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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-29 Committee of the Whole MinutesOFFICIALS: COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL May 29, 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 7:02 p.m.; and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Steven M. Mullet; City Administrator John McFarland; Deputy City Clerk Bob Baker; Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach; Depai luient of Community Development Director Steve Lancaster; Public Works Director Jim Morrow; and Associate Planners Alice Strand and Moira Bradshaw. Present were Council President Joan Hernandez; and Councilmembers Joe Duffle; Pam Carter; Jim Haggerton; Pam Linder; and Richard Simpson. Councilmember Dave Fenton was absent. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Joanne McManus, 5610 South 158` Street; thanked the City for their assistance in sponsoring the Veteran's Day Memorial Celebration at the Museum of Flight. She enjoyed the air shows. Responding to an inquiry, Mr. McFarland noted a count of invitations taken in was not made; however, many Tukwila residents were able to enjoy the event. Councilmembers spoke in favor of Tukwila's participation and enjoy the fact community members realize the Museum of Flight is within the City of Tukwila. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Duwamish Storm Drainage Sidewalk Improvements Public Works Director Jim Morrow was present to brief Council on what took place at a recent Duwamish Neighborhood meeting. Hoping to receive community input on storm drainage, sidewalk improvements and additional improvements, Mr. Morrow informed Council there was no consensus at all of the participants as it related to any of the subjects discussed. Next, Mr. Morrow presented an update to Council regarding a meeting (today) between the City and ValVue staff. ValVue employee Dana Dick is presenting a recommendation to the ValVue Board of Directors that the proposed project be deferred one year. The proposal is based in part on the fact that SEPA and Shoreline permits have not been acquired and necessary easements to sewer lines have not been obtained. Running out of time and solving problems of this nature prevent the project from ever being completed this construction season. Speaking in favor of another, concerted effort to contact the Duwamish Community, Mr. Morrow proposed a letter be drafted. Correspondence would provide results from the first meeting as well as an invitation to a second meeting where staff could capture more and/or better ideas from those present, as to what they would like to see done in their community. Mr. Morrow suggested a mid -July meeting with the community followed by a report to, and direction from, the Committee of Whole. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Enabling all community members to be heard, Councilmember Linder spoke in favor of providing a fill -in- the -blank space on the correspondence sent. In this regard, community members not able to attend the next meeting would be able to state their piece and send the card back to responsible staff for consideration before, during, or after the mid July meeting. CITIZEN COMMENT: May 29, 2001 Page 2 of 6 Jessie Woods. 3924 South 117th Street, Tukwila. noted safety in the neighborhood is his first concern. Rather than walk on the broken sidewalks with cluttered bushes, Boeing employees informed Mr. Woods they would rather walk the middle of the street. Informing Council he'd spoken with several neighbors who would be affected by the proposed project, most were in favor. Additionally, Mr. Woods noted the addition of curbs, sidewalks, gutters and drains would decrease flooded basements. Moreover, appearance is a big factor and would enhance the appearance of the neighborhood. Finally, Mr. Woods spoke against putting the project off for one year for the reasons stated above. Mary Whitley, 11711 40th Avenue South, Tukwila, also spoke in favor of the proposed enhancements. Living in an area where drainage problems exist, Ms. Whitley noted she would benefit from the new sidewalks and sewers. She, too, is against delaying the project. Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, Tukwila, informed those present her neighborhood went through a similar situation and residents appreciate how the project was completed. Noting positive changes and enhancements, Ms. Bernhard assured those present they, too, would be proud of their neighborhood and the City upon project completion in their area. Councilmember Linder explained to those present a delay is not being affected by the City. Rather, it is ValVue who must apply for and obtain SEPA and Shoreline permits as well as necessary easements to currently existing sewer lines. Upon completion of brief discussion, Council consensus was to follow the suggested ideas and timelines of Public Works Director Jim Morrow. Councilmembers Carter, Haggerton and Duffie noted they would appreciate hearing results of the mid -July