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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-08-19 Regular MinutesAugust 19, 1974 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL 8:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING FLAG SALUTE AND CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS MINUTE APPROVAL City Clerk Shirlee Kinney read from a summary of a telephone conversation which transpired between herself and Mr. David Johns, insurance investigator from Karl Hermann's office. In his conversation, Mr. Johns stated the City's insurance broker, Mr. Dick Anderson, "is one of the most respected brokers in Seattle." Mr. Johns reviewed Mr. Anderson's records with Mayor Todd and with the City of Tukwila and everything appears to be in good order. If the Council feels it is impro- per for Mr. Anderson to be the Mayor's personal insur- ance agent, he suggested they take the matter to the Attorney General's Office or to the State Auditor, both of whom have the proper authority to investigate it. Mr. Johns stated he would contact Councilwoman Harris with this information by telephone as well. A copy of this resume is on file in the City Clerk's office. Mayor Todd asked Shirlee Kinney to review the insurance files of coverage under Mr. Pollock. Shirlee Kinney reported these files included three -year policies with the City issued by Mr. Pollock. Councilman Johanson asked about the record of bidding. Mayor Todd stated in regard to the Pollock policies, former Councilman Bowen set up a committee to review whether or not the City should go to bid on insurance. The City had never bid for insurance until 1972. Councilwoman Davis refer- red to transcript of the*conversation and stated Mr. Anderson had, „f rime- the City in April about these policies, in that the companies delayed in sending the policies to Mr. Anderson* Mayor Todd stated the Council 1 Tat kca-6 Mr, should elect a President Pro Tem in Councilman Traynor' absence. MOVED BY STERLING TO NOMINATE COUNCILMAN gm/Won ahk fie JOHANSON AS PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF THE COUNCIL. SECONDED f BY HARRIS.* MOVED BY STERLING THAT ALL NOMINATIONS BE he, ducl. str►d CLOSED. *CARRIED. Councilman Johanson asked if it would be more proper to go to bid now on a yearly basis. SO "Ati A r' 1 Councilwoman Davis stated she asked about the penalty .4 bur cons;der0.41a,^ for cancelling if the policies were carried for two more months to give us time to go to bid again in the meantime. Mr. Anderson replied approximately $200.00. Mayor Todd stated Mr. Anderson had informed him it woulc cost $1,500.00 more to insure us if we had separate pol- icies for these items. Mayor Todd stated the City is no longer required to bid for insurance anyway. Coun- cilwoman Harris stated whatever Mr. John's findings are, she presumed he would forward to the Council some type of written report. Mayor Todd asked Councilwoman Harris if she had filed her report to the Insurance Commission- er in writing. Councilwoman Harris replied no, she had phoned the Commissioner's office. She stated he had indicated upon completion of checking into things to Councilwoman Davis and myself that he would discuss the matter in Olympia with the office and with the Deputy Attorney General. She stated she assumed whatever de- cision is made, he would respond to the Council. One VOUCHER APPROVAL *Ca Clerks �It not b; !Ied. vntt w1Lrok Cj- 3' 7't l M I N U T E S 8/6 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, DAVIS, HARRIS, SAUL, JOHANSON. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT COUNCILMAN TRAYNOR BE EXCUSED. CARRIED. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 5, 6, AND 7, 1974 BE APPROVED AS READ.* Council Members Davis and Johanson asked to abstain from voting as they were not present at the meetings. Councilwoman Harris stated she wished to abstain because she had not read the Minutes. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT COUNCILMEMBERS DAVIS, JOHANSON AND HARRIS BE EXCUSED FROM VOTING. CARRIED. *CARRIED, WITH GARDNER, STERLING AND SAUL VOTING YES. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 2 VOUCHER APPROVAL Cont. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Mr. William Bjork, Washington State Gambling Commission 8/7 week's time is not sufficient to complete the necessary procedures at their end. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE VOUCHERS PAYABLE TO R. G. J. ANDER- SON FOR INSURANCE BE HELD IN ABEYANCE FOR ONE WEEK.