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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers January 13, 2014 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Quinn called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were De'Sean Quinn, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, Kate Kruller. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Kimberly Matej, Government Relations Manager; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS Stan Peterson, 13310 Interurban Avenue South, said he owns the 76 service station (at the address listed) and they have been trying to expand their business to include a truck stop (fuel station for semi - trucks). They have been working on the expansion for quite some time, and after they obtained the lease for additional property that is necessary for expansion, they began the permitting process. He explained the issues they have encountered are related to the City's Sign Code and the limitations placed on freeway interchange signs. Mr. Peterson distributed pictures of his business location that included the existing signs, and the proposed signs utilizing the previous Sign Code. He feels the freeway sign is very important and he asked that the code relating to freeway signs revert back to the original code. Councilmember Seal asked about the dimensions of the original sign. Steven Peterson, 13310 Interurban Avenue South, stated the original sign (allowed under the previous code) was 28 feet wide, compared to the 10 feet wide allowed by the current code. Councilmember Hougardy commented that based on the information presented by Mr. Peterson (pictures of existing sign and proposed sign) it appears the City's existing Sign Code will not allow the additional information to be added to the sign. She asked how long they have owned the service station. Mr. Peterson said they have owned and operated the station for 35 years. Councilmember Kruller asked if the appropriate City departments have been contacted about this issue and if there is a variance that would allow the larger sign. Additionally, she inquired about the property owners and if they would need to be responsible for obtaining the signage and if the "76" could be removed from the sign to allow the advertising for diesel. Mr. Peterson explained they have been working on the proposed expansion for about one year and they have a 35 -year lease with the property owners, and they have a long -term lease with "76 ". David Cline, City Administrator, commented that the permit process is administered by the Community Development Department. Councilmember Duffie commented that the freeway sign is very important to this business. He feels the site needs a larger sign to advertise the addition of diesel for the truck drivers. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 2 of 9 Councilmember Seal asked for staff to comment on this issue. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained Mr. Peterson has been in contact with Brandon Miles, Senior Planner, regarding the Sign Code issue. She stated the Sign Code Committee worked very hard on the issue relating to freeway interchange signs. With the Sign Code update, freeway interchange signs became non - conforming signs. There was a grace period on those signs and they are allowed to stay with the understanding that they could not be altered. Councilmember Robertson voiced his concern with allowing an exception for one category of sign. Councilmember Duffie asked if a wavier is available for the freeway sign in question. Ms. Gierloff stated the proposed sign is not allowed under the code as written. Councilmember Hougardy thanked staff for regulating the code that was adopted by the Council. She commented that sometimes codes have unintended consequences. Councilmember Kruller asked if the change to the Sign Code was for sign control or to address visual distractions. Ms. Gierloff clarified that the change to freeway interchange signs was to address the visual aspect, and the decision was made to move towards a different signage scheme within the City, more toward ground and monument type signs. Councilmember Kruller voiced her support for having a discussion on freeway interchange signs at the Committee level. It appears the issue at hand could affect a lot of fuel station signs within the City. Council President Quinn asked staff to explain the next steps. Ms. Gierloff stated the issue could be discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. She asked if the Council would want to discuss this issue only or review all non - conforming signs. Councilmember Ekberg explained that he was involved in the Sign Code Committee and the review of the code. The update was a public process, and the taller signs were an issue. He asked for the number of freeway interchange signs within the City. Ms. Gierloff stated there are approximately 10 freeway interchange signs. Councilmember Duffie said that as the Community Affairs and Parks Committee Chair, he would like to review the issue. Councilmember Robertson commented on Council discussion during the Sign Code updates. The signs within the City have an impact, and by updating the Sign Code the City was trying to remove the larger signs. Other businesses have complied with the Sign Code regulations adopted by the Council. He asked Mr. Peterson for a timeline on their project. Mr. Peterson commented that there have been recent changes in regulations for signs (at the state level), and soon the State will be enforcing the cash /credit signs (amount to be charged for each), and most signs will not be compliant with the regulations. He said a new sign could be built in 90 days and they are expecting the expansion of the site to be complete in the next four months. Councilmember Seal asked that staff provide information to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on how many signs would be affected by a change to the code as part of the information to be included for committee discussion. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 3 of 9 Samantha Kruze- Garcia, 2028 Franklin Avenue E, Seattle, said she works for Global to Local and she thanked the Council for their support of the Tukwila Pool. She is the Community Health Promoter for the Latino population and she thanked the Tukwila Pool staff for their hard work, the current program structure and services offered. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A resolution regarding Growing Transit Communities. Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on December 10, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, stated the Growing Transit Communities Partnership is a broad coalition of stakeholders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including the City of Tukwila. The coalition came together in 2010 to identify what will be needed to create the sustainable, equitable communities envisioned in adopted regional plans and supported by the region's commitment of nearly $20 billion in high- capacity transit investments. Ms. Gierloff introduced Michael Hubner, Principal Planner with the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). Mr. Hubner explained the Puget Sound Regional Council is a consortium that came together to shape the region and ensure that transportation improvements support sustainable development and foster vibrant, healthy neighborhoods for all. As a partner in supporting the program, Tukwila would have the opportunity to be part of the committee process for this program. He utilized a PowerPoint presentation to brief the Council on the Growing Transit Communities Compact. Highlights of the presentation included: • Implementing the Regional Vision: o Vision 2040 o Transportation 2040 o Regional Strategy • Regional Consortium (support for the effort by different types of agencies): o Cities, Counties, Transit Agencies, Public Health and Human Services, Public Housing Authorities, Funding Institutions, Non - Profit Developers, For - Profit Developers, Regional Groups, Educational Institutions, Environmental and Transportation Advocates, and Housing and Community Advocates • Implement Region's Plans ($5 million, three year effort): o Corridor -based Planning • Initial focus on light rail corridors • Recommendations for all of the region's high- capacity transit corridors o Regional Equity Network • Building capacity and engagement • Regional coalition, local grants o Affordable Housing Strategy • Financial tools, data, best practices • Demonstration Projects: o Decision Commons, Tacoma, Northgate East Corridor • Goals: o Attract more of the regions' residential and employment growth near high- capacity transit o Provide housing choices affordable to a full range of incomes near high- capacity transit o Increase access to opportunity for existing and future community members in transit communities • Regional Transit Communities Compact: o Non - binding, voluntary agreement o Vision and Problem statements o 3 Aspirational Goals o Consider toolkit of strategies Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 4 of 9 o Ongoing regional process o Commitment to next steps • Toolkit for Strategies and Actions: o Foundation Strategies • Continuing regional program • Partnerships and collaboration • Community and stakeholder engagement • Build community capacity • Evaluation and monitoring o Attract Growth • Station area plans • Efficient use of land • Transit system design • Innovative Parking Tools • Infrastructure and public realm investments o Housing Choices • Housing needs assessment • Preservation and replacement • Housing investments in transit communities ■ Transit Oriented Development property acquisition fund • Value capture financing • Surplus public lands • Incentives ■ Fair housing o Access to Opportunities • Community needs assessment • Environment and public health • Economic vitality and opportunity • Mobility • Education • Neighborhood safety • PSRC Implementation Work Plan: o Compact • Additional Signatories • Transit Oriented Development (TOD) o Technical Assistance o Station Area Planning o Data Development and Support o Regional TOD Advisory Committee o Implementation Grant Framework • Housing o Comprehensive Plan, Housing Element Updates 2015/16 o Local housing needs analysis o Incentive and Inclusionary Zoning o Preservation strategies o Regional Housing Committee Councilmember Hougardy asked how the City would be part of the committee process. Mr. Hubner explained PSRC will form an advisory committee to provide advice to the PSRC Board. Once the committee has been formed, they will establish guidelines for the committee. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. A resolution adopting the 2014 Legislative Agenda. The resolution establishing legislative priorities is intended to be utilized as a tool for Councilmembers when they meet with State Legislators in Olympia in February 2014. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 5 of 9 Kimberly Matej, Government Relations Manager, explained the draft resolution contains language that identifies the State legislative agenda as a list of priority items and does not preclude the Council from opposing or supporting additional items that may arise during the session. The agenda is intended to be utilized as a tool for Councilmembers when they meet with Washington State Legislators during the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) City Action Days (formally City Legislative Action Conference) on January 29 -30, 2014. She explained the State Legislature has begun the 60 -day short session (January 13, 2014), and there is information that the state is able to fund the State's 2013 -15 operating budget. Councilmember Kruller stated there was discussion about King County proposing a transportation funding plan at the recent Sound Cities Association (SCA) Public Issues Committee (PIC) meeting. She indicated that she would provide additional information on this issue to the Council President. There will be a vote on whether SCA supports King County's transportation funding proposal. She asked that this issue be discussed by the Council prior to the next SCA meeting. Additionally, other agencies refer to the "Public Works Trust Fund," which is known by other "titles," and she requested that Attachment A include the additional language. Ms. Matej explained the "Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF)" was originally called the "Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA)." She said the additional language can be added to the materials for the next Regular Meeting. Council President Quinn thanked Ms. Matej for her work on the materials she provided. He suggested the City include language that says the City supports continued funding for education. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and conducted a detailed review of the proposed legislative agenda, specifically relating to transportation and education funding. After Council discussion there was consensus to include additional language acknowledging the importance of continued funding for education. Councilmember Duffie asked what the City is doing to help and support local veterans. After Council discussion there was consensus to have the Community Affairs and Parks Committee review the how the City supports local veterans at a future committee meeting. Ms. Matej commented that as the legislative session matures, there will be one -on -one contact with the legislators. The City was recognized as one of the top communicators to the legislators on issues affecting Tukwila. Regarding veterans affairs, staff reviews the list of active bills during the legislative session for any items that could relate to Tukwila, including veterans affairs. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. A resolution regarding an apprenticeship program. Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on December 10, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. As part of the 2013 Transportation Committee goals, committee members have been exploring the implementation of an apprenticeship utilization goal for Public Works construction contracts. The 2013 Transportation Committee considered the value of an apprenticeship utilization program as a way to ensure a viable workforce in the future. Committee discussions focused on similar programs in the region, and at its December 10, 2013 meeting, the Committee approved a draft resolution. Ms. Kruller feels the resolution would aid high school students to be successful in the trades. Councilmember Hougardy commented that the idea of having an apprenticeship program in the City is very good. She reviewed the history of how the goals for each Council Committee were created so they could be incorporated into the City's work plan. She voiced her concern about this item relating to process, and that it was not included in the 2013 work plan. She said there are some questions she has about this and she asked that the issue be added to the goals and /or work plan for 2014. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 6 of 9 Councilmember Duffie commented that this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee, and he thought it was discussed at the Council level as well. Councilmember Robertson said the issue of an apprenticeship resolution was discussed at the Transportation Committee and he did support this issue. He feels the Council can adopt the resolution and City Administration can add this item to the 2014 work plan to begin the process of establishing the necessary guidelines. Councilmember Seal commented that during her first year as a Councilmember, this issue was a topic of conversation. She voiced her concern relating to the process, and she would like the Council to have additional conversation on the draft resolution. Councilmember Kruller commented that this idea began at the 2013 Council Retreat. Councilmember Hougardy clarified that while this was discussed at the previous retreat, she said she had questions for staff. She asked how the percentage listed in the draft resolution was determined, what type of contracts this program would affect and for observations by staff on applying this program to City projects. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, said staff reviewed the program being used in Burien and based the City's program on that example. He explained the proposed program would affect contracts for water, sewer, storm water, transportation, bridge, and facility projects. Mr. Giberson voiced his concern with the timeline of implementation as the draft resolution identified January 1, 2014 as the start date. Councilmember Ekberg asked for clarification on the apprenticeship guidelines. Mr. Giberson explained the City has not developed any guidelines. Based on discussions on the issue with Burien and Olympia, the City will need to have stipulations included in the contracts so a contractor will understand the requirements and bid appropriately. Councilmember Ekberg suggested adding the words "no less than" and change the percentage to 10 %. This would allow a contractor to use a higher percentage if they were able on certain projects. He said he would be comfortable with adopting the draft resolution with the proposed changes, and changing the January 1, 2014 date. He said as the Transportation Committee Chair, he would follow up on this effort and include the guidelines as a project for 2014. Councilmember Kruller reviewed Section 2 of the draft resolution and other information she gleaned in her research on the issue. Council President Quinn voiced his appreciation for the Transportation Committee's work on this item. The intent of the legislation is for the City to adopt the program. Councilmember Kruller updated the Council on the history of this issue and she feels the Council should move forward with the draft resolution and drafting of the implementation guidelines. Councilmember Robertson asked staff for a timeline needed to complete creation of the utilization guidelines with the department's current workload. Mr. Giberson explained staff would reach out to other agencies such as Burien, Seattle, and the Washington State Department of Transportation to ask if they would share guidelines that are currently being used. It would take City staff approximately two months to draft guidelines appropriate for Tukwila. Councilmember Robertson suggested implementation of the suggested edits, whereby Section 1, subparagraph 1, of the resolution would read as follows: Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 7 of 9 1. Levels of apprenticeship utilization shall be not less than 10% 15% of the total labor hours for the life of the contract for all qualified City construction contracts over $1 million dollars that are awarded on or after January 1, 2014 April 2, 2014. Councilmember Ekberg commented the Transportation Committee will work on the issue within the timeline. 