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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-04-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesApril 14, 1975 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS DISCUSSION Request for bid Car for Public Works Department CETA Program TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOTF MEETING MINUTES Council President Traynor called the Committee of the Whole Meeting to order. GARDNER, STERLING, TRAYNOR, DAVIS, SAUL /17/ Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Steve Hall, Director of Public Works. stated that most of the equipment in the budget has been purchased and he has a car with approximately 35,000 miles on it that could be given to the Fire Department to replace the car that they are using that has 80,000 miles on it. Steve Hall stated that he had looked over several cars, that he needed a car that would seat three or four people comfortably and the Pacer -6 was satisfactory. Steve Hall said he had tallied the money remaining in the bud- get and after Fire Chief Crawley uses what is necessary for equipment on the car he will be getting from the Public Works Department there will be a balance remaining of approximately $4,200. He stated that the retail price of a Pacer -6 with accessories will cost $3,500 to $3,600. Council President Traynor asked for an explanation of the transfer of cars that is taking place. Steve Hall replied that the vehicle he has will go to the Fire Department so they can get rid of the car that is old and has high mileage. They have been getting just 6 miles to a gallon of gasoline with it. The new Pacer -6 that he has referred to would be for the Department of Public Works for his use. Steve Hall stated that he should get good mileage with the Pacer. Council President Traynor stated that the Public Safety Committee should discuss the matter with the Fire Chief. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that it is legal to call for bids for a specific make of car, but he will check with City Attorney Parker to verify this fact. Councilman Saul stated that he would like to bring up the subject of employing temporary personnel through the CETA Pro- gram. He stated that individuals employed through this program could get the parks, streets, etc., in good shape, but he felt the City Council should know for sure that these individuals would be terminated in six months and would not be kept on a permanent basis. He further stated that he felt the program was a good one to provide temporary employment. Council Presi- dent Traynor asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak or ask any questions about this program. Councilwoman Davis asked if some research could be done on this matter and the question be answered as to whether or not the indivi- duals hired could be kept just six months and no longer than that. Councilman Saul stated that it was his knowledge that the City of Tacoma used employees through the CETA Program for just a six month period of time and then let them go. He stated again that by using employees through this program the parks and streets could be cleaned up. Council President Traynor stated that he would like to have written information regarding the terms of hiring and the length of employment when employees are hired through the CETA Program and if it is possible to hire through this program at this time. Steve Hall stated that his Department had asked for 10 employees who are scheduled to help in the park and it is his understanding that they are paid at the rate of $2.50 per hour. Mrs. McLester, audience, stated that the youngsters from McMicken Heights are in the Highline School District and therefore would not be con- sidered for employment in Tukwila through the CETA Program. She stated she knew of several low income families who would qualify for employment if they were considered along with the youngsters from Tukwila School District. She asked that infor- mation be obtained as to whether or not employment could be offered to qualified individuals in McMicken Heights. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOT,F MEETING April 14, 1975 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Lights for tennis courts Lift Station, LID #20 Group insurance proposals Mr. Hoover Chambliss of Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Colonial Life and Accident Company presented group insurance proposals regarding supple Insurance Company mental benefits for employees of the City. He presented two accidental insurance plans; one involving employees engaged in hazardous employment such as policemen and firemen and one in- volving office employees who are not involved in hazardous occupations. The other insurance proposal was a cancer policy. Mr. Chambliss stated that many cities do not have industrial insurance and this plan would supplement insurance that they would receive if there is industrial insurance. He explained the cost would be paid by the employee by payroll deduction. He stated that if an employee quits or retires he can keep up the policy; and that spouse or children can be added at an additional cost. Council President Traynor stated that the City has insurance for the employees and he asked if this would be in addition to what the City already has. Mr. Chambliss stated that this would be additional, that it is over and above anything that the City now has. He stated that employees who take out this insurance file a claim and are given the cash by the insurance company. He added that the cancer insurance cov- erage is unique and inexpensive and the benefits are over and above any that the City may have. He stated that the monthly payments for the cancer coverage are based on age and are taken care of by payroll deduction. He stated that when employment is terminated there is no increase in the cost of the insurance. He added that an individual must be covered for 30 days by the insurance before a diagnosis of cancer is made and an indivi- dual must not have had cancer in order for the insurance to be effective. Mr. Chambliss stated that five employees must join the accident insurance and five join the cancer insurance proposal to get the group rates shown on the brochures that he distributed to those present at the meeting. Mrs. McLester audience, stated that if this is put on a self payment basis this year it will likely be asked to be paid by the City next year by the union. Council President Traynor stated that the matter would be put in the Personnel Committee and they will take action on it. Dog Control Notice of Public Hearing Re -zone Request (Frank Todd) Bill Moore, Chairman of the. Park Board, asked how soon the lights would be installed for the tennis courts. Steve Hall answered that it will go to the City Council next month and then be put out for bid the next month. Councilman Gardner stated that he understood that Metro is re- questing that the lift station in connection with LID 420 is not satisfactory. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that Metro approved the plans and this will be an item to dis- cuss at the next Committee meeting. Councilman Sterling stated that the Public Works Committee would discuss this at the next meeting and possible have a discussion with Metro about it. Council President Traynor stated that he had received a letter from a Mrs. Peterson complaining about the lack of dog control and he stated he would turn the letter over to the Public Safety and Health Committee for action. Council President Traynor stated that he had received and had seen posted a Notice of Public Hearing on April 21, 1975 at 7:30 P.M. to consider the re -zone request from R to RMH (Frank Todd). He stated that several years ago he asked for a legal opinion on these notices and was told that addresses were not sufficient and the notice should have the legal description and both address and legal description would be better. Council President Traynor requested that a letter be written to City Attorney Parker asking if the Notice of Public Hearing contained an adequate description to have a public hearing. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING April 14, 1975 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. Fence for city park Expiration of Metro Contract /173 Councilwoman Davis stated that Bill Moore, Chairman of the Park Board, had requested information regarding the fencing of the south side of the park due to the complaints that had been received. Bill Moore stated that he had not contacted all of the people concerned, but he would. Council President Traynor asked how much it would cost to put up the fence. Bill Moore answered that the estimated cost for three sides was $6,000 so it was his opinion that the south side would be about $1,500. He further stated that at the last Park Meeting it was agreed that a fence should be put in there; if the property owners build the fence there would be arguments as to height and kind of fence and it was the feeling of the Park Board that it would be better to have one continuous fence. He stated that he had looked the matter over and most of the balls do not go over the park but some of them might. He added that the Park Board recommends that the City construct a six foot fence along the south side. Mrs. Persicka, audience, stated that it is not the property owners who are causing the trouble, it is the park users. She stated that she felt it would be better to have one type of fence on all sides. Councilwoman Davis stated that the matter was in the Public Safety Committee and was being acted on. Mrs. Persicka, audience, asked if there were funds so the fence could be constructed before school is out. Council President Traynor stated that the Committee will report on the matter. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that on May 31 the Metro contract is up and he felt that all of the citizens of Tukwila should have a voice in how that $40,000 or $50,000 is being used. He stated that he thought a public meeting should be called and the matter discussed and opinions of the public considered. Councilwoman Davis stated that the second Monday in May a public hearing could be held. Mrs. McLester, audience, stated that the room where the public hearing would be held will hold only about 75 people and it was likely that only those interes- ted in continuing the bus would appear and it would be impos- sible to get a cross section of opinion. She stated that she would like to see a questionnaire go out to all voters to get their reaction and get more input in this manner. She contin- ued that she felt some alternative to the bus should be offered and definite information obtained before this contract expires. She stated that she would like to see the money used for some other public use. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that in a public hearing or through a questionnaire the City Council could get an idea of what the citizens want. Bill Moore stated that if the City does not want the bus they should wait and see where the money might be used. Mrs. Persicka, audience, asked if the money has to be used within a certain period of time. Mrs. Persicka, audience, stated that some people feel independent because they have the bus to use so they can go shopping. She stated that she hated to see it taken away entirely. Mrs. McLester, audience, stated that she would like to see some type of bus, but not a great big one with no one in it. She stated the bus schedules are bad for working people. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that there is a bus stop in front of his house and at 6;05 P.M. while he is eating dinner he looks out and it is seldom that he sees even one person on the bus. Bill Moore stated that he thought the City should audit the Metro for the cost of the bus service. He stated he thought the City could buy a bus and hire a driver and make money. Mrs. McLester, audience, stated that she did not belive the City could run a bus legally. Councilwoman Davis suggested that someone from Metro come to one of the Public Works Committee meetings and discuss their services with the committee members. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING April 14, 1975 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. Summer music program Parks and Recreation Clean -up day ADJOURNMENT 8:55 P.M. /17 Bill Moore, Chairman of the Park Board, stated that he had received a letter from Councilwoman Harris discussing the music program for the summer. He stated that he had discussed the matter with "Scotty" from Renton and basically they have deci- ded to have a concert every Sunday in August and one the end of July in the park. He stated they have also discussed a street dance to be held August 9 in the parking lot behind the City Hall, there will be a parade for Tukwila Days; in addition they have discussed Christmas music and carols in December. Mr. Moore stated that there will be twelve functions three of the dates have not been set yet and it will cost about $1,000. He added that $1,500 had been budgeted for this pur- pose. He stated they would use the remaining $500 for decora- tions that will be needed. He said there were many selections as to the type of music that will be furnished. Mrs. Persicka, audience, stated that she had not heard about Tukwila Days or the Bicentennial Days. Councilman Saul stated there will be Tukwila Days and there will be a pancake breakfast, kiddies parade, etc. Bill Moore stated that the street dance is planned from 8 :00 P.M. to 12 :00 P.M. so the youth can attend. He added that the Musician's Union is paying at least one -half of the cost providing there is no charge for any of the events. Council President Traynor stated that he liked good folk type music. Bill Moore stated that he thought they would vary the type of music that is played each Sunday; the musicians are able to play several types of music. He stated that the events will be advertised locally so all of the residents of the City will know about them. Councilman Saul stated that he would like to see one of the concerts be a classical type of music at Doces. He stated they have offered the space free for the use of the City of Tukwila. Bill M000re stated that they have two open dates and they could schedule something of that type at Doces. Councilman Saul stated that the log raising day would be a good time for the folk music and he thought these musical events were a wonderful idea. Bill Moore stated there will be a bulletin board in the park that will have the schedule of events and then there will be flyers distributed. Council President Traynor asked that the flyers be distributed to all areas of the City. Mrs. McLester, audience, stated that some older people need help in getting their things ready for the clean -up. Council- woman Davis stated that the Department is geared to help remove some of the unsightly spots and Councilman Saul stated that there would be help available where it is needed and wanted. Mrs. McLester, audience, stated that if there is a flyer dis- tributed on the clean-up drive she would like to pass them out in the McMicken Heights area. She added that she knew people who could not get their things out to the street and would need help. MOVED BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. Noma Booher, recording Secretary