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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers January 27, 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 7:02 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; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. Council President Quinn commented that a Tukwila resident has a connection to one of the teams in the upcoming Super Bowl. Jerry Thornton, 3219 South 142nd Place, stated it is an honor for his family to be involved in the upcoming Super Bowl events. He explained that his son started a business some time ago, and the business is responsible for providing uniform services to the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Sounders professional sports teams, and some work for the Olympics. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. 2013 Business Recycler of the Year: King County Housing Authority. Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, explained the City of Tukwila Recycling Program works with any interested business in Tukwila to assist them in starting or improving a recycling or waste reduction program. Each year, since 2006, the program has recognized outstanding achievements by businesses with the "Tukwila Business Recycler of the Year" award. The 2013 Recycler of the Year is awarded to the King County Housing Authority Headquarters /Central Campus. King County Housing Authority (KCHA) provides rental housing and rent subsidies to approximately 18,000 households with low and moderate incomes throughout the county, except incorporated areas in Seattle and Renton. The Headquarters /Central Campus is located in 2 buildings at 600 and 700 Andover Park West in Tukwila where they employ approximately 195 employees at the Tukwila locations. King County Housing Authority's recycling program includes: Employee Education • Strong education program for employees that includes an environmental blog and tips, conducting waste sorts and signage throughout the buildings. Waste Reduction • Participates in numerous waste reduction strategies including reusing office supplies and providing durable dishes in the kitchen. • Completed a four month paper reduction campaign in 2013 where they decreased paper use by about 9% and increased their duplexing rate by 5 %. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 2 of 8 Recycling • King County Housing Authority has a 57% recycling rate, including paper, cardboard, plastics and metals. • Compost food scraps and paper products in 2 kitchens in the Central Campus • Paper towel waste composted at its 7 bathrooms in collaboration with Cedar Grove Organics. These types of recycling programs divert waste from the landfill every day. • Provide battery, electronics and mercury containing compact fluorescent light bulb recycling at work and employees are encouraged to bring these items from home to be recycled. Environmentally Preferred Purchasing • Environmental purchasing policy and conservation standard in place, including the use of recycled content products, including copier /printing paper. • When paper plates and cups are needed, only compostable supplies are chosen. • KCHA has "walked the talk" with eco- friendly elements of new building features that include replaceable carpet squares, low flow /dual flush toilets and low flow aerators. Since implementation of the recycling programs at the Tukwila KCHA Central Campus, it has set the tone for company -wide recycling: • Recycling at each of the 115 buildings throughout the county to include recycling education for King County Housing tenants. • Yard waste collection at 21 KCHA buildings. Mayor Haggerton presented the Business Recycler of the Year award (made from recycled glass) to Jenna Higgins, Management Analyst, from King County Housing Authority. The Councilmembers applauded King County Housing Authority for their good work in the area of recycling and environmental protection. Ms. Higgins thanked the City for the award, saying King County Housing Authority makes recycling and sustainability in general a priority. b. Alive and Free Program update. Mike Villa, Police Chief, explained the Alive and Free program began in 1999 in King County. In 2011, the City had a discussion with the Seattle Seahawks and YMCA about expanding the program into South King County. In 2012, the cities of Auburn, Kent, Tukwila and Renton signed an Interlocal Agreement to fund part of the outreach in the four member cities, and the Seattle Seahawks provide a funding match that provides an outreach worker to each participating city. Chief Villa introduced Sean Goode, Alive & Free South King County Supervisor, with Metrocenter YMCA, and David Lujano, YMCA outreach worker. Sean Goode, 14438 57th Avenue South, stated it is an honor to be here as a resident and area minister. He said comments received from Councilmember Robertson (at the February 11, 2013 Committee of the Whole Meeting) have stuck with him in the past year. The question was asked: "How are we going to know in a year from now that this has made a difference." Those words were not lost, and it has been his pursuit since that meeting that he be able to provide the Council with deliverables about the program. Mr. Goode explained during the past year, they have learned some things, grown the program and will continue to change as the situation evolves. He distributed a copy of an update he presented at a meeting in October 2013 where local Mayors were updated on the program. Chief Villa distributed a copy of the Alive & Free Program update, and Mr. Goode conducted a detailed review of the report to include the following: Objective: Progress: One part of the work being done in Tukwila is to work in collaboration with the Courts to significantly reduce Failure to Appear warrants for court- referred youth who reside in the contracted geographic areas to address disproportionate minority confinement. September 2012 to December 31, 2013: 93 youth referred to the program. 