HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL 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, Joan Hernandez, Pamela Linder, Jim Haggerton, and Richard Simpson.
OFFICIALS: Steve Mullet, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; City Attorney Bob
Noe; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community
Development; Deb Ritter, Assistant Planner; and Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
a. Update on REACH program
Human Services Manager Evelyn Boykan introduced Terry Smith, Program Manager, REACH.
Ms. Smith provided an overview of REACH activities for the past year. Calvin Scott and
Dorothy Lengyel, HomeSight representatives, provided an overview on home buyer education
for the citizens of Tukwila.
Terry Smith reported on the Minor Home Repair program accomplishments for 1999. In
addition to assisting 22 households to date, the program has:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
April 24, 2000, 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Researched options for a minor home repair program in Tukwila/King County
Prepared and advertised requests for qualifications.
Assisted the City in negotiating and preparing contract with Senior Services.
Designated REACH contributions for minor home repair in unincorporated
areas.
Awarded and drafted minor home repair contract with Senior Services for
Tukwila and King County.
Prepared outreach and marketing of program.
Ms. Smith described REACH's Home Buyer Assistance program. During 1999, major
accomplishments included:
Researched homebuyer assistance options. Concentrated on programs for
converting distressed rentals to home ownership opportunities.
Researched HUD, FNMA and FHLB programs for financial assistance.
Collaborated with lenders to present programs to community on homebuyer
programs; assisted Tukwila residents in participating in homebuyer education.
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April 24, 2000
Began discussion with King County Housing Authority regarding purchasing
of multi family rentals to convert to home ownership.
Researched local housing market (prices and availability of affordable units).
Prepared analysis of average wage, home prices, gap financing to support
Tukwila decision to fund down- payment assistance program.
Researched existing down payment assistance programs.
Researched lender programs for home purchase and rehabilitation.
Researched self -help home construction programs.
To meet one of the goals of Tukwila to enhance existing properties, REACH staff developed the
"Paint Your Heart Out!" program. The program began its second year in 1999. Five homes in
Tukwila were revitalized in 1999. Ms. Smith explained the program produced very visible and
positive results. However, the program is very labor intensive, taking up valuable staff time to
coordinate the program. Ms. Smith announced REACH would not be sponsoring the program in
2000, but is pursuing other organizations to sponsor and organize the event.
Another area of importance is neighborhood stability and rehabilitation of existing structures in
senior housing. Staff researched resources and options available for homeownership. Due to
limited developable land available within Tukwila, REACH is working to develop relationships
with organizations building affordable houses. One of REACH'S goal in 2000, is to help identify
and contact organizations to develop affordable housing home ownership possibilities as well as
identifying properties that could be used for this purpose.
Soliciting homes in need of rehabilitation is another program considered as a two -prong effort.
The focus is to (1) help people rehabilitate their current homes and (2) encourage progress in
making rental housing available for homeownership.
City Administration has also requested REACH establish and implement a marketing plan for the
Minor Home Repair Program as well as the other repair and access programs that are contracted.
Many REACH activities improve membership by other cities, which entails attending
community and civic meetings within the county. This has also provided an opportunity to
interact and learn what other jurisdictions are doing and bringing those ideas and resources back
to benefit Tukwila.
Councilmember Hernandez asked how many Tukwila residents have enrolled in the First -Time
Home Buyer Program. Mr. Smith reported that after the article in the Hazelnut newsletter
appeared, 29 calls of inquiry were received. Two residents have recently enrolled along with the
three residents who were previously enrolled.
Dorothy Lengyel, Executive Director of HomeSite thanked the Council for the opportunity to
launch a HomeSight Program in Tukwila. The program is part of the South King County First
Homes Program. Currently, one outreach has been accomplished while the program continues to
receive a good response rate.
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April 24, 2000
HomeSight is a community development corporation, which is different from other types of non-
profits. The Board of Directors is comprised of members representing the community.
HomeSight was incorporated in 1990 and focuses resources on helping people attain home
ownership.
Ms. Lengyel explained the difficulties associated with the current home buyers market in Puget
Sound. She noted home prices and interest rates are rising, affecting the ability of many people
to qualify for and afford a home. Potential homeowners with a median income of $32,000 face a
gap in purchasing power when considering a purchase of a basic affordable home of $125,000.
These individuals are employed in the health care industry, school teachers, or entry level
managers at Boeing.
Home ownership benefits the community in a number of ways. Home ownership is linked to
stable voter bases, lower crime rates, and higher levels of participation in the schools, etc.
Although home ownership is the major focus of HomeSite, the long -term objective is to maintain
a strong community.
Calvin Scott, 32013 41s Avenue SW, Federal Way, WA, Affordable Housing Officer for
South King County, provided operational information and statistics on HomeSite activities.
