HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-15 Regular Minutes
Tukwila City Council
Regular Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
September 15,2014 -7:00
P.M.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:04 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 Council members Joe Duffie,
Dennis Robertson, De'Sean Quinn, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, and Kathy Hougardy.
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER KRULLER
UNTIL SHE ARRIVES AT THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
7:08 p.m. Councilmember Kruller arrived at the meeting.
CITY OFFICIALS
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Bob Giberson, Acting City Administrator; Rachel Turpin, City Attorney; Peggy
McCarthy, Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Jack Pace, Community
Development Director; Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Bruce Linton; Assistant
Police Chief; Eric Drever, Police Commander; Marty Grisham, Emergency Manager; Rachel Bianchi,
Communications and Government Relations Manager; Derek Speck, Economic Development
Administrator; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Taking Back Our Boulevard-1 year later. Mike Villa, Police Chief
Mike Villa, Police Chief, and Bruce Linton, Assistant Chief, provided an update on where the City has
come one year after August 27, 2013 when the federal government, with the help of the City of Tukwila,
seized three motels, the Great Bear, Spruce Motel and Traveler's Choice, on Tukwila International
Boulevard (TIB) due to a high amount of serious crime. Since that time:
• Citizens feel safer
• Change in pedestrian traffic
• Criminal element has moved
Decrease in narcotics and prostitution activity
Decrease in street crime
• Citizens would support future city action
People are still talking about 'Taking Back Our Boulevard" and saying 'Thank you!"
Statistics:
TIB CORRIDOR
CITYWIDE
-4.3% Calls For Service -30%
Calls For Service
-30%
-5% Crime
Cases
-40%
Violent Crime
Violent Crime -12%
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September 15, 2014
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Continued Efforts to reduce crime on TIB since August 27,2013:
Police Department Strategic Plan
TIB Tours
Human Trafficking Investigations/Operations
Chronic Nuisance Properties
Motel Owner Sentenced
Emphasis with Metro and Sound Transit Police
Semi-Annual Festival Directive Initiative
Civics Class at Foster High School
Night Out Against Crime Event
Three seized motels now owned by City
TIB Tours: Along with other City departments, Tukwila Police led two tours of Tukwila International
Boulevard on August 30 and September 5, 2013. The tours included City Councilmembers, School
Board members, the Tukwila School District Superintendent and the President of the Southwest King
County Chamber of Commerce. Timing was great as this was a few days after the motel seizure.
Human Trafficking: Tukwila Police Department staff continue to explore and implement ways of reducing
human trafficking. Several staff attended the 2013 Shared Hope International JuST Conference in
Washington DC. The conference provided new insights for tackling the growing problem of human
trafficking. In December Chief Villa and Assistant Chief Linton met with the King County Prosecutor's
Office and Tukwila Prosecutor to strengthen our efforts of targeting the demand side of prostitution.
Motel Owner Sentenced: On Tuesday, March 11,2014, the owner of the Great Bear Motel was
sentenced to one year in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to maintain drug
involved premises.
Child Exploitation Task Force Operation: On Thursday, June 19, 2014, Tukwila teamed up with the FBI
Child Exploitation Task Force to conduct an operation here in Tukwila. This is part of "Operation Cross
Country VIII" that targeted the recovery of juvenile prostitutes. Undercover officers searched on-line ads
looking for young females involved in prostitution. The undercover officers would have the females come
to a Tukwila hotel where they were arrested. The arrestees were interviewed to determine if they were
being trafficked, after which they met with social service providers to receive counseling and other
assistance. There was also an element of "street" patrols that went out looking for juvenile prostitutes
along Pacific Highway South in Kent. The FBI, Seattle PO Vice, King County Sheriff's Office, Kent Police,
and Bellevue Police participated in the operation along with Tukwila TAC (Tukwila Anti-Crime) and CPT
(Community Policing Team) teams. At the end of the night, the task force had made a total of 28
prostitution arrests, recovered one juvenile female (who was also a reported runaway from Portland,
Oregon) and arrested three others for promoting prostitution.
