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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-07-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesCITY 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. OFFICIALS: Steve Mullet, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Tom Keefe, Fire Chief; Chris Flores, Firefighter; Craig Bryon, Fire Lt.; Chuck Wolley, Firefighter; Rebecca Fox, Associate Planner; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 24, 2000 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall a. Demonstration of Thermal Imaging Camera Fire Department Fire Chief Tom Keefe reported although the thermal imaging camera was an unbudgeted item, the opportunity to purchase the camera (valued at $30,000) for $15,000.00, was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Fire Department. Chief Keefe explained the camera is equipped with an antenna and a receiver and can project to a VCR or TV the current conditions taking place while firefighters are inside a burning structure. Fire Lt. Craig Byron presented a video demonstration of the capabilities of the camera. He noted the camera operates on an infrared sensor and seeks a heat signature. It can detect changes in heat from .05 degrees Fahrenheit. Councilmember Carter questioned the circumstances relating to the purchase. City Administrator McFarland reported private donations were received from the Firefighters Union and the Fire Department was able to make some budget adjustments to purchase the camera at a reduced cost. The Safety and Finance Committee authorized the purchase. Lt. Bryon reported the camera was recently used to locate a wall fire. This enabled firefighters to locate the fire without destroying unaffected walls. Other uses could include searching for missing persons. Mr. Bryon then answered questions from Councilmembers on the operation and capabilities of the camera. Firefighter Chris Flores described his experience as a 16 -year firefighter veteran and indicated most fire rescues within burning buildings are conducted mainly by feel. Recently, a 10,000 square foot building at Thorndyke Elementary School was filled completely with smoke, which limited site distance to zero. In less than four minutes, four hidden people were located using the thermal imaging camera. Under typical conditions, this search could have taken up to an hour. The camera detected the heat signature of each person inside the smoke filled building. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes CITIZEN COMMENT'S /CORRESPONDENCE: Page 2 of 10 July 24, 2000 Ron Frymeyer. 13650 Military Road. Tukwila., commented about property conditions of a neighbor who recently passed away. For the past 23 years, he and other neighbors have complained to the City about the property. Animal control and other neighbors have removed at least 50 cats from the property since the woman passed. Mr. Frymeyer displayed pictures of the property depicting five to six junk cars, 30 -foot high blackberry bushes, rats, and garbage stacked six feet on the porch and inside the house. He expressed concerns with rats and the spread of disease. Mr. Frymeyer said he has visited the City and complained about the abandoned cars and blackberry bushes to no avail. He finally visited mental health to have her evaluated and for someone to visit her and see the condition of her property. Her son lives in Kent and did not visit his mother during the last 10 years. He suggested the property should be condemned, as it is a fire hazard. He has visited the City at least once every year for the last 22 years to complain about his neighbor. Administrator McFarland expressed surprise with the information as no one at City Hall seemed to be aware of the issue. He informed Mr. Frymeyer of Tukwila's ordinance on abandoned cars and requested Mr. Frymeyer meet with him to discuss the situation. He advised Mr. Frymeyer the City might have an open case on the property that is currently in process. Mr. Frymeyer said he has met with the Code Enforcement Officer on the issue and his neighbors have also complained. Administrator McFarland assured Mr. Frymeyer that he would investigate the situation to determine if an open case is pending. Mr. Frymeyer supplied the name and address of the deceased owner and her son's name and address. He noted that since her death, police and fire personnel who were involved in removing the body have been aware of the conditions. To date, nothing has been done. Council President Duffle thanked Mr. Frymeyer for attending and providing the information and confirmed the City would act to resolve the issue. Bart Johnson. 4245 S. 148 Street, Tukwila, distributed copies of Tukwila's Noise Ordinance and disclosed that he lives next to three houses under construction. He referred to the ordinance that allows construction activities to occur until 10:00 p.m. at night during the week and weekends. He asked the Council to restrict construction activities within residential areas to 6:00 p.m. on weeknights and Saturday and no construction activity on Sunday. Mr. Johnson spoke with the developer who indicated undergrounding the utilities to the three houses would cost approximately $30,000. The builder revealed that since he had a waiver from the City he wasn't going to underground. Mr. Johnson said he checked with Puget Sound Energy who disclosed that undergrounding utilities for three houses would cost $8,000. He requested the City look into the issue of why the builder is not undergrounding the utilities. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Administrator McFarland reported the City is finalizing the developer agreement. The City signed the development agreement in 1995, which exempted the property owner from undergrounding. The cooperation of the property owner would be required to underground the utilities at this point. Currently, the City cannot legally require undergrounding. Councilmember Linder said she would appreciate receiving information on the development proposal to answer citizen's questions. Mr. Johnson reminded the City the waiver was issued in exchange for 25 feet of right -of -way for the street. He noted that since the City does not want the property until more development occurs, the waiver should be terminated. Administrator McFarland responded to a question from Councilmember Haggerton concerning current procedures for issuing a waiver to underground utilities and reported the ordinance allows exemptions on a case -by -case basis, dependent upon circumstances. The City encourages undergrounding for all projects but in some cases, costs are too prohibitive. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Discussion on Comprehensive Plan Amendments Associate Planner Rebecca Fox explained the purpose of the review and noted Council may forward a proposed amendment to the Planning Commission for consideration, change the amendment, defer the proposed amendment for a year or more, or reject a proposed amendment. Planner Fox reviewed the criteria Council should consider for each amendment. Planner Fox briefly described each amendment followed by Council review and decision on the following proposed amendments: 1. Page 3 of 10 July 24, 2000 L99 -0092 To designate a undesignated area with a Low Density residential Comprehensive Plan and Zoning code Amendment designation for undesignated, unzoned area. Council Action: Referred to Planning Commission. 2. L99 -095 Establish Commercial Light Industrial Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Amendment designation for two adjacent parcels currently designated as Low Density Residential. Planner Fox shared a copy of a map outlining the affected properties. The property owner wants to redevelop the property. Councilmembers discussed several concerns with the amendment with respect to adjacent residential impacts, noise, steep slopes, and proposed use of the property. Council Action: General agreement by the majority of the Council to send the proposed amendment to the Planning Commission with some reservations and with some stipulations regarding no development on steep slopes. 3. L99 -00085 Proposal to modify part of the (North) Potential Annexation City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes 4. L99 -00088 A North Boundary Adjustment. The amendment would revise and simplify boundaries with Seattle and King County in the vicinity of King County Airport (Boeing Field) and to change the Comprehensive Plan map accordingly. Councilmembers expressed reservations with releasing property to Seattle and generally agreed to forward the amendment to the Planning Commission to undergo a review and public hearing. Director Lancaster said the amendment would also require an interlocal agreement, which would require Council approval. Council Action: Referred to the Planning Commission for further study and public hearing process. 5. L99 -00086 Amendment proposes to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to allow office uses on the third story in the Neighborhood Commercial Center zones. Councilmember Carter preferred rezoning only the property on Tukwila International Boulevard to NCC and referring the smaller properties to the Planning Commission for an appropriate zoning designation, such as an RCC zone. Council Action: Councilmembers concurred with Councilmember Carter's recommendation and referred the amendment to the Planning Commission with conditions as stipulated by Councilmember Carter. 6. L99 -00036 Amendment would expand office and allow standalone offices throughout the NRC /L zone regardless if they are associated or serve another permitted use. Councilmember Carter said the amendment has some merit but cautioned about the supply of industrial properties versus the demand for industrial property. Councilmember Haggerton commented that he supports the zoning changes as it provides more flexibility to the City to accommodate changing economics. Councilmember Linder said she supports forwarding the proposal to the Planning Commission but requested the Commission pay special attention to residents on Proverty Hill. Councilmember Simpson asked if rezoning the property would have an effect on property values if Sound Transit decides to put commuter rail through the area. Director Lancaster replied a broader array of land uses designated for a property, the more competitive the property becomes in the marketplace. Council Action: Referred to the Planning Commission. 7. Page 4 of 10 July 24, 2000 Area boundary which currently overlaps with the City of Seattle. An interlocal agreement with Seattle would be required. This would also result in an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan map. Council Action: Referred to the Planning Commission. L99 -00038 An amendment to update the existing Transportation Background Report as required by the Washington Growth Management Act. Council Action: Referred to the Planning Commission. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes b. Tukwila subdivision Draft Notice of Decision Consensus was to approve the preliminary plat with Conditions. Page 5 of 10 July 24, 2000 Community Development Director Steve Lancaster reported this as an informational item. He advised Council several findings have been added which support special provisions for stormwater and the upkeep and repair of the waterway adjacent to the plat. The Conditions have been modified to account for these additions. Director Lancaster responded to a question from Councilmember Carter concerning process, clarified the Council's previous action, and noted the action consisted of the Council stating its findings and conditions placed on the plat. The Council then voted on the approved subdivision. Additional concerns raised by the Council at that time were converted into findings and incorporated within the decision. Councilmember Carter reiterated that the minutes reflecting Council's decision should clearly document Council's agreement with the findings and conditions. c. Facilities space needs options and costs as they relate to Tukwila Village, the Minolta Building and City Hall Administrator McFarland said the briefing would continue the discussion on preparing for decisions related to facility space needs and guidance on development of Tukwila Village. Consultant Mike Ragsdale reviewed the summary of space needs as they relate to existing City buildings. He referred to the revised analysis of space needs incorporating the entire City's needs to 2010. The City requires 23,480 square feet for police and courts and 25,194 for all other functions that currently exist in the City Hall complex. This does not include Parks and Recreation and other functions located offsite from City Hall. Councilmember Hernandez asked for the definition of common and support areas. Consultant Brian Sullivan, Mithun Partners, reported common areas are conference rooms, workrooms, space shared between departments, and areas of circulation. Support areas are storage rooms and computer rooms. Consultant Ragsdale indicated the gross square footage of City Hall is 23,372. This includes the first and second floors. The Minolta building is 32,400 square feet, which includes the elevator areas and restrooms that are not available for use. The net square footage available for use is 27,900 square feet. He explained a later review of estimated costs would include the gross square footage, as improvements would be required of all areas, not just occupied space. Councilmember Haggerton questioned the variances of square footage calculations for City Hall in several documents. Consultant Ragsdale responded the first floor of City Hall is approximately 13,628 square feet. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10 July 24, 2000 Consultant Ragsdale said space needs related to Tukwila Village were not considered. Only existing facilities owned by the City are being considered. Additionally, current occupancies within the Minolta were not considered as they are currently in short-term leases. Mr. Ragsdale displayed an overhead slide and noted part of the discussion would include speculations and guesswork. In considering the remodel of the Minolta building, 27,967 square feet would be the square footage to consider for remodeling. Consultant Ragsdale said he has located information that recommends seismic improvements when a building undergoes a major renovation. He suggested the Council should consider seismic improvements if the Minolta building undergoes major renovation. Councilmember Carter questioned what seismic requirements might be required for the City Hall building. Consultant Ragsdale said the information is currently unknown. Administrator McFarland reported when the building was designed and built, it was designed to meet and exceed all seismic codes in place in 1977. Consultant Ragsdale estimated any seismic improvements to City Hall would cost tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands. Consultant Ragsdale referred to the projected costs related to an "entrance" to the Minolta Building, which is reflective of a City Hall. He noted the item was a placeholder for discussion purposes. Some issues relating to the entrance of the building include ADA requirements and the difficulties associated with the slope of the building. If the entrance were improved, significant expense would be incurred. The estimate of $250,000 is a viable number. Mr. Sullivan referred to the character of the building and noted if the entrance is improved, the Council should consider the extent of internal and external modifications to accommodate a specific City Hall entrance character. Consultant Ragsdale said remodeling City Hall (24,000 square feet) averages approximately $13 per square foot in the current market. However, the proposed estimate was based on $20 per square foot, due to uncertainties. He noted the Public Works remodel cost approximately $10 per square foot, however; some of the work was accomplished by Public Works. He cautioned the estimated remodel of $20 per square foot is subject to change as more specifics are determined and as policy changes are determined by the Council. Councilmember Carter referred to improvements to the Police Department and suggested the remodel