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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-21 Regular MinutesMarch 21, 1988 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL OFFICIALS Request for Executive Session APPOINTMENTS Park Commission, Appointments CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Request for matching funds, Historical Society Black River Quarry Coalition TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting M I N U T E S oo4, Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Mayor Van Dusen called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. JOE H. DUFFIE; MABEL J. HARRIS, Council President; MARILYN G. STOKNES; JOAN HERNANDEZ; DENNIS L. ROBERTSON; CLARENCE B. MORIWAKI. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT COUNCIL MEMBER BAUCH BE EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. JOHN COLGROVE, City Attorney; MAXINE ANDERSON, City Clerk; RICK BEELER, Planning Director; ROSS EARNST, City Engineer; JIM HOEL, Assistant Chief; BYRON SNEVA, Public Works Director; DON WILLIAMS, Recreation Director; DON MORRISON, City Administrator. Council President Harris requested that Council hold an Executive Session for 15 -20 minutes to discuss the purchase of property. Council agreed. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY STOKNES, THAT COUNCIL APPROVE THE MAYOR'S REAPPOINTMENT OF KAREN ROBERTSON TO POSITION #4 AND THE APPOINTMENT OF ALLAN KIER TO POSITION #2 ON THE PARKS COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED. Wendy Morgan, 15144 65th Ave. So., representing the Tukwila Historical Society, asked Council to support the grant propo- sal the Historical Society would like to write to King County for a Centennial grant to write the City's history. The grant requires a one -third match. The Historical Society's treasury is set aside for a Fellowship so there is no ready cash to make this match. She requested that Council consider a budget appropriation out of the $5,000 set aside for Centennial projects in the 1988 budget. They anticipate that the project would have three parts. (1) Inventory of existing historical documents; many are stored in the vault in the old City Hall building. This list would be available to the City. (2) A written draft history from pre incorporation to present day. (3) Presentation of the docu- ment as part of the City's Centennial celebration. They have already received notification that the Historical Society and the City are the recipients of River Landing Markers, and a contract with the County for implementation of the project will be signed shortly. The grant is due in King County on April 5. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, TO ALLOW $3,000 FOR MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY GRANT PROPOSAL. MOTION CARRIED. Michelle Nangle, 14140 56th Ave. So. handed Council an infor- mational packet that was put together by the Black River Quarry Coalition fighting the mass burn incinerator at the Black River Quarry site. She invited Council to attend their meetings and give input. It is very much needed. They want to slow down the process so they can look at the issue and look for alternatives. During the next session of the TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING March 21, 1988 Page 2 CITIZENS COMMENTS Cont. Black River Quarry Coalition (cont.) CONSENT AGENDA BID AWARDS Survivair Mark II air packs for Fire Dept. PUBLIC HEARINGS Potential 1989 CDBG program policies legislature in Olympia, this is going to be a very important issue. They want to keep people informed so they can make intelligent decisions. She thanked the City for providing a comfortable meeting place for their committee. a. Approval of Vouchers Claims Fund Vouchers #34103 #34288 Current Fund City Street Arterial Street Water Fund Sewer Fund Foster Golf Course Equipment Rental Firemen's Pension 83,040.68 231,086.45 16,469.18 9,915.86 54,361.05 9,376.10 4,575.20 1,162.79 $409,987.31 oo 443 b. Accept the Andover Park West Street Lighting Project as completed in the amount of $34,700.00. c. Accept the SR- 181 /So. 158th Street Signalization Project in the amount of $113,063.35 as completed and turn the ownership, maintenance and operation of this signal over to the Washington State Department of Transportation. d. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Puget Power to underground power lines on Southcenter Boulevard. e. Approve the 3 -year contract with Teamsters Local #763 for the Non Supervisors Bargaining Unit. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED. Jim Hoel, Assistant Fire Chief, explained that the breathing apparatus now being used by the Fire Department is about 20 years old. Mr. Hoel explained the bidding procedure used and that the recommendation is to purchase 20 Survivair Mark II air packs, 8 spare 30- minute cylinders and 2 spare 60- minute cylinders from L. N. Curtis and 12 spare 30- minute cylinders and 2 spare 60- minute cylinders from Mr. Hopper, regional sales manager with Survivair. MOVED BY HERNANDEZ, SECONDED BY STOKNES, THAT THE BID BE AWARDED TO L. N. CURTIS AND SURVIVAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,588.00. MOTION CARRIED. Don Williams, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that the City is required to hold two public hearings this year on the Community Development Block Grant Funds. One is being held tonight and the second one later this year to pick specific projects. There is $30,000 available for this year and $25,000 on January 1, 1989. Mayor Van Dusen declared the Public Hearing on the Block Grant Program Policies to be open. Mr. Williams explained that the Federal Government has very strict guidelines on how the money can be spent. The City can use about $5,000 for Planning purposes and $3,500 for TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING March 21, 1988 Page 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS Cont. Potential 1989 CDBG program policies (cont.) NEW BUSINESS Resolution #1069 establishing program policies for partici- pation in the 1989 CDBG Consortium 0 0 4z4/ Human Services. Council Member Robertson asked if the $3,500 could be used for solid waste disposal planning or recycling and he was told, yes, it could. There being no further discussion, Mayor Van Dusen declared the Public Hearing closed. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Colgrove read a resolution of the City of Tukwila, Wash., establishing general local program policies for participation in the 1989 King County Community Development Block Grant Consortium. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT RESOLUTION NO. 1069 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY MORIWAKI, THAT COUNCIL REFER THE FORM COMMITTING THE CITY TO USING SOME OF THE MONIES FOR HUMAN SERVICES, HOUSING REHABILITATION OR A PLANNING STUDY TO THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED. Resolution #1070- MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED Setting public hearing RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. date on street vacation of a portion of So. City Attorney Colgrove read a resolution of the City Council 141st east of the of the City of Tukwila, Wash., fixing the time for a public existing paved surface hearing upon the vacation of certain public right -of -way of 56th Pl. So. within the City of Tukwila generally described as a portion (Public Hearing set of the South 141st Street right -of -way lying east of the for 4/18/88) existing paved surface of 56th Place South. MOVED BY STOKNES, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT RESOLUTION NO. 1070 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED. Resolution #1071- MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, THAT THE PROPOSED Setting forth a RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. policy for establishing use of a Facility City Attorney Colgrove read a resolution of the City of Replacement Fund Tukwila, Wash., setting forth a policy for establishing and use of a facility replacement fund. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, THAT RESOLUTION NO. 1071 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED. Proposed Ordinance MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED Amending TMC 18.50.030 ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. building height excep- tion area for building City Attorney Colgrove read an ordinance of the City of height up to 115 feet Tukwila, Wash., amending Section 18.50.030 Building Height permitted outright by Exception area for building height up to 115 feet permitted adding an exception outright by adding an exception area for building height up area for building hts to 65 feet permitted outright. up to 65 feet permitted outright. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ.* Council Member Moriwaki noted that he has consistently voted no on this; it is special legislation to address the needs of one developer. He asked Council to vote "no" on this ordinance. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING March 21, 1988 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS Cont. Proposed Ordinance Amending TMC 18.50.030 building height excep- tion area (cont.) ooh Council Member Robertson commented that after visiting the site, 2 or 3 stories would be adequate. This property, at the entrance to Fort Dent, becomes the entrance to the whole Interurban Corridor. Changing this would be defeating the zoning code in affect now protecting the Interurban Corridor. He is opposed to any change in the zoning code until Council adopts a plan to review the zoning code in general. Council Member Duffie said that the people going to Fort Dent are not going there to look at the scenery; they are going to watch baseball games. If you want to see the mountain, there are other places for that. We should be encouraging business to come into the City. We are here to help the City. Council Member Harris explained that the zoning on Interurban was intended to address and encourage the types of buildings that are people oriented. The bend in the river is a good location for a 5 or 6 story office building. The property in that area is getting too expensive to put up one or two story buildings. That location is ideal for a 5 or 6 story office building or a hotel that will utilize the river. Council Member Hernandez commented that Council spent con- siderable time last week saying that the comprehensive plan and the zoning code need to be revised and here is an example of a request for code revision for certain interests. I am not so much opposed to the building, but it is a matter of principle. This shows that there are things in the zoning code and comprehensive land use policy plan that need to be updated to allow for things like this. To make an exception like this is setting a precedent for spot zoning and allowing higher elevations north of I -405. There is a lot more involved here than just allowing this one particular building. Council Member Harris asked if Council is going to stop all progress until we go through this 4 or 5 year process of reviewing the whole comprehensive plan. Find the places where it needs to be changed and let's address those. This is one spot that needs to be changed and now is a good time to address it. If we start the whole process again and hold up all requested changes, we will be at a standstill for the next four or five years. Council Member Hernandez said that traffic impact is hard to visualize. When you build taller buildings, you are going to increase the traffic level. The people going to Fort Dent don't want to sit in line to get into the park. Mr. John Radovich, 2000 124th N.E., Bellevue, displayed a drawing showing the comparison of heights between a two story and one 5 stories high. He also showed several photographs of the view seen from the park. Council Member Harris expressed disappointment in the fact that Council has been trying to upgrade the Interurban Corridor and now, when applicants want to build something nicer than a truck terminal, they get turned down. We can't stop development just because we are going to have some transportation improvements made; we need to keep going. Mr. Radovich explained that the reason they have had such success leasing their new building is because of the location and the distinctive design of the building. He commented TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING March 21, 1988 Page 5 NEW BUSINESS Cont. Proposed Ordinance Amending TMC 18.50.030 building height excep- tion area (cont.) that there is going to be more obstruction of view from the trees than from the buildings. This peninsula is a real jewel. It could be the gateway from I -405. This is what you will see when you enter the City; with good architecture and good design that has an impact. This City can stand for something other than two story suburban sprawl which is boring. We