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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-06-05 Regular MinutesJune 5, 1989 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER READING OF AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL OFFICIALS APPOINTMENTS Oath of Office Appointment to Planning Commission CITIZEN'S COMMENTS History Book CONSENT AGENDA TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting M I N U T E S a r7 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Mayor Mayor Van Dusen called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order. Mayor Van Dusen read a Proclamation designating the week of June 12 as NATIONAL FLAG WEEK in the City of Tukwila and then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. MABEL J. HARRIS; JOE H. DUFFIE; MARILYN STOKNES, Council President; EDGAR D. BAUCH; JOAN HERNANDEZ; DENNIS ROBERTSON; CLARENCE MORIWAKI. JOHN COLGROVE, City Attorney; MAXINE ANDERSON, City Clerk; RICK BEELER, Planning Director; TOM KEEFE, Fire Chief; JOHN MCFARLAND, City Administrator; RON WALDNER, Police Chief. Ron Waldner, Police Chief, introduced six new Police Officers -3 are entry level and 3 are lateral entry: DONALD K. LINCOLN MARK P. DUNLAP TED J. RUTT Mayor Van Dusen issued the oath of office to the new offi- cers. Mayor Van Dusen introduced Jack Flesher, owner of the Country Vittles Restaurant, 14212 Pacific Highway South. He is recommending that Mr. Flesher be appointed to Position #4 on the Planning Commission. MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT COUNCIL CONCUR WITH THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF JACK FLESHER TO POSITION #4 ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED. Wendy Morgan, 15144 65th Ave. So., reported on the progress of the History Book Committee. She invited any interested people from the audience to the Historical Society Meeting Thursday night. a. Approval of Minutes: May 15, 1989 b. Approval of Vouchers Claims Fund Vouchers #39461 General Fund City Street Arterial Street Water Fund Sewer Fund Water /Sewer Construction Foster Golf Course Equipment Rental Firemen's Pension RONALD V. CORRIGAN JEFFREY S. ROBERTSON STEVEN GURR #39661 85,339.82 115,197.48 44,185.11 7,328.40 796.89 262,335.64 7,608.56 28,450.07 300.00 $551,541.97 MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 2 PUBLIC MEETING Fire Protection for citizens of Tukwila On May 22, the City Council reviewed the recommendation of the Mayor to relocate Fire Station #52 from the Tukwila Hill area to the present location of Fire Station #18 across from Foster High School. This issue was placed on the agenda for final consideration and resolution. Mayor Van Dusen explained that Council can accept his recommendation to relo- cate Fire Station #52 or they can direct Administration to come back with a Budget Transfer for additional staff. It will take $425,000 to fund this. George Hill, 5618 So. 147th, said he lives within walking distance of the Fire Station. He was on the Council in 1968 when they had trouble finding the money to purchase a firetruck. $425,000 is a lot of money but it would be terrible if you move the fire equipment up there and you lose one life because of the response time. For the past twenty years we were asked to make sacrifices because they were building Southcenter. Now we have increased the population to 12,000, but it is the original people who made the sacri- fices to build this City into what it is -now they want to treat us like second class citizens. When I was a Council Member, I never made a decision that was strictly based on finance. I would hate to have a life on my conscience. All of the sudden we are worried about the "almighty buck," and we are not worried about the service we are giving to the citizens. Phil Hemenway, 4036 So. 128th, in the Riverton area, discussed fire ratings. The rating of 4 for Tukwila was approved in 1975. He asked what it would be today, if Fire Station 52 is moved, will it go down to a 5? Mary Kreidler, 14734 59th Ave. So., submitted a petition to Council opposing the closure of Station 52. There are 152 signatures on the petition. She also presented a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Peter Okicich, 14248 56th Ave. So., who asked that both Station 52 and the Foster Fire Station be kept in operation. She referred to the statement in the Public Notice under "Arguments Supporting Relocation" that said "Avoid unnecessary expenditure of public funds." She asked, by whose definition, is this an unnecessary expenditure? Jan Kupferer, 14715 58th Ave. So., commented that, not only is Brummer's Hill closed sometimes during the winter, but so is Gott's Hill. If you have to maneuver Brommer's and then Gott's in the snow, you have a problem. It is tricky going down 56th with cars parked on both sides, two cars cannot pass on this street. You also have a multitude of children and dogs. She told a story about a firetruck that was going east down Brummer's Hill, then continued up Tukwila Hill and down to 58th; the truck ran the stop sign at 58th. They were lucky there was no one on 58th. This is an extremely busy intersection. Also, she is concerned that there is no longer an aid car at the Foster Station. Further, she is concerned about response time to the schools for an aid car during the snow. Alan Swanson, South 149th across from Tukwila Elementary School, asked how the response time was figured -does it start when the call comes in? Cheryl Wheeler, 6321 South 151st, commented that they did not receive the Public Notice at their new house; it was mailed to their old address. Last year a firetruck was damaged and put out of service from an accident caused by icy streets. We are still growing and are still developing apartments on hillsides. The public has a right to be concerned and has a right to be served by our Council. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 3 PUBLIC MEETING Fire Protection for citizens of Tukwila (cont.) o� 9/ Elizabeth Springer, 13325 42nd Ave. So., commented that most of the people live where Station 52 and Foster are, people and their homes are more important than the businesses. She can't see any excuse for keeping Station 51 open and closing a station that is necessary to people. If all you're looking at is dollars and not protection of the citizens, then you can close anything probably Foster will be next so you can keep the two other stations open and protect the businesses. Jim Angle, 4831 So. 146th, said that it was news to him that there would be no aid car at Station 52 -why? Mayor Van Dusen responded that there is an aid vehicle in every sta- tion. Mr. Angle noted the cost of $425,000 and asked what about the taxes that are coming in from that area; you don't have to take it out of the taxes from over there. The people on Tukwila Hill need their station. He asked why the people were not notified they were going to lose their station before the annexation. Connie Meyer, 5505 So. 144th, is opposed to closing the sta- tion. She is concerned about people that are confined to their homes, what are they going to do when the firetruck can't get to their homes? What are you going to do about this? Are you going to let these people die in their homes because you don't care? Peggy Ryan, 15151 65th Ave. So., said the people at Canyon Estates did not receive the Public Notice. We were promised at the last meeting that everyone would be informed about this meeting. She said she is upset about the loss of the Fire Station. Since Friday, the firetruck has not been at Fire Station 52. The people weren't informed of this, were they? Jerry Imel, 14727 59th Ave. So., said that for 20 years, he has driven trucks. He discussed the amount of water carried by a firetruck and how much it weighs. Carrying that much weight, it is hard to stop a big vehicle. They have already had trouble stopping a fire truck at 58th Ave. So. and So. 144th. He does not want to see bickering between old Tukwila and new Tukwila. Let's unite and be one, let's not cut anybody out, especially the people that started the City. Ray Torghele, 14724 57th Ave. So., stated that the most important thing we have in a community is Police and Fire protection. We have had excellent coverage. He expressed concern about saving money by closing a Fire Station; this isn't fair. How much would it cost to turn this building into a library; it would be very difficult. He is willing to sacrifice a trail or some other thing to maintain good fire protection. He would like to see the station stay open. Dave Kistler, 14741 62nd Ave. So., commented on two of his concerns: (1) The Fire Department is part of our community; it is a social thing; the children stop by and talk to the firemen. (2) He heard that one of the firetrucks had a problem on Brummer's Hill when it was dry. What are they going to do during the winter. Jim Thompson, 14705 58th Ave. So., asked what is the justifi- cation for closing the station. Isn't there tax money generated in the annexed area to support fire protection. He does not see why the original people in the City have to sacrifice for the people in the annexation areas. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 4 PUBLIC MEETING Fire Protection for citizens of Tukwila (cont.) Mel Roberson, 14859 51st Ave. So., told the story of a young man that was injured in a fire truck accident on Brtlmmer's Hill many years ago. He has permanent disability. Mr. Roberson asked Council if they will assume the responsibility for another fireman's life if another similar accident hap- pens? Mayor Van Dusen said the question is inappropriate. No one wants to assume the responsibility for someone elses life. The police and firemen in this City take respon- sibility for their positions and that includes risks. They are highly trained people. Jim Angle, audience, said he has been driving trucks all his life. A big element is timing and using the correct gears. If the right gear is used, the brakes will not fade out. David Traynor, 14190 58th Ave So., asked if Council has not already made a decision, why are the firetrucks gone from Station 52? Mayor Van Dusen explained that on June 1, 1989, the City became responsible for fire protection for all of the annexa- tion areas. He made the decision to move the fire equipment to the Foster Station. Council can concur with this opera- tional plan or they can direct Administration to come back with a Budget Transfer and a request to increase staff by 9 more firemen to operate the four stations. This decision was not made lightly. Tom Keefe, Fire Chief, responded to some of the questions asked by members of the audience. In 1975 the City received a rating of 4. At that time, there were not many paid fire- men. Fire District #1 was a 5 and is now a 4. We have applied for a rerating for the City and expect it to be done in September or October. Hopefully, we will go to a 3. Response time for a fire call starts when the microphone is picked up-- "Engine 51 