Tukwila Boulevard Sound Transit Station Emphasis: On June 18, 2014, the CPT partnered with Sound
Transit PO in conducting a Tukwila Boulevard Station emphasis. During the four hour operation, CPT
officers acted in both plain-clothes and uniformed roles. CPT Officers made four arrests and wrote
several infractions.
Semi-Annual Festival Directive Initiative: On June 20,2014, CPT officers joined Washington State DOC
(Department of Corrections) and other local agencies in the semi-annual festival directive initiative. The
operation's main goal was to contact subjects who are on active DOC status who have been documented
as criminal street gang members and advise them that they will be in violation of their conditions if they
attend designated Summer events. The contacts also serve as DOC compliance checks.
Civics Class at Foster High School: On April 3, 2014, a police department team met with about 30 Foster
High School students, their teacher and the principal for a two-hour open discussion in their Civics class.
The open forum allowed for the students to ask any questions of the officers present. The team and
students engaged in thoughtful discussion and the team was able to appropriately respond to their
questions and hopefully ease some of their concerns. A few of the questions asked were:
-What are some of the most difficult situations you face being police officers?
-What does accountability look like for officers?
-How does the department ensure the best officers are working with the community?
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September 15,2014
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-Students/teens in Tukwila often feel more fear than protection from the police, how do we develop more
trusting relationships between us and the TPD?
-What are some of the measures the department has put in place to ensure that TIB is a safer place?
Demolition in 2015
Spruce Motel & Sam's Smoke Shop
Citizens' Academy
Schools
Community Policing
Regional Collaboration With Other Stakeholders
The Mayor and Councilmembers thanked Chief Villa and Assistant Chief Linton for this important update.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the presentation and offered the following
comments: Gratitude for the improved condition of TIB and a resolve that City Hall not be re-Iocated to
the Boulevard; Recognition that crime has been reduced and there is still more to be done; The need to
identify any tools necessary to continue the progress to include involvement of economic development
strategies; The importance of embracing the "international character" of Tukwila International Blvd.;
Acknowledgement that the tipping point for this area of the City occurred on August 27, 2013 and
continuation of the momentum; Appreciation for the "energy" that has been infused into the community;
The benefits for faith-based organizations in this area due to crime reduction and a positive atmosphere;
and Consideration of possible zoning changes in this area of the City.
Mayor Haggerton read a proclamation declaring September 27,2014 as the "Mayor's Day of Concern for
the Hungry" encouraging all citizens to join him, the Emergency Feeding Program and local food banks in
feeding the hungry people in the community.
Joe Tice from the Tukwila Food Pantry accepted the proclamation from Mayor Haggerton. Mr. Tice
explained that the pantry serves a fourth of Tukwila's population. He emphasized that the recession took
a toll on the pantry, with their reserves being at the lowest levels. He asked that people donate food, not
only on September 27, but on all Saturdays throughout the year. He said they are in need of volunteers
to serve on the board and help the pantry grow into the future and be sustainable.
Councilmember Kruller thanked Mr. Tice for his work and said she would be at the pantry on September
27 with a food donation. Ms. Kruller made the commitment to donate $100 a month from her paycheck
as a Councilmember to support the pantry, as she feels this is a core necessity for the Tukwila
community.
citizen comments
Christine Neuffer, 13813 37 Avenue South, thanked the Police Department for sending a representative
th
to the recent Heroes for Autism event. She relayed that 2 of the more serious issues associated with
autism involve elopement, where an individual wanders off, and de-escalation, where they are having a
meltdown and are at risk of injury. Statistics show that 91 % of children with autism drown during periods
of elopement. Similar issues such as this can affect people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Some
communities have programs that partner with first responders to provide safe rides home. She expressed
that those citizens who have mental health issues are also a part of Tukwila's diverse community. It is
through training, awareness, community partnerships and resource allocation that a safety net is provided
for these populations. She would like to have further follow-up conversations to push forward on this
issue.
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September 15, 2014
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Robert Jensen, 11682 44 Avenue South, relayed that the culverts in the Allentown area are not being
maintained. Oftentimes when City crews cut grass, it ends up in ditches that require follow-up
maintenance. He also referenced an occasion when a contractor put granite rock in a ditch adjoining his
property, which made it more difficult to maintain. He also said there is graffiti on the gym at the
Community Center. Additionally, there are 2-4 people living under 599 and they panhandle at the
entrance to the freeway. They are drinking beer underneath the bridge near the Community Center.