8:57 p.m. Council President Quinn called for recess to allow the videographer to change discs. 9:01 p.m. Council President Quinn reconvened the meeting. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING AS AMENDED. d. Council representation on local, regional, state and national committees. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, explained the draft list of Council representation on regional, state, and national committees and commissions and /or boards for the 2014 calendar year. On an annual basis, the City Council updates its list of Council representations on outside boards and commissions. The list includes boards and commissions on which Councilmembers are serving as a Tukwila City Council representative. City of Tukwila — Local Representation: ❖ Firemen's Pension Board — Councilmember Seal ❖ Lodging Tax Advisory Board — Council President Quinn • Equity and Diversity Commission - Councilmember Seal (Appointed, 2 -year term) Regional Representation: ❖ Cascade Water Alliance Board of Directors — Mayor's Alternate — Councilmember Seal ❖ Highline Forum - Councilmember Hougardy ❖ National League of Cities — Council on Youth, Education and Families — Councilmember Seal ❖ National League of Cities — Transportation Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee — Councilmember Kruller ❖ Sound Cities Association — King County LEOFF 1 Disability Board — Councilmember Seal ❖ Sound Cities Association - Public Issues Committee — Councilmember Kruller (Councilmember Seal Alternate) ❖ Sound Cities Association — Metropolitan King County Regional Transit Committee — Councilmember Hougardy Alternate ❖ Sound Cities Association — Regional Law, Safety, and Justice Committee — Councilmember Kruller ❖ Sound Cities Association — PSRC Transportation Policy Board — Councilmember Kruller ❖ South King County Area Transportation Benefit District (SCATBd) — Councilmember Ekberg ❖ Soundside Alliance for Economic Development Board — Councilmember Hougardy ❖ Washington State Commission on African American Affairs — Council President Quinn ❖ Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA 9) — Councilmember Robertson (Mayor Haggerton Alternate) ❖ Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA 9) Management Committee — Councilmember Robertson The Council discussed and concurred with the above list of representatives. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 8 of 9 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton met with Penny Bartley, Director of the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) Jail on January 7, 2014. During the visit they discussed the increased use of the facility by contracting agencies. The additional use has increased the daily inmate population to 600 inmates, up from the previous 400. He explained this issue will be discussed at the next SCORE Board Meeting. On January 10, 2014 he attended the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition Breakfast meeting, the Valley Communications Board of Directors meeting, the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce Business Awards luncheon and a briefing with Mr. and Mrs. Lee relating to the proposed development of the former Circuit City site. Councilmember Duffie commented on the recent incidents relating to inmates that are incarcerated in surrounding facilities. He asked if there have been any incidents with inmates at the SCORE facility. Mayor Haggerton explained there are very few medical problems reported and the facility design was done with inmate safety in mind. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition Breakfast meeting on January 10, 2014. Councilmember Ekberg attended the Southwest King County Chamber luncheon on January 10, 2014. On Saturday, January 11, 2014 he hosted the Council Coffee Chat. He stated he would provide the Councilmembers with information on the topics discussed. Councilmember Hougardy attended the most recent Rotary luncheon. On January 9, 2014 she attended the retirement event for Fire Chief Nick Olivas and the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition Breakfast meeting on January 10, 2014. Councilmember Kruller attended Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (PIC) on January 8, 2014 where a topic of discussion related to a proposed transportation package being considered by King County. She will provide information about this issue to Council President Quinn. On January 10, 2014 she attended the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition Breakfast meeting and the Council Coffee Chat on January 11, 2014. Additionally, she attended the most recent Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) meeting. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, announced that he was asked to give a presentation at the most recent City Administrators and Managers meeting on the City's urban renewal efforts. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Quinn asked the Council Committee Chairs to prepare three goals for each committee that tie into the City's Strategic Plan for discussion at the upcoming Council Retreat. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 9 of 9 Councilmember Ekberg referred to the citizen comment earlier in the evening relating to freeway interchange signs. He briefed the Council on his experience as a past member of the Sign Code Committee that was formed to assist the Council with the previous update to the City's Sign Code. He suggested the Councilmembers hike Grandmother's Hill (Duwamish Hill Preserve) and view the City from the top of that location, paying special attention to the visible freeway interchange signs. Mayor Haggerton commented that when he was a Councilmember, the Council deliberated for a long time trying to develop regulations relating to freeway interchange signs. Councilmember Duffie said he suggested to Mr. Peterson that he attend the meeting this evening to update the Council on his particular issue. He feels the residents and business owners should attend the Council meetings to voice their concerns about issues they may have. ADJOURNMENT 9:24 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. President De'S can uinn Council 1 G 4 (1 Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 02/10/2014 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 02/11/2014