49 youth were successfully contacted about the program. Out of those contacted, 42 of the youth successfully completed the program. 35 youth who did NOT receive a warrant due to program assistance. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 3 of 8 Support court referred youth in obtaining other community based services to address risk factors to violence. The Program outreach worker has worked with the Tukwila School District to assist youth in staying engaged in the academic process while completing court expectations and on some occasions entering and exiting Juvenile Detention. Renton Youth Source was contacted to find case management, GED completion, and short term employment opportunities for court involved youth. Provide Critical Incident Response by deploying • Alive & Free has continued to monitor "Hot Spot" locations as identified street outreach workers when major acts of by Tukwila Police Department weekly through the reporting period. violence involving youth occur to provide family • July 31, 2013: Alive & Free was notified of a shooting on 1 -5 near and victim support, gather relevant information Tukwila. for community and law enforcement partners, help with crowd control, mediate and deescalate • October 2013: Alive & Free has begun to build relationships with apartment complex property managers along the Tukwila International tensions and work to prevent potential retaliation. Blvd corridor as a strategy to engage gang involved youth. • November 2013: Alive & Free was introduced to Westfield Mall Security by Tukwila PD to help provide a presence during the holiday season Collaborate with South King County youth • June 18, 2013: Alive & Free participated in the Tukwila Summer Kick -off service organizations to build a network of put on by Tukwila Parks and Recreation as coordinated by Nate support for highest risk youth residing in Auburn, Robinson, Recreation Teen Specialist. Kent, Renton and Tukwila • August 12, 2013: Alive & Free Supervisor participated in the Race and Reconciliation Meeting facilitated by Tukwila School District. • August 16, 2013: Alive & Free served ice cream to youth at the Tukwila Community Center's late night program and strategically engaged youth identified by Teen Director as gang involved. • October 2, 2013: Alive & Free partnered with Foster High School in working with a group of truant youth to help create strategies to successfully engage the academic process. • November 2013: Alive & Free Outreach Worker in partnership with "The If Project" participated in an event at Foster targeting high risk youth. Mr. Goode explained a decision was made to change the outreach worker for Tukwila, and David Lujano was assigned to work in the City. Mr. Lujano was very successful in the other cities he served. Tukwila youth are transient, and the Tukwila Transit Center is a hot spot for the area youth. Since the City began the process of improving the area along Tukwila International Boulevard, the area youth have moved to neighboring apartment complexes. He commented on the successful leadership change within the Tukwila School District, and increased collaboration by school district staff. Councilmember Duffie congratulated Mr. Goode on the progress made within the past year. Councilmember Robertson asked if the area youth would benefit from a teen center along Tukwila International Boulevard. Mr. Goode answered in the affirmative. The area youth would greatly benefit for having a place close to the high school where they could engage in a positive social environment. Council President Quinn thanked Mr. Goode for the update, especially the details showing how many youth have been supported by the program. Councilmember Ekberg asked about any risks to funding for the program, additional benefits of a youth /teen center and the future of the program. Mr. Goode stated the program is dependent on the funding from participating cities. They would like to have two outreach workers in each city. The Seahawks have asked for success stories from the Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 4 of 8 program, and he feels the cities should support this request. His experience with Tukwila is that the Tukwila Community Center is not centrally located, and the addition of a teen /youth center along Tukwila International Boulevard would provide a positive place that could become a central hub where the youth are celebrated. There are so many possibilities to make a positive impact on the area youth, and it is exciting to think about the future. Councilmember Seal thanked Mr. Goode for the work being done to serve the community. Councilmember Hougardy stated it is worth investing in the area youth, and commended Mr. Goode and the outreach workers for trying to stay ahead of the problem by providing appointment assistance to the program participants. She asked if having two outreach workers would double the youth receiving assistance. Mr. Goode stated the reality is outreach workers are spread thin because they are responsible for an entire