HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-03-03 Regular MinutesMarch 3, 1975 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
FLAG SALUTE AND
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL OF
COUNCIL MEMBERS
MINUTE APPROVAL
VOUCHER APPROVAL
M I N U T E S
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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 SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 17, 1975 BE APPROVED
AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED, WITH HARRIS VOTING NO.
Councilman Traynor read a letter from the Mayor regard-
ing payment to the court reporter for transcripts of
arbitration committee discussion and discussion of
grievances during Council meetings. He stated he was
in complete agreement of the court reporter being pres-
ent during the arbitration committee sessions, but it
was her presence at the Council meetings that he ques-
tioned. He stated he did agree that an accurate record
should be kept during the Council meeting, but that it
could have been kept by the City Clerk and her staff.
Mayor Todd stated that by having the Clerk or Deputy
Clerk keep the record may have constituted some degree
of conflict of interest since the City Clerk and Deputy
City Clerk were parties to the grievance. He stated
Resolution #365 calls for accurate records to be kept
and the best way to do this to his knowledge was with
the court reporter. Councilman Traynor stated under
that consideration he would agree since the parties of
the grievance are also members of the record keeping
department. Councilman Sterling stated he was in favor
of the court reporter'spresence at the arbitration
committee meetings, but the Council did point out that
the minutes of the Council meetings did not have to be
done by the court reporter and that the City Council
is not liable for the expense. It is an added expense
to the City. Mayor Todd pointed out that Council
minutes including ver batim transcript of the court
reporter had received formal approval from the Council.
In the future then the Council will not receive copies
of the transcripts if they do not intend to pay for
them. Mayor Todd stated he authorized the court report-
er to be present at the Council meetings with the under-
standing that it would be for the protection of the
Council as well as others involved. Councilwoman Harris
stated she interpreted the need for documented records
by a court reporter as set forth in Resolution #365
as it applies to the arbitration committee only.
Further discussion followed and Mayor Todd read Section
6.d. of Resolution No. 365, setting forth theneeds for
accurate, documented proceedings. MOVED BY HARRIS,
SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT VOUCHER NO. 5092 IN THE AMOUNT
OF $81.00 FOR TRANSCRIPT DATED FEBRUARY 3, 1975 BE
DENIED. CARRIED, WITH TRAYNOR VOTING NO. MOVED BY
HARRIS, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT VOUCHER NO. 5091 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $104.50 FOR TRANSCRIPT DATED FEBRUARY 10,
1975 BE DENIED. CARRIED, WITH TRAYNOR VOTING NO.
MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF VOUCHERS No. 5091 AND 5092, THE BILLS BE
ACCEPTED AND WARRANTS BE DRAWN IN THEIR RESPECTIVE
AMOUNTS.* Councilman Sterling asked if there was also
a question on Voucher No. 5095 to Dick Anderson. Mayor
Todd explained the Voucher covered the renewal premium
for false arrest insurance for the Police Department.
Councilman Sterling stated there will be a bid call
coming up in the next month or so for insurance and
asked why this policy was renewed at this time. Mayor
Todd stated the Council had been furnished with a list
by the City Clerk of all contracts and items to re -bid
in January. If they desired to call for bids, he ex-
pected the Council would have provided administration
with some direction to go to bid on this policy.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 2
VOUCHER APPROVAL Cont.
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Mayor Todd stated he was informed this policy would
soon be lapsing and since he had received nothing from
the Council or their committee on the insurance yet,
he had the policy renewed. In addition, just three
days after the renewal notice was sent, the City re-
ceived a $50,000 claim citing false arrest. Councilman
Saul referred to his listing of contracts, etc. and
stated all other policies are due at the same time
with the only exception of the false arrest policy.
Councilwoman Harris stated the Council has never seen
a 30 -day advance notice from the insurance carrier on
any of these policies. She felt the administration
should notify the City Council in a timely fashion of
any policies which are coming due. A request was
made to research the insurance file.
RECESS MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, TO RECESS THE
7:35 P.M. 7:43 P.M. MEETING. CARRIED. Mayor Todd called the Tukwila City
Council meeting back to order with all Council Members
present as previously listed.