meeting at appropriate committee meetings before going to a Committee of the Whole. b. Sign Code Amortization Program Associate Planner Moira Bradshaw presented information regarding the City Council adopted program from 1998. Noting a December 31, 2001, deadline for sign compliance, Ms. Bradshaw commented City staff has been diligent in notifying, educating and advising businesses of the impending deadline and the need for compliance. In 2000, voluntary sign reduction agreements were signed between the City and six property owners, which allow a business to have an extended compliance period in exchange for early agreement on sign reduction. Getting closer to the compliance deadline, Ms. Bradshaw informed Council that staff has developed a number of additional measures to encourage and assist property owners and businesses to comply with the City's sign code. 1. Business Identification/Marketin2 Assistance Staff could contract with a marketing consultant or graphics artist to be available, at no charge, for perhaps an hour, to assist in the design of new business logo /identification and /or signage concepts. 2. Sign Comaanv Education Staff could hold a workshop for sign making companies who do business within Tukwila. Staff would inform the companies on the amortization and permit process for temporary as well as permanent signs. General outreach could also be a goal. 3. Informational and Notification Letters Staff could continue outreach efforts. Proposed are two full mailings to property owners and /or businesses outlining terms and conditions of compliance as well as ramification for infractions and /or violations. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes May 29, 2001 Page 3 of 6 4. Financial Assistance Acquiring an idea from a nearby city, Tukwila may create a grant program where interested businesses could request financial assistance in order to come into compliance. City staff suggests a $2,000.00 maximum reimbursable amount to businesses meeting the December 31 deadline. 5. Anneal Process If enforcement action becomes necessary, City staff suggests imposition of an appeal fee in the amount of $300.00. The City does not want to impede those who legitimately seek due process. At the same time, it is hoped that imposing such a fee would discourage frivolous appeals as well as compensating the City for out -of- pocket costs associated with Hearing Examiner services. After stating the proposals, Ms. Bradshaw sought input from Council and discussion ensued. Noting the City's goodwill efforts, Councilmembers Duffle and Carter spoke in favor of the proposals. Clarification was provided on the issue of Civil Infraction Citations (CIC) versus Notices of Violation (NOV). It is the intent of Tukwila staff to work with area businesses and assist them into compliance. Where flagrant violations occur, a CIC may be written. Conversely, NOV's will be given where a business is willing to work with City staff and attempting to come into compliance. With a minor edit to the appeal process fee, Councilmember Haggerton spoke in favor of the process. Suggested is a change in the appeal fee amount; from $300.00 to $500.00. Councilmembers Carter, Linder, Fenton and Simpson spoke in favor of amending the appeal fee to $500.00. Council President Hernandez agreed to review cost versus benefit when staff returns with additional information. City staff is to prepare an ordinance amending the sign code establishing an appeal fee; and further making the appeal fee reimbursable to the applicant if successful at the Hearing Examiner level. CITIZEN COMMENT: Bill Arthur. 18000 Andover Park West. Tukwila, provided support for the proposed sign code amendments. Stating City staff had gone above and beyond what other cities have done, he also expressed appreciation for their courage and imagination in fulfilling direction to clear and clean Highway 99. He specifically recognized the efforts of DCD Director Steve Lancaster, former City Associate Planner Michael Jenkins and current Associate Planner Moira Bradshaw. Finally, Mr. Arthur made available to staff, sufficient space within the Highway 99 Newsletter, to make future plans known regarding the sign code amendments. c. Ordinance Related to Sale of City Property Negotiation of Bids Councilmember Carter opened discussion on this item and spoke out of concern for the second sentence under section 2.64.020 (Minimum price set). She stated her belief that when a piece of property goes out to bid and does not garner the minimum set bid amount, the Mayor and Council may then negotiate bids relative to the sale of such property (2.64.070). Mrs. Carter stated that to leave the "no sale" sentence in 2.64.020 is confusing. Additionally, she spoke in favor of providing amended language in the near future. City Administrator McFarland agreed with Mrs. Carter's interpretation of the TMC. He believes the ordinance should be clear and concise. In that way, when the code is read, there is a full understanding of the Council's intent as well as their