city. If an additional outreach worker was available in the City, he would like to see more one -on- one assistance provided to the participants. This would provide greater service to the individuals that need that additional attention. They have partnered with Renton Case Management to assist in providing other services to the program participants. Councilmember Kruller commented that this is a very successful program in California. The partnership with Coach Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks is wonderful. She asked what can be done to help keep the program moving forward. She explained that while attending an event, she was able to witness the program in action. She voiced concern about human trafficking at the mall, and how this could be worked on. Mr. Goode said there are issues surrounding human trafficking, and this is not their area of expertise. However, this is a call to the community: if you see something, speak up, say something, and draw attention to the situation. He referenced a story Ms. Kruller told him in a previous conversation; it is all about having people speak -up. Everyone is a person and sometimes people use intimidation, and information on human trafficking needs to be shared so everyone knows about the issue. Councilmember Kruller said the City is working on a program with Global to Local; she asked if Alive and Free utilizes that resource. Mr. Goode stated they have not used Global to Local as a resource and he would like information on their services and organization. Councilmember Robertson commented on an earlier statement about the area youth being transient. One of the goals he wanted to accomplish is to lessen the transient nature of the community. Mr. Goode explained that by improving the area along Tukwila International Boulevard, people will see the example and it will begin to change the texture of the community. Creating a safe space where kids can be kids could aid in lessoning the transient nature of the area. Councilmember Ekberg commented that the program appears to have a pulse on the youth within the community. He asked if they knew if any youth were displaced due to the recent closure of the three motels along Tukwila International Boulevard. He feels the City needs additional housing stock due to the closures. Mr. Goode confirmed there were a few youth displaced and until the three sites are replaced with other developments, they will just be abandoned buildings. With the closures, the youth have moved to the area apartment complexes and are less visible. By changing the landscape we will begin to see greater change in the community. He concurs with the statement that the City needs safe temporary and short- term housing in the area. He thanked the Council for the continued support in the program. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 5 of 8 CITIZEN COMMENTS Forrest Hurley, 13705 10th Avenue SW, Burien, explained in July 2013 the City Council adopted an ordinance relating to zoning regulations for recreational marijuana. He feels there are no viable locations available within the established zone. He understands the desire of the City to protect the residential neighborhoods within the City, and he agrees with that regulation. However, he feels the numerous regulations on the approved locations for retail marijuana locations will discourage these types of businesses. He has located a site off Minkler Boulevard, and he has a letter from the building owner and signatures from surrounding businesses supporting his proposed retail marijuana location. He asked the Council to consider providing an exemption for his proposed business. Councilmember Kruller thanked Mr. Hurley for providing the Council with his information. She stated that he lives in Burien, and she asked why he is interested in opening a retail marijuana location in Tukwila. Mr. Hurley stated he is allowed three licenses by state law. In addition to the location in Tukwila, he has applied for a license to open a retail site in Burien. Councilmember Ekberg asked if the license request is for production, manufacturing or retail. Mr. Hurley stated his business plan is to open a retail location. However, the City's current regulations do not allow a retail location in the site he has selected. Christine Neuffer, 13813 37th Avenue South, explained that she attended the recent Metropolitan Park District (MPD) Board Meeting (January 22, 2014) where she provided a definition on discrimination and her interpretation of the definition. Ms. Neuffer felt the need to explain the reasoning behind those comments. She feels the government has a great responsibility not to model or discriminate against its citizens. After she spoke (at the January MPD Meeting), an employee from a King County funded initiative stated that issues associated with the single gender swim (at the Tukwila Pool) had been brought to her attention several times. The King County- funded initiative serves and educates community members from countries where the relationship between the government and its people vary greatly. Ms. Neuffer voiced her opinion that all community members should be able to be present and observe how the government administers taxpayer- funded programs. She asked that the City take no further action that would infringe on the rights of the community members. Robert Neuffer, 13813 37th Avenue South, stated he is before the Council to provide more comments, and he will continue to attend meetings to voice his concerns. He