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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-03-11 Regular MinutesMarch 11, 1974 8:00 P.M. FLAG SALUTE AND CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS MINUTE APPROVAL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ord. #840, Amending Ord. #548 fees paid to Volunteer firemen Ord. #841, Authorizing acceptance of a donation from Southcenter of office space to be used by the Tukwila Police Department 4,58 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, JOHANSON MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 4, 1974 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED.* Councilman Johanson stated the word "nothing" had been omitted from the bottom line of Page 632. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney stated the correction had been made on the original set of Minutes. *CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDI- NANCE BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance amending Ord. #548 and Section 2.48.030 of the Tukwila Municipal Code. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT ORD. #840 BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilman Johanson asked which sections are being changed in the ordinance. Attorney Parker stated in the past, the Volunteers were being paid quarterly and now they will be paid monthly. The fee schedule remains the same. *CARRIED. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance auth- orizing acceptance of a donation from Southcenter of office space to be used by the Tukwila Police Department. Attorney Parker indicated the space designation should be "C 13, 720 Southcenter." MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT ORD. #841 BE ADOPTED AS READ AND AMENDED.* Councilman Sterling asked Chief Sheets if he had office furniture and drapes ready to use in the new office. Chief Sheets stated he did have drapes but no furniture yet. Councilman Sterling asked if more money would have to be added to his budget to cover this. Chief Sheets stated he did not know how much money is involved yet. A discussion followed on the type of furnishings needed to furnish the room just for the officers or to provide for an information center. Some of the furniture needed might also be donated. The financial pic- ture will be clearer when the quarterly report is in. Chief Sheets pointed out the office would be just for the officers at this time and would be closed at the times the officers are on foot patrols. The most expense may be the sign to identify the office from the outside of Southcenter. Councilwoman Davis stated she agreed a large sign would be necessary and that the Com«unity Affairs people are looking into this to help out as well as the Chamber of Coauiierce. Councilman Johanson asked how this space would improve the service of the Department. Chief Sheets stated it would provide a private place to take statements, bring in suspects and victims of crimes, to write officers' reports, etc. without having to use other company offices as they do now. Councilwoman Harris stated this arrangement is mutually beneficial. It promotes the City and the Department and she would like to see an information distribution center there some- day too. Councilman Traynor asked why the Southcenter Security office was not adequate. Chief Sheets stated this "office" is in the furnace room of the building and does not convey the feeling of professionalism his men and the Department represent. A professional Department deserves professional offices. A dis- cussion followed on the idea of having this space for community affairs as well as for the officers. Councilman Johanson stated he objected to this because community affairs, he felt, related to his own community and not to the shoppers at the Mall. Coun- cilwoman Davis stated the whole picture of community affairs should be included and it would all relate to our community. Someday we could print pamphlets about Tukwila for this purpose perhaps too. Chief Sheets stated he wanted a broad interpreta- tion of the ordinance in order to be responsible to do with this space whatever he could as the administrator of his Department. Any changes that will have to be made will be made at budget time. *ROLL CALL VOTE: 5 AYES STERLING, TRAYNOR, DAVIS, HARRIS, SAUL; 2 NOS GARDNER, JOHANSON. CARRIED. Tukwila City Council Meeting March 11, 1974 Page 2 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Cont. Ord. #842, Providing for the rank of Fire Marshall in the Tukwila Fire Dept. Res. #415, Transfer of funds Fire Marshall's position CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Claim for damages Signal Insurance Co. Letter Tukwila zip code Letter Request to purchase portion of 59th Place So. (Mr. Mrs. Hugh M. Lindsey) 43 MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDI- NANCE BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read the proposed ordinance establishing the position of Fire Marshall within the Tukwila Fire Department and fixing the monthly salary. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT ORD. #842 BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilman Traynor pointed out the former Fire Marshall was in the building department and was a member of the union. Chief Crawley stated the former Marshall was in the building department then because he was also doing the inspections. The position of Fire Marshall is administrative in this case and would not there- fore be covered by the union. Councilwoman Harris asked if the position is outlined in the Municipal Code. Mayor Todd stated the position has no job description in the Code. Chief Crawley stated there is a description on file but it was never adopted into the Code as are not a lot of other job descriptions. Coun- cilwoman Harris asked if the Captain's position would be filled. Chief Crawley stated it would be filled later this year to enable the City to have an administrative Fire officer at all times. The Fire Marshall will suffice in the meantime. Councilman Traynor asked what warranted the increase in pay. Chief Crawley stated the duties and greater responsibilities in the position warrant the increase. There is also a change from one job description to another. *CARRIED. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed resolution transferring funds within certain Fire Department accounts. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY GARDNER, THAT RES. #415 BE ADOPTED AS READ. CARRIED. Councilman Traynor read a letter from Steve Hall, Public Works Director, stating, "The City of Tukwila has not accepted these projects and therefore, the claim should be against the contractor or contractors involved in the construction of these projects." A Motion was made by Councilwoman Harris to refer this to the City Attorney. Attorney Parker stated this should be referred to the City's insurance carrier. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO REFER THE CLAIM AND LETTER FROM STEVE HALL TO THE CITY OF TUKWILA'S INSURANCE CARRIER. CARRIED. Mayor Todd read a letter from Mr. James V. Jellison, District Manager /Postmaster, Seattle District Office, which stated "Based upon the unanimous response of eleven major mailers and potential delays in distribution and mail delivery, it is not feasible to grant your request to a single zip code for the City of Tukwila." Councilman Sterling asked if it would be possible to get a list of those businesses polled by the Post Office on this. Mayor Todd stated he would see to it. Mayor Todd read the letter from Mr. and Mrs. Hugh M. Lindsey requesting to purchase from the City a portion of 59th Place So. Councilman Sterling suggested this be referred to Steve Hall. Mr. Ken Harris stated this property is not an alley as stated in letter, but rather is formerly Highline Drive and is owned by the City. The street continues around the brow of the hill. Councilman Traynor asked Mr. Ron Mettler, Chairman of the Planning Commission, if the street must first be vacated. Mr. Mettler stated the Planning Commission would need to approve any action on this. Mayor Todd stated he would refer this first to Gary Crutchfield in the Planning Department. Mr. Steve Phelps stated the Lindsey property borders his property on the north and he would need the access to the back of his property that 59th Place So. now provides. He would insist on a right -of -way whatever action is taken. Attorney Parker stated the City cannot sell the property and there seems to be enough opposition from the neigh- bors to block a vacation petition. Mayor Todd directed Attorney Parker to write a letter to the Lindseys explaining the sale can- not be made by the City. Councilwoman Davis stated this section of street behind the Lindseys has been an eyesore in the neigh- borhood for years and several complaints have been made in the past. Tukwila City Council Meeting March 11, 1974 Page 3 CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. Insurance coverage Scouts riding with Police officers DEPARTMENT AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Fire Department Planning Department AUDIENCE COMMENTS Mrs. Pesicka d Mayor Todd stated he had contacted the insurance agent and was informed the coverage is provided, but there will be a letter received shortly stating the same and he would like the Scouts to wait until the letter arrives. Chief Sheets asked if the Council is in accord with this idea now that we know insurance is covering the Scouts. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO GRANT AUTHORITY FOR TUKWILA POLICE OFFICERS TO ALLOW SCOUTS TO ACCOMPANY THEM IN PATROL CARS.* Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka stated a few years ago, her son was considering a career in police work and got permission to ride with a patrolman. They were asked to sign a letter of release. Her son stated he never had so much respect for the police as he did after this ride observing their work. Councilman Johanson stated he is not in favor of the idea since this patrolling could become dangerous at any unexpected moment. He would not want to be responsible by voting yes on this if something happened to those Scouts. Fireman Les Flue stated the Scouts will be patrolling with off -duty officers in unmarked vehicles. A letter signed by the parents will still be required. °CARRIED. Chief Crawley announced the new aerial fire truck is now in Tukwila. The City paid $110,000 for this vehicle and it is the only one in the Pacific Northwest like it. It is a complete fire fighting unit, and everyone is invited over to take a look at it. We are very proud to have it here. Additional complementary equipment will take up to a year to ship to us, but the truck will be operational within a month. This truck will serve with its ladder any building in Southcenter and any apartment in the community. Mayor Todd announced a candidate now with the City of Issaquah has been interviewed for the position of Planning Director. We hope to have him on board within a few weeks. City Attorney Attorney Parker stated a new trial date has been set for the Scribner vs. Ryan case. Community Affairs Councilwoman Harris stated she received a reply to the Committees request for information regarding a research intern for the City Council from Assistant Dean Eric Walters, Public Affairs, Univer- sity of Washington. There are a few different programs being offered and some of these are funded. Dean Walters stated he would be available to make a presentation to the Council. Coun- cilman Sterling stated he was not sure the Council could use this service. Councilwoman Harris stated this service would help the local governments and help the students as well. We will know what this internship program can provide if and when we talk to Dean Walters. Councilwoman Davis stated this might be helpful to update old records and ordinances. Councilman Saul was interested that the students might be helpful in re- searching the history of the City for the Bi- Centennial Committee Councilwoman Harris stated she would set up a date for Dean Walters to meet with the Council. Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka stated, in reference to the Police Depart- ment office in Southcenter, that the sign is a good idea; it will let people know where they are and help bridge the gap between the citizens and the people at Southcenter. Soils Conservation Councilman Gardner reported on the meeting at Renton City Hall Service meeting and regarding the Wetlands proposal to set aside 110 acres total in Wetlands the 4- Valley cities area. King County Councilman Mooney would like to have each Mayor appoint a member of the Council to serve on the conmiittee. It is desired to have input other than that of the environmental groups. Mayor Todd explained that the Duck Pond, City Shop site, and P -17 and its canal have been tenta- tively approved for this purpose in Tukwila. Mrs. Pesicka stated the citizens owning property in these areas resent having Tukwila City Council Meeting March 11, 1974 Page 4 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Wetlands Cont. Presentation in honor of George Hill, former Councilman City Hall site advisory ballot information Suburban Finance Officers Assocation meeting Tukwila Police Officers Association Letter R. W. Regal Letter Concerned Citizens Committee McCann property it "taken away" and set aside for wildlife even though it is necessary to do. The conservation groups should get together before setting aside any more land and the Shorelines Management Act should be completed before any further action is taken. Councilman Johanson stated the land is not taken away, but is set aside and governed under the management of the wetlands agency. Councilman Saul stated the property is so far what the City already owns. The Conservation Service will not provide federal funding on some of the City's projects if the City does not comply with the commitments set for it. Mayor Todd stated he is fairly sure we have complied with our share considering what we have set aside now. Councilman Traynor called Mr. George Hill from the audience and presented a plaque in honor of his service to the conununity as a former Councilmember. Mr. Hill stated he was very grateful and that it had been a pleasure to serve on the Council. Councilman Traynor read a letter from the Mayor requesting a de- tailed request from the Council as to which information was need- ed for the advisory ballot. Councilman Traynor stated he would request a two -point perspective of the building on each site, partial schematic drawings to provide an estimate of the construe tion costs, estimates of the cost of site preparation, and pro- bable land acquisition costs based on the amount of land speci- fied by the Planning Commission. Councilwoman Harris stated we should not have to duplicate the work already done by the Plan- ning Couuuission. She then asked about the portion of the fee al- ready paid to the architect and what it might cover. Mayor Todd stated part of that fee would cover this expense of the project. Councilman Traynor stated there would be a duplication of some of these costs since one site will be chosen and the other will be tossed out. Mayor Todd then asked about the need for soil tests. Councilman Traynor stated Mr. McAdoo stated it was not needed. Councilwoman Harris then asked if the architect's work last year was wasted. Councilman Traynor stated it was not, since that work was the space needs study and will be needed to do the schematic drawings now. Councilwoman Davis stated this sounded good, but we should find out what Mr. McAdoo will charge. Councilwoman Harris asked what funds will cover these costs. Mayor Todd stated there is $161,500 in the City Hall Construction Fund and $40,000 in Land and Building Acquisition. Mr. Ken Harris asked if the bond issue could be combined with this infor- mation on the advisory ballot. Councilman Traynor stated it could not since more detailed costs on bid specifications would be required for the bond. Councilman Traynor noted a Suburban Finance Officers Associa- tion meeting set for March 13. Anyone interested should contact City Treasurer Mae Harris. Councilman Traynor noted a petition submitted by the Tukwila Police Officers Association requesting certification as a bar- gaining agent from the State Department of Labor and Industries. Councilwoman Davis read a letter sent to the Record Chronicle, copy to the City Council, from Mr. R. W. Regal regarding the "Image of Tukwila Today" and the small amount of benefits to the citizens provided by the tax base of businesses. Councilman Sterling read a letter to the Council from the Con- cerned Citizens Commmittee regarding an earlier letter submitted to the Council by 60 -plus citizens protesting harrassments to the Council by the citizens. Councilwoman Harris and Mayor Todd discussed the recent develop- ment regarding McCann possibly de- annexing to the City of Kent for utilities service. Councilman Sterling suggested the Council go back to having a Council of the Whole meeting each week to discuss such things as this. Tukwila City Council Meeting March 11, 1974 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT 9:45 P.M. ATTEST: MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. Frank Todd, Mayor Shirlee A. Kinney, Ci y Clerk b