want something that you can be proud of, that a tenant can be proud of that will bring people to this area for services. We are after support groups computer com- panies, software companies, insurance, attorneys. We are after people who can live in the community, support the com- munity, support the wholesalers, the warehouse people, the manufacturers, the retailers and not be dependent on one single industry. We are not talking about favoritism; we are trying to promote this area for office. We are not going to burden the City streets; we have direct access from the freeway. The impact on the park will be minimal. He asked Council to take a look at the potential that this site offers the City of Tukwila. They are not going to be able to wait much longer because of the interest. With Council's appro- val, they will build something really significant. Mr. Radovich explained that they can build a building of 100,000 square feet. A warehouse of this size is an ugly box, but by going five stories there is less mass and a better view. Council Member Stoknes said the view of Mount Rainier is a delightful addition to the park. The present building does not blend with the environment. Mr. Radovich said that this area deserves high tech and quality design. This is what you have to have if you're going to get into a computer base, scientific oriented type of community. You will have to trust us that we are going to build a quality project. Council President Harris explained that this is not a change in zoning, it is only restructuring the height restrictions. The City does not set minimums, we set maximums. We want to encourage good looking businesses to come into our City. Council Member Duffie said we need to think about the future of Tukwila. Right now, there is not much land remaining to develop. We want to beautify Interurban; this is one place we can start. Council Member Robertson said that once the height limitation is passed, there is no guarantee what might be built; the property could change hands. He is much more comfortable with a lower height building, it would have less impact. He also expressed concern about the density. This is a zoning change to the zoning document. He would prefer to see the leadership on both the executive staff and the Council pro- vide a plan for reviewing the comprehensive plan and the zoning document. It does not all have to be done imme- diately. There can be a plan laid out to sections depending on which is the most important to the City. Council Member Harris noted that the zoning is already there; they need the height changed. There are times when we need to look at small changes as they come along and this is a small change. If we don't proceed with this, we are missing the boat. Council Member Hernandez thanked Mr. Radovich for his presen- tation. This is a difficult decision. I am caught up in a TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING March 21, 1988 Page 6 NEW BUSINESS Cont. Proposed Ordinance Amending TMC 18.50.030 building height excep- tion area (cont.) REPORTS Commuter Rail Police Chief Applicants as 5/7 matter of principle more than what the building stands for. Once we allow the exception in this area, it will be easier to continue it on up Interurban. Mr. Radovich explained that they appeared before the Planning Commission, and they gave unanimous support to this project and that was at 115 feet. Mayor Van Dusen remembered that it took many, many hours over several years reviewing the comprehensive plan and the zoning requirements the last time they were updated. It has been the desire of many City officials that there be more height in the City. We need higher buildings from a marketing stand- point to draw the insurance companies, the attorneys, etc. These are the mainstay of the rental business. Already, we can see that this type of development is starting to bypass us. Just look toward Renton and Kent, steel and concrete buildings are going up. We have to look to the future. He suggested that Council give some clear guidelines on what they want to deal with in the comp. plan and the zoning ordi- nance. I am in favor of this proposal. This area needs to be upgraded. He said he would like to see something other than low buildings. Council Member Stoknes said it sounds like Mr. Radovich is in the middle of a problem that Council has and that is that we want to address the comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance. The action on this *MOTION CARRIED WITH MAYOR VAN DUSEN BREAKING THE TIE. motion is incorrect: DUFFIE, HARRIS, AND STOKNES VOTED YES; HERNANDEZ, ROBERTSON, 35A.12.100 -The Mayor MORIWAKI VOTED NO. shall have a vote only in the case of a tie with respect to matters other than the passage of any ordinance, etc. Council Member Stoknes explained why she voted yes. First, she would like nothing built on the property. Putting two story buildings in would also block the view of Mt. Rainier. Second, she will trust what was said -that the design is something appealing and that the landscaping will be pleasurable. Approve the Planning MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT COUNCIL ACCEPT THE Com. rec. for 8 -lot PRELIMINARY PLAT SUBMITTED BY GATEWAY CORPORATE CENTER AS com. /ind. subdivision RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION WITH CONDITIONS. with dedication of MOTION CARRIED. circular road requested by Kaiser Gateway Assoc. Mayor Van Dusen reported that he had received a letter from Mayor Roegner of Auburn requesting $50,000 to complete a study on the Commuter Rail. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY STOKNES, THAT THE REQUEST FOR FUNDING THE COMMUTER RAIL STUDY BE PLACED IN THE TRANSPORTATION AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEES. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Van Dusen reported that he will be interviewing the final two applicants for the Police Chief position. Also, the first cut of applicants for the Public Works Director position has been made. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING March 21, 1988 Page 7 EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:05 p.m. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT COUNCIL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY DUFFIE, THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION BE CLOSED. MOTION CARRIED. 10:15 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL ADJOURN. MOTION CARRIED. Maxine Anderson, City Clerk