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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-08-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesAugust 9, 1976 CITY OF TUKWILA 7:30 P.M. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING M I N U T E S CALL TO ORDER Council President Hill called the Committee of the Whole Meeting to order at 7:48 P.M. GARDNER, TRAYNOR, HILL, SAUL, MS. PESICKA, MS. HARRIS. ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION Res. Authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement for Joint Dispatch Ser- vice MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 26, 1976 AND AUGUST 4, 1976 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETINGS BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED, WITH MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. Mayor Bauch explained the proposed resolution was an interlocal agreement between the cities of Kent, Renton, Auburn, and Tukwila to provide emergency dispatch service for the Police and Fire Depart- ments. He stated it would set up an Administrative Board of the four mayors to oversee the budget of the service and to bring the budget back to the various City Councils so they can be adopted prior to any monies being spent. It provides for a cost sharing of 50% of the total cost prorated on the basis of population and the other 50% of the cost prorated on the basis of assessed valuation of prop- erties. Based on those values the City of Tukwila would pick up 10% of the total cost; the City of Renton would pick up 35 the City of Kent 24 and City of Auburn 30 He said they would hire an execu- tive director, current dispatchers in the four cities would be the source of the pool for stocking service. If an individual from Tukwil, is chosen, they will not be an employee of the City of Tukwila, they will be a government body and will come under PERS just as they do now. There will be an operations board set up to represent Police and Fire Departments. Council President Hill asked how long it would take to set it up. Mayor Bauch said they were shooting for January 1, 1977. He added the City of Renton has already signed their resolution and it is on the agendas for Kent and Auburn. In answer to council President Hill's question as to how many dispatchers they had in the Police Department, Police Chief John Sheets stated they had six clas- sified as Clerk Dispatchers. He added they are not totally committed to dispatching. Council President Hill asked if he could cut down the personnel if the Interlocal Agreement is approved. Chief Sheets said they were not planning to cut, they have 8 working now, two of them are part -time. He said they assume they can end up with 5 per- sons working full time. Mayor Bauch said the amount of people re- quired in the City would be approximately the same, the budget would be about the same. Tukwila will pay about $19,000. Councilman Traynor said it looks like the City will not save any money and neither will the other cities involved in the interlocal agreement. Chief Sheets said it is true that it will probably cost most at the moment; it is possible, however, they will have to add personnel if this system is not accepted. If the agreement is made Tukwila will have the benefit of the expertise of the other cities involved and as we move into the future it will make for efficiency. He continued that it will likely cost a little more now but the alter- native is to try and do this on our own and this could be very expen- sive in the future. Councilman Van Dusen arrived at the meeting at 8:00 P.M. Tukwila City Hall Police Chief Sheets continued that if the City continues to grow they will have to add personnel and enlarge. Fire Chief Crawley said Medic I will be dispatched through this joint dispatch service. He added as far as budget is concerned it will not cut down, but it will increase service. Council President Hill asked if there would be added cost for equipment. Mayor Bauch said the Cities of Renton and Kent are using their LEA money for this purpose they have saved it for this use. He continued that as far as the clerks are concerned they will have to work just on the day shift and get clerk's pay. Chief Sheets said there is not room in the present building so it is likely they will have to work two shifts until the new City Hall is built. Councilman Saul asked Chief Sheets if he was in favor of this interlocal agreement. Chief Sheets answered he was in favor the City will become more efficient and there will be a better utilization of manpower. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 16, 1976. CARRIED. CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 9, 1976 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Ord. #978, Including definition of Open Space Proposed Res. Authorizing Mayor to execute earnest money agreement with Mr. Frank Desimone for the purchase of proposed city hall site on So. 151st. L Kjell Stoknes, Director of Community Development, said he felt the rewritten proposed ordinance was not proper but they had included Section 3 which defined "open space." He read Section 3 aloud and stated it is a starting point for discussion. Councilman Van Dusen asked if the City Council intended to implement the "open sapce" requirement on all new rezones and developments. He added this could have a financial impact on the City if this is required. Councilman Traynor said on the places they had looked at the open space is not adequate. Council President Hill said some of the apartments that have open space are very nice. He asked if this 30% open space is required, is it going to be required on all zoning or just R -4? He said he talked with the City Attorney and he said there might be an even chance of winning in a court of law as the courts are looking favorable toward cities right now with ecology in mind. He said the court may think the City Council is just considering it on this one piece of property. Mr. Stoknes said he would recommend an amendment to the zoning ordinance defining open space. Mayor Bauch said he talked to the City Attorney after Council President Hill did and he did not get the impression that Council President Hill had set forth. He continued the City Attorney had said that as long as a person can use the land any restrictions can be put on it that is wanted. He added this City would be richer if not another apartment building was built. Councilwoman Harris said she would suggest the City Council consider a revision of the zoning ordinance and start with the adjusted language in the definition of "open space." She suggested the City Council get information from other units of government as to how they treat this. She said the City Council cannot leave it up to Staff to negotiate with every developer as how to carry out the definition of open space. Council President Hill said the City Attorney had said this requirement must be uniform for all zoning and it was his thought the zoning ordinance be revised. Councilman Saul said the Council could put a moratorium on apartments and not let anyone build them for 10 -20 years. Councilman Traynor said he thought they should request the Planning Commission, which is an advisory board, to supply a definition of open space. Councilman Van Dusen asked why everyone is against apartments they are homes for people. Mr. Stoknes said he would recommend a moratorium on apartments for awhile. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE DEFINITION OF OPEN SPACE BE INCLUDED IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND BE CONSIDERED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR INCLUSION IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE. CARRIED, WITH MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE VETOED ORDINANCE #978 BE TABLED. CARRIED, WITH GARDNER AND MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. Councilman Gardner stated he would like to recommend Site 6 as the location of the proposed City Hall as the City already owns it. He stated he was in favor of open space concept rather than campus style for the City Hall. Councilwoman Harris said if Site 6 is not used it might not be easy to sell it as there is property for sale along Site 6 that has not been sold. She added the existing zoning on Site 6 allows for the construction of a City Hall. Council Presi- dent Hill said they, as a City Council were trying to decide where to put City Hall. He asked where will it serve the people best? He said you have to find a space convenient to conduct business and in his opinion Site 6 is too small. Mr. Sipes, audience, said they did not think the Desimone site is the place for City Hall it does not belong in a residential area. Councilman Van Dusen said he thought City Hall should be off the hill the Interchange site would be good. Councilwoman Harris said three of the City Departments have been operating out of Site 6 and they have not complained. She added there is property for sale adjacent to the proposed site and it would not be necessary to condemn the property to build City Hall. The development of Southcenter Blvd. would be complimentary to the City. Councilwoman Pesicka said she would not object to Site 6 if it were larger and the cost of property adjacent to Site 6 was reason- able. Mayor Bauch said everyone has personal choices for cars, homes, clothing, etc. and so each has a personal choice for a City Hall site. He said originally he had liked the Van Worden property and it was still high on his list. He added he though Site 6 is good. CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 9, 1976 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. Proposed Res. He said an Environmental Impact Statement is being developed for the Authorizing Mayor Desimone property. Councilwoman Pesicka said she would go along to execute earnest with the Planning Commission if they are against the Desimone property money agreement with MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE Mr. Frank Desimone TABLED UNTIL AFTER THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING. CARRIED, WITH for purchase of VAN DUSEN VOTING NO. proposed City Hall site on So. 151st Contd. Prop. Ord. Adopting the SEPA Guidelines (State Environmental Policy Act) Fees for Recreation Program /6 /s Mr. Stoknes, Director of Community Development, said this ordinance had been on the agenda for the last Committee of the Whole Meeting but time did not permit discussion. He stated his recommendation is that it be put on the agenda for the next City Council meeting for adoption. He said it can be changed as changed become necessary. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE SEPA GUIDELINES BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 16, 1976. Councilman Van Dusen asked about the meaning of Section 6 on page 4. Mr. Stoknes said it was guidelines. Councilman Van Dusen asked if the City Council disagrees with the Environmental Impact Statement do they have any recourse? Mr. Stoknes said it is a staff development assignment. Mayor Bauch said he had responded to several Environ- mental Impact Statements and they have always been put out by Adminis- tration and not by a legislative body. *CARRIED. Mayor Bauch said there has been a lack of guidelines as far as fees that should be charged to the participants in the recreation program. He said two or three months ago the senior citizens went to Victoria and the City Council approved the voucher paying the ferry fees for the bus and occupants. The same buses went to Mount Rainier and they paid the entrance fees for the occupants. He continued it is setting a precedent that may be difficult to break later on. He said they need guidelines to go by. The buses take long trips, they are driven by staff people are the meals of the staff City- expense while on these long trips? It involves expenditure of funds some of the adult programs are self- supporting. Councilman Van Dusen said we have two things we have recreation programs and we have senior citizens. He said he would like to go ahead with what he has been working with for the senior citizens. Mayor Bauch said he had directed the Department Head to have a zero base line for the Recreation Department budget and as the expenses accumulate they will be justified. Councilwoman Pesicka said senior citizens and recreation are lumped together. Councilman Saul said he did not think the City had to give the kids uniforms, etc. to keep. Other cities and clubs have the kids turn the clothing back at the end of the year. Mr. Stoknes said this is mainly the elderly we are talking about at this time. He said he had some opinions and felt the people want to feel they are helping with the expense of the trip. Councilman Van Dusen said that is right for some of the senior citizens who can afford it, but some cannot afford it. He added some of the senior citizens are not being reached. It will cost the City a little bit of money but we will be doing a service that is needed. Council President Hill said he did not want to prevent anyone from going if they could not afford it. He said this matter could be discussed at the Committe of the Whole Meeting on August 11, 1976. Councilwoman Harris said with respect to ferry fees and entrance fees it would be best to pursue activities in or near the City that would not require expense; also is it fair to provide this for one group in the City and not provide it to others can any of this be construed as gifts? RECESS MOVED BY PESICKA, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 9:50 P.M. 10:00 P.M. MEETING RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES. CARRIED. Council President Hill called the meeting back to order with City Council Members present as previously listed. CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 9, 1976 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. Easement for Pacific Northwest Bell Tele- phone Co. to provide service to the new P -17 pump station site Approval of 1977 Budget Policy Letter Prop. Res. Naming of the Park at So. 138th 53rd Ave. So. Recommenda- tion from the Park Board Joseph Foster Memorial Park Foster Golf Course Request for Hearing on Appeal of the Planning Commission Decision to deny issuance of the fill permit for Seattle City Light Prop. Res. Intent to adopt Optional Municipal Code Social Security MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT A RESOLUTION BE PREPARED AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN EASEMENT DOCUMENT FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE NEW P -17 PUMP STATION SITE AND IT BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD AUGUST 16, 1976. CARRIED. Council President Hill read the letter that had been proposed as the 1977 Budget Policy. Mayor Bauch said Staff was told that the Recreation Department was going to start from a zero line budget this year. He added an inflated budget tends to overspend. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE SECOND LINE IN PARAGRAPH TWO STATE "ALL BUDGET ITEMS WILL REQUIRE JUSTIFICATION IN TERMS OF EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS AND EQUITY." MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY PESICKA, THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED AND THE LAST LINE OF THE LETTER BE "THE CITY COUNCIL HAS THE INTENT IN THE FUTURE TO USE A ZERO LINE BUDGET." CARRIED. *CARRIED, AS AMENDED. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY PESICKA, THAT THE 1977 BUDGET POLICY, AS AMENDED, BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD AUGUST 16, 1976 ALONG WITH CITY COUNCIL MOTION N0. 76 -10 SETTING FORTH GUIDELINES FOR JUSTIFICATION OF A CAPITAL EXPENDITURE. CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD AUGUST 16, 1976. CARRIED. Ben Aliment, Foster Golf Course, said he felt the City should work together on this matter when it was voted on it failed by only 60 votes. Councilman Traynor said there was a citizens' committee to get this information to the people. Councilwoman Pesicka said it would be helpful to get this matter on the November ballot as there will be a lot of people voting due to a presidential election. If a special election is held there may not be enough people out to vote. Councilman Traynor suggested a citizen's committee to get the informa- tion out to the people. Mayor Bauch said the information would have to be submitted by September 17, 1976 in order to get it on the ballot for the November election. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MAYOR BE DIRECTED TO SEE IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE PURCHASE OF THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE ON THE NOVEMBER ELECTION AND TO DRAW UP AN ORDINANCE BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 17 DEADLINE. CARRIED. Mr. Stoknes, Director of Community Development, stated Seattle City Light had requested a Hearing on Appeal of the Board of Architectural Review (Planning Commission) decision of July 22, 1976; denying issuance of the fill permit on Tukwila Parcel I. Councilman Saul said he would like to have all of the information before he goes to the meeting. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE MATTER BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 16, 1976. CARRIED. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 16, 1976. CARRIED, WITH GARDNER AND MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. Councilman Van Dusen said it was his understanding the Fire Fighters will vote on the matter of withdrawing from Social Security. He expressed the opinion that the vote might be swayed by now the City Council says they are going to use the 5.85% that is now going to Social Security if they decide to withdraw. Discussion continued as to alternate plans that might be used if the Fire Fighters decide TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 9, 1976 Page 5 DISCUSSION Contd. Social Security Contd. City Attorney Letter from City of Bothell requesting financial assistance from Tukwila Salary for City Clerk Pro Tem ADJOURNMENT 11:25 P.M. (p/7 they want to withdraw from Social Security. Sam Ruljanich, Fire Fighter, said there would be a vote taken to see whether or not they want to withdraw from Social Security. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BE ADVISED THAT THE 5.85% CITY SHARE OF SOCIAL SECURITY IS NON- NEGOTIABLE AND WILL BE PUT IN THE GENERAL FUND. Councilwoman Harris said she felt the City should make some kind of matching amounts if the Fire Department votes to with- draw from Social Security. Councilman Traynor expressed the opinion that a Fire Fighter could retire at age 50 and then work and collect Social Security that would give him three pension plans LEFF, Hartford or such, and Social Security. *ROLL CALL VOTE: 4 NOS GARDNER, HILL, PESICKA, HARRIS: 3 AYES TRAYNOR, SAUL, VAN DUSEN. MOTION FAILED, FOUR TO THREE. Council President Hill asked Councilwoman Harris if she would get information from other cities who have withdrawn from Social Security as to the alternate plans they are using. Councilwoman Harris accepted the assignment. Councilman Van Dusen stated in the meeting this evening there had been a disagreement between Mayor Bauch and Council President Hill as to the interpretation they had made of legal advice given by the City Attorney. He stated it would be nice to have the City Attorney present at these meetings so all could hear the legal advice he gives. Mayor Bauch read letter he received from the City of Bothell regard- ing the SAVE vs. Bothell case in which Judge E. Henry of King County Superior Court gave an oral opinion that the City of Bothell had violated the appearance of fairness doctrine on account of two members of the Chamber of Commerce sitting on the Planning Commission and voting to rezone the Vitulli farm to Community Business for the purpose of building a regional shopping Center. The Judge also ruled that the City, although they did not violate their own plan by spot zoning, were guilty of spot zoning in the regional sense, that is in relation to King County and Snohomish County plans. He continued that the purpose of the letter is to sound out the possibility of Tukwila City Council assisting in an appeal on one or both counts by sharing in the costs. Council President Hill said the letter would be discussed and on the agenda of the Committee of the Whole Meeting on August 23, 1976. Council President Hill said this matter would be on the agenda for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on August 23, 1976. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. e. Norma Booher, Recording Secretary