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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-28 Committee of the Whole Minutes 4t yn LA o �F_;� .f Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers February 28, 2011 7:00 P.M. 190' MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Ekberg called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Allan Ekberg, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; David Haynes, Police Chief; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierioff, Community Development Deputy Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, referenced discussion points and the decision at the February 22, 2011 Council meeting that will prohibit social card gaming by 2016. He indicated there is no plan to deal with the revenue shortfall, and from his standpoint, this is an erroneous decision that will have adverse impacts on City businesses, citizens, and the employees. He encouraged the Council to repeal the ordinance and work with the City Attorney to allow gaming in a type of blue zone that would include the Denny's site. He relayed that residents from the cities of Lakewood, Kenmore, and Richland voted overwhelmingly to allow gaming and asked the Council to think about how Tukwila citizens would vote. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Tukwila Village Next Steps: Library site alternatives and developer selection discussion. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained the King County Library System (KCLS) would like to present the results of their analysis of the Tukwila Village sites to build a stand -alone library. Mr. Speck also explained staff has been soft marketing the Tukwila Village site at the Council's direction, and he has been contacted by 2 very interested developers. He indicated upon completion of the presentation by the King County Library System, he will update the Council on the information he has received from the interested developers. Mr. Speck introduced Ryan Bussard, Architect, and Gavin Smith, Project Manager, with Perkins +Will. Mr. Bussard explained, Perkins +Will was hired by KCLS in December 2010 to analyze potential sites for the new Tukwila Library. The site alternatives were located within the 6 acre Tukwila Village site. He explained the evaluation consisted of both the KCLS site selection criteria and the City's plans for future development. Each site was evaluated using selection criteria that included visibility, site capacity, accessibility, sustainability, site infrastructure, impact on future development, and cost effectiveness. Mr. Smith explained each of the options presented assumes an 8,000- square -foot stand -alone building with additional expansion potential of 2,000 square feet. The design team reviewed the 2008 proposal as presented by Tarragon to determine the 3 potential site areas. Mr. Bussard utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide a brief background on Perkins +Will and review the following 3 site options: Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 2 of 8 Site A: Located on the southeast corner of Tukwila International Boulevard and South 144 Street. Site B: Located on the northeast corner of Tukwila International Boulevard and South 144 Street. Site C: Located on the northern portion of the Tukwila Village site, along Tukwila International Boulevard. Councilmember Hougardy asked if KCLS had changed the square foot size of the proposed facility, and if a particular site would cost more to construct the new library. Bill Ptacek, Director of King County Library System, explained that in 2004 voters approved the bond measure to allow for tenant improvements for the KCLS facilities. Although KCLS does not have the actual funding for a stand -alone facility at this time, they plan to use reserves from other projects to move forward with the new Tukwila Library. Due to the limited funding, they are hopeful they can construct an 8,000- square -foot library. Mr. Ptacek explained the slope and grade of Site A would make that site the most costly for KCLS. The KCLS Board has decided Site B would provide the visibility, access and cohesiveness the library desires. If a developer were to follow the previous plan and site design presented by Tarragon, Site B would afford the library additional space for a future expansion and position the library next to the desired outdoor plaza. This siting is desired because the library is trying to expand outside 4 walls of a building. Staff currently utilizes a mobile library to visit daycare facilities, hospitals, and community centers to engage the community. He feels having the library in such a close proximity to the outdoor plaza would allow them to extend the community outreach even further. Mr. Ptacek thanked Derek Speck for his work on this project. However, the KCLS Board is concerned about how long the process has taken, and if the decision process is extended any longer, there is a possibility the new library will not be constructed. He explained that KCLS is willing to work with a master developer to ensure the cohesiveness of the overall development. This has been a very long process. KCLS values the strong partnership with the City, and they would like to get the project moving now. Councilmember Duffie asked how long it would take KCLS to construct the new facility. Mr. Ptacek explained if the Council were to approve the library site plan, they could have the new Tukwila Library completed within 2 years. Councilmember Robertson indicated he feels the location choice of Site B is the centerpiece of the Tukwila Village site. If the Council were to allow the library to move forward without a master developer, he questioned how the design would work with parking, access to the future development, and the cohesiveness of all the buildings. Mr. Bussard explained the original footprint of the design