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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-02-11 Regular MinutesFebruary 11, 1974 8:00 P.M. FLAG SALUTE AND CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS MINUTE APPROVAL APPOINTMENTS ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Proposed resolution Authorize execution of insurance consultant agreement Proposed ordinance Restricting building and land development in a designated area of the City TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Tukwila City Hall City Council Chambers MINUTES Mayor Todd led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order. GARDNER, TRAYNOR, STERLING, DAVIS, HARRIS, SAUL. 3 MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 4, 1974 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED.* Councilwoman Harris stated the Minutes should identify the documents as referred to in the "Pro- posed ordinance Amending Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Todd)" and "Proposed ordinance Rezone from no designation to M -1 (Todd) MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT THE DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN PROPOSED ORDINANCES BE IDENTIFIED AS EXHIBIT A COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE MAP WITH FIRE ZONE NOTATIONS AND ADOPTED BY ORD. #251. CARRIED. *MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 4, 1974 AS AMENDED. CARRIED. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 6, 1974 PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING BE APPROVED AS PUB- LISHED. CARRIED. BiCentennial Commission Mayor Todd announced his selection of the Tukwila Action Committee to serve on the BiCentennial Commission. Councilwoman Harris stated she had forwarded the letter to the Tukwila Action Commit- tee and they indicated they would be very happy to serve. Mayor Todd then asked if anyone else would be interested to take an active part. Councilwoman Harris submitted the name of Dan Saul as Council representative. Members of the audience wishing to serve on the Commission include: Anna Bernhard, Phyllis Pesicka, Ann Crain, Marilyn Patton, Nancy Moore, Sis Robinson and Diane LaPine. Mayor Todd stated letters would be sent to each one confirming the appointments. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, TO READ PROPOSED RESOLUTION. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed resolution authorizing execution of insurance consultant agreement. Councilman Saul asked for an explanation of the second paragraph. Attorney Parker stated if the agreement is entered into, the broker will receive a commission. If the insurance is later purchased from any com- pany, the broker will also receive the commission. Councilman Saul asked if the broker would receive his commission if the City called for bids. Mayor Todd answered yes, and stated he opposed this resolution even though he could not vote on it because this gentleman representing this broker has in hand a bid from the party that has insurance with the City now and has all the infor- mation on the bid. All he needs to do is bid $5 lower to get the bid for insurance coverage for the City. Councilman Saul stated the Committee was just looking at different types of insurance coverage for the employees. Councilman Sterling asked if a letter was given to the agency which is the same as the agreement we now have. Mayor Todd stated the City should have an open bid, not grant this by blank check resolution. The bid information was given in chart form in a letter. If the City then were to grant the contract to Mr. Anderson (present carrier), the City would be paying two commissions. Councilman Saul agreed the alternative was to go to bid to find out about other programs. Councilman Traynor stated we haven't given a dollar value but we have now given Mr. Anderson's bid out exposed it. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO DENY PROPOSED RESOLUTION. CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY HARRIS, TO READ PROPOSED ORDINANCE. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance restricting building and land development in an area of the City of Tukwila west of the Green River and south of Minkler Blvd. MOVED BY TRAYNOR. SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilman Traynor asked if Attorney Parker recommended passage of this ordinance. Attorney Parker replied yes. Council- man Saul asked Attorney Parker why he recommended the Council pass Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 2 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Cont. Proposed ordinance Restricting building and land development Cont. this ordinance. Attorney Parker stated we have, according to the Botch report, a situation with the drainage that is inadequate. This results from the fact that the area is developed and the nat- ural state of the land is disturbed and the land will not absorb when a portion is removed or paved and built upon. This creates a likelihood of flooding which could cause destruction of the im- provements. We have a natural drainage basin that will be com- pletely cut off and buildings constructed over it. At this time, there is nothing to compensate for that natural drainage. The 60" drain line is the only thing to take care of it and it is not adequate. At the time it was contemplated in 1971, we knew we would need at a later date to put a hold on building until adequate drainage could be completed. The Council then reviewed copies of Exhibit A. Councilwoman Harris asked if the area cross hatched in red is the area that is proposed to have building restricted. Mayor Todd answered yes, because the area to the south is served by an