There are people with a campsite in the trees about 50-60 feet from the spray park at the Community
Center. Mr. Jensen would like to see the City consider creating more drug-free areas and signage in City
parks.
Mayor Haggerton thanked Mr. Jensen for bringing these matters to the City's attention.
Councilmember Kruller said she appreciates his comments being brought forward in the public forum.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 9/2/14 (Regular Mtg.)
b. Approval of Vouchers #367222-367306; #140901 in the amount of $850,609.83
c. Award a bid to Michels Corporation for the CBD (Central Business District) Sewer Rehabilitation
(Reviewed and
Project in the amount of $160,594.89 and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract.
forwarded to Consent by Utilities Committee on 9/2/14.)
d. Award a bid to R.L. Alia Company for the Andover Park West/Andover Park East Sewer Repair Project
(Reviewed and forwarded
in the amount of $406,226.39 and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract.
to Consent by Utilities Committee on 9/2/14.)
MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED
AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Haggerton introduced this item by naming the members of the Fire Exploratory Committee as
follows: David Cline, City Administrator; Councilmembers Seal and Kruller; Chris Flores, Acting Fire
Chief; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Firefighters Chuck
Woolley, Jim Evans and Dawn Judkins; and Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst.
Councilmembers Seal and Kruller expressed thanks to the Committee for their hard work and said the
next Committee will dive deeper into the details to assess the best course of action for the City.
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, provided a summary of this topic.
The cost of providing high-quality fire service to the community is high, and secure and long-term financial
sustainability is a challenge within a city's authorized taxing structure. To maintain or improve existing
levels of service as departmental costs increase, cities must either reallocate existing revenue or identify
a new revenue source. Many communities regionally and nationally have pursued regional consolidation
strategies as a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality fire and life-safety services. This has been
accomplished primarily through fire district annexations, Interlocal Agreements and through formation of
or annexation to Regional Fire Authorities (RFAs). Consolidation can result in lowered costs due to
economies of scale obtained by reducing duplication of facilities, leadership, equipment and other
expenses within close geographical areas. Statewide, there is typically robust community support for
funding dedicated to fire and life-safety services. in addition, the dedicated funding source associated
with a fire district or an RFA has potential to free up revenue capacity for member jurisdictions without
detriment to service ievels.
In June 2010, the City Council formally authorized the exploration of alternative structures for the
provision of fire and life-safety services in Tukwila. The 2014 Fire Exploratory Committee has completed
its work and arrived at a recommendation that the City fully explore the feasibility of annexing to the Kent
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2014 Page of 11
Regional Fire Authority, and that a Steering Committee be formed to address a series of recommended
phases.
Ms. Humphrey utilized a Powerpoint presentation to address key points regarding this issue as follows:
What is a Regional Fire Authority?
• A special purpose district created by vote of the people
• A municipal corporation and an independent taxing authority
• Its boundaries are coextensive with two or more adjacent fire protection jurisdictions
• Governing body is elected officials of participant jurisdictions and elected commissioners of Authority
Fire Authorities in Washington State
Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority (King County)
North County Regional Fire Authority (Snohomish County)
North Mason Regional Fire Service Authority (Mason County)
Riverside Fire Authority (Lewis County)
South Whatcom Fire Authority (Whatcom County)
Valley Regional Fire Authority (King County)
South East Thurston Fire Authority (Thurston County)
West Thurston Regional Fire Authority (Thurston County)
Viable Option - Kent RFA
• Experienced and established
• Successful relationship - Training Consortium
• Interested in partnership and further exploration
RFA Annexation Process (RCW 52.26.300)
An adjacent fire protection jurisdiction is eligible
Initiated by resolution of the governing body of the jurisdiction requesting annexation
Governing body of RFA amends Plan
City Council adopts a resolution approving the annexation and Plan amendment
City Council requests annexation be placed on the ballot
Annexation is authorized by majority vote of City residents
What has changed since 2010?
