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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesCITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council President Joe Duffie called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach called the roll of Council. Present were Council President Joe Duffle; and Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, David Fenton, and Richard Simpson. Excused absence: Councilmember Pamela Linder TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 28, 2000 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall OFFICIALS: Steve Mullet, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Frank Iriarte, Public Works Coordinator; Mike Cusick, Public Works; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. CITIZEN COMMENT'S /CORRESPONDENCE: Dwayne Traynor, 13015 58 Ave. S., Tukwila, stated his intent at past Council meetings was to apologize to the Council; however, staff provided him with the information he requested regarding Referendum 47, which shows Council elected not to comply with Referendum by using a loophole. He requested Council comply with the referendum without circumventing any part of it as has been the practice in the past two years. PUBLIC HEARING: Potential services /projects funded by Community Development Block Grant (CBBG) funds to be received in 2001 Human Services Coordinator Evelyn Boykan reported the hearing would include proposed uses for block grants funds for 2001. She noted additional block grants might become available, however; staff will present recommendations on their allocation at a future meeting. The proposal for consideration will be the original information received from the county. The proposals are consistent with the direction that has previously guided the use of block grant funds. The funds support community development efforts, public infrastructure capital, planning, or public service to assist low or moderate income residents. The City receives an allocation of funds based on the percentage of low or moderate income citizens living within the City. The proposals coincide with the City's priorities that preserve and maintain existing housing stock, support City infrastructure that contributes to improve neighborhood quality, and directing public service dollars to enhance targeted populations. One new proposal is for DASH Downtown Assistance to Save Housing. Valerie Kendell, a representative from DASH was present to answer questions. The proposal is to assist in the acquisition of the Mountain View Apartments and keep rent affordable for the next 50 years to those at 40% of the median income. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 August 28, 2000 Other proposals include the Utility Connections Assistance Program that assists a homeowner in connecting to any kind of utility underground. Projected work for next year will be on 150` to include several households that qualify for the program. The Minor Home Repair Program is a continuing effort implemented 1999 to supplement the Major Home Repair Program by providing low cost minor home repair done by Senior Services of Seattle King County at a low cost to homeowners. The funding request is $20,000 for 2001. Support of the King County Housing Repair Program of $42,913 is also requested, which are no interest loans to homeowners. Additionally, this year and continuing through next year, the ceiling for loans has increased to $20,000 because of increased major home repair costs and costs associated with mediating lead -based paint. Under the Public Services element, the recommendation is to continue to support the Senior Nutrition Coordinator at the Tukwila Community Center, which is an ongoing service. Ms. Boykan responded to Council questions and indicated the potential additional allocation of $65,00 was Tukwila's share. Councilmember Hernandez clarified the Utility Connection Assistance is not a gift but a loan that is to be repaid. The Minor Home Repair limits repairs up to $1,000 and is considered on a case -by -case basis. Valerie Kendall, Executive Assistant, DASH, 11018 NE 11"' Street, Bellevue, answered questions from Councilmember Fenton. She explained DASH has no other apartment complexes within the City of Tukwila. Tenants are required to meet an income criteria to qualify for DASH housing. Most residents in the Mountain View Apartments qualify to remain in the apartments. DASH has a professional management company manages DASH marketing and tenant screening, which includes a credit check, income verification, and legal documentation if they are non -US citizens. Ms. Boykan explained that due to DASH's multiple applications for funding sources, staff has examined a copy of DASH's Management Plan. The plan was shared with Crime Prevention Program personnel and staff fully expects a good relationship between the Crime Free Multi- Family Housing Program and the Property Management Company. Ms. Kendall offered to provide Councilmembers with a tour of other DASH properties in Bellevue. Councilmember Fenton noted the Mountain View Apartment complex was recently certified by the Crime Free Multi- Family Program. The certification was due in large part to the current manager. Ms. Kendall explained DASH intends to retain the current manager. Councilmember Fenton commented on the efforts the apartment manager has undertaken to improve the condition of Mountain View Apartments. Ms. Kendall said upkeep and maintenance of all units are important to DASH. DASH inspects all units annually. Unsanitary conditions are not tolerated by the organization. Ms. Kendall provided brochures of the DASH program to Councilmembers. Councilmember Carter