BID OPENINGS, AWARDS AND CALLS
Councilman Sterling asked if it would be legal to obtain
a rider for this type of policy until the time all the
other policies are due. Mayor Todd replied it would
probably not be possible at this time since we do have
the $50,000 false arrest suit pending. Councilman
Johanson stated the Council has had no assistance from
administration or staff. We intended to establish a
bid approach to the insurance and everyone was aware
of that. It was discussed last year and also as one
of our 1975 goals. Mayor Todd stated he was ready to
do anything the City Council wishes to do, but he had
received no direction from the Council on this at all.
Councilman Johanson replied he wished to reaffirm the
knowledge that the Council intended to set a policy
to go to bid for insurance this year. Mayor Todd then
requested the City Council to submit a letter to him
through the Council President with some direction for
administration. How should the call for bids be
drafted, for instance? Councilman Traynor stated ob-
viously the City requires this false arrest insurance
and he felt there has been a communications gap here.
Councilwoman Harris asked about a 30 -day grace period
on this particular policy. Attorney Parker replied
the policy period is February 15, 1975 through February
15, 1976. There is no such thing as a "grace period
the company allows 30 days to receive payment before
cancellation. *ROLL CALL VOTE: 5 AYES GARDNER,
STERLING, TRAYNOR, SAUL, JOHANSON; 2 NOS DAVIS,
HARRIS. CARRIED.
Vouchers No. 5093 5150
Current Fund #5093 #5133 9,281.47
Emer. Empl. #5134 7.55
Street Fund #5135 #5140 2,088.27
Water Fund #5141 #5143 5,576.49
Sewer Fund #5144 #5150 383.97
Total $17,337.75
LID #20 Cash 19 $200,732.08
Rev. 14 200,732.08
LID #24 Cash 11 $1,200.00
Rev. 8 1,200.00
LID #25 Cash 14 15 $2,805.88
Rev. 11 12 2,805.88
Call for bids: Mayor Todd stated he instructed the City Clerk to
Publication of legais submit this on tonight's agenda for Council considera-
tion as this will be due this month. MOVED BY TRAYNOR,
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 3
CALL FOR BIDS Cont.
PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, APPEALS AND SIMILAR MATTERS
Employee grievance
Verna Aal, Fire
Department
Claim for damages
Richard Brian Kaye
OLD BUSINESS
Steve Hall
Letter re:
Corridor study
Tukwila /Renton
Notice of Hearing MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO PUBLISH NOTICE
Final Assessment Roll OF HEARING OF FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LID #21 ON
for LID #21 APRIL 7, 1975 AT 7:00 P.M. AT TUKWILA CITY HALL, COUNCIL
CHAMBERS. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Planning Director's
request approval
of contractual
agreement for
Professional
Services
Approval of easement
re: LID #24
SECONDED BY STERLING, TO CALL FOR BIDS ON THE CITY'S
PUBLICATIONS OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS. CARRIED, WITH HARRIS
VOTING NO.
Council President Traynor read Mayor Todd's letter
dated February 21, 1975 enclosing a charge of discrimi-
nation by Mrs. Aal along with a letter from Hubert H.
Crawley, Fire Chief and Department Head. He stated his
recommendation would be to upgrade and reclassify her
position with a salary commensurate with other compara-
ble salaries for that position. Mayor Todd is Equal
Opportunity Officer for the City of Tukwila. Council-
man Traynor then read a cover memo from Chief Crawley
stating he found no way to solve this problem in his
position. Mayor Todd stated he was at this time re-
questing consideration by the City Council in an attempt
to resolve it before it goes to formal arbitration
committee. He stated he would not comment on the fact
whether there has been discrimination or not with this
case and asked for a recommendation from the Council.
MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE GRIEV-
ANCE OF VERNA AAL BE HANDLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS
THE PREVIOUS GRIEVANCES WERE HANDLED.* Councilman
Traynor stated the Council does not wish to deviate
from the budget as adopted by ordinance (Ord. #911).
*CARRIED. Mayor Todd stated then this will be forward-
ed through the provisions of Resolution #365 and #364.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO AMEND THE
AGENDA TO INCLUDE ITEM 6.b., CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. CARRIED.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO REFER THE CLAIM
FOR DAMAGES SUBMITTED BY RICHARD BRIAN KAYE TO THE
CITY'S INSURANCE CARRIER. CARRIED.