stated that his wife is the most caring person he knows. He feels everyone in America has the right to voice their opinions. He referenced a story he recently heard on a radio station that centered around recent events with a tourist in India. Mr. Neuffer also recalled events from his military experience relating to discrimination. PUBLIC HEARING An ordinance vacating right -of -way within the City of Tukwila generally described as portions of 41st Avenue South adjoining South 144th Street. On December 9, 2013, the Council passed Resolution No. 1810 fixing the time for a public hearing for the vacation of right -of -way within the City. The City and Normandy Court Holdings, LLC, are property owners abutting the 41st Avenue South right -of -way, and Samara Hubner Inc. is a property owner with an easement connecting to 41st Avenue South. 8:04 p.m. Council President Quinn opened the public hearing. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained he is pleased to have this item discussed as it relates to the Tukwila Village Development. The draft ordinance, if passed, would vacate portions of 41st Avenue South and fold into the land designated for the Tukwila Village Development along with the private property acquired by the City. In November 2013, the Transportation Committee reviewed the draft ordinance setting January 27, 2014 as the public hearing date for the proposed street vacation. The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 6 of 8 public hearing was noticed (published in the newspaper); staff produced a direct mailing relating to the proposed street vacation and public hearing and mailed it to the affected properties; and contact was made with the utility companies who have easements within the area. He explained the proposed ordinance has four conditions that include pedestrian and vehicle easements for the Normandy Court and Samara Apartments. Councilmember Ekberg asked for clarification on the easements. Mr. Speck explained that currently the Normandy Court Apartments have site access and Samara Apartments, have an easement to 41st Avenue South. The draft ordinance grants new easements to both the properties. Council President Quinn called for public hearing comments. Pam Carter, 4115 South 139th Street, voiced her support for the proposed street vacation and the development of Tukwila Village. The draft agreement preserves access to the two existing properties. Forrest Hurley, 13705 10th Avenue SW, Burien, commented that Tukwila could engage more youth by involving them in working with animals. He explained the City of Burien provides city- managed animal control services, and youth enjoy working with animals. Council President Quinn stated the comments made by Mr. Hurley can be shared with Mr. Goode. 8:12 p.m. Council President Quinn closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Discussion of an ordinance vacating right -of -way within the City of Tukwila generally described as portions of 41st Avenue South adjoining South 144th Street. The Council is being asked to approve an ordinance vacating the portion of 41st Avenue South that adjoins South 144th Street. The proposed street vacation is necessary for the Tukwila Village Development to proceed. The Council exchanged comments and voiced their support for the draft ordinance. Mr. Speck thanked those in attendance this evening and introduced Herald Hubner, owner of the Samara Apartments, along with his Attorney, Robert Verzani. He thanked them for their work on this issue. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Discussion on Sound Cities Association King County transportation proposal. The Sound Cities Association (SCA) Public Issues Committee (PIC) has asked its members to seek input from their Councils on a proposed policy position regarding the formation of a countywide Transportation Benefit District, with 60% of the funds being allocated for Metro Transit funding, and 40% being distributed to the County and cities based on population for other transportation needs as determined by the local jurisdiction. Councilmember Kruller explained this item will be discussed at the next SCA PIC Committee meeting in February, and she thanked the Council Analyst for her assistance on this item. She explained King County is seeking support on a proposed Transportation Benefit District that will appear on the April ballot. The proposal includes a 1.5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, wherein 60% of the funding received would fund Metro Transit and 40% would be distributed to the County and cities based on population for other transportation needs. Without a state transportation package, Metro will experience a 17% decrease in funding, and that decrease will then reduce the areas of service for Metro. Ms. Kruller referenced the draft distribution estimates on page 85 of the agenda packet. If approved, the draft shows Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 7 of 8 that Tukwila will receive approximately $500,000 from the initiative. She said the question for the Council is whether the City supports the proposed King County Transportation Benefit District. Councilmember Robertson said the City would benefit financially from a City - established Transportation Benefit District. However, without additional funding, a reduction of King County Metro service would have a greater impact for a significant amount of residents who utilize the public transportation system. Council President Quinn commented that the City