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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers February 24, 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 David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner; Brandon Miles, Senior Planner; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. PUBLIC HEARING An ordinance authorizing a Development Agreement with MRFH, LLC, which would permit the Odin Brewery to locate in the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) District. The Council is being asked to approve a Development Agreement (DA) between the City and MRFH, LLC, which would permit Odin Brewery to locate in the TUC District and produce up to 15,000 barrels of beer annually, with conditions. The DA also establishes architectural and site improvements that exceed the current code requirements to be implemented by the applicant. 7:04 p.m. Council President Quinn opened the public hearing. Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, explained the proposed Development Agreement would allow redevelopment of an existing site along Baker Boulevard. The project site is located within the Tukwila Urban Center District. Current zoning regulations for this district allow brew pubs (producing up to 2,500 barrels of beer per year) but exclude the manufacturing of foods involving fermenting (e.g., a large scale brewery). The type and scale of use proposed by MRFH is not directly addressed by the Tukwila Municipal Code. However, it is desirable in the urban environment envisioned in the Southcenter area by the City's Comprehensive Plan. When combined with a tasting room and outdoor seating, this use furthers the community's vision for Baker Boulevard as an active, pedestrian- oriented corridor serving a future mixed -use, high- density neighborhood connecting the Westfield Southcenter Mall, the transit center, and the future pedestrian bridge over the Green River with the Tukwila Sounder Commuter Rail /Amtrak Station. This project will serve as the type of amenity and attraction desired by current and future residents, workers, and visitors in the Southcenter area. In support of the Southcenter Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan, the applicant has agreed to project - related improvements that will: • enhance the overall image and architectural design quality of the Southcenter area by incorporating facade improvements that minimize the appearance of the building's length and height and add visual interest; Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 24, 2014 Page 2 of 7 • contribute to the pedestrian orientation of Baker Boulevard by constructing wider sidewalks with landscaping that matches the adjacent public frontage; • make access management improvements on Baker Boulevard by reducing curb cuts and combining driveways; and • provide safe pedestrian pathways through the parking lot by connecting the building's public entrance to the street edge with a raised crosswalk. The access, public frontage, site, and architectural design improvements will be further refined by staff during the building permit review process. Council President Quinn called for public hearing comments. There were no public hearing comments. 7:08 p.m. Council President Quinn closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance authorizing a Development Agreement with MRFH, LLC, which would permit the Odin Brewery to locate in the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) District. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 11, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. MRFH, LLC, is proposing to locate a microbrewery at 402 Baker Boulevard. The project involves a remodel of an existing building previously used for a glass manufacturing and retail business. The proposed use includes the manufacturing of beer (up to 15,000 barrels annually), a business office, related parking facilities, and a 1,734- square -foot tasting room and retail outlet open to the public. Redevelopment will consist of tenant improvements to the existing building, as well as exterior building /architectural and site improvements that exceed current code requirements. The Development Agreement contains the following criteria which must be met in order for a microbrewery to be a permitted use in the TUC District: • sell beer for consumption on site and for sale in sealed containers; • produce no more than 15,000 barrels of beer annually; and • utilize an air treatment system and /or other machinery so the brewery meets Puget Sound Clean Air Agency regulations regarding odors, and the brewing process does not cause off -site impacts on neighboring properties or create a public nuisance. (The proposal goes beyond what is normally required to address odors.) Councilmember Hougardy inquired about the proposed seating capacity for the brew pub, amount of retail space and number of parking spaces. Dan Lee, founder of Odin Brewing Company, explained the plan is still in the early design phase and retail space is being determined. He estimated a seating capacity of 150 for the brew pub portion of the project. Ms. Miranda clarified that the preliminary site plan (page 21 of the agenda packet) shows approximately 33 parking spaces, and this number would be finalized during the permitting process. Mr. Lee commented that there would be some flexibility with the parking. He feels the weekend, Friday through Sunday, would be the busiest days for the pub and retail. During those days the employee parking would be available for patron use. Additionally, they have proposed to change some of the fencing and landscaping to open more parking spaces. Councilmember Hougardy voiced support for the proposed development. However, she is concerned about overflow parking. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 24, 2014 Page 3 of 7 Councilmember Kruller asked if there were any additional uses planned for the site, and why they chose Tukwila for the project. Mr. Lee stated there are no additional uses planned at this time. He briefed the Council on some of the day -to -day operations. He commented that during good weather days, they have discussed hosting events in the parking areas such as craft fairs, farmers markets and other festivities to attract visitors. In answering the question relating to why they chose Tukwila, he explained they are a small company with 8 employees and they have been in business for the past four years. Access to infrastructure, freeways /highways and transportation played a part in choosing Tukwila for the site. A unique draw to the City is the proposed location and its proximity to Southcenter Mall, and the site has great operational space. He feels the proposed development fits with the long -term vision the City has for the area. Councilmember Ekberg asked what type of food services would be provided at the location. Mr. Lee stated they are not interested in operating a full service restaurant. He referenced a pub in West Seattle called Beverage Place Pub. That establishment provides patrons with menus for the area food establishments as the food service to the pub. He envisions this same type of set -up for the proposed development. During a festival type event they would use the many contacts he has for food truck vendors. Councilmember Robertson said he recently attended an economic conference, and it was noted that the only place growing in King County, south of Lake Washington, is Tukwila. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. An ordinance updating regulations relating to historic landmarks within the City. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on February 11, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Brandon Miles, Senior Planner, provided an update and history on this item. On November 11, 2012, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 2384, which adopted regulations regarding the protection and preservation of historic landmarks in the City. When the Council considered Ordinance No. 2384, there was concern that private property could be forced to participate in a landmark designation without the consent of the property owner. To address this issue the ordinance was drafted to only apply to City - owned property. Thus, non - City -owned property cannot be deemed a Tukwila landmark and thus is ineligible for funding from 4Culture. City staff has been working with the Masonic Lodge located at 13034 41st Avenue South. The brick on the lodge, which was built in the 1920s, is in need of repair. The Masons lack the funding to fix the existing brick exterior, and they have proposed to install hardieplank as the exterior siding. While this proposal would likely be permitted under the City's design review standards, both the City and Masons recognized that the use of hardieplank is detrimental to the historical character of the structure. The draft ordinance would remove the requirement that a site be owned by the City, and allow the Masons to qualify for the designation by the City as a Tukwila landmark. The Nelsen House would also qualify for landmark designation. Mr. Miles explained that on November 5, 2012, the City Council also authorized the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with King County for historical preservation services. The ILA was transmitted to King County in January of 2013. In November of 2013 a copy of the ILA was provided back to the City, with changes made by the King County Council. The changes to the ILA were made by King County without consulting Tukwila. Staff is currently working with King County to hopefully revert back to the original agreement that was reviewed by the City Council in December of 2012. Additional information regarding this issue will be provided at a future date. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Fire Department pipeline employees. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 24, 2014 Page 4 of 7 Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on February 19, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Council is being asked to authorize the creation of up to three pipeline positions in the Fire Department in an effort to provide a continuity of service and reduce overall costs. Similar to the Council's authorization for four pipeline positions in the Police Department, this would allow the Fire Department to recruit, hire, and train employees when there are known retirements and vacancies. Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief, updated the Council on staffing issues due to injury and retirement. As an example, in 2012 approximately $210,000 in overtime was expended to cover two vacant positions until replacements could be hired. The cost of hiring and training two replacement employees four months prior to the retirement of two senior members can be accomplished at an approximate cost of $200,000. This would result in savings to the City and provide for a continuity of service and reduced impacts to the operational efficiency of the organization. In addition, a brief period of overlap between the addition of new members and the retirement of senior members allows for training and knowledge transfer that is invaluable to the department. The Councilmembers voiced their support for the proposal for adding pipeline employees in the Fire Department. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. 2014 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on February 19, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The department has submitted an application to FEMA for the 2014 Assistance to Firefighters grant requesting $391,272.00 for radio replacement. In approximately 5 years the current radios and the operating system will become obsolete and cease to exist. The current cost of replacing all Tukwila Fire Department radios and their supporting components is approximately $412,000.00. If the City is awarded the grant in the amount of $391,272.00, the City will be required to contribute $20,593.00 in matching funds. The Council exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on this topic. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. False alarm fines. Councilmember Seal indicated these items were discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on February 19, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Fees for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985, and fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004. As City resources are expended to respond to and bill for false alarms, an increase in the fees is being proposed to help recoup City costs and deter the occurrence of false alarms. Councilmember Seal referenced the fire alarm statistics identified on page 74 of the agenda packet. (1) An ordinance increasing false alarm fines. To change the fee structure, modifications are required to Tukwila Municipal Code Section 8.08.040, False Alarm — Fines, and Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 16.16.080. Language regarding the actual fees charged will be removed from the Code and set by Resolution. By setting the fees by resolution rather than in the Code itself, it will be easier to update the fees on a regular basis. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 24, 2014 Page 5 of 7 (2) A resolution adopting a false alarm fee schedule. The proposed and current fee schedule for false alarms follows: False Alarm Proposed Fee Current Fire Fee Current Police Fee First $0 $0 $0 Second $0 $0 $0 Third $150 $25 $25 Fourth and subsequent $200 $50 $25 The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff to include: Acknowledgement that the fee increase is not intended as a revenue source, rather a deterrent for repeat alarm calls; Speculation regarding changes in behavior based on the fee increase; The necessity of communication to the resident and business communities; Clarification regarding whether school facilities, pools and City facilities are exempt from false alarm fines; and Concern relating to valid false alarm calls. Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief, commented that increasing the false alarm fee would deter repeat false alarm calls. The desire is that alarm systems be reliable. Mike Villa, Police Chief, explained that the current fee structure is not a deterrent for false alarms. The hope is that the increased fee will bring awareness to false alarms. Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, reviewed the following from page 74 of the agenda packet. Police Year Total # of false alarms # of billable false alarms Amount billed 2012 872 255 $6,375 2011 810 229 $5,725 2010 837 267 $6,675 Fire Year Total # of false alarms # of billable false alarms Amount billed 2012 552 17 $600 2011 632 25 $900 2010 666 21 $800 She explained that of 814 billable false alarms during the three -year period, 43 of those were billed to residents. Of those 43, 24 billings were first time billings (3rd false alarm) and 19 were repeat billings. One resident had 7 repeat billings (9 total false alarms). Should the false alarm fee increase, staff intends to communicate the increase via articles in the Tukwila Reporter, notification on the City's website, and information announcements. Ms. McCarthy stated school facilities, City facilities and pools are not exempt from being assessed false alarm fines. Chief Villa clarified that when the Tukwila Police Department responds to false alarm calls, they follow a process to assess whether an incident occurred or if there was a false alarm and then report accordingly. He explained that if a resident were to request that their alarm company contact the resident to investigate the alarm, he would hope the resident would notify the Police Department immediately of any issues they encounter. He recently spoke with Police staff about the proposed fee increase, and they are committed to notifying residents and businesses of the increase. Acting Chief Flores stated there are processes available such as the permit process and annual fire inspections where staff can also notify the community members of the false alarm fee increase. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 24, 2014 Page 6 of 7 Mayor Haggerton was not present. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie commented that Tukwila resident Jamie Curfman recently passed away and he will provide service information when it becomes available. He reported that the Community Affairs and Parks Committee has requested staff return to a future meeting with information and suggestions relating to freeway interchange signs. Councilmember Ekberg attended the Preschool Open House at the Tukwila Community Center on February 20, 2014. Councilmember Seal stated she is the President of the Tukwila Children's Foundation. She explained there was a recent Tukwila Children's Foundation meeting with a school district official, City staff, and interested community members to discuss homelessness and the effect on the children and families within the Tukwila School District. With the recent media attention surrounding one student from Foster High School, there has been an up swell in attention on the issue in Tukwila. King County is changing the way they define homelessness (individual and family). Ms. Seal stated the following information relating to the number of homeless students was addressed: The number of homeless students in the Tukwila School District as reported at the recent Tukwila Children's Foundation Meeting *as of February 20, 2014 School Year: Number of homeless students reported: 2009 -10 48 students 2010 -11 148 students 2011 -12 242 students 2012 -13 305 students 2013 -14 293* students She clarified that children in the district are classified as homeless if they meet the following (McKinney - Vento Homeless Assistance Act) criteria: Someone sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing; living in hotels /motels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of alternate accommodation; living in emergency transitional shelters; awaiting foster care placement; primary nighttime residence is not only used as a regular sleeping accommodation such as park bench, living in cars, broken motorhome; and couch surfing. Additionally, the home language of 200 of the homeless students is English; a very low percentage of the immigrant population is defined as homeless. This is a significant issue that impacts the area families. She requested Human Services staff do a presentation during the budget discussions on some of these types of statistics and the proposed changes by King County, and how they will affect the services provided by the City. Councilmember Hougardy attended the recent King County Regional Transit community meeting. She explained the topic of discussion was the proposed King County Transportation Benefit District (TBD) that is proposed to be on the ballot in April. As previously discussed, the plan is to have a 60/40 split on revenues collected and additional changes to the proposal include having surplus funds be dedicated to transportation projects. David Cline, City Administrator, explained information he recently received indicates the King County Council has voted to have the proposed TBD on the ballot in April, with the additional language relating to surplus funding. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 24, 2014 Page 7 of 7 Councilmember Kruller attended the Sound Cities Association Networking Dinner on February 19, 2014, and the most recent Puget Sound Access Board Meeting. On February 20, she attended the Preschool Open House at the Tukwila Community Center. On February 22, she participated in the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) clean -up event, and later that day an emergency drill conducted by the Tukwila Fire Department. She reminded the Council and audience of the upcoming (March 29, 2014) Bowl -a -Thon that benefits the Tukwila Pantry. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, explained that he and the Economic Development Administrator attended the Stories of Arrival event at Foster High School on February 21, 2014. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the ribbon cutting for Seattle Southside's Visitor Information Center at Westfield Southcenter beginning at 4:30 p.m. on February 26, 2014. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hougardy commented that she has been working with the Council Analyst on having a Council presence at the upcoming Community Conversation events. She reviewed the tentative schedule of events for the Council before and after the first Community Conversation event on March 6, 2014. Councilmember Duffie stated the City has great employees, and he feels the Street Department did a great job dealing with recent weather related issues. He thanked all City employees for their work. Councilmember Kruller commented that she recently visited the residential properties that were discussed at the February 18, 2014 Council meeting. She said City Administration and staff are working on the issue. ADJOURNMENT 8:49 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. an Quinn, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 03/11/2014 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 03/12/2014