HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-04-02 Regular MinutesApril 2, 1990
7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
OFFICIALS
CITIZEN COMMENTS
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
MINUTES
Tukwila City Hall
Council Chambers
Mayor Pro Tem Joan Hernandez called the Regular Meeting of the
Tukwila City Council to order and led the audience in
the Pledge of Allegiance. (Mayor VanDusen was ill.)
JOE H. DUFFIE; DENNIS ROBERTSON, JOAN HERNANDEZ,
Council President; CLARENCE MORIWAKI; ALLAN EKBERG,
STEVE LAWRENCE, JOHN RANTS.
JOHN COLGROVE, City Attorney; RICK BEELER, Director,
Department of Community Development; MOLLY HEADLEY,
Assistant Planner; JOHN McFARLAND, City Administrator.
Historical Society members, Wendy Morgan, and Roger Baker
reported on a church in the Duwamish area, believed to be the oldest
building in the City, established in 1867. It is possibly the oldest church
in King County. The society is attempting to have the structure put on
the historical register. The church was built by the residents of the
area and has been in continuous use since that time. It was used as a
schoolhouse in the early 1900's. Due to a diminishing congregation, it
is likely the building could be torn down or sold. The Historical
Society would like to prevent that from happening. They are applying
to the State of Washington to place the building on the historic
landmarks register. The process is very involved; however, the society
members feel that because it's such an old building and in good
condition, there is a good chance that it could be accepted. Council is
being asked to submit a letter acknowledging that you are aware of the
Historical Society's request and that you support the application.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY RANTS THAT
COUNCIL SEND A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF PLACING THE
CHURCH ON 42ND AVE SO. ON THE HISTORICAL
REGISTER. MOTION CARRIED.
Amend Agenda Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez amended the agenda to add Item 8h,
Appointment of Jane Cantu as Acting City Clerk.
CONSENT
AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 3 /19 /90-- Regular Meetings
b. Approval of Vouchers
General Fund $102,227.82
City Street 10,467.56
Arterial Street 26,251.30
Land Acq., Building, Dev. 20,539.35
Water Fund 23,873.21
Sewer Fund 1,943.28
Water /Sewer Construction 33,886.23
Foster Golf Course 5,644.74
Surface Water (412) 2,656.48
Equipment Rental 54,371.30
Firemen's Pension 3,589.40
TOTAL $285,450.67
Ordinance No. 1558 c. An ordinance of the City of Tukwila, Washington, rezoning
certain real property located at 16813 Southcenter Blvd. from
R -1 -7.2 to C -2, and providing for an effective date.
(Mikami Rezone)
Ordinance No. 1559 d. An ordinance of the City of Tukwila, Washington vacating that
portion of public right -of -way within the City of Tukwila,
generally described as unopened 168th lying westerly of
Southcenter Parkway.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 2
Consent Agenda (con's)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Appeal of the Decision of
the Planning Commission
Regarding a Request for a
Conditional Use Permit by
Becker Transfer for
Property Located at
12677 E. Marginal Wy So.
Appellants
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITIED.
MOTION CARRIED.
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:20 p.m. Councilman Ekberg
asked to be excused from the hearing stating that in December, as a
private citizen, he had spoken at the Planning Commission regarding
Becker Trucking. Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez stated that she, also,
had attended the December Planning Commission meeting; however,
she attended as a spectator, did not speak at the meeting, and does not
believe it would affect her decision this evening in any way. There
were no objections to Mrs. Hernandez continuing with the hearing.
Mr. Ekberg was excused.
Kathy Stetson, 13258 40th Ave. So., distributed a prepared letter to
the Council which detailed the reasons for the appeal. Members of
the community are appealing the February 22, 1990 decision of the
Planning Commission. The appellants claim The Planning
Commission deleted or changed significant portions of staff's
recommendations, substantially changing the use and impact of this
proposal." Because the staff recommendations arose from a joint
meeting of the applicant and members of the residential community
on January 9, and were supported by both parties, the appellants want
to see the original recommendations imposed. Ms. Stetson added that
the group is not opposed to Becker using the property. They feel it
would be an improvement to have the lot paved, the landscaping
improved, and the codes enforced as to storage and other use of the
site; however, they are concerned with protecting their single family
neighborhood. They ask Council to impose those conditions which
would mitigate the adverse impacts to the community.