expressed interest in touring other DASH properties. Ms. Kendall said the funding endorsement by the City is an important endorsement that assists DASH in obtaining other funding sources. Ms. Boykan shared information on renovation and improvement plans for the apartment complex. Councilmember Haggerton questioned if the funding request was a long -term commitment to be reviewed annually or a one -time commitment. Ms. Boykan explained the funding was a one -time funding request. Ms. Boykan explained approximately four other funding sources are involved to include King County and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Councilmember Haggerton pointed out there is a difference between affordable and low income. Some nice homes can qualify for affordable housing. Ms. Kendall replied there is a continuing battle with stigmatization and affordable housing. Ms. Boykan said the key qualifier is "affordable housing." Housing rental based on 30% of a person's income is considered affordable. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Councilmember Hernandez inquired about how close DASH is with achieving its funding goal from the other sources. Ms. Kendall explained preliminary approval has been obtained from King County and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission for low income tax credits. DASH is also requesting $480,000 from the State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development. Council President Duffie opened the public hearing. Page 3 of 8 August 28, 2000 Dwayne Traynor, 13015 58" Ave S, Tukwila, asked if the apartment complex would be removed from Tukwila's tax rolls. Ms. Kendall explained a recent change in state legislation allows low income housing to obtain a real estate tax exemption. After DASH acquires the property, an application would be filed for a state real estate tax exemption. Mr. Traynor asked if the exemption would apply to local taxes, such as school district taxes. Ms. Kendall indicated she was unsure how the exemption would be levied on local taxes. Staff reported they would confirm what taxes are exempt. Anna Bernhardt, 14241 59 Avenue South, Tukwila, asked how many people would be allowed in a household and how the income would be factored. Ms. Kendall reported the units are one and two- bedroom apartments. Ms. Boykan explained a family for a two- bedroom unit would qualify if they make approximately $23,000 annually and $19,000 for a one bedroom apartment. Family size is factored on 1.5 persons per bedroom. Ms. Boykan said the King County Housing Repair Fund has been used for this purpose. However, it is considered a loan to the homeowner. Ms. Kendall said DASH also provides "dump passes" for people who cannot afford to pay dump fees. Ms. Boykan commented that as a one -time use, the program is effective, however; if the problem is ongoing, it becomes an issue. Councilmember Fenton agreed the programs are helpful to assist homeowners who cannot afford dump fees. He asked if the City has ever contracted with a service provider to clean up a property by cleaning and discarding trash from the property. Ms. Kendall responded DASH has hired a service to perform that function. The biggest challenge with the home repair fund is that it is considered a loan and not a grant. A lien is filed against the property. Many people who qualify for assistance are concerned with having a lien filed against their property. This has been the biggest challenge. The same challenge applies to utility assistance. Councilmember Carter pointed out many properties are a one -time issue. Many people who are elderly or disabled are not able to cope with property maintenance. However, the issue of assisting such owners on an ongoing basis is another issue. Councilmember Fenton agreed the issue would need to be researched but suggested it would provide a major benefit for the City. Councilmember Carter noted there are many people who are able to maintain their properties properly but choose not to do so. Councilmember Carter requested clarification on the updated funding allocation. Ms. Boykan indicated there was an earlier question about funding for REACH in 2001. The county withdrew its funds for REACH in 2001. Since there has not been a specific project developed by REACH staff for 2001 at this time, staff recommends reallocating the funds. Councilmember Carter agreed with the recommendation the addition or subtraction of funds would be allocated to the King County Housing Repair. Ms. Boykan reported she would verify if another public hearing is required if the additional $65,000 is received. If a public hearing is not required, staff will develop recommendations based on Council input. Council President Duffie closed the public hearing. Ms. Boykan reported written comments would be accepted for another 30 days. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. McLeod USA Franchise Agreement City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes b. Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc. Franchise Agreement c. Metricom Franchise Agreement Renewal d. Williams Communications Franchise Agreement Page 4 of 8 August 28, 2000 Public Works Director Jim Morrow explained there are 12 requests for franchise permits with the City. Each one involves either telecommunications, telephone, or fiber optic services. Director Morrow introduced Public Works Coordinator Frank Iriarte. Franchise Coordinator Iriarte presented three telecommunications and one communication franchise agreements for review by the Council. The services provided to the City in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and bandwidth will provide tremendous capability to Tukwila businesses, residents, and the surrounding Puget Sound area. One issue that has potential impact on implementation of the franchise agreements is Senate Bill 6626. A class on the affects of SB 6626 will be held in the City of Kent on September 18. The implementation of the bill will have significant impacts on the City's ability to finalize the franchise agreements. Previously, the City was able to require conduit for City uses. The bill, which took effect on June 8, prohibits this practice. Fortunately, in several of the proposed agreements, the service providers are providing conduit to the City. The second impact involves the past practice of assessing franchise fees. Under the bill, this practice is limited to only assessing and recouping the City's administrative costs associated with preparing, reviewing, and administering the franchise agreement. Coordinator Iriarte reviewed each franchise agreement. McLeod USA is a publicly held company that applied for a franchise agreement to provide a wide array of telecommunication services ranging from paging, voice mail, and Internet access. Coordinator Iriarte explained the technical details of how McLeod USA would provide services in Tukwila. Councilmember Carter commented staff did a good job of negotiating the franchise agreement in light of the new legislation. Director Morrow reported he also appreciated the professionalism of the companies because they did not have to honor the conduit agreement because of recent legislation. However, since the negotiations were before the passage of the bill, they honored the agreement. Coordinator Iriarte introduced the representative from McLeod USA; and reported on Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc.. It is a publicly held company which provides technologically advanced bandwidth fiber optic communications infrastructure. The company will primarily offer services to those businesses and institutions that have high data transmission requirements. The company has purchased two conduit systems from Pacific Fiber Link for its system's backbone. He explained the technical infrastructure the company proposes to construct. The major difference between Metromedia Fiber Network Services and McLeod USA is in the strategic plan of how the company will serve the City. Metromedia intends to branch throughout the City and provide services to customers that need high data services. The City has negotiated for a delayed build -out of corridors approved in the franchise agreement. Councilmember Haggerton recommended the Council consider the information with respect to next year's review of the Comprehensive Plan as it might have an impact on zoning decisions. Councilmember Fenton inquired on the status of 360 Network. Coordinator Iriarte reported Pacific Fiber Link changed their name to 360 Network; however they have since changed their name or have been acquired by another company. Coordinator Iriarte reported Metricom is a mobile data communications company that is publicly traded. The company will provide wireless data services by using radio transmitter devices that are mounted on telephone poles. The new system is an improvement from the current system. The old system operated as a much slower speed, while the new system will provide a measurably increased rate of transmission speed. He corrected previous information shared during the Utilities Committee meeting and indicated the transmitter devices would be mounted City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 August 28, 2000 on 15 City poles in addition to Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy poles. The City will receive an annual fee of $65 per pole. Councilmember Fenton asked if the devices could also be mounted on traffic signal arms. Coordinator Iriarte said they could as there is a pole source. However, they may interfere with emergency signal systems. Coordinator Iriarte introduced the representative from Metricom. He noted the company had a previous franchise agreement granted in 1997. Coordinator Iriarte reported Williams Communications is also a publicly traded company that provides high capacity fiber optic transmission services to businesses and institutions. He explained the company's proposed infrastructure route through the City. The link is part of a larger 36,000 -mile fiber optic network. Approximately 99% of the project will include boring instead of trenching, resulting in minimum impact to traffic and damage to the City's infrastructure. The company will also provide conduit for the City's use through the entire network within the City. Councilmember Haggerton described details on the boring process. Councilmember Carter explained the benefits of having extra capacity included in the conduit. Councilmember Haggerton noted that although the company would not be providing direct services in Tukwila, there would be junction boxes to branch off Tukwila International Boulevard for future connectivity of City signals or facilities. Councilmember Carter stressed the importance of working with the companies to reduce impacts to the City during the construction phases and how the infrastructure will provide more options to businesses and residents and will attract new business to Tukwila. Councilmember Fenton referred to other pending franchise agreements and asked if they would be establishing an interconnect from east to west. Coordinator Iriarte said one company is negotiating with Williams Communications to purchase conduit to connect to the network. Councilmembers agreed to forward the four franchise agreements to the next regular Council meeting for approval. e. King County Metro Regional Sanitary Sewer