* Councilman Sterling asked about drawing up an ordinance indicating the Council would pay these bills and go to bid upon the anniversary date of the policies. Mayor Todd stated he would hope the Council would go to com- petitive bid for insurance even though it is no longer required under State law. The Council is responsible under the Budget ordinance for the item of insurance for the City and for paying the premiums. The Council also has authorized contracts with certain labor unions to guarantee insurance for employees. Councilman Ster- ling stated his purpose was to be in compliance with the law at that time. Mayor Todd stated no doubt the State Auditor would have written the City up for not bidding on insurance for the last 25 years, but we have never been written up and now the law no longer applies Councilwoman Harris stated the Council could draft a resolution of intent to pay the bills and bid for insur ance for next Monday's consideration. Councilman Saul stated he agreed that the City should go to bid next time for insurance, but there is no intent to pay the bills type of resolution necessary. We owe this money now and we have to pay it. *CARRIED, WITH SAUL VOTING NO. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT ALL OTHER BILLS BE ACCEPTED AND WARRANTS BE DRAWN IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AMOUNTS. CARRIED. Vouchers #3495 #3649 Current Fund #3495 #3594 $15,461.77 Park Fund #3595 #3607 662.48 Street Fund #3608 #3630 10,196.37 City Shop #3631 19.64 Water Fund #3634 #3640 839.00 Sewer Fund #3641 #3649 7,626.66 City Hall Const. #3632 4,311.49 Fire Sta. Const. #3633 34,630.98 Total $73,748.39 Fire Station Const. R -2 $34,630.98 Councilwoman Harris introduced Mr. Bjork, Director, Washington State Gambling Commission and explained the present status of gambling legislation in Tukwila. Mr. Bjork stated he would not promote or discourage gambling in Tukwila, but would give some facts on the Commission and gambling in general. He explained SJR 5 and its purpose. He stated any activities can be pro- hibited in a city or county, and if allowed, can be taxed. Regulations are drawn by the State for local law enforcement agencies to enforce. Taxes collected from gambling are encouraged to be used for support of local law enforcement agencies. Licenses have been available for bingo and raffles since July, 1973; li- censes have been available for punch boards and pull tabs since December, 1973; licenses for fishing derbies and activities in the area of card rooms have been available since July 24, 1974. This is new to the Stat( and is a sensitive area and has been viewed in the area of social activities and commercial stimulants so far. Mayor Todd asked if liquor can be served in card rooms. Mr. Bjork replied yes and patrons must be 21 years old at least. Councilman Sterling thanked Mr. Bjork for supplying the Council with a brochure and then asked if the house deals in card rooms. Mr. Bjork replied the house is prohibited from dealing or playing including all immediate members of the families of the owners. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 19, 1974 Page 3 SPECIAL PRESENTATION MEETING Cont. 8i8 He stated the local law enforcement officers would be responsible for undercover work and possibly some help will be available from his department as soon as a staff is built up. Mayor Todd asked what is done about a drunk and disorderly player. Mr. Bjork stated the problem is up to the operator first, then the police. Mayor Todd asked how many police officers would be needed to moniter an 8- player table. Mr. Bjork stated first hand monitering would consist of one man at each table and a lot depends on the philosophy of the police department. He stated if he felt a man could not run his own business, he would shut it down. Councilwoman Davis asked the difference between punch boards and pull tabs. Mr. Bjork explained the differences in types of equipment and in taxation. There is a 100 Federal excise tax on punch boards on the gross amount, a $250 tax on pull tabs and cities can tax up to 5% of the gross of both types of devices. Mr. Fred Lopez, Washington State Gaming Association, demonstrated a display of a pull tab device. Councilman Sterling ask- ed if there are any regulations on payoffs. Mr. Bjork stated there is nothing right now covering the odds on these activities because the Commission feels com- petition and patronage may govern this itself. If there are no prizes, then people will not want to play. Mr. Lopez added if the operator states there are win- ners on the game, there had better be winners. If a flare indicates what the prize will be on the pull tabs and punch board, continued Mr. Bjork, and that prize is won, then it must be posted that the prize is no long- er available if it is not replaced with another prize. If the prize is valued over $5.00, the operator must record the winner's name and address, type of prize and the date it was won to be kept on file for one year. Prizes may be in the form of cash or merchandise. Every device has a Gambling Commission