Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-04-22 Regular MinutesApril 22, 1974 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL 8:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING FLAG SALUTE AND CALL To °RUM ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBER MINUTE APPROVAL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Proposed resolution Authorizing the Mayor to make application for Flood Insurance Program M I N U T E S 4 83 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers 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 DAVIS, TO TABLE TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. CARRIED. Councilman Traynor introduced Mr. Hammersmith, Department of Eco- logy. Mr. Hammersmith stated the objective of the Program is to encourage wise land use on a long range basis in flood hazard areas. There must be control measures. He stated the adoption of the plan is based on benefits associated with construction in the flood hazard areas such as F.H.A. mortgage loans, disaster benefits and funding for water and sewer projects. The first step is to submit the application to Washington D.C. where it will be accepted or rejected. If it is accepted, the community then becomes eligi- ble to buy subsidized flood insurance at the rate of $.25 per $100 valuation of the property. The insurance will be available through any licensed insurance agent and it will cover building and con- tents. There will be a flood insurance study using the criteria for a 100 year flood and rates will be determined for each one foot flood zone. The information from the study must be included in the City's building regulations for planning and zoning in the flood plain. Attorney Parker asked why subsidized insurance was not available at the subsidized rate to new construction. Mr. Hammer- smith stated any buildings started after the date of the study will fall under the requirements of the flood hazard area. Those re- quirements must also be adopted by a flood zoning ordinance stating elevations, etc. Steve Hall, Public Works Director, stated Tukwila is within the King County flood control program for the region which controls building elevations at this time. Does that lower the flood control data? Mr. Hammersmith replied yes, existing flood control measures will be taken into consideration for the study. The P -17 Channel would also reduce the risk. Mayor Todd asked if the subsidy is 900 of the $.25 per $100. Mr. Hammersmith replied it is for the reimbursement for damages, not for the insur- ance cost. If damages amounted to $1,000, then the Program would subsidize $900 and the insurance carrier would pay $100. Mayor Todd stated it is then a subsidy to the underwriters. Councilman Sterling asked if the older homes down by the river would have to purchase insurance before applying for an F.H.A. loan. Mr. Hammer- smith stated yes, but the community would have to become eligible before anyone can purchase the insurance. Councilman Sterling asked will the existing older homes would be affected since they would not be at the proper level according to the 100 year flood data. Mr. Hammersmith stated they would be classified non- conform- ing use, but would still be eligible for the insurance at the sub- sidized rate. Mayor Todd stated this Program will force a lot of fill to be placed in the Valley to enable anyone to build. This might be in conflict with the Shorelines Act. Mr. Hammersmith stated the community must understand the requirements of the Depart ment of Ecology and the Shorelines Act, and that a community will be able to comply with all that is necessary it is not that restricting. Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka asked if there will be controls on the insurance companies to assure the benefits will be passed along to the customer. Mr. Hammersmith stated the insurance com- panies will be regulated through the Federal Insurance Administra- tion under HUD. Mayor Todd asked if the cost of insurance in the Green River Valley will be proportionately higher than other areas. Mr. Hammersmith stated it is possible, but that the protection measures will be reflected in the rates. When any conditions change, such as a new dam, the rates will be re- evaluated by HUD. Councilwoman Harris asked if there is a time table regarding the insurance program. Mr. Hammersmith stated the communities will be required to become eligible after July 1, 1975. Mayor Todd asked if E.D.A. and E.P.A. funds will be affected by the eligibility. Mr. Hammersmith stated they would be curtailed in the flood hazard TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 1974 Page 2 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Cont. Flood Insurance Program Cont. Res. #427, Transfer funds within the Current Fund for aerial photographs Res. #428, Retaining Walker Ej Associates to prepare aerial photographs Gary Kucinski, Planning Director CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Planning Commission's recommendation of street vacation of So. 152nd Street bg4 areas. Attorney Parker stated it might be advantageous to delay until 1975 so that more development may qualify for the subsidized rates. Mr. Hammersmith stated that would be fine except that by July 1, 1974 flood hazard boundary maps will be available for flood hazard areas for the purpose of identifying those areas which may then not be eligible for F.H.A. or S.B.A. loans. Councilman Saul asked why the government feels these controls are necessary. Mr. Hammersmith stated it is an attempt to enforce wise land use and to reduce the increasing expense of flood damage. Councilman Saul stated the City of Tukwila is using wise land controls at this time in its development. Mr. Hammersmith stated the City is the excep- tion rather than the rule. If the City is adequately controlling land use then ideally there is no need for the flood insurance, but this insurance program will eventually phase out the Disaster Relief funding. Councilman Sterling stated he would like to see the complete list of land use requirements. Mr. Hammersmith stated such a booklet has been issued to the City. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney stated the booklet is available in her office for anyone to study. Mr. Bill Moore asked how one would be affected if he did not live in the flood zone. Mr. Hammersmith stated he would not be required to purchase the insurance. Councilman Saul was con- cerned about the development in the Andover Park and Southcenter area. Councilwoman Harris stated it would be better to make a decision based on the flood hazard area maps once they are issued. Mr. Hammersmith stated the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company was authorized by the Federal government to handle the insurance for the State of Washington although the insurance will be available from any licensed agent. Councilman Gardner stated this will affect the building schedule for the City regarding the amount of fill required. He stated he thought the City was following a plan based on a 100 year flood. Mr. Hammersmith stated if the City is complying with King County, this is probably adequate for the Flood Program. He stated if the damage due to flood is half or more of the value of the building, then the owner is not allowed to rebuild under the former flood zone requirements, but those adopted to meet the requirements of the flood insurance. If the damages are less than 50 the owner is able to collect and rebuild as it is. Councilwoman Harris thanked Mr. Hammersmith for coming to the Coun- cil meeting and informing everyone about the new Flood Insurance Program. Councilman Johanson stated it might be worthwhile to have a representative from the Fireman's Fund speak to the Council. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO TABLE. CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL. TO READ PROPOSED RESOLUTION. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed resolution transferring monies from the City Treasurer's Department to the Planning Depart- ment to provide sufficient funds for aerial photographs. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO ADOPT RES. #427 AS READ.* Coun- cilman Johanson asked if this transfer was approved by the City Treasurer. Mayor Todd answered yes. Steve Hall stated the fly- overs have already been done, so the Planning Department will con- tact Walker Associates immediately for the photographs. *CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO READ PROPOSED RESOLUTION. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed resolution retaining Walker and Associates, Inc. to prepare aerial photographs of the City of Tukwila. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO ADOPT RES. #428 AS READ. CARRIED. Mayor Todd took the opportunity at this time to introduce the City's new Planning Director, Gary Kucinski. Gary Crutchfield, Planning Technician, read his letter regarding street vacation of 152nd to the Council and presented the proposed plan on the blackboard. Councilman Traynor asked if the Planning Commission is recommending the Council by resolution form an LID. Mayor Todd replied yes, and the owners have already agreed to pay for the LID to widen the street and provide utilities. Steve Hall stated Duncan Sturrock, Office Engineer, had walked the area and indicated there would be no problem in putting the street through. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 1974 Page 3 85' CORRESPONDENCE AND CURRENT BUSINESS Cont. Street vacation of Councilman Gardner asked how close to 62nd the extended street So. 152nd Street Cont. would be. Gary Crutchfield stated the street would stop five feet West of the East boundary line. Councilwoman Harris asked if the public hearing on this is necessary. Mayor Todd stated the Council needs only to approve a resolution and ordinance. Gary Crutchfield stated the only public hearing required is by the Planning Commis- sion itself. Mayor Todd stated the City Attorney will need to prepare an ordinance and resolution to form the LID. Steve Hall stated the corridor will be provided for undergrounding also. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAW UP A RESOLUTION COVERING THE LID AND AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND REDEDICATING SO. 152nd STREET. CARRIED. Ramada Inn Steve Hall presented the water and sewer proposals in the area of Development the proposed Ramada Inn Development and stated the exact site has not yet been selected. He stated there is an existing agreement with Val Vue for the sewer service, but it will need to be revised. The connection charge will be $29,000 pro -rated on the entire area based on benefit if Metro allows the present contract to be changed. The City of Tukwila will make the surcharge for the interceptor and recover the cost from the developer on a pro -rated basis. OLD BUSINESS Six Year Mayor Todd stated the purpose of this discussion is to remind the Undergrounding Council that the City is two years behind with the schedule of this Street Plan program and the Council should seek funds this year to bring the City up to date at the least. He stated he has sent three letters to the Council requesting action in the past and now the season for construction is upon us. He stated the Council has the option to issue Councilmanic bonds and the City must get underway with the cost of everything rising as it is, and 80% of the cost of the bonds will be carried by the industrial area. Councilman Traynor stated this is only a plan. There are rising costs within the City itself and we are hiring more personnel and services. The money is not in the budget for this, so we must go to bonds. Either we cut services or sell bonds. Mayor Todd offered to present a funding proposal to the Council for approval. Discussion: City Mayor Todd asked if there are any new developments. Steve Hall Hall site stated Mr. Goldsmith would not allow Mr. McAdoo on his property to conduct the soils test. Councilman Traynor suggested taking sam- ples on the City -owned property, build the structure there and put the parking lot on the other property. Steve Hall stated the soils over a 6 -acre area are not always homogeneous. Councilman Johanson stated we should proceed to build the City Hall on the two acres we own. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, TO DIRECT THE MAYOR TO INSTRUCT MR. McADOO TO PROCEED WITH SOILS TESTS ON THE CITY OWNED SITE.* Steve Hall stated it was the original recommendation of the Planning Commission to use the entire 6 acres and Mr. McAdoo is proceeding under this. Councilwoman Davis stated that is why she made her Motion to proceed with the soils tests on the 2 acres. Councilman Sterling stated if we do not get soils tests on the other piece of property, it could make the data on the entire site invalid. Mayor Todd agreed and stated the information on the advisory ballot would also then be incomplete. Gary Crutchfield stated the location of the building will be dictated by the results of the soils tests. Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka stated the Council is being stubborn; we have other sites to choose from. The Council is trying to move in on two people who do not want to sell. The Coun- cil is insisting to use the 2 acres when other sites are available. Councilman Johanson stated it was his understanding that Mr. Gold- smith and General Lee do want to sell. Mrs. Pesicka stated that according to the letter sent to the Council, the land will be leased by a data processing firm, and not sold to the City. Coun- cilman Sterling stated it was the recommendation of the Planning Commission to use that property. Mrs. Pesicka stated the property is not first choice of the Planning Commission there were many choices. Why can't you consider any of the other sites? Council- man Sterling stated that piece of property was purchased by a TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 1974 Page 4 OLD BUSINESS Cont. City Hall site Cont. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Special Meeting Southcenter South Final Plat Union negotiations previous Council for a City Hall site. Mrs. Pesicka stated the citizens had no choice in that matter then. Councilman Sterling stated the people will have their say on the advisory ballot. Mrs. Pesicka stated the Council is now running into all these problems on that site, why insist on it anyway? Councilman Sterling stated there seems to be concerted effort to eliminate Site #6 from the ballot entirely. Mrs. Pesicka stated the citizens presented an advisory ballot to the Council earlier this year and it was not considered at all. Councilman Johanson stated if the Goldsmith and Lee property are going to be utilized for some substantial develop- ment, then why would the soil also not be stable enough for City Hall purposes. He stated he assumed the other property adjoining the City -owned site is buildable. Mrs. Nancy Moore stated it was her impression the Goldsmith and Lee property is going to be leased to the computer firm as stated in the letter. Why is the Council wasting all this money on the advisory ballot when they have two other sites to choose from. Gary Crutchfield stated the Planning Commission's recommendation was quite explicit: the Van Woerden property is the first choice. If that was not available to the City, then Site #6 was the second choice on the condition that 4 additional acres are available to the East. Councilman Johanson stated it is just a recommendation. Councilwoman Harris stated with all due respect to a hard working Planning Commission, the law provides for the Council to accept, reject or modify any recom- mendations of the Planning Commission to the Council. I just want that point understood. Mayor Todd stated he understood perfectly. Mrs. Pesicka stated that regardless of what the people have to say, the Council has the last word. Councilman Johanson requested the Chairman to call Mrs. Pesicka out of order because she had not been recognized. Mayor Todd ruled Mrs. Pesicka in order. *ROLL CALL VOTE: 5 AYES GARDNER, TRAYNOR, DAVIS, HARRIS, JOHANSON; 2 NOS STERLING, SAUL. CARRIED. Mrs. Velma Lee asked if the soil tests would determine how much fill or excavation will be necessary. Mayor Todd stated yes, and that the building design would be planned according to the characteristics of the land. Mrs. Lee stated if the test is to be conducted on only a third of one site and on the entire area of the other site, then the money is wasted for lack of a complete assessment. Councilman Saul suggested talk- ing to Mr. Goldsmith again. Mayor Todd stated he would contact Mr. Goldsmith under the instruction of the Council. Mr. McAdoo is the only person to have contacted Mr. Goldsmith, and Mayor Todd stated he has not and will not influence Mr. Goldsmith in any way. Coun- cilwoman Davis asked would it not be to the advantage of Mr. Gold- smith to have the soils tests done anyway. Mayor Todd stated he is not in the position of bargaining away about $7,000 worth of soils tests that is for the Council to decide. He stated he has no authority to give away City funds. Councilman Traynor stated the previous Council looked at that site for a City Hall and he feels it is big enough for the City Hall. If the people choose that site, then Mr. McAdoo is capable of designing a build- ing for that site. The other 4 acres could be used for a park. Mrs. Velma Lee suggested dropping the extra detailed information and vote on the two sites only on the ballot. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO DIRECT THE MAYOR TO CONTACT MR. GOLDSMITH FOR THE PURPOSE OF REQUESTING ENTRY ON THE GOLDSMITH AND LEE PRO- PERTY TO CONDUCT SOILS TESTS. CARRIED. Steve Hall requested a date for a Special Meeting of the Council to discuss the Southcenter South Final Plat (McCann Development). MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL BE SET FOR MONDAY, APRIL 29, AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS. CARRIED. Mayor Todd stated a meeting has been set with the Teamsters repre- sentative on May 1 at 8:00 A.M. to negotiate. Gary Crutchfield stated he appreciated the efforts of the Council to open an avenue for negotiations with U.S.T.M.E. He stated this will give the employees an opportunity to voice their opinions to the Council. Mayor Todd also stated the official opening for negotiations was held at a meeting last week. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 1974 Page 5 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Resignation Jack Lewis Uniformed employees' letter Council advisor EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:28 P.M. 11:30 P.M. Tukwila Days Dance 627 Mayor Todd announced the resignation of Jack Lewis who will be going to work for a bakery firm as chief computor operator at $200 more per month than the City is able to pay. He stated he regret- fully accepted the resignation and the position of computer opera- tor is now open for applications. Officer Robert Abbott read a letter signed by several uniformed employees of the Police and Fire Departments in protest of the editorial read by Councilman Johanson at the April 16 Council meet- ing. Councilman Traynor requested copies of the letter for all Council members. He then suggested comments wait until the Minutes of that meeting are reviewed at the next regular meeting. The signed letters are attached as Addendums to this set of Minutes. Jim Waite, Highline Times, asked Councilman Johanson when to expect the resolution retaining Mr. Senn as Council legal advisor. Coun- cilman Johanson stated individual Councilmembers should not be polled during the meeting. He stated he would reply to that ques- tion after the meeting. Jim Waite directed the question to Council President Traynor. Councilman Traynor stated he could not answer the question for Councilman Johanson. It is his perogative to submit a resolution to the Council. Councilman Johanson stated if a response is necessary, he would respond. Although, he stated, it is probably illegal to poll individual Council members. Mayor Todd requested a clarification on the illegal action. Councilman Johanson stated it was discussed last week that the Council pro- bably has some authority to hire an attorney and some authority to instruct administration to sign the bills for whatever expenses are incurred. Thinking further, professional services are profess- ional services. It is my opinion and recommendation at this time that if we choose to have a legal advisor on a professional basis through the fee system, it is there in our budget and available to us. I feel that a resolution is not necessary unless the Mayor would like it to help him sign the bills. Mayor Todd stated it would take a resolution and quite a lot more in the area of author- ity for him to sign the bills for a legal advisor for the City Council. Councilman Traynor stated he felt Councilman Johanson was referring to the fact that expenses incurred out of the Coun- cil's budget generally are signed by the Council President. Mayor Todd stated that is true for the vouchers, but not for the check. Councilman Saul stated he checked with the Association of Washing- ton Cities because at first he was concerned that this idea was a waste of money. But I was told that the Council is able to utilize professional services for advice. Mayor Todd asked who was con- tacted at the Association of Washington Cities; he stated there are people who can answer your questions there who are not attor- neys themselves. Councilman Saul stated he did not know who the person was, but he would find out. Jack Lewis stated the $2,000 in the Council's professional services would not go very far at the rate of $40 an hour. Councilman Johanson stated it is the purpose to hire an attorney to provide legal direction in any per- tinent question regarding a legal situation. Jack Lewis stated the Council is able to get legal direction from City Attorney Parker. Councilman Johanson stated it is not always that convenient. Mayor Todd stated any advice given by the advisor that is contrary to the City Attorney's is not even worth two cents. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE COUNCIL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING THE LETTER OF COMPLAINT FROM THE UNI- FORMED EMPLOYEES AND NEGOTIATIONS PROGRESS.* Mayor Todd stated he had already informed the Council of all negotiations progress. Councilman Traynor stated it is the perogative of the Council to go into Executive Session. *CARRIED, WITH SAUL VOTING NO. Mayor Todd called the meeting back to order with all Council members present as previously listed. Councilman Traynor stated a letter will be coming from the Council on May 6 regarding the letter of complaint from the uniformed employees. Mrs. Karlyn Elfstrom announced the Tukwila Days Dance committee volunteers will be meeting at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday evening in front of the City Hall to sell tickets. The theme of the dance is Tukwila Graffiti, tickets are $5 per couple, and it will be held Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 P.M. in the Community Hall. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 1974 Page 6 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Girls' softball team ADJOURNMENT 11:35 P.M. Councilman Traynor suggested the Council think about sponsoring a girls' softball team (7th, 8th and 9th grade girls) at a cost of $20 per Council member. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. Rickey Gr iZe Deputy City Clerk 681?