HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-14 Committee of the Whole Minutes y Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
O y City
a y City Hall Council Chambers March 14, 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 7:02 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; Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief;
Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Peggy McCarthy, Deputy Finance Director; Bob Giberson, Public
Works Director; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director;
Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Lynn Miranda,
Senior Planner; Brandon Miles, Senior Planner; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator;
Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk.
PRESENTATIONS
a. Swearing in of Officer Erik Kunsmann.
Mike Villa, Assistant Police Chief, introduced Police Officer Erik Kunsmann to the Council. Officer
Kunsmann was originally hired by the King County Sheriff Office and his position was part of King
County's budget reductions. Officer Kunsmann graduated from the University of Wisconsin with degrees
in Political Science and Marketing, and he enjoys spending time with his family and watching San Diego
Chargers football.
Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Erik Kunsmann, Badge #191. Officer Kunsmann's
fiancee, Colleen, pinned on his badge. He explained that he knew from a young age he wanted to be in
law enforcement, and he is very humbled to serve the Citizens of Tukwila. Officer Kunsmann thanked the
Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve the City.
b. Presentation and introduction of Digital Records Center.
Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to highlight the City's Records
Management Program. The following key points were highlighted:
Transition of City documents over the years to various records facilities, ending at the current
Records Center in 2009
Importance of records management and proactive records practices
Management of 1,300 boxes from all City Departments at the Records Center
Importance of microfilming permanent records Microfilm is the only permanent retention
approved by the Washington State Archives
Since 1993 the City Clerk's Office has been responsible for in -house codification of the
Tukwila Municipal Code
Creation of a City Library for essential City publications and attachments to legislation
Eighty -seven public record requests came through the Clerk's Office in 2010 and staff throughout
the City spent 408 hours fulfilling the requests
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March 14, 2011 Page 2 of 6
Integration of 700 active City Contracts, Interlocal Agreements, Legislation, Council Agendas and
Minutes into the City's Digital Records Center
Ms. O'Flaherty conducted a demonstration of the new Digital Records Center for the Council. The
records are keyword searchable and accessible through a web browser and include City ordinances,
resolutions, Council Agenda Packets, Council Meeting minutes, and over 700 active City contracts. She
also introduced the City Clerk's Staff, and updated the Council on their career certifications.
Council President Ekberg thanked Ms. O'Flaherty for the new electronic agenda approval process he has
been utilizing and the records management work by the Clerk's office.
The Councilmembers thanked the staff for the presentation and congratulated them on the advancement
of the Digital Records Center.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Council President Ekberg explained that Special Issues item 4d, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, is a
quasi judicial item, and the Council sits as the legal body regarding any zoning items, and the Council is
not able to participate in any discussion with staff or citizens on these items. He explained the Council
will review the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments at a Public Meeting on March 21, 2011.
Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122 Street, asked the audience members, by a show of hands, to identify
themselves as residents of the Allentown neighborhood. She explained the group of citizens was here to
illustrate to the Council their opposition to the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments in their
neighborhood.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Strander Boulevard right -of -way dedication.
Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting
on March 7, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the Strander Boulevard Extension Phase II will install a
new Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge over a Strander Boulevard undercrossing that will tie
into the new Tukwila Longacres Commuter Rail Station. The Interlocal Agreement with the City of
Renton, as approved by Council on March 7, 2011, specified that Tukwila would dedicate a portion of the
City -owned parcel located between the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroad rights
of -way, which is needed to construct the Stander Boulevard Phase II project.
Councilmember Robertson asked about the value of the City -owned land that is being dedicated to the
City of Renton.
Mr. Giberson explained the entire 6 -acre parcel was appraised at approximately $600,000, and the City
will dedicate approximately a 1 -acre portion, valued at $100,000, to the City of Renton.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. Southcenter Plan Public Involvement Strategy.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee
meetings on September 13, 2010 and February 28, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in
recommending approval.
Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained that staff is seeking Council approval
on how to proceed with expanding public involvement on the revisions to the Tukwila Urban Center Plan.
She indicated that at the September 27, 2010 Council Meeting, the Council requested staff conduct
additional research on opportunities for public outreach and involvement rather than move forward with a
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 14, 2011 Page 3 of 6
consultant agreement to lead the stakeholder outreach. Ms. Gierloff provided the history and background
on the vision and processes staff has utilized on the Tukwila Urban Center Plan.
Brent Carson, 2025 First Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, indicated he is representing WEA Southcenter,
owner of the Westfield Mall, and he introduced the new Development Manager for Westfield, Dan Pascal.