Janice Scheffler, 4033 So. 128th Street, read from a prepared letter
which, in part, targeted truck parking as a central issue for residents of
the neighborhood. Concerns include: 1) Will the limit of working
hours apply to the terminal on the Northwest corner; 2) Is the site still
primarily for employee parking and if so, will employee parking take
precedence in the future as more employees are hired or will it
become more of an expansion of the terminal; 3) Truck traffic on
residential streets. Ms. Scheffler noted that conceding to truck,
tractor, and trailer parking on the Becker site does not indicate a
willingness for the Riverton area to "go industrial". Residents want to
see the property brought up to current standards. Ms. Scheffler
concluded by requesting that Council deny a Condition Use Permit if it
considers it as an act contributing to the conversion of Riverton's
remaining residential area.
Curtis Robinson, 13422 40th Ave. So., distributed a letter to Council,
written by his wife, which contained their prepared statement. Mr.
and Mrs. Robinson protest the approval of the Design Review and
Conditional Use Permit of Becker Transfer. It is their opinion that the
Planning Commission authorized the expansion of Mr. Becker's
business without any affirmative input from citizens. Further, they feel
an improved parking facility for employees' automobiles and semi
truck trailers is a crucially different matter from the parking of truck
tractors along with truck trailers. This decision permits as much
movement of trucks and trailers in the parking lot as on the primary
business site, thus expanding the business. The Planning Commission
has referred to the area as a neighborhood "in transition Mr.
Robinson asks, if this is true, where are the zoning changes that give
substance to that statement? In summary, Mr. Robinson stated that
the Planning Commission has ignored the request of 70 residents that
Becker Transfer remain contained in its spot zone and be restricted
from further expansion. He suggests that other suitably zoned
business property is available elsewhere if Mr. Becker's business has
outgrown the current site.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 3
Public Hearing f con't)
Becker Transfer
O
Phil Hemenway, 4036 So. 128th Street, stated that he lives
approximately 300 feet from Mr. Becker's business. In his opinion,
Becker Transfer is harmonious with the neighborhood, provides
employment and tax revenue for Tukwila. Mr. Hemenway does not
feel expansion should be discouraged.
Donna Meagher, 13242 40th Ave. So., commented that not all
residents in Riverton want the area to remain residential. Several
people on her street would be more than willing to sell to a developer.
The neighborhood has been encroached upon by industrial businesses
for several years. Ms. Meagher feels Mr. Becker should be granted a
CUP for his trucks. She would like to see the area fenced.
Bill Scheffler, 4033 So. 128th St., commented that he had been a
member of the advisory board that helped put together the pre
annexation zoning. Some of the residents who are protesting Mr.
Becker's business in a residential neighborhood were also asked and
encouraged to join the board but elected not to at that time. He
commended the staff for the written recommendations that were
presented to the Planning Commission at their second meeting on
February 22. Mr. Scheffler feels a fence and a gate are appropriate to
the site as children are attracted to the equipment. He would also like
to see increased landscaping along East Marginal Way as a way of
buffering the residential community from the effects of expansion.
Employee parking has already become a problem on the side street
across East Marginal Way on So. 128th. Parking should be restricted
to the parking lot with access to the lot from So. 133rd and East
Marginal Way.
Beverly Nicholson, 3810 So. 130th Street, objects that the Planning
Commission did not follow the recommendations of their staff when
they met on February 22nd. The recommendations from the staff on
the fencing, the gate, the hours, the landscaping and parking were
changed to what Mr. Becker wanted on each one of those points. Ms.
Nicholson requests that those points be gone over again and do what
the staff recommended.
Jeff Mann, PacTech Engineering, 6100 Southcenter Blvd., reported
that Mr. Becker's application has been through considerable review.
Mr. Becker originally applied for a Design Review permit after which
he was informed he would have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit.
He recognized that through the annexation process the property was
zoned for industrial use, provided that conditions be put in place on
this site. Consistent with the purpose of the Conditional Use Permit,
twelve conditions have been placed on this application. Mr Mann
reviewed the conditions with the Council. Of the 12 conditions, there
are three conditions and one issue that are the focus of Mr. Becker's
appeal. In regard to Item #1, Condition #2, the Planning Commission
added trucks, tractors and trailers because they realized that trucks
would be taking the trailers onto this site and may sit there
temporarily. The main transfer operations are still out of the area to
the north. Regarding Item #2, Condition #6 Fencing: Mr. Becker
would be willing to install a solid fence around the site if there would
be some relief on the closeness and number of trees required in the
landscaping. With regard to East Marginal Way, Item #3, Condition
#4, three additional trees will be located in certain gaps where trees
have been removed in the past. We do not want the requirement for
the four foot on center trees as required on the two sides that abut the
single family zoning. Finally, regarding the transition area, Mr Mann
stated that the Planning Commission's comment was made to reflect
the fact that the City did adopt CM zoning for this property. Becker
Transfer accepts the 12 conditions; they are significant and will screen
the site.
Councilman Rants asked if there was enough parking on the site for
employees. Mr. Mann replied that parking is adequate for now.