encourages transit - oriented development, and the proposal would aid that type of development. Councilmember Seal explained that she has received a few emails today relating to the impending closure of the small Park - and -Ride lot along Interurban Avenue (King County lost their lease of the site). Transportation is an issue and she voiced her support for transportation items that serve the many Tukwila residents who utilize public transportation. Councilmember Duffie spoke in support of the item. He feels the Council should continue supporting transportation that will benefit Tukwila residents. Councilmember Ekberg commented he would be supportive of the King County proposal if the $500,000 the City would receive under this plan could be dedicated to a residential street program. Councilmember Kruller voiced her support and appreciation of the Council discussion on this item. She feels the residents in South King County depend on public transportation. It is not clear if the ballot item will pass (by the voters); it is clear something needs to be done. Councilmember Hougardy commented that this item will be reviewed again at the SCA PIC meeting and then move to the King County Transit Committee, where the organizations would present a united front relating to transportation funding. Without funding, the proposed service reductions by Metro would be extensive and she commented that there are no guarantees the item will pass by a vote of the people. She voiced her support to dedicate the City's portion of the distribution to street projects. Mayor Haggerton said there was a general discussion of this item at the most recent Sound Cities Association Board Meeting. He commented that when a distribution is based on residential population, the City of Tukwila receives a smaller distribution than if distribution were based on daytime population. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the SCORE (Jail) Board of Directors meeting on January 22, 2014, and then he received information the next day that the SCORE facility peaked at 705 inmates. He explained a lot of other cities are interested in contracting with SCORE, and the Board has authorized hiring additional staff to support the demand. Later that day he attended the Cascade Water Alliance Board Meeting, where the Board presented Don Davidson, former Bellevue Councilmember and CWA member, an award recognizing his services. He thanked the City Council for the opportunity to participate in the Council Retreat. He announced that he will participate in the AWC Board Meeting, and the City Legislative Action Days being held in Olympia January 28- 30,2014. Additionally, on January 31, 2014 he will participate in the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Board Retreat. b. City Council Councilmember Ekberg reported on the issues discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting earlier this evening, including design work to be completed for the new signal on South 144th Street (and 42nd Avenue South) near Foster High School. Based on the information presented by Mr. Goode earlier in the meeting, he wondered if the Community Affairs and Parks Committee could discuss housing options for the youth in the Tukwila School District. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 27, 2014 Page 8 of 8 Councilmember Seal attended the King County LEOFF 1 Board Meeting on January 22, 2014. She commented that Youth Care, an organization in Seattle, works towards securing housing for homeless youth. She indicated that she would contact them about the issues within Tukwila to gather information. Councilmember Hougardy announced that she has been selected to participate on the SCA Nominating Committee. Councilmember Kruller thanked the Tukwila Rotary association for the invitation she received to attend the January 23, 2014 meeting. She felt it was a great opportunity to meet and mix with the SeaTac Rotary. She announced the Council will be participating in the AWC City Legislative Action Days (January 29 -30, 2014), and she reminded the Council of the upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration to be held at the Vietnamese Church of Saint Martyrs, 6841 South 180th Street. Additionally, she commended the Mayor for reporting to the Council relating to the additional staff to be hired at the SCORE facility. Council President Quinn thanked the Tukwila School Board and Council for the successful retreat. He referenced an email that he received from Nancy Coogan, thanking the Council for inviting the Tukwila School Board and other officials to participate in the recent retreat, and the hope for continued collaboration between the City Council and Tukwila School Board. The Council voiced their appreciation for the work done by Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, and Council President Quinn for their work on a successful Council Retreat (January 24 -26, 2014). c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, thanked the Council for the invitation to attend the recent Council Retreat. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, thanked everyone for their participation in the recent Council Retreat, and distributed the City's Legislative Action Binder prepared for the Council in advance of the AWC City Legislative Action Conference to be held January 29 -30, 2014 in Olympia. ADJOURNMENT 8:51 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. De'Sean Quinn, Council President 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