effort might not be as extensive. Administrator McFarland replied the biggest challenge for the first floor is the locker room space. The locker room would need to be expanded and police administration, training, and other functions moved upstairs to accommodate patrol /records functions on the first floor. Consultant Ragsdale said the market value of the Minolta building is $4.3 million, according to a local realtor. New construction at Tukwila Village would cost approximately $125 per square foot. Space projections for 2010 for a new building would require a building size of approximately 35,000 square feet, based on future needs, unused space (hallways, corridors, etc) and construction time (approximately seven years). A new building would cost approximately City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10 July 24, 2000 $4.5 million. Mayor Mullet reiterated the figures are approximate costs for comparison purposes only. Mr. Ragsdale suggested that due to the costs associated with police and courts, it would be logical to retain the police and courts within City Hall. If the Council determines this course of action, police and court requirements would fit within size of the building. No additional estimates have been considered for adding police and courts to the Minolta building. He offered to provide estimates if the Council preferred to consider that option. Councilmember Linder questioned the difference between establishing a small neighborhood center with human services (a minimum City Hall presence) versus a much stronger presence of City Hall and other government offices on the Highway, and what would be the likelihood of obtaining tenants to fill the building. Consultant Ragsdale reported the City is considered a "Class A" user. This is a term in the real estate industry that is applied to property owners, such as the City, that owns and occupies a building. Anytime a Class A user is in a locale, it improves the continuous, adjacent, and ancillary real estate. A minor or smaller presence results in the City becoming a desirable tenant as opposed to a "Class A" user. Consultant Sullivan said the minimum presence as described previously would include a youth center (5,000 square feet), human services (to afford better outreach to the community), police and community center, and possibly a community meeting room. Consultant Ragsdale shared that in many cases, where large office buildings are located (125,000 square feet or more); many small franchises operate within the building and serve the tenants of the building. The City would have significant influence with attracting other uses but the building would not be large enough to create the demand. Mayor Mullet emphasized the City would not be a tenant but would in fact own the building. Councilmember Fenton questioned, that as a "Class A" user, would it be more cost effective and more appropriate for the City to develop a four -story office complex on the less- expensive property on the south side of 144 and let private development occur on more expensive north side property. Consultant Ragsdale responded there are benefits for the City to occupy the four story building and there are advantages in being located across the street because the character of the location has been established. This would also involve the four -story office building becoming part of the Phase II project. He volunteered to show the Council a range of different impacts and options resulting from the City's occupancy on either parcel. There are pros and cons regarding both locations. Councilmember Hernandez noted there hasn't been much discussion on the square footage requirements for a neighborhood resource center. She suggested the south location would provide more visibility to the community. Councilmember Carter referred to previous preliminary figures (page 4) for square footage and noted the youth center would occupy 5,000 square feet, human services would occupy 1,100 square feet, police/NCC would occupy 1,200 square feet, with 350 feet for miscellaneous use. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10 July 24, 2000 Councilmember Carter asked how the "main entrance" concept to City Hall would be affected if the City were to locate in a multi tenant building. Consultant Ragsdale said there are several ways to accommodate a main entrance. It generally relates to how the entrance, lobby, and the signage are designed. The issue becomes more complex concerning decisions related to ownership. Consultant Sullivan stressed the importance of conveying a "City Hall" image externally and ensuring that theme continues by design within the interior. Councilmember Hernandez questioned City parking needs relative to each site. Consultant Ragsdale reported parking could be accommodated on the north side. However, on the south side, due to the topography, structured parking would be required. However, without structured parking on the north parcel, the remaining property would require parking, which reduces the options for other uses. To increase density, structured parking would also be required on the north parcel. Council President Duffie and Councilmember Fenton expressed concerns with City Hall occupying too much space and precluding other uses on the Highway. Consultant Ragsdale reminded Councilmembers the discussion was only a review on options available to the City. None of the scenarios would remove the