stamp from the factory and is numbered for control. Councilman Gard- ner asked if the operator can pull the board before the big prizes are won. Mr. Bjork answered yes, but this must be recorded and kept on file for three years in- cluding the date and time the board was pulled. Coun- cilwoman Harris stated the Gambling Commission has a very rigid review of the people involved in licensed gambling in all phases. Mr. Bjork agreed, stating the Commission has the power to deny, suspend or revoke licenses. The application itself is very comprehensive and all records are checked. Mayor Todd asked if the record of review is available to the public. Mr. Bjork stated the investigation is not open to the public, only to law enforcement agencies. Mayor Todd asked what records are kept on the employees in gambling establishments. Mr. Bjork replied the corporation and its officers are responsible, partners in a partner ship are responsible and the owner of the proprietor- ship is held responsible. We may even deny a license because of any employees until a situation is rectified, Mayor Todd asked if gambling is legal for 18 year olds if no liquor is served on premises. Mr. Bjork replied yes. Councilwoman Harris stated there are quite a few rules the licensee must abide by as far as record keep- ing of his establishment and has some responsibility of enforcement of them himself. Mr. Bjork stated every licensee must file aquarterly report which includes his gross income, his expenses, his pay offs of prizes and other financial facts. In the case of punch boards and pull tabs, a permanent record on prizes must be kept. The State Department of Revenue requires a re- port and cities may require any forms they feel are necessary for their tax reporting. The Commission will have a limited staff of auditors available soon to check on a regular basis. Mayor Todd asked how many TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 4 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Cont. g/9 card room licenses have been allowed in Tukwila so far. Mr. Bjork stated only one. This is a temporary 60 -day license and once the license is approved by the staff, the license is granted for the remainder of the year. Councilman Sterling asked what the general run down in a month's time for our police officers would be and what type of things would they be investigating. Mr. Bjork stated daily records are required of the operator concerning his income and a spot check of these would be effective. The officer may want to pull a machine and check all the tabs or pulls and check the prizes and flares. The Commission is now investigating some violations at this time in the State. Councilman Ster- ling asked if one man could cover six establishments for example. Mr. Bjork stated it would depend on the type and size of your city and suggested, if he were the law enforcement agency, he would train all his staff to watch for certain things. The City of Tacoma is using their gambling revenue to train a special squad and hiring a separate attorney to cover any con- tingencies. Mayor Todd asked if the City failed to pass an ordinance now and found we did need more police, could the City Council pass an ordinance at a later date to ban gambling at that time. Mr. Bjork stated it is his opinion that the City has the right to prohibit any one of these activities at any time at a legal Coun- cil meeting by ordinance. The City notifies the Commis- sion by sending a copy of the ordinance and we will not issue licenses for that activity. This ordinance and a letter should be sent by certified mail. Mayor Todd asked Police Chief John Sheets how many officers have been hired this year from his budget request of six. Chief Sheets stated he was authorized one new officer. The Department is still short five new officers. Coun- cilman Saul asked if a boarded up gas station could apply and be granted a license for a card room. Mr. Bjork replied no. Councilman Saul asked Mr. Bjork's opinion of why SJR 5 passed in 1972. Was it because of bingo or because of open gambling? Mr. Bjork stated everyone has their own opinion of what they voted on, but he finds everyone is interested in gambling. When the people voted on SJR 5, they read into it what they wanted to pass and great emphasis was put on bingo at that time. Also at that time, the Attorney General had declared the lotteries illegal. SJR 5 gave the people the right to legalize gambling activities. Councilwo- man Harris asked for an explanation of the poker law. Mr. Bjork explained low ball object of five card stud and five card draw poker. Mayor Todd asked if there is any protection under the law for anyone who does not know the game. Mr. Bjork stated poker is more of a game of skill and luck will not pull you through. Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka stated some of her friends and herself play bridge at a $1.00 at the library and asked if this is considered legal. A judge in Seattle ruled the game of bridge as a game of skill and not a game of chance. Mr. Bjork stated that opinion is under scrutiny at this time. Mr. Benny Woyvodich stated he is not interested in punch boards. He stated he heard someone in the aud- ience last week ask if anyone could start gambling the next day and someone else replied yes. He stated it took him two months to get his license. The public was misinformed about the possibility of a grandfather clause not being revoked at some later time also. He stated he knew a license would never be granted for gambling at a boarded up gas station. Mayor Todd asked Mr. Bjork what requirements must be met to get a gam- bling license. Mr. Bjork replied a licensee must be engaged in a retail sales or service business. The Commission does weigh each application individually. The gambling activities must also be in view of the TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 5 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Cont. RECESS 9:35 P.M. 9:45 P.M. Discussion Gambling Memo: Voter statistics on SJR 5, lotteries 1972 Sao public and must be located in the public part of the business. No back room gambling is allowed. There are some conflicts coming up on this with the Liquor Board. Mrs. Ella Woyvodich stated it was stated earlier that there is no limit set on how many pay offs there has to be or that there has to be any, but if the machine states there is a pay off then there must be pay offs in it. She stated every set of pull tabs she has had so far has had 60% to 65% pay offs. Mrs. Anne Altmayer asked what recourse does a customer have if he has a complaint against the establishment. Mr. Bjork replied he should call the police. Mrs. Altmayer asked about card room taxes. Mr. Bjork stated there is no limit. Mrs. Velma Lee asked if the taxes were levied on the Riverside Inn, what would be the revenue to the City from those machines. Mr. Woyvodich stated revenue from gambling would be greater as compared to the fraction of the sales tax the City receives. Councilman Gardner asked what types of games are classified as amusement games. Mr. Bjork stated they are games of skill with some elements of chance such as those played at fairs and carnivals. Councilwoman Harris read from a fact sheet presented by Mr. Lopez at a Council meeting two weeks ago; she covered the area of regulations of card rooms and card games. Councilwoman Harris then read an article entitled "Gambling Action Growing Under State Control" from the May 26, 1974 edition of the Seattle Post Intelligencer. A copy of this article may be obtained from the Seattle P -I or from Council- woman Harris. Ms. Pat Larson stated the Riverside Inn is risking losing their liquor license if gambling in their business is not controlled. Mrs. Ellen Harding asked how much the pay off is in a card room. Mr. Bjork stated the operator is allowed to charge a maxi- mum of $1.00 for each half hour per player. That is the only way the house can collect from the player or the game. Mr. Bjork stated the rules he distributed to the Council are temporary and the Commission will recon- sider them all at their September meeting. This meet- ing will be in the form of a public hearing. The gamb- ling law is quite broad and quite comprehensive and the penalties are very strict. Most all of the violations of this law are felonies and not misdemeanors. Mayor Todd asked if political donations are a part of the reporting required of the licensee. Mr. Bjork replied political donations are reported separately to the Com- mission within ten days after each donation. Mayor Todd thanked Mr. Bjork and Mr. Lopez for attending. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO RECESS THE MEETING FOR 10 MINUTES. CARRIED. Mayor Todd called the meeting back to order with all Council Members present as previously listed. Councilman Sterling asked Chief Sheets if his men are investigating gambling establishments in Tukwila now. Chief Sheets replied yes. Councilman Sterling asked if the officers would be able to investigate gambling if other legal establishments came to Tukwila and be able to regulate it. Chief Sheets stated his officers could handle regulation of gambling machines, but card games are another matter. He stated he had advised the Coun- cil before that his officers have no experience with card rooms. We will just have to survive because the County officers have had no experience with card rooms either. Councilwoman Davis read the memo which indicated a total of 821 Tukwila voters voted for SJR 5 and a total of 408 voters in Tukwila voted against it. Councilman Saul stated he voted yes because of the injustice to non profit organizations not being able to play bingo. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 6 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Cont. Memo Cont. Special Meeting Gambling ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Proposed ordinance Adopting by reference certain statutes of the State and amending TMC Chapter 9.16 Ord. #879, Amending TMC to provide screening of towing business storage yards Ord. #880, Transferring funds to establish Civil Defense Emergency Service Plan 8424 Councilman Johanson stated he is liberal in his think- ing, and he prefers not to be restricted in his activi- ties. Councilwoman Davis stated the Public Safety Com- mittee met and found no penalty clause in the proposed ordinance. She stated she would like to study this and other governmental agencies' ordinances at a Counci] of the Whole meeting. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE DENIED.* Council- man Sterling stated he made this Motion because the Council of the Whole would like to agree to some input on the wording of the ordinance. It is hard to legis- late morals and he stated he does not see anything wrong with allowing and regulating the whole works. He stated he does not agree with the number of police officers necessary to regulate gambling. Mayor Todd stated we do not need to regulate this at all. We really have two choices: hire the policemen to protect the people in Tukwila who do not gamble or let every- thing go. Councilman Sterling stated he does not think many officers are going to be necessary and that the revenue from gambling can be used to finance regulation of gambling. Mayor Todd agreed to using the revenue to fund the Police Department, but how far will this money go? We have no answer to that. *CARRIED, WITH SAUL VOTING NO. Mayor Todd stated it looks like we have a City Council strongly in favor of gambling. Councilwo- man Harris protested that remark, stating the Mayor is reading something into the decision that is not there. She stated the Council wants to study the information available and come up with an ordinance that is fair to the City. Mayor Todd apologized. Councilwoman Davis announced a Special Meeting to be held August 28, 1974 at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers for the purpose of soliciting public comment regarding gambling in the City of Tukwila. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THIS PUBLIC MEETING DATE BE APPROVED. CARRIED. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance adopting by reference certain statutes of the State of Washington and amendini Chapter 9.16 of the Tukwila Municipal Code. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE APPROVED AS READ.* Councilwoman Harris asked what subject material is covered in the State statutes. Police Chief John Sheets stated these laws are in the area of traffic, animal regulations, snow mobiles, etc. Councilwoman Harris stated she would like some further clarifications of these regulations. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, TO TABLE TO NEXT WEEK. MOTION AND SECONDED WITHDRAWN. *MOTION AND SECOND WITHDRAWN. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, TO PUT THIS PROPOSEI ORDINANCE ON NEXT WEEK'S AGENDA. CARRIED. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read pro- posed ordinance amending Sections 5.44.030 and 5.44.130 of the Tukwila Municipal Code to provide for screening of towing business storage yards. MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT ORDINANCE #879 BE ADOPTED AS READ. CARRIED. MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT PROPOSED ORDI- NANCE BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance transferring funds from the Federal Revenue Sharing Fund to the Current Fund to establish a Civil Defense Emergency Service Plan. MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE #880 AS READ. CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS Bicentennial Councilman Saul announced an Ice Cream Social and Con Committee announcement cert in the Tukwila Park to be held Sunday, September 1, 1974 at 2:00 P.M. The American Revolution Bicenten- nial Commission has awarded a flag to the City accept- ing Tukwila as a Bicentennial City. The Civil Air Patrol will provide a color guard and King County Coun- cilman Tom Forsythe will deliver a short patriotic speech. Public Safety Committee Meeting Ad -Hoc Committee on Councilman Sterling stated the Ad -Hoc Committee had at the Foster Golf Course its last meeting moved to recommend to the City Council to authorize an offer of $2.355 million to the owners of the Golf Course. In the event of a re- appraisal, the newly appraised amount would be offered if it is lower than $2.355 million. The City Council is