Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-07-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesSPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 10, 2000 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall CITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council President Joe Duffle called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach called the roll of Council. Present were Council President Joe Duffie; and Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton, and Richard Simpson. OFFICIALS: Steve Mullet, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; Robin Tischmak, Senior Engineer; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Bruce Fletcher, Parks Director; Rick Still, Assistant Parks Director; Paul Surek, Parks Superintendent; Keith Haines, Chief of Police; Moira Bradshaw, Associate Planner; Rebecca Fox, Associate Planner; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. a. Presentation of award to Tukwila Councilmember Pamela Linder from South King County Council of Human Services for supporting social and health services. Human Services Coordinator Evelyn Boykan described the South King County Council of Human Services as a coalition of non profit agencies, government representatives, and concerned citizens who meet to collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate human services within the South King County area. Each year, an annual luncheon is held to honor individuals whose efforts have made positive contributions to social and health services. This year, Councilmember Pamela Linder was acknowledged and honored for her commitment to human services. Councilmember Linder has been involved in numerous areas and is a strong supporter of the Domestic Violence Task Force and serves as a representative to the King County Human Services Roundtable. She has become involved in the newly formed South King County Council of Human Services and serves on the Joint Recommendations Committee, which is an advisory group to the King County Council that examines south county and how federal funding should be spent for housing. Coordinator Boykan acknowledged Councilmember Linder's community efforts and noted she was one of the first volunteers to participate in the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Coordinator Boykan presented a plaque to Councilmember Linder acknowledging her efforts in supporting social and health services. Councilmember Linder expressed thanks and appreciation for receiving the award and for being acknowledged. b. Swearing in of citizens for voluntary traffic safety programs. Police Chief Keith Haines introduced a new citizens volunteer program called the Traffic Safety Program. He explained the elements of the program and said under Washington State Law, jurisdictions are authorized to grant limited police commissions to train volunteers for the program. Program volunteers will assist in enforcing laws related to handicapped parking, identifying and removing abandoned vehicles, and using a traffic radar trailer to help reduce speeds in troublesome locations. Volunteers will respond to reports of speeders and relocate the radar trailer to areas of the City that need speed reduction assistance. Chief Haines advised the public to call the Police Station at 206 433 -1808 if they need assistance in controlling speeding vehicles in their respective neighborhood. Chief Haines introduced the initial six members of the Traffic Safety Program. They include Les Beck, Alice Jones, Ron Johnston, William Darnell, Bearl McManus, Mr. Danner, Roy Steinauer, and Rebecca Harlan. He thanked the volunteers for their commitment to the City. Mayor Mullet swore in the volunteers of the Traffic Safety Program. Anna Bernhard. 14241 59 Avenue S. Tukwila. asked how many hours and what shifts the volunteers would be working. Chief Haines replied volunteers are committed to working two, four -hour shifts per month. Participants will work as teams and can donate as many hours they wish to the program. Volunteers will have a police radio and a cellular telephone to maintain contact for emergency circumstances. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Page 2 of 11 July 10, 2000 Anna Bernhard. 14241 59 Avenue S. Tukwila, commented on the great fireworks show and encouraged the City to continue the tradition each year. Frank Gorog. 5708 S 144 Tukwila. spoke about traffic problems on 144` specifically between 56 and 59 Street, where several accidents have occurred. He asked if it would be possible to put some blinking red lights along the roadway due to excessive vehicle speeds. He also requested a sign at Interurban to caution trucks not to travel on 58 Mr. Gorog referred to numerous unleashed dogs in the area and said animal control is needed. He has called King County Animal Control several times due to the possible endangerment of children. Of the times he has called, they have responded only once. Robert Neuffer. 