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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesJuly 26, 1993 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT OFFICIALS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction of new Police Department employee. Zip codes. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES 1205 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. STEVE LAWRENCE, Council President; JOE DUFFIE, JOAN HERNANDEZ, DENNIS ROBERTSON, CHARLIE SIMPSON, ALLAN EKBERG, STEVE MULLET. JOHN MCFARLAND, City Administrator; LINDA COHEN, City Attorney; LUCY LAUTERBACH, Council Analyst; ROSS EARNST/RON CAMERON/DOUG MICHEAU/TED FREEMIRE/MARV ANDERSON/LES BECK, Public Works; RON WALDNER, Police. Ron Waldner, Police Chief, introduced Gary Leavitt as new police officer and Mayor Wally Rants administered the Oath of Office. The Council and staff gave him a warm welcome. Harold Husby, Manager, Address Management Systems, U.S. Postal Service, presented information on zip codes. Some of the questions posed by the Council were: How does the City go about getting its own zip code? What did the Bon Marche do to get their personalized zip code? Why are there two zip codes for a small city such as Tukwila? How many zip codes have been given out in the last five years in Western Washington? Is there a written policy regarding zip code acquisition? Husby responded that zip codes were designed for the post office to more efficiently sort and transfer the mail. They were never designed for cities to use to confirm municipal boundaries. He stated that the Bon has had a zip code for some time, maybe as far back as the early 60s. It is not something that was recently instigated; and, in the old days zip codes were given out freely. Normally, the zip code splits when the route reaches 20,000 residential deliveries or 55 carrier routes. The two zip codes for Tukwila were devised as a systematic procedure for Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes July 26, 1993 Page 2 Zip Codes (Con't). distributing the mail. There have been probably seven of eight zip codes issued in the last five years in Western Washington. He stated there is written policy for municipal boundaries zip codes and it's quite extensive. The policy involves the entity petitioning the post office, and the post office in turn notifies the residential and business customers and indicate that a particular city has petitioned the postal service to change their zip codes. At this point the residents would offer their input either for or against the idea. The Council requested that a copy of the postal policy on zip codes be sent to them for review. Husby said he would also include, along with this request, a copy of the guidelines for starting a petition to acquire a zip code. Mae Harris, citizen /former councilmember, commented that she has been concerned about Tukwila getting its own zip code for some twenty five years. She stated that the City once had its own zip code (98067), and to her knowledge no one has been issued that number; therefore, she suggested the "98067' zip code be reestablished. She continued that since the City's population has grown so much, especially with a major shopping center and over 2,000 businesses, there's is no way we shouldn't have our own zip code. She said the time has come where deep consideration should be given to this issue. She requested Mr. Husby's assistance in finding a way to pursue this undertaking. Mr. Husby agreed that this has been ongoing plea of the City. However, the post office does not want to do this unless it is absolutely necessary because of the costs that are involved. He said the post office doesn't want to spend excess money because it keeps the postage rates down. Robertson stated that it's not just municipal pride but other reasons that would justify an exclusive zip Code. For example, confidential human services data is compiled based on zip codes to monitor expenditures of federal, state, and county allocations. Therefore, acquiring a zip code for Tukwila would aid in our efficiency. Robertson suggested the postal service remove zip codes that serve no public interest and redistribute them accordingly. Lawrence asked if the City worked out an agreement with the postal service to jointly promote a zip code change so that it will be less expensive and a lot more effective, would that possibly influence a decision in the City's favor. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes July 26, 1993 Page 3 Zip Codes (Con't). Departmental Profile Public Works. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Recess 8:15 8:20 SPECIAL ISSUES Parks Open Space Plan. 007 Husby responded that if the change takes effect, they will push it as hard as they can. Ross Earnst, Public Works Director, and members of his staff presented an overview of the Public Works Department. He explained the service of his department focusing on four segments: Administration Services, City Engineer, Maintenance Division I (street, flood control, surface water, sanitary sewer and water); and Maintenance Division II (equipment rental and facilities). He stated that the mission of the Public Works Administration is to initiate, implement and manage the programs, staff and facilities that provide for the public health, safety and welfare through the design, construction and maintenance of the municipal infrastructure that include: streets, signals, water, sewer, storm drains, flood control, equipment, vehicles, and buildings. None. Council President Lawrence called the meeting back to order with those present as noted above. In his introductory remarks, Don Williams, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the Parks and Open Space Plan -a six year plan for parks and recreation services -is a Comprehensive Park and Open Space Plan that identifies the needs for parks, open space and recreation facilities in the Tukwila area and to establish service policies and implementation strategies to meet those needs. He said this plan is an update of the 1984 -90 plan and is also designed to facilitate compliance with the requirements of the State Growth Managements Act. The plan is also needed to qualify for most state and federal grants. The Council proceeded with reviewing and editing the document beginning with Section II (Community Setting) and ending on Page IV -7. It was the consensus of the Council to begin with Section V (Park and Facility Needs) at the next scheduled Committee of The Whole meeting of August 9, 1993 and if the combined changes (Council Planning Commission) aren't too great, schedule a public hearing for August 23 for citizens input on the plan. Robertson requested a copy of the Planning Commission's draft be submitted for Council review prior a public hearing. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes July 26, 1993 Page 4 Parks Open Space Thus, the hearing could denote the finale and Plan (Con't). possible adoption of the plan on September 6. REPORTS ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING- -10:10 P.M. Williams stated that all Planning Commission changes will be made available for the Council by the end of the week. There being no questions regarding the Mayor's 2nd Quarter Reports, the Council agreed to forgo discussion at this time and will call the administration, individually with questions, if necessary. Robertson reported there are two trees along the trail in the vicinity of Crystal Springs Parks that are preventing light from shining on the trail. If the two trees were moved, the street -light would provide more light to the trail. (Robertson stated that this issue was called to his attention by his son, Travis.) Councilmember Mullet reminded everyone that several guests from our Sister City, Ikawa, Japan, will be sitting with the Council next Monday. The Council meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY SIMPSON, TO ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. Sfeye Lawrence, Council President Celia Square, Deuty City Clerk