There is no ordinance that prevents parking on the street.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 4
Public Hearine (con't)
Staff Report
Citizen Comments
Rebuttal
Councilman Robertson asked the difference between a parking lot
and a transfer terminal. Mr. Becker responded that at a transfer
terminal a trailer is unloaded from one trailer to another. On the
parking lot tractors, trucks and trailers would be parked.
Councilman Lawrence inquired if the Planning staff had worked with
Becker Transfer in consideration of the citizens concerns. Molly
Headley, Assistant Planner, responded that they had worked together
and Becker Transfer had indicated they would be cooperative in
providing whatever was required to gain approval for the Conditional
Use Permit. Councilman Lawrence commented that it appeared staff
was recommending Council to do what they did not recommend the
Planning Commission do. Rick Beeler responded that staff forwarded
their recommendation to the Planning Commission on the basis of the
staff review. The Planning Commission then acts upon staff's
recommendation. They can agree, disagree of modify. Councilman
Lawrence clarified that once the Planning Commission has made a
decision, even if it overrides staff's position, staff will defend the
decision made.
Phil Hemenway stated that even though he was a member of the
task force he did not feel they had an opportunity to have
meaningful data on single family residential.
Beverly Nicholson suggests fencing the property to avoid children
playing on the grounds.
Gary Evans, 4020 So. 128th St., lives above Mr. Becker's property. He
has not seen children playing on the property as suggested. There are
many large trucks that travel through the area, but there does not
appear to be complaints about them. He sees no reason to deny Mr.
Becker's request.
Mr. Mann stated that Mr. Becker has worked with the City throughout
this entire process. He is making substantial improvements to the site
and has accepted many of the conditions imposed. A fence at this
time is not needed for operational purposes. The 12 conditions that
are imposed will provide the City with studies on intersections and
drainage. The site will be improved and visually protected. He
concluded by asking for Council's approval.
Rick Beeler commented that the issue is not if there should be a
deviation of the plans. The issue is whether or not the preponderance
of evidence has proven that Council should reach a different
conclusion than the Planning Commission. The presence of trucks,
trailers or tractors on the property for a temporary period of time is a
very difficult thing for the City to enforce.
Bill Scheffler stated that if the use of the property is going to be
increased, the citizens want a higher degree of landscaping with the
exception of increased density of vegetation along East Marginal Way
to buffer the existing single family homes across the street. With the
added vegetation that is going around the property and no lighting, a
paved site is inviting to various types of criminal activity.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez closed the public hearing at 8:38 p.m.
Councilman Robertson read from the Tukwila Zoning Code and
commented that driving trucks in and out constantly contributes to a
high pollution source. It's a very heavy use of roads, provides danger
and a lot of traffic. The buffer of trees does very little to prevent
noise. If the CM district was intended to be transition zoning, that
transition is to be a transition between the commercial use and the
heavy industrial use. Trucking is considered by the Tukwila Zoning
Code to be one of the worst sources of pollution. Regarding the two
sites, loading and unloading a truck will produce some amount of
noise, but not as much as driving the tractors back and forth, hooking
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 5
Public Hearing (con't)
up the trucks to trailers and moving them. This site is used for moving
trailers in and out. It is doubtful the site would be used as much as the
site across the street, but that's still the intended purpose and that is
why the addition of tractors was added to it. The intended use of the
site is contradictory to the intended purpose of this property which is a
park -like transition between residential use and industrial use. Mr.
Robertson stated he does not want to sit in the Planning Commission's
role and second guess whether the three items that were appealed
were right or wrong. However, he is convinced there was not an
acceptable compromise reached between the residential community
and the property owner. In conclusion, Councilman Robertson
recommended that Council uphold the appeal and deny the
application and send them back to find a compromise. The intended
use of this property is not allowed except as a conditional use in any of
Tukwila's zones. It is not allowed at all as a conditional use in the four
lighter commercial uses. If the property owner intends to use it to
drive the trucks back and forth, which is the highest polluting source,
then it's necessary for the property owner to find an acceptable
compromise.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFLE, TO
UPHOLD THE APPEAL AND DENY THE APPLICATION.*
Councilman Rants commented that the staff and citizens and Becker
came to a good compromise. He is in favor of upholding the appeal
and revising the Planning Commission decision. We could do that
tonight. All we need to do is put in the fencing and the planting that
our Planning Department suggested. He is opposed to denying Mr.
Becker's right to start off with his property; however, he feels the
Council is upholding the appeal the way the citizens wanted it done.
