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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-02-25 Regular MinutesFebruary 25, 1974 8:00 P.M. FLAG SALUTE AND CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS MINUTE APPROVAL APPOINTMENTS ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 6ao TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Tukwila City Hall REGULAR MEETING Council Chambers M I N U T E S Mayor Todd led the Pledge of Allegiance and called the meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order. GARDNER, STERLING, TRAYNOR, DAVIS, HARRIS, SAUL. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1974 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED, WITH GARDNER VOTING NO. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 19, 1974 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 1974 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED. Mayor Todd administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Reid Johanson to install him as a member of the City Council. Councilman Johanson then signed the Oath of Office and submitted it to the City Clerk. Proposed resolution MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY GARDNER, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION Flood Control Program BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read the proposed resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application for federally subsidized Flood Insurance Program. MOVED BY GARDNER, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilman Sterling asked if this precludes our chances of getting disaster flood money. Mayor Todd stated he did not know, the matter went to committee for research. Councilman Sterling stated we should look into that aspect before passing on this. Mayor Todd stated it would not be harmful to pass it. He then presented a newspaper article to the Council. Councilwoman Davis suggested this be put on the agenda for next week while the disaster funding is checked into. Steve Hall, Public Works Director, stated this matter was answered in the bro- chure under Paragraph 17. Councilwoman Harris suggested it would be interesting to know what progress the County is making on this subject. It might be a good idea to invite someone from the County to be present at next week's meeting. Steve Hall stated in a conversation with Mr. Wanamaker he had learned King County had adopted this program. *MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO TABLE. CARRIED. Ord. #834 Amending MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE Ord. #242 re: Planning BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance amending Commission Ord. #242 reducing the number of members of the Planning Coituiiission from 12 members to 9 members. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT ORD. #834 BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilman Traynor asked what part of this ordinance revises the Municipal Code. Attorney Parker stated it is not proper to amend the Municipal Code; the ordinance will automatically amend the Code when it is codified. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT SECTION 8 SHOULD BE AMENDED TO READ: "A majority of the membership of the Planning Commission, not less than four of whom shall be appointed members, shall consti- tute a quorum for the transaction of business." CARRIED. Council- woman Harris stated when this was discussed last week, the commit- tee's ordinance was considered improper because it did not amend the Code. Why is this ordinance more proper? Attorney Parker stated we have created this board already in Ord. #242 which we must amend or revise. I feel that we should retain a portion of the historical background of Ord. #242. Also, the present members of the Planning Commission are appointed under the authority of Ord. #242; this revision comes at a timely moment when there are 3 vacancies that permit us to revise without asking someone to resign. Councilwoman Harris stated she also felt that keeping some portions of the ori- ginal ordinance was necessary because it created the original board, and the couuuittee's proposed ordinance reconfirmed the people who were presently holding the positions, which this one does also. When you amend the ordinance it is also necessary to amend the Code. Attorney Parker stated the Code is not an official enactment of the City Council and he doesn't believe it is necessary to amend the Code. Councilwoman Harris said she would like to have that in writ- ing as this situation will come up again. She has seen other Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 2 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Cont. Ord. #834 Cont. APPOINTMENTS Ex- Officio members Mayor Todd asked that the Agenda be amended to include appointments to the Planning of Councilmembers to the Planning Commission. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, Conmtission SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE AGENDA BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. CARRIED. Mayor Todd read his letter recommending that Councilman Traynor be appointed to Position #1 and that Councilman Saul be appointed to Position #2. MOVED BY STERLING SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT COUNCILMAN TRAYNOR BE APPOINTED TO POSITION #1 AND THAT COUNCILMAN SAUL BE APPOINTED TO POSITION #2 IN CONCUR- RENCE WITH THE MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS. CARRIED. Mary Lehto, Record Chronicle, asked how many members now would constitute a quorum to vote and conduct business. Attorney Parker stated a quor- um would consist of 4 appointed members plus 1 ex- officio member. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Cont. Proposed ordinance MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING TO TABLE. CARRIED. Establishing a Board of Adjustment CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Mrs. Patton Mrs. Patton announced she had letters from the citizens indicating letters from citizens their choice of the City Hall site. Mrs. Moore presented 91 -plus re: City Hall site letters to Council President Traynor. Councilman Traynor stated he had received several as well. Council discussion City Hall site Mrs. Moore Mrs. Pesicka Mrs. Moore Mr. Lamb governmental agencies amend the ordinances and their code so that both will be accomplished. Attorney Parker stated the City has gotten by in the past without amending the Code. Councilwoman Harris stated she would like a clarification of that and made her request in the form of a motion. Mayor Todd pointed out the motion was not in order. Councilwoman Harris withdrew her motion. Council- man Traynor pointed out the discussion will be on the record in the published Minutes. Mayor Todd directed Attorney Parker to write a letter of clarification to Councilwoman Harris. Councilman Traynor asked about the ordinance to establish the Board of Adjustment. Attorney Parker stated he has all the information necessary now to start this, but it is quite involved and will take some time. *CARRIED. Councilman Traynor stated it is now the time to decide what the Council will do to select the City Hall site. I have about 150 letters and will take this opportunity to read a few of the remarks. Most of these letters indicate a preference for Site #10, the Van Woerden property. Councilman Johanson stated the Council needed to take some time to review the letters. Mrs. Nancy Moore stated the letters are not in the form of petitions, they simply indicate choice preference. Mrs. Pesicka stated the Public Hearing comments indicated a majority of those people interested enough to come wanted the Van Woerden property. I am willing to go along with the majority, is the Council? Councilman Sterling stated at the last meeting last year on a City Hall site, the people indicated they wanted Site #6 and that is also my personal preference. Mrs. Pesicka stated the people also voted down the bond issue on Site #6. Councilman Sterling stated the Planning Commission made a reconaiiendation and that only 4 people at the Public Hearing voted for any other site than Van Woerden. "I still have to vote the way the people want me to vote." Mrs. Moore stated she had a total of 91 letters with the majority preference for Site #10 and many people who wanted to sign one did not get a chance yet. One lady did say she wanted the hill property saved for residential purposes and would rather have the City Hall in the Southcenter area. Coun- cilman Johanson stated that was his same argument against the apart- ments and the new HUD building. Mr. Herb Lamb asked how many people who lived in Tukwila at the time the present site was purchased were consulted as to their opinion. The audience generally indi- cated they never heard about the site on 154th until the bond issue. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT SITE #10 BE ACCEPTED AS THE CITY HALL SITE.* Councilman Traynor suggested the architect Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 3 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. 6 a,1 City Hall site Cont. design a few sketches for Site #10, get an estimate of the building costs, wrap it up in a package and take it to the people to vote on. Mayor Todd suggested the City take an option on the property and then make the designs for the building. Mrs. Altmeyer asked if the Mrs. Altmeyer Council proposed this for the other sites too. She stated this has been taken to the people and the cost analysis has already been done by the Planning Coccuiiission. Councilman Traynor stated that analysis was only preliminary, we now have to get a better idea of the actual cost based on the structure. Mrs. Altmeyer asked if we will have the land in the meantime. Mrs. Pesicka stated it would Mrs. Pesicka be difficult to design a building for property we don't even own. The people were asked for their choice on the land and we have told you what we want. Mayor Todd stated there is no money available except $150,000 in the City Hall Construction Fund. The Council could decide to purchase that property tonight with Councilmanic Bonds, if they are believing what they are hearing about the City Hall site. Further public hearings will be held on the plans and then we can sell the bond issue. The Council has signed a Resolu- tion contracting McAdoo for the design for a City Hall. Mr. Robert Mr. Crain Crain stated he took some of the letters around his neighborhood and no one questionned the need for a City Hall and they indicated they wanted to build a good City Hall. The people are totally