Councilman Gardner, Public Works Committee chairman,
read a letter from Steve Hall dated January 29, 1975
recommending participation by the City of Tukwila in
this study as it involved property of the City in the
Strander Blvd. corridor. He suggested the amount of
participation not exceed the $1,000 as proposed. He
stated the funds would come from the Public Works
Dept. budget. MOVED BY GARDNER, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO
JOIN IN THE CORRIDOR STUDY FOR THE AMOUNT OF $1,000
FOR THE STRANDER BLVD. CORRIDOR PORTION. CARRIED,
WITH HARRIS VOTING NO.
Councilman Johanson asked if the City Attorney had
drafted the agreement. Kjell Stoknes, Planning Direc-
tor, stated he and the Planning staff had drafted it.
Attorney Parker stated he has seen it and approves it.
Kjell Stoknes stated the Planning Dept. has $6,000 in
its Professional Services budget for work on the Com-
prehensive Plan, which would be the project of the
draftsman to be hired. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY
STERLING, THAT THIS ITEM BE PLACED IN THE COMMUNITY
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. CARRIED
Councilman Gardner read a letter from Steve Hall, Public
Works Director, dated February 26, 1975 regarding pur-
chase of an easement from City Light in order to
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 4
NEW BUSINESS Cont.
LID #24 easement
Cont.
Discussion:
Extension of Val
Vue Service area
in McMicken Heights
Discussion:
City Attorney's
fees re: LIDs
Discussion:
Sale of bonds for
LID #19 and #20
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install the LID utilities. MOVED BY GARDNER, SECONDED
BY STERLING, TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF AN EASEMENT
FROM SEATTLE CITY LIGHT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,200 FOR
LID #24. CARRIED, WITH HARRIS VOTING NO.
Steve Hall, Public Works Director, described a small
area in the City in the McMicken Heights area that
has been difficult for the City to serve and recommend-
ed the area be turned to Val Vue Sewer District for
utilities service. He stated the Council would have
a formal document to consider at the next regular
meeting. Councilman Sterling asked if our present
agreement with Metro would interfer with this. Attorn-
ey Parker stated he would check into the agreement.
Councilman Gardner asked about the $29,000 hookup
fee to Metro due if we connect to their line. Steve
Hall replied he had discussed this with Mr. Mallory
and it seems if Val Vue hooks up, they would not have
to pay that fee only if the City hooked up. There
is no way it can be pro -rated either. Councilman
Saul stated he has no objection to this and has heard
no comments from his neighbors in the McMicken Heights
area.
Councilman Traynor stated the percentage paid to the
City Attorney from each completed LID was discussed
last year and we are bringing up for discussion again.
At the last Committee of the Whole meeting, we dis-
cussed the possibility of paying the City Attorney on
an hourly basis rather than the percentage. Council-
woman Harris noted that most of the City's LIDS are
fairly expensive and 3% of the total represents a
rather large sum. The Council questions whether this
high income is really in the best interests of those
in the LID and of the City. It may represent too much
pay for the number of hours of work performed on most
of the LIDs. It would be more consistent to assign
a rate. If there is an excess expense, such as in the
case of a law suit, there is the contingency fund in
the LID to cover those costs. Ordinances #559 and
#605 were referred to. Discussion followed regarding
the previous City Attorney's claims against the 3%
compensation. Attorney Parker stated Mr. Hodge had
drawn on the 3% out of LID #17 and had stated that he
had been losing money for work on LIDs under the
previous system of compensation. Mrs. Eleanor
McLester stated she recalled that particular LID had
been completed in court by our present City Attorney.
Attorney Parker stated the LID had been completed be-
fore the litigation was completed. Mrs. McLester
stated the present City Attorney had lost the litiga-
tion on LID #17. Mayor Todd explained that the engin-
eering fees for that LID were in excess by about 30%
and the court had found the City of Tukwila had allowed
too much in fees. The City was notified and chose to
pay the judgment out of the Sewer Fund rather than
pursue it any further. Attorney Parker added that
no resolution had ever been passed to bind the agree-
ment on the part of the City fixing the fees in any
amount. That is why we always present these profess-
ional services agreements to the Council now. Coun-
cilman Sterling stated the previous City Attorney was
responsible for setting the 3% fee on the LIDs, but
he was sure Mr. Hodge had never charged the 3 City
Treasurer Mae Harris agreed he had not.