• RCW amended to streamline process for annexation
• Kent RFA completed process with City of SeaTac
• Potential to revise fire benefit charge formula
Recommended Next Steps - Led by Steering Committee - Council, City, Kent RFA, Community
• Financial Analysis .
• Communications, messaging, community engagement
• Operations, Plan amendment
• Labor negotiations
• Resolutions
• Election
• Interlocal Agreement
Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to explain the Fire Benefit
Charge (FBC) as follows:
The FBC is a funding mechanism that is available to Fire Districts and Fire Authorities but not to cities.
To impose the fire benefit charge, it requires a 60% yes vote. However, research is being conducted to
determine if it is 50% or 60% "yes" vote that is required to annex into an existing RFA that already has an
FBC in place. The FBC must be renewed every 6 years; and for regional fire authorities, it requires a
60% "yes" vote to renew.
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September 15,2014
Typical funding for an RFA is $1.00 per thousand regular levy plus an additional 50 cent regular levy for a
total regular levy of $1.50. If the FBC is in place, the FBC takes the place of the third 50 cent amount. If
the FBC is voted out, the authority has the ability to revert back to the third 50 cent levy for a total of
$1.50. The main restriction for the FBC is that the total revenue received from the FBC cannot exceed
60% of the total operating budget of the fire authority. The Kent FBC is currently less than 45% of the
operating budget.
The FBC is imposed on improvements to real property, so if there are no improvements to the property,
the property owner is not charged the FBC. Kent applies the FBC to permanent structures and out
buildings. The RFA downloads information from the County, manages the calculations for the FBC and
submits the data to the County and the County adds the FBC to the property owner's tax bill. The County
manages the collection of the fee, and they charge 1 % of the revenue collected for their fee for services.
The formula is developed based on the square footage of the improvements to the property. It is not
based on assessed valuation. There is flexibility in the formula used by fire authorities and fire districts.
Typically, the entity will develop a formula that is reflective of the types of parcels within their boundaries.
In general, the larger the structure, the more resources needed to put out a fire in a fully involved
structure. The formula is structured to provide the funding for providing fire protection services and is
generally weighted so that those that require more resources pay their share of the costs.
There are limited exceptions and limitations for the FBC. The only specific type of property that is
exempted is property owned by religious organizations. Facilities specifically used for worship and
religious education are exempted. Additionally, property that is not subject to ad valorem taxation under
Title 84 is exempt. Property that is subject to a contract for fire protection services is exempt.
The other main limitation on the fee imposed is for low income seniors that qualify for exemptions under
Title 84. If a property owner is receiving a 25% reduction o'n their regular property taxes, they would
automatically receive the same discount on the FBC. The discount is determined by state statute and
administered through King County.
During some of the committee meeting discussions, there were questions about specific property types
and property owners and if they would be exempt from the FBC. There is no exemption for non-profit
organizations. Property owned by school districts are not exempt from the FBC. However, they have the
option of paying a per student fee in lieu of the FBC. The per student fee is set by the State Patrol and is
adjusted each year as deemed necessary. It's currently around $1.20. Property owned by government
agencies is also not exempt from the FBC. If the City annexes into the Kent RFA, it would be subject to
the FBC. However, this is an item that could be negotiated during the implementation period. This would
be an item for discussion by the next committee.
Ms. Carlsen provided information regarding the factors and formulas associated with the FBC model used
by the Kent RFA What is new information from the last time the City looked into options for the fire
department is that RFAs have the ability to apply formulas based on service area. Kent staff has
indicated they would be willing to look at their existing formula and see how it could be adjusted for
Tukwila parcels. An analysis would be necessary to determine adjustments and impacts to Tukwila
parcels. If the FBC is not in place as a funding mechanism, then the RFA would collect an additional $.50
in property tax levy. Ms. Carlsen noted that the FBC increases faster than the tax levy, and the FBC
increase is comparable to the increase in square footage, while the tax levy is not.
