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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-09-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesSeptember 13, 1976 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION Air Pollution CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE OF THE WROTE MEETING MINUTES /630 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Council President Hill called the Committee of the Whole Meeting to order. GARDNER, TRAYNOR, HILL, SAUL, MS. PESICKA, VAN DUSEN, MS. HARRIS. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 23, 1976 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOT,F MEETING BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED, WITH MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. MOVEDBY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 30, 1976 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOT,F MEETING BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED, WITH MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. Council President Hill read a memo received from Mrs. Thelma Larson, 12522 51st South, Tukwila stating she would like to go on record that the odor is not 100% the Rendering Works. It is partly from the Codiga Farm. She said she had called Air Pollution and they told her it is not the Codiga Farm but is the Rendering Works, but she lives near there and it definitely comes from the Farm. She says she prefers the smell of the Rendering Works to the terrible odor from the Codiga Farm. Council President Hill introduced Mr. Dave Rogers, Supervising Air Pollution Inspector, King County. Mr. Rogers said Mrs. Larson had called their office, they had come out twice and the odor was traced to the rendering works and not the farm. Mr. Rogers explained the Puget Sound Air Control agency was established by the State Legislature to protect the citizens from air pollution. He said in order to enforce the law they have tc have complainants who are willing to testify in court and have an inspection that verifies the source of the pollution. He added the Seattle Rendering plant has been cited nine times this year for violation of the air pollution law. He said the Seattle Rendering plant is working to control the pollution, there will be a meeting at the Port of Seattle, Pier 66, on October 21 at 9 :30 a.m. for the purpose of discussing the action they are taking to control the pro- blem. He invited all present to be in attendance at the meeting. Ben Aliment, co-owner of the Foster Golf Course, stated he had brought to the meeting the signatures of 800 people on a petition requesting the City of Tukwila and /or The Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency to cease the operation of Seattle Rendering Works until such time as pollutants, obnoxious smells, and general pollu- tion are removed from the atmosphere, ground, and rivers. He added that some of the people who play golf and eat at the golf course have threatened to discontinue their membership if the pro- blem is not corrected. Others say they are embarrassed to bring guests there because of the smell. He continued it had been the opinion of the previous City Atorney and Mayor that the rendering workswere operating out of code. Council President Hill asked if the present City Attorney had been asked for a legal opinion on the matter. Kjell Stoknes, Director of Community Development, said it would be a good question to ask the City Attorney. He continued that as soon as the rendering works apply for a building permit to build a newplant the whole matter would be reviewed. Councilman Harris saidthe rendering facility is a desperately needed one and is a service to the people. She said she felt it was necessary for the people to get their heads together and work out the problem -.n a satisfactory manner to all concerned. She said the company has installed new equipment and is in the process of installing more equipment in an effort to eliminate the problem. Bill Smith, audience, said he plays at Foster Golf Course and the smell is terrible. He said they previously had 500 to 600 members every year and now they are down to approximately 250 members as no one wants to play because of the obnoxious odor. Gordon Richardson, audience, asked what the City of Tacoma had done to diminish their air pollution problem. Mr. Rogers said they had spent 40 million dollars and are still working on the problem. He continued that whenever a complaint is received his office investigates and identi- fies the smell and takes action. Carol Teasell, audience, said she livesin the Terrace Apartments and cannot open her terrace doors due CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOTR MEETING September 13, 1976 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. 