Mr. Ron McLaughlin, Foster E Marshall, provided perma-
nent financing proposals to the City Council for LID
#19 and LID #20, which have been financed to this
point by temporary measures for the last few years.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 5
NEW BUSINESS Cont.
LID #19 and #20
bonds Cont.
Council's appointed
attorney re: City
Attorney
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bicentennial
Committee progress
report
Professional
Counseling Service
Community Affairs
report Golf Course
He stated the remaining balance of both LIDS will now
be permanently financed. Mr. McLaughlin then explained
briefly the background of each LID financially, and
read the proposal from Foster Marshall at an interest
rate of 7.80% for the balance of $207,577.03 for the
period March 1, 1975 to March 1, 1987. He stated the
bonds could be retired before the end of that period.
The current rate for municipal bonds was discussed.
City Treasurer Mae Harris stated this would seem to
be the best rate and the best time to go with the
financing. She recommended the Council accept Mr.
McLaughlin's proposal. MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED
BY DAVIS, TO APPROVE THE SALE OF BONDS TO FOSTER
MARSHALL AT THE RATE OF 7.80% FOR LID #19 AND LID #20.*
Councilwoman Harris asked if this was proper authoriza-
tion, by Motion. Attorney Parker replied yes, that
the authorization was already created by the ordinance
creating the LIDs. This is exercising that authority.
City Treasurer Mae Harris stated it will take another
ordinance to confirm the sale of bonds later.
*CARRIED.
MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, TO AMEND THE AGENDA
TO INCLUDE ITEM 8. f. CARRIED. MOVED BY DAVIS,
SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE LAW FIRM OF LeSOURD,
PATTEN, FLEMING HARTUNG BE RETAINED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE COUNCIL WITH LEGAL ASSISTANCE
AND ADVICE IN CONNECTION WITH QUESTIONS CONCERNING
CITY AFFAIRS WHICH THE CURRENT CITY ATTORNEY HAS
FAILED OR REFUSED TO THE CITY COUNCIL OR, CONCERNING
WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY, HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE THE
COUNCIL WITH ADEQUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION, INCLUDING
SUCH LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE AS HAS ALREADY BEEN
RENDERED TO THE COUNCIL BY THAT LAW FIRM.* Councilman
Gardner noted a word or two had been left out of the
Motion. Councilwoman Davis restated the Motion as
follows: THAT THE LAW FIRM OF LeSOURD, PATTEN, FLEMING
HARTUNG BE RETAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE
THE COUNCIL WITH LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE IN CON-
NECTION WITH QUESTIONS CONCERNING CITY AFFAIRS WHICH
THE CURRENT CITY ATTORNEY HAS FAILED OR REFUSED TO
ANSWER TO THE CITY COUNCIL OR CONCERNING WHICH THE
CITY ATTORNEY HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE THE COUNCIL WITH
ADEQUATE LEGAL REPRESENTATION INCLUDING SUCH LEGAL
ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE AS HAS ALREADY BEEN RENDERED TO
THE COUNCIL BY THAT LAW FIRM. *CARRIED.
Councilman Saul stated the Committee will be meeting
with the A.C.C. regarding funding proposals and will
report to the City Council at the next meeting.
MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE ITEM OF
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVT''ES uP JAMES
McLERNAN BE PLACED INTO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
FROM THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO AMEND THE AGENDA
TO INCLUDE A REPORT OUT OF COMMITTEE REGARDING THE
FOSTER GOLF COURSE. CARRIED. Councilwoman Harris
reviewed the Minutes of the February 19 Committee
meeting and stated she would like to gather more infor-
mation before this goes to the voters via the ballot.
