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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL September 25, 2000 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall CITY COUNCIL OF WHOLE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council President Joe Duffie called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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; and Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst. CITIZEN COMMENTS /CORRESPONDENCE: Roger Baker. 11642 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila. heard rumors about City Hall moving to a different location. He stated a vote of the people should be taken before such action. Dennis Robertson. 16038 48th Avenue South. Tukwila. suggested the City wait before making decisions pertaining to relocation efforts or any other plans for building on Highway 99 until Sound Transit items have been resolved. He, too, spoke in favor of giving the community a chance to vote on this type of issue. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. A Resolution Establishing A "Treasures Of Tukwila" Annual Award Councilmember Simpson explained the award idea originated with the Arts Commission. The desire is to honor a deserving citizen who has made noteworthy contributions in making Tukwila a better place to live. Warren Wing is suggested as the first recipient of the award. Future awards could be made during Tukwila Days. Councilmember Carter suggested adding language to designate the inclusion of business members for consideration of the award in addition to Tukwila citizens. Council Analyst Lauterbach suggested repeating the first "WHEREAS" under Section C. 1. Councilmember Carter suggested displaying the plaque at the Tukwila Community Center rather than City Hall for greater visibility. Councilmember Linder noted Mr. Wings' accomplishments within the community and cited his work as a past Community Club President, was instrumental in authoring the Tukwila History Book, his photographs of Tukwila have been in many magazines, books, and newspapers, and he greets new neighbors by providing them with important information about Tukwila. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 Councilmember Hernandez concurred that Mr. Wing is an outstanding citizen and worthy recipient for the award. She noted the resolution should be effective immediately to ensure Mr. Wing is recognized as the first recipient. Council discussion ensued about the effective date of the resolution. Ms. Lauterbach reported it was anticipated the Council would pass the resolution and Mr. Wing would then be honored with the award. Councilmembers discussed the "volunteerism" aspect of the second "WHEREAS" and agreed the phrase would be limiting and suggested replacing "volunteerism" with "outstanding citizenship to be recognized." Upon further discussion, Councilmembers agreed to delete the second "WHEREAS" in its entirety. Council President Duffie moved the resolution to the next regular Council meeting for adoption. b. Metropolitan King County Rate Pass Through For 2001 Sewage Disposal Councilmember Haggerton reported King County passed a resolution increasing sanitary sewer rates in December of 1999. Normally, the City's policy has always included passing rate increases on to the ratepayer. However, due to I -695, there were some questions concerning the validly of increasing the rates. Subsequently, as the legal technicalities resolved about I -695, the City wants to ensure the rates are in place for pass through to ratepayers. Public Works Director Jim Morrow reported it would be prudent to have the rates in place once the legalities of I -695 are determined. An ordinance would allow a rate increase to take effect should the constitutionality of I -695 resolve itself If the legal decision supports I -695, the rate would not be in effect. Councilmember Carter commented that initially, the county had indicated a $.25 increase but due to the new sewage treatment plant, pipes, and the North Lake interceptor, the rate was increased to $.50 per month. Director Morrow confirmed the increase was to obtain funding to increase capacity. Councilmember Haggerton reminded citizens that the City has, over many years, absorbed the increases in water and sewer rates. Council President Duffie moved the ordinance to the next regular meeting for adoption. c. Review Of Previously Adopted Ordinances Regarding Fees /Taxes From 1999 Ms. Lauterbach reported several rate increases in late 1999, which I -722 is challenging. The proposed ordinances would re- affirm and protect those rates increased if I -722 were to pass. She noted the ordinance reaffirming the property tax rate increase would require a public hearing, which has been tentatively scheduled for October 16, 2000. Councilmember Carter pointed out that if I -722 does pass, there are many insignificant fees such as greens fees or recreation fees that have not been recorded whereby a refund would be a costly City of Tukwila Page 3 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 and cumbersome process. Ms. Lauterbach reported recreation fees that were increased by the Mayor are not included in any of the reaffirming ordinances. There was Council consensus to move the ordinances to the next regular Council meeting for adoption. d. BNSF Access Director Morrow explained that for the past several years there has been a concerted effort to identify a possible solution to alleviate traffic volume on South 124 caused primarily from truck traffic into the Burlington Northern Santa Fee (BNSF) Hub Center. Currently, there are upwards of 7,500 vehicles using South 124 every day. Of that, approximately 900 are trucks. Ten possible alternatives were identified, studied, analyzed, and commented upon by engineering