He stated that Westfield participated in the Planning Commission's original review process for the draft
Urban Center Plan, and at that time, they voiced their concern about the overly regulatory nature of the
draft plan. Mr. Carson reminded the Council of the economic study that was conducted in 2003, and the
conclusion from that study stated the plan, as drafted, was economically infeasible. He feels staff
option 3, with stakeholder involvement would benefit the City and the Urban Center.
Randy Bannecker, 820 4th Avenue, Seattle, stated he is speaking on behalf of Sears and distributed a
letter from J. Kal Gibron, Sears Holdings Corporation. Mr. Bannecker expressed concern with information
presented in the staff Informational Memorandum. He feels statements indicating that public comments
were all in favor of the "vision," are a simplification of the comments that staff received. He emphasized
that Sears is willing to comment on a revised plan, and he urged the Council to choose staff option 3.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff and exchanged comments to include: Blend
options 2 and 3; conduct additional stakeholder outreach and involvement; revise the plan prior to
stakeholder review /comments; conduct informational public workshops on the plan; concern on the
potential loss of housing; the importance of an Urban Center Designation; and validity of the Growth
Targets established in 2006.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO HAVE STAFF MOVE FORWARD WITH STAFF OPTION 3,
REDUCE THE TUKWILA URBAN CENTER PLAN PROJECT SCOPE, AND CONDUCT
STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH.
c. Discussion on possible Development Agreement in the Riverton area.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee
meeting on February 28, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Brandon Miles, Senior Planner, explained that a property owner has asked the City to enter into a
development agreement for the construction of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) certified mixed -use building at 12909 East Marginal Way South. The applicant has proposed
frontage improvements to his property and the Tukwila School District property that would include on-
street parking. Mr. Miles clarified a development agreement has been suggested as a means to address
the code uncertainties including parking issues, split zoning and building setbacks.
Council President Ekberg asked if street frontage improvements would limit future development for
neighboring property owners.
Mr. Miles explained the applicant's proposed street frontage improvements would benefit the neighboring
parcel owners.
The Council reviewed the options, exchanged comments, and asked clarifying questions of staff.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO HAVE STAFF MOVE FORWARD WITH STAFF PROPOSED
OPTION 2B COUNCIL TO REVIEW THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND THE DESIGN REVIEW
APPLICATION AT THE SAME TIME.
d. Briefing on Comprehensive Plan Amendments.
Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, explained the City has received 3 applications for Comprehensive Plan
map and zoning map amendments on sites within the Manufacturing /Industrial Center. Ms. Fox indicated
the Council will conduct a public meeting on March 21, 2011, to hear from interested citizens and the
applicants regarding their requests. She distributed a packet of comments that staff has received in
response to the proposed applications. Ms. Fox utilized a PowerPoint presentation to review the Council
process for application review of the Comprehensive Plan amendments, and the 3 applications.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 14, 2011 Page 4 of 6
Application No. 1:
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) Redesignate Three Lots from Low Density
Residential (LDR) to Manufacturing /Industrial Center —Light (M /IC -L) (North Lot)
The applicant, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), seeks to redesignate three vacant parcels "North
Lot totaling approximately 1.8 acres from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Manufacturing /Industrial
Center —Light (MIC /L) located at the western ed of the existing BNSF multi -modal yard east of 44
Place S. The nearest intersection is South 122" and 44 Place South.
Application No. 2:
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad—"South Lot Redesignate Five Lots from Low Density
Residential (LDR) to Manufacturing /Industrial Center —Heavy (M /IC -H)
The applicant, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), seeks to amend the Comprehensive Plan and
Zoning Map on approximately 3.2 acres on five parcels, from Low Density Residential (LDR) to
Manufacturing /Industrial Center —Heavy (MIC /H). The properties are located on the western edge of
BNSF's existing intermodal yard on 51 Place South. The nearest intersection is at South 124 Street
and 51st.
Councilmember Robertson indicated the City has a Growth Management housing goal, and he asked if
altering the zoning would be beneficial to the City.
Ms. Fox explained that if the Council were to approve the application for the rezone, the change in zoning
designation would reduce the amount of residential zoning in the City.
Application No. 3:
Community Bank at Unified Grocer Site Redesignate one lot from Manufacturing Industrial
Center /Heavy (MIC /H) to Light Industrial (LI)
The applicant, Mikel Hansen of the Sabey Corporation, is requesting a change in the Comprehensive
Plan and zoning on .64 acres from Manufacturing Industrial Center /Heavy (MIC /H) to Light Industrial (LI)
at 10200 E. Marginal Way South. The property formerly occupied by Community Bank is now vacant and
it has been acquired by the Sabey Corporation.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED-TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR
MEETING.
9:09 p.m. Council President Ekberg declared a brief recess.