She stated she would report to the Council with com-
plete information soon. A copy of these Community
Affairs minutes is on file in the City Clerk's office.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 6
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE
Proposed ordinance MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT PROPOSED
LID #27 ORDINANCE BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read
proposed ordinance ordering the improvement of a part
of the City by constructing and installing a system of
storm sewer lines all in accordance with Resolution No.
471 of the City Council of the City of Tukwila, Wash-
ington; establishing Local Improvement District No. 27;
providing that payment for said improvements be made
by special assessments upon properties in said District
especially benefitted thereby, payable by the mode of
"Payment by Bonds;" and providing for the issuance and
sale of local improvement district warrants redeemable
in cash and local improvement district bonds. Location
of the lift station was discussed; Steve Hall, Public
Works Director, stated it would most likely be placed
in an existing easement at the discretion of the engin-
eers. He stated in regard to amending the area by
elevation that it would require a field survey to lo-
cate and determine the contours which would be very
expensive. Mr. Frank Kriedler asked if consideration
had been given to changes in the land from its original
state. Mr. Ray Flink stated he wondered if the engin-
eer knew that there has never been a flood on the
hillside. He asked why he was being involved in the
development of someone else's property down below.
Mayor Todd suggested that the R -1 and agricultural
zoning be allowed under a late comers agreement in the
LID, paying their fair share when and if their property
is ever developed. This would be on the order of a
15 year developers' agreement, and it would accomplish
what we are trying to do. Councilman Gardner stated
the City has no assurance that that land would remain
residential or agricultural. Councilwoman Harris
stated a few of the letters of protest received cited
difficulty in paying the assessment because of fixed
Social Security incomes. She stated there are some
new funds available through the Federal government to
assist certain hardship cases regarding public works
projects. She asked if this could be further research-
ed. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO DELETE
R -1 AND R -A ZONING FROM PROPOSED LID #27.* MOVED BY
TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO
INCLUDE A LATE COMERS AGREEMENT TO BE STIPULATED IN
THE EVENT OF A REZONE OF R -A AND R -1 PROPERTIES.
Discussion continued regarding run -off water from the
hill and the use of the pumping facilities. Mrs.
Eleanor McLester stated that when the LID was put to-
gether, the participants agreed to the cost per acre.
If the R -1 and R -A properties are removed, it would
increase the cost per acre by about 12 1/2% to those
remaining. Would they have a chance to reconsider the
construction of the LID at this higher figure? Steve
Hall replied the total of $300,000 was agreed upon.
If this ordinance is adopted, there is another 30 days
to protest in any event. Discussion continued regard-
ing the proper method of funding that portion of assess-
ments deleted from the LID at this time. When the
property under R -1 and R -A zoning if developed, the
assessment could be considered revenue to the City if
the City wishes to pay their portion now or the funds
can be reimbursed to the LID. Steve Hall pointed out
there are no specific ground rules for storm drainage
LIDs on this. Attorney Parker stated he assumed it
would be handled in the way the sanitary sewer systems
are operating. Mayor Todd asked if the City could
loan the money to the LID to make up the cost of delet-
ing R -1 and R -A. Attorney Parker replied yes. Steve
Hall stated there is some property there that would
never become commercial and the City would be putting
money into the LID it would never recover. He felt
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 7
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE Cont.
LID #27 Cont.
RECESS MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE MEETING
9:40 P.M. 9:50 P.M. RECESS. CARRIED. Mayor Todd called the meeting back
to order with all Council Members present as recorded.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
Proposed ordinance
Towing service
dispatch offices
storage lots
INff
that some of the property that is not commercial but
that is in the flood plain should be paying their fair
share since they would be benefitting quite a bit.
Mr. Mikami stated he did not agree. Mr. Matt Mikami
asked to know how they benefitted from the previous
LID for drainage. He stated he did not receive any
benefit from that. Mr. Mikami stated they were told
they would have drainage from LID #13 but the drainage
pipe on that is two feet above the drainage ditch.
He cannot farm his land. Mrs. Ruth Schoenbachler
stated she knew the Mikami's have had chances to sell
their property and she knows that they plan to stay
there until they die they have no intentions of
ever developing their farm land. Mr. Mikami suggested
something be done about the drainage facility near
the Penneys warehouse. Councilman Traynor stated that
facility has been a problem, that he did not know
whether this should be included until the property is
developed in the future. Mr. Matt Mikami stated that
facility will not work until the property is developed.
