HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER:
Council President Joan Hernandez called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience
in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT:
Council President Joan Hernandez; and Councilmembers Joe Duffle; Pam Carter; Jim
Haggerton; Pam Linder, Dave Fenton and Richard Simpson.
OFFICIALS:
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
February 12, 2001— 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
Mayor Steve Mullet; City Administrator John McFarland; Public Works Director Jim Morrow;
Parks Recreation Director Bruce Fletcher; Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach; CTR
Coordinator Maggie Lubov; and Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk.
Arts Commission Presentation Bruce Fletcher, Director, Parks Recreation
Reinhard Wright, Tukwila Artist
Bruce Fletcher introduced the one -year resident of Tukwila and self taught artist, Reinhard
Wright. Mr. Wright's paintings were commissioned by the Tukwila Arts Commission and will
hang in the Senior Services area of the Tukwila Community Center (TCC). Other items of an
historical nature will be relocated to line the walls of the TCC hallway.
Mr. Wright provided the background behind each of three paintings commissioned by the
Tukwila Arts Commission.
The first painting depicts George Dawson, a 102 -year old man who learned to read at the age of
98 and authored his first book at the age of 102. The portrait depicts Mr. Dawson sitting,
holding a book, with the background being an open window looking out onto the Pacific
Northwest.
The second painting featured depicts Robert Pang, retired engineer, from Snohomish, holding a
cylindrical object with a triangle shaped window also depicting the Pacific Northwest. In an
effort to truly capture the essence of the area, Mr. Wright included a salmon within the painting.
Finally, capturing the heart of a woman from a bronze statute by Jay Seward Johnson; Mr.
Wright depicts an older woman in the middle of an open -type market. Mr. Wright suggested it
best captures a Pacific Northwest flavor such as shopping at the Pike Place Market in Seattle.
In total, Mr. Wright hopes the portraits accurately portray his vision of a diverse population in
Tukwila.
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City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes February 12, 2001
Council thanked Mr. Wright for his work. They also made suggestions for possible future
projects by the City and the Arts Commission such as having local -area students provide artwork
on a timed rotation -type basis. Also suggested was the idea that the City purchase common -size
picture frames for that artwork. In that way, teachers may tell students the size of the necessary
artwork.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
Wendy Morean, 18623 40th Place South, SeaTac, Mary Bosshart, 14220 Military Road
South, Tukwila, were pleased to report the Historical Society met last week and unanimously
agreed to the donation of an old buckboard to the City of Tukwila. The buckboard, was formerly
owned by two brothers who farmed on North Hill. And, although the wheels require woodwork,
both ladies offered to assist in the obtaining of funds for such repairs; perhaps from the
Washington State Department of Transportation Improvement Grant.
Additionally, both ladies addressed the need for a new "home" for the Historical Society. They
discussed the lack of climate control in their current location; the basement of the Tukwila
Library. As a result of the dampness, the integrity of archival items is jeopardized. Ms. Morgan
spoke of the moving of the Mabel Schultz home, an old farmhouse, and noted it may be a
possible location for their new home. She would like to meet with City officials regarding this
and other prospects for a new home.
Noting the lack of funds, Historical Society Treasurer, Mary Bosshart, asked the Council to keep
them in mind as tenants for whatever building may available in the future.
Council consensus was to receive the gift of the buckboard. Of interest to Mayor Mullet is the
current condition of the buckboard as well as a storage location for the currently unassembled
item.
Councilmember Carter suggested the Historical Society be thinking of items which may be of
benefit and interest to the community members of Tukwila as the City nears its Centennial
Celebration in 2008.
Other councilmembers thanked the ladies and the Society for their continued efforts.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Commute Trip Reduction Services Contract with King County /Metro
b. Enhanced Technical Assistance to Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Affected
Worksites contract with WSDOT for CMAQ (congestion, mitigation and air
quality funds.