13813 37 Ave S.. Tukwila. referred to excessive vehicle speeds on 37 Avenue. He said his neighborhood would like to see speed bumps or traffic circles installed on City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 11 July 10, 2000 37 to slow traffic speed. He noted the police have provided good service to reduce speed. However, they are not available on a continuous basis. Mr. Neuffer cited the once -a -month closure of Lake Washington Boulevard and suggested Tukwila consider closing residential streets on a Sunday by erecting temporary barricades that allow only local access. PUBLIC HEARING: Parks, Golf and Public Places Plan Council President Duffle opened the public hearing. Parks Recreation Director Bruce Fletcher provided an overview of the Parks, Golf and Public Places Plan, which provides for parks improvements over the next six years. A public meeting was held on May 15 on the draft plan. Additionally, the draft plan has been available for review by the public at various locations throughout Tukwila. Mr. Fletcher described components of the plan, which include the park facilities, passive recreation facilities, public spaces, linkages, such as green belts, trails, and signage, and nodes, such as gateway signs, outdoor art, and small seating areas. Mr. Fletcher distributed a copy of the proposed project list for parks, trails and open places and reviewed the priority and project title of the proposed projects. They include: 1. Cascade View Park 2. Skatepark 3. Tukwila Village Plaza 4. Tukwila Pond Park Phase II 5. Hanging Flower Basket Program 6. Codiga Farm /Small Boat Access Park 7. Spray Park 8. E/W Trails Across City 9. Macadam Wetland Education and Winter Garden Park 10. Helen Nelsen River Trail 11. Interurban River Trail Enhancements 12. Showalter Field Lights 13. Wilcox Riverfront Park 14. Alde /Markham Park 15. Riverfront /Log House Park Responding to a question on the prioritization of the list by Councilmember Hernandez, Mr. Fletcher explained the proposed project list was prioritized by the Parks Commission and does not reflect the same priority as projects listed in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 11 July 10, 2000 Mr. Fletcher introduced Parks Commissioners Sue Marvin, Joanne McManus, and Dennis Sivak. Georgina Kerr, 3834 S 116 Street, Tukwila, spoke in favor of the proposed project list and said the list covers areas that would benefit residents. Ms. Kerr inquired about a project that she and her neighbors presented to the Parks Commission regarding acreage connecting Proverty Hill. She asked about the status of the proposal as a possible project. She requested the project be included on the project list. Ms. Kerr asked how the approval process would proceed on the proposed project list. Councilmember Hernandez noted the Community Affairs and Parks Committee have not reviewed the proposed list and encouraged the public to submit information on the proposed list or add projects not listed for the Committee's review and consideration. Councilmember Fenton explained the Community Affairs and Park Committee would review the list in depth. Robert Neuffer, 13813 37 Avenue S.. Tukwila, voiced support for the priority status of the Cascade View Park. He noted that many neighbors are supportive of the park. He requested inclusion of a wading pool or splash center in the proposed park. Rosemary Unterscher, 4110 S. 114 Tukwila,. reiterated the interest of many people to preserve the property, zoned as Light Industrial, near Poverty Hill. She referred to area as the "Sacred Mounds Park" and indicated the title was included in some of the documentation provided to the Parks Commission and was referred to as such through local storytelling by community residents. Christine Neuffer, 13813 37 Avenue S.. Tukwila, said she would like to ensure that Cascade View Park remain the number one priority and reiterated the need of children to have a safe place to gather and play. Ms. Neuffer said that due to the number of children, additional acreage for the park should be considered along with open space for informal and non scheduled sports activities by youth and families. Additionally, she requested Council consider adding artwork and a pea patch, dependent upon the size. Council President Duffle closed the public hearing. Councilmember Hernandez clarified that the cost estimate of each project was not necessarily funded in the budget. Some of the projects are included in the CIP. She remarked that the challenge is finding the funds to fund all of the requests. Councilmember Linder invited the public to attend the July 25 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting when the proposed plan will be reviewed. Mr. Fletcher referred to the letter from Dr. Silver requesting support for improving playing fields in the Tukwila School District. He noted that at the last presentation regarding the "Proverty Hill" site, he added archeological /historical sites as part of the City's goals for city parks. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 11 July 10, 2000 Mr. Fletcher invited the Council and the public to the dedication and grand opening of Riverton Park on Thursday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Haggerton asked if project #12- Showalter Field Lights would also include soccer uses. Mr. Fletcher confirmed the field would be used for soccer games. The Parks, Golf and Public Places Plan was referred to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee for further review. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Comprehensive Plan Amendments She explained the review process and said the Council may: 1) forward a proposed amendment to the Planning Commission for further review and study; 2) defer the proposed amendment for a year or more; or 3) reject a proposed amendment. After a proposed amendment undergoes a public hearing and a recommendation from the Planning Commission, it is forwarded to the Council for a hearing and final decision. She noted the Council may change or add to a proposed amendment. Ms. Fox outlined the criteria used to determine action on a proposed amendment and reviewed two additional amendments for consideration. One amendment, added by the Council during its April review, consider allowing office uses in the Manufacturing /Industrial Center Light(MIC/L) zone regardless of whether they are associated with a specific permitted industrial use. The Public Works Department requested the addition of an amendment to update the existing Transportation Background Report as required by the Washington Growth Management Act. Councilmember Linder asked if a traffic analysis was completed on the proposed amendment regarding the MIC /L zone. Director Lancaster said a traffic analysis would be scheduled and completed before the Planning Commission conducting public hearings. He said the traffic report would provide information on what, if any, mitigation measures might be needed. The MIC /L and Heavy district is part of a planned action area where SEPA reviews are on a case -by -case basis and not normally required. Mayor Mullet asked about the status of Council concerns concerning more pawnshops as an allowed use in the NCC zone. Director Lancaster replied the issue would most likely not require a Comprehensive Plan amendment, but would require a code amendment. He suggested referring the item to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee and suggested pursuing changes in next year's Comprehensive Plan process, if an amendment is required. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Rosemary Unterscher, 4110 S. 114` Tukwila, asked how the change in the MIC /L zone would affect undeveloped land on Proverty Hill. Director Lancaster replied most of the properties within the MIC /L zone have been developed, however, it would still affect those developed areas. Carol Watson, 3906 S. 113 Street. Tukwila, noted her concerns with the Proverty Hill property. Her property borders the property on the eastside. If developers were to use explosives to level the hill, her house could be in jeopardy. Additionally, she would prefer not to view office buildings from her kitchen window and would prefer not to have the property developed as office buildings. Councilmember Linder said she understands Ms. Watson's concerns and asked staff what could currently be developed on the property. Director Lancaster replied the MIC /L designation provides a wide range of uses in the lower intensity industrial, manufacturing, and distribution uses. The most obvious impact is increased traffic, which is being analyzed. Councilmember Linder asked if it would be possible to exclude the Proverty Hill property from the amendment. Director Lancaster said it would be possible but would contribute to dividing the City's regulations. He noted that any use on the property would cause concern to the neighborhood. The City's responsibility is to ensure that whatever development proposal comes through on the property is adequately analyzed for impacts and is mitigated. Council President Duffle closed the public meeting. Councilmember Haggerton shared the Council's concern (with the audience) and obligations regarding Comprehensive Plan amendments and zoning codes. The Council works diligently to try to find the right "fit" to satisfy the majority of citizens and cause the least amount of impact to surrounding property owners. Director Lancaster indicated the next step would include Council determining what Comprehensive Plan amendments should be referred to the Planning Commission. b. County -wide planning policy amendments Page 6 of 11 July 10, 2000 Director Lancaster reported three potential amendments to the Countywide Planning Policies and stated when amendments are proposed to the Countywide Planning Policies Board, all parties within the interlocal agreement must be ratified by 30% of the jurisdictions within King County that represent 70% of the total King County population. King County has approved the amendments and over the next several months, other jurisdictions in the interlocal agreement will consider the amendments. The City is not required to act on the proposed amendments; however, if no action occurs, the amendments are considered approved. Director Lancaster reported the three amendments are minor particularly in terms of Tukwila's directives. The first amendment, "Motion 99 -1" would amend the CPPs to adjust housing targets to reflect annexations and incorporations occurring between April 1994 and January 1998. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 11 July 10, 2000 Tukwila has had no annexations since the original targets were established. Consequently, this change would have no impact on Tukwila. The second amendment, "Substitute Motion 99 -2" would 1) adopt an Interim Potential Annexation Areas (PAA) map, and 2) assign specific housing targets to the identified PAAs. Tukwila has two potential annexation areas, one in the north and one in the south of the City. Based on the methodology and calculations, 36 additional housing units would be added to Tukwila's target if potential areas are annexed. The third amendment, "Motion 9904" would amend the CPPs to remove a "work program" element that would have resulted in an assessment of King County's six -year development capacity. This program element would then be replaced by the "Buildable Lands" assessment required by the Growth Management Act. The Community Affairs and Parks Committee reviewed the