in support of a bond issue to build it. Many were interested in a community center with the City Hall if possible. Mrs. Altmeyer Mrs. Altmeyer stated the reconuuendation of the Planning Commission was that the land was of first importance and the building can come later. Coun- cilman Traynor stated he was concerned that the Council in the past had tried to put something before the people with half of the infor- mation and this failed. This is why I hesitate and I want to take all the information to the people in hopes of selling it. Mrs. Mrs. Pesicka Pesicka stated the Council doesn't need to sell a City Hall, just the place. Councilman Traynor stated the Council had purchased Site #6 on the faith that the people wanted that site or else they never would have put it up before the people to start with, and then the people turned down the bond issue. Mrs. Pesicka asked where are those people now who supported Site #6 and where were they during the Public Hearing? Councilman Traynor stated he would want to sell it to all the people who vote regardless of what site is selected. I don't want this to fail again and I want a City Hall with a majority and one. Mr. Clark McConkey stated the audi- Mr. McConkey ence was perhaps confused as to what exactly Councilman Traynor wanted and requested he tell us step by step. Councilman Traynor stated the Council would get the architect here to give us a sketch of the type of buildings we all would like to see on the Van Woerden site. Then he would have to give us a cost estimate on the building along with the purchase of the land. Then we would take the whole works to the people and hopefully go with a bond issue. The buildings included are the Police Department and City Hall; this is our immediate need. Mayor Todd asked how long these plans would take and expressed his concern that the land may not be available very much longer. Mr. McConkey stated the point is, that it will take "X" amount of time to draw all this up. If Coun- cilman Traynor is so emphatic that he wants all this, he should have looked into it before now. Mrs. Lewis Mitchell stated if the Coun- Mrs. Mitchell cil were going to have an architect come out to draw plans and present the whole package to the people, don't you think we ought to have two or three drawings? Because now you are asking us to decide what type of building we want. I thought we were here to decide now on the property where we want the City Hall to be. With this many people here tonight to tell you which property they want, something should be done the property won't be there for- ever. We can decide on the building later. Mr. Duxbury asked, Mr. Duxbury when the Council bought that property on 154th, did they have any idea of what type of building they wanted then? Councilman Traynor stated he was not on the Council at that time. Mrs. Velma Lee Mrs. Lee stated Site #10 is the number one recouuiiendation of the Planning Commission and that it was stated "the property should be obtained and employed with all possible dispatch." There is a for sale sign on it now, and the price will only continue to go up. Mayor Todd stated he understood the message to the Council is to purchase the land now and worry about the details later. Mr. Bill Moore asked Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 4 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. Mr. Bill Moore Mr. Phelps Mary Lehto Mr. Crain Mr. Lamb Mrs. Lutes Mrs. Pesicka Mr. Lamb Mrs. Lee Mrs. Altmeyer Mr. Lutes Mrs. Bernhard 6,2 3 if it is possible to take an option to buy the property. Mayor Todd stated that was his suggestion also. Mr. Steve Phelps stated the Council is changing the rules in the middle of the game. The indication was we were to come up here to select a site for the City Hall and now we are discussing finer details that are farther down the road. If we are going to discuss a City Hall site, then please let us select a City Hall site, vote on it and with that done, we can go on to the next phase. Mary Lehto, Record Chronicle, stated the new fire station was purchased first and the building design was made later. Mr. Crain urged the Council to take the action to select a site, and if possible to find out if there is an option to buy it even if we have to wait until next week. Mr. Lamb stated it is difficult to recall any issue or subject before any body (council or couaaission) that has attracted so many citizens as this has. These citizens are saying we are ashamed of this City Hall and we need a new one. Do it tonight. Councilman Sterling stated he wanted to be sure that this room is representing the ma- jority of the people. I got caught last time and now I want to be sure; I expected the Public Hearing to be packed with more people last week, but as it was, there were only 4 people out of 33 who did not favor Site #10. Mrs. Lutes stated this Public Hearing was announced in the newspaper for all citizens to attend. The Hearing was represented by the people who cared enough to show up. The Council should take the site the majority of the people who come to the meetings want. The people are tired of being stalled. Council- woman Harris inquired as to the amount of fill needed on the Van Woerden property. Councilman Gardner stated 28 feet at the building site. Councilwoman Harris asked