Councilman Moriwaki stated that there is another specific reason for
scrutinizing the situation which has not been discussed. The map
shows that areas that the CM areas that have those kind of trucks
don't butt up next to single family residences. That's why it is
extremely important that we take the time and energy to make sure
the impacts of what this operation does on the surrounding
community. All the other CM goes along the river south of I -405 to
south of Southcenter along I -5. The reason other appeals are not
scrutinized so closely is because there are no residences next to the
businesses. Regarding the parking on the street issue, Councilman
Moriwaki commented that once the parking lot is paved and unlit and
dark, it's a nice place to hide out. That's another serious concern. The
fencing issue is one of security for Mr. Becker's property and
possessions and security to the community. He concluded by stating
he would vote against the motion; however, he would like to have the
second motion to hold up the appeal and go through the Commission
points.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez asked counsel if she would be allowed to
vote on this issue even though she was chairing the meeting. Attorney
clarified that she would.
Hernandez stated that she would vote against the motion because she
feels Council should uphold the appeal but revise the decision. She
would rather see planned parking in a parking area than require
people to park on the street.
Councilman Robertson commented that he feels in this case it is
necessary for a solid compromise to be reached and not a decision
levied by the Council sitting in for the Planning Commission. with a
few moments study and a little testimony. He doesn't feel that's
Council's role.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 6
Public Hearing (con't)
*MOTION FAILS 4 -2.
0,/85
Councilman Lawrence also opposed the motion stating that in light of
what the Planning Commission had done, he did not feel Council could
reach a compromise that would work out.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY RANTS, THAT
COUNCIL UPHOLD THE APPEAL AND REVISE THE
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION BASED ON THREE
STATED CONDITIONS: 2) TRUCKS AND 'TRACTORS; 4)
PLANTING ENHANCEMENT; 6) FENCING OF THE
PROPERTY.*
For clarification Councilman Moriwaki stated that this motion is to
follow the Planning staff's recommendations and to appeal the
Planning Commissions new impositions and definitions. Councilman
Robertson asked Office of Community Development (OCD) Director
Rick Beeler, and Assistant Planner Molly Headley if they understood
what they would do with this based on the information.
Ms. Headley replied she understood that they would look at the staff
memorandum dated February 12, 1990 which addresses the issues that
resulted in these conditions. On page three of the report under
Recommendation, number 1) Use of site will be confined to parking of
employee automobiles and truck trailers, was the original
recommendation of the Planning Commission. We would change that
recommendation to include tractors, truck tractors and trailers.
Councilman Robertson inquired what would stop this site from
becoming another transfer station. Mr. Beeler responded that the
applicant would have to go through another Conditional Use Permit
process. The CUP is attached to the site. If another owner came in,
he would have to live with the same conditions unless they came back
to the Planning Commission and the CUP process to change those
conditions.
Councilman Moriwaki, noted on page two of the same staff report
under Design Review Related Concerns, Citizen Concern #3 listed
the concern that the lot would be used for inappropriate activities
after hours. Staff response listed a gate and /or fence could address
this concern. Ms. Headley responded that the concern would be
handled through Recommendation #3 on page three: Applicant will
revise site plan to provide locking gates at entry to site. Councilman
Moriwaki noted the word "fence" did not appear in the
recommendation. The motion he put forward was to follow with
Condition #6 and fence the property when required.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY DUFFLE, THAT THE
MOTION BE AMENDED TO REQUIRE APPLICANT TO
REVISE SITE PLAN TO PROVIDE LOCKING GATES AT
ENTRY AS A CONDITION OF THE APPLICATION.**
Councilman Robertson commented that "fencing" had not been
defined as to type and height. Mr. Beeler responded that security
fences are normally eight foot cyclone fences with another two feet of
barbed wire at the top. He added that Council could further define
the issue if they wished.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE,
THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED TO REQUIRE THAT A
SECURITY FENCE BE PLACED INSIDE OF THE PLANTING
BUFFER.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 7
Public Hearing (con't)
Recess
9:10 p.m. 9:20 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
Ord. #1560, Recreating the
Tukwila Planning Commission
o911
Councilman Moriwaki stated that he amended the motion to be more
specific. The recommendation on page three under Recommendation
simply states: "The applicant will revise site plan to provide locking
gates at entry to site." The intent for a fence is there, but it is not
stated in a recommendation.
***MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez commented she would vote against the
original amendment because she did not want to require locking gates.
She feels it would create more of a danger to have people leave their
cars running while they unlock a gate.
*MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED.
On the issue of the truck/tractor /trailer parking, Councilman Rants
remarked that you can't expect to haul trucks in there without having a
tractor on them. Councilman Lawrence commented that if we are
requiring the fence for security then as long as the primary use is for
tractor and employee parking, he sees no reason to not allow the
incidental parking of trucks and tractors. Councilman Robertson
added that if one of the concerns was the noise pollution and air
pollution from the use, forcing the applicant to put the trucks
somewhere else is going to increase the noise and air pollution, not
decrease it.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE TO
AMEND THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO DENY THE APPEAL TO
CONDITION #2.