request- ed to set up a meeting with the Golf Course owners to offer this proposal. Mayor Todd stated the purchase of the Golf Course is of course subject to passing on a G. 0. bond issue. Members of the Committee chosen to meet with the owners were Councilmen Sterling and Saul, Mr. Gary Van Dusen and Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AC- CEPTS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE AD -HOC COMMITTEE ON THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE. CARRIED, WITH GARDNER VOTING NO. MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MEMBERS CHOSEN TO MEET WITH THE OWNERS WILL MEET ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS. CARRIED. City Hall Site Revenue Sharing comments AUDIENCE COMMENTS Phyllis Pesicka O a 02. Councilwoman Davis announced a meeting of the Public Safety Committee to be held Tuesday, August 20 at 7:30 P.M. at the Fire Station. Councilman Saul announced a meeting to be held at Mr. Benjamin McAdoo's office at 1718 Olive Way East in Seattle at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 22. Some members of the Planning Commission and City staff will attend. Council Members will also attend, but not more than three at any one time. Councilman Saul questionned an article in the current Association of Washington Cities NEWSLETTER regarding reporting requirements. Mayor Todd replied contrary to what has been said at the Council table recently, the City must report its use of Federal Revenue Sharing and its investment of funds which have been spent or obligated since June 30, 1973 before September 1, 1974. He stated the City's report has been mailed. A copy of the A.W.C. NEWSLETTER dated August, 1974 is on file in the City Clerk's office. Mrs. Pesicka stated some facts are not straight in a S.O.A.R. letter signed by Mr. Ed Bauch. Referring to a statement that some members of the Council were try- ing to put the insurance out for bid, Mrs. Pesicka states she herself had asked Councilwoman Harris to cancel the present policies and go out for new bids and Councilwo- man Harris stated no. Mayor Todd stated a bill of par- ticulars was compiled by three insurance professionals with Gordon Hall, City Supervisor and was advertised. Two bids were received, one from Mr. Pollock and the other from Mr. Anderson. The only difference was in the $1 million excess liability policies. Mrs. Pesicka asked who awarded the bid. Mayor Todd replied he had written a letter to Mr. Anderson informing him he was the low bidder, but under the law the Council is re- quired to award the bid. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 8 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Benny Woyvodich Eleanor McLester 3leanor McLester Telma Lee 413 Councilman Johanson asked is it not correct that Mr. Anderson drew up specifications of the bids prior to the time Mr. Pollock saw them. Mayor Todd repeated his explanation of the procedures taken to arrive at bid specifications by the insurance agent in Renton, Mr. Pollock, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Hall. Councilman Johanson stated was not Mr. Anderson summarizing the needs of the City prior to the attendance of the others at that meeting? Mayor Todd replied no. Mr. Benny Woyvodich asked Attorney Parker if he had worked as an insurance adjustor during the time he was attending college. Attorney Parker replied no. Mr. Woyvodich stated he had information to this effect and would like to ask Attorney Parker to comment on the current insurance situation in the City. Attorney Parker stated Mr. Woyvodich's information is incorrect and he would not care to comment. Mrs. McLester stated she was disappointed that the City Clerk had extra registration hours on Saturday, August 17, without advertising the fact in the local newspapers or at the previous Council meeting. Also, she stated it is becoming more obvious that those people in the audience who make statements agreeing with Mayor Todd are making very valid points while those who disagree are being assinine. Mayor Todd asked City Clerk Shirlee Kinney if she had the office open for voter registration on Saturday, and were there any other registration offices open that day in King County. Shirlee Kinney replied other offices had been open that day at the request of King County Elections Department in a letter dated August 12. She stated she had not planned to open the office prior to receiving that letter due to the small number of recent registrations. She stated Mrs. McLester had called on Saturday regarding this same thing. Shirlee Kinney stated a notice had been posted on the bulletin board and notices had been given to the Highline Times and the Record Chronicle and the Tukwila News Register, but none of them had time to publish the notice. She stated she had called