9:17 p.m. Council President Ekberg reconvened the Committee of the Whole Meeting.
e. A resolution to request a special election.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee
meeting on February 28, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, explained that at the July 12, 2010 Council Meeting, there was Council
consensus to pursue a ballot measure regarding the formation and funding of a Tukwila Pool Metropolitan
Park District (MPD) for the primary election on August 16, 2011.
Councilmember Robertson indicated he supports the proposed date of the election. However, he feels
there are two issues for Council discussion and consideration. He asked what type of support service
method will be utilized, and how the City would financially support the operations and maintenance until
the MPD starts generating revenue. He feels the draft resolution should be modified to include a
statement that explains when the analysis relating to support costs will be conducted.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 14, 2011 Page 5 of 6
Ms. Matej clarified for the Council that the draft resolution included in the agenda packet is strictly to ask
the Director for King County Elections to place the item on the August 16, 2011 ballot.
Councilmember Robertson said he is trying to find a way to notify the citizens of the intent of the City to
keep the pool running between the August 16, 2011 primary election and when the MPD starts generating
revenue.
Council President Ekberg asked if the statement in Section 4, "Pursuant to RCW 35.61.050(3), the
Tukwila City Council is hereby designated to serve in an ex officio capacity as the board of
commissioners for the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District," is required by King County.
Ms. Matej explained that King County requires the City to state the governance model in the resolution
asking for a special election. The structure of the MPD governance is to be decided by the Council.
Councilmember Duffie asked what would happen to the Tukwila Pool if the voters do not approve the
formation of the Metropolitan Park District.
Ms. Matej explained that if the election were to fail, the City would close the pool sometime in September,
2011.
The Councilmembers reviewed the election timeline and asked clarifying questions of staff and
exchanged comments to include: conducting a Council work session prior to forwarding the item to a
Regular Meeting; consideration of a 3` -party operator of the Tukwila Pool; reviewing the legal options
available to the City relating to the ex officio capacity and the length of the capacity; the length of time and
costs associated with having staff conduct the support services analysis; the cost to the City to maintain
operating the Tukwila Pool until the MPD begins generating revenue; and the flexibility and structure of
the governing board.
Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52 Avenue South, #5, said she feels the pool is just as important to the City as
Police and Fire resources, as is being fiscally responsible. She has been researching the issue of a
Metropolitan Park District (MPD), and she spoke to a Des Moines MPD Commissioner about the issues.
He conveyed his preference to have the City Council act as the governing board for the MPD. She
supports the Council's choice to have a work session on this item. She stated the citizen's group is
committed to keeping the pool, and in a fiscally responsible manner.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO HAVE STAFF COORDINATE A COUNCIL WORK SESSION.
f. Tukwila Village: Proposed developer selection process.
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator explained the Council voted in support of starting the
developer selection process for the Tukwila Village site. State Law requires the City Council approve the
project developer procedure. Mr. Speck explained and reviewed the following:
Developer Selection
Proposed Selection Process Timeline
Proposed Selection Principles (as approved by Council on March 7, 2011)
Proposed Selection Principal (2008 Original Request for Qualifications)
Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160 Street, urged the Council to review how they verbally refer to Tukwila
International Boulevard. Councilmembers still refer to that area as "the highway." Ms Mann explained in
her real estate experience, affordable housing or income restricted housing built as part of an entire
complex mixed with market -rate housing does not look any different from the unit next door. She stated a
unit in Bellevue sold for $250,000 because of the classification, and the unit next door sold for full price of
$475,000 and the units are identical in appearance. She is supporting the staff recommendation for a
developer selection and urged the Council to continue moving the project forward.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 14, 2011 Page 6 of 6
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton attended the Klickitat construction project presentation at the Tukwila School Board
meeting on March 8, 2011. On March 9, 2011, he attended the Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee
(PIC) meeting, and he also participated in Parent Night and Informational Session at Showalter Middle
School for the City's Burmese families on March 10, 2011.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie attended the March 14, 2011 Cultural Affairs event at Showalter Middle School.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on
March 11, 2011, where they discussed the Association of Washington Business 2011 Legislative items.
On March 14, 2011, she attended the Cultural Affairs event at Showalter Middle School.
Council President Ekberg attended the March 14, 2011 Cultural Affairs event at Showalter Middle School.
Councilmember Seal hosted the March 12, 2011 Council Coffee Chat.
Councilmember Hougardy attended the March 14, 2011 Cultural Affairs event at Showalter Middle
School.
Councilmember Quinn hosted a Somali Community meeting on March 12, 2011.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovernmental
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, said she will provide the Council with suggested work session dates by
the end of the week.
ADJOURNMENT
10:12 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT EKBERG DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETIN DJOURNED.
41
Allan Ekberg, Council Presjderrit
Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 04/04/2011
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 04/05/2011