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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-12-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesDecember 13, 1976 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL 7:30 P.M. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION Waiver to Council Motion 76 -13 Relating to the acquisition of surplus proper- ties adjacent to City of Tukwila public rights -of -way Bid on Trash Pump Recommendation of Steve Hall Tukwila Library M I N U T E S /699 City Hall Council Chambers Council President Hill called the Committee of the Whole Meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. TRAYNOR, HILL, SAUL, VAN DUSEN, MS. HARRIS. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE NOVEMBER 29, 1976 MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. CARRIED. Mayor Bauch expressed the opinion that when the City Council passed this Council Motion they did not intend to shut the door to a property owner on a specific piece of property or deny him the privi- lege of being heard. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, explained the location of the property in question, stating the right -of -way adjoined Mr. Tom Wimmer's property located at the corner of 62nd Ave. South and Southcenter Boulevard. Mr. Tom Wimmer, audience, stated the problem he was trying to solve was how much land does the City need to put in trails, etc. He said he needed to know if he could sell the property in question if he had a buyer for his property. He continued that when the Highway Department took the property from him he was told if it was surplussed he would be able to buy it back. Council Motion 76 -13 seems to present a problem to his being able to do this. Councilman Traynor asked if the widening of Southcenter Blvd, would be done entirely from the south side. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, replied that it would not be done entirely from the south side. With the overhead projecter he showed how the widening would appear a 100 foot right -of -way would be maximum but approxi- mately 60 feet would likely be enough, rockeries or retaining walls could be put in to make more land available. Councilman Traynor said the only time he would be willing to surplus this property would be after the street widening and everything is done. He said he was not willing to surplus it at this time. Councilman Van Dusen agreed with him. Mr. Wimmer said he would like to know if the property is surplussed would it be sold back to him. He said he was concerned with the statement in the motion that says, "It is the policy of the Tukwila City Council that the City acquire all surplus property adja- cent to the public rights -of -way as it becomes available and, once acquired, shall remain in the name of the City for future development" He said his property that is left is not big enough for any kind of a development. If the property is surplussed he would like it back for future development. Council President Hill suggested adding a sentence to the motion such as "until all of the requirements of the City are met." Mr. Wimmer said the whole corner would make a nice mini -park. Councilman Harris asked if there was any rush on this. Mr. Wimmer said there was no rush, he would just like to know if the property is surplussed that he would be able to buy it back. Mayor Bauch said the State law requires when the State surplusses property the first chance to acquire the property goes to the munici- pality and the second chance goes to the adjacent property owner. Council President Hill said it was the consensus of the City Council if the property is surplussed, Mr. Wimmer would be given first chance to acquire it. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, gave a review of the bids recei- ved for the 6" trash pump. He said it was his recommendation that the bid award be to Star Machinery for the diesel pump with the trailer accessory alternative which would bring the total bid to $6,136.39, including sales tax. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE BID AWARD BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE DECEMBER 20, 1976 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Mayor Bauch stated the members of the Library Committee were present and he thought it would be appropriate to discuss the library at this time. Mayor Bauch explained that the basic support for a Library District is at 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. In the area only Seattle and Renton have independent libraries, the rest are in the County services. The King County Library System has proposed a rate of $8.47 per capita rate, which is equal to the highest per TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING December 13, 1976 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Tukwila Library Contd. Annexation Request Public Hearing Social Security Fire Dept. 00 capita rate paid by a contracting city in the library system. This would amount to $27,951 for a Tukwila library. King County would put in a library and furnish librarians and services if the City of Tukwi1 will furnish the building. Mayor Bauch outlined the changes that could be made in the budget to provide this amount the money could be raised by increasing fines and forfeitures by $5,000 and the rest could be taken from several sources. Councilman Van Dusen stated Tukwila's cost of the library would be $27,951 if we furnish the building, and it was his recommendation that the building used as the present City Hall be used as the library building. Mae Harris, City Treasurer, stated Tukwila is the only City in the State of Washington that does not have a library. Anna Bernhard, member of the Library Committee, said the King County Library has so many books left over they could fill a library. The King County representative told them it was his dream to have a library in the center of Southcenter which would be a big attraction for everyone who came there. Council President Hill said he would like to have a written review so he would know where the money was coming from in the budget. He said every year a library has been discussed and the price has been higher and higher but the sum of $27,951 sounds good. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MONEY FOR THE LIBRARY BE PUT INTO THE 1977 BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MAYOR Mae Harris, City Treasurer, said the only extra money needed is the $5,000 to come out of fines and forfeitures. Councilman Traynor said all that is being done is reshuffling the money in the budget. *CARRIED. Kjell Stoknes, Director of Community Development, requested a public hearing be scheduled for January 3, 1977 regarding the annexation of the property comprised of 1/2 acre west of Interurban Avenue and Marginal Way. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT A PUBLIC MEETING BE HELD ON JANUARY 3, 1977 REGARDING THE ANNEXATION OF BRADLEY (OWNER) PROPERTY. CARRIED. Mayor Bauch referred to letter he had received from the Tukwila Fire Fighters stating they were again asking the City to reconsider its position on the matter of participation in an alternative to Social Security for the Fire Department. Councilman Traynor said he would like to say when the Fire Fighters withdrew voluntarily from Social Security, the City Council made it clear that the employer portion was going back to the General Fund. He added the laws are made from the City Council and not the City Attorney. The City did not terminate Social Security for the Fire Fighters, the Fire Fighters terminated it they can seek legal action if they want to. He said he did not feel the City has any moral responsibility to them since they elected to withdraw from Social Security despite the recommendation of the Council that they not take this action. Council President Hill said he thought the City Council decision was that the money the Fire Fighters had put in was theirs and it would be returned to them. The only thing was the City Council and Administration would investi- gate some program for their participation. Mayor Bauch said the Administrative Assistant was looking into some possibilities. He said he would bring in the Hartford man who would present a plan that any of the City employees can participate in, including the Fire Fighters. Council President Hill said he did not like getting a letter on the day of the City Council meeting; he did not like being pushed. He continued the City Council went along with the Fire Fighters when they withdrew from Social Security, even though they thought it was not a good idea. That gave the Fire Fighters an $800 a month raise, now they want the part the City will save. He said the City is interested in all employees of the City and the rest cannot voluntarily withdraw from Social Security it would take two years to do so. You can use your money you will be getting by not contributing to Social Security to invest any way you wish. Sam Ruljancich, Fire Fighters, said this would not be any more money the City would be expending, the City Attorney thought the City was TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING December 13, 1976 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. RECESS 8:55 P.M. -9:05 P.M. Proposed City Hall Architect's presentation Budget Proposal 1977 /7 Social Security obligated to the extent of the Social Security amount they were Fire Dept. putting in. He said their attorney agreed with this opinion. He Contd. continued they felt money should be budgeted so it could be negotiated Councilman Traynor said if he had his way it is a nonnegotiable item. The City is buying them one retirement fund and now they want the City to buy another one, then you can retire and go back on Social Security and get a third retirement pension. Councilman Harris said she would like to have it noted that she was not in agreement with the positions that have been stated at the Council Table. Councilman Saul said he agreed with Councilman Traynor, the Fire Fighters were told when they withdrew from Social Security that the City would keep the amount they had previously put in for the Fire Fighters Social Security, there has been no change, and they were aware of the Council's stand on this when they voted. Council President Hill said he got the feeling they wanted the part the City had contributed to Social Security paid directly to the Fire Fighters. Mayor Bauch said Deputy City Attorney Hard's opinion is being taken out of context by the Fire Department. Council President Hill asked for a vote on how many of the Councilmen would like to back the opinion that they made two or three months ago prior to the Fire Fighters vote that they withdraw from Social Security. TRAYNOR, HILL, SAUL, VAN DUSEN VOTED YES. MS. HARRIS VOTED NO. Council President Hill stated it appeared the Council had not changed their mind. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES. CARRIED. The meeting was called to order by Council President Hill with all Council Members present as previously listed. The City Hall architects presented possible alternatives that had been requested since their last presentation to the City Council. The architect pointed out the changes they had made providing for a secondary meeting space that would be possible by screening off the vestibule which would make a meeting room that would seat approximatel 25 or more people. He said they recommended using the court room as Council chambers. It will seat approximately 100 people. Each Councilman will have space to have a file next to his chair. This could also serve as a conference room when it is not being used by the City Council. Councilman Harris said it would be helpful if there could be a podium that a person could use when addressing the meeting, also microphones for the speaker and each City Councilman. Councilman Van Dusen expressed the thought that some people would not like to come up to the front and speak into a microphone. The architect said that provision could be made. Mayor Bauch noted there was no place for the press. Councilman Harris asked if a handicapped person could get into the City Hall offices, rest rooms, etc. The architect said the handicapped could get into the upper floor of the lower floor, but there was no way for the handicapped to get from the upper floor to lower floor inside the building without installing an elevator. The architect explained the lower level floor plan which would house the Police Department. He said there was a great deal of flexibility for the placement of offices and files. He said there would be a good ventilation system with six changes of air every hour. Council President Hill said the City Council would get back with the architect in the near future. Councilman Traynor said he would like to propose a secretarial pool be put in the budget. He said the clerks, secretaries, typists, and stenographers could be put in there and be non departmental. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, asked if he was talking about Administrative Secretaries. Councilman Traynor said not necessarily, but he would like Administration to set up a secretarial pool. Councilman Harris said a pool is usually comprised of clerk- typists, stenographers, and secretaries are often rotated about once a year. Councilman Traynor said he would like Administration to set up a plan and in January or February the budget could be adjusted. Council man Van Dusen asked if this could be put into one budget item now. Mayor Bauch said it would take a lot of arithmetic and figures to TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING December 13, 1976 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd Budget Proposal come up with it by the time the budget has to be passed. 1977 Contd. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT ADMINISTRATION BE DIRECTED TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF MAKING A SECRETARIAL POOL AND FURNISH CITY COUNCIL WITH THE INFORMATION. CARRIED. Councilman Traynor said he would like to refer to Page 10 of the Preliminary Budget, Municipal Court, and reduce the extra labor to $2,200 which was the actual figure in 1975. He said he would like to have the extra labor come in as needed rather than on a regular basis. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE EXTRA LABOR IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT PRELIMINARY BUDGET BE REDUCED FROM $4,680 TO $2,200.* Councilman Harris said the extra labor was increased in lieu of authorizing a new hire for that department. She said they are pretty busy in the Court Clerk's office and she thought there was need for the extra labor allocation. Councilman Traynor said he was not completely through with the study of that department but as near as he could tell the work load would take 1.4 persons. CARRIED, WITH MS. HARRIS VOTING NO. /70z_ Councilman Van Dusen referred to Page 140 of the Preliminary Budget, Sewer Department, and said a 12 ton cab and chassis for sewer jet was projected but a 2 ton was really needed. Steve Hall, Director of Public Works, said a 2 ton truck would cost about $10,000. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE LARGER TRUCK BE RECOMMENDED FOR THE SEWER DEPARTMENT. CARRIED. Councilman Harris said in the case of the full time hire in the Office of Community Development she thought it would be advisable to keep him on a contract basis and to comprensate for the fringe benefits the price of the contract could be upped a bit. She said she also objecte( to the purchase of a piano it cannot be moved about and kept in tune Mayor Bauch said some musicians in the park ask for a piano. Kjell Stoknes, Director of Community Development, said they were considering a spinet that two men could carry. Councilman Harris said they should take the money scheduled for the piano and put it in juvenile programs. She said she thought the teen -age people have been over- looked with respect to social programs. She felt the Council should put more emphasis on the teen ages in the City. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE PIANO BE DELETED FROM THE BUDGET AND THE MONEY PUT INTO YOUTH PROGRAMS. Mr. Stoknes said the piano would be a good thing for senior programs. Councilman Harris said any equipment the City buys should be available to various groups and not be designated for one group. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED TO DELETE THE WORDS "AND THE MONEY PUT INTO YOUTH PROGRAMS." MOTION FAILED, WITH HARRIS VOTING YES, AND TRAYNOR HILL, SAUL, AND VAN DUSEN VOTING NO. *ORIGINAL MOTION FAILED, WITH TRAYNOR, HILL, SAUL, AND VAN DUSEN VOTING NO. Council President Hill said the Council has to set Department Head wages. Councilman Traynor suggested they add 5.43% to their salaries to fit in the plan, then bring them up if they do not fit in the plan. Council President Hill distributed the Salary Administration Plan the the Council has been using and explained how the merit concept would work. Mayor Bauch said some of the inequities might have to be adjus- ted, some do not reflect the experience, responsibility, and schooling that these department heads have. He said he would have to compare it with the job descriptions and write a letter to the Council expres- sing his opinion. Council President Hill said the Council had come up with a plan and if there is disagreement they will reason and take suggestions. He said the Department Heads can study the plan, then write a letter to the Council to be submitted Friday, setting forth TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING December 13, 1976 Page 5 DISCUSSION Contd. 1977 Budget Proposal their views and suggestions. The Council will then meet by Tuesday of Contd. next week to consider the letters. Mayor Bauch recommended that the Council take the 1976 wages and apply 5.43% to it and make adjustments after that. The salaries will go in the salary contingency fund. This will bring a balanced budget to the Monday night City Council meeting. Seminar Status Offenders the Juvenile Justice System ADJOURNMENT 11:30 P.M. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE MAYOR'S SUGGESTION BE FOLLOWED REGARDING DEPARTMENT HEADS' SALARIES. CARRIED. Councilman Harris said she had received an invitation to attend a seminar on Thursday and Friday of this week at Providence Heights in Issaquah. Two hundred people will be in attendance and the subject will be "Status Offenders and the Juvenile Justice System." She said there was a $29 fee. Council President Hill suggested she attend the seminar. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. No Booher, Recording Secretary 73