1631 Air Pollution Contd. to the odor. Ethel Delaine, audience, said she does not live close enough to be affected by the odor in her home, but she does play golf at the Foster Golf Course and the smell is terrible. She said theother golf clubs do not want to come here to play because of the embarrassing odor. Others in the audience agreed the smell is nauseating, they cannot play golf, open their windows, or eat. Wes Benefiel, Seattle Rendering Works, said his company started working on the odor problem last October or Novemeber. He said the majority of the odor is coming from the old plant which was built 20 -30 years ago when there was no air pollution controls. He said they had installed a chemical system in March which was a complete failure. He said he had engaged a firm andthey are working on the condenser, which was tested today. He said the odor will be re- duced they do not feel it is a long range solution. He said they felt the long term solution would be a new plant using differ- ent methods. He continued they are doing everything as fast as they can; it is a problem that cannot be taken care of overnight. He introduced Richard Schoenberg of the Dupps Company who said he had been engaged to install the equipment and eliminate the odor of rendering. He continued the odors that are objectionable are from the cooking process. He said he had worked with many rendering plants located in metropolitan areas and they were successful in eliminating odors; the method is costly but odors can be eliminated. Dwayne Anderson, representative from Environmental Research Co., said they had been engaged by the Seattle Rendering Works to do re- search in the problems of air pollution. He explained the process of "air scrubbing" his company uses in eliminating odors. He said there may be a slight chlorine smell in the air, but not the objec- tionable odor. Ben Aliment, audience, asked how long it would take to install the system. Mr. Schoenberg said they were looking at a six month schedule after the approval is obtained. Mr. Lee Johnson, SeattleRendering Works, said a new condenser had been put in that will reduce the odor coming from the old rendering plant. By March 1, 1977 they should be able to reduce more odors. Councilman Van Dusen asked if they had two plants, one enclosed and one not enclosed. Mr. Johnson said there is an old plant, a newer plant, and a. projected new plant. The one built in 194.2, back of the golf course, will be torn down; the one built in 1972 will be updated. Mr. Benefiel, Seattle Rendering Works, said the material starts arriving in theafternoon and the plant is in process in the early evening and that is why the odor is bad in the evening. Councilman Traynor said he had lived on the hill for 20 years and the odor is worse now than it has ever been. Mr. Benefiel said that is because the plant is being run 24 hours a day and processing has been speeded up, the total volume is up 35 He continued that as soon as they get the permit from the City they have engaged the Duke Company to install equipment that will eliminate odors. Councilman Van Dusen asked what guarantee the City would have regard- ing air pollution. Mr. Rogers said the plans have been submitted by the Seattle Rendering Works and will be considered at the Oct. 21 meeting. Doris Phelps, audience, asked when the plans would be ready so they can apply for a building permit. Mr. Schoenberg said hiscompany was ready with the plans and they would be submitted in two to three weeks. Council President Hill said the plant is needed and serves a purpose, if it can just be made so it is not objection- able to the people in town. Kjell Stoknes, Director of Community Development, said it would take 2 3 months to process a shoreline permit. He added it was his thought that since the City did issue a permit to build in 1972 and no code changes have been made since, thi City have to give a permit now for them to build. Mr. Johnson said as this season approaches the odor will be less as winds blow more and it is colder. Mr. Schoenberg said the condenser is installed but it is a stop -gap. He said they would guarantee the odor will be eliminated by next year if the equipment is operated properly and he felt it would be. RECESS MOVEDBY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 9 :00 P.M. -9 :10 P.M. MEETING RECESS FOR TEN MINU'1'ES. CARRIED. Council President Hill calledthe meeting back to order with Council Members present as previously listed. CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE" OF THE WHOLE MEETING September 13, 1976 Page 3 Ltr. to Frank Todd from Kjell Stoknes, OCD Dir., No. of units allowed on property at 62nd Ave. So. So. 153rd 163,Q. DISCUSSION Contd. Air Pollution Contd. Council President Hill said the City Council wished to direct Mr. Stoknes, Director of Community Development, and Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, to get a legal opinion from Mr. Hard, City Attorney, about the grandfather clause andthe M -1 zoning as it would relate to the new building Seattle Rendering Works wants to build. He continued theCity Council would also like a time frame to get an Environmental Impact Statement. He said as soon as this is received the subject would be on the agenda to be discussed. Mr. Stoknes said the information could be presented to the City Council in about two weeks. Preliminary Plat Approval (Sky View Acres) Kjell Stoknes, Director of Community Development, explained the re- quest for plat approval of Sky View Acres, stating the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the preliminary plat subject to conditions they had set forth regarding storm water run -off, undergrounded utilities, sidewalks, accuracy of survey, and design of roadway section. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, showed with an overhead projecter the proposed project and area involved. Mr.Stoknes said the proposed resolution is requested to be on the agenda. for the next City Council meeting. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONI1FD BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF SKY VIEW ACRES BEING OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FILE NO. 76 SUB, BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 20, 1976. CARRIED. Mr. Stoknes, Director of Community Development, stated Mr. Todd had requested an interpretation regarding how many units he could place on his property zoned R in the vicinity of 62nd Ave. So. and So. 153rd St. He said in looking up the definitions it was his interpretation that the entire parcel of approximately 22 acres is one lot as presently defined in R zoning which can contain one building or structure which can contain within it from one to four dwelling units. He added this analysis is for the property in an unsubdivided condition. Should Mr. Todd choose to subdivide the density would be related to the lot sizes he chose to develop. Mr. Todd said it appeared the City had a double standard with respect to businesses or residents. Mr. Stoknes said he agreed that by past actionthe City had taken a double standard. Discussion continued as to the interpretation set forth in the letter. Mr. Stoknes said the City Council makes the laws of the City, giving Staff the power to enforce the law; he would welcome suggestions from the City Council and he would follow them. Mr. Todd said he was not suggest- ing the interpretation contained in the letter be changed, but he felt a look should be taken into the law. Mr. Stoknes said he thought the City should have a new subdivision ordinance, he felt it was more than an R -3 zoning problem. Councilman Harris said the City Council could render an interpretation on Section 18 of the T.M.C., define it to give Mr. Stoknes the direction he has requested She continued that what would solve this problem is a Planned Unit Development ordinance. Mr. Stoknes stated Mr. Hard, City Attorney, had said the City was very vulnerable in the land -use problem. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THIS MATTER BE REFERRED TO THE CITY ATTORNEY FOR HIS RECOMMENDATIONS INSOFAR AS HIS INTERPRETATION OF THE ORDINANCE. ROLL CALL VOTE: 5 VOTING NO: GARDNER, TRAYNOR, HILL, SAUL, HARRIS; 2 VOTING YES: MS. PESICKA AND VAN DUSEN. MOTION FAIT,FD 5 TO 2. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL INTERPRET SECTION18.16.080 OF THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE TO MEAN AS FOLLOWS: (1) FOR EACH 6,000 SQUARE FEET A ONE TO TWO FAMILY DWELLING MAY BE BUILT; (2) FOR EACH 8,000 SQUARE FEET, A THREE FAMILY DWELLING, INCLUDING CONVERSIONS, MAY BE BUILT; (3) FOR EACH 9,600 SQUARE FEET, A FOURFAMILY DWELLING, INCLUDING CONVERSIONS, MAY BE BUILT; PROVIDED THAT EACH BUILDING SHALL PROVIDE ADEQUATE PARKING WITHIN THE SQUARE FOOTAGE FOR THE OCCUPANTS. CARRIED. CITY OF TUKWILA COMMITTEE OFTHE WHOLE MEETING September 13, 1976 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. City Hall site selection Space requirement study for Tukwila City Hall submitted by Mithun Assoc. Job descriptions from Prior Assoc. Ltr. Steve Hall to Mayor Bauch re revision to curb markings for Metro Bus Zones LID 25 right —of —way Social Security Fire Fighters ADJOURNMENT 11:05 P.M. /633 Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, stated the appropriations bill for the building grants had passed the Senate and the grants may soon be available. He said the Mayor had requested him to attend a meeting on September 23 at which time he would receive additional information. Council President Hill requested Steve Hall make a report after the meeting and the City would then request a grant. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY MS. PESICKA, THAT THIS DISCUSSION BE TABLED UNTIL THENEXT MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOT,F. CARRIED Council President Hill said he would like three members of the City Council to go over the job descriptions and bring the information back to the City Council. MOVED BY MS. PESICKA, SECONDED BY MS. HARRIS, THAT THE FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REVIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS FROM THE PRIOR ASSOCIATES STUDY AND REPORT BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITHIN THIRTY DAYS. CARRIED. Councilman Saul said there would be a meeting of the Finance and Personnel Committee at 12 noon on September 21 to consider the job descriptions. Council President Hill read letter from Steve Hall, Public Works Director, to Mayor Bauch stating in conjunction with the current Metro plan for standardizing bus stops that an ordinance be drawn up similar to theordinance passed by the City of Seattle. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT AN ORDINANCE SIMILAR TO THE SEATTLE ORDINANCE REGARDING REVISION TO CURB MARKINGS BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, said Mr. Wells and his attorney would like to talk to the City Council again regarding LID 25 right —of —way. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT STEVE HALL INFORM MR. WELLS THE CITY COUNCIL HAS NOT CHANGED THEIR POSITION ANDIF HE WOULD LIKE TO NEGOTIATE WITH MR. HARD, CITY ATTORNEY, HE MAY DO S0. CARRIED. Sam Ruljanich, representing Tukwila Fire Fighters, stated the Fire Department had unanimously voted not to apply for Social Security. He said they would like the City Attorney to draw up a letter advi— sing OASI to stop payments. Council President Hill said he would like tosee a letter from the Fire Department stating an election was held, how many voted and which way they voted. He continued the FireFighters would have to get together with the City as to what they want done with the funds they will have coming back to them. He said it was possible the City Council might come back with a counter proposal as to what they think should be done with these funds. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOTF MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. Norma Booher; $ecording Secretary