Maggie Lubov, Commute Trip Reduction Coordinator, addressed the issues jointly. Serving her
fourth year in this capacity, Ms. Lubov was proud to announce an excellent contract has been
negotiated between the City and King County /Metro. She spoke in favor of Council approving
the CTR Services Contract.
The enhanced technical assistance contract is actually a receipt of funds. The funds are provided
to WSDOT by the federal government from congestion, mitigation and air quality grant funds.
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City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes February 12, 2001
They are intended to replace state funds for CTR jurisdiction allocations that were eliminated by
the legislature in 1999.
Ms. Lubov noted three counties (King, Pierce and Snohomish) all applied for the CMAG grant
funds (jointly). Together, the three counties received a $4.3 million dollar grant, for jurisdictions
within each of the counties. Of the $4.3 million, Tukwila will actually receive $29,800.00.
Tukwila will also receive a match of $3,929.47 from the existing CTR program allocation. The
length of the contract is two years.
By way of history, Ms. Lubov noted Washington State has made transportation a number one
priority. The State hopes to make the CTR program more accountable. As a result, the threshold
of employees may be reduced from 100 to 50 for worksites.
Also noted was proposed legislation for WSDOT to contract CTR services directly with
jurisdictions. Speaking in favor of such an action, Ms. Lubov noted jurisdictions would be able
to have more discretion in the use of funds if contracting with WSDOT versus County controlled
monies.
Councilmember Haggerton suggested the potential for grant funds to be used to find out where
the cars are actually from, when coming to the park and ride lot at the intersection of 52nd
Avenue South and Interurban) in Tukwila. Ms. Lubov noted an informal survey could be
conducted to determine such information.
Council consensus was to approve both items and forward them to the City Council Regular
meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2001.
c. Solid Waste Contract
Public Works Coordinator, Frank Iriarte, noted Council has produced two draft contracts as a
result of negotiations between the City and SeaTac Disposal. As discussed at the recent Council
retreat, SeaTac Disposal has served many of the citizens and 90% of commercial businesses of
Tukwila for several years. Currently, the City has approximately 2,000 residential; 118 multi-
family and 800 commercial subscribers.
By way of history, Mr. Iriarte reported that a 1992 ordinance #1634), granted a 5 -year franchise
agreement to haulers who were operating within the City at that time. At the end of the 5- years,
in 1997, the City made it known it would move from the WUTC regulatory control and manage
its entire solid waste program.
Since 1997, the City has hired a consultant to review the alternatives and provide
recommendations for the City regarding the handling of the solid waste program. The consultant
delivered three potential alternatives:
1. Maintain status quo. City would continue with WUTC regulatory control.
2. The City could establish its own municipal services.
3. Consider a type of contracting mechanism; either through sealed -bid process or a
negotiated contract arrangement.
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City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes February 12, 2001
After discussions from committee meetings, staff was directed to proceed with option #3 and
negotiate a contract with SeaTac Disposal. Staff was also directed to come up with two contract
designs to address:
1. A contract which addresses residential needs only.
2. A more comprehensive contract which includes resident and commercial services.
The contents of both contracts were compared via matrix by Mr. Iriarte. The City agrees that
this shall remain a voluntary program and that the hauler will support the King County Solid
Waste Comprehensive Land Plan. King County will most likely forward such a plan to the City
(sometime this year) for adoption.
Some points of interest (benefits) of the plan include senior citizens receiving a 50% discount on
their service bills; curbside hauling of Christmas trees; the removal of white goods (refrigerators,
stoves, etc.) and free pickup for currently owned /operated City facilities for the life of the
contract. Discussions resulted in the fact that future city facilities may be added and service to
those facilities would be included. The draft would be amended to reflect such change.
The issue of recycling was also addressed as an important need /benefit to the program. Mr.
Iriarte noted Cedar Hill Land Fill could close as early as 2013, resulting in soaring service rates.