Councilman Moriwaki stated that he will vote for the motion;
however, he hoped the intent of the applicant is to use the area for
parking only.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Robertson asked Mr. Beeler what would prevent the use
of the area which is intended to be employee parking from being used
for truck parking. Mr. Beeler responded that it could be brought back
to the Planning Commission who could revise or deny (revoke) the
Conditional Use Permit as one of the conditions of the CUP is the site
plan
*MOTION CARRIED. ORIGINAL MOTION IS APPROVED AS
AMENDED.
Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez called a brief recess.
The meeting resumed at 9:20 p.m. with
Councilmembers in attendance as listed above.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, THAT
THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY.
MOTION CARRIED.
Attorney Colgrove read an Ordinance of the City of Tukwila,
Washington, recreating the Tukwila Planning Commission, prescribing
its duties, authority and procedure, and repealing Ordinance No. 1112
and Ordinance No. 1550.
Councilman Lawrence commented that he is in favor of the ordinance;
however, because of the timing, a portion of the community has
interpreted the ordinance as being aimed at specific individuals rather
than the principle. In his opinion, passing the ordinance today rather
that in the near future wont bring any particular benefit to the issue
other than to cloud the issue further.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 8
Old Business (con't1
Citizen Comment
vy8 7
MOVED BY LAWRENCE, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE
ISSUE OF RECREATING THE PLANNING COMMISSION BE
CONTINUED UNTIL THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING IN
SEPTEMBER.*
Councilman Rants commented he is not in favor of postponing the
issue. Councilman Moriwaki agreed and added that change in
organizations causes pain and controversy and to wait until a later time
won't make it any less painful The intent of the ordinance is very
clear in the "Whereas" statements- -that we want to increase residential
representation on the commission. That is the intent and purpose.
In response Councilman Lawrence stated by delaying our decision, we
can prove that our intent has nothing to do with individuals coming up
for appointment immediately and has nothing to do with issues facing
us in the next few months.
In favor of the motion, Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez commented that
she doesn't mind changing the six year term to four years, and she
doesn't mind requiring residency; however, she feels it is important to
designate the two business representatives whether they are business
or citizens. Mrs. Hernandez added that in the three years she has sat
on the Council she has never heard anyone address the Council under
Citizen Comments complaining about the Planning Commission. We
have also approved several appointments to the Commission during
the same time period and no one has come forward to speak against
any of the appointments. The complaints have never been publicly
expressed. When requesting agenda items for the Council retreat in
January the topic of the re- composition of the Planning Commission
was never suggested for discussion. If people have a problem with the
Planning Commission it's Council's responsibility to enact the
legislation to give them the guidelines to act by. We must give them
the proper zoning code ordinances, the proper design code standards,
and all the proper guidelines that they need to base their decisions on.
Mrs. Hernandez believes that the proper checks and balances are in
place. The Council confirms every appointment to the Planning
Commission. We can deny the applications if we wish. Regarding the
of terms of office, Mrs. Hernandez feels the current terms should be
allowed to expire in due course. She is not sure that a Planning
Commission member should be removed for anything but negligence
or malfeasance. If we allow the proper course to continue, there will
be automatic vacancies occurring that some of the new applicants
could be considered for. With the Sensitive Areas Ordinance, the
Clearing and Grading Ordinance and possibly the Multi- Family Study
all ready to go to the Planning Commission, it's not a good time to
break the continuity in a team that's working well together. Mrs.
Hernandez is concerned whether this ordinance in the best interest of
the City or not. She regrets that the volunteers who have given their
time have been made to feel unappreciated. She offered her
apologies to the volunteers. In conclusion, Mrs. Hernandez stated she
hoped that those of the Council who favored the ordinance would
reconsider taking action at this time and allow some of these feelings
to be considered.
Jerry Hamilton, 5624 So. 147th Street, Planning Commission member,
stated he does not take issue with the Council. The Council has a legal
right to do what they care to do with those terms as long as there are
objective reasons for changing the terms. If they are personal reasons,
they should be cast aside and objective reasons applied to changing the
terms. The other issue is the makeup of the Planning Commission.
Mr. Hamilton noted that when he was first on the commission he
wondered what the business persons were doing on the Planning
Commission, they don't really have a right to be on the Planning
Commission. For three years he worked with three different non-
resident business people. He found them to be bright, intelligent
people. Two business people out of a total of seven commissioners
will not hurt the City. There are five other resident commissioners
who will keep them in check if necessary; however, in three years he
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 9
Old Business (con's)
098?
has not seen any attempt from the business segment of the Planning
Commission to gain control to try to enact or make recommendations
that will hurt the City or favor business. In Mr. Hamilton's opinion the
Council would show greater objectivity by not confining the business
appointments necessarily to business people who reside in Tukwila.
