HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-11 Community Affairs and Parks MinutesCity of Tukwila
Community Affairs and Parks Committee
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE - Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2014 — 5:30 p.m. — Hazelnut Conference Room
PRESENT
Councilmembers:
Staff:
Guests:
Joe Duffie, Chair; Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal
Bob Giberson, Ryan Larson, Jack Pace, Lynn Miranda, Brandon Miles,
Derek Speck, Laurel Humphrey
Joan Hernandez, Resident; Dick Muller and Mike West, Delta Masonic Hall;
Stan Peterson, Becky Peterson and Steve Peterson, Peterson 76; Dan Lee and
Wes Peterson, Odin Brewing Company
CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair Duffie called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS
No presentations.
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Grant Applications: Chinook Wind Site
Staff is seeking Committee approval to submit various grant applications to acquire property for a
proposed habitat project titled "Chinook Wind ", which could establish a significant off - channel
habitat and could be linked to the Duwamish Gardens project currently underway. Construction
on the Duwamish Gardens project is expected to begin this summer, and the City currently has
an interlocal agreement to obtain additional property on the west side of the site. The owner of
the Sleeping Tiger property adjacent to the potential expansion site has indicated a willingness
to enter into a purchase and sale agreement for the entire site. This property includes two
parcels totaling 5.83 acres with approximately 700' of river frontage. Funding options for the
property acquisition include Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Aquatic Lands Enhancement
Account, King County Flood Control District, King County Conservation Futures, and King
County mitigation bank funding. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT GRANT
APPLICATIONS.
B. Ordinance: Updating Historic Landmarks
Staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance that would amend Tukwila Municipal Code
Section 16.60.020 to remove the requirement that a site be owned by the City in order to receive
historic landmark designation. Under this proposal written permission from the property owner
would be required in all cases. Funding opportunities from the County or State often require
official landmark designation, so this change will benefit properties that are seeking funds for
restoration, such as the Masonic Lodge located at 13034 41st Avenue South. In this case, the
original 1920s brickwork needs replacement and the Masons would like to seek funding to use
brick rather than a cheaper alternative in order to preserve the character of the building. Other
historic structures in Tukwila, such as the Nelson House, could benefit from this code change as
well. If this ordinance is approved by Council a related interlocal agreement with King County
will be revised to eliminate conflicting language. Committee members and guests in attendance
were in favor of the proposal. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 24, 2014
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Community Affairs & Parks Committee Minutes February 11, 2014 - Page 2
C. Briefing on Freeway Interchange Signs
Pursuant to a request made at the January 13, 2014 Committee of the Whole meeting, staff
provided the Committee with a briefing on the sign code regulations with regard to freeway
interchange signs in the City. The sign code, adopted in August 2010 after an eight -month
review and deliberation process, disallows new freeway interchange signs. The five existing
freeway interchanges signs became noncomforming at that time, and are permitted to have
refaces and copy changes until August 2015 providing that the sign size, shape, and location do
not change. After that date, they may remain as -is indefinitely. Stan Peterson, owner of the
Union 76 station located at 13310 Interurban Avenue South, approached the Council early this
year about his wish to reface and expand the freeway interchange sign at his business as an
effective means to promote the sale of diesel fuel to freeway travellers. The current sign has a
total area of 200 square feet, but the proposed enhancements would make it 266.16 square feet,
more than was permitted under the old sign code. Mr. Peterson and his family were in
attendance at the committee meeting and spoke on behalf of their sign proposal. Committee
members asked clarifying questions of staff and the Petersons and finally requested that
information about options be brought back to Committee in March. Councilmember Robertson
noted the great amount of time and effort the City put into the 2010 update of the sign code.
INFORMATION ONLY.
D. Ordinance: Authorizing a Development Agreement with MRFH, LLC, for Odin Brewery Project
Staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance that would authorize a Development
Agreement with MRFH, LLC for a proposed microbrewery business at 402 Baker Boulevard.
The project involves a remodel of an existing building to acommodate the manfucaturing of up
to 15,000 gallons of beer annually, a business office, parking facilities, and a tasting room and
retail outlet open to the public. Redevelopment will include improvements to the existing
building as well as exterior site improvements in excess of current code requirements. The
proposed business is located in the Tukwila Urban Center District, and this use is in line with the
community's vision for Baker Boulevard as a vibrant, pedestrian- oriented corridor, providing an
attraction desirable to residents, workers, and visitors in this area. The Development Agreement
will allow the City the flexibility to accommodate Odin Brewery in the Urban Center District. The
Agreement includes criteria that MRFH, LLC must meet to avoid odor impacts on neighboring
properties. Further, the applicant has agreed to numerous safety and pedestrian - related
improvements that will serve as enchancements to this area. The owners of Odin Brewing
Company made remarks on behalf of the proposed project and expressed their enthusiasm for
joining the community. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 24, 2014
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Robertson mentioned several comments made at his February 8 Council Chat regarding
code enforcement and the state of residential neighborhoods, and noted that other Councilmembers
have increasingly heard similar feedback from residents. At its last meeting, the Community Affairs and
Parks Committee had requested a briefing on the impacts of the rental housing inspection program, and
Committee members and staff talked further about the specifics of such a briefing, the potential review of
policies, and how best to ensure code enforcement in the City is as quick and proactive as possible.
Committee Chair Duffie noted that Tukwila Police staff referred him to Code Enforcement staff regarding
a recent situation at a rental property, and requested a follow -up. DCD Director Jack Pace summarized
ways to address the Committee requests including 1) briefing on the rental housing inspection objectives,
and if they have been served since implementation; 2) overview of Code Enforcement policies and
effectiveness; and 3) reminder of how the Budget Process and Comprehensive Plan update will address
some of these issues. Councilmember Seal noted that community outreach is an important factor, and
code enforcement education should be included in outreach activities presented by the City.
Community Affairs & Parks Committee Minutes February 11, 2014 - Page 3
Mr. Pace noted the ongoing work at the State relating to medical marijuana issues and regulations, and
he expects to brief the Committee later this spring regarding any impacts to Tukwila.
Councilmember Robertson noted a recent conversation he had with the City Attorney regarding the
use of hotel properties as temporary housing. It is unlikely this would be feasible due to many
associated challenges.
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Minutes by LH
Committee Chair Approval