HomeSite is the umbrella that exists for the entire lending community. HomeSite counsels
people participating in specific programs and enhances the community through home ownership.
It's a multi pronged approach. HomeSite might also link with the Washington State Housing
Finance Commission to offer lower interest rates to close the affordability gap to make home
ownership more achievable. HomeSite also works with the Federal Housing Administration,
Veterans Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and conventional
lending markets.
Currently, 15 people are enrolled in home buying programs. Mr. Scott reported the programs
afforded home ownership opportunities to 40 clients. The overall success rate is approximately
20
Councilmember Haggerton asked what the definition is of "affordable housing." Ms. Lengyel
described "affordable housing" as two bedroom, 2,000 square foot home costing approximately
$135,000. Typically, HomeSite consider homes below $155,000 to be affordable housing.
However, the median home price in Seattle is $225,000 (including condominiums). The highest
price affordable home HomeSite offers in the Seattle area is $185,000.
Councilmember Carter stressed the importance of educating renters within Tukwila to obtain
home ownership. This would benefit the City by reducing the number of rental homes within the
community and more residents remaining in Tukwila over a longer period.
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c. Update on Tukwila village and City space needs
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April 24, 2000
Brian Sullivan. Mithun Partners. Seattle. reported on the study involving the City's basic
space requirements at City Hall and the adjacent building. The study evaluated current needs of
departments and how to best meet those needs in the coming years. A review of each department
included current staff and space needs. This was followed by an evaluation of future needs up to
15 years and how to accommodate those needs.
Mr. Sullivan distributed information on the study results of each department's current space and
requirements and how well existing space was working within each department. Currently, staff
occupies 37,000 square feet in City Hall and the adjacent building. Currently, there is a shortage
of 9,000 square feet, which has a negative impact on City Hall operations. Additional space
needs for the next 15 years determined (based on growth in staff) an additional 45,000 square
feet is required.
The next step reviewed how to accommodate needs within the existing buildings. The total
square footage of City Hall is approximately 23,000 and the Minolta building is approximately
32,000 square feet. It is possible to house in both buildings, the City's current and future needs.
However, some departments have specific needs that could not be accommodated under that
scenario.
Mr. Sullivan reviewed diagrams of how the two buildings could be configured. The total footage
required for Police and Court operations is approximately 23,000 square feet, which would
encompass all of the space within City Hall. New Council Chambers and associated offices
would require 3,000 square feet and would only be necessary if City Hall functions were moved
to another site on Highway 99. City Hall functions would either remain in the Minolta building
or move to another site on Highway 99.
Mr. Sullivan outlined space needs of the Community Youth Center (5,000 square feet) and the
relocation of human services, which are targeted for a new building on Highway 99. Also
examined were the City's storage facilities, which would require 2,200 square feet.
Mr. Sullivan reviewed the different options for consideration and indicated two key issues to be
considered are whether to retain City Hall operations within the Minolta building or relocate City
Hall operations to Highway 99. The second issue is consideration for increasing density on the
Highway 99 site by including structured parking. Structured parking would increase density on
the site and afford a longer term potential to accommodate future needs.
Mr. Sullivan reviewed details associated with each of the options and advantages and
disadvantages. Costs associated with options were also discussed.
Council President Duffle reiterated Council has made no decision with respect to moving any
facilities. He stressed to audience members not to form the impression that City Hall would be
moving.
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April 24, 2000
Councilmember Hernandez acknowledged some confusion regarding the information within the
consultant's contract. The option of relocating City Hall was removed from the scope of work.
She reiterated her belief that that the Council had agreed relocating City Hall would not be
considered as an option.
Councilmember Carter agreed examining future facility needs of the City was an important
component of the study. She noted her goal was to "jump start" development on Highway 99
and that the study documents the mix of office and retail and offers a clearer picture of what the
possibilities include.
Administrator McFarland responded that the original direction was to consider the relocation of
Police and Court or minimum City presence. The Council decided the Police and Court options
were not necessarily the best option. Subsequently, the plan was altered to consider the
appropriate placement of City facilities on Highway 99. The report information is only a
conceptual consideration of moving City Hall. He emphasized the study was to document space
needs and consider existing City property ownership potential.
Councilmember Fenton suggested moving forward with the information and stressed the
importance of the City initiating action on Highway 99 as a catalyst for redevelopment to occur.
Councilmember Carter emphasized the City never had a plan for redevelopment of Highway 99
other than wanting re- development to occur. She noted revitalization to Highway 99 and light
rail are the two more important issues facing Tukwila today.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
Jesse Woods, 3904 SW 17` Tukwila, asked about the status of the City's follow up on the
firing range issue. Mayor Mullet said a telephone number would be publicized in the Hazelnut
newsletter for registering complaints.