He feels it would be a show of good faith to the business community by
making the appointments as they are made today. Business deserves
better than being removed from the Planning Commission.
Councilman Robertson is against the motion to postpone a decision
until fall. To delay would make the pain and uneasiness, and to some
extent the ill will and polarization of the community that has occurred
in the last few weeks, for naught. Also, the Planning Commission is
about to sit and look at a Sensitive Areas Ordinance. The SAO and
the Grading and Fill permits will have a definite impact on property
rights. It is a case not of business versus residential. Almost everybody
has something to do with business somewhere. The real issue is
property rights and how far they extend. This ordinance will impact
property rights. If we were to postpone this decision until next fall, the
message we would be accused of giving the Planning Commission is
that if you don't vote the way the Council has indicated it wants you to
vote, will do something bad to you. That's terribly wrong. Nowhere in
the current ordinances nor in the proposed ordinance does it say that
we want the Planning Commission to be "yes men" to the Council or
anybody else. Councilman Robertson feels that if Council were to
postpone the issue they would likely be accused of using this proposed
change to the Planning Commission as a lever to force them to vote
some way that the Council might want. This Council and the Council
for the previous two years overturned almost everything that came
before it or was appealed to the Council that the Planning Commission
had voted on. It is hard to assume, especially after tonights discussion,
that the Council philosophically agrees with the Planning Commission.
Councilman Robertson added that although he has no problem with
someone knowing that he disagrees with them; however, he does have
a problem personally with someone saying he intends to influence a
particular vote they might make on an issue. In conclusion Mr.
Robertson stated he is against the motion to delay.
Councilman Duffie reported that he is for the motion because the time
would give the Council time to think and in September they might
have a better idea of what they want to do. He thinks the Planning
Commission has done an outstanding job. There may be problems on
the Planning Commission but there are problems here also. Anywhere
you have a body of people who all agree, you have a big problem. Mr.
Duffie added that he was sure there were other people who would like
to be part of the Planning Commission and that maybe Council should
add two more seats to the commission. He requests that Council deny
the motion, leave things the way they are, and look toward the future.
Councilman Ekberg also spoke against the motion. He feels Council
has developed a division between residents and businesses. Our
community is no longer a community, it's side against side. He doesn't
feel that postponing the issue will help the problem.
*MOTION FAILS 5 -2 WITH LAWRENCE AND HERNANDEZ
VOTING YES.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY EKBERG, THAT
THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE APPROVED AS READ.*
MOVED BY LAWRENCE TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE SO
THAT THE EFFECTIVE DATE IN SECTION 9 BE CHANGED
FROM 90 DAYS TO 150 DAYS AFTER PASSAGE AND
PUBLICATION.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 10
Old Business (con't) MOTION FAILS FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
MOVED BY RANTS, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE, THAT THE
ORDINANCE BE AMENDED SO THAT SECTION 4, TERM OF
OFFICE READS AS FOLLOWS: THE PRESENT APPOINTED
MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION SHALL
REMAIN IN OFFICE FOR THE BALANCE FOR THEIR
PRESENTLY EXISTING TERMS. FUTURE TERMS OF OFFICE
WILL BE FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS AND SHALL
EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT ON MARCH 31 OF THE
APPROPRIATE YEAR. WHEN A VACANCY OCCURS ON THE
COMMISSION, APPOINTMENT FOR THAT POSITION SHALL
BE FOR FOUR YEARS OR THE REMAINDER OF THE
UNEXPIRED TERM WHICHEVER IS SHORTER.**
To explain his amendment, Councilman Rants remarked that he made
the motion because the gentlemen that have been appointed to the
Planning Commission are all responsible, intelligent men who have
been approved by a Council, appointed by a Mayor, and have the right
to fulfill the tenure of their office. Mr. Rants added that not everyone
will always agree, but there is nothing wrong with controversy.
However, he does feel that members of the Planning Commission
should be residents of the City. If Council accepts this amendment,
they will still have staggered terms past the year 2000. In the year 2003
three members will be appointed.