LID. Mr. Irving Iverson, represent- ing Sammamish Commercial Co., stated the corner that Sammamish is on is covered by LID #13 which was paid for by the participants, with 90% funding for the streets and bridge. The drainage was assessed entirely to the property owners. Mayor Todd stated, for the benefit for the audience, a brief history of the law suit. Councilman Gardner stated we would be compounding the City's problems if the ordinance is passed. Councilman Sterling asked if whoever developed in the area where the water will not drain away would be responsible for the problem. Councilman Gardner stated whoever changes the lay of the land and causes the water to run differently is to blame according to flood control. Councilman Sterling asked if both parties are seeking building permits now. He stated it appeared we are pointing the finger at one party in the law suit and not the other. Mayor Todd stated as he saw it the City must complete the Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Sterl- ing stated by this ordinance we hope to force the parties to action and also cause other owners to come to the bargaining table. Only one will be in a position to negotiate. He the asked Attorney Parker if the City could expect other law suits against the City by this action. Attorney Parker stated he did not know. Mr. William F. Hennessey, representing Sammam- ish Commercial Co., stated the property is adequately drained by a system bought and paid for by the property owners and has nothing to do with the 60" line. Steve Hall, Public Works Direc- tor, gave a map explanation and stated the property drains into a 60" stub on Southcenter Parkway. The problem comes when the pro- perty is developed and the natural ponding area for the creek is destroyed. The only alternative is to drain indirectly into the 60" line from an 18" line. Mr. Hennessey stated it is too late to say the property owners must be responsible for this situation. Mr. Herb Lamb stated whether or not the City could have foreseen this 18" line would serve for any time could only be determined in the court where the facts will be brought out. Councilwoman Harris stated this Exhibit A was not discussed and more back- ground should be presented. Mr. Mario Segale stated he opposed the ordinance and the parties could be brought to the bargaining table in other ways. Mr. Hennessey stated his client could have come to the bargaining table with a phone call or a letter; there is no need for this ordinance. He agreed to an early trial date and stated he had served upon the City 30 interrogatories which have not yet been answered. Attorney Parker stated the interrog- atories will be delivered by the end of the week, and that just answering those may go a long way to resolve this pro- blem. However, the time has come to restrict the building i this area even though we have not completely exhausted drainage capacity yet. If we wait until the last minute, then we are go- ing to be in a far worse position. The court can grant at any time any new building permits from the City. *ROLL CALL VOTE: 2 AYES TRAYNOR, SAUL; 4 NOS GARDNER, STERLING, DAVIS, HARRIS. MOTION FAILED. Steve Hall asked what his staff's position will be now. Mayor Todd stated all building permits would come before the Council for approval as before. Mr. Poyer, Turkey House, stated he wanted to make clear he was not interedt' in taking sides in this situation. His concern was to build a family -style rest- aurant. Councilman Gardner stated the City should hire an assis- Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 3 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Cont. tant to Attorney Parker on this case. Mr. Reid Johanson stated when he was a Councilmember, at a work meeting discussion, Attor- ney Parker stated he would agree to an assistant on the law suit. Councilwoman Harris stated the Municipal Code book gave the Coun- cil authority to appoint an assistant as the Council deems necessary. Proposed ordinance Restricitng building and land development Cont. CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Councilman Saul read a letter addressed to the Council from David R. Desmul, President, Tukwila Police Officers Association. Coun- cilman Saul stated this insurance coverage for the Police Officers was in with the employees insurance business now in the Personnel and Finance Committee. He stated a letter will be written to the Officers Association to bring them up to date. Letter: Tukwila Police Officers Assoc. Letter: Proposed Shoreline Master Program Set a public hearing date Letter: Shirley Siegal, re: Impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon Claim for damages: John A. Northey Victor A. Schultz Workshop for newly elected Councilmembers NEW BUSINESS Massage operator license Mary Jane Hammes Street vacation petition ,5" 9"7 MOVED BY TRAYNOR TO SET MARCH 11, 1974 AT 7:00 P.M. TO REVIEW PRO- POSED SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM. MOTION WITHDRAWN. Mr. Byron Sneva stated the public hearing should be preceded by a statement from the Planning Commission and he suggested the public hearing be delayed until June, that the deadline has been extended on this. The Planning Commission should look at the situation as it really exists as it does make every facility non conforming. He recommended the proposal be referred to the Planning Commission. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO REFER THE PROPOSED SHORE- LINE MASTER PROGRAM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A PUBLIC HEAR- ING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT. CARRIED. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT CITY BUSINESS* Councilwoman Harris stated this request comes from a citizen and the Council should hear the request before deciding. *MOTION AND SECOND WITHDRAWN. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY SHIRLEY SIEGAL BE READ. CARRIED. Councilwoman Harris read the proposed resolution requesting the City Council urge the House of Representatives to vote to impeach President Richard M. Nixon. Ms. Shirley Siegal stated it is easy to say this is not within the jurisdiction of the City, but the charges are so serious that it cuts across jur- isdictional lines. It would be an inspiration if the City of Tukwila took some positive action. Mr. Robert Crain stated he felt the Councilmembers have an important voice when acting on national matters, but no bigger than his own. He stated he re- sented Ms. Siegal using the Council to further her own political views. Councilman Sterling asked Ms. Siegal how many citizens she represented. Ms. Siegal quoted figures from national polls. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE RESOLUTION TO IMPEACH PRESIDENT RICHARD M. NIXON BE DENIED. CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO REFER CLAIMS OF JOHN A. NORTHEY AND VICTOR A. SCHULTZ TO THE CITY'S INSURANCE CARRIER. CARRIED. Mayor Todd announced the workshop for newly elected Councilmem- bers and encouraged all to attend. Councilman Saul asked if the Council had the responsibility of reviewing these licenses. Mayor Todd answered yes. A discussion followed as to whether the temporary license had been approved. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO TABLE. CARRIED. Gary Crutchfield, Planning Department, stated that since the City has no ordinance, RCW 35.79 applies and states a petition if signed by more than 50 percent of the citizens abutting said street shall be presented to the City Council for a public hear- ing to be scheduled before the proper committee. Gary Crutch- field suggested this matter go before the Planning Commission, in order to review the entended development of the abutting property. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PETITION BE RE- FERRED TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. CARRIED. Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 4 DEPARTMENT AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Investment Committee Community Affairs Committee Street improvements Council Committees Pending business Attorney's report Attorney Parker reported the City had received a summons and com- Westergard law suit and plaint and he had sent it to the insurance agency which was repre- newspaper suit judgment senting the City at that time (the date of the accident was 1971) and entered a notice of appearance, and a letter stating that he was referring the matter to the insurance carrier in hopes that he would not have to enter responsive pleading. "The City had 20 days to prepare an answer; the twenty -first day, I received a motion for default and was forced to prepare an answer. I ca ed the insurance agent and advised him that they referred it to the legal staff of General Insurance Company. I talked to the attorney assigned to the case and advised him I had enter ed an appearance and answer. He apologized that since I had in- formed him by letter that I had entered an appearance and he thought he would have a little extra time." Attorney Parker then read the official judgment that will be enter ed in the case of Highline Publishing Co. vs. the City of Tukwila and City of Tukwila (third party plaintiff) vs. the Record Chronicle. This was heard by Judge Mifflin on January 16, 1974. The City Council must now set a new bid for advertising and pay the judgments for the Record Chronicle and Highline Times to the King County Clerk. Judgments are in the following amounts: Highline Times $2,168.39 and Record Chronicle $1,430.25. Councilman Sterling asked if the court was advised why the Council awarded the bid to the higher bidder, Record Chronicle. Attorney Parker stated yes. Councilwoman Davis stated the Council should approve the specs on the bid before it is advertised. Mayor Todd stated this could be done, but the specs would be according to RCW. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE CITY ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR LEGAL ADVERTISING.* Mayor Todd then instructed the City Clerk that the bid specifications be drawn in accordance with RCW 35.23.352 and the City Council approve the bid as it will be advertised before it is submitted for publishing. *CARRIED. Councilman Dan Saul reported as of January, 1974, investment of $1,227,044.94 came due and were sold; the amount of interest income was $10,758.70 and investments were purchased in the amount of $983,500.00. Councilwoman Harris reported the Committee met January 23 at 7:30 P.M. and reported the following business: Procedure for appeals should be clarified by policy; discussion should be organized to allow each party time to speak. The Committee was requested if the City could provide shelter for school children waiting for busses on Interurban Avenue. This project could be accomplished by the combined efforts of the City, local service agencies, busi- ness and youth organizations. The readjustment of the Planning Commission membership is under consideration and a proposal will be submitted in time before the February meeting. She then re- ported a Community Affairs Committee meeting at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, February 12 at the City Council Chambers. Councilwoman Harris announced a Puget Sound Governmental Conference meeting at Kent City Hall Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 P.M. to discuss the HUD proposal for Kent, Auburn and Tukwila communities. Councilman Traynor read a letter dated January 23, 1974 from Mayor Todd to all Councilmembers urging the Council to consider at their earliest convenience "funding for the implementation of our street improvement and undergrounding program. Our six year undergrounding program and internal street program is now entering its second year since adoption with no action having been taken visible to the citizens." Councilman Traynor suggested this be referred to the Public Works Committee for further consideration. Councilman Sterling stated the Council discussed having a list of items available that have been referred to Committee. Mayor Todd then read from a list he had prepared of these items of pending business in Committee as of February 8. A copy of this list is on file in the City Clerk's office. Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 5 DEPARTMENT AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Cont. Public Works Steve Hall, Public Works Director, stated he had information for Temporary signalization the Council concerning temporary signalization at Andover Park East and Strander Blvd. Stevens, Thompson Runyon currently have submitted an estimate of the costs: $3,700 if the contractor would have to buy the used parts and $2,400 if the contractor would use parts he now had on hand both figures include the installation labor cost. Councilman Saul asked if any money would be refunded when the temporary unit is removed. Steve Hall replied no, most of the cost represents labor. Public Hearing City Hall site Tukwila Days Meeting AUDIENCE COMMENTS New Councilmember Full -time Mayor x"98 Gary Crutchfield, Planning Department, announced a Public Hearing at 7:30 P.M. at the Tukwila Elementary School gym, Wednesday, February 13 to discuss the proposed sites for a new City Hall. Councilman Dan Saul announced a meeting for any citizen interested in attending regarding Tukwila Days at the City House, 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, February 12. Jim Waite, Highline Times, asked when a new Councilmember will be selected to fill the current vacancy. Councilman Traynor stated he would like the Council to consider Friday as a deadline to accept letters of application. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT A DEADLINE OF FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 BE SET TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR VACANT COUNCIL SEAT. CARRIED. Jim Waite then asked if any applications have been received. Councilman Traynor stated three have been received from Bill Moore, George Hill and Reid Johanson. The unexpired term is for two years. Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka stated she received a letter from the Tukwila Action Committee which was also published in the Record Chronicle which stated the Mayor had demanded a full -time salary of $20,000. She asked Mayor Todd if this were true. Mayor Todd replied no. Mrs. Pesicka then asked if Mayor Todd actually had been working as a full -time Mayor. Mayor Todd stated he had observed three days of part -time duties, but found it was not possible to do if the work of the City was to be done. Mrs. Pesicka asked if Mayor Todd ever demanded the City to purchase a new car for his use. Mayor Todd stated he asked the Council to purchase a vehicle so that a Mayor can manage the City's affairs without driving his own. Mrs. Pesicka asked if there was a law that makes it illegal for the Council to appropriate funds by ordinance for a -Full-time Mayor's salary. Mayor Todd replied no. Mrs. Pesicka then asked, if the people wanted a full -time Mayor, who would set the salary would the Mayor set his own salary or would the Council set it? Mayor Todd stated the Council would set the salary and the Mayor has no vote in that. Mrs. Pesicka stated there is a lot of bad rumors and hate building upon hate around here and she stated she is tired of it; she asked the Council if the petitions were signed by enough citizens to indicate that the majority wanted the Mayor to be full -time, would the Council be able to set personal feeling aside and do what their constituency wanted? Mayor Todd gave permission for Mrs. Pesicka to poll the Council for an answer to her question. Mrs. Pesicka began with Councilman Saul; Councilman Saul was undecided. Councilman Traynor stated it is fine for the people to really want a full -time Mayor, but you should consider that there are other cities of greater size, greater assessed valuation and in excess of 20,000 population that operate with a part -time mayor with a lower salary and with a city supervisor. We have operated with this system in Tukwila in the past. In order to provide for a full -time Mayor or a city supervisor, the money will have to come from someplace and that means cutting down on services. Mrs. Robert Crain asked what the salary of the city supervisor would be. Mayor Todd replied that the City of Kent pays $1,900 a month. Mrs. Crain asked what is in the City of Tukwila's Budget to pay for a city supervisor. Councilman Traynor stated that allocation was removed by the request of the Mayor. Mr. Herb Lamb stated Mrs. Pesicka was to be highly com- mended for her line of questionning to the Council it demonstra ted responsible citizenship. He stated he felt the Tukwila Action Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 6 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Full -time Mayor Cont. Committee was a tragic waste of time and a useless burden upon the community. The City Council cannot property give a yes or no answer to the question of the final decision to create a full -time Mayor's office. The Council's duty is to act in our best