Attorney Parker suggested the assessments on the R -1
and R -A zoning be deferred until the property is re-
zoned. Councilman Sterling pointed out the Council
would have to address itself to some funds or accounts.
Steve Hall suggested an ordinance be prepared for the
next meeting to set up a storm drainage fund. This
item will be discussed at the March 10 Committee of
the Whole meeting. *CARRIED, WITH HARRIS AND JOHANSON
VOTING NO.
Mayor Todd stated he and Police Chief John Sheets had
discussed licensing of the tow truck companies in the
City and have prepared an amendment to the Tukwila
Municipal Code for the Council's approval. MOVED BY
STERLING, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE
READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read proposed ordin-
ance amending Section 5.44.190 of the Tukwila Munici-
pal Code regarding towing service dispatch offices and
storage lots. Councilman Sterling stated the law
required we impound within the City of Tukwila and the
storage lot will be located within the City limits.
How do we operate now? Mr. Richard Barene, Big B's
Towing, stated this proposed revision would allow any
business who could respond within 30 minutes to tow
for the City if they were licensed by the City. You
could have 10 companies operating in here. He stated
he felt this was discrimination against the local
business establishments. He felt the business should
maintain a dispatch office within the City. There is
no reason for this change in the law except to allow
favoritism to other companies outside the City limits.
Mayor Todd stated as it now stands, we are unable to
license these businesses without a variance being
approved and with this revision, we are trying to en-
able everyone to be legal. The Planning Department
will not issue approval for licenses for either Dick's
Towing or Big B's because they do not comply with the
zoning requirements. Chief Sheets waived the require-
ments in order that all three companies could operate.
The only solution is to correct the present situation
within the Tukwila Code. We have two companies within
the City and one company that is nearby. Mr. Melvin
Dickey, Dick's Towing, stated he has written and
received many letters on this business. He would be
very willing to comply. The Chief has sold us out to
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 8
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES Cont.
Proposed ordinance
tow trucks Cont.
Ha/
play favorites with someone outside the City. Council-
woman Harris asked why each truck has to be licensed
separately; it seems one business license for each
business would be enough. She asked how the Police
Chief was given the authority to waive the require-
ments for these tow truck businesses. His authority
is limited to recommendations and she stated she did
not know of that authority being specifically granted
by ordinance allowing him to waive or deny business
licenses. Chief Sheets explained he waived these
requirements in order to have someone able to respond
to the scene of accidents. There is a problem here
that obviously needs straightening out. He stated
Mr. Dickey's comments come totally without merit and
he objected to them. Discussion continued regarding
the existing laws and Chief Sheets explained the
current situation regarding the three recognized
towing businesses. Councilman Sterling stated he
did not see why we should have to amend the law. If
the tow trucks want to operate in the City, they
should set up according to the Municipal Code. If
they are set up according to that, we should not have
to go outside the City for business. Chief Sheets
asked the Council if they could operate with these
three companies until the time they comply. They
have not been issued licenses and we need to have
tow trucks available to the Police Department. Mayor
Todd stated in January he ordered no business licenses
issued until this matter was resolved. Mr. Dickey
stated the towing businesses are really asking that
everyone be treated the same; he asked that everyone
be asked to comply as well. Mr. Barene stated he
could see no reason for changing the law requiring
the dispatch office to be inside the City. He was
under the impression that he did not meet the ordi-
nance but he has had no correspondence on it at all.
Mr. Rick Carter, Big B's, stated he was under the
impression that they were not legal also. If this
law is changed, every company in the City of Seattle
could be on the rotation list. He felt this was dis-
crimination against the local businessmen. He stated
he was sure the companies would bring their lots up
to the requirements. Mr. Dickey stated he knew the
Chief was aware that his tow trucks have been on the
scene within 10 minutes and the requirement is 30
minutes.
MOVED BY STERLING, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE PRO-
POSED ORDINANCE BE REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFE'LY
COMMITTEE. CARRIED.