was based on the previously approved Tarragon site development plan. They are very comfortable with the preliminary site plan, and their past experience in working with other architects and developers would ensure a cohesive design. Marie Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, stated she is a citizen of Tukwila and a member of the Tukwila Library Advisory Board. She feels the project has been discussed for many years and now is the time to get started. She urged the Council to move forward, and stated the Library Advisory Board supports the plan presented by KCLS. Rune Harkestad, 520 Kirkland Way, Ste. 100, Kirkland, commented that he is a co -owner of the property across the street from the Tukwila Village site. He understands the City is heavily invested in the Tukwila Village site. However, he feels that site is only one part of the Tukwila International Boulevard revitalization that needs to occur. He suggested the City take further steps to engage the small businesses along Tukwila International Boulevard and discuss how to further expand the revitalization efforts. Anna Mae Chandler, 13718 34 Avenue South, said that she has lived in this community for 50 years and has voted for the 2 libraries here. She feels the inside of the library should be a living place, warm and inviting. Tukwila is a unique community, and the new library will be used not only by students but also by Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 3 of 8 all community members. Ms. Chandler stressed the importance of technology being available for all users of the library. Pam Carter, 4115 South 139 Street, indicated she feels the area selected is a prime corner of the development, and she originally was hoping for engaging retail in that area. She feels if the City were to allow the future library to build on that site, the building that is constructed should be a signature building. The facility should be welcoming, inviting and engage the pedestrians, and most importantly, a design that does not have its back to the street. Ms. Carter also feels the proposed 8,000- square -foot facility is too small, and she urged KCLS to reconsider a 10,000 square -foot facility. Jim Bernhard, 14241 59th Avenue South, stated he feels Site B is the prime location in the Tukwila Village development. The architectural design of any building to be constructed there is of paramount importance. The end product will be a catalyst for the future development of the remainder of the Tukwila Village site and for the entire Tukwila International Boulevard area. He supports the proposal for the new library, and asked the Council to take their time as it relates to further development of the remaining site. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160 Street, applauded the King County Library System for staying the course with the City and community for the last several years. The community was very excited with the progress made in selecting Tarragon in 2008, then the economy took a turn and Tarragon declined to continue with the development. She is concerned about the current discussion relating to the "future" development. She reminded the Council that the approved design by Tarragon included the library, and it had a housing component and the biggest part of the development was retail. She feels the economy will dictate when retail should return, and now is not the time. She likes the idea of incorporating a senior housing element, and in her opinion, the community would support that type of development. She feels the Tukwila Village site is the perfect place for senior housing, medical care, and a new Tukwila Library. Roger Lorenzen, 14038 Macadam Road South, conveyed he is very excited the library board is willing to continue with the process, and thanked them for sticking with the City. He explained that he is interested in the information about possible senior housing on the site. John Cruce, 13701 43rd Place South, asked what the advantage of a new library would be versus the current library. Mr. Ptacek explained the current library is 6,000 square feet and is not very accommodating. There is limited technology available for users, and the conference room is a set room, meaning staff is not able to reconfigure the space. In a new design, they would want an area that is easily configured to meet the needs of the visitors. In addition to the services provided, the KCLS Board is very interested in having the architects design a world -class building that is pleasing aesthetically as well as functionally. Derek Speck explained that the City has been contacted by 2 developers who are very interested in developing the Tukwila Village site to include senior housing. He reviewed the 4 decision options for Council consideration. 1) The Council may select a master developer for the entire Tukwila Village site; 2) conduct negotiations with KCLS for a stand -alone facility; 3) a combination of options 1 and 2; or 4) none of the above. Mr. Speck utilized a PowerPoint presentation on the following: The Senior Concept: New library Outdoor plaza Indoor commons Small retail shops Coffee shop Restaurant(s) Police neighborhood resource center Office /healthcare Senior housing and market rate housing Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 4 of 8 He clarified that because the potential development concept would be based on senior housing, the project would be eligible for special financing. He also provided background information on Healthpoint, a non profit healthcare provider, and their desire to open a 20,000- square -foot facility in the Tukwila Village area. Mr. Speck indicated that staff is recommending the City select a master developer for the entire Tukwila Village site, and they could then negotiate a space lease directly with KCLS for the future library. This option would be the most beneficial to the