Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-05 Regular MeetingTukwila City Council City Hall Council Chambers MINUTES Regular Meeting May 5, 2014 — 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, De'Sean Quinn, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, and Kate Kruller. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY QUINN TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER DUFFIE FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Turpin, Assistant City Attorney; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Brandon Miles, Economic Development Planner; Joyce Trantina, Mayor's Office Project Analyst; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Mayor's State of the City address. Mayor Haggerton Mayor Haggerton welcomed all those in attendance and those watching from home to the Council meeting. He utilized a Powerpoint presentation to give the State of the City address. Mayor Haggerton expressed that his approach in providing information regarding the status of City business and the outlook for the coming year will be based on "The top 10 reasons to live, work or play in Tukwila." Number 10: Continued Funding Support A delegation comprised of two Councilmembers, the Economic Development Administrator and the Mayor will travel to Washington D.C. this month to seek funding for the Strander Boulevard multi -modal connector to Renton. This connector, which travels under the rail lines, will provide better cross - valley access, to include a trail for bicycles and pedestrians. Additionally, the City has excellent working relationships with the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Transportation Improvement Board, the Puget Sound Regional Council and other agencies that allocate state and federal funding for transportation related projects. Number 9: Location - Location- Location With Tukwila's proximity to the Seattle- Tacoma International Airport and the City of Seattle, as well as being at the juncture of Interstates 5 and 405, the City has multiple unique advantages. The Link Light Rail station provides quick and easy access into Seattle, and the new Tukwila Transit Center under construction at Strander Blvd. and Andover Park West provides safer, expanded high - quality bus shelters, to include improved lighting, sidewalks and landscaping. Construction for the new Tukwila Sounder (train) Station is well underway and will not only serve Sound Transit commuters, but also Amtrak's 4 trains per day and numerous King County Metro buses as well as the new Rapid Ride F Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2014 Page 2 of 6 system. Getting here is easy and there is much to do in Tukwila with the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest, soccer events at the Starfire Sports complex, golf at Foster Golf Links, bowling, the Museum of Flight, and skydiving at the only indoor skydiving venue in the state. Number 8: Tukwila South The Tukwila South Project which covers about 512 acres just south of 180th Street promises to become a major urban area in the Puget Sound region. It is anticipated this project will bring 25,000 new jobs and 10 million square feet of office, technology, and retail space to the City. A new Fire Station will be located at the northwest corner of the intersection. Additionally, last fall, the 178th Street hill was closed and re- directed into a much safer, more gradual road to intersect with Southcenter Parkway. Number 7: Regional Partnerships As a member of the Board of Directors of the Cascade Water Alliance for almost 15 years, he is proud to convey that the alliance provides water supplies to the 350,000 customers and 20,000 businesses it serves in Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Sammamish Plateau, Issaquah, Skyway and Tukwila. This year the alliance is celebrating its 15 -year anniversary. The SCORE jail facility which opened in 2011 is serving the confinement needs of its 7- member cities along with a number of contract agencies. The Valley Communications 911 center implemented the new computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and will provide much greater efficiencies for first responders across our cities. Additionally, Sound Cities Association, the Association of Washington Cities and other regional groups are very important to Tukwila in promoting and protecting the interests of our citizens and businesses. Number 6: Financial Picture Tukwila's financial health continues to be very good, with the City benefitting from the slow and steady improvement in the economy. In 2013, our retail sales tax exceeded the budget forecast by $1.3 million; 20% of this increase was a result of construction sales tax. Our permit activity has seen an increase of almost 15 %. In addition to increased tax revenues, departments have done an excellent job of holding or reducing operating expenses, which resulted in approximately $765,000 in savings. The net increase in the General Fund was $3.5 million due mainly to the City's receipt of Local Improvement District reimbursement funds. This reimbursement also resulted in a $4.3 million increase in the contingency /reserve fund. Our ability to continue to provide superior services depends on the strength of our economy. Our community driven Strategic Plan, adopted in 2012, will help guide our actions and investments in the years ahead, positioning the City to make sound financial decisions that reflect the needs, desires and aspirations of all Tukwila's stakeholders. Number 5: Our Neighborhoods and Residents Goal #5 of our Strategic Plan challenges us to pursue a positive community identity and image. Throughout the strategic planning process, we heard a desire to improve the image of our neighborhoods. Our Capital Improvement Program (CIP) identifies the needs, which include more sidewalks, undergrounding utilities and rebuilding of streets. While the progress can seem slow at times, everything is being done to keep these important projects moving forward. Significant accomplishments include two grant funded projects moving forward for Safe Routes to Schools (Cascade View and Thorndyke) and increased resources in Code Enforcement. Connecting with our residents is a top priority, with successes to include a "Sustainable Cities" grant from the Boeing Company to support the creation of a community connector program that utilizes liaisons from our rich cultural communities. Other successes include transportation and services for seniors, efforts through the Human Services office to implement programs to promote the health and well -being of our citizens, increased partnering with the School District and connecting with young people, to include the creation of