(A. Assessed Valuation
The followin exam les were rovided: V. =
Exam Ie of Fire Benefit Char e as a lied to Tukwila residential arcels
FBC as applied to Tukwila parcels - residential 3,350 square feet, $253,000 AV.:
1,500 square feet, $188,000 AV.: FBC $315.40
rd
FBC = $164.15 3 $0.50 fire levy = $126.00
3 $0.50 fire lev $94.00
rd
Typical response for a house fire: 5 apparatus, 1 rehab vehicle, 2 BCs, 1 admin chief, 1 MSO, 1 fire
investigator, 1 safety officer
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September 15, 2014
Exam Ie of Fire Benefit Char e as a lied to Tukwila a artment com lexes
square feet, units, square feet, units,
FBC no discounts:
fire levy FBC
rd
rd
Each unit's share would be fire levy
Each unit's share would be
Typical response for an apartment fire: 8 apparatus, 2 medic units with 2 paramedics in each, 1 rehab
vehicle, BCs, admin chief, MSO, fire investigator, safety officer
Exam Ie of Fire Benefit Char e as a lied to Tukwila commercial arcels
square feet, no discounts: square feet, no
FBC discounts:
fire levy FBC
rd
fire levy
rd
Typical response for a commercial fire: 8 apparatus, 2 medic units with 2 paramedics in each, 1 rehab
vehicle, BCs, admin chief, MSO, fire investigator, safety officer
Potential capacity if jOining the Kent RFA - Fire budget compared to levy
Levy Rate (estimated)
In Dollars (estimated)
Current Fire budget expressed as
Current Fire budget
levy rate'
Loss of levy to RFA
Reduction of property tax levy
Net tax capacity for City
Potential capacity for City
Ms. Carlsen emphasized the above is a general overview and not an in-depth analysis of the financial
considerations that need to be made. It is meant to provide a high level overview of dollar amounts if the
Kent RFA appears to be a viable option.
On the left of the chart above, the current fire budget is shown at million. If Tukwila chooses to
annex, the operating budget could potentially decrease by million. Additionally, the City would lose
million in revenue from our property tax levy. This leaves policy decisions regarding the potential
capacity of million.
On the right side of the chart above, the same information is provided, but expressed in terms of a levy
rate. Tukwila's current budget, expressed as a levy rate, is The Fire Department budget is divided
by total assessed valuation with the total assessed valuation divided by The net capacity
expressed as a levy rate is the less the levy.
There are some policy decisions that require analysis that the next committee will address in detail.
Is there any part of our Fire Department that could be retained in-house rather than moving into
the RFA? For example, emergency management, fire inspections, permitting, to name a few.
Any functions the City chooses to retain would also mean the City retains those costs and would
need to continue funding them.
Another policy decision that would need to be thoroughly vetted has to do with the remaining
capacity of million after annexation. Do we use the potential capacity to fund other City
needs like increased police presence, or capital projects like sidewalks? Do we make it revenue
neutral for taxpayers? Or, is it somewhere in the middle?
Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief, looks forward to exploring the next phase, and while this is an increase in
workload, it is an extremely worthwhile effort.
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September 15, 2014
Dawn Judkins, President of Tukwila Firefighters Local 2088, said she has appreciated being a member of
the Committee and looks forward to seeing where this will go.
Jim Schneider, Fire Chief of the Kent Regional Fire Authority, explained that in the City of Kent, they
faced cycles of revenue coming in and then dropping down. In order to provide sustained services over
the long term, they found the RFA model to be a good solution.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY KRULLER TO ENDORSE FURTHER EXPLORATION OF
FEASIBILITY OF ANNEXING TO THE KENT REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY AND THE CREATION OF
A STEERING COMMITTEE WITH ADMINISTRATION, COUNCIL, FIREFIGHTERS AND PUBLIC
INVOLVEMENT. FURTHER COMMITTEES MAY BE NECESSARY AND ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED
FOR THE EXPLORATION OF FINANCE ISSUES, PUBLIC OUTREACH AND ASSET EXAMINATION.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Mayor Haggerton thanked the Fire Exploratory Committee for their work on this important issue.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY SEAL TO CREATE A COMMITTEE TO BEGIN
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE KENT FIRE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE THE CITY OF
TUKWILA WITH ADMINISTRATION AND FIRE CHIEF SERVICES. THIS COMMITTEE SHOULD
HAVE ADMINISTRATION, COUNCIL, AND KENT FIRE AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION WITH A GOAL
OF HAVING AN ILA (INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT) FOR FULL COUNCIL CONSIDERATION IN 2014.*
Councilmember Robertson said that participation in this analysis is time consuming for Fire staff. As we
move forward, the time component will increase. He referenced the successful transition made by the
City of SeaTac in partnering with the RFA early on in the process. He feels it would be beneficial to learn
from their experience.
Council President Quinn said this is a complex process, and it is essential for our potential partner to be
at the table as key decisions are made.
*MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
On September 10, 2014, Mayor Haggerton proclaimed a state of emergency in the City, per Tukwila
Municipal Code (TMC) 2.57.070 due to catastrophic failure of critical information technology
infrastructure. Several systems went down to include critical public safety data used by the Police
Department. While the incident was still being assessed, an initial briefing was provided to the Council at
the September 8,2014 Committee of the Whole meeting. Council is being asked to adopt a resolution
and ratify the proclamation of emergency and the associated contract for services this evening.
Eric Drever, Police Commander, provided an overview of this topic. Also in attendance with Commander
Drever were Marty Grisham, Emergency Manager, and Rachel Bianchi, Communications Manager.
Commander Drever stated that the Incident Command System (ICS) was activated for this emergency,
and Commander Drever was the Incident Commander for this event. The City experienced failure of
critical information technology equipment commencing on or about 3:00 a.m. on September 5, 2014.
Several systems went down, with the primary equipment affected being a storage area network (SAN)
that had data and backup information that was not recoverable at the time. Police records and active
investigations information to include homicides, robberies and Class A felonies were not accessible to
police staff. The data on that SAN required immediate access and recovery of information. It was
necessary to contract with an outside agency with specific expertise in this type of data recovery.
The recommendation of the emergency management staff to the Mayor's Office was to proclaim a state of
emergency to continue the recovery process in an expeditious way. Commander Drever reported that as
of 5:00 p.m. this evening, functionality of City systems has returned, and beginning this week the City will
enter a verification process to ensure access has been fully restored. An after-action report will be
provided to the City Council on October 13, 2014.
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September 15, 2014
Council member Kruller requested clarification regarding an IT incident representing an emergency of this
scale.
Rachel Turpin, City Attorney, explained the emergency in this instance is that the data was relevant to
serious crimes that require access by Police Department staff on a consistent basis in the interest of
public safety.
Councilmember Kruller inquired if bid laws needed to be followed, and Ms. Turpin responded in the
negative. Ms. Kruller asked the cost of the contract. The contract amount to recover the data is
$73,979.00. This dollar amount requires Council approval.
Council President Quinn relayed that crucial City functions were unavailable, and the process in the TMC
was followed to address the emergent issues. The after-action report will provide greater opportunity for
discussion.
Council member Kruller explained that her idea of an emergency as an IT professional is not a match to
this scenario. In her viewpoint, there could have been other ways to reach the Council for approval rather
than declaring an emergency.
Marty Grisham, Emergency Manager, read from the definitions section of the TMC regarding
emergencies: "An emergency can also mean any occasion or instance where assistance is needed to
supplement our local efforts and capabilities to save lives, protect property and public health and safety."
There was a safety issue related to this incident due to the critical nature of the data that was not
available to law enforcement. The longer the City went without the data and the capability to enter new
data, there was a greater probability of the situation escalating and creating potential liabilities for the
City.
Ms. Kruller expressed concern about this process becoming a work-around for expenditures of this type
and feels this is a bad practice and a poor precedent. She inquired as to the possibility of having called a
special meeting about this before now. Ms. Turpin relayed that time was of the essence due to the nature
of the data affected by this issue.
Ms. Kruller would like to see the emergency management ordinance revisited to make distinctions
between different types of emergencies.
Councilmember Robertson commended administration for putting together a solid team to work this
problem expediently. While he does not want to re-write the emergency management ordinance, he
would like to caution against using the emergency process for matters of this type. It could be perceived
as de-valuing emergencies at a more significant level. Mr. Robertson explained that he also recognizes
the importance of this matter, and the dollar amount of the contract to resolve this issue is money well
spent.