obligations. Public property that is put up for sale must be sold at the highest possible price and the public at large should receive the benefit of that sale. Next, Mr. McFarland suggested inserting the words, "It is the intent that..." before the words "no sale shall be consummated..." That is Council's intent. The reality of the circumstances of each sale will dictate whether or not that happens. This language does provide room for interpretation and allows for consideration of other portions of the code, without being in conflict. Councilmember Carter proposed moving this onto the next Regular meeting. She will submit language which provides Council the flexibility needed to dispose of property, regardless of the bid; and de- conflict two cited portions of the TMC. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Council consensus existed to provide proposed amended language and forward this item to the June 4 City Council Regular meeting. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported attendance on a recent raft trip on the upper Green River. Gravel deposits in the river were being viewed as fish need gravel to spawn. With a dam in place for several years, it has prevented gravel from coming down from streams /creeks above the reservoir. Alternate ways of getting gravel back into the river are being considered. Next, Mr. Mullet reported a speaking engagement at the Museum of Flight during Memorial Day weekend. In spite of inclement weather, events at the museum were greatly attended. Amtrak service will begin at the Sounder Station on June 1, 2001. Calling it a "milk -run" trip (not the Express), Mr. Mullet guessed an automated ticket machine may have been installed and is now ready for use. Mr. Mullet announced an I -405 meeting on May 30, in Kirkland. Later in the day, he'll meet with King County Executive Ron Sims regarding potential budget cuts and how they may affect Tukwila. In the evening, he will attend a Suburban Cities Board and Mayors meeting. b. City Council May 29, 2001 Page 4 of 6 Councilmember Duffle noted ongoing progress at the Tukwila Elementary School as it relates to Art in Public Places. Mr. Duffle attended the Memorial Day events at the Museum of Flight and appreciated what the crews went through. Councilmember Carter was able to hear Ron Sims speak at Showalter Middle School on May 22. He was there to visit High School students who mentor those in Junior High. Later the same evening, Ms. Carter attended the Tukwila School Board meeting. On May 23, she attended the Tukwila Community Cares Network meeting; and a May 24 PSRC General Assembly meeting. On May 30, Ms. Carter will attend a Regional Transit Committee meeting and a June 1st AWC Resolutions Committee meeting. Ms. Carter was part of the Transportation Committee meeting this evening. She raised the issue of needing banners for Tukwila International Boulevard. Banners could be used to advertise Tukwila Days, etc. She suggested the City is able to purchase and install four poles (on either side of 144th) for the cost of $40,000.00. Banners may not be hung from currently existing light poles in that area. A stronger pole with a deeper foundation is required. Councilmembers Duffie, Haggerton, Linder and Fenton spoke in favor of purchasing the poles. Mayor Mullet stated City staff could review and develop potential banners, both vertical and horizontal in nature. Discussion ensued as it relates to sizes, dimensions, requirements, further research with other jurisdictions and the potential for need to speak with Washington State Department of Transportation. Council agreed the idea was good and that City staff should begin researching the issue with other jurisdictions to determine what they do; when they post their banners, etc. A report will be returned to Council in the future. Finally, Mrs. Carter noted Foster High School Graduation attendance will be by ticket only this year. She asked those present to see her if they have a desire to attend. Graduation will be indoors this year (in the gym) and will assist in controlling rowdiness and increasing decorum. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Council President Hernandez attended the May 23 Art Exhibit (Ancient Chinese Art) at the Seattle Art Museum, sponsored by Puget Power. She was pleased to meet a good "contact" in Damion Cordova, Assistant to Jim McDermott. Mrs. Hernandez then reported attendance at the Armed Forces Day Ceremony at the Museum of Flight in Tukwila on May 28 as well as the Transportation Committee meeting this evening. Finally, Mrs. Hernandez noted she will attend "The Tribes Project" on May 31, 7:00 p.m., Foster High School Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by Tukwila's Equity and Diversity Commission, students from Renton High School will participate in this presentation. Councilmember Haggerton attended the May 22 Duwamish Neighborhood Community meeting; and the May 28 celebration at the Museum of Flight. He noted the celebration of Memorial Day is growing in stature every year and