the "Tukwila City of Opportunity" scholarship. Number 4: Tukwila Village In 2012, the City Council approved a Development Agreement with Tukwila Village Development Associates for this major project on Tukwila International Boulevard at South 144th Street. The Board of Architectural Review approved the design of the first development phase for the plaza, commons and the Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2014 Page 3 of 6 library last November. Construction should begin this summer, with the library and first phase scheduled to open in 2015. The second phase should occur in 2015/2016 and the third and final phase in 2016. This addition to our community will do much to bring positive changes to this important part of our City and ensure development along Tukwila International Boulevard reflects our vision for Tukwila. Number 3: Economic Development The City has placed a high priority on reducing crime along Tukwila International Boulevard since it was annexed into the City in the early 1990s. A Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan was adopted in 1998 to help eliminate blight, with a subsequent update adopted that allowed the City to use condemnation authority to purchase property for redevelopment. In the spring of last year, we took this 1 step further by recommending that the Council adopt an ordinance authorizing the City to use this condemnation authority to purchase specific chronic nuisance motels and commercial properties to reduce crime and improve public safety in this area. The Council authorized purchase of these properties and staff has been working on these acquisitions since last fall. This area is ripe with possibilities with the Tukwila Village site and new Neighborhood Resource Center and library just north of the area. The look and feel of this neighborhood will change dramatically, and the City has already been contacted by interested developers. Additionally, 2 new hotels are under construction in the Southcenter area and plans are underway for a new high -rise hotel /condominium project on Andover Park East. Number 2: Public Safety On August 27, 2013, we took back our Boulevard through the multi - jurisdictional raid and seizure of motels along Tukwila International Boulevard, equating to the largest event of this kind in the State of Washington, involving over 400 law enforcement officers. This was the result of a year -long investigation which proved the owners and managers of these properties were not only allowing crime, but were also profiting from it. Since the 3 motel seizures, violent crimes in this area are down by 48% and residential burglaries have been reduced by 50% as documented by our Police Department. We anticipate great things for this corridor in the months and years ahead. Number 1: Our People At the top of the list are the employees who make this City great. We have many employees who have been with the City for over 20 years. They have embraced a career of public service, working across the community and the region to keep people and property safe, roadways clear, and to help those who cannot help themselves. In March, I had the privilege of visiting the Oso mudslide area and witnessed that spirit of service and support first hand, as Tukwila firefighters, emergency management personnel and communications professionals worked side -by -side with FEMA to assist in the massive effort. Changes have been made in City staff reporting relationships and the organizational structure across the City to provide more attention and resources in specific areas. Focus has also been placed on succession planning and training. We are committed to delivering superior services to all those we serve. There are no strangers here. Everyone is welcome; Everyone is important; Everyone has a voice. We are listening! CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 4/21/14 (Regular Mtg.) b. Approval of Vouchers. #366167- 366283; #140402 - 140406 in the amount of $1,437,474.73 c. A resolution increasing the Parks and Recreation change fund level, reducing the Parks and Recreation petty cash fund level, increasing the Public Works Division I petty cash fund level, eliminating the Public Works Division II petty cash fund and repealing Resolution No. 1762. (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Finance and Safety Committee on 4/22/14.) RESOLUTION 1824 d. Award a bid to Walsh Construction Co. II, LLC, for the Interurban Avenue South Project in the amount of $7,597,833.39 and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Transportation Committee on 4/28/14.) Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2014 Page 4 of 6 e. A resolution establishing a 25 MPH speed limit on Interurban Avenue South between South 143rd Street and Fort Dent Way for the duration of the street reconstruction period. (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Transportation Committee on 4/28/14.) RESOLUTION 1825 f. Authorize the Mayor to sign Supplement No. 3 to contract #13 -043 with David Evans and Associates for the Cascade View Safe Routes to School Project in the amount of $24,075.00. (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Transportation Committee on 4/28/14.), g. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Parks Property Tax Levy Agreement with King County. (Proceeds to the City estimated to be $56,679.00.) (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Community Affairs and Parks Committee on 4/29/14.) h. Authorize the acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to be used to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a state program promoting urban redevelopment and watershed protection in the amount of $42,060.00. (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Community Affairs and Parks Committee on 4/29/14.) i. Authorize the Mayor to sign an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the 2015 Minor Home Repair Program to serve the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, and Covington in the amount of $130,000.00. (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Community Affairs and Parks Committee on 4/29/14.) MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. "Tukwila, City of Opportunity Scholarship" (1) Authorize the award of a $2,000 "Tukwila, City of Opportunity Scholarship" to Tulasa Ghimirey. MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY HOUGARDY TO AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF A $2,000 "TUKWILA, CITY OF OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP" TO TULASA GHIMIREY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. (2) Authorize the award of a $2,000 "Tukwila, City of Opportunity Scholarship" to Lea Buenavista. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY QUINN TO AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF A $2,000 "TUKWILA, CITY OF OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP" TO LEA BUENAVISTA. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Joyce Trantina, Mayor's Office Project Analyst, explained that the 2 recipients will be invited to the May 19, 2014 Council meeting to share comments and meet the Council. Letters were sent to all the students who applied for the scholarships thanking them for their submittals and congratulating them on their accomplishments. Additionally, at the June 3, 2014 Finance and Safety Committee meeting, a report will be presented summarizing the process, to include recommendations for improvements. A proposal for increasing the scholarship dollar amount will also be forthcoming for consideration in the upcoming budget process. b. An ordinance relating to development agreements, approving and authorizing the First Amendment to the 223 Andover Park East Development Agreement with South Center WA, LLC, a Washington limited liability company. MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2014 Page 5 of 6 Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 18.86 OF THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 223 ANDOVER PARK EAST DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH CENTER WA, LLC, A WASHINGTON LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Councilmember Robertson referenced questions he had from last week's Council meeting regarding parking issues. Upon further review of the issues and comments made by other members of the Council, he is comfortable with the Development Agreement as it is written. If the parking exceeds what is anticipated, it is reasonable to expect the hotel operator to mitigate the problem due to the potential loss of customers and revenue. Mayor Haggerton thanked the Economic Development Administrator and the property owners for their diligent work on the issues associated with this project. *MOTION CARRIED 6 -0, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2438. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton reported that on April 29, 2014, he attended the ribbon - cutting for the Home Street Bank. On April 30, 2014 he was invited to the Delta Masonic Lodge in Tukwila. This facility is deteriorating with bricks coming off one wall, and the owners are seeking to replace the entire exterior in a way that maintains the original character of the building. Senator Karen Keiser was in attendance to offer support for the effort, and King County is also supportive. Tukwila has offered to provide assistance in obtaining grants that would help provide a sustainable building in the City. On May 1, 2014, the Mayor participated in the National Day of Prayer at the Tukwila City Hall flagpole. He also attended the May 2, 2014 Valley Com Board meeting, where the discussion focused on the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network. b. City Council Councilmember Robertson expressed that 2013 was both a busy and a good year and extended congratulations to Mayor Haggerton and City staff for the accomplishments. Council President Quinn mirrored the above comments and relayed there is a great deal to be proud of. Councilmember Ekberg said he appreciated the Mayor's State of the City address. Mr. Ekberg referenced discussion from the recent Transportation Committee meeting regarding the 51st Avenue South /Klickitat Drive stop sign that has caused traffic backup issues for quite some time. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has indicated guard rail relocation will occur next month, and the stop sign is anticipated to be removed this summer. Hopefully, this will provide much needed relief to traffic issues in this area of the City. Councilmember Seal attended the May 2, 2014 Fire Exploratory Committee meeting. She referenced information in the City Administrator Report regarding the TrackMole program implemented by the Police Department that will give officers the ability to discover and investigate property crimes involving mobile devices. She wanted to bring attention to this important new tool. (http: / /www.Trackmole.com) Councilmember Hougardy attended the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting on May 1, 2014, where Barbara McMichael from SOCO (South County Cultural Coalition) discussed the connections between the coalition and the Equity and Diversity Commission. She noted that there are currently openings on the Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 5, 2014 Page 6 of 6 Equity and Diversity Commission. Additionally, the Foster High School students are performing in a play they wrote regarding the evolution of Military Road. SOCO provided grant money to assist the students in bringing a playwright on board to finesse the draft into a final product. The play will be performed at Foster High School on May 22 -23, 2014. She reported that the book drive is coming up, and she also attended the National Day of Prayer at City Hall on May 1, 2014, where people of all faiths were welcome. Councilmember Kruller reported that due to scheduling conflicts, the May 10, 2014 Council Coffee Chat will be cancelled, and she will be hosting the Coffee Chat on May 17, 2014. She expressed appreciation for the TrackMole program and its use of serial numbers to connect people with their stolen merchandise. She attended the April 29, 2014 Home Street Bank ribbon - cutting and the May 2, 2014 Fire Exploratory Committee meeting. She also attended the Tukwila Pool Advisory Committee (TPAC) meeting on May 3, 2014. She participates in the King Conservation Executive Advisory Committee caucuses through an online forum. The work done is anticipated to result in additional food chain lines from farms to urban cities, preserving tree canopies, and facilitating more urban farms. Sound Cities Association (SCA) has opened nominations for the King County Safety of Newborn Children Task Force. The abandonment of newborn children is an ongoing problem, and this task force is working to mitigate this serious social problem. Those interested in participating should contact SCA. She wished everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator Report in the packet and offered to answer any questions. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, reported that she and Councilmember Duffle also attended the April 30, 2014 event at the Delta Masonic Lodge. ADJOURNMENT 7:52 p.m. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Jim Christy O'Flahert !" ity Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 5119/14 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 5/20/14