option of private development. Consultant Sullivan reported previous reviews showed the Council how large the area was and what type of relationships could develop with other properties. As the Council begins to evaluate certain options, pros and cons can be developed to highlight different benefits associated with each scenario. Councilmember Linder said she's encouraged to learn that by locating some City Hall functions on the Highway, the City could attract high quality businesses. She requested more information on several different choices to include structured parking on the north side along with no structured parking and an option with City functions (except police and courts) on the south side. Councilmember Haggerton requested a cost analysis for moving police and courts to the Highway along with community, youth, and human services. Administrator McFarland said originally, the Council requested different iterations within the original study. The location of police and courts as a standalone operation was removed as an option largely because it was putting the same group of people on the Highway in great concentrations that the City is trying to remove. The City was trying to create a sense of place with the development that would cause people to stop and linger. Staff and the Council were not leaning in the direction of having people, many of whom are not residents, attending court on Tuesdays and Thursdays and lingering in the City's new sense of place. In addition, there would be police presence. The City was trying to move away from this type of environment. Additionally, police and court presence would discourage development of retail and other desirable uses to include residential. Discussion ensued on whether the option should be revisited. The majority of the Council determined that pursuing the option was not within the goals considered for the Highway. Council President Duffie said he preferred retaining police and courts at City Hall and having some City presence on the Highway. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10 July 24, 2000 Administrator McFarland reminded the Council of their desire for strong community involvement, keeping the community apprised of the options, and seeking public comment. He suggested conducting another charrette and requested input on a possible date. Councilmembers and Administrator McFarland discussed the location of the charrette due to the importance of the Highway development to the community as a whole and not just to neighborhoods along the Highway. Mayor Mullet reiterated the options for further consideration, which include the City Hall /Minolta building option or moving all functions with the exception of police and courts to the Highway. He asked if other options should be considered. Councilmember Hernandez said another option is the parking lot that was purchased several years ago as a potential City Hall site. Administrator McFarland cautioned that parking has become a premium and staff would have to be creative with a possible design to fit all the elements. However, there is some possibility and staff could review some conceptual designs completed in the early 1990's. Councilmembers debated whether to spend additional time exploring the parking lot option. Consultant Sullivan reminded Councilmembers to consider the vision and goals they have established for the Highway and future impacts. Mayor Mullet suggested not pursuing more than the two or three options as far as gaining public input. Councilmember Hernandez remarked that costs are another factor (building on the Highway) and asked if the City can afford such an expense. Council President Duffie concurred with Councilmember Hernandez's concerns and reported when the property was purchased, the condition was to remodel and expand City Hall. At that time, there were no options for pursuing City Hall alternatives on Highway 99. He suggested the three options should be reviewed with the public. Mayor Mullet disagreed with the reason for the parking lot purchase. He noted he was on the Council when the purchase was made. He voted for the purchase of the property for the purpose of a parking lot. He's not opposed to the third option and would be interested to see what the costs are. Councilmember Haggerton remarked that a preliminary feasibility study might be worth pursuing. After further Council debate, Consultant Ragsdale indicated a very broad /generic review would be provided of the parking lot option. Councilmembers reviewed potential dates for a charrette. Councilmembers agreed to hold the charrette on Thursday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m., at the Tukwila Community Center. Consultant Ragsdale reported information would be developed on the three options and presented at the next scheduled review. Council President Duffle recessed the meeting for a brief break. Moved by Fenton; seconded by Hernandez; to omit Reports. Motion carried. (7 -0) Council President Fenton recessed the Committee of Whole meeting into a Special meeting. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes ADJOURNMENT: 10:14 p.m. Having no other business to come before the Council, Council President Duffie adjourned the Special meeting; reconvened and adjourned the Committee of Whole meeting. Jo .43uffi�; council Pident _LJLf 1 .tij Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signed:_ 9 /00 a Page 10 of 10 July 24, 2000