is becoming more greatly realized in the U.S. Next, Mr. Haggerton mentioned receipt of the National Cities Weekly publication, wherein June 22 is designated "National Small Cities Investing in Communities Day." NLC suggests a proclamation for each small city and included samples for use. Although Council will be involved in an AWC Conference, in Bellevue, Mr. Haggerton will present the materials to the Mayor Council Administrator to determine what action, if any, they'd like to see taken. Councilmember Linder will attend a May 30th King County International Airport sound attenuation meeting at 7:00 p.m., Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Fenton was absent. Councilmember Simpson attended Cascade View Drainage Meeting /Open House on May 22 with approximately 12 others. c. City Staff May 29, 2001 Page 5 of 6 City Administrator John McFarland reported a May 29 Tukwila Days Planning Committee meeting. He informed Council the planning sessions are coming along well. Tracy Thomas is serving as the project coordinator for the effort and has a good group of supporters. He noted the continued direction /focus of the group is for that of a small -town, community event. Councilmembers agreed to maintain that focus and spoke of doing things which truly attract community members. Next, Mr. McFarland referenced recently sent materials to Council as it relates to the proposed King County Budget. There is a good possibility Human Services will receive some cuts in funding. At risk is the Subsidized Child Care program. Next, King County has announced it may change its policy with respect to who uses their jail facilities. City staff will review those changes and negotiate or handle alternative options with the least amount of financial hardships. The City Clerk's Office issued 835 dump passes this year. Tonnage and costs are yet to be determined. Costs may rise to nearly $40,000.00 Addressing earlier comments by Mr. McFarland, Councilmember Haggerton noted King County is forced to keep certain people jailed who do not belong there, such as mentally disabled prisoners, who would be better served in Western State Hospital. This is a situation which is pushed from the State level to County level; and from the County level to the City level. Cities are being forced to deal with these issues more and more as the State is unable to adequately address or contain the situation. Mr. Haggerton spoke in favor of encouraging State elected officials to get a handle on the situation sooner, rather than later. d. City Attorney City Attorney Bob Noe was not present. City of Tukwila Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes e. Legislative Analyst May 29, 2001 Page 6 of 6 Lucy Lauterbach reported Governor Locke's budget has been changed in the legislature and proposes to make further cuts in mental health issues. Concern is these items will go to the lowest levels of government, i.e., cities. Noting the State's need to develop a transportation solution, Ms. Lauterbach suggested improvements could be achieved by appropriating State monies, in addition to collecting dollars from local and regional entities. At the Federal level, Ms. Lauterbach noted Senator John McCain has a bill that would exempt internet sales from any tax for at least 6 (to infinity) years. This does hurt cities and they are trying to fight the bill. The telecommunications lobby, in Washington D.C., is a very strong one to beat down. MISCELLANEOUS: Mayor Mullet viewed a new DASH senior housing center in Kenmore today. It has 54 units; similar to the size Tukwila may consider. Pricing on the units is 40% median; a little more than $400.00. Tukwila may consider a mix. Fifty percent (50 is Tukwila's market rate. The Mayor spoke to King County Executive Ron Sims on the issue of re -use recently. Re -use is a way to do conservation. Pat Brodin, Public Works Department, has been asked to present verbiage that sets us up with a re -use utility to immediately take it out of the hands of Water District 125 or Highline Water District, calling it a Tukwila utility. Councilmember Duffie noted a group of parents who have recently addressed the Tukwila School Board. The issue whether or not children should remain in elementary school through 6th grade before entering junior high. The argument children are not mentally ready /mature for junior high when in the 6th grade. Councilmember Linder asked for information on Family Fun Center doing a fireworks display. Mrs. Hernandez and Mr. McFarland noted action has been taken and is underway to prepare and carry out a fireworks show. Additionally, Mr. McFarland stated notice would be included in the next edition of The Hazelnut. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Stricken. ADJOURNMENT: 8 :42 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Council, Haggerton moved; Duffie seconded; to adjourn the Committee of Whole meeting. The motion carried 6 -0. J9an Hernandez, Council President Sa Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Signed: ClAki`l-f 2'! /01 a