Mr. Woods said at one time, he was not concerned with the firing range noise. However, when
so many of the users are members of the public, Tukwila citizens have a right to be concerned
about the hours of operation and usage of the range. Mayor Mullet noted there has been a
commitment by the Seattle City Council President to assist Tukwila with the firing range issue.
Clare Imnett. Sea -Tac International Airnort, referred to her past work with the City as an
official at Boeing Field during the last four years. She announced her recent appointment at
public affairs for the City of SeaTac and said she would continue to work with Tukwila on local
government and community relations.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Revisions to proposed ordinance prohibiting gambling activities.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 6 of 10
April 24, 2000
Assistant Planner Deb Ritter referred to the Council's April 3 public hearing on a proposed
gambling ordinance. At that meeting, Council directed staff to refine the proposed language to
the ordinance. Dependent on the policy decision by the Council, revisions could be incorporated
within the draft ordinance and presented at the regular Council meeting on May 15, 2000. The
current moratorium expires on July 14, 2000.
Councilmember Fenton referred to the options and expressed concerns that casinos could
circumvent the intent of the ordinance by expanding another area of operation, such as a
restaurant, which would expand the size of the footprint of the building.
Councilmember Carter reviewed Committee discussions and suggested "footprint" was not
considered an accurate measurement as casinos could add additional stories to a building without
increasing its footprint. Committee members discussed using the existing square footage within
the footprint, which is why she proposed other language.
Councilmember Linder said its important not to discourage someone from having a nice facility
by making the ordinance too restrictive or cumbersome. Councilmembers discussed possible
limitations of gaming area square footage and asked staff or casino operators if they were aware
of any restrictions imposed by the state.
Community Development Director Steve Lancaster noted he is unaware of any gaming area
square foot limitations. The State limits the number of gaming tables and approves the layout
and camera surveillance, which is based more on security concerns rather than square footage
concerns.
Council President Duffie opened the meeting for public comment.
John Gardner. General Manager, Golden Nugget Casino. is encouraged the City desires to
have nice and profitable casino operations. To his knowledge, there are no state regulations
limiting the size of the gaming area. He noted casinos would not waste space and would use
space properly.
He asked the Council to consider the situation relating to the operation of the Golden Nugget
Casino. Mr. Gardner reported expanding the number of gaming tables is an extensive process
undertaken through the Gambling Commission. If he had been aware of the possibility of the
Council limiting the size of the gaming area, he would have submitted plans previously.
Steve Jones, 853 156 Avenue N.E., Bellevue, suggested Council consider several factors. He
noted casinos are not allowed to have more than the authorized number of gaming tables. It
would not make sense for a casino to build a huge facility with only 15 tables. Instead of
designating square footage, he suggested the Council consider only the number of tables allowed
by law. If square footage is recommended, he requested Council consider and support casinos
having enough room for a nice facility and using the space effectively.
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b. Council deliberation: Fosterview Estates subdivision
Final plat approval
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April 24, 2000
Councilmembers reviewed previous Council and Committee discussions and generally agreed
the intent of the gambling ordinance, after hearing public testimony and considering all
viewpoints, was to allow existing casinos to be grandfathered continue operation under certain
conditions. New casinos would not be permitted within the City. Councilmembers varied in
their opinions concerning whether to limit square footage or the building footprint.
Councilmember Haggerton suggested limiting the size of the building footprint and number of
building floors.
Councilmember Fenton recommended returning the ordinance to Committee to review the square
footage and building footprint issue and provide a recommendation to the Council.
Councilmembers Carter, Hernandez, Fenton, and Simpson agreed with Councilmember
Haggerton's recommendation.
Council President Duffie reported the item was a continuation from the previous Council
meeting and no new evidence would be presented during the meeting. Council deliberation
would only focus on the Fosterview Estates subdivision final plat approval.
Attorney Noe reported the City received a letter from Mr. Khoeler, who represents the property
owner. The letter requests the Council move to reopen the hearing to consider additional third
party information. Attorney Noe advised the Council they could reopen the hearing to introduce
additional information.
Attorney Noe shared information contained in the letter and said it would be the Council's
discretion whether to reopen the record to receive additional information. Attorney Noe noted
the additional information has not been provided to staff for review. If Council desires to reopen
the record, public notification would be required to all parties of record. He suggested reopening
the record for an indefinite period until the information becomes available at this point would not
make sense. Councilmembers were queried on their preference to reopen the hearing. There was
consensus by the Council to not reopen the public hearing.