Responding" to the time it is reported that "Engine 51 on Location." The times reported were done to the best of their ability and at the best time possible. He continued to respond to questions. Concerning the moving of the aid car, when a vehicle arrives at your home, it is manned by 2 or 3 trained personnel and carries all of the equipment necessary for an emergency. It does not make any difference what the vehicle is -it is not the vehicle that does you any good, it is the personnel. We do not transport patients because it would put a vehicle out of service. The aid cars are available at all times. There are 2 EMT's on each car. The engine stationed at Foster is manned by three Firefighters. Up until June 1, 1989, there were two paid firefighters from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and volunteers in the evening. The people have better service now with the engine and three firefighters backed up by two men in an aid car. Mayor Van Dusen asked the Chief to explain how they prepare for adverse weather conditions. Chief Keefe explained that, if snow is predicted, they chain up all the trucks. If the street crew is unable to keep the hill open, a vehicle will be stationed at City Hall in order to take care of the area on this side of the freeway. Their concern is for the people of the City. Mayor Van Dusen said that at this point we are operating under the plan to staff Foster. City Council has not given their approval to hire any more firemen or spend any more money. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 5 PUBLIC MEETING Fire Protection for citizens of Tukwila (cont.) Council Member Duffie said he would be willing to try operating all four stations for two years. If it works, fine; if it doesn't, then we go to three stations. Council Member Hernandez said that Council has listened to the people from McMicken Hts., from Fire District #1; now it is important to listen to the concerns of these citizens. Last week the Mayor said that funds are available to staff both stations. Tonight some citizens have said they are willing to make sacrifices in order to keep both stations open. We do not want this to be a divisive issue, and it may become that if we don't keep the station open. Also, we do not want to be responsible for the loss of a life over a few dollars. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO MAKE A BUDGET TRANSFER TO KEEP BOTH THE STATIONS OPEN AND TO HIRE ANY ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL THAT IS NECESSARY TO DO S0.* Council Member Bauch, speaking against the motion said that he is a "second- class" citizen where fire protection is concerned. There are many steep hills to get to his house in McMicken Hts., but they are not complaining about their fire service. If there is any station that needs to be staffed, it is in McMicken Hts. They get their service from Station 51. If 52 is closed the people will have fire protection as good as they have ever had. It would not be a good expen- diture of money to hire nine firemen to keep that station open. Council Member Robertson said his area annexed to the City four years ago. At that time there was a citizens committee formed to decide what to do about fire service. The Fire Chief from District 24 maintained they would get better ser- vice from them with their volunteers than they would get from Tukwila's paid people because they were up the hill. The Committee studied both departments and elected to go with the professional advice offered by the Tukwila Fire Chief. Their service hasn't been "second- class," it has been very good. It is possible that sometime during each winter that a firetruck couldn't make it up or down Brummer's Hill. There are a great number of other hills. The City will work had to keep streets open. The Mayor is taking a courageous stand; it would be wrong to take any other stand so I am going to support the Mayor's position. Council Member Moriwaki stated that the Mayor should be complimented on the stand he has taken; it is an emotional, controversial issue. Making the City's revenue stretch where needed is the mark of a good administrator. He does not intend to short change or cut -back any neighborhood. By improving the Foster Station, service will be increased to the McMicken Hts. area. It concerns him that there is a per- ception that Tukwila Hill receives more benefits than McMicken Hill; this is not a good thing. For the sake of the community, it would be best to retain the fire station. It is an important investment for the future of our City that we start out with everyone getting fair and equitable treatment. Council Member Harris commented that what she has heard here tonight makes her sad. Citizens are saying that since we annexed a large number of people that they'll lose some of their extra benefits. What these people are feeling is TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 6 PUBLIC MEETING Fire Protection for citizens of Tukwila (cont.) RECESS 9:14 p.m. 9:36 p.m. NEW BUSINESS 'Resolution #1106 Authorizing sole source purchase of Traconex Signal Con- trollers from Safety Signal o unfounded. Never would the City leave a neighborhood unpro- tected. Since the citizens have expressed such a deep con- cern, she could not go along with closing the station now. She wanted everyone to know that once you hire the people that are necessary to man it, you have them for life, you don't fire them. She doesn't feel right about turning down the request to the citizens so she is willing to go along with it and vote against the Mayor's recommendation. Council President Stoknes said she would agree to manning Station 52 until they feel comfortable making a decision. This is a very difficult decision to make. As years pass, the citizens will probably feel more comfortable with the recommendation of the Mayor. We have to live with nine fire- men forever if we hire them This is the rough part. Council Member Moriwaki asked if there was a possibility for a compromise? We haven't analyzed the fiscal picture. Can we study the impact of this decision and postpone the action for a few months. Council Member Robertson said there is no choice but to move the truck from 52 up to Foster until firemen are hired. We have to provide service up there. To do anything else would be negligent. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO POSTPONE THE DECISION UNTIL NEXT WEEK AND DISCUSS THE STAFFING OF A LADDER TRUCK AND LOOK AT THE ALTERNATIVES. MOTION FAILED. ROLL CALL VOTE (on original motion) HARRIS YES DUFFIE YES STOKNES NO BAUCH NO HERNANDEZ YES ROBERTSON NO MORIWAKI YES *MOTION CARRIED 4 YES; 3 NO. MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE COUNCIL MEETING RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Van Dusen called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order. Mayor Van Dusen recognized a Certificate of Appreciation pre- sented to the City of Tukwila from the National Ski Patrol System in recognition and acknowledgement for continued sup- port 1988 -1989. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Colgrove read a resolution of the City Council of the City of Tukwila authorizing sole source purchase of Traconex Signal Controllers from Safety Signal of Mountlake Terrace. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON, THAT RESOLUTION NO. 1106 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 7 NEW BUSINESS Ordinance #1521 Accepting the trans- fer of four service customer ownerships from King Co. Water District #25 Approve draft local cooperation agreement for participation in 205 Flood Protection Project Authorize Mayor to sign Dev. Agreement with Embassy Suites Resolution #1107 Relating to the investment of City property tax receipts in custody of the County Finance Manager Budget Transfer #89 -04 To provide funding for professional sys. relating to annexa- tions and other City projects Authorize Mayor to execute agreement to redesign plans for Foster Fire Station MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Colgrove read an ordinance accepting the transfer of four service customer ownerships to two single family residences at 13712 56th Ave. and 13904 56th Place South, one duplex at 13720 and 13720 1/2 56th Ave. So. and one seven unit multiplex at 13710 56th Ave. So. from King County Water District No. 125. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY STOKNES, THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1521 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, THAT COUNCIL APPROVE A DRAFT LOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 205 FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT.* Ross Earnst, Public Works Director, explained that the Corp of Engineers needs Council approval to continue working on this project. The agreement is not to be signed at this time nor is the City committed to spending money until it is signed. The total cost to the City for this project is $250,000. *MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN A DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT WITH EMBASSY SUITES. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Van Dusen read a resolution relating to the investment City property tax receipts in custody of the County Finance Manager and repealing Resolution No. 1050, dated August 17, 1987. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, THAT RESOLUTION NO. 1107 BE ADOPTED AS READ.* MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE RESOLUTION BE AMENDED TO ADD SECTION 4, TO REPEAL RESOLUTION NO. 1050. MOTION CARRIED. *MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT COUNCIL APPROVE BUDGET TRANSFER MOTION NO. 89 -04 IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,500 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING TO ANNEXATION, HOLIDAY BANNERS, SOUND SYSTEM, EVIDENCE CAGE AND FIRE STATION LANDSCAPING* MOVED BY BAUCH, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE BUDGET TRANSFER BE AMENDED TO ADD $5,080 TO FOSTER GOLF COURSE FROM GOLF COURSE ENDING FUND BALANCE TO BE USED TO PURCHASE AN IRRIGATION PUMP FOR THE GOLF COURSE. MOTION CARRIED. *MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY MORIWAKI, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH ALEXANDER G. SASONOFF TO REDESIGN PLANS FOR REMODEL OF FOSTER FIRE STATION FOR $14,000. MOTION CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING June 5, 1989 Page 8 REPORTS Tukwila 2000 EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:36 p.m. Council held an Executive Session to discuss possible litiga- tion. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Hernandez reported that the Tukwila 2000 report was pulled from the agenda after a motion was made directing it to be placed on this agenda. Also this motion did not appear in the minutes of May 22. Immediately following the Executive Session, the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council was adjourned. Gary L. Van Dusen, Mayor 4 -d /i,r SO „0-2c4.-.-- a/ine "Anderson, City Clerk