Councilman Ekberg agreed that the current Planning Commission
members have done an outstanding job; however, he is concerned with
a rotation schedule that goes into the year 2003 where there may be
three members appointed in any one year. Two members up in one
year is quite appropriate. A spread based on two members up in one
year is good so that every year you would have two members up except
for one year where you'd have one member up. That is the type of
spread that would bring some continuity to the Planning Commission
when changes are made. He does not like the rotation suggested in
the amendment. Mr. Ekberg suggested a friendly amendment
whereby the terms would expire at their normal dates and then in
order to get on to a four year rotation, that there be short interim
terms made between appointments. In this manner, the rotation
would become stable in the future. Mr. Ekberg is not convinced that
rotating three people in one year, nobody in the next year, and three
people a year later, will really meet the needs of the community.
Councilman Rants commented that it does take at least two years to
learn either the Council or the Planning Commission. If Council goes
with the proposed amendment, we might amend it at the end to say
one term at the end of 2002. Councilman Ekberg commented that he
would like his friendly amendment added so that the action and the
concept that we're talking about is implemented. Possibly the specific
dates, times, and the years could be worked out outside of this
meeting.
Councilman Rants suggested that another Council handle the terms to
be scheduled in the year 2002. Attorney Colgrove suggested that if
Council wants to follow Councilman Ekberg's suggested phasing
schedule, we take the time to draft the proper wording.
Speaking against the motion, Councilman Robertson noted that the
ordinance as proposed has a table. The purpose of that table was to
account for the problem of how to phase into a new term of office. It
appears that this amendment may not be well thought out. This
amendment postpones the decision. It's giving the issue up to
someone else. This amendment makes the whole ordinance somewhat
meaningless in a reasonable period of time. It appears that the real
issue is what we do and when we do it. It's not business against
residential. This is a complex issue with many things at play. The
Planning Commission has an incredible impact on the way the City
looks.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 11
Old Business (con't!
Citizen Comments
Authorization to Enter
into an Interlocal
Agreement to Participate
in Jointly Funded Study
of Library Services
0 /9
They interpret the laws based upon their own philosophical members.
Councilman Robertson added that though he might not be pleased
with the decisions of the Planning Commission, it does not mean he is
displeased with the people. He feels this amendment is a "cop out
Councilman Lawrence commented that as a courtesy those who were
appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council should be
allowed to finish out their terms and then we'll make the change.
Councilman Robertson added that if we are so pleased with their
performance, the Mayor could reappoint them and the Council could
reaffirm them. If this ordinance is passed as it is written, and Council
is really pleased with the commission members' performance, you
have a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that.
Councilman Rants stated that at no time had he made a decision that
he wanted to totally revamp the Planning Commission. Originally the
discussion was about one appointment. When a draft ordinance was
presented at the council meeting two weeks ago, Mr. Rants had no
idea this was to involve the whole Planning Commission.
*MOTION CARRIED 5 -2 WITH DUFFIE AND ROBERTSON
VOTING NO.
Councilman Moriwaki commented that this motion strikes the original
graph.
MOVED BY EKBERG, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT
SECTION 2 BE AMENDED TO ADD THE WORDS "TO
PROVIDE A BALANCED COMMUNITY SPIRIT" AFTER THE
WORD "AREAS" AT THE END OF THE SECOND SENTENCE.
MOTION CARRIED WITH DUFFIE VOTING NO.
A letter from Planning Commission member Jack Flesher regarding
the proposed Planning Commission ordinance was read. Mr. Flesher
recommends that the two business positions remain in tact, but that
the proposed change in residency status be allowed.
Barry Reid, 5103 So. 164th Street, and Catherine Harris, 5610 So.
141st Street, spoke against the motion to change the composition
of the Planning Commission.
*MOTION CARRIED TO PASS ORDINANCE. #1560 AS AMENDED
WITH DUFFIE AND HERNANDEZ VOTING NO AND ROBERTSON
ABSTAINING.
Councilman Robertson explained that his abstention is a positive
vote in this situation.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY EKBERG, TO
AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN A JOINTLY
FUNDED STUDY OF LIBRARY SERVICES.*
Councilman Robertson praised the administration for their good
work on this project. City Administrator John McFarland
commented that a consortium has been organized to track the
efforts of the consultant. He is confident that we will receive good
data. Mr. McFarland added that Kirkland has decided to annex to
the library system so they will not be participating in the study;
therefore, the costs for the study have been reduced
proportionately.
*MOTION CARRIED.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 12
Authorization to Enter
into Interlocal Agree-
ment with King County
Allowing the City to
Receive Open Space Bond
Issue Proceeds
Authorization to Enter
into a Contract for a
Study of Wetlands and
Watercourse Buffers, Not
to Exceed $20,000
NEW BUSINESS
Authorization to Call
for Bids 52nd Ave So.
Storm Drain Rehab.
Ordinance No. 1561
LID 32 Bonds
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY EKBERG, TO
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY ALLOWING THE CITY TO
RECEIVE OPEN SPACE BOND ISSUE PROCEEDS. MOTION
CARRIED.