consultant firms, a Mayor- appointed Task Force, and the public during numerous meetings. The Transportation Committee has reviewed all of the alternatives and has reduced the alternatives to four. The first alternative is 48 Avenue South, which would provide access into the BNSF property by traveling down 48 Avenue South and crossing over a new bridge into the southern entrance of the BNSF yard. The first half of 48 Avenue would include three lanes and at the intersection at Interurban, there would be four lanes. Additionally, there would be a right turn only coming off I -5 onto 48 Avenue South. Director Morrow reviewed a list of disadvantages and advantages with the 48 Avenue South alternative. Since this is an alternative that has been consistently considered from the beginning, different cost estimates have been proposed. The issue related to acquisition of business properties has contributed significantly to the variance in costs associated with the alternative. Additional information for the Council's consideration has been received from representatives of the Strander Family and Yellow Freight. Director Morrow answered questions from Councilmembers and confirmed the current street classification of 48 Avenue South is local access. The costs associated with BNSF under the five cost estimates is not an amount of funding contributed by BNSF to the project, it is costs that BNSF would incur as a result of the alternative. The second alternative, Gateway Drive North, would provide a new routing. The route would entail a new two -lane road that would route between the Boeing Credit Union building and ITT over a new bridge and into a new traffic circle. The traffic circle would require the taking of 10 residences. The traffic circle would capture the majority of the traffic currently using South 124 Avenue and direct the traffic over the bridge and out Gateway Drive. It would not allow any of the truck traffic on South 124 Avenue. Included in the alternative is the option of residential use of the traffic circle. Traffic circles have been demonstrated to be one of the more effective and efficient ways to move traffic. Director Morrow reviewed a list of disadvantages and advantages, and costs associated with the Gateway Drive alternative. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 The third alternative improves or realigns 142nd Avenue South and requires the acquisition of 25 residences. Sound walls would be installed to mitigate noise from truck traffic along with earthen berms constructed further along the roadway. Director Morrow reviewed a list of disadvantages and advantages associated with improvements to South 124 Avenue. Costs associated with the property were reviewed with the Council. Director Morrow responded to questions and noted the fire department has indicated a need for truck turnaround or hammerhead access for cul -de -sac emergency service. Two of the residential property acquisitions would be located on North 124 because their primary access is on 124 The last alternative considered by the Transportation Committee was Airport Way South. This alternative uses an existing entrance into the north end of the BNSF yard. Director Morrow reviewed a list of disadvantages and advantages associated with the Airport Way South alternative and noted the alternative was one of the original alternatives proposed. Director Morrow reported BNSF represents 75% of total truck volume on South 124 However, this represents only 7% of the total traffic volume on South 124t Councilmember Hernandez questioned the possible rezoning of a residential area. Director Morrow said if the complete option (requested by BNSF) were considered, further study would be required to ascertain further impacts to the residential area, such as acquisition of residential properties or rezoning because of truck parking and storage. Another issue is the possible location of a Sound Transit facility. Director Morrow reviewed a comprehensive list of advantages and disadvantages for each alternative. He noted there was not one alternative that did not impact some interest in some way. Council President Duffie indicated the Council would review and propose only two alternatives from the four presented. Councilmember Carter, Chair of the Transportation Committee, spoke briefly about the Committee's review of all alternatives and the Committee's final decision to recommend the four alternatives. She noted the Committee examined each alternative in detail and attempted to resolve issues respective to each alternative. Subsequently, the Committee was able to reduce the alternatives to the four recommended for consideration. The Committee had no recommendation. Councilmember Linder commented that of all the transportation decisions she has participated in, the BNSF access has been the most challenging. She noted that regardless of the outcome, someone would not be happy with the final decision. Council President Duffie opened the meeting for public comments. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 Roe Decker. 