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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-05-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesMay 12, 1975 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS DISCUSSION Slide presentation and discussion re: RIBCO Foster Golf Course acquisition Kjell St oknes TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Tukwila City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Council Chambers MINUTES 12. Council President Traynor called the meeting to order at at 7:35 P.M. GARDNER, STERLING, TRAYNOR, DAVIS, HARRIS, SAUL, JOHANSON MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY DAVIS, THAT ITEM 6 ON THE AGENDA BE THE FIRST MATTER OF CONSIDERATION. CARRIED. Kjell Stoknes, Director of the Planning Department, introduced Stephanie Liff and stated she would present a slide explaining the River Basin Coordinating Organization (RIBCO), its purpose and the results of the study that had been made by the organization. She pre- sented the slide and explained that it presented a plan whereby there would be water for the future, through land -use planning and control. She stated she was prepared to answer any questions that might be presented and explain anything that the film pre- sentation had not made clear. She stated the river basin that had been considered was the Cedar River -Green River Basin. She stated that the completed study will probably be available the third week in June and will be available in the Metro Library. She distributed borchures, summaries, and booklets of the study for those who wished to study the matter further. Councilwoman Davis asked about the cost of this program, mentioning that in one place it had been stated that cost would be $2.75 and in another place it would be $6.00 which equals $$.75. Miss Niff stated that there were different charges for different phases of the plan and the approximate figure of $6.00 is the figure for everything. She further explained that in order to arrive at the cost they took the estimates and divided by the basins and came up with the average figure. Council President Traynor asked if RIBCO would be part of Metro or another agency. Miss Niff stated that RIBCO was just the committee that studied the problem and the water department and other concerned departments would make the final plans. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that he had been following RIBCO since the committee was established about three years ago and he felt that we are in a position where the City Council needs to study and come up with some plan when it is voted on. He added that the City Council should give direction as to which way the City should vote, otherwise when the City member on the Committee votes the City Council will wonder how they got into it. Councilman Gardner asked where the plan fits it with Green River Drainage and other such plans. Kjell Stoknes, Director of Planning Department, stated they had someone come out from Metro and speak to them and he had thought it would be a good idea to have someone come and present it to the City Council. He stated that the plan has long range implications and is in the area of the City Council to decide how they would like to stand on the plan. He added that although Tukwila is small they are part of the problem and it is quite an interesting era that we are entering into and in this way they could be attacking our problems before they occur. There were no further questions re- garding RIBCO and Council President Traynor thanked Miss Niff for the slide presentation and information she offered. Kjell Stoknes, Director of the Planning Department, stated that he had been seeking information regarding matching federal funds that might be available in order to acquire the Foster Golf Course. He stated that there is not as much money available now as there had been, but he felt that the City of Tukwila would be able to get some of it when they made application. He stated that he had come to the conclusion that perhaps the City Council should look at revenue bonds as a means of acquiring this two million dollar golf course. He stated that many people use this property and perhaps the City would want to subsidize this course, TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOT,F MEETING May 12, 1975 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Foster Golf Course acquisition Kjell Stoknes Contd. 1207 He added that the City would have to use it as a golf course only until the revenue bonds were paid. He stated there were ques- tions as to whether the City would want to maintain a covered swimming pool, recreation center, etc., and other future recrea- tional uses, and what the needs are for the citizens of Tukwila for the next ten years. He stated that he needs to know what the City Council wants. Councilman Sterling stated that the City Council wants what the public wants with respect to the Foster Golf Course. He stated that there are many cities buying or building golf courses Spokane and Auburn, for instance and they have both had help with federal funding. He stated that if the people of Tukwila wanted a golf course, he thought that the fact that they would have to use it as a golf course would not matter a bit. He added that if it is possible to get federal funding he would like it even though it is not possible to get as much federal funding as it was thought would be avail- able. He stated there is a lot of work to be done on this and if the money is available we should see if the City of Tukwila is eligible for it and then let the people know how much money is available if they want to buy the Foster Golf Course. Eleanor McLester, audience, asked if the purchase of the Foster Golf Course includes some undeveloped land in addition to the golf course. Councilman Sterling stated that it is mainly a golf course although some of the banks near the river are undeveloped but they are part of the golf course. Eleanor McLester, audience, asked if the City would be limited as to how they could use the undeveloped part. Councilman Sterling stated that the City could not have swimming pools, etc., if federal money is used. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that he thought the City should acquire the golf course and if we cannot get the federal funds then we should go to the people and see if they want it. He stated that if something is not done we will have apartment buildings and industrial buildings there. He added again that he felt the City should acquire the Foster Golf Course and he thought it would not be long before we will be glad to have that open space down there. Councilman Sterling stated that Kjell Stoknes, Director of the Planning Department, wants to know what the City Council wants to do. Mr. Stoknes stated that some money is available for this purpose and Tukwila may be able to get some of this federal money if: it is bought as a golf course. He stated they would ignore the undeveloped river banks and call it shoreline. He stated that the City had been given Priority 5. Councilman Sterling stated that the people that he talked to about the federal funding felt the river added much to the property, but they made it clear that the property could not be used for anything except a golf course. Councilwoman Davis stated that it seemed if there are more uses for the land it should get a higher priority rating. Mr. Stoknes stated that he had got the opposite point of view. Councilwoman Harris asked if there was any indication if this purchase was approved on a bond issue if the City would still be eligible for the federal money. Councilman Sterling stated he did not get that information, that he had wanted information to give to the people before the election. Eleanor McLester, audience, suggested that a letter be obtained from Olympia re- garding the intent since there seems to be a difference of opinion and we are not all talking the same language. She added she felt we should have this information in writing. Council- woman Harris stated it was her impression that these grant funds are made in June or July and we must have the bid in 60 days ahead of that time so it is likely too late for those dates. Council- woman Davis stated the next one would likely be August of Octo- ber. Mr. Mr. Stoknes stated that we have to make a commitment before we get the money and we will have time for the reaction of the people before we get the federal money. He added that they would have to update the park plan and capital improvement plan. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that we can go to the voters and ask for the difference between the revenue bon or go on general obligation bonds. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that the money will not be committed until the federal agency knows the people are willing to support the idea. Kjell Stoknes, Director of the Planning Department, stated that we will have to let them know how we are going to take care of our share TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOTF MEETING May 12, 1975 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. Foster Golf Course acquisition Kjell Stoknes Contd. 2 of the money that will be involved. Councilwoman Harris stated tY it is going to take quite a while to meet all of their require- ments and she would like to get the grant in the mail as soon as possible. She added that there is a strong possibility that we would not have to sell all of the bonds approved by the people. Councilman Sterling asked how much money it would take to up -date the park plan. Mr. Stoknes stated that they are working on a comprehensive plan and if it is put aside to work on the park plan it is going to take staff time and set the comprehensive plan back. He stated that he would suggest the transfer of some of the funds for a planner to come in and do it and not interrupt the time schedule that has been set up. Councilwoman Harris said it .might be appropriate for Bigelow and Associates to do it as they hopefully still have the original plans and we could ask them to do the updating. Mr. Stoknes stated he would like to see the park plan done in -house so the whole thing will be a city project and not a tangent. He stated they have the capability of doing the job for less money and a planner would be better qualified than a consultant; however he stated he will do as the City Council suggests. He added that one of the park planners for Bigelow and Associates quit and the City might be able to get him. Councilwoman Harris asked where he would be put to do the job. Mr. Stoknes stated that he had not thought about it, but there is available room in the new fire hall. He suggested that the matter be scheduled on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. Councilwoman Harris asked if this could be put in committee so it could be discussed in depth. She added that they might not be able to give it full thought if it is brought up in City Council meeting at this time. Councilwoman Davis stated that the matter is in the Community Affairs Committee and has not been reported out yet. Council President Traynor stated that the City Council needs a lot of information to give the voters and he would like to see the City Council able to answer the questions that niay be put to them. Councilman Sterling stated that during the past three years the City had spent a lot of money that had helped developers and this one project would help the people. Council- woman Harris stated that one question that will come up is that one taxpayer will say that he does not want to pay taxes for some- one across town to use the golf course. They will want to know if someone from Seattle comes and plays and pay it will pay off the bonds. Councilman Johanson stated that it would be nice to have facilities for the people to use. Eleanor McLester, aud- ience, stated that the Tukwila people might say they do not want others to use the golf course, but we all use the facilities of other cities at some time or another. She added that she thought the City should acquire the Foster Golf Course and it would be an asset to the City. Councilwoman Harris stated that the golf course is one of the few green spots left and there are not many golf courses available without travelling quite a distance. It is difficult to look into the future 10 15 years and if the City does not move now it is going to be too late. Councilman Gardner stated that he is concerned about the feasibility study and how much income it would be bringing in. Kjell Stoknes, Director of the Planning Department, stated that we should have an analysis of how many revenue bonds it could support. He added that it was his idea that it would be nearly one million dollars. Councilman Sterling stated that Foster and Marshall estimated it at $750,000 but prices have gone up since the estimate was made. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that the Foster Golf Course has a pro shop and restaurant and it will be necessary to know if the City is going to operate them or lease them out, also there will be the need of a greens specialist to maintain the course. Councilwoman Harris stated that no definite conclu- sions were reached in Committee and the concessions would have to be discussed and all of the alternatites decided upon. Council President Traynor stated he would hate to see the City take over the restaurant and pro shop and all that it would in- volve. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOTE MEETING May 12, 1975 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. General comprehensive plan Kjell Stoknes Moratorium on building permits in LID #27 area Steve Hall RECESS 9:45 P.M. 9:50 P.M. /2 of With overhead projector Kjell Stoknes, Director of the Planning Department, showed the stages of development for the general comprehensive plan. Councilwoman Harris asked if the sidewalk plan is in the transportation plan and Mr. Stoknes stated that it was. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that the City really does not have a comprehensive plan now, our utilities are comparatively new none of them are over 10 years old but this plan is good in planning the budget. Council President Traynor stated that he thought the plan as presented was good in that it tells where the planning department is, their goals and where they are heading and the priority that has been given to various plans. Councilwoman Harris stated that it was good to have these these plans presented. She added that this presenta- tion was discussed at the January goals meeting. Mr. Stoknes stated that if this is not the end product of what the City Council wants they want to know about it so they can change it. Councilwoman Davis stated she was impressed with the work load and all of the productions this Department is producing. Eleanor McLester, audience, asked if it is difficult to come up with a comprehensive plan when there are isolated spots. Mr. Stoknes stated that Tukwila is a strange city geographically, but he has many talented people and they can solve the problems. Mrs. McLester stated that she is isolated from public facilities and has to go to other places for these facilities. Gary Crutch- field, Planning Department, stated they are trying to approach this problem, considering highland and lowland areas. Mr. Stoknes stated they are making recommendations on this problem and letting the public know through the City Council. Eleanor McLester, audience, stated she would like to see some question- naires go out about the public's reaction to multiple and high rise housing. Mr. Stoknes stated that he hoped this plan will help keep the City out of the courts with respect to land -use. Councilwoman Davis stated there needs to be a study of the building codes for the City and some restrictions. She stated there have been two fires recently in the Canyon Apartments of an electrical nature. She added she thought the City should dwell on better building quality and it would attract people who want to stay. If apartments are built sub standard we are going to have accidents happen. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that the appearance of the buildings is controlled througl architectural control and the quality of construction is set up by the Washington Building Code and it would have to be changed by legislation. Eleanor McLester, audience, stated that if a building is made of wood it becomes an eyesore if it is not kept painted whereas if it is brick the life span of looking good is better. Councilwoman Harris left the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 9:35 P.M. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that as of the 8th of June the complaint period is over with respect to LID #27, and since no complaints have been received he requested that we proceed at the next City Council meeting to lift this restriction Council President Traynor suggested that the recommendation be put on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY STERLING, THAT THE MEETING RECESS. CARRIED. Council President Traynor called the meeting back to order with all Council Members present as previously listed, with the exception of Councilwoman Harris. Sewer agreement between Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that Andy's Diner Renton and Tukwila re is now being built and is located in Renton. They want to tie-in Andy's Diner Steve Hall into LID #19. They have agreed to install and maintain the line. Steve Hall stated that City Attorney Parker is reviewing the agreement with respect to legality. It will be on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. Councilman Johanson asked if TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WROTE MEETING May 12, 1975 Page 5_ DISCUSSION Contd. /A /0 Sewer agreement between they had agreed to pay for the hook up and all installation and Renton and Tukwila re Steve Hall told him that was correct, and we cannot legally Andy's Diner Steve Hall charge them any more. Steve Hall added that he was pushing the approval from a practical point of view and there is a stipula- tion that if there is any clogging or trouble Renton shall pay all charges of repair. Council President Traynor asked if it would have to be approved by the Renton City Council. Steve Hall answered that he assumed so, or at least by the Renton City Attorney. Council President Traynor stated that if the Renton City Council has it on their agenda he would like to know about it and attend the meeting and perhaps there would be other mem- bers of the City Council who would like to attend. Developer's agreement with Upland Industries Steve Hall Charge for duplicating grievance proceedings Ad Hoc Bus Committee and City clean -up ADJOURNMENT 10 :20 P.M. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated that this item would not be on the agenda but he wanted the City Council to be aware of it. Mr. Hall used the blackboard to point out the area that would be involved. Steve Hall stated that City Attorney Parker is reviewing this matter with respect to legality. He added that the developer will pay in advance so there will be no trouble along that line. Councilman Sterling asked if they would use Jones and Jones and Steve Hall replied they would as they have had them work for them before and they liked them. Councilman Johanson stated he liked the idea of them paying in advance due to past experience that the City has had. Councilman Johanson asked if the matter had been in the Planning Commission yet. Steve Hall stated that it had not as it is still at staff level. Councilwoman Davis stated that she felt the City Council should be aware of the fact that the Administration office had charged a transcription fee of $6.70 for duplicating the grievance pro- ceedings for the City Council attorney, Mr. Hard, which he had requested. Council President Traynor stated that he would take the matter up with the Administration office and perhaps put it on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. Ed Bauch, audience, stated that the Ad Hoc Bus Committee met Saturday, May 10, and letters and questionnaires are going out in the mail on May 13, 1975. The Park Department mailing list is being used and the letters will be delivered to apartments personally. The letters regarding the City clean -up are being mailed at the same time and it is also going to be in the news- papers. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. Norma Recording Secretary