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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers August 11, 2014 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Quinn called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were De'Sean Quinn, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Kate Kruller. Councilmembers Seal and Hougardy were not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Mike Villa, Acting City Administrator; Rick Mitchell, Police Commander; Mike Boehmer, Police Officer; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Brandon Miles, Economic Development Planner; Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Jerry Hight, Building Official; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Carol Lumb, Senior Planner; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Introduction of Jerry Hight, Building Official. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, introduced Jerry Hight, Building Official. Mr. Hight came to the City from Bonney Lake, and he enjoys hiking, fishing and writing. Mr. Hight thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak this evening and looks forward to serving the City. He reviewed his construction background and past work experience for the Council. The Councilmembers congratulated Mr. Hight on his position and welcomed him to the City. b. Introduction of new Police K9 team Mike Boehmer and "Doc." Rick Mitchell, Patrol Commander, introduced Officer Mike Boehmer and his K9 Doc. Doc is a German Shepherd born in Hungary and imported to the U.S. in 2013. Doc was selected from 200 dogs from a kennel in Denver. He is very energetic, agile and has a natural tracking ability. The team began a 600 - hour training regimen from a Washington State Master Trainer. Upon training completion, the team was accredited through the Washington State Training Commission and Washington State Police Association. Officer Boehmer and Doc returned to patrol duties in the first week of August, and have had two captures and 15 calls for assistance from neighboring cities. Officer Boehmer has been with the Tukwila Police Department just shy of 3 years, and had rigorous physical testing, oral boards and an administrative review prior to being selected for this position. His selection as a K9 officer can be attributed to his demonstrated high performance, and good judgment. Officer Boehmer explained Doc is a very active 17 -month old dog. Officer Boehmer expressed his appreciation for the support he received from the Police Department and for the fantastic learning opportunities. The Councilmembers congratulated Officer Boehmer on his position and they were introduced to Doc. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 2 of 9 CITIZEN COMMENTS Joan Hernandez, 15224 Sunwood Blvd., commented that in her review of the 2014 (Southwest King County) Chamber of Commerce Directory, she noticed that Foster Golf Links is not listed again this year. She attended the recent Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and had a discussion with the individual responsible for creating the 2015 directory. Ms. Hernandez researched the issue, and in order for Foster Golf to be included in the 2015 directory, the City will need to contact the Chamber of Commerce with the request. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions on this issue. After Council discussion there was Council support to have staff research possible advertising of Foster Golf Links in the 2015 Chamber of Commerce Directory. Mayor Haggerton stated staff will research costs of advertising in the 2015 directory. Pam Carter, 4115 South 139th Street, stated she is a Commissioner for Valley View Sewer District. She explained Valley View received a request for information from the City regarding the total revenue received from Tukwila residents. Dana Dick, Valley View Sewer, contacted the City to inquire why the City was requesting the information and she was told the City was planning to enact a 6% utility tax on the sewer district. She feels there was a lack of communication on the implementation of the utility tax between the City and the sewer district. As Chair of the Utilities Committee, Councilmember Kruller commented she would like information from staff on this issue at the next Utilities Committee Meeting. Council President Quinn thanked Ms. Carter for bringing this item to the attention of the City Council. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Review of the Comprehensive Plan Elements. The Comprehensive Plan, first adopted in 1995, establishes goals and policies that guide Tukwila as it grows and changes over time. The Comprehensive Plan policies and land use map lay out the community's long range vision. The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) allows Tukwila to amend the Comprehensive Plan once a year, unless it is an emergency. The Comprehensive Plan has been amended regularly to keep up with changing requirements and to respond to requests from the public. By June 30, 2015, the City is required to complete a periodic review and update of the Comprehensive Plan. The City has been preparing the update in phases over several years. The updates to the Manufacturing /Industrial Center and Shoreline elements were completed in 2011. The new Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) element,.Roles and Responsibilities, Community Image and Identity, Economic Development, and Tukwila South elements are scheduled for updates in 2014. Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, explained the purpose of the meeting this evening is to provide a review of the Comprehensive Plan elements that are scheduled to be updated in 2014. Ms. Fox utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Council. Highlights of the presentation included: Agenda: Overview of the process Status of the updates Discussion of the 5 elements currently under review Next steps Comprehensive Plan Update: Long range plan for community's priorities for growth and development First adopted in 1995 and last updated in 2004 Next update is due June 30, 2015 Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 3 of 9 What is in the update? Keep Comprehensive Plan's basic goals and objectives Update done in phases over several years Required changes for Growth Management Act (GMA) regional goals Reflect the 2012 Tukwila Strategic Plan Edit/reformat for easier use Public Outreach: During 2014, City staff has made significant efforts to reach out in new ways to bring Tukwila's diverse community into the City planning process. This included identifying and training community liaisons ( "Community Connectors "), who are part of cultural populations within Tukwila, including Spanish, Somali, Arabic, Tingrya, Amharic and Burmese. The liaisons conducted 194 in- person surveys with their community members about topics relevant to the Comprehensive Plan update including housing, access to healthy food and small businesses. Staff is also utilizing Planning Commission and City Council hearings, mailings, City website, print publications, and community events such as the Teen Kick -Off, to receive public comments and to inform the public about the Comprehensive Plan update. Status - Updated Elements include: Capital Facilities Utilities Transportation Southcenter Urban Center Natural Environment Shoreline Manufacturing /Industrial Center Status — 2014 Elements to be updated include: Community Image and Identity Economic Development Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Tukwila South Roles and Responsibilities Status — Remaining Elements to be updated in 2015: Housing Residential Neighborhoods Transportation Corridors /Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) Annexation Introduction Land Use Map Legend Carol Lumb, Senior Planner, explained she is here to address the update to the Community Image and Identity Element. Ms. Lumb reviewed the following in the PowerPoint presentation: Community Image and Identity Element: This element addresses a variety of topics that fall broadly under the "sense of place," community image, and community identity category. The recommended element addresses historic preservation, City boundaries, residential areas, commercial areas, transportation corridors, Tukwila urban center, open space and parks, and urban forestry as they relate to the appearance or impression a community presents to its residents, visitors and workers. Recommendations to this element of the plan include: • Chapter includes a variety of topics that fall under "sense of place /community image and identity ". • Incorporates Strategic Plan goals /policies on creating inviting neighborhoods and businesses and celebrating Tukwila's cultural diversity. • Urban Center; Forestry; and Parks, Recreation and Open Space goals /policies were moved to more appropriate locations. • Added selected policies on historic preservation, business districts and parking standards. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 4 of 9 • Added goals and policies on healthy living. • Testimony provided by Global to Local, Urban Food Link and Forterra on the healthy living and cultural diversity goals /policies of this element. • Planning Commission made revisions to the element based on public input — these are noted in the document. Councilmember Kruller asked for the timeline for Council to review the proposed updates. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained the Council will conduct a Public Hearing on August 25, 2014. The Council will then discuss public comments and make text edits at the September 8, 2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting. The final version is tentatively scheduled to be presented for possible adoption on October 6, 2014. Councilmember Kruller voiced her concern with specifically mentioning Forterra and Global to Local in the draft plan. She asked if there are other organizations that should have the opportunity to provide comments. Ms. Gierloff clarified those organizations were partners with the City on the Community Connectors project. Council President Quinn explained this is the time for the Council to ask these types of questions, and he thanked Ms. Gierloff for the dates associated with the timeline. Councilmember Robertson complimented staff on the information presented and specifically the outreach done to involve and include the community in the process. During his review of the plan, he noticed that "community" is mentioned quite a bit in this element. He feels when the word "community" is being used, it should not just refer to Tukwila. He explained the City uses resources to provide assistance to neighboring jurisdictions and they could be affected by the City's actions. The City has a responsibility to other regional groups, and he suggested the regional committee representations of the City's elected officials' be included in the draft plan. Council President Quinn spoke in favor of the suggestion