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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-07 Regular MinutesTukwila Cit Council =o City Hall Council Chambers 3 9OB' ° MINUTES Regular Meeting July 7, 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 Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, and Kate Kruller. ` MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY KRULLER TO EXCUSE COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Bruce Linton, Assistant Police Chief; Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Brandon Miles, Economic Development Planner; Tracy Gallaway, Parks and Recreation Coordinator; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS National Night Out Against Crime poster winners. Wendy Butterworth, Police Records Specialist In 1984, the introduction of National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime, " began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police- community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The National Night Out program culminates annually on the first Tuesday of August. Wendy Butterworth, Police Records Specialist, explained that she represents the Police Department's Community Relations Committee. This committee was formed 3 years ago to promote positive police related interactions with the community. This year the theme for the poster contest was "Rising up to make Crime Back down," and students from the City's 5th grade classes were invited to participate. The winners were initially announced at the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduation on April 28, 2014. Ms. Butterworth announced the award winners and introduced those in attendance as follows: 1st Place -Dylan Mahler from Thorndyke Elementary won $150 and a pizza party <in attendance> 2nd Place -Tony Azares from Tukwila Elementary won $125 <not present> 3rd Place -Jason Ly from Thorndyke Elementary won $75 <in attendance> 4th Place - Anastasiya Shapiro from Cascade View Elementary won $50 <not present> The winning posters were displayed to the City Council and Mayor and the audience members. The Councilmembers expressed appreciation to the poster participants for their great work. Councilmember Seal asked that the posters be displayed on the City's website and Facebook page and that the School District be contacted to include the posters on their website as well. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Councilmember Duffie stated that it is great to see what the kids are working on. Councilmember Kruller said the artwork sends a strong message, and she thanked the families of the participants for their support. Councilmember Robertson thanked Ms. Butterworth and the Police staff for putting this program together. PROCLAMATIONS A proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month. Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation declaring July 2014 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Tukwila and encouraging all citizens to join in recognizing this special observance. He presented the proclamation to Tracy Gallaway from the Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department. Ms. Gallaway accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, Ms. Gallaway reported that the July 4 celebration at Fort Dent Park was a great success. There was a good crowd with many free activities for families. She provided a photo montage from the event. She relayed that there are approximately 150 kids in the day camp program, and 300 kids in the new summer school program. Parks and Recreation staff also support a summer playground site at Thorndyke Elementary School that involves 200 kids and another at Cascade View Elementary School that involves 75 kids. Councilmember Duffle relayed that the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department should be afforded official commendation for their good work at City events. Mayor Haggerton conveyed that Alma Villegas from Global to Local provided musical entertainment with her band at the July 4 event. Ms. Gallaway expressed that it was nice to have a person who works in the community participate in an event such as this. Councilmember Kruller said there was a good crowd at the July 4 event that included an outstanding fireworks display and a safe venue for families to play and have fun. Ms. Gallaway said it is important to remember that the Police and Fire Departments were key players in the success of the event. CITIZEN COMMENTS Charles Tyson, 5617 South 149th Street, said he has spent his entire life in Tukwila in the area of 57th Avenue South, and he provided historical information regarding his life and the area. He explained that about 7 years ago he starting thinking about the future of Tukwila and where the center of the City really is. Mr. Tyson displayed a large glass case with a model depicting his vision of a future location for City facilities ( "The Tyson Plan "). From his standpoint, the current City Hall facility is not central to the geography of the town. There are 4 parcels in his plan that are currently for sale that are primarily rental properties that will be purchased by businesses if the City does not acquire the properties. His proposal for City facilities is in the area of 144th Avenue South and 1518t Avenue South and consists of 14.25 acres with an assessed value of $2.25 million. It includes wetlands, a park and a trail. City Hall could be located at the high point on the north, with a separate Public Works building, and a Police and Court building at the corner of 51st Avenue South and South 151s' Street. It would also include a bell tower. He would like to see this given consideration for development. The Councilmembers asked clarifying.questions of Mr. Tyson regarding his proposal. It was requested that the model be left on -site so the Council could review it in greater detail. Councilmember Robertson, who is part of the Facilities Committee, said this proposal will be discussed by the committee. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2014 Page 3 of 6 Mayor Haggerton asked Mr. Tyson if it would be possible for him to be available after the meeting in the event the Council had questions. Joan Hernandez, 15224 Sunwood Blvd., speaking on behalf of the Tukwila Historical Society, extended an invitation to their July 17, 2014 meeting at the Nelsen House (15643 West Valley Hwy.). Local historian Karen Meador will be presenting "The History of Military Road." Ms. Meador is a member of the Board of AKCHO (Association of King County Historical Organizations). A tour of the Nelsen House will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation by Ms. Meador will follow at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. Councilmember Ekberg inquired if the Tukwila Historical Society will be involved in the community garage sale this year. Ms. Hernandez responded in the affirmative, and said donations could be made by calling 206 - 244 -HIST. Councilmember Kruller thanked Ms. Hernandez for the work of the Historical Society in putting together events for the community. Mayor Haggerton commended Ms. Hernandez for staying involved in community business after retiring from the City Council. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 6/16/14 (Regular Mtg.); 6/23/14 (Special Mtg.) b. Approval of Vouchers: #366685; 366690- 366789; #140605 - 140609 in the amount of $1,409,448.55 c. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Intergovernmental Transfer Agreement with the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District for the Tukwila Pool. (Approved by the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District Board on 6/25/14.) d. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with King County relating to landmark designation Affairs and Parks Committee.) (Refer to New Business) MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED.* Councilmember Ekberg asked to remove Item d from the Consent Agenda due to a possible discrepancy. He supports adopting the Interlocal Agreement and would like to pull the item for discussion and clarification. *MOTION CARRIED 6 -0, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM D. NEW BUSINESS The following item was removed from the Consent Agenda above, to be discussed under New Business. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with King County relating to landmark designation and protection services. (Forwarded to Consent by the Council President and Chair of the Community Affairs and Parks Committee.) MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY SEAL TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY RELATING TO LANDMARK DESIGNATION AND PROTECTION SERVICES.* Brandon Miles, Economic Development Planner, explained that in 2012 the City Council authorized the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with King County for historical preservation services. City staff does not have the expertise to perform these services and contracts with the County to perform them. Additionally in 2012, the City passed an ordinance to adopt King County regulations, but made modifications that only City -owned facilities would be eligible for landmark designations. The basis for that is that King County's ordinance allows property owners to have their neighbor's home(s) designated Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2014 Page 4 of 6 for landmark status. Due to private property rights, it was determined it would not be prudent to allow that in Tukwila. Also in 2012, the Tukwila Historical Society wanted to have landmark status to acquire grants to make improvements to old City Hall, which houses their organization. Since old City Hall is a City -owned facility, there were no issues of concern. However, in 2013 -2014, the Masons had issues with their older Tukwila building, which is not a City -owned facility. To return their building to its original condition, the Masons needed a King County Landmark Designation. The ordinance adopted by the City in 2012 would not allow that because the Masons' building was not City- owned. Earlier this year, that ordinance was amended to take out the requirement that property be City - owned, and a stipulation was added that a property owner must consent to the designation. The Interlocal Agreement in the packet (pages 29 -33) has conflicting language in Sections 1 and 2 as it relates to whether King County or Tukwila's ordinance would apply. This is the basis for Councilmember Ekberg's concern. • Mr. Miles explained that he contacted King County, and it was confirmed that Tukwila's ordinance would apply. With this in mind, the Council could approve the ILA as it is written this evening. Even though King County has verbally stated that Tukwila's ordinance is applicable, City staff will come back at a future meeting and revise the ILA to eliminate the confusing language to ensure clarity that Tukwila's ordinance would be the governing authority. The Councilmembers discussed this issue with the intent of adopting the ILA this evening, with a condition that a new ILA be brought forward within the next 3 Council meetings. Mr. Miles said that it could take a year to get a revised ILA back from the County. Joan Hernandez, representing the Tukwila Historical Society, said that they applied for a 4Culture grant that was well written by a professional grant writer. The funds would have gone to provide maintenance to the building. However, because the Historical Society did not have landmark status, they were unable to get the grant funding. She expressed how important this is to the Historical Society, and since it was introduced in 2010, further delays will be negatively impactful to them. It was determined the Council would not amend the motion to put conditions on approving the ILA this evening. Mr. Miles explained that staff would come back to the Council within 1 year to report back on efforts to amend the ILA to correct the confusing language. *MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton reported that he attended the June 24, 2014 ribbon cutting dedicating the Southwest 27th Street extension from Renton to the Commuter Rail Station. There is a 2 -lane roadway in place, however, Tukwila was unable to afford the section to extend Strander Blvd. The City has applied for a TIGER grant in the hopes of having 4 lanes going under the railroad tracks. The RapidRide buses are using the new Renton road at this time. On June 29, 2014 he attended the dedication of the South Park Bridge that involved several dignitaries from around the region. Additionally, the Mayor relayed that Police Chief Villa reported there were 41 calls for service regarding fireworks during the week of June 28 through July 5, 2014. On July 4, there were 22 calls with 1 citation and 3 warnings issued. Chief Villa said that oftentimes when calls come in and officers respond, the perpetrators have already left the scene. The numbers are down from previous years. The Mayor reported that Tukwila has not seen roof and house fires or major damage as a result of fireworks. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie reported that on July 4, 2014 he was on Interurban Avenue and described incidents regarding firecrackers that burned for long periods of time and travelled long distances. He also Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2014 Page 5 of 6 observed the same situation in the Allentown area. From his standpoint, the situation with dangerous fireworks is very serious and requires greater enforcement. Mayor Haggerton indicated that if a stronger ordinance needs to be adopted, perhaps the Council wants to discuss this at a Council Committee while the topic is fresh in everyone's minds. Councilmember Robertson referenced page 37 of the City Administrator report as it relates to Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC). He reported that while pet licensing renewals are late coming from the County, he received a phone call reminder about renewing his pet's license. The caller was very pleasant and friendly. He reported that the continual fireworks over a few days is very difficult on dogs. Councilmember Ekberg reported that he was out of town on July 4, however, his wife was hunkered down in a basement closet with their distressed dog due to the continual fireworks. He reported that the sign for Gully Gardens is now up. Additionally, he relayed that he was in Ellensburg on July 4 representing Tukwila at the American Legion Post there. This is a great post, with very gracious members. Councilmember Seal participated via conference call in the June 24, 2014 Auditor's Exit conference. The full report will be forthcoming to the Council. On June 25, 2014 she attended the King County LEOFF1 Board Meeting. On June 27, 2014 she participated in the Fire Exploratory Committee meeting, and on June 30, 2014 she participated in a conference call relating to Youth, Education and Families. Ms. Seal said that she lives on South 146th Street and the fireworks there rivaled the professional event at Fort Dent. She had great concern about the safety of a new 7,000 square foot house being built and whether it would catch fire based on the size and quantity of fireworks being launched. From her viewpoint, this was the worst year as it relates to fireworks, and she would like to revisit the ordinance to give it more teeth, particularly as it relates to illegal fireworks coming into the City. As the Chair of the Finance and Safety Committee she would like to have this issue come forward to a meeting for consideration. Councilmember Duffie expressed interest in this item being discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Highline Forum on June 25, 2014, with the focus being on super ships coming into the area ports and the need to be competitive. She was pleased at the discussion regarding the ports of Tacoma and Seattle getting closer to working together. Additionally, representation is needed on the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATbd). The meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. She will be attending those meetings, but will not be able to make all of them and will be asking other Councilmembers to fill in on those occasions. Councilmember Kruller attended the June 29, 2014 South Park Bridge dedication which was an all -day event with a huge crowd and parade. On June 30, 2014 she participated with Public Works staff in the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) project evaluations. In the first 2 rounds of scoring, Tukwila's Strander Project was in the top 3, however, in this round it was below 18. While this was concerning, PSRC has agreed to look into their evaluation process. The evaluators were not aware that Tukwila has one of the most diverse communities in the nation, which did affect the scoring. Ms. Kruller reported that the King Conservation District will be bringing forward a package for consideration by the member agencies. She reported that the Fire Exploratory Committee hopes to provide an update on July 28, 2014. Ms. Kruller relayed that she has mixed emotions regarding the fireworks issue and is hopeful that the City can benchmark what other cities are doing regarding this matter. She suggested audio or video recordings to turn in major offenders or allowing people to set off fireworks in an area with water accommodations. Mayor Haggerton emphasized that in talking with other Mayors in the valley cities, they are experiencing the same issues, and no one has found a solution. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes July 7, 2014 Page 6 of 6 c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator (CA) Report in the packet and offered to answer any questions. Referencing Councilmember Robertson's comment regarding a pet licensing reminder, Mr. Cline said that the City Clerk's Office has taken the initiative to secure a volunteer to make pet licensing renewal reminders. Additionally, Mr. Cline reported that the new Communications and Government Relations Manager, Rachel Bianchi, will begin work on July 21, 2014. She is committed to not only bringing people to the table, but bringing the table to the people. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental The Council Analyst was not present. ADJOURNMENT 8:32 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Ji 'ggerton, (JiLk Christy O'Flahe , City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 7/21/14 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 7/22/14