Thus, people must do what is possible to be educated and motivated to recycle. This, too, is an
element of the proposed contract. To that end, educational brochures will be printed in English
and four other languages for the benefit of citizens.
After clarification to various issues, Council thanked Mr. Iriarte and provided kudos for his
efforts in negotiating the draft contracts. Each Councilmember spoke in favor of the contract
which encompasses residential and commercial services.
Council consensus is to forward this item to the consent agenda of the City Council Regular
meeting of February 20, 2001.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet reported attendance to the February 8 Sound Transit meeting, in Tacoma. A
decision was made to move the route off Highway 99 and onto the proposed E -4 (Tukwila
Freeway) route. A final decision on the route will be made in March.
Next, Mayor Mullet noted Site 1, an Endangered Species Act project, (Fish on the Duwamish), is
moving forward. The City has a approval from the property owner to purchase the first 200+
feet. The County continues to search for additional funds regarding this project; and the City has
agreed to a certain level of participation and will thus, aid in the search for additional funds for
that project.
Finally, the Mayor noted his attendance to the AWC Legislative Conference this week, in
Olympia.
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City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes February 12, 2001
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie reported receipt of telephone calls from community members regarding
crows in his neighborhood. Daily, they appear on the streets at approximately 3:00 p.m.; and
their numbers continue to soar.
Next, Mr. Duffie reported trash in Tukwila neighborhoods is a growing concern. He spoke in
favor of clean up efforts in an attempt to avoid the potential for rats.
Finally, Mr. Duffie spoke of the need to get a handle on automobile speeding on 53rd Avenue.
He noted fear for the children who may be playing in the streets; especially those on scooters.
Councilmember Carter attended the February 8 Joint meeting of the Transportation and
Growth Management Policy Boards for Puget Sound Regional Council. She will attend the
AWC Legislative Conference this week in Olympia, as well as the DARE graduation on
February 13.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the February 7 ACC meeting. A majority of the meeting,
he reported, was executive session. There are many ACC members who will combine a joint trip
of NLC, along with ACC activities in Washington DC, from March 8 13, 2001. The State
Auditor's Office noted the report on ACC findings was not ready last Friday as earlier
anticipated. Rather, it should be available on or about Friday, February 16.
Late on February 7, Mr. Haggerton attended the Suburban Cities Association meeting, hosted by
the City of Tukwila. He will attend the February 13 DARE graduation ceremony; and later in
the week, will attend the AWC Legislative Conference in Olympia.
Finally, Mr. Haggerton invited those who would like to attend the Cascade Water Alliance
Annual meeting on February 28, at the Space Needle.
Councilmember Linder attended the February 7 Suburban Cities Association meeting; the
February 8 Human Services Forum for South County wherein a panel on domestic violence was
heard. Domestic Violence will be a main focus for that group in 2001. Ms. Linder reported
attendance at a Part 150 for King County Airport meeting this evening. She noted 40 options
exist as it relates to noise mitigation. She commented the issues are dicey and grim. Things
which would potentially benefit our City were moved to the "bottom of the list."
Finally, Ms. Linder noted she will attend the February 13 Community Affairs and Parks meeting.
Councilmember Fenton attended the February 7 Suburban Cities Association meeting. At that
meeting he met a City of Kent employee who informed him Kent will soon implement the Crime
Free Multi- Housing Project. Mr. Fenton also attended the February 8 Sound Transit meeting; the
February 9 King County Chamber of Commerce /Tukwila Government Affairs lunch at Wyndam
Garden Hotel /Restaurant, in SeaTac. Finally, he reported a Highway 99 Action Committee
meeting on February 13.
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City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes February 12, 2001
Councilmember Simpson attended the previously mentioned Suburban Cities Association and
Sound Transit meetings. At the Sound Transit meeting, Rob McKenna gave Tukwila kudos and
spoke in favor of monorails and buses versus Sound Transit's entire project.