by Councilmember Robertson, as there are several regional groups that are served by the City. Councilmember Kruller asked if King Conservation District was contacted to provide comments on the draft Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Gierloff stated there is some language in the "Roles and Responsibilities," element where a policy (15.2.1) states "enhance Tukwila's interests through participation in regional partnerships." Staff can take a second review to see if there is a way to expand the language. In addition to the outreach efforts previously mentioned, interested individuals have received periodic updates on the process via email. Mayor Haggerton referred to the "Regional Opportunity and Role" paragraph (page 3 of the "Roles and Responsibilities" element). He feels this section should be expanded, as this area is very important to the City. The Comprehensive Plan is laying the groundwork for future elected officials. Councilmember Duffie concurs with the statements above and he feels everyone plays an important role in the City. Councilmember Robertson suggested adding stewardship to the "Roles and Responsibilities element." He explained it is important that the kids in the community have the same physical environment in the future, and being stewards of the City implies taking responsibility for the future. Councilmember Kruller commented that King Conservation District also focuses on members being good stewards for their municipalities, and she voiced her support for the proposed language. Council President Quinn also voiced his support for the suggested language. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 5 of 9 Councilmember Ekberg voiced his support for the suggestion by Councilmember Robertson. He asked if there were any areas of the plan where comments from staff differed from the Planning Commission. Speaking to the "Community Image and Identity" element, Ms. Lumb referenced one policy, "Overall Community Identity ", Policy 1.1.3. The Planning Commission had a discussion centered around whether the focus should be on individual communities within the City or if that is a divisive suggestion. The Planning Commission did not make a decision on the suggestion, and staff wanted to acknowledge the discussion and make sure the Council knew of the discussion. According to the Strategic Plan, staff felt there could be a balance in celebrating the differences between the various neighborhoods, while at the same time recognizing they are all woven together in the fabric of the community as a whole. Ms. Gierloff stated the Council will review the Neighborhood Element in 2015. Councilmember Kruller referenced a book used in the City of Seattle about creating neighborhoods. She feels their program is a very good example of creating neighborhoods. Brandon Miles, Economic Development Planner, explained he is here to address the update to the Economic Development element. Mr. Miles reviewed the following in the PowerPoint presentation: Economic Development Element: The Economic Development element has been rewritten to reflect current conditions and priorities. Given the significant changes that have been made, a strikeout/underline version is not provided; instead notes from staff discussing the changes are shown. The recommended updates to this element include: • Updated Narrative and Statistics • Incorporates Strategic Plan priorities • New Language about improving the Employment Opportunities for Tukwila Residents • Support Business Creation and Expansion Councilmember Robertson noted the "Economic Setting" section (page 2 under "Economic Development ") includes data from 2010. He asked that staff provide some updated data in that section, or language that clarifies the data trends. Mr. Miles clarified that the language included in the section was obtained from the 2010 Census. Councilmember Kruller referred to the second bullet on page 2 of this section: • Support the development of current and new minority, women owned, disadvantaged, and veteran owned and run businesses. She again suggested other agencies, such as King Conservation District, be provided an opportunity to provide input and comments on the draft plan. Council President Quinn asked if comments included in the draft plan from outside agencies were provided to staff within the comment period. Mr. Miles answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Ekberg referred to the strike - through version of the draft Economic Development element, and asked why certain language was removed from the update. Mr. Miles explained that the Planning Commission felt the language was specific to budgeting, not land use policies. Mayor Haggerton commented that some of the data /trends should be included in the plan as suggested by Councilmember Robertson. There is current data available to the City, and he feels the most current information should be included. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 6 of 9 Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent, explained he is here to speak about the Parks, Recreation and Open Space element. This is a new element in the Comprehensive Plan that is dedicated to Parks, Recreation and Open Space. The proposed update is based on the PROS Plan that was adopted by the City Council in February 2014. Mr. Johnson reviewed the following in the PowerPoint presentation: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element: The first -ever Comprehensive Plan element dedicated to the parks, recreation and open space system is based on the City's recently adopted Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. The recommended components of this element include: • Relocate and consolidate parks, recreation and open space - related goals and policies from other Comprehensive Plan elements into a single and specific element related to the parks, recreation and open space system; • Largely based on PROS Plan (adopted 2/2014) • Build on vision from City's Strategic Plan • Address needs identified by the public • Support healthy lifestyles through a variety of facilities and programs Councilmember Robertson suggested that staff include language that differentiates between open space, parks, undeveloped, green space, etc. Council President Quinn asked if there are standard definitions relating to open space and parks that are used by the State of Washington that could be used. Ms. Gierloff clarified that the language included in this element was adapted from the current PROS Plan, and there could be clarifying language added to this section on those items. Councilmember Kruller commented that there are other parts of the plan that might have definitions in another section and the definitions could be added to that section. Ms. Gierloff explained these types of definitions are in the "Natural Environment" section of the plan. Mayor Haggerton commented that issues surrounding parks are an area of concern, and he suggested adding language to the implementation strategies to reference present and future safety in parks. Councilmember Duffie said that park lighting should be considered during the planning stage. This has been an issue at Foster Joseph Memorial Park, including how the lighting affects the surrounding neighbors. Councilmember Robertson suggested the following changes: Goal 6.5: Safe, Inviting and Affordable (insert word in the title). 6.5.4 Involve the community and (park) neighborhood in all aspects of project and program planning and implementation. He reviewed the process and neighborhood engagement relating to Crystal Springs Park. Councilmember Kruller commented that other cities have evening concerts in the parks and she cautioned about limited hours and lighting. She also referenced an issue regarding non - working timers at the tennis courts at Hazelnut Park. She asked that staff review park usage and identify a park that could be a dog park. Councilmember Robertson voiced his support to include the definitions for "community" and "neighborhood" in the plan. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 7 of 9 Mr. Miles addressed the update to the Tukwila South element and reviewed the following by way of a PowerPoint presentation: Tukwila South Element: Significant progress has occurred in Tukwila South over the last 10 years that causes the current Tukwila South element to be outdated. The element has been completely rewritten to reflect these changes. The recommended updates to this element include: • Rewritten to reflect: o Annexation o Tukwila South Master Plan o Sensitive Areas Master Plan o Development Agreement o New Policies based on Tukwila South Master Plan • Uses the Tukwila South Master Plan as a basis for the policies provided. Certain parts of the Sensitive Areas Master Plan (SAMP) and Development Agreement are included in the revised Comprehensive Plan element. Councilmember Robertson suggested adding the word "river" to the following statement: 9.1.6 Ensure development in Tukwila South is designated and implemented in accordance with the approved Sensitive Area Master Plan to protect and enhance the natural river environment. Mr. Miles clarified that the river is one of several natural environments within the Tukwila South area. Johnson Creek and the forested area hillside are other examples of the protected natural environment in the Tukwila South area. He explained that the Tukwila South Development Agreement vested the Segales to regulations at the time of signing the agreement. In this case, the Sensitive Area Master Plan is one plan that governs the development until the expiration of the Development Agreement. Councilmember Robertson asked when the Tukwila South Development Agreement will expire. Mr. Miles stated he would get that information to the Council. Additionally, the proposed update is the required update by the State. The Council is able to update an element of the Comprehensive Plan annually as conditions change. Councilmember Duffie asked who was notified of the proposed update to the Tukwila South element. Mr. Miles stated the two property owners, Segale and M & P (Mitchell Moving and Storage), were notified in December 2013 of the update, and representatives from Segale responded to the invitation to review the draft document. Councilmember Kruller asked if changes had been made to address the flooding issues identified in the comment letter submitted by M & P Company that was included in the materials. Mr. Miles provided background information on this issue. He explained the letter from M & P referenced flooding that occurred in June 2014. After the Public Hearing at the Planning Commission meeting, he contacted the Public Works Department about the incident and he was informed the incident happened on May 5, 2014. Mitchell Moving and Storage forwarded pictures of the flooding to Public Works staff. On May 9, 2014, the City received an email from Lisa Drako, Customer Service Manager, thanking Dave Stuckle, Public Works Project Inspector, for visiting the site the previous day. The topography elevation was raised due to the work being performed by Segale Properties. After the flooding occurred, Segale fixed the problem. Today, Mr. Miles spoke with Ms. Drako to inquire about any new flooding on their property. She stated there have not been any other issues, and Mr. Stuckle has continued to check in with her relating to the construction issues in Tukwila South. Councilmember Ekberg asked why there is a Tukwila South section in the Comprehensive Plan. All other sections address the City as a whole. He inquired about the north end of the City and the proposed projects in that area of the City. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 8 of 9 Ms. Gierloff explained the State mandates the City have a land use element in the Comprehensive Plan. The City chose to separate the various sub -areas such as the Manufacturing /Industrial Center element, Southcenter element, and residential neighborhood element. They are identified by different names, and together they form the land use element of the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Ekberg feels there should be some type of documentation identifying the vision for the north end of Tukwila. Council President Quinn commented that the vision is being formed now, and it is important that all players in the north end of the City are on the same page about the vision for that specific area. Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, explained she is here to address the update to the Roles and Responsibilities element. Ms. Fox reviewed the following in the PowerPoint presentation: Roles and Responsibilities Element: This element focuses on the social, rather than the physical, environment. It recognizes problems and offers solutions to ensure basic needs are met, safety and security provided for, and that communication is extensive and clear. It also acknowledges Tukwila's involvement in regional issues and partnerships. The recommended updates to this element include: • Focus-on social environment • City's responsibility: o Meet basic needs o Provide safety and security o Clear communication o Regional issues and partnerships • Partnerships within City and outside • Emergency management • Safety and security • Meaningful City communication to build connections • Cultural, linguistic competency • Regional collaboration Councilmember Kruller feels educating residents on emergency preparedness should be stressed, especially for low- income residents and those with language barriers. Ms. Fox explained that this particular section was updated with the assistance of the Emergency Management team and is based on education. Councilmember Robertson stated it is admirable that the City is trying to deal with the needs of all individuals in the community. Council President Quinn thanked staff for the presentation on the proposed updates. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton explained that Mike Villa (Police Chief) is currently Acting City Administrator. He commented that he will work with staff to address the two citizen comments relating to golf course advertising in the Chamber of Commerce Directory and charges to the utility district and update the Council tomorrow. He voiced his appreciation to the Washington State Department of Transportation for removing the stop sign on 51st Avenue South that was affecting traffic along Klickitat. On August 5, 2014, he participated in the National Night Out Against Crime event. He thanked the community members who hosted events and those who participated in the event. He announced that the City purchased the Traveler's Choice Motel on August 8, 2014. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 11, 2014 Page 9 of 9 b. City Council Councilmember Duffle participated in the National Night Out Against Crime event on August 5, 2014. Councilmember Robertson updated the Council on his recent fishing trip to Sitka, Alaska. Council President Quinn participated in the National Night Out Against Crime event on August 5, 2014. He thanked Chris Portman, Community Policing Coordinator, for her work on the event. He also expressed appreciation to Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer, for partnering with him for the event. He stated the Council Analyst will be out of the office this week. Councilmember Ekberg participated in the National Night Out Against Crime event on August 5, 2014. Councilmember Kruller participated in the National Night Out Against Crime event on August 5, 2014. She reported that during the event there was a discussion on drug activity at the Tukwila Transit Center, which seems to increase after 6:00 p.m. There were an estimated 1,000 visitors at the Church by the Side of the Road event. On August 7, 2014, she attended the Fire Exploratory Committee meeting, and she commented on the recent community garage sale. c. Staff Mike Villa, Acting City Administrator, thanked everyone for participating in the recent National Night Out Against Crime event. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, reminded the Council of the upcoming HealthPoint facility tours. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental The Council Analyst was not present. ADJOURNMENT 9:47 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Sea Quinn, Council President Th-lat9,9) Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 08/25/2014 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 08/26/2014