the Election Department to inform them she would be open in case anyone would call them for a place to register in our area. Shirlee Kinney stated no one came in to register on Saturday during the hours the office was open (10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.). Mrs. McLester stated she knew of some who would have come in to register had they known the office was open. She hoped if this occurs again, the fact would be publicized in advance so that all the citizens can be informed. She stated Shirlee Kinney had offered to stay late for them. Councilwoman Davis stated in checking through new regis- trations, she had found one person had registered on Saturday some time ago and another person had registered in the evening before a meeting on a Wednesday. This is not equal; if the office is going to be open to reg- ister voters on weekends or after hours, it should be announced to the public. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney stated she has never denied the right to register to vote to any person at any time. This is my duty. City Clerk Shirlee Kinney thennotified the public and Council that on Saturday, October 5, the City Clerk's office would be open for voter registration between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. This is the final day to register before the general election date of November 5, 1974. Mrs. Lee stated there had been several notices in the Seattle Times that voter registration would be open on August 17 and she understood that to mean at all offices. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 19, 1974 Page 9 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont. Councilwoman Harris stated she has always felt any cit- izen can address the City Council on any subject pro- vided it is within the confines of good taste and ac- cording to the procedures ordinance. Any member sitting at this table does not have the right to argue with, attempt to humiliate or put down or in any manner de- tract from the citizen addressing the Council from the floor, even though sometimes it can be personally hurt- ful. She stated she would keep to that opinion of a citizen's rights. The people sitting at this table have a responsibility to maintain the dignity of the table and this has not always occured, but she hoped it would not occur again. Lloyd Hartong Councilman Saul asked Mr. Hartong if his street problem had been resolved. Mr. Hartong stated his questions were never answered. He stated he has been waiting two weeks and Mr. Fiorito has been waiting two years for a decision from the City. Councilman Saul asked what can the City do about these trucks turning around or parking down on Maul Avenue. Councilman Sterling asked what question Mr. Fiorito has. Mr. Hartong stated that he was referring to the development of Mr. Fiorito's property. He then explained the situation with the trucks. In one instance, 3M dumped steel from its truck and All Service came by to pick it up; all this was transacted on private property, not their own. He stated he had not received an answer to his letter sent to the Planning Commission and the Council. Mayor Todd stated Mr. Hartong should have sent the letter to him. He stated he had checked into the possibility of the Puget Power right -of -way being for sale and has not yet heard back from Puget Power. Mr. Hartong stated the Mayor knows it is for sale. Mayor Todd stated yes, but it is not in the record as being legally declar- ed for sale. Mayor Todd and Mr. Hartong discussed the situation further. Councilwoman Harris stated this appears to be a violation of zoning. These companies involved should be confining all phases of their busi- ness to their own property. The City Council cannot legally direct the staff to take care of this, but we should refer this to the Administration to check out. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL REQUEST THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION OF TRUCKING OPERATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF 5O.143rd AND 142nd FOR POSSIBLE ZONING VIOLATIONS. CARRIED. Chief Sheets stated he had observed the sit- uation Mr. Hartong is concerned about and the private owner of the property was ignorant of it. The property is being used as a transfer point and Maul Avenue is being used as a test run and repair stop. He stated he does not see this as a Police matter at this time. He stated several alternatives had been discussed by him- self, Mayor Todd and Mr. Hartong which included land- scaping improvements to the area and designating Maul Avenue. Mayor Todd stated we would continue to work on this problem. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MEETING 11:00 P.M. ADJOURN. CARRIED. ATTEST: ank Todd, Mayor Cc:Lg L2, Shirlee A. Kinney, C ty Clerk 8a