Council President Hernandez reported attendance at the February 7 Suburban Cities
Association meeting; the February 8 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting and attendance.
She reviewed the contents of the agenda for the February 8 meeting.
Next, Ms. Hernandez distributed copies of a play bill for the Legends of the Dynasties Dance
2001 sponsored, in part, by the King County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and their
Hotel /Motel tax. Greetings on the inside of the playbill were printed from Governor Locke,
Senator Patty Murray, King County Executive Ron Sims and others. She will take the playbill to
Tukwila's Lodging Tax Advisory Board for future suggestions.
Finally, she spoke of receiving an e -mail compliment for Tukwila's Police Department. The
compliment was received from a citizen who witnessed an accident on Southcenter Parkway
where police officers arrived quickly and did a good job in keeping traffic moving. The accident
took place on Wednesday, February 7.
c. City Administrator
Mr. McFarland distributed written invitations to the Council for an Open House on February 21
at the New Golf and Parks Building, from 5:30 7:00 p.m.
Next, Mr. McFarland advised Council of a staff planning meeting regarding Cascade View Park,
on February 13, at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. McFarland reminded Council of the Council /Staff retreat at the DoubleTree Suites,
beginning at Noon; as well as the February 24 Employee Appreciation Banquet.
Next, the City Administrator advised Council that a land altering violation, on City -owned
property, occurred during the weekend of February 10 and 11. The Wilcox lots, on Pamela
Drive, were cleared down to the river. City employees have since visited the site and citations
have been issued. Neighbors in the area cleared the lot with bulldozers and chainsaws.
Mayor Mullet noted one of the issues City officials will need to impress upon community
members is the need to follow the new Endangered Species Act. There is no bending the rules or
exceptions to Shoreline Management rules. Citizens will be encouraged to come to the City
before doing any work.
Next, Mr. McFarland noted Tukwila will assist the City of Pasco with a Friend of the Court brief
as it relates to their Multi Family Housing ordinance which has been challenged.
Additionally, Mr. McFarland advised Council that former Sister City Committee member, Aki
Shimadzu, has lost her battle with cancer. In her honor, Aki's brother in law (today) donated an
inlaid piece of artwork that Aki really liked and wanted the City to have. A brass plaque will be
added to the piece in Aki's name and remembrance. The piece will be located in City Hall.
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City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes February 12, 2001
Councilmember Fenton asked Mr. McFarland for an update on the carwash situation. Mr.
McFarland stated the City is in the process of finalizing the agreement between Mr. Berg's
attorney and the City. Mr. McFarland noted the City is moving forward on other properties as
well. Transactions are occurring on nearly all pieces of land in that area.
Finally, Mr. McFarland noted the owner of a house which has an arson watch on it (on 42nd), is
being investigated for embezzlement of funds in Arizona. During that investigation, two
individuals have come forward and confessed they were paid by her to burn the home. To date,
there have been two foiled attempts to burn the home. The house, which remains structurally
sound, is boarded and can stand for a length of time without a violation to the Uniform Building
Code.
d. City Attorney
City Attorney Bob Noe was not present.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Councilmember Haegerton suggested Councilmembers speak with legislators, about unfunded
mandates, during the AWC conference this week. Council unanimously agreed.
John McFarland noted the City has filed a Claim for Damages to Washington State for
$100,000.00, for expenses in updating the Master Shoreline Plan. He noted the update of the
plan is a violation of RCW 42.173, which states the State cannot pass unfunded mandates on to
jurisdictions. AWC reports the State is being flooded with Claims for Damages in the same
amount. With the number of claims received, this item will be a statewide action of individual
jurisdictions against the State of Washington.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Pending Litigation Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(I)(i)
Stricken.
ADJOURNMENT:
8:32 p.m. Fenton moved; Duffle seconded; to adjourn the meeting.
The motion carried 7 -0.
J &An Hernandez, `ouncil Pr sidentV
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Date Minutes Signed: a /01