how long would it take to prepare this site with the fill. Steve Hall, Public Works Director, stated it could be done by natural compacting or by surcharging. The site Mr. Sneva is on was prepared mechanically. These methods are accep- table. Councilwoman Harris stated the site included in the 6 -Year Park Acquisition Program on Macadam is perhaps ideally suited for a cultural center; it is centrally located in the residential area. Van Woerden might not be as accessible for a cultural center. We have to buy land on the bond issue plus pay for the building, the Council is also considering buying the golf course with bonds and how will we pay for this 6 -Year Park Program? We are talking about a few million dollars in bonds. The difference in price between the Site #6 and Site #10 is very great. Mrs. Pesicka stated the only place we would need to fill is at the City Hall building site. Councilwoman Davis stated that is not so, the entire 12 acres must be filled. Mrs. Pesicka stated we are not building a 12 -acres City Hall. Councilwoman Davis stated she had talked to Mr. Gibbons who stated that the building site should be filled to 30 feet with one side of the river to 28 feet and the lower side to 26 feet. The roadway would need to be at a higher elevation too. The building itself should be flood proof. Mayor Todd stated the Blood Bank Building has a basement with automatic flood control in the form of a sump pump now. Mr. Lamb stated every question which has been raised here tonight is well within the state of the art of engineer- ing. Mrs. Lee stated the Planning Coiiaaission surely would have taken all this into consideration and we can sell the other site to help defray the costs. Mrs. Altmeyer stated the 30 foot level at the building site is new to her. The lowest point of that land is 14 feet and that represents only a small portion. The cost of all the fill necessary is included in the cost analysis. Mr. Lutes stated the elevation of the fill is from sea level only we would not need 30 feet of fill, more likely only 8 or 9 feet. Councilman Gardner stated that diagonally across the center of that property is the City Light pipeline. We could not fill over that. Steve Hall stated anything can go over that right -of -way except a perma- nent structure. Mrs. Anna Bernhard stated there is no reason for any of this discussion. She stated she is annoyed because we went all through this before at the Public Hearing. The Council should decide tonight. Councilman Johanson stated he had the feeling there is more votes against one side than another. He stated there was a great deal of study on the site that was purchased, but be- cause of the City's fire, the Council did not have a chance to do a good job of presenting it to the public. He stated he took the full credit for his part for not getting out to the public with that site The City bought that site with the thought that land is scarce and Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 5 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. City Hall site Cont. we weren't rich at that time. It was considered to be an ideal site for the City Hall, but we knew it was only a small piece of what we would ultimately need. Once we had established that site, hopefully there would be additional land available at a later date. The Van Woerden site was for sale at that time, but was not selected on the basis of flood control, pilings, etc. Mayor Todd pointed out that the bond issue for that site failed before the property was purchased. Mrs. Pesicka stated that property is probably a very Mrs. Pesicka good investment for the City but not for a City Hall. *ROLL CALL VOTE: 3 AYES STERLING, TRAYNOR, SAUL; 4 NOS GARDNER, DAVIS, Mr. Crain HARRIS, JOHANSON. MOTION FAILED. Mr. Crain called for getting out the recall petitions. RECESS Mayor Todd called for a recess. Mayor Todd called the meeting back 9:15 P.M. 9:25 P.M. to order with all Councilmembers present as previously listed. Mr. Mettler Mr. Crain Mrs. McConkey Ms. Gievers Mrs. Altmeyer Mrs. Lee Ed Robinson Mr. Mettler Mr. Ron Mettler, Chairman, Planning Commission, advised the Council per the Commission's recouuuendations that it would expect in writing an explanation in full of why the recommendation of the number one site was not accepted. Councilman Traynor stated he was curious why and asked each Councilmember who had voted No. Councilman Gardner stated he wished to go to the vote of the people. If it passed at the polls that the people wished to buy the Van Woerden property, I would vote yes but not necessarily for a City Hall site. I have been working for the past ten years with flood control and the S.C.S. Flood Control Program along with the other cities in the valley. When the problem hits us in the next 15 years when both sides of the river in the Kent Valley are housed, storm drains are in and you get a lot of water snow melt in the valley which is pumped immediately into the river, the river is going to stay high. I don't know exactly what kind of river its going to be in 15 years. Mr. Crain stated the point is well taken, but the fact is this City and other cities have been granting building permits to build close to the river. If it is not safe, we should not be building those buildings either. Councilman Gardner stated