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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL April 23, 2001- 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council President Joan Hernandez called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.; and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS: City Administrator John McFarland; City Attorney Bob Noe; Deputy City Clerk Bob Baker; Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach; Human Services Coordinator Evelyn Boykan; Associate Planner Nora Gierloff; Finance Director Alan Doerschel; Department of Community Development Director Steve Lancaster; Tourism and Marketing Director Katherine Kertzman. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Multigenerational Campus South King County Lutheran Social Services Lutheran Alliance to Create Housing (LATCH). Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Coordinator, introduced guests Lisa Kious (LATCH)and Roz Woodhouse (Lutheran Social Services). Both ladies addressed the Council on the issue of affordable housing in South King County (SeaTac) as well as the anticipated multigenerational campus to be built. Ms. Woodhouse informed Council the proposed site location for the campus is located on 4 acres on South 188th Street, in SeaTac; across from Chinook school. She noted two buildings are to be erected for affordable senior housing and one other building would be constructed as a human services center. Proposed services to be offered include day care, foster care, refugee services, family support and in- home services for seniors. Ms. Woodhouse was present to seek support from the Council for such services in South King County. Lisa Kaya noted LATCH is responsible for the housing aspect of the total campus project. LATCH's focus is affordable housing within SeaTac as it is a recognized need. Eighty units in one building and forty in another will be built with tax exempt dollars. Ms. Kaya was present to seek financial contributions from the City of Tukwila for the shortfall on this proposed project. Proposed construction is slated for August, 2002 with a target completion date of August 2003. Discussion ensued. As it relates to the housing aspect, actual dollars for expenditures will not be known until (approximately) January, 2002. Lutheran Social Services has approximately $65,000.00 in dedicated grant dollars from the City of SeaTac. Councilmember Hernandez inquired about the Home Helpers Services program. She knows it is a great program and would be very beneficial in keeping seniors in their own homes for longer periods of time. She asked if Tukwila residents could benefit from the program if the City assists in the funding of the program. Ms. Woodhouse responded in the affirmative. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes April 23, 2001 Page 2 of 8 Evelyn Boykan confirmed the CDBG allocation for 2002 was received and forwarded to the Mayor's Office for review. At the committee level, it may be decided how much, if any, CDBG dollars may be contributed towards the proposed program. Council concurred this item should be forwarded to the Community Affairs Parks Committee. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: None. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Lodging Tax Marketing "Branding" Campaign Budget (formerly Item a. on the agenda) In the essence of time and scheduling, Council agreed to consider this item out of order. Noting the need for Council to formalize the authorization for monies to be spent on the program, Finance Director Alan Doerschel introduced the Katherine Kertzman to discuss the campaign. Ms. Kertzman, the City's Tourism Marketing Director, noted three major media buys are in line for the projected "Think Tukwila" media blitz. KIRO News Radio, Northwest Cable News and Metro Bus Boards are all means which will carry the "Think Tukwila" message. Approving a $160,000.00 expenditure at their April 7 Lodging Tax Advisory Board meeting, members will focus on the areas of shopping, fun, and hotels as it relates to the campaign. Additional media buys may be done by each of the participating businesses; thus, (perhaps) actually doubling the amount of monies being expended on the program. The kickoff for the "Think Tukwila" media campaign is May 21, 2001. All three businesses, previously mentioned, will run ads concurrently for 21 days to saturate the market. From there, advertising will be pared down and remain constant for another period of time. Councilmembers asked miscellaneous questions and thanked Ms. Kertzman for her continued efforts. Council consensus was to forward this issue to the May 7, City Council Regular meeting to formalize the action. b. Proposed Development Regulations Associate Planner Nora Gierloff distributed a zoning code use matrix and copy of TMC Chapter 18.104 (Permit Application Types and Procedures) for use during her presentation. (Item N) Amend the Subdivision Standard for Turn In the interest of time, Item N was considered first, out of order, to accommodate the schedule of Fire Department Lieutenant Steve Kohler. Ms. Gierloff noted Fire Department staff is in favor of deleting an 80 -foot right of way turnaround in Single family residential neighborhoods; as the smaller standard does not meet the needs as they relate