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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesApril 26, 1993 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER OFFICIALS SPECIAL PRESENTATION DCD Dept. profile. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMIT ME OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Council President Lawrence called the Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCILMEMBERS STEVE LAWRENCE, Council President; JOE DUFFIE, JOAN PRESENT HERNANDEZ, DENNIS ROBERTSON, CHARLIE SIMPSON, ALLAN EKBERG, STEVE MULLET. JOHN MCFARLAND, City Administrator; LINDA COHEN, City Attorney; LUCY LAUTERBACH, Council Analyst; RICK BEELER /JACK PACE/DUANE GRIFFIN/DENISE MILLARD, DCD; DON WILLIAMS, Parks; RON WALDNER, Police; ALAN DOERSCHEL, Finance. The Mayor explained that he's encouraging departmental profiles because many times the work that goes on in the City by staff is extremely important, however, many of us are not cognizant of what's being done. This new procedure will involve one department each quarter bringing an indepth picture of the organizational description of their department. Rick Beeler, DCD Director, and a few members of his staff presented an overview of the Department of Community Development. Jack Pace, Senior Planner, clarified the Design Review process using an array of pictures during his presentation. Duane Griffin, Building Official, distributed a handout and explained that the Building Department enforces building and related codes that set forth and prescribe minimum standards required by local, state, and federal agencies. Denise Millard, Permit Coordinator, reviewed the permit process. She's responsible for issuing building, mechanical, grade /fill and sign permits. In summation, Beeler stated additionally, DCD is responsible for land use regulation activities such as code enforcement, environmental appeals, subdivisions, comprehensive plan /code amendments, administrative appeals, variance requests, zone /sign/landuse information and a host other undertakings. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Timothy Dunn, 16238 49th Avenue South, Tukwila Tomorrow Committee member, commented that he prefers the committee continue with 17 members rather than reducing it to 15 members. In doing so, it fulfills the original commitment and the integrity of the City's resolution. He said the committee has worked with the expectation of 17 members and with 17 members there's the assurance that the majority of members will be in attendance most of the time. The committee is strong enough to maintain and move forward with conviction. Also, with 17 members there's room for attrition. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to where did the proposal come from requesting a reduction in the membership. Dunn responded that it was his understanding the Council had discussed among themselves the issue of not filling the two vacant positions on the Tukwila Tomorrow Committee. If those two positions aren't filled, this would reduce the committee to 15 members. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes April 26, 1993 Page 2 Citizen's Comments Con't. SPECIAL ISSUES A resolution rejecting the low bid for a five gang reel mower /award to Western Equip. Dist. Award of contract to Grade, Inc. for Tukwila Green River Parks Proj. A resolution approving an Ethics Policy. //o7 Councilmembers expressed concern in how the committee would welcome new members while maintaining the committee's current commitments of learning, the scoping process, team effort, and its vision for the City. There are a lot of big issues facing the City that will impact the City financially. The concern lies in that new members won't be as apprised of and as sensitive to the process as those who were members at the onset. Dunn responded that it would not be difficult to bring a new member on board because the group is willing to welcome different ideas and listen to varying opinions. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to have Mr. Dunn take this issue back to the Tukwila Tomorrow Committee meeting, Thursday, to obtain their input on whether to add new members to the committee as vacancies occur or whether to continue with the original members regardless of a reduction in size. Bob Merkle, 4515 South 135th, commented that the north Macadam Road area (144th to Interurban) was originally widened to accommodate bike paths and pedestrians pathway. However, it is being used more for streetside parking than for anything else. He requested that "no parking" signs be placed in that area to alleviate what could be a very dangerous problem. The Council President stated that the matter would be looked into as soon as possible. Councilmember Hernandez informed the Council that this issue had been before the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. It was the consensus of the committee that the low bid did not meet the required specifications for the engine horse power. Therefore, the recommendation is to accept the bid of Western Equipment Distributors in the amount of $36,385 plus sales tax and award at the next Regular Council. It was the Consensus of the Council to forward this item to the next Regular Council for awarding. Hernandez informed the Council that this issue had been before the Community Affairs and parks Committee. She stated that of the five bids submitted for the Tukwila Green River Parks Bids, Grade, Inc. was the low bid in the amount of $76,710 plus sales tax. It was the consensus of the Council to forward this item to the next Regular Council for awarding. Councilmember Mullet stated that the Finance and Safety Committee recommended approval of the Ethics Policy as submitted. It was discussed that a friendly process should be available such as adding a clause that would allow someone to check with the Mayor's office or the City Attorney for advice on a specific concerns, if necessary. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes April 26, 1993 Page 3 Ethics Policy Councilmember Hernandez suggested a more neutral (Con't) person made available should the Council need to seek advice. The Mayor stated that he understands the concern and if a councilmember came to his office he would suggest they check with the City Attorney's office. Councilmember Robertson proposed several changes throughout the document for discussion in hopes that the final revisions will result in the adoption of an ordinance. He also emphasized the need for employees to have access as well as a choice to legal counsel prior to potential conflicts. City Administrator John McFarland commented that with respect to employees, it is important that the employee use the chain of command in making inquiries about conflict of interest or ethics issues. If it's a technical issue, that employee is going to be referred to the City Attorney to get clarification. He said the Mayor is responsible for everything that happens, or fails to happen, with the administrative staff. To create a policy that allows the Mayor to be left out is not appropriate. Those persons who are not answerable to the Mayor could have direct access to the City Attorney for legal advice or perhaps someone outside the City. McFarland concluded that the important thing is that we have a mechanism for people to ask questions. City Attorney Linda Cohen clarified that the city can actuate whatever policy it sees fit; however, we're bound by state law. Therefore, it doesn't matter what advisory opinion is given or what city policy says, the state law is what's controlling. If state law is violated, there are very swift penalties. Cohen said that is why her recommendation would be to adopt a resolution as opposed to an ordinance. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to have the Administration work out details for the sake of clarification in the definitions and other areas as necessary; Lucy Lauterbach is requested to check with other cities to see what they've enacted, then forward the Ethics Policy back to Finance and Safety Committee in preparation for discussion at a future Committee of The Whole meeting. A resolution MOVED BY SIMPSON, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, TO supporting South FORWARD THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SOUTH Central Sch. bond CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND ISSUE ON MAY 18 TO issue. THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.* REPORTS *MOTION CARRIED. NO ,C Councilmember Simpson commented that an intricate part of city government is the education of its citizens, especially the children. Because of the cutbacks in funding on both the federal and state levels, it's even more critical that the city government involve itself with the schools. Councilmember Robertson commented that though he does not approve getting involved in curriculum matters, he does support the school district and its need for money. Mayor Rants presented the First Quarter Reports. He stated that this quarter saw the continuation of a number of significant activities in the City, in addition to the implementation of new activities under a new year's work plan. He stated that staff continues to feel the pressures of Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes April 26, 1993 Page 4 Reports First Quarter Reports (Con't) Discussion of the Duwamish Park Plans. JJ 3? an increasingly heavy work load. He has scheduled meetings with each department to compare first quarter accomplishments against work plans, and to consider what adjustments might be possible. In spite of the many competing demands on their time, staff continues to put out a quality product -that product being service to their customers, the citizens of Tukwila. Councilmember Robertson inquired as to when will the decriminalization of the code violations be completed; and, when will it come before the Council. This subject has been an issue for quite some time, he said. Cohen responded that hopefully a draft will be available by the end of the week for circulation to department heads, and back to the Council within a month. Councilmember Hernandez reported that she had attended various meetings; she reported on items discussed in the Community Affairs and Parks Committee, one being the petition that was received by several people in the Duwamish /Allentown area regarding the picnic area design. The Committee discussed the issue and preferred to stay with 1) The Parks Commission's recommendation; and, 2) Bring it to the whole council for discussion. The Council entered into an elaborate discussion on whether the art work (Maze Project) or the picnic area will occupy the 100 ft. or more area close to 42nd Ave. So. Bob Merkle stated that both projects cannot occupy the same space. Councilmember Ekberg stated his concern was for the safety of the children and that he agrees with the Parks Commission's recommendation. He thinks that for the sake of the children, the picnic shelter should be located between the maze and the swing area. Councilmember Duffle stated that far too much time has been spent on this issue. A decision should be made one way or the other. Robertson stated it bothered him that this issue was being discussed when most of the citizens had gone home, and especially since it was not on tonight's agenda. Robertson suggested the Council President write a letter to the citizens /petitioners informing them that their suggestion was considered. Additionally, a map should be included depicting the project areas and an explanation of the safety issues. Mayor Rants congratulated the Parks Commission on their expertise in handling this issue. He congratulated the Community Affairs and Parks Committee and the whole Council for lending a listening ear to what the Parks Commission had to say and made their decision based on the information received. He said if we want our citizen volunteers to work for the betterment of the City, we need to listen to what they have to say. We do not want to circumvent their work; however, the work has to stand judgment. Lawrence stated that he agrees with the Parks Commission's recommendation but he is sympathetic of the community's concerns. He says he prefers one more presentation at the Duwamish Improvement Club rather than letters going out. Councilmember Hernandez agreed with Councilmember Lawrence, saying she did not want the citizens to be unhappy with the park in their community. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes April 26, 1993 Page 5 Reports (Con't) Staff Report ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING: 10:50 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 10:53 P.M. NEW BUSINESS Authorize Mayor to sign interlocal agreement for airport coalition and appoint reps. ADJOURNMENT 11:00 P.M. Councilmember Simpson reported that he had met with the Burien City Council this evening and gave a presentation on the Human Services Roundtable. Alan Doerschel gave a presentation on the 1993 -1998 Economic Forecast. He said the City of Tukwila is currently the sixth largest sales tax producer in the State following only Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Everett, and Bellevue. During the past three years we have exceeded the sales tax of the other South Puget Sound cities and continue to grow at a faster rate. This recent trend reflects the relative strength and desirability of the Tukwila business community. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, TO ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. Steve Lawrence, Council President Celia Square, Deputy City Clerk SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Rants called the Special Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order with those present as noted above. The Mayor explained that the Tukwila proposal to add a maximum of $100,000 to the 1993 Airport Communities Coalition (A.C.C.) fund was accepted and is in the new interlocal agreement. He said the Council also needs to appoint a representative to sit on the A.C.C. MOVED BY LAWRENCE, SECONDED BY SIMPSON, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE NEW AIRPORT COMMUNITIES COALITION INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT. MOTION CARRIED WITH DUFFIE VOTING NO. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, TO APPOINT STEVE LAWRENCE AS THE CITY OF TUKWILA REPRESENTATIVE AND STEVE MULLET AS THE ALTERNATE TO SIT ON THE AIRPORT COMMUNITIES COALITION. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. W. Rants, Mayor Celia Square,1`puty City Clerk /1 'it)