this City is different from the others. We joined this program because all the other cities up the river will be pumping their water into this narrow spot at Tukwila. Mayor Todd stated about $130 million of our tax base is built at the Mean Sea Level plus 24 25 feet. The Mayor and Mrs. Todd have a development at 24 feet at the Village Green Apartments. If we build the City Hall at 28 30 feet, we will be the last to suffer from any flood damage. Mrs. McConkey stated if you are worried about flood control, didn't you make a mistake already by building down there now? Mayor Todd stated he did not think so, and that the City Shops are at 22 feet and Mr. Gardner had voted for it. Ms. Susan Gievers stated every year the river rises and some areas flood; if Councilman Gardner has been working on this for ten years, then perhaps he should speed up his progress or we will be waiting around for another ten years. Councilman Gardner stated he feared the river might change its course. Councilwoman Davis stated she felt it would be a good idea to get the vote of all the people. The citizens just did not turn out at the Public Hearing. She recommended an advisory ballot. Mrs. Altmeyer asked if Site #6 were chosen, would she then ask for this ballot? Councilwoman Davis stated she probably would not be- cause she would confirm that, unless it was asked for by a citizen. Hubert Crawley (Fire Chief) asked for an advisory ballot and I agree because the people are the ones who are going to pay for it. Mrs. Lee asked that the letters be counted; many people did not come here because there is no room in here anyway. It seems it just doesn't matter what the people stated they preferred. Mr. Ed Robinson, Tukwila News Register, stated his paper will be published again this week and he can have a centerfold ballot and will see that every citizen gets an issue. Mr. Mettler stated one article in the paper will never give the background on why these sites were considered. There were months and months of research on this. It is not fair to anyone who has not made up his mind. And anyone who could not be here now should have sent a letter. Councilwoman Harris stated her choice was predicated after a long, long time of Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 6 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. City Hall site Cont. thorough soul searching and evaluation of all the information. I voted against Site #10 because I truly and honestly feel it is not in the best interests of the City of Tukwila or the citizens. I know that all of us from time to time are going to be called upon to make an unpopular decision, but this is my firm conviction. Mrs. Mrs. Altmeyer Altmeyer asked if Mrs. Harris did not vote yes on Site #10 as a member of the Planning Coiiuuission and now is voting no as a Council member. On what do you base your change of mind? Councilwoman Harris stated she had studied all the material more extensively. She had gone over the material she has in hand again and again and has taken more visual sightings of the location. Yes, I was part of the unanimous decision for Site #10, but I was caught up in an emotional thing and it would have been wonderful but I had to come around. Mrs. Altmeyer asked if the material Councilwoman Harris has received is material that is not available to everyone else. Councilwoman Harris stated that is not so. Mr. Crain stated for Mr. Crain years he sat at the table as a Councilman and heard Mrs. Harris talk about being a spokesman for the people and now she has said she doesn't have to respond to them. Now she says she's going to make an unpopular decision because she doesn't care what we want. Councilman Johanson stated he voted no because, as he tried to explain several times this evening but nobody was listening very well, basically he objects to the Van Woerden site due to the sub- soil situation that would have to be developed. If the investors choose to develop in that area, that's fine. It is my understand- ing that we are trying to plan to 50 years. He doesn't know if you can plan for 50 years in one building, the land acquisition perhaps. I want the City Hall on a little higher ground. I saw a TV program with one City Hall's records floating in about four feet of water. I have looked at Site #10 from every angle and if you can see it from any point except from Hwy. #405 or directly across the river, that is why I feel that is not a good place for a City Hall. I want the City Hall to be seen by everyone. Site #10 is down a back alley and in a hole. It is less expensive to build on the hillside, a very strong point I feel. A Motion was made last sunnier and was Tabled by Art Stevens and as far as I know it is still Tabled to determine this site. We were prepared to make a decision that night without all the repercussions I see here tonight simply because you have a No vote. Try again if you feel its a good project. Mrs. Altmeyer stated these repercussions are Mrs. Altmeyer really the people speaking to their representatives on the Council. They are telling you what they would like to see done. It is cer- tainly a right and a necessity. The Council has chosen not to be a responsible part of government and ignore us. What should we do to get your attention? If this isn't the proper thing for us to