interest and any petitions might not be in our best interest. That is the burden of their office, but if we don't agree with them we have the next election. Councilman Gardner stated he feels a full -time Mayor would remove the average citizen from running for the office With an expert city supervisor and a part -time Mayor, the average person would have a chance to serve as Mayor. Mrs. Pesicka asked Councilman Gardner if he were on the Council when full -time mayorship was offered to Mr. Baker. Councilman Gardner replied no. Mr. Robert Crain reminded the Council that in the 1973 Budget the Mayor presented an administrative assistant with a salary of $15,000 per year in an attempt to hire someone qualified. The Council cut that amount to $9,600 and we hired the best man available. But it was obvious to me that it was not possible to hire a man to represent the City adequately for that kind of money. I still feel that a city administrative assistant is the best idea. We want someone in the Mayor's office who has been successful in their private life and to ask a successful man or woman to leave a career for four years and then try to pick up that career again is too difficult. So the best group of people is eliminated if the office was full -time. I urge the Council to look at an in- crease in the administrative assistant's salary. Mayor Todd stated the actions of an administrative assistant would still be the responsibility of the Mayor. Mr. Ken Harris stated the fair thing to do would be to put this on the ballot next fall and let everyone have a decision on the need of a full -time Mayor. We should not put the Council on the spot. Mayor Todd stated the present situation is unfair to everybody to let this City go, grind to a screeching halt, because there is no one around to answer the Mayor's phone. Mr. George Hill stated any older citizen around 50 or 55 years of age who has the experience, has lived in the City long enough and has a love for the Cit would be better as a full -time Mayor than someone imported from California to serve as administrative assistant. This man as Mayor, if he served for two terms, could have his pension and Social Security and be quite comfortable. Mayor Todd stated as a part -time Mayor, his accrued Social Security benefits are being eroded by the fact that his present salary is only $400 and the part -time designation negates any other employment benefits or compensation. Ms. Susan Gievers asked, if the Tukwila Action Committee is representing all the citizens in the City, why don't all the citizens get a copy of their letter. Mr. Robert Crain stated the Tukwila Action Committee took the role of speaking for the people all by themselves the people did not grant them the right to speak for the community. Ms. Gievers stated she would like to receive a copy of the letters and make her own decisions. Mr. Clark McConkey asked how many people are in the Tukwila Action Committee. Mayor Todd stated the law requires they identify them- selves in their publications which at this time list two names. Mr. McConkey asked how two people can represent 3,500 citizens? He then asked if the Tukwila Action Committee members were present and they were identified as Mrs. Dwight Gardner and Mrs. John Strander. Mr. Neilson stated the City Council should forget their differences; the time for differences is at elections and not in- between. You should be representing the people now. Mr. Reid Johanson stated the Tukwila Action Committee letter is a legal document and is a report to the people and is not speaking for anyone else. Also he recalled Mayor Todd had men- tioned a $20,000 salary in regard to the position. Mayor Todd stated the $20,000 figure referred to what I have spent hiring people to do maintenance work in my apartments while I was being the Mayor. The Mayor in Tukwila or any other city who is respons- ible for the aministration of a corporation of this size has to be full -time and should at least be paid as much as the people working under him. The people deserve a full -time, on the table, above -board business representative for the City of Tukwila and its problems. It is now time the lies stop, we get the truth out and get on with the business. Mr. Duxbury stated in the 25 years Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 7 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Full -time Mayor Cont. he has lived in the City, this is the first time he has spoke to the City Council and the citizens. He is in favor of a full -time Mayor and the City Council is entitled to more in salary, too. In reference to the Tukwila Action Committee statement that the Mayor is a cry -baby, the Tukwila Action Committee has been shed- ding crocodile tears for many years. Mr. Patton presented 265 signatures in support of a full -time Mayor and this indicates the people are willing to pay for a full -time Mayor. Mrs. Thelma Lee stated we as citizens voted Mr. Todd as Mayor and since he is now a full -time Mayor in duties, the salary should match the job. She stated she is sick and tired of people telling her what is good for her. Mrs. Lutes stated the part -time Mayor of Kent has a salary of $600 and stated the job is too big to handle part time. She also has an expense account, drives a city car and gets mileage on her personal car for conducting city business. She cited other examples of mayors in Auburn, Renton and Lynnwood with greater benefits as well. The City of Tukwila will become a laughing stock for the $400 salary of its Mayor. Mr. Reid Johan- son asked Mayor Todd if he has an expense account. Mayor Todd stated he has had one for two years and has applied once for ex- penses of $6.50 for meals and