proposed amendments at their last meeting and have recommended approval by the City Council to ratify the amendments. If ratified, staff will prepare and present a resolution. Director Lancaster responded to questions concerning the timing or schedule of amendments and reported the Growth Management Planning Council meets on a regular basis and typically submits changes on an annual basis. Director Lancaster, responding to questions from Councilmember Carter on the methodology of the population calculations indicated part of the formula is based on a jurisdiction's capacity and land use regulations. The figures were then adjusted to meet Countywide Planning Policy Standards. He further explained that housing targets have an associated level of obligation by each jurisdiction to meet the target over a 20 -year period. Councilmembers concurred with delaying action until additional information is obtained regarding the concerns stated. c. Tukwila International Boulevard So. 138 Street to South 152n Street: Presentation of streetscape element designs /concepts Public Works Director Jim Morrow reported Tukwila was successful in obtaining 40% of available federal funding from the Puget Sound Regional Council. This equates to $3.4 million for the first phase of redevelopment of Tukwila International Boulevard. He noted one of the reasons for successfully obtaining the funding was due to design engineering. Mr. Morrow indicated the proposed streetscape element designs /concepts have been reviewed by the Arts Commission, the Transportation Committee, and staff. He requested Council review the proposal and advise staff of any proposed changes. He noted a different concept for bus shelters is proposed along the boulevard. It would require maintenance by the Public Works Department. This is due to the design element and the preference by staff to maintain the shelters. David Bovd, Makers Architecture Design. 1425 4 Avenue, Seattle, provided a briefing on the proposed designs /concepts. Recent work has concentrated around the development of the Tukwila Village parcel at 144 and Tukwila International Boulevard. Modifications have been City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 11 July 10, 2000 requested to reflect some of the design themes and character established for the project. The streetscape proposal incorporates more traditional materials and forms. Mr. Boyd then reviewed essential components of the proposed designs and concepts. A proposal at key intersections 144 140"', and 148"' (key gateways) to include special accent paving a brick band around the curb, at wheelchair ramps, and at the bus stop. Accent paving for crosswalks is proposed that could include colored asphalt or a combination of a color or patterned asphalt. Designs at the key crossroads include incorporating brick material that would form a low wall that would support vertical elements. Vertical elements include pedestrian lighting and artwork (some work is being conducted on developing some art pieces for the corridor). Mr. Boyd described some of the art pieces under consideration. More detail would be included on the wall and railings that could incorporate a ceramic or cast metal version of the City's logo. Those elements could be connected with a solid brick wall in areas where a retaining wall is necessary or where screening might be needed. Another new element proposed is the bus shelter with a more traditional design that incorporates the City's logo and a traditional motif with matching benches and trash receptacles. Street lighting includes two options. One option includes retaining the existing streetlights (high overhead roadway lighting) and the adding lower pedestrian lights in between the high overhead streetlights. He displayed a sample of pedestrian lights. Another option is to develop a coordinated system of decorative and pedestrian lighting. Landscaping concepts are being developed with landscaping architects. The proposed primary street tree is a red maple. Corner trees would consist of a dark foliage maple tree species. Behind the sidewalks, sweetgum streets are proposed, as they are more appropriate for those locations. In locations where existing evergreens are located, incense cedar trees are proposed. In the median, an accent tree proposed is a flowing pear tree, which provides flowers and fall foliage and color. Councilmember Hernandez said she liked the contrast between the railing and the brick and asked what material would be used for the railing. Mr. Boyd indicated the railing would be an iron steel railing with a durable metal finish (dark green). Councilmember Hernandez suggested including an option for hanging the City's banners on streetlights. Mr. Boyd indicated street light options would allow for banners. Councilmember Hernandez suggested considering the anti vandalism aspect for any design. Councilmember Linder suggested any artwork considered should have an international flavor. Administer McFarland recognized the tremendous effort by many people to accommodate design and concepts with the desires of the Council. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Councilmember Haggerton referred to pedestrian activities and behavior on the boulevard and cautioned that along with incorporating nice designs and materials, education on pedestrian bad habits should also be considered to ensure pedestrian safety. Council discussion ensued on selecting street light designs. Mayor Mullet advised Councilmembers to delay selection until more design work is completed on Tukwila Village. Mr. Boyd shared information on locations where Councilmembers could view samples of streetlights. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet met with Senator Slade Gorton and thanked him for his assistance on light rail issues. Earlier in the day, he also met with Representative Jennifer Dunn about options available to Tukwila concerning light rail. Mayor Mullet noted the need for an Executive Session on a potential litigation matter. b. City Council Page 9 of 11 July 10, 2000 Councilmember Hernandez attended the Equity Diversity Commission on July 6. A subcommittee chaired by Roberta Nelson developed a draft of the Community Access Guide. The subcommittee is obtaining costs for printing the guide. Margaret Joseph, an employee of Boeing, has supplied information for applying for grant funding. Councilmember Hernandez thanked Councilmember Fenton for a video and reported that Karen Nelson provided a copy of the brochure from the International Rescue Committee Report to committee members. Commission members also reviewed terms of office dates. Many members expressed a desire to be re- appointed. She noted that Linda Turner has indicated she has not been receiving a copy of the meeting agenda. The next meeting is scheduled for August 3. Councilmember Carter attended the Tukwila Cares Community Network on June 28. She also met with Senator Gorton on July 6 and said three elected City officials and four school board members participated in the meeting. Councilmember Carter noticed increased diversity of attendance at "Tukwila Days" than in previous years. She noted it was nice to see a variety of people attending from different backgrounds. She was supportive of the second stage and its configuration. Councilmember Carter reminded Councilmembers of a South Treatment Plant tour on Wednesday, July 12. Following the tour, a King County Budget Forum is scheduled at Foster High School in the evening. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 11 July 10, 2000 Council President Duffle thanked Council for their participation in "Tukwila Days." He expressed regret that he was not able to attend. He commented the 4 of July fireworks might be worth continuing in the future. Councilmember Haggerton reported attendance at the 4 of July fireworks and many people came by the City's booth during "Tukwila Days" and thanked officials for allowing the fireworks. Councilmember Haggerton also received comments from citizens about neighbors not maintaining their property. He said until the City finds a solution, it City will continue to receive more complaints. Mayor Mullet said that staff is working on the problem. Councilmember Haggerton referred to one individual who is extremely upset by the problem. He suggested that some kind of incentive program might be useful in assisting people with the maintenance and upkeep of their property. Councilmember Haggerton will attend a Cascade Water Alliance meeting on July 12 at 4:00 p.m. followed by an ACC meeting at 5:30 p.m. The Utilities Committee met on July 5. Several issues were forwarded to the Council for action. Minutes are forthcoming. Councilmember Linder commented on her participation at "Tukwila Days." She is scheduled to attend a Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on July 11. Councilmember Fenton commented on a recent tour attended by Director Lancaster, Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach, and Councilmembers Carter, Hernandez, and Fenton of the Macadam area and other areas. The tour was provided due to recent requests for zoning changes, which will come before the Council in the near future. Councilmember Fenton announced an Apartment Manager's Network meeting for certified apartments on Wednesday, July 12. Members will brainstorm how to move forward and re- energize the certification project. He also plans to attend the King County Budget meeting later in the evening at Foster High School. Councilmember Simpson reminded Council of the Senior Picnic on Wednesday, July 12 at the Tukwila Community Center. The Highway 99 Action Committee meeting will be held at the Sabey Corporation, which will include a tour of the facility. c. Staff Administrator McFarland reported on a code enforcement issue wherein a stipulated order is being prepared and will be entered at the end of the week. Mr. McFarland noted the City Attorney has done an excellent job on this issue. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Haggerton announced Utility Committee members received an advance copy of the City's annual water report (required of all water utilities) under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The report will be provided to all Councilmembers. Costs for producing the report were one -third of the regular price this year in light of the fact it was produced on recycled paper. 9:36 p.m. Hernandez moved, Fenton seconded; to adjourn the meeting for a 30- minute Executive Session on potential litigation. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Potential Litigation Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) ADJOURNMENT: 10:10 p.m. No action was taken as a result of the executive session. Having no other business to come before the Committee of Whole, Council President Duffle adjourned the meeting. e'14 D ouncil Prdent Advt.' -a. gilkaA Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signe die_ -9 ,5 100 Page 11 of 11 July 10, 2000