do, what would you suggest? Councilman Johanson stated the recom- mendation from the Planning Commission was three alternatives. The vote for Site #6 was 3 votes, the vote for Site #10 was 4 votes, so the Council is being responsive. We were given an option, I didn't think and didn't see it so stated that it was demanded that we Mr. Mettler strictly adhere to their first choice. Mr. Mettler stated the Com- mission gave a number one choice and if the property could not be purchased or for some other bona fide reason it was not available, there was then an alternate choice. There was no second choice. Councilman Johanson stated he thought there were three choices and also thought the directives went the other way from the City Council to the Planning Commission. Mr. Mettler stated the Council Mr. Mettler did direct the Commission to study this and we did and then sent it to you. And we also said if you don't concur with our recommenda- tion, we want the reasons why you didn't. And we would hope, if you want the support of the Planning Commission and I assume you do, that you would send something back to us besides what I have heard here, in the way of an explanation as to why you don't concur with our recommendation. Mr. Bill Toon stated the four reasons he has Mr. Toon heard here from the people who have voted No have not been very valid or logical. They more or less represent personal feelings, and I don't feel that is the way it should be. Mrs. Moore stated Mrs. Moore if the Council is so worried about the river flooding out, then why is that big furniture store right on the river? Councilman Sterling agreed the building should not be there. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE CITY HALL SITE ISSUE BE PLACED ON AN ADVISORY BALLOT TO THE PEOPLE r* Mrs. Altmeyer protested on the basis that Mrs. Altmeyer the cost of this election is not fair to the taxpayer and that the issues are clear. Councilwoman Davis stated there is quite a cost Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 7 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. (o 4 City Hall site Cont. difference to the people and they all should be aware of this. Mayor Todd stated we have been playing this game for two years now and its time to stop. There are the people, everybody in this room and everybody outside this room knows we are talking about the City Hall site. To drag this thing on and on and to procrastinate more and more is unreasonable. Councilman Johanson stated he had pre- sented those same arguments last year. Mayor Todd stated there was a decision on a site that had not been legally chosen last year. And now by virtue of due process we have three sites; one recomuuend- ed by the Planning Commission which the Council hasn't bought and two others. I think we need to vote on where you're going to put it. There is no point in going to the people you haven't listen- ed yet, why will you listen now? Councilwoman Davis stated she certainly will listen when the vote comes in. Councilman Traynor stated there are 7 people up here who are all laymen and this is why we have an attorney to help us. I cannot say that I know all aspects of the law and it would be fair to assume the other 6 mem- bers are in this same position. I am not afraid to ask about some- thing I don't know. Mr. Crain stated if the Council were going to Mr. Crain go to an advisory ballot, why wouldn't the gentleman's offer to print something in his paper be sufficient? He stated unless we do this through the election process, it wouldn't be a binding thing. A sample ballot could be used to get an idea of the trend. Mayor Todd stated the advisory ballot by election is the only legal way to do it. On both sides of the issue we may have 3,000 registered voters in Tukwila and get 6,000 replies on the newspaper ballot. Ms. Gievers Ms. Gievers stated she did not understand something on this bond issue if the people go home with the attitude they have about the Council right now favoring another site, then you might as well forget trying to pass a bond issue. Look what you did: we came up here to choose a City Hall site, the Council did not listen and now you might not get a City Hall at all. Councilwoman Davis stated that is why she wants the advisory ballot to make sure the bond Mrs. McConkey issue will go. Mrs. McConkey stated she would like to know how much the cost will be for this special election and she thinks this should be a factor to look into before making a decision. Mrs. Lee Mrs. Lee asked if this group of citizens went out and covered the City with these statements of choice, would the Council consider that at the next meeting? These people have indicated they are registered voters and we make no preferences in which house we ask opinions of. Councilwoman Davis stated it should be legal, but she has knocked on doors before and the people will say they are registered when actually they are not. Mrs. Lee pointed out the names can be checked. She would hate to think we would have a special election for everything that came up before this Council. Councilman Traynor stated it is possible to check the names on these slips, now would the Council entertain this ideal If we can get a majority of citi- zens wanting Site #10, would the Council consider that? We should give these citizens an idea of what they can do. Councilman Johan- son stated earlier in this meeting there should be a delay on the motion to verify these petitions. Now Mr. Traynor is asking again that we take some time to receive more letters and this seems reasonable and fair to do. Councilman Traynor clarified for some members of the audience who could not hear Councilman Johanson that in essence if we could take this other week, he would go along with the letters received. Councilman Saul stated it would take more than a week to get the signatures and verify them. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney requested names of citizens interested in verifying registered voters. *MOTION WITHDRAWN, SECOND WITHDRAWN. Mayor Todd asked if we were to get one over half of the number of voters in the last election preferring Site #10 then the Council would accept it. Councilwoman Harris stated all of this has been going on since 1969 and she feels the Council should make a decision. We have already said NO on one site and now we will need to vote on another one. The time has come to do this. Mrs. Donna Charlton Mrs. Charlton stated before she would like to see another vote, she would prefer to see the issue go on an advisory ballot. On the ballot there should be two sites listed and a place to indicate whether the citi- zens would go along with a bond issue. Mayor Todd stated this was not possible because the people first have to be told (1) the loca- tion (2) an approximate idea of what the buildings will be like on Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 8 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. City Hall site Cont. Mr. Crain Mrs. Robinson Presentation Phil Botch, Independent Water Co. survey Claim for damages Generia Eakers DEPARTMENT AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Council of the Whole Council procedures HUD balanced community housing Employee insurance benefits Bi- Centennial Committee Police Department the location and (3) the dollar cost. It seesm to me that the people who are here in support of the Van Woerden site are satis- fied and its incumbent upon the Council to either buy it with Councilmanic Bonds or on the option. The land will have to be acquired before the fact and not after. Mr. Crain stated if we had a ballot with one or the other site to select and then a box to check if you would support a bond issue to build the City Hall, this would give the Council an idea of the sentiment. I think people understand we are talking about a fair amount of money. Councilman Traynor stated he would like to see more letters to present to the Council next Monday night. He would like to see the Council reconsider the matter at that time. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT THE COUNCIL RECONSIDER THE VAN WOERDEN PROPERTY AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. CARRIED, WITH HARRIS VOTING NO ON A POINT OF ORDER* that the vote has to be made to reconsider on the same day that the vote is taken, which it is, and that the Motion must be made by a member of the majority side of the voting. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney checked with a rules book. Mrs. Robinson stated this is the second time citizens have presented petitions to the Council and it hasn't paid a bit of attention to us. I appeal to you if we got out and get 600 signatures, are you really going to listen or is this just going to be another farce? We are beginning to feel you are not representing what the majority of the people want, that you do just what you four want and that's not what you are there for. You are there to represent us. Council- woman Davis stated she felt she was voted into office because of certain qualifications and with the knowledge that some people knew where she stood on the City Hall site. She stated it would not hurt to wait another week, let the Council look over the signatures, see what we have and come back to this for a vote. Mayor Todd announced that Councilwoman Harris is correct and the Motion must be made by the prevailing side to reconsider. *MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE COUNCIL RECONSIDER THE VAN WOERDEN PROPERTY AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. CARRIED. Steve Hall, Public Works Director, noted the report and presented copies of the report to each Councilmember. He stated he and Mr. Botch would be available to meet with the Council next Wednesday evening. He also reported the figures on Mr. J. Neilson's water use for a dairy would be verified. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BE REFERRED TO THE INSURANCE CARRIED OF THE CITY. CARRIED. Councilman Traynor announced a Special Meeting of the Council of the Whole to discuss and consider the ordinance proposed on Council pro- cedures and the HUD proposal on balanced community housing. The meeting is set for Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Councilman Saul announced he is still gathering information on the proposed insurance benefits for employees and dependents from other cities. When all of the information is compiled, he will report to the City Council. Councilman Saul also announced a meeting of the Bi- Centennial Committee for Thursday, March 7 at 8:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Councilwoman Davis read a letter from the general manager of the Bon Marche in appreciation and congratulating the Police Department for its help and cooperation during the Christmas season and all during the year. She indicated she also received letters from other businesses. She stated she personally appreciates this service at Southcenter because our children are frequently there and that it is safer for them and everyone. Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 9 DEPARTMENT AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Cont. Fire Department Public Safety Committee meetings AUDIENCE COMMENTS Mrs. Altmeyer Jim Waite Mr. Moore Mr. Lutes Mrs. Lutes Mrs. Altmeyer Mr. Crain 6,8 Councilman Sterling read a report of the Public Safety Committee. A copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's office. Chief Crawley indicated the need for an additional aid car unit. He feels the best way to finance the unit would be through donations by advertising and promoting the program. The City of North Bend was able to do this last year. Councilman Sterling also reported on personnel shifts for the new and present fire station crews. The present fire station on the hill will be manned by the volunteer personnel. Councilman Sterling announced meetings of the Public Safety Co nit- tee will be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. at either the fire station or the police department. Mrs. Anne Altmeyer stated she had contacted five Councilmembers over the weekend to discuss as a citizen the City Hall site selection. She stated four of the Councilmembers were very willing to sit down and discuss the problems with her; however, one Councilman declined or more accurately, his wife declined in his presence to discuss this matter. Mrs. Altmeyer stated she appreciated the four Councilmembers' cooperation. Jim Waite asked if Site #6 were chosen and the land to the east were not available, would the Council take Mr. Leroy Bowen up on his offer to sell the lot to the north. Councilman Traynor stated he did not know if Site #6 would be chosen or not and it is not possible to answer any other questions about Site #6 unless it is chosen. Jim Waite asked why Site #6 is being considered with only the 2.2 acres to work with. Councilman Traynor answered that the Planning Commission recommends that the lot to the east on 154th be added to the present Site #6. In some people's opinion, 2.4 acres is sufficient to build a 30,000 sq. ft. office facility. Jim Waite then asked if this recommendation were accepted, would the City Hall be constructed on the present Site #6 or on the additional land purchased. Councilman Traynor stated this would be up to the architect drawing the plans. Councilman Johanson stated this line of questioning is putting the cart before the horse. We don't know the answers to those questions yet. Should Site #6 be selected, then we would have to go about the acquisition of the additional land. If the additional property were not avail- able, then we would have to go to an alternate site. Mr. Bill Moore stated this property represented by Mr. Bowen had not been considered by the Planning Coumuission at all; it had recommended the easterly lot. Councilman Johanson stated the property had been suggested by a member of the Planning Coiiuuission some years ago. Councilman Saul stated in the Planning Commission's recommendation the Bowen property was not found to be suitable. Jim Waite asked Councilman Johanson who had suggested that property out of the Planning Commission. Councilman Johanson stated there was no formal record of that as it was stated in informal conversation. He then stated it was Mr. Al Harrison who suggested the property be used for a strip -type park rather than a City Hall site. Mr. Burton Lutes asked for a clarification on the status of the Van Woerden site. Mayor Todd answered the Council had voted it down 4 to 3, but decided to reconsider the site next Monday night after reviewing the letters of preference to be submitted by the citizens. Mrs. Lutes asked if the names already presented to the Council would be considered valid and be counted. Mayor Todd answered yes. Mrs. Altmeyer stated she appreciated the Council's decision to re- consider the Van Woerden site. Mr. Crain thanked Councilman Sterling for voting yes on the site even though it might have been against his personal preferences. He also stated he appreciated the fact that Councilwoman Davis and Councilman Johanson supported by Motion to reconsider and to the Council of the Whole for voting unanimously for the Motion. Tukwila City Council Meeting February 25, 1974 Page 10 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Wetlands Study meeting Planning Commission meeting ADJOURNMENT 10:30 P.M. Councilman Gardner announced he would be attending a meeting on the Wetlands Study in Renton on Thursday, February 28 at 7:30 P.M. Mayor Todd announced a meeting of the Planning Couuuission on Thursday, February 28 at 8:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. The Couuuission will be discussing the plans for the new Maguire Corpor- ation's Trilium Project to be built across from the Doubletree Inn. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED". ATTEST: Frank Todd, Mayor Shirlee A. Kinney, Cijy Clerk b