has purposely avoided billing the citizens of Tukwila for expenses. Mr. Johanson pointed out the choice was up to the Mayor, the account was there. Mr. Burl James asked what Mayor Todd thinks the Mayor's job is worth. Mayor Todd stated it should be worth at least as much as the de- partment heads' salary. He asked the City Clerk for the present salary of the Police Chief and she answered $15,300 per gear. Mr. Ken Harris stated as a matter of priorities, right now we might need a bigger room to meet in, but we will discuss that issue Wednesday night. Each citizen has his own priorities as to how the money should go. Mayor Todd added the situation then would be whether you buy the cow or build the barn first. Mr. Robert Crain stated, in listening to the citizens and thinking it over, he has changed his opinion and would agree that the Council consider a full -time Mayor. Councilwoman Harris stated it is of benefit for the citizens to be aware of something that occured in the 1973 State Legislature. There was a ballot issue regarding raising salaries of officials, some of the raises were enormous, while they were in office. She then read the State law dealing with this subject. Mrs. Pesicka questionned whether this would pertain to a change in jobs part -time to full -time. Councilwoman Harris stated the statutes refer to the Mayor with no designation of part -time or full -time. Mrs. Pesicka suggested a legal opinion is required. Councilwoman Harris stated the salary of the Mayor and the Council is set each year at the time of the Budget. Mayor Todd stated he understood the job designa- tion change would require an ordinance by the Council and the pay can be set at that time as long as the Mayor does not vote on the matter. Mr. Patton stated he is still not clear as to what the citizens should do if they want a full -time Mayor. How would we get this issue on the ballot? Mayor Todd stated the citizens would have to get the proper initiative petition form and obtain new signatures. Mr. Herb Lamb stated the City Council could de- cide to act on this in a matter of days and he urged the Council to represent his best interest and the best interests of all the fine people who are speaking here and do it. Free transit bus Mrs. Nancy Moore stated she rode the bus because she could not get gas for her car and she supported the free transit bus in the City. She presented petitions signed by 376 citizens who also support the bus. She urged the Mayor and the Council to retain the bus in Tukwila. Mayor Todd accepted the petitions. Council- man Traynor added to the petitions with a few letters of support. Mayor Will not resign Mayor Todd stated there has been considerable publicity about his plans to resign on March 1 and the Sunday edition of the Record Chronicle carried an article which called the Mayor a "cry- baby He stated he does not think he is a "cry- baby" but he had a letter from an eighth grade student in Tukwila which brought tears to his eyes; he read the letter which ended, "I love my school, home, family, friends, neighborhood, the City in which I live and I love our Mayor." "Based on this letter, I wish to announce I am not going to vacate my position." Tukwila City Council Meeting February 11, 1974 Page 8 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Police Officers Association King County Library Newspaper reporting Free transit bus ADJOURNMENT 10:33 P.M. D/ Councilwoman Harris requested Councilman Traynor to reply to the Police Officers Association regarding the information about insur- ance coverage plans they wished to have reviewed. Councilman Saul stated his Committee had that information and he would send a letter to the Police Officers Association. Mrs. Anna Bernhard asked when is the Council going to take action on the library we are sponging off the library. A City as big as we are certainly should conttiubute something to the King County Library Fund. Mayor Todd stated the Council had turned this proposal down for allocations to the Library Fund. Councilwoman Davis thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and for their participation. It does not matter what you feel, the most important thing is speaking. Mrs. Robert Crain stated it is healthy too since no smoking is allowed. Mayor Todd urged the citizens to continue to attend the meetings and voice their opinions. Mr. Herb Lamb stated the newspaper representatives here should understand the small percentage of the community the Tukwila Action Committee represents, and you will so phrase your articles in the future. Mary Lehto, Record Chronicle, stated in all her articles she has referred to the Tukwila Action Committee as a committee of two members and has never said unless quoting an article or letter that they represented any number of people in this City. Mr. Reid Johanson then stated he felt Jim Waite of the Highline Times should stick to reporting and not editorialize. Mr. Johanson, after a brief discussion with Mayor Todd regarding a letter of charges, stated he wished to withdraw his name from the applicants for the vacant City Council position. Mrs. Anna Bernhard stated the bus should be available on Sat- urdays as well. Councilwoman Davis stated a Metro survey is available on this. Mrs. Rena Holloway stated Metro promised that by 1974 they would be able to sponsor a bus and she feels there should be a nominal fee for passengers. Mrs. Lutes stated many people she talked to would just as soon pay 10 or even to keep the bus running if they had to. Councilman Traynor indicated the letters he had received stated so as well. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. ATTEST: Frank Todd, Ma)or v Shirlee A. Kinney,/ City Cle