Council deliberations on the issue ensued. Councilmember Hernandez acknowledged the
problems regarding the preliminary design and development of the property. There have been
attempts to correct most of the deficiencies. She expressed some concerns regarding the project
but deferred to the professional advice of staff.
Councilmember Haggerton described the proposal as an ill conceived project. The property
could have been better utilized. He outlined some of the requirements the Council need to
consider during the quasi-judicial process and expressed some concerns with the elimination of
the bioswale as stipulated in the SEPA. He referred to concerns with ESA issues and stormwater
runoff issues and disclosed he would vote against the project if the bioswale were eliminated.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Linder said the information presented during the public hearing reflects that the
project complies with current codes and regulations. She expressed some concern with landslide
issues. Recent information has indicated some assurances that landslide issues are not a major
concern. She supports the evidence associated with the risks of constructing a bioswale, which
outweighs the benefit. She is not in favor of including the bioswale.
Council requested staff prepare findings and conclusions and present them at the next regular
Council meeting, May 1, 2000.
c
Councilmembers concurred with staffs recommendation for approval of codes, covenants and
restrictions and requested the item be forwarded to the next Regular meeting on May 1, 2000.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
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April 24, 2000
Council deliberation: Fosterview Estates subdivision planned
residential development Approval of codes, covenants and
restrictions
Mayor Mullet reported staff continues to meet with Sound Transit Boardmembers and has been
receiving favorable impressions, but no commitment. He is optimistic the decision will
eventually be to Tukwila's benefit. He expects to have a Sound Transit Board decision by May
25.
Mayor Mullet has an all day meeting on the I -5 Corridor Committee on April 25 and an ESA
meeting on Thursday, April 27.
b. City Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Chamber luncheon on April 14. She met the new
Community Relations Manager for the Port of Seattle. Councilmember Hernandez also attended
a Finance Safety Committee meeting on April 17
Council President Duffie reported staff and several Councilmembers attended the funeral of
Council Analyst Lauterbach's mother. He then urged Councilmembers to vote and encourage
other citizens to vote on the school levy.
Councilmember Haggerton reported attendance at a Cascade Water Alliance and Suburban
Cities meeting on Wednesday, April 26. Annual elections will occur at the May 10 Suburban
Cities General membership meeting. Councilmember Haggerton will attend the ESA workshop
on April 27 and possibly attend the King County Airport tour.
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City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Linder attended recent King County Human Services Roundtable, South King
County Human Services Roundtable and Domestic Violence meetings. She referred to Fire
Department Administrative Secretary Erica Eddins attendance at the meeting and noted members
were encouraged by City staff attendance.
Councilmember Fenton is looking forward to hosting the budget meeting at his property on
Tuesday, April 25.
Councilmember Simpson attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting on April 14, 2000 and
an event for police volunteers on April 18, 2000. He was honored with an award.
c. Staff
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April 24, 2000
Administrator McFarland reminded the Council of Phase I asbestos abatement on April 29, 2000.
The demolition contract runs through June 25 and provides ample time for the demolition to be
completed. The site will be hydro seeded after demolition.
A final draft agenda of the Joint City Council /School Board will be provided on April 25. Two
items have been added recently. One includes a report on a national program on human racism
and the second pertains to underage smoking, which is becoming a problem in nearby locations
off campus.
Administrator McFarland is meeting with Bob White and Paul Bey of Sound Transit to discuss
current activity. He received an email from King County regarding impacts of proposed Metro
bus cuts. The only mall to be impacted by Metro service cuts is South Center Mall. None of the
other malls within King County would be affected. He noted that this is of great concern to the
City and represents $12 million of revenue to Metro annually.
Administrator McFarland indicated staff is aware and examining ways of dealing with a
somewhat obscene sign hanging on a side of a house in Cascade View. The City Attorney is
recommending obtaining a temporary restraining order to promptly handle the situation.
Administrator McFarland reminded Councilmembers of the budget meeting on Tuesday, April
25. Members will be served dinner. Director Doerschel will review the City's financial report
on first quarter revenue projections and what indicators are available to adjust the second, third,
and fourth quarter, if necessary.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Councilmember Hernandez, responding to an article in the National League of Cities Newsletter,
noted topics concern racism, fairness, and justice in America's cities and towns. These items
will be included on the Joint meeting agenda between the Council and school board. The
president of the National League of Cities is very committed to this topic. Council President
Duffle noted a two -day class in Seattle was held on racism. Dr. Silver was the only
City of Tukwila
City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes
superintendent to attend. The two -day class costs $300. He requested clarification if the City
would sponsor the class registration.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Council President Duffle.
o .`bu i C ncil President; U
AOXitt 44 a(
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary
Date Minutes Signed: (p 20 /00
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April 24, 2000