45" Avenue South. Tukwila. has lived in the area for 37 years. When citizens annexed Allentown into Tukwila, there were only 200 signatures. During the annexation process, the City promised citizens their homes would be grandfathered. He warned the Council that if the alternative selected is for improvements on South 124 then the City should ensure it has more than $125,000 to buy his property. Otherwise, he would not sell. Roeer Baker, 11662 42 Tukwila. commented that when BNSF located at its present location, citizens were promised the 124``' Avenue access would be temporary and a new entrance would be constructed at the north end of BNSF's property. BNSF did not commit to its promise and has developed the yard off 124 Avenue. Now, BNSF refuses to pay for access from the north end. He asked why the citizens would have to pay for the bridge and road to provide an alternative access to BNSF, when the original problem originated with BNSF. He objected to any alternative and suggested access should be from Airport Way. Bryan Saunders, 4118 S. 130' Avenue. Tukwila. reported he does not live in Allentown, but understands the concerns of the residents. He is also a truck driver, uses the 124th route often, and is aware of the impacts to the area. He suggested the Council should consider impacts to other areas such as 129 and 130 The Gateway Drive alternative would only divert traffic to other neighborhoods. He noted his neighborhood is currently contending with traffic from Group Health and other businesses in the area. The Council should consider the whole issue especially in Allentown. He noted he uses the South 124 route to make deliveries to Rainier Avenue. Coming down that route during the winter is especially hazardous. Building a bridge to accommodate trucks deserves some thought because if something were to happen, traffic will back up. Donna Anderson, 12533 51S Place South. Tukwila. reported the complaints have only referenced traffic on South 124 However, her residential street also experiences the same truck traffic. BNSF uses 50 Avenue along with 124 She suggested that the Airport Way alternative for truck access would not address the problem. She indicated the alternative with the new bridge would not lessen traffic on 50 and asked the Council to consider all ramifications. Kim Adams Pratt. Attorney, 555 W. Smith. Kent. said she understood the Task Force recommendations were not binding but asked the Council to consider several things. The Task Force and the City's consultant thoroughly examined the 48t Avenue alternative. After investigating the 48 Avenue alternative, Mr. Hal Cooper, the City's consultant estimated the impact to the local business community to be approximately $4.5 million. She suggested the other consultant estimates did not listen to local business concerns and is the primary reason their estimates are lower. The 48 Avenue alternative takes the burden off BNSF and puts it on back of local businesses. She asked the Council to consider ramifications to businesses. Councilmember Carter referred to the map documenting traffic counts and cautioned that the county is considering trucking garbage out to a railhead, which would mean increased truck traffic using the routes. Council deliberation on the alternatives commenced. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 Councilmember Hernandez proposed eliminating the South 124`'' Avenue option because of the potential for more truck traffic related to garbage disposal and a preference of not eliminating any residential properties. Councilmembers Carter, Haggerton, Linder, Fenton, and Simpson also concurred with removing South 124 Avenue as an option. Council consensus was to remove South 124`'' Avenue as an alternative. Councilmember Carter indicated she would like the Airport Way alternative to work but was not confident that the City could force BNSF to reformat its Hub Yard and federal law would also protect BNSF. If there were a way of forcing the retrofit of the yard, she would be supportive of the Airport Way alternative. However, she acknowledged the likelihood that it would not occur and subsequently recommended removing the Airport Way as an alternative. Councilmember Hernandez and Council President Duffie preferred retaining Airport Way as an alternative. Councilmember Haggerton recommended retaining Airport Way and suggested BNSF has a corporate commitment to do the right thing. The alternative has the least impact. However, it does not entirely remove all of the traffic off South 124' Councilmember Linder said Airport Way would be her first choice, however, the alternative has fatal flaws regarding environmental issues, the uncertainty associated with the location of Sound Transit facilities, and it only accomplishes a portion of the overall goal. Councilmembers Fenton and Simpson recommended retaining Airport Way as an alternative. Councilmember Carter suggested having the City Attorney report on legal alternatives the City has with respect to BNSF reformatting its yard. Airport Way was retained as an alternative by Council consensus. Councilmembers Fenton, Simpson, Haggerton, Carter, and Council President Duffie recommended removing 48''' Avenue as an alternative. Councilmember Hernandez commented that the estimated costs associated with the alternatives are too vague and do not offer enough to assist in the decision making process. She indicated she was undecided on 48 Avenue as an alternative. Council President Duffie reported the consensus is to remove 48' Avenue as an alternative Councilmembers discussed the Gateway Drive option. Councilmember Haggerton reported he drove around the area and suggested the alternative would most likely have the least impact to neighborhoods. However, he noted the option would most likely take one problem and transfer it to another area. From that standpoint, he did not prefer the Gateway Drive solution. However, of all the alternatives available besides forcing BNSF to live up to its commitments on Airport Way, the Gateway Drive is probably the only one he would consider. He disclosed that he would consider withdrawing Gateway Drive and listen to other options Councilmember Fenton might have because none of the alternatives provides a solution to the problem. He recommended removing Gateway Drive as an option. Councilmember Linder asked if the configuration of Gateway Drive could also divert traffic off the hill. Director Morrow affirmed that it would be possible and explained how the traffic circle configuration would capture truck