Councilman Robertson reported that if we move
ahead and do Study A of Phase I as proposed, it
will allow us to get the buffers we need and some
definitions into the Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
At the same time, we will start another more in
depth study that will look at site specific
characteristics of the wetlands and the
watercourses and propose a variety of things that
would include site specific mitigations, impacts,
and enhancements to water quality. The second
study will take a considerable amount of time to
complete. When the results of the second study
are completed, probably within a year's time, we
will look back at the SAO and modify it if
needed.
*MOTION CARRIED.
a yV
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY EKBERG, TO
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000 FOR PHASE I OF A STUDY
OF WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSE BUFFERS.*
Bill Arthur, Sensitive Areas Citizens Advisory Committee member,
noted that the study is different from what the committee
recommended. He is concerned that by doing two studies, the
costs will increase. It will also take longer to get the ordinance in
place.
Councilman Robertson responded that one of the issues with the
original proposal was how much could be accomplished in the next
few weeks. The proposed goals for the second study are fairly
substantial. To deal with each watercourse individually will take
time.
MOVED BY EKBERG, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, TO ACCEPT
THE 52ND AVENUE SOUTH STORM DRAIN REHABILITATION
PROJECT. MOTION CARRIED.
Finance Director Alan Doerschel reported that the
negotiated sale of bonds with Sherson is exactly
on target with the two LID's that have closed
recently in Spokane and Everett.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION
CARRIED.
Attorney Colgrove read an Ordinance relating to Local
Improvement District No. 32; Fixing the amount, form, date, interest
rates, maturity and denominations of Local Improvement District
No. 32 bonds; Providing for the sale and delivery thereof to
Sherson Lehman Hutton Inc. in Seattle, Washington; and Fixing the
interest rate on Local Improvement District No. 32 assessment
installments.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 13
New Business (con't)
Ordinance No. 1562
Increasing the Amount in
Advance Travel Expense
Account
Resolution No. 1135
Approving Banking
Services Agreement with
U.S. Bank
Budget Transfer Motion
90-01 to Show Block Grant
Expenditures
Resolution No. 1136
Setting Public Hearing
Date for Petition for
Street Vacation
Nor Med Shaw
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1561 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION
CARRIED.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION
CARRIED.
Attorney Colgrove read an Ordinance of the City Council of the City
of Tukwila, Washington, increasing the amount in the Advance
Travel Expense account; Finance Director, custodian, as set by
Ordinance No. 1215.
MOVED BY RANTS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT ORDINANCE
NO. 1562 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY LAWRENCE, TO
EXTEND THE MEETING FOR A PERIOD OF 15 MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, THAT THE
PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY.
MOTION CARRIED.
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Tukwila, Washington,
authorizing the Mayor to approve a banking services agreement
with U.S. Bank.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT
RESOLUTION NO. 1135 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION
CARRIED.
Finance Director Alan Doerschel reported that in order to compare
bids, we had to make some assumptions on levels of activities.
Some banks came out with pluses, some with minuses. The goal
is to have a zero balance at the end of the year. You don't write
banks checks for their banking services. You keep enough cash in
the bank to earn money so that at the end of the year, the amount
it cost for banking services is equal to the amount you earned.
Banks today are very competitive.
MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, TO
APPROVE A BUDGET TRANSFER MOTION #90 -01 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $30,000 TO SHOW BLOCK GRANT EXPENDITURES.
MOTION CARRIED.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY EKBERG THAT THE
PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY.
MOTION CARRIED.
Attorney Colgrove read an Ordinance of the City Council of the City
of Tukwila, Washington, fixing the time for a public hearing upon a
petition for vacation of certain public right -of -way within the City of
Tukwila generally described as a portion of 43rd Avenue South,
north of So. 131st Place.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY EKBERG, THAT
RESOLUTION NO. 1136 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION
CARRIED.
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 2, 1990
Page 14
New Business (con't)
Review Scope of Work
for City's Long -Range
Facilities Needs
Appointment of Acting
City Clerk
ADJOURNMENT
11:20 p.m.
Councilman Moriwaki inquired if the intent of the
study is to assess the current structures as well
as looking at new structures. John McFarland
responded that the study would look at projected
costs to operate current facilities both in terms
of whether they meet program needs and the
capital costs to keep them running. Property
acquisitions for City operated facilities will
also be part of the study.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, TO FORWARD
THIS ISSUE TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING.
MOTION CARRIED.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT
JANE CANTU BE APPOINTED AS ACTING CITY CLERK. MOTION
CARRIED.
Joan Hernandez, Mayor Pro Ted'
J,a'i* Cantu, Acting City Clerk