to life safety issues. Mr. Kohler also spoke against the width of sidewalks being included in the diameter. Discussion ensued regarding the reasons for this. Firetrucks could crush telephone boxes and other electrical boxes commonly sited on or near sidewalks; gutters; development City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes April 23, 2001 Page 3 of 8 projects, etc.. Additionally, the risk of hurting people exists when fire trucks are required to ride on sidewalks. Noting the ladder truck is the primary response vehicle, Mr. Kohler informed Council trucks it weighs 76,000 pounds, without water and fire hoses. It has the potential of crushing nearly anything in its path; thus, the need for addition turnaround space. He then spoke in favor of the proposed 92 feet of right -of -way space. Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission the standard be changed as requested. (Item A) Change Floor Area Ratio Limitation in LDR to a Lot Coverage Standard Councilmember Linder noted Committee agreement with staff recommendation on this issue. A lot coverage standard of 50% would still preserve half the lot as yards, while allowing additional living space on a second or third story of a home. Seeking clarification, Councilmember Carter asked questions of Ms. Gierloff. Ms. Carter noted that upon her review of one item listed in the NCC Zone, related to setbacks, makes it appear as though you cannot build right up to the sidewalk. This creates a concern in the commercial area, where the City wants development, on the Highway, up to the sidewalk. For that reason, she asked Ms. Gierloff to review that portion of the code for setbacks in the event of a need for change. She believes the City may need a separate zone for the NCC on the Highway, which is different that all other NCC zones. Council concurred to forward the proposal changes to Planning Commission. (Item B) Eliminate Increased Setbacks for Second Stories of Structures in LDR Ms. Gierloff noted staff recommendation to is to have a 20 -foot setback for the front and 10 foot setback for the second front in LDR, with no increase for the second story. With this, she noted, community members are more likely to integrate the face of a garage with the face of the home. The current, staggered setback requirement often results in a protruding garage and encourages a streetscape of garage doors. Council concurred to forward the proposal to eliminate the additional second story setback to Planning Commission. (Item C) Prohibit Use of Cargo Containers as Storage Sheds in Residential Zones Councilmembers spoke in favor of prohibiting the containers as well as striking the word "old" from the definition. Council also spoke in favor of removing size dimensions from the document, so as to deter cargo containers of any age and any size. Council concurred to forward the proposal to ban the use of cargo containers in residential zones and MUO to Planning Commission. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes (Item D) Add Additional Detail to Landscape Plan Requirements April 23, 2001 Page 4 of 8 Noting this as a housekeeping measure, Ms. Gierloff advised more planting details and quantity information would be sought in landscape plans. Council concurred to forward the proposal unchanged to Planning Commission. (Item E) Revise Zoning Code Definition of Building Height to match WSBC Councilmember Carter questioned E F together. Would a laymen notice much difference between two properties when one was developed under the TMC versus one built under the standards of the WSBC? Ms. Gierloffs response was the TMC only states average elevation of proposed finish grade" and does not state whether it is the highest and lowest point, or mid -point of each wall, corner elevations, etc. Therefore, the need for to match the WSBC standards exists, as all builders are very familiar with it. Councilmember Haggerton questioned any potential spots within the City which may have covenants which would supersede this requirement. Community Development Director Steve Lancaster answered in the negative, as it relates to residential areas. Industrial Parks have covenants, though he is unsure whether or not height requirement covenants exist. Council concurred to forward the proposal unchanged to Planning Commission. (Item F) Revise Zoning Code Definition of Story to Match WSBC As this item is related to closely related to Item E, there was no discussion. Council concurred to forward the proposal unchanged to Planning Commission. (Item G) Delete High Tech as a Use Category Referring to the term High Tech as "too broad" and suggesting it opens the door to incompatible uses, Ms. Gierloff spoke in favor of deleting it as a use category. Councilmembers commenting agreed the definition is ambiguous, vague and far too broad. Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission that the High Tech designation be deleted. (Item H) Correct Figure 18 -4 Location and Measurement of Yards on Lots Referring to this item as a housekeeping measure, Ms. Gierloff noted the diagram, as stated, contains errors. The need for additional second fronts should be shown. Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission that the diagram be amended. (Item I) Add Pawn Shops as Allowed or Conditional Uses in Specified Zones The City's associate Planner suggested the use of pawnshops in specific zones (TUC, C /LI, LI, HI and TVS); as well as conditional uses to be allowed in RC and RCM zones. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Council discussed the proposed inclusion and agreed their use is not compatible with the intent of the Neighborhood Commercial Center Zone because it served a specialized, regional need; not an everyday community need. Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission that pawnshops be allowed uses in TUC, C/LI, LI, HI and TVS and conditional uses in RC and RCM. (Item J) Add a definition for Pawn Shops As this was closely related to item I, no discussion occurred. April 23, 2001 Page 5 of 8 Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission that the definition be added, as follows: "Pawn shop" is an establishment engaged in the buying or selling of new or secondhand merchandise and offering loans in exchange for personal property." (Item K) Add Internet Data Centers as Allowed or Conditional Uses in Specified Zones Citing rapid development of internet data centers in Tukwila, Ms. Gierloff suggested its inclusion in the zoning code. The use is most appropriate for and has primarily occurred within the industrial zones. Council concurred to have the Planning Commission review staff suggested options 2 and 3, as follows: "2. Recommend to Planning Commission that internet data centers be allowed uses in C/LI, LI, HI, MIC/l, MIC /h and TVS. 3. Recommend to Planning Commission that internet data centers be allowed uses in RC, TUC, C/LI, LI, HI, MIC/L, MIC/H and TVS." (Item L) Add a narking standard for Internet Data Centers Councilmember Linder noted the Committee did not necessarily agree with staff suggested recommendation on this item as things are working well as is. Mr. Lancaster noted the City cannot predict what will be going on in 5 to 10 years. Moreover, Ms. Gierloff added leases are usually longer in length of time than shorter. Council concurred to decline to consider the proposed change to parking standards. (Item M) Add a definition for Internet Data Centers Noting the State of California seems to be ahead of others in this area of development, Ms. Gierloff found the best definition there. The suggested definition is as follows: "Internet data center" means a secure, climate controlled facility with emergency backup power that contains a large number of computer switches and servers (usually Web servers) for one or more companies. Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission the definition be added out outlined above. (Item N) Addressed first, out of order. See page 3. (Item 0) Remove the Fee for Street Vacations from Zoning Code City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes This is another housekeeping item. The fee would be removed from the Application fees Chapter of the Zoning Code (18.88). Vacations are a responsibility of the Public Works Department and the logical place to list the fee amount would be in the Street and Alley Vacation Procedure chapter (11.60). The suggested correction comes from the Washington State Auditor's Office. REPORTS: (Item P) Change Zoning Code to Allow Structures Over Right-of-Way April 23, 2001 Page 6 of 8 Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission that the code be changed as proposed. Ms. Gierloff noted that changing the zoning code as proposed would be to allow skybridges within the City of Tukwila. She noted at least one business is currently considering the possibility of installing a skybridge. The question of decision comes into play with consideration of this proposed change. Currently, the City does not allow for structures to be built over street right -of -way similar to the Convention Center or the Nordstrom skybridge in Seattle. A developer who controls parcels on either side of a public right -of -way may request approval to bridge the street with a structure as a Type 2 special permission decision. Department of Community Development Director Steve Lancaster noted City staff is suggesting is that Council allow the determination of the setback waiver be a type -2, administrative decision. The decision to actually allow something to be built over a right -of -way would not be made in the same manner. That would fall under a disposition of public property. It's a real estate transaction. Therefore, the developer must also obtain air rights from the City and comply with all other relevant codes including the Washington State Building Code. And, at this time, there is no policy in place to obtain air rights. Council concurred to recommend to Planning Commission the Code be changed as proposed. a. Mayor Mayor Mullet noted transportation issues are heating up and broad based recommendations were delivered to representatives in Olympia, on Tuesday April 10. The Mayor was also present when a proclamation (related to National Federated Wildlife Habitat program) was read in Senate Chambers, where a standing ovation was received by all present, after hearing from Margarita Prentice, Julia Patterson and Senator Jacobsen. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie informed Council that April 24 Arts presentation at Tukwila Elementary School has been rescheduled to April 26, at 9:00 a.m. All are invited to attend. Councilmember Carter attended an April 17 SCATBd meeting; and an 4/19 Regional Transit Committee meeting (served as alternate). She will attend an April 25 Tukwila Community Cares City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Network and Foster Community Club meeting. Additionally, she'll attend the Economic Development Breakfast on April 27; as well as a Regional Transit Committee Workshop. Next, Ms. Carter announced she's been appointed to the AWC Resolutions Committee for 2001 -2002. Meetings will take place in Tukwila, at the Embassy Suites. Additionally, she attended a short Transportation Committee meeting this evening wherein three change order contracts were discussed. The Committee asks those items be placed under old business on a Regular meeting agenda, versus consent, as people are often hesitant to pull items from the consent agenda. Further, she believes Council may want to consider the change orders one at a time and discuss them individually. Finally, Ms. Carter distributed a newly- created First Quarter Report on behalf of the City Council. She noted Council could do this on a regular basis if it proves helpful/beneficial. Council President Hernandez had no report. Councilmember Haggerton reported missing his first Suburban Cities Association meeting of the year on April 18. He attended a King County Jail Advisory Committee this afternoon at 3:30 p.m., at Mercer Island. From there, he attended a 5 p.m. Transportation Committee meeting. Next, Mr. Haggerton noted the April 24 Press Conference Fort Dent has been canceled. Finally, Mr. Haggerton noted he will attend the April 27 Economic Development Committee breakfast. Councilmember Linder will attend the April 28, Highway 99 Clean -Up efforts. April 23, 2001 Page 7 of 8 Councilmember Fenton noted the April 18 King County Housing Forum was canceled. He also noted his planned attendance at the April 27 Economic Development Breakfast. Councilmember Simpson attended the Utilities Committee on April 17 as well as the Duwamish Improvement Club meeting. c. Student Council Ryan McLean will attend the April 28 Highway 99 Clean -Up effort. Alanna Martin reported April 19 -22 attendance at a Future Business Leaders of American conference. And, she noted election week at Foster High School is May 7 11. d. City Staff City Administrator John McFarland attended the Duwamish Improvement Club with Councilmember Simpson; where he addressed the group. The meeting occurred at the Tukwila Community Center on April 19. Next, he noted Public Works Director Jim Morrow reports energy assistance at City facilities continues to be reduced. Electrical consumption is down 19% and natural gas consumption is down 44 As it relates to Safety in Overnight Lodging issues compliance, three hotels are now certified and will be issued City business licenses. The hotels are The Boulevard, The Great Bear and Traveler's Choice. Along with City Consultant Mike Ragsdale, Mr. McFarland attended the Eatonville City Council Retreat on April 20, at Northwest Trek. He noted this is a great place for a one -day retreat, as takes place in a lodge, on the lake, with catered meals. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes e. City Attorney City Attorney Bob Noe was not present. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Carter noted there are cargo containers used at the Tukwila Schools which house emergency supplies, surplus food stuffs, etc. Council will need to keep this in mind when considering changes to the zoning code. Mr. McFarland noted these could be maintained under a conditional use. Next, Ms. Carter noted a poetry slam at Foster Library, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Council President Hernandez announced she will be on annual leave for three weeks from her job. She will miss the next Regular meeting; yet will be present for the COW meeting on May 14. Councilmember Duffie will review the agenda for the May 7 meeting. Councilmember Haggerton announced he has been appointed to the AWC Nominating Committee. Councilmember Linder reminded Council of the May 3 King County National Airport meeting, 6:00 p.m., at the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Fenton noted things are progressing for the May 3 National Day of Prayer, outside City Hall. Councilmember Simpson reported the Duwamish Improvement Club will have a dunk tank and is looking for elected officials to sit inside the tank. Brief discussion took place regarding Council ordering jackets, shirts, etc. with City logos. No final decisions were made as the item will be discussed at the April 24 Community Affairs Parks Committee meeting. 9:25 p.m. Duffie moved; Linder seconded; to recess the regular meeting, take a 5- minute break and convene the executive session, for potential land use, for 5 minutes. The motion carried 7 -0. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 9:30 p.m. Executive session began. 9:35 p.m. Executive session ended. ADJOURNMENT: 9:35 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Council, Linder moved; Fenton seconded; to adjourn the executive session, reconvene and adjourn the Committee of Whole meeting. The motion carried 7 -0. in Hernandez, Council Preside t f Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk April 23, 2001 Page 8 of 8 Date Minutes Signed: 5 i /01