Infiltration /Inflow Control Program Director Morrow reported the request is for support of three letters to work with King County Metro, which is seeking a $37 million grant from the federal government to implement an I &I program. Director Morrow explained the importance of I &I. King County Metro estimates it accounts for approximately 75% of the capacity of a sewerage treatment plant. I &I is the amount of surface water that penetrates the sewer system through heavy rainfall and groundwater that penetrates the system through leaking pipes. He noted the City of Tukwila's system condition is better than other cities, according to King Country Metro. Currently, King County Metro has allocated $31 million a year for I &I. King County charges the City $.02 per hookup. The City's annual payment is $30,000. Another aspect on the importance of the issue concerns King County Metro's proposal for a large expansion of its plants to accommodate growth. King County Metro has acknowledged that whatever reductions through the I &I program that it can achieve have not been factored into the projection of future capacity needs related to growth. He indicated the City would remind King County to consider both factors to ensure over expansion of capacity is not built, which would unnecessarily result in higher ratepayer fees. Director Morrow requested the Council's endorsement of the three letters. Councilmember Haggerton noted the letters are time sensitive and asked the Council to consider consensus to sign the letters for forwarding to King County Metro. Councilmembers authorized the Mayor, Council President, and Director Morrow to sign and forward the letters. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes f. Tukwila Village Page 6 of 8 August 28, 2000 Consultant Mike Ragsdale reported work is continuing on various options for City Hall for review at the September 21 meeting. He reported his presentation would involve discussions on the evolution of Tukwila Village. One issue for Council feedback concerns the type of construction on the site. In order to accomplish the public and economic needs on the site, density should be increased. Increasing density on the site would achieve some of the goals and vision of Tukwila Village. Structured parking will, however, increase the costs. Mr. Ragsdale explained the neighborhood commercial zone has a three -story height limitation. Some code revisions that are under review would allow some office use in three -story buildings. Some of the models that have been reviewed previously included four or five -story densities. The proformas are indicating it would be desirable to evaluate and consider increasing density. With careful design, a taller building could be included that would promote more mixed use would fulfill the vision for the site. He asked for Council input on increasing density. Councilmember Hernandez reported her concern with increasing density and height has always been on how it would affect single family residential. The suggestion would depend on how that would affect some of the residential properties along 42 and east of 144` Councilmember Carter asked if the proposal included the north and south sites. Mr. Ragsdale said he was not sure, as the topography on the south side is not as conducive and might accommodate an additional story. He noted the north side would be more conducive to absorbing more density. Councilmember Carter questioned if the additional density would be in housing, office, or retail. Mr. Ragsdale responded the market would determine that. A few housing units on the property would not make sense. If it were to be housing, more housing density would be required. However, the market might dictate the site is geared more to retail and office use. Councilmember Carter said she would consider increasing density if the site is a community focused center. Council President Duffle said he would also consider increased density and considering alternatives is to the City's advantage. Councilmember Haggerton said he favors the Tukwila Village concept in general but the twin towers along International Boulevard in the City of SeaTac is not what he envisions for Tukwila Village. Mayor Mullet noted the site is receptive to increased density. He pointed out the twin tower concept would not be something the City would consider. A stepped approach is more feasible for the site based on surrounding existing structures. Councilmember Haggerton commented if increasing the density would assist in achieving the objectives of housing and senior housing, he would be supportive. Councilmembers expressed agreement with Councilmember Haggerton's comments. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet introduced Finance Director Alan Doerschel; who referred to the previous Council review session on the planning model and indicated revised figures and projected capital improvement projects are being completed. The planning model will incorporate revised figures based on updated information on project costs. Director Doerschel reviewed possible meeting dates for the review whereupon Council agreed with an informal worksession on Tuesday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m. to review the planning model. b. City Council Councilmember Hernandez had no report. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 August 28, 2000 Councilmember Carter reported receipt of information from Councilmember Linder concerning the Council's consideration of continued participation in the Human Services Roundtable. She noted there are two organizations South King County Human Services Roundtable and the King County Human Services Roundtable. Councilmember Linder's recommendation is to not participate in the King County Human Services Roundtable and participate in the South King County Services Roundtable. Councilmember Linder also suggested inviting King County Ron Sims to attend the South King County Human Services at least once a quarter. Councilmember Linder also asked Councilmembers to contact her with any questions. Mayor Mullet reported support of the recommendation. Councilmember Carter attended the August 23 Tukwila Community Cares Network meeting. Mayor Mullet also attended. A presentation was provided on the training the City is setting up for Tukwila businesses the Tukwila Business Training Center. More information was provided on the Casey family program. Councilmember Carter attended a Transportation Committee meeting earlier in the evening. The agenda included discussion and review on memorial signs for victims of drunk drivers. The City's draft policy was reviewed by the Committee and approved. The policy would allow signs on City streets; one facing each direction. The City would approve the location and ensure standard signs were placed. The cost would be paid by the sponsor of $300 for the cost of the sign, installation, and maintenance for two years. The South 180` Street grade separation project was also reviewed. Some property for right -of -way will be required. Staff is suggesting advertisement of construction bids in January 2001. She noted that until the right -of -way is secured, the City cannot advertise for construction bids. The Committee approved staff's request to begin the process by drafting the ordinance and including a list of properties that need to be acquired followed by a public hearing. She noted staff anticipates a successful negotiation of a purchase price for all properties. In the event there is a property that requires condemnation, all the properties will be listed and removed from the list once negotiations proceed and a purchase price is agreed to between the City and the property owner. After the public hearing, staff recommended reviewing the project at COW and Council meetings for adoption of the ordinance to initiate the project. Committee members also discussed the Burlington Northern Santa Fe access issue. Four alternatives were reviewed. The Council will be presented with the alternatives with detailed information on the impacts and a list of advantages and disadvantages for each alternative. The alternatives include 48` a new iteration of Gateway Drive, improving South 12` and Airport Way. She noted the Committee's recommendation would be presented at a COW meeting in the next several weeks. Council President Duffie thanked Councilmember Fenton and Carter for attending an earlier meeting for Councilmember Linder. Councilmember Haggerton said Public Works Coordinator Iriarte deserves credit for his work on the franchise agreements. Due to recent legislation, service providers were not required to provide conduit to the City. However, due to previous negotiations with each service provider and the efforts of Coordinator Iriarte, the City was able to secure three conduits for the City. Councilmember Haggerton referred to recent arson fire on 42n Avenue South and requested staff provide an update on the progress of the fire investigation so he can provide information to the neighborhood. Councilmember Fenton had no report. Councilmember Simpson had no report. City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes Assistant Administrator Rhonda Berry reported a public notice would be mailed on the September 21 meeting. She noted the meeting date is also the normal meeting date for the Duwamish Improvement Club. The club will be considering whether to change the meeting date or having a short meeting before the City's meeting. There was no report. e. Intergovernmental Mayor Mullet reported the Ikawa delegation will arrive on October 5 and will leave in the morning on October 9. He noted that due to their early departure on Monday, they would not be able to attend a Council meeting unless the Council elects to have a special meeting. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Carter referred to previous comments on the exemption of property taxes regarding the DASH housing project. She clarified if the property is well maintained the City would not be spending as much for policing the property. The City's property tax is established by a rate per thousand in property valuation. The school bond rate is more defined than property tax. The commercial properties within the City encompass two thirds of property valuation within the City. Councilmember Haggerton suggested the speaker's concern was other citizens would be subsidizing the apartment. Mayor Mullet said staff would provide additional information on what taxes will be affected and by what amount. Councilmember Haggerton referred to Dwayne Traynor's comments regarding the City's action pertaining to Referendum 47 and requested clarification on Mr. Traynor's inference the Council had not complied with the requirements of Referendum 47. Mayor Mullet reported Referendum 47 allowed for an exemption process by the Council. The Council legally undertook that exemption process. Councilmember Carter noted the Council obeyed the law, but according to Mr. Traynor, he considered Council's action as a loophole. She reiterated the Council took proper action and did what the law required. ADJOURNMENT: (8:50 p.m.) Fenton moved, Hernandez seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. e Pr. D iffe c. Staff d. City Attorney ouncil PrOident i k Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary Date Minutes Signed: j/ /00 Page 8 of 8 August 28, 2000