 7 -0. Council Pr lle ?t Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk, for Valerie Gow, Record Secretary Date Minutes Signed: (p f /00 Page 7 of 7 April 10, 2000