traffic from Western Cascade, vehicles from BNSF, and traffic off the hill from 50' Place South. Traffic originating from the three entrances into the traffic circle would be routed across the new bridge and onto Gateway Drive. He indicated the traffic City of Tukwila Page 7 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 circle would be large enough to accommodate the turning radius of the largest truck. Councilmember Linder reported if the option removes the traffic as outlined by Director Morrow, then she would prefer to retain Gateway Drive as an option. Councilmembers Haggerton, Fenton, Simpson, Carter, and Hernandez elected to retain the Gateway Drive alternative for further consideration and evaluation. Councilmember Hernandez reported the alternative was her second choice but was concerned about the removal of 10 residential properties. She said she would like to hear from residents who might be impacted by the alternative and also from Boeing Credit Union. Council President Duffle noted he was in favor of removing the alternative. Council consensus was to retain Gateway Drive as an alternative. Council President Duffie reported discussion would continue on the two alternatives Councilmembers elected to retain Airport Way and Gateway Drive, in addition to a recommendation by Councilmember Fenton. Councilmember Fenton remarked that the Council essentially would prefer to use Airport Way to reroute the traffic. However, due to the resistance of BNSF to retrofit its yard, this option is likely not viable. He suggested another alternative for the Council to consider and pointed out the BNSF location. He recommended taking a road off Airport Way and rebuilding the west portion of a road along the entire length of the BNSF property. There would be some issues to overcome, which include a wetland issue and Seattle City Light and 112 Avenue. These options could be overcome and the alternative would have the least impact on BNSF. Unofficially, an individual who recommended the alternative notified BNSF of the option. According to the individual, BNSF did not appear to have a problem with the option. For the sake of consideration by the Council, the City would request financial participation by BNSF for this alternative. Councilmember Fenton proposed (with Council consensus) taking the two alternatives (Airport Way and Gateway Drive) plus the proposed new option (Airport Way B option) and directing staff to further examine the options. Director Morrow reported the option proposes to route traffic from the north access and then building a road that parallels the westside of the BNSF yard to the southern access point that is accessed off South 124` He pointed out the location of the new homes. Director Morrow said until the proposal is examined, he could not commit to capturing all of the traffic. Councilmember Fenton confirmed the housing issue is a matter of serious consideration but recommended exploring the option to determine if it is feasible. Councilmembers elected to retain and conduct further study on the additional option. Administrator McFarland noted there was significant participation on the Task Force by businesses located along 48`'' Avenue. However, that level of participation did not occur from Gateway Drive businesses. He requested the Council's guidance on how to handle this issue. Councilmember Fenton expressed his hesitation to involve Gateway businesses because the proposal requires more study. If the option were considered worth pursuing, then involvement of Gateway businesses would occur. Dixie Archer. 13015 56 Avenue South. Tukwila, stated she represents the Duwamish Improvement Club and requested the City supply a map of all the streets in Allentown to assist City of Tukwila City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes members when they are meeting and discussing different proposals for All requested the map consist of one page and be included in the City's welcome Morrow acknowledged he would be able to provide the requested information. REPORTS: a. Mayor B. City Council Page 8 of 10 September 25, 2000 entown. She also packets. Director Don Dina. Kina County Department of Transportation. reported he participated in the Task Force. He thanked the Council for their efforts in dealing with a difficult subject and trying to determine a reasonable solution. The county does believe the BNSF issue is a regional problem, which was why he was a member of the Task Force. The county executive has indicated his support for the project and has committed $50,000 for the initial phase of the work. Mr. Ding referred to the long -term timeline associated with each of the alternatives and requested the Council consider some short-term remedies to bring the neighborhood some relief in the interim such as increasing law enforcement to ensure trucks and vehicles are operating safely. Elaine Hushes. 12218 40 Avenue South. Tukwila. thanked the Council for the efficient action of the City in installing speed bumps and signage in her neighborhood so soon after her visit to a Council meeting. She commented that contrary to popular belief, trucks are obeying the speed limit. She noted it is the traffic coming from the hill that creates the most problems. Mayor Mullet reported on meetings he would be attending on Tuesday, September 26. They include an I -405 meeting, Transportation Summit meeting, Economic Development meeting, and a Sister City Orientation meeting. Councilmember Hernandez reported the REACH meeting on September 21 was cancelled. She will attend the Sister City Orientation meeting on September 26. She also attended the public meeting on facilities space needs at Tukwila Village on Thursday evening (September 21, 2000) at the Tukwila Community Center and indicated many people are not familiar