Chief Sheets requested further clarification on who
should be on the call list at this time. Councilwoman
Harris asked if the requirements of the tow truck
ordinance was compatible with the requirements of
zoning ordinances in which these lots are located.
If there is a conflict between zoning and tow truck
ordinances and the business is licensed under the tow
truck ordinance and the business meets the require-
ments of the tow truck ordinance then they should be
issued a tow truck license. If Regan's Towing does
not move inside the City of Tukwila, it should not be
allowed to have a City business license. Discussion
continued. Steve Hall stated the business still has
to meet the requirements of the zoning law in order
to be granted a license to operate. He stated Big
B's and Dick's Towing could comply, and they would
have to because we cannot grant a variance. Mayor
Todd stated these companies should be instructed to
meet the requirements of the zoning code within 20
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 9
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES Cont.
Proposed ordinance days. If they do not comply within that time, they
tow trucks Cont. would be cited with a violation of the City's business
license code. Attorney Parker was instructed to do so
Proposed ordinance
Transfer of funds to
cover cost of
increased costs of
Group Health Ins.
medical benefits
RESOLUTIONS
Proposed resolution
Authorizing execution
of agreement for
Public Defender
Services
Proposed resolution
Annexation Duwamish/
Allentown area
(Second reading)
//a
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, TO AMEND THE
AGENDA TO INCLUDE ITEM 11.b. CARRIED, WITH HARRIS
VOTING NO. Councilman Traynor stated the cost of
the group health insurance for employees under the
Group Health Insurance policy has increased and this
ordinance would provide the extra funds to cover this
higher rate. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT
PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ. CARRIED, WITH DAVIS
VOTING NO. Attorney Parker read proposed ordinance
transferring funds from the Contingency Fund to the
Current Fund, Emergency Employment Fund, and the City
Street, Water and Sewer Funds to cover rate increase
for Group Health medical coverage for employees and
dependents, effective April 1, 1975.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT PROPOSED
RESOLUTION BE READ. CARRIED. Attorney Parker read
proposed resolution authorizing execution of an agree-
ment with the City of Bellevue, the City of Bothell,
the City of Kirkland, the City of Redmond, the City
of Renton, the City of Issaquah and the City of Kent,
to apply for grant funds with which to provide Public
Defender Services. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY
JOHANSON, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE PLACED IN
THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. Chief John Sheets
stated that Resolution #447 is a further extension of
this agreement which would allow the City to use the
monies from the grants provided by Resolution #447.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT PROPOSED
RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION FAILED WITH
GARDNER, HARRIS, DAVIS AND JOHANSON VOTING NO.
Mr. Rudolph Regel asked what reasons were there for
voting "no He stated there is no reason this
annexation should not take place. The area that is
left is not any detriment to the City and it would
blend into the City. Those people there might not
get what they want right away but they could keep
what they have. There is some industrial area and
some population. He stated he thought it was a
shame that they are not invited to come into the City.
Applause from the audience followed. Mr. Regel re-
peated he would like an answer to his question. Mayor
Todd requested comments from the Council. Councilman
Johanson stated his viewpoint was expressed at the
time the annexation proposition first appeared before
the Council. Mayor Todd commented he felt a taxpayer
had asked a fair question of the Council. Councilman
Gardner stated the City's obligations are far from
finished here on the hill. Taking on this area that
needs help against further industrialization he
stated he felt it would all become industrialized
eventually. The residents would like to keep it
residential and we will be spending more money on the
residential improvements. The value of that property
will not be realized until it is sold for development.
Mr. Burton Lutes stated the City would not spend the
money for their water and sewer, the people there would
pay for it. He stated the City never paid for his
water or sewer. The people down there want to retain
what they have and they are asking the City Council to
help them do that. That is why they wanted to come in
the City of Tukwila in the first place. It is the
best place for residential purposes. It is level, it
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 10
RESOLUTIONS Cont.
Proposed resolution
Annexation Cont.