Ms. Turpin explained that City Administration tried to avoid proclaiming an emergency as long as
possible, and as the situation developed, it became clear it was the best course of action in this instance.
Councilmember Ekberg appreciates the speed of the response that had public safety as a focus and
stands behind this decision.
MOVED BY EKBERG, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY
TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed resolution by title only.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF
CRITICAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT.
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September 15,2014
MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED
AS READ.*
Council President Quinn said it may be beneficial for the Council to discuss expectations regarding issues
of this type at a future meeting.
Mayor Haggerton commented that the vendor who was selected has a special environment to handle
matters of this type. They are well-established in the field of data retrieval, and if they were unable to
retrieve the data, the only amount due would be the $5,000 deposit, representing minimal risk to the City.
While the issue could have gone through the regular process which would have involved a minimum of 3
weeks, it was necessary to make a decision in a more expeditious time frame.
Councilmember Kruller said it is important for the Council to consider options other than a 2-3 week
period for issues such as this.
*MOTION CARRIED 7-0, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NUMBER 1842.
(2) Ratify the Mayor's September 10,2014 Proclamation of Emergency and the contract for
services with InfoRetrieval.com to respond to the repairs.
MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY EKBERG TO RATIFY THE MAYOR'S SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
PROCLAMATION OF EMERGENCY AND THE CONTRACT FOR SERVICES WITH
INFORETRIEVAL.COM TO RESPOND TO THE REPAIRS. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
There was no report.
b. City Council
Council President Quinn reported that he hosted the Council Chat this past weekend.
Councilmember Seal reported that Human Services staff is conducting a "gently used" and/or new blanket
and towel drive. Contributions can be made to the Human Services Office.
Councilmember Hougardy reported that on September 10, 2014 she chaired the Soundside for Economic
Development Committee meeting. They are developing a legislative agenda with the Highline Forum,
which will be forthcoming to the Council. They will be having a breakfast for businesses on November 5,
2014 at the Museum of Flight regarding opportunities in the area. On September 12, 2014 she attended
the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where discussion occurred regarding the increase in international
flights at Sea-Tac airport.
Councilmember Kruller said the King Conservation District is reviewing issues that involve Tukwila items,
and she would like input as to who she can consult with on staff. She attended the Sound Cities
Association Public Issues Committee (PIC) meeting, where it was confirmed that the south King County
public health clinics are going to be closed. It was reported that full service clinics are in Bellevue, and it
was conveyed that it would be too difficult for south county citizens to get to Bellevue for essential health
services. The Sound Cities Association dinner on December 3,2014 will be in conjunction with the
Association of Washington Cities event in Renton. The National League of Cities Conference is coming
up in November, and the Transportation Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee is very active in
reviewing potential changes that make sense for the Northwest.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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September 15, 2014
Bob Giberson, Acting City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator (CA) Report in the packet and
offered to answer any questions.
Mr. Giberson referenced a portion of the City Administrator Report regarding the Comprehensive Plan
update process for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element. At the September 8,2014 Council
Meeting, the Council raised additional issues, mainly definitions, with the Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Element. City staff recommended that the element be returned to a future meeting to allow the
Council final review of the requested changes. After the meeting, the request for additional information
was rescinded.
Due to this change, Mr. Giberson is asking for a motion that the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Element remain on schedule for final action along with the other Comprehensive Plan elements. Any
changes to the elements will be provided to the Council in "track changes" format.
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY QUINN TO APPROVE THE PARKS, RECREATION AND
OPEN SPACE (PROS) ELEMENT TO REMAIN ON SCHEDULE FOR FINAL ACTION ALONG WITH
THE OTHER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Councilmember Kruller referenced the portion of the CA Report that relates to the installation of exercise
equipment at Joseph Foster Park. She is excited about public access to equipment of this nature.
There was no report.
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, said the Community Heritage and Culture Celebration will be held on
September 19, 2014 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Foster High School.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Kruller acknowledged the retirement celebration for Dave Larson, Senior Plans
Examiner, on September 16,2014 in the Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
9:20 p.m. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 10/6/14
AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 10/7/14