City. Councilmember Hernandez expressed concern about the limited information available on the 2 prospective developers. Councilmember Robertson asked how long it could take to select a developer. Mr. Speck commented staff could have the selection process complete within 3 months. He also clarified that if the Council chose to negotiate with KCLS directly, that stipulation could be identified within the request for qualification information. Councilmember Quinn asked if KCLS agreed with the staff recommendation of selecting a master developer for the site. Mr. Ptacek explained KCLS is ready to move forward today, and they have concern that waiting for the City to select a master developer could cause further delays. KCLS is not opposed to working with a developer; the timing and delays are the issues. He indicated the lease option with a developer is an attractive idea. Council President Ekberg asked how the design review would be handled for the development. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained the project would follow standard process, and the application would be reviewed by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR), to include a public hearing and a public meeting. The review would follow the pre established Tukwila International Boulevard Design Manual. Councilmember Robertson asked Mayor Haggerton if the Administration is willing to devote the staff required to complete the 3 -month timeline. Mayor Haggerton answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Quinn asked if KCLS is willing to allow the City to have the 3 months to work though a developer selection process. Mr. Ptacek indicated that if the Council chose to commence the process to select a master developer, KCLS would like to be able to work with the City to ensure all interested parties are in agreement with the timing and desired design of the library facility. Chuck Parrish, 4430 South 150 Street, said that he participated in one of the senior housing tours, and he asked that staff work with the developer to ensure the income threshold could be modified to accommodate a 2- person residency. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160 Street, is very concerned with the 3 -month timeframe that staff has proposed. She suggests the City lease the land directly to the library so they are able to move forward with the design process. She feels leasing the land to them would allow more funding to be spent on constructing a great facility. She prefers allowing the library to move forward today, rather than 3 months from now. Jim Bernhard, 14241 59 Avenue South, indicated he supports the previous speaker's comments. He feels there are unintended risks associated with involving a third party. He feels that the library should be allowed to move forward. Mr. Speck clarified the 2 developers he has been in contact with are very interested in developing the entire Tukwila Village site, including the library as part of the overall development. He explained that at Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 5 of 8 the March 7, 2011 Council meeting, he will provide additional information and information on the risks associated with each of the decision options before the Council. Councilmember Hernandez asked if staff could provide information on whether the developers would still participate in the development if the City were to negotiate directly with KCLS. Mayor Haggerton explained that City Administration will strive to gather the additional information requested by the Council for the March 7, 2011 Regular Meeting. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 9:00 p.m. Council President Ekberg declared a brief recess. 9:12 p.m. Council President Ekberg reconvened the Committee of the Whole Meeting. b. Update on Manufacturing /Industrial Center (MIC) public involvement strategy. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 14, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained the 2011 Department of Community Development work plan includes a study and update of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code for the Manufacturing /Industrial Center (MIC) area. Staff has completed a background report and stakeholder survey. The Council is being asked to consider whether a stakeholder committee process should be undertaken prior to review by the Planning Commission. Ms. Gierloff also clarified that the current moratorium as adopted by Ordinance No. 2321 relating to the acceptance of land use and development permits will expire July 2011. Councilmember Robertson expressed his desire that the public hearing and review process be complete by the July 2011 moratorium expiration. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic. After Council discussion, it was determined that staff would work with the Planning Commission to conduct the MIC comments review and public hearing processes. c. A resolution for emergency repairs of Andover Park West. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on February 15, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained on February 3, 2011, a water main break was repaired and after inspection of the surrounding sanitary sewers, it was discovered the sewer main was broken and a manhole had shifted. The complex damages needed to be repaired immediately. The Council is being asked to approve the emergency resolution. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. An agreement with PACE Engineers for Stormwater Lift Station No. 15. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on February 15, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained this contract is for design of the Lift Station No. 15 Improvements. Three consultant firms were short- listed from the Consultant Works Roster and PACE Engineers was chosen as the most qualified. This project includes adding a backup generator, an electronically activated gate that reduces discharge during flood events, and sealing the pump station. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 6 of 8 e. An agreement with Puget Sound Energy for the Tukwila Urban Center Access (Klickitat) Project. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 22, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This Facility Relocation Agreement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will allow PSE to relocate utilities that currently are in conflict with the Tukwila Urban Center Access Project's improvements. The utilities are located on utility easements which are not included in the franchise agreement. The City has negotiated a not -to- exceed cost of $231,000.00. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. An Interlocal Agreement with the City of Renton for the Strander Boulevard Extension Project Phase II. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 22, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained that after the first Interlocal Agreement was terminated because the railroad tracks could not be relocated adjacent to each other, Renton received approval for Phase II of the project. Phase II will install a new Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad bridge over a Strander Boulevard undercrossing that will tie into the new Sounder Transit Station in Tukwila. A new Interlocal Agreement will allow the City of Renton to construct the BNSF Bridge within Tukwila's right -of -way. Mr. Giberson introduced Rich Perteet, Deputy Administrator of Public Works with the City of Renton. Mr. Perteet indicated the Strander Boulevard extension project has been a joint project between the cities of Renton and Tukwila for several years. The Interlocal Agreement between the cities was previously terminated due to the lack of funding. He explained that the City of Renton has secured the necessary grants to continue with Phase II of the project. They have acquired all of the necessary right -of -ways from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Mr. Perteet indicated that all agreements must be signed to allow the $4.0 million received from federal grants to be allocated by the end of March. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. An Underpass Agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad for the Strander Boulevard Extension Project Phase II. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 22, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Strander Boulevard Extension Phase II project will install a new Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad bridge over a Strander Boulevard undercrossing that will tie into the new Sounder Transit station in Tukwila. This Underpass Agreement with BNSF outlines the scope of work and obligations related to the construction and eventual use of the Strander Boulevard underpass. The agreement also includes an easement agreement as the underpass is within Tukwila. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. h. An Assignment Agreement with the City of Renton and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad for the Strander Boulevard Extension Project Phase II. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on February 22, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 7 of 8 The Strander Boulevard Extension Phase II project will install a new Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad bridge over a Strander Boulevard undercrossing that will tie into the new Sounder Transit station in Tukwila. This Assignment Agreement is between the City of Tukwila, Renton, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The Assignment Agreement assigns all rights and responsibilities of Tukwila executed in the BNSF Underpass Agreement to the City of Renton. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton participated in the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Legislative Conference February 15 -18, 2011, and he attended the Council retreat February 26 -27, 2011. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011. Councilmember Hernandez attended the February 16, 2011 South King County Economic Development Initiative (SKEDI) meeting, and she also attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011. Council President Ekberg attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011, and he thanked the Council Analyst for her work on the Council Retreat. Councilmember Robertson attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011. He referenced the recent presentation to the Transportation Committee on the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project. He asked that the entire Council receive an update on the project associated with the work stoppage, due to the pending approval of levee permits provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Councilmember Seal attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011. Councilmember Quinn attended the Council Retreat February 26 -27, 2011. c. Staff Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, thanked the Council for the opportunity to participate in the Council Retreat on February 26 -27, 2011. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council she will be on vacation March 7 -11, 2011. MISCELLANEOUS The Council requested an update on the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project and the status of the work completed to date and possible delays. Mayor Haggerton explained that staff would update the Council on the status of the project at the March 7, 2011 Regular Meeting. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2011 Page 8 of 8 ADJOURNMENT 10:23 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT EKBERG DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOU NED. Allan Ekberg, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk