HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-12-02 Regular MinutesDecember 2, 1991 Tukwila City Hall
Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Mayor VanDusen called the Regular Meeting of the
Tukwila City Council to order and led the audience in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL JOE DUFFIE; JOAN HERNANDEZ; DENNIS ROBERTSON, Council
President; CLARENCE MORIWAKI; ALLAN EKBERG; STEVE
LAWRENCE, JOHN RANTS.
OFFICIALS MIKE KENYON, City Attorney; JOHN McFARLAND, City Administrator;
EVELYN BOYKAN, Human Services Coordinator; ALAN DOERSCHEL,
Finance Director, ROSS EARNST, Public Works Director ANN
SIEGENTHALER, Assistant Planner; RON WALDNER, Chief of Police;
VIKI WITSCHGER, Administrative Services Director.
APPOINTMENTS AND
PROCLAMATIONS OF
THE MAYOR
CITIZENS COMMENTS None
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Mayor VanDusen read a Proclamation designating
the week of December 7 -13 as Drunk and Drugged
Driving Awareness Week.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, TO
APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS SUBMITTED.*
Councilmember Hernandez requested item 6 d be withdrawn and
discussed under New Business.
CONSENT
AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 11/4/91
b. Approval of Vouchers
General Fund $115,106.48
City Street 138,637.85
Arterial Street 509,737.07
Land Acq., Building, Dev. 4,950.11
Facility Replacement (302) 3,527.68
Water Fund 9,512.58
Sewer Fund 6,130.47
Water /Sewer Construction 336.93
Foster Golf Course 4,740.51
Surface Water (412) 138,808.15
Equipment Rental 35,369.77
Firemen's Pension 0.00
TOTAL $966,857.60
c. Accept as complete 17th Golf Course Tees construction project by Hi-
Grade Asphalt; authorize release of retainage.
(withdrawn) d. A resolution granting a 6.4% cost of living wage increase to non-
represented employees.
(withdrawn) 2,, Authorize Mayor to execute Tri-Party Agreement with
Southcenter and Metro for improvements to Southcenter
transportation infrastructures.
(withdrawn) Accept right -of -way on South 148th Street for street and utility
purposes.
(withdrawn) g. Accept Latecomer's Agreement and exhibit; authorize Mayor to
execute Latecomer's Agreement between the City and KOAR-
SeaTac Partners, LP for storm sewer extensions.
Ord. #1613 h. An ordinance granting Highline Water District the right and
franchise to occupy Tukwila rights -of -way for the purpose of water
distribution.
i. Authorize Mayor to accept State Farm river storage benchcut and trail
turnover.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 2
Consent Agenda (con't) Council President Robertson requested items e, f, and g also be
withdrawn and moved to New Business.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Library Alternatives
*MOTION CARRIED THE CONSENT AGENDA IS APPROVED
AS AMENDED.
Mayor VanDusen opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. Trish
Ekberg, Library Advisory Board Chairperson, gave a brief overview of
what the board has been doing regarding the issue of library
alternatives. Currently Tukwila contracts for library services with King
County Library System. In 1990 KCLS implemented a change in its
contract rate which impacted Tukwila a great deal. The change was based
on property taxes and because of the extensive commercial base and small
residential population, the costs have skyrocketed. In 1990 costs were
$100,000; in 1991 costs rose to $565,000; and in 1994, costs are projected at
$1.2 million. Due to rising costs, the Library Advisory Board investigated
options available to the City. Their goal is to make a final recommendation
to the Council that they feel will be supported by the citizens. The Board
has identified the following alternatives: 1) continue to contract with King
County Library Service; 2) to annex to King County Library Service with an
interlocal agreement; 3) develop an independent library system.
Referencing a matrix in the agenda, Mrs. Camozzi -Ekberg explained that it
looked at each alternative according to some of the criteria the Library
Board had considered important. The Board identified flexibility of
services, the amount of local control the City would have, the costs, the type
of facilities that would be available, and risks that would relate to each
alternative. In addition, the Board determined that an inter library loan was
a specific service that people were concerned about. As a result, they
looked at how each of the alternatives related to the inter library loan
service. They also investigated the level of services and where the money
would come from.
Mrs. Camozzi -Ekberg stated with Option I, which was to continue to
contract with KCLS, the City would continue to contract and maintain some
local control through a contract negotiations and an active Library Advisory
Board. Contract costs would rise to $1.2 million by 1994. Because funding
has historically come out of the general fund, it raises the question of
additional taxes or reduction in other services in order to cover the library
costs. The current level of service would be maintained with few options for
expansion. Tukwila citizens would have access to all branches and
materials in the large library system. Option I maintains the status quo as it
is today.
With Option II, annexation to KCLS with an interlocal agreement, the City
would annex to KCLS and funding would come from King County property
taxes. Tukwila as a whole would still be paying the $1.2 million by 1994
through a direct tax to each property holder in the City. The City itself
would not be directly responsible for funding library services. It would be
the responsibility of each property holder. The current level of service
would be maintained, and there are few options for expansion of library
services. Citizens would have access to all branches and materials in the
large system. This option duplicates the contract option except for the
funding. Also with this option, Tukwila will have some control over the
local libraries with the interlocal agreement. This would allow Tukwila to
negotiate some of the desired changes that we would like to see in our local
libraries. King County would like to see the local Library Advisory Board
maintained.
Option III develops an independent library system. If residents voted for
this option, Tukwila would leave KCLS and develop its own library system
such as Renton and Enumclaw. Although it would give Tukwila the
flexibility to offer the services, hours, and facilities that would best fit
Tukwila's library needs, it would not duplicate the range of services KCLS
can offer. Tukwila would maintain local control, and
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 3
Public Hearings (con't)
Library Alternatives (con't)
Audience Comment
after initial start up costs, this alternative could possibly operate
around the $600,000 to $900,000 per year range. There remain many
unknowns with this option; a feasibility study would have to be completed.
In conclusion, Mrs. Camozzi Ekberg read the Board's tentative
recommendation. The Library Board, with three votes and one vote yet to
be determined, recommends that the Tukwila City Council place an issue on
the ballot that would give the citizens the opportunity to vote on the
following: Option I, Option II, Option III. The "winner" would be the
option that the City would pursue. The Board's intent would be to offer all
three options because they are not sure they have heard all citizen's input
yet. Of the three options, the Library Board feels the community will
support annexation to the KCLS with an acceptable interlocal agreement in
place. King County has expressed a willingness to improve the library
situation within Tukwila and the possibility exists to expand or relocate the
Foster library while retaining the Tukwila library. Tukwila will continue to
have full rights and access to all libraries in the area and the financial
responsibility of the City for providing the services would be relieved. An
interlocal agreement will allow Tukwila to negotiate for and maintain
appropriate control over any actions that might affect the libraries within our
boundaries.
Councilmember Moriwaki asked how much control could be put into an
interlocal agreement prior to an annexation and whether the KCLS board
had been contacted to see if they agree with that kind of policy. Mrs.
Camozzi -Ekberg responded that Tukwila and King County would draft the
interlocal. Tukwila would then put it on the ballot for the voters. After an
affirmative vote, King County would decide whether or not they would
accept it. Moriwaki inquired whether the ballot would be an advisory ballot
or whether the intent was to accept whichever option garnered the most
votes as the majority choice would be the one pursued. Mrs. Camozzi-
Ekberg responded that she believed the latter was the understanding of the
board. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, explained that if more people vote
"yes" to the annexation option than "no the annexation is done. If the "no"
vote for annexation is predominant, you go to the secondary decision and
choose either contracting or independent. Those two are advisory and the
City is not bound by either of those two decisions. But if the "yes" votes
exceed by one the "no" votes on annexation, the annexation is done.
Councilmember Hernandez asked for clarification that the option of having
an independent library system removes the benefit that Tukwila users would
not be able to have access to a King County system. Mrs. Camozzi- Ekberg
responded that there remained a question as to whether an agreement could
be negotiated which would allow residents to use King County branch
libraries.
Al Peeper, 17083 53rd Ave. So., stated he was not opposed to the library;
however, in order to make an intelligent choice, he would like to see data on
cost per book, cost per citizen, how many Tukwila families use the library
and how often they use it. In his opinion, the City needs to set limits on how
much it is willing to spend.
Scott Nangle, 14140 56th Ave. So., commented he uses the King County
Library in Burien and feels Tukwila should be able to do better with an
independent library system.
Betty Gully, 13017 Macadam So., stated she would use the local library
more if a larger one was available.
Elizabeth Springer stated she was in favor of joining the King County
library service but only after an agreement has been reach between Tukwila
and the King County Library Board.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 4
Public Hearings (con't)
Library Alternatives (con't)
1992 Budget
The hearing was closed at 9:08 p.m.
MOVED BY RANTS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, TO TAKE A 10
MINUTES RECESS. MOTION CARRIED
The public hearing was opened at 7:45 p.m. The following healthcare
representatives requested funding for 1992:
*Sharon Atkins, Emergency Services Director, South King County Multi
Service Center.
*Anita Durbach, Executive Director, Childcare Resources.
*Bill Moyer, Director, South King County Nutrition Program.
*Tom Rassmussen, Director, Senior Services of King County.
*Paul Gellason, King County Sexual Assault.
*Richard Brooks, Executive Director, RAYS.
*Tom Young, Highline/West Seattle Mental Health.
*Louise McGrody, YWCA.
*Laurie Carr, Highline Midwifery Clinic.
*Mary Ellen Stone, King County Sexual Assault.
*Jean Sauls, King County Housing Authority.
*Cindy Doesman, Community Health Centers.
*Kevin Host, Director, Family Services of Renton.
*Linda Rassmussen, DAWN.
*Joanna Hartness and Laura Edwards, King County Women's Programs.
*Allen Whittenburg, Independent Living/Catholic Services.
*Cynthia Goodwin, Ruth Dykman Children's Center
Comments were also offered from the following:
*Connie, Hoffman, Keep Our Community Residential (KOCR).
*Charles Simpson
*Nancy Lamb, Vice Chair, Arts Commission
*Pam Carter, President, South Central School District Advisory Council.
*Ron Lamb, Chairman, South Central School Board.
The meeting was called back to order at 9:22 p.m. with Councilmembers in
attendance as listed above.
Thelma Larsen, 12522 51st Place So., stated there were too many
variations and "ifs" in the propositions as presented. All questions
should be resolved before anyone can make a decision on this issue.
The public hearing was closed at 7:38 p.m.
Finance Director Alan Doerschel explained that during preparation of 6 year
financial plan he realized what he thought would happen in 1994 was
actually going to happen in 1992 -93. The City would reach a point where
the normal cost of doing business could catch up with our revenue increase.
If conditions stay the same, the cost of doing business and adding no new
people, we think revenue will grow at about 6 percent, and the cost of doing
business at today's services levels, using the same resources, will grow at
about 7.5 percent. We also don't have the reserves we've had in the past.
Sales tax grew about 9 percent each year for the last ten years. 1992 will be
the first year the City will pay the full cost of providing services to the
annexation areas. For example, three years ago the cost for library service
was $100,000; in 1992 that cost could reach $825,000. Three years ago
costs for King County health care was $26,000; in 1992 that cost will reach
$200,000. Charges from Valley -Com for 911 services has increased 2.5
times since three years ago. Liability insurance, which is based upon the
number of City workers, will also rise as the employee count has risen from
140 three years ago to 260 to date. Cost of doing business went up 11
percent without adding any new employees. The 1992 budget, as presented
by the Mayor, is a hold- the -line budget. To balance the budget, money was
borrowed from the reserve fund.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 5
Public Hearing
Sign Code Revisions
Public Hearings
Street Classifications
NEW BUSINESS
Res. #1198 Granting a
6.4 Percent Cost of Living
Increase to Non Represented
Employees (from Consent Agenda)
Ann Siegenthaler, Assistant Planner, reviewed the proposed revisions
to the sign code. Three categories were affected by Council's
requested changes to the draft ordinance: 1) changes regarding public
facilities, 2) design standards for signs for public facilities, and 3)
illumination.
Mayor VanDusen closed the hearing at 9:40 p.m.
Councilmember Hernandez explained that this resolution had been
discussed at a Finance and Safety Committee meeting and forwarded
to the Consent Agenda. Since that time questions have arisen that
need to be discussed by the full Council.
The public hearing on sign code revisions was opened at 9:22 p.m.
Elizabeth Springer asked if the Blood Bank would be allowed a larger sign
under the revisions. Siegenthaler responded that the proposed definition in
the draft ordinance does not address an organization such as the blood bank
that is not necessarily publicly funded but does provide a public service.
Mayor VanDusen pointed out that there are tax funds going into
organizations such has hospitals and the blood bank even though they are
considered non profit. Following discussion by the Council, City attorney
Mike Kenyon suggested revising the first line in the definition of public
facilities to read: "a public facility means any facility funded in whole or in
part by public funds
Scott Nangle, resident, suggested staff take a look at what the City does as
far as posting its own signs. In his opinion, many City signs don't serve the
purpose for which they were intended.
Council President Robertson stated he was concerned that if Council revised
the public fund term, they might be doing more than they want to do at this
time. As the sign code is due for revision in 1992, he suggested staying with
the limitations of the definition in the draft as it now reads.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE, TO HAVE
THE DRAFT COMPLETED AND PREPARED IN ORDINANCE FORM
AND BROUGHT BEFORE THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor VanDusen opened the hearing at 9:43 p.m. City Engineer Ron
Cameron explained that the proposed Functional Street Classification
identifies the functional classification for principal arterial streets,
minor arterials, and collectors. Any other streets would be classified as
access streets.
Betty Gully, 13017 Macadam South, asked for the definition of "collector"
arterial and how it affects the area from Interurban to So. 144th.
Councilmember Moriwaki responded that it is the lowest level of an arterial
designation. A collector arterial collects traffic from access roads from
neighborhood streets and feeds it to minor arterials which then feeds the
traffic to principals and then to the freeways. Mrs. Gully stated she would
oppose the classification if this designation encouraged or led to further
industrial in the Riverton community. Councilmember Rants explained that
the classifications are from WSDOT and allows all cities to be consistent
and use the same terminology.
Council President Robertson suggested that definitions of the classifications
be added to the ordinance.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT THE
ORDINANCE BE PREPARED WITH DEFINITIONS AND MOVED TO
THE CONSENT AGENDA ON DECEMBER 16. MOTION CARRIED.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 6
New Business (con't)
Res. #1198 Granting a 6.4
Percent Cost of Living
Increase to Non Represented
Employees (con't)
Authorize Mayor to Execute
Agreement for Improvements to
Southcenter Transporatation
Infrastructures
Accept Right -of -Way on So. 148th
for Street and Utility Purposes
Execute Latecomer's Agreement
between the City and KOAR-
SeaTac Partner, LP for
Storm Sewer Extensions
OLD BUSINESS
Ord. #1614 Amending BAR
Design Guidelines to
Implement Multi family Design
Standards
Council President Robertson stated he had asked the Administrative
Services Director for more information.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, TO
MOVE THIS ITEM TO THE 12/5 SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING
FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Robertson asked for reassurance that the
reimbursement percentages were sufficient and money has been
designated in the budget for the City's cost on this project (Andover
West). Public Works Director stated the project will not be in the
budget because it was removed from the CIP. The City has five years to
construct the project. The contractor has agreed to these mitigations as part
of their project. If the City does not build its portion of it, the developer
does not have to build the improvements.
A discussion followed on the mitigation fees and how the costs and
percentages were calculated.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE, THAT THE
CONTRACT BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE AN INFLATIONARY
ESCALATION CLAUSE.*
Councilmember Moriwaki commented on the need for a set policy on
mitigations.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Council President Robertson requested clarification regarding the
need for sprinklers per Tukwila codes as a condition of building
permits. He asked whether sprinklers would still be required if the
code changed between the time the agreement was signed and before any
future homes were built. According to City Attorney Mike Kenyon, the
builder would be required to follow the Tukwila codes in effect at that time.
Ross Earnst explained that currently the water district serving So. 148th
does not have sufficient water flow. The option is to put in fire hydrants
and/or upgrade the system or sprinkle them which requires less flow than the
fire hydrant. The property owner has chosen to sprinkle the homes rather
than upgrade the water system.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY RANTS, THAT THE CITY
ACCEPT THE RIGHT -OF -WAY ON SO. 148TH STREET FOR STREET
AND UTILITY PURPOSES AS PROPOSED. MOTION CARRIED.
Council President Robertson asked if there was any cost to the City in
the form administrative fees for handling the latecomer's fees. Ross
Earnst explained there was a minimal charge for handling included in
the fee.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, TO ACCEPT THE
LATECOMER'S AGREEMENT AND EXHIBIT; AUTHORIZE MAYOR
TO EXECUTE LATECOMERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
AND KOAR SEATAC PARTNERS, LP FOR STORM SEWER
EXTENSIONS. MOTION CARRIED.
MOVED BY DUFFLE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT THE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY.
MOTION CARRIED.
Attorney Kenyon read An Ordinance of the City of Tukwila, Washington,
amending Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 18.60.050 Board of
Architectural Review Guidelines, to explicitly allow consideration of
additional evaluation criteria
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 7
Old Business (con't)
Ord. #1614 Amending BAR
Design Guidelines (con't)
in implementing the purpose and objectives of this chapter.
MOVED BY DUFFLE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, THAT
ORDINANCE 1614 BE ADOPTED AS READ.*
Council President Robertson stated he was very uncomfortable with this
ordinance as it appears to be modifying and creating the zoning code and an
ordinance without actually specifying anything. It doesn't seem logical or
defensible.
City Attorney Mike Kenyon explained that what the BAR considers in the
criteria for the design guidelines must be relevant or useful to satisfy the
goals of the Chapter. The standard that the BAR would be subject to in
court, if challenged, is an arbitrary and capricious standard. The legal
definition to prove that an action is not arbitrary and capricious is if there is
any set of facts that can be conceived that support the action. As long as it is
a relevant or useful document or thing they're considering, that's not only a
set of facts that can be conceived, that's a set of facts that is, in fact, there
that supports their action.
Because he considered the guidelines to be extremely vague,
Councilmember Moriwaki suggested the language be amended.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE, TO REPLACE
THE WORD "SHOULD" EVERYWHERE IT APPEARS AFTER
SECTION 18.26.050 (1A) WITH THE WORD "SHALL"
Councilmember Hernandez stated that the ordinance as written doesn't have
the impact she had intended it have. She favors making the ordinance
stronger if possible.
Councilmember Lawrence inquired if changing the "shoulds" to "shall"
would change the document enough to require a more significant process.
Kenyon responded that Council may want to offer another public hearing on
the wording change.
According to Vernon Umetsu, Associate Planner, this section has been
proposed for extensive amendments in the Multi- family Design Standards.
The Planning Commission has already gone through it and extensively
revised the standards with the mandatory "shalls" and required language.
Council President Robertson suggested denying the motion as the ordinance
would have to go back to the Planning Commission for another public
hearing. This may delay the Multi family Standards which could be before
Council by February.
Councilmember Moriwaki agreed to withdraw his motion with the caveat
that the Multi family Design Standards have more "teeth
Attorney Kenyon suggested amending the guidelines by adding the words
"the following, which shall be considered in all cases:" to the end of the
underlined paragraph on page 127. By making this change the BAR will be
forced to continue considering every one of the elements in sub paragraphs
1 -5 and also giving them the ability to consider the draft multi family
*MOTION WITHDRAWN. Councilmember Moriwaki withdrew his
motion. Councilmember Lawrence withdrew his second.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, TO ADD THE
WORDS "THE FOLLOWING, WHICH SHALL BE CONSIDERED IN
ALL CASES" TO THE END OF THE UNDERLINED PARAGRAPH ON
PAGE 127. MOTION CARRIED.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting
December 2, 1991
Page 8
REPORTS None
EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING UNTIL 11:15 P.M. TO ALLOW A FULL 30
MINUTES FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. MOTION CARRIED
Back to order
11:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
11:30 p.m.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, TO
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was called by to order with all
Councilmembers in attendance as listed above.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY RANTS, THAT THE
MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED
Van Dusen, Mayo
Jaffe E. Cantu, City Clerk