MISCELLANEOUS AND FURTHER AUDIENCE COMMENTS
LID #25
engineering costs
has good soil for gardening, it is close to the
schools and shopping centers. He stated he thought
the City should annex it. Councilwoman Harris stated
the petition from the entire area was first presented
to the Council in July, 1974. There is quite a bit
of existing industrial zoning in that area. The
City's zoning code does not allow industrial zoning
right up against residential zoning. We cannot tell
the industrial people they will be R -1 when they are
already industrial; they would be entitled to some
king od grandfather provision. She stated the City
would be subject to challenge on its R -1 zoning right
away. She stated the boundary lines are not the same
as they were last July and we are not certain it is
a legal area for annexation. There has been no
financial evaluation of the impact of the area to the
City of Tukwila furnished to the City Council. There
has been no environmental assessment drawn up. We
can consider this again in a year on different terms.
Then we would have a chance to do the whole job right
from the start to the finish. Councilman Saul stated
no one that signed the petitions or the members of
the City Council thought this was going to be easy.
It was actually a hard thing to decide for all of us.
The people in the area wanted more representation.
Our present staff could have taken care of their pro-
blems. We could have at least given them the chance
to vote on this. Mrs. Eleanor McLester stated if
we had taken in that area, we would have further di-
luted our tax base. She stated she felt like an
orphan up in the McMicken Heights area. We should be
upgrading within our present boundaries before we
start expanding. Councilman Traynor stated he knew
of a little town in King County by the name of
Bellevue and it would still be a little town if it
waited to see what the cost analysis would be for
each annexation was completed. It is obvious now
that we cannot help them. Councilman Johanson stated
the "yes" votes here tonight have represented the
Duwamish area, but he did not think that we were
elected to represent them. You were elected to rep-
resent the City of Tukwila. He stated he just did
not think this is in the best interests of the people
in the City at this time. Councilman Traynor stated
he had heard that comment several times and would
like to reply to it. This City has to grow if it is
to maintain being a City at all. He stated if he is
not protecting the City be keeping it a city, then
perhaps Councilman Johanson is right that he was not
then representing the City of Tukwila. Councilman
Traynor stated he would feel more secure for the City
by having more area that is residential to stop the
intrusion of industrial area into the residential
areas. Mrs. Eleanor McLester asked where are all of
these residents of the Duwamish area tonight. Mayor
Todd recognized a lady in the audience, a resident of
the Duwamish area. Unidentified, the lady stated
many people in her area were not in favor of the annex-
ation. The presentation at the Boundary Review Board
hearing was very biased and unfair. Mrs. McLester
applauded. Mrs. Phyllis Pesicka stated she heard
comments made to the effect that the people in the
Duwamish Allentown area only wanted to protect their
residential area at that Boundary Review Board hearing.
Steve Hall, Public Works Director, explained that the
engineering costs are locked at a certain figure.
We now find we need the services of a professional
inspector on a contractual basis for the limit of the
project only. All costs would be applied to the LID.
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 3, 1975
Page 11
MISCELLANEOUS AND FURTHER AUDIENCE COMMENTS Cont.
LID #25 discussion
Cont.
Job description
Council Recording
Secretary
Public Safety
Committee meetings
Green River Flood
Control meeting
Suburban Mayors'
Association meeting
ADJOURNMENT
11:02 P.M.
Attest:
//t/
$110 to $120 per day would be the cost for this. It
would be saving money in the long run to do this.
The discussion was deferred to the next Committee of
the Whole meeting.
Councilwoman Davis stated she would like to have this
item discussed at the next Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Councilwoman Davis stated the committee will meet on
March 4 at 7:30 P.M. in the Andover Park Fire Station
to discuss the proposed site for the Police Depart-
ment in Andover Park. There will also be a meeting
of the committee on March 11 at 7:30 P.M. in the
Andover Park Fire Station.
Bicentennial Committee Councilman Saul announced the meeting of the Bicen-
meeting tennial Committee on March 6 at 7:30 P.M. at the
Fire Station to discuss the bazaar scheduled for
April.
Councilman Saul announced a meeting of the Green
River Flood Control agency to be held at Kent City
Hall on March 6 at 7:30 P.M.
Councilman Saul announced a meeting of the Suburban
Mayors' Association at the Crabapple Restaurant in
Bellevue on March 5 with cocktails at 7:00 P.M. and
dinner at 8:00 P.M.
MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED.
Frank Todd, Mayor
Sh'iee A. Kinney, /City Clerk