with the issues. She suggested the City should increase awareness through education. She recommended the Council consider the petition signed by 60 people. Councilmember Fenton responded that he is developing cost estimates for the various options and should have the information completed within the next week. Councilmember Carter reported she attended a SKATBd meeting last week. She attended the Transportation Committee earlier in the day. The Transportation Committee approved the release of the Highway 99 Overlay Program retainage. An update was presented on changes required within the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan due to state legislation. Committee members also conducted a first review of the CIP (Capital Improvement Program). On Tuesday, September 26, Councilmember Carter will also attend the Transportation Summit meeting. City of Tukwila Page 9 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 Council President Duffle referred to a letter he received concerning the intersection at 147t and 57 Avenue and questioned staffs response. Director Morrow reported staff would be reviewing the issue. Councilmember Haggerton attended the September 19 Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Right -of -Way Workshop held in Kent. He also attended a Suburban Cities Board meeting on September 20, which included a workshop to establish goals and objectives as part of the strategic planning for 2001. On September 21, he attended the public meeting at the Tukwila Community Center. He said he was impressed with the diverse opinions and the fact that each of the groups voiced their opinions professionally. He noted it was nice to see citizens become involved in issues that might not necessarily affect their immediate area. Councilmember Linder reported she attended the September 19 King County Human Services Roundtable. A report was presented on domestic violence that compared the county's efforts from 10 years ago to the present and where the county efforts should be. The Roundtable also received an update on the possible legislative agenda and issues the Roundtable might want to focus on during the next legislative session. Councilmember Linder reported the Roundtable would be meeting in November. She reported that the King County Executive and representatives of Suburban Cities and United Way would also attend. Following this meeting, the Roundtable will conduct meetings in Seattle, South County, and North and East County to determine what each group requires in terms of vested interest for their respective region to promote attendance at Roundtable meetings. On Wednesday, Councilmember Linder attended the DASH (Downtown Assistance to Save Housing) tour. She also attended the community meeting on September 21 at the Tukwila Community Center. She commented that the feedback from citizens was useful. Councilmember Fenton said he also enjoyed attending the meeting on Thursday and commented on the number of diverse opinions regarding what the City should do. One of the most important messages he heard at the meeting was the support for senior housing. Councilmember Fenton reported he would be attending a housing forum in Seattle next week. On September 28, he and Mike Ragsdale will be meeting with a representative from American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW). ABHOW is an organization similar to DASH, but on a larger scale. The representative has expressed interest in property within Tukwila for possible senior housing. Councilmember Simpson reported he also attended the community meeting on September 21. Councilmember Simpson commented on the DASH tour and the quality of the senior and affordable housing units. Councilmember Simpson will attend the Foster Community Club on Wednesday, September 27 and an ESA meeting on Thursday, September 28 at City Hall. City of Tukwila Page 10 of 10 City Council of Whole Meeting Minutes September 25, 2000 b. Staff Director Morrow referred to the email concerning the cleanliness of the future Tukwila Village site. The Public Works and the Parks Department are working on a long -term solution to improve the site until such time a decision has been made concerning future construction at the site. Councilmember Simpson reported the Highway 99 Action Committee recently conducted a cleanup from 141 to 144` Approximately 320 pounds of trash was collected. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Linder reported she attended a Backyard Habitat meeting on Thursday, September 21. She is initiating efforts to challenge different residences within different communities to obtain certification as a Backyard Habitat. Councilmember Fenton noted the Community Affairs and Parks Committee would meet on September 26 at 5:00 p.m. Councilmember Haggerton referred to the public meeting regarding Tukwila Village and suggested the City should invest in a portable microphone system for audience members. He suggested keeping a record of comments from the meeting along with minutes from the Cascade View Park community meeting. Council President Duffie suggested Community Affairs and Parks Committee would be the appropriate Committee to ensure minutes are prepared from each meeting. Fenton moved, Carter Fenton seconded; to adjourn the meeting for a 10- minute break and reconvene to an Executive Session on potential litigation. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Possible land purchase Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). ADJOURNMENT: 9:36 p.m. With no other business to come before the Council, Mr. Duffie declared the meeting adjourned. 4e 1LDuffie, ouncil President Date Minutes Signed:i 4-_;-2 I /00 Rcr I 1 ellaA Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk For Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary