HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers November 10, 2014 — 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Start: 6 15 p.m.
Council President Quinn announced the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss:
Collective Bargaining Pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(a)
It will last no more than 45 minutes and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session.
Attendees: Jim HagQerton, Mayor; David C|ine, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief;
Stephanie Brovvn, Human Resources Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Cabot Dow,
City's negotiator; Tukwila City Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg,
De Sean Quinn, Verna Seal, and Kate Kruller.
End: 6:55 p.m.
CALL TO ORDERJPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Quinn called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and led the
audience n the Pledge of Allegiance. Joyce Trantina, P ject Development Manager in the Mayor's
Office, then sang "0 America" in honor of Veterans Day (tomorrow).
Councilmember Duffie, who served in the military for 31 years, asked all veterans present to stand and be
acknowledged by the audience. He expressed appreciation for the actions of alt veterans on behalf of the
country.
OFFICIALS
Present were De'Sean Quinn, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson,
Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kate Kruller.
Councilmember Hougardy was not present.
CITY OFFICIALS
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Jack Pace,
Community Development Director; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Peggy McCarthy,
Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director;
Stephanie Brovvn, Human Resources Director; Bruce Unton, Deputy Police Chief; Rick Mitchell,
Patrol Commander; Todd Rossi, Patrol Sergeant; Eric Lund, Traffic Sergeant; Gail Labanara,
Public Works Analyst; Kathy Stetaon, Code Enforcement Officer; Laurel Hunnphney, Council Analyst;
Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Police employee recognition:
Police Chief Mike Villa noted that the awards being presented tonight all reflect the City's new core values
of caring, being professional and being responsive. The following presentations will show how these
employees have demonstrated those values.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
November 10, 2014 Page 2nf8
Certificate of Commendation
Commander Rick Mitchell introduced Officers Brent Frank, Dan Lindstrom, Matt Ludwig, and
Michael Schlotterbeck, who are receiving Certificates of Commendation, On March 13, 2014, these
officers responded to an incident in Tukwila after Officer Frank noticed a vehicle being driven erratically.
The occupant abruptly stopped, but refused multiple orders to get out of the vehicle. The assisting
officers quickly determined the person was armed and possibly off his medication for schizophrenia.
Officers put a plan in place that resulted in the incident ending without anyone getting hurt. Their efforts
are examples of good decision-making during a stressful situation and outstanding teamwork.
As the above incident was escalating, Sergeant Sanjay Prasad arrived on the scene. As the situation
escalated, Sergeant Prasad quickly delegated all aspects of the call and engaged in negotiations with the
subject, which lasted nearly twa hours. His quick response, leadership abitity and negotiating actions are
an extraordinary example of service to his team, the department and the citizens of the community. A
Meritorious Service Medal is being awarded to Sergeant Sa jay Prasad, who was not able to attend
tonight's meeting.
Life-Saving Medal
On February 21, 2014, Officer Brent Frank responded to a suspicious situation in the north end ofthe
City where a vehicle had crashed in the bushes. Callers to 911 told dispatch it appeared the driver was
sleeping behind the wheel. Officer Frank noticed the driver was not responsive and immediately called
for aid and medic crews, Officer Frank determined the driver had no pulse and immediately began CPR
and continued for 8 minutes until Tukwila Fire personnel arrived on the scene. Officer Frank's quick
action and observations were critical to saving a life and demonstrate exceptional service to the
community. Officer Frank was awarded the City's Life-Saving Medat,
Certificate of Commendation
Sergeant Todd Rossi introduced Officer Craig Gardner and Beth Adams, Domestic Violence Victims
Advocate, who are receiving Certificates of Commendation, Sergeant Rossi explained these two
members of the Police Department went above and beyond to ensure a victim of domestic violence was
protected and kept safe. The incident in June 2013 began as a missing person report but became much
more. Officer Gardner located the victim and established a rapport with her. Upon learning she was a
victim of on-going domestic violence and assault, he brought Beth Adams into the situation They
convinced the victim to seek needed medical attention and take the necessary steps to obtain a
protection order against her husband. With the assistance of many other officers, they helped her return
to her home in Canada, The persistent efforts of Officer Gardner and Ms Adams to protect those in need
led to a successful outcome in this victim's life.
Meritorious Service Medal
Sergeant Eric Lund introduced Officer Isaiah Harris and Officer Daniel Luebke who are being awarded
Meritorious Service Medals. On March 30. 2014. the officers were dispatched to an assault report at the
Riverside Residences. On arrival, they noticed the fire alarm was sounding and residents were
evacuating the building. They were told there was a disabled woman confined to a wheelchair in one of
the rooms. Smoke was coming from the building and filling the hallways. The officers made entry
through an open window directly across from the room in question and helped the resident exit through
the same window. A witness later said he saw the officers crawling on their knees due to the heavy
smoke in the hallway and that he considered them heroes. Their quick reeponsa, observations and
actions saved a woman's life and are an extraordinary example of exceptional service to the citizens of
Chief Villa expressed appreciation to the family members and City staff who give support to these heroes
of Tukwila's Police Department. He explained the scenarios described this evening alt involved officers
responding to help people in serious crisis. The officers and their actions had a very positive impact on
the lives of those involved.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
November 10, 2014 Page 3of8
CITIZEN COMMENTS
/VnlaVlUegaa. 10627 53rd Avenue South, Snattle, referenced the City's Community Connectors program
vvhkchienowentehngitssecondpham*.the^nsportback^phoms. The program is an effort to involve
populations who are not typically reached by traditional methods and helps to develop relationships and
build trust. She introduced other citizens who are serving as Community Connectors.
JomaAbdi.5325 South 13Sth Street, has lived in Tukwila for 7years. He shared feedback he has
received from the Somali community. Many citizens have indicated they would like a new crosswalk at
the corner of l4lst and Tukwila International Boulevard. The currerit crosswalk is too far from the Islamic
Center, and they are concerned for the safety of their children and families. They would like to see a
traffic light installed in that area. He submitted 107 signatures on a petition regarding this issue.
Mohammed Jama, 17735 38th Avenue South, spoke about the need for a traffic light at the crosswalk at
l4lst and Tukwila International Boulevard. He explained there is heavy traffic in the area and it is dark at
night. It has been six years since the mosque opened, and there have been a number of close calls
during that time.
Francisco Calderon, 3714 South 152nd Street stated he has been a resident of Tukwila for the last 15
years and currently serves as a Community Connector for the City. He stated that the 40 famities who
live at Rainbow Trailer Haven have problems relating to the excessive cost of water and sewer. Mr.
Calderon stated the Rainbow trailer park has been in existence for almost 50 years, and the residents
have been trying to improve its appearance and environs. They are totd the City does not have a tot of
control over private property in the same way they do with rentat properties. He asked that additionat
funds be allocated in the 2015 budget to address the situation of poor living conditions on private property
in the City. The residents want to collaborate with the City regarding some of the problems at Rainbow
Trailer Haven and work to improve conditions for alt. (Mr. Calderon spoke in Spanish and his commenfs
were translated by AIma Villegas.)
Councilmember Robertson asked for clarification that Mr. Calderon would like to see the same
regulations and inspections the City has for rental properties applied to their properties. Mr. Calderon
answered in the affirmadve, and said residents have asked for help in the past with issues such as
abandoned cars and no lighting.
Council President Quinn suggested they have a conversation with Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement
Officer.
Aurora Abrajan, 3714 South 152nd Street, has lived in Tukwila for 5 years, the last two in Rainbow Trailer
Haven. She moved there to have a better life and save some money. She noted that drainage was
intolerable during the first month, and the owner did not respond to her requests for repair. When a
person was finaily sent, Ms. Abrajan had to pay the repair cost. She is concerned about a tight that has a
lot of cables attached to it and could fall. She noted that a lot of people congregate in the area at night
who do not live at Rainbow Traiter Haven. She asked the City to hetp with added security, as she has
been robbed twice in her trailer. She would like the owner to provide more safety and better conditions.
(Ms. Abrajan spoke in Spanish and her comments were translated by Alma Villegas.)
Councit President Quinn expressed appreciation to Ms. Viltegas for stepping in to help with the
Community Connectors program and to assist citizens who want to share their concerns with the Council.
James Tolbert, 5723 South Gazelle Street, Seatt|o, is with the Emergency Assistance Program with
Catholic Community Services, which provides assistance with rent and utilities, as well as motel vouchers
for families living in places not fit for human habitation. He thanked the City on behalf of the agency and
the 64 Tukwila residents who were served with Tukwila funds. Homelessness and affordable housing
issues are pivotal to the health and welfare of the community. According to data from the last two
censuses, the poverty rate in the City of Tukwila increased from 23.3% to 25%, with a large percentage of
those households considered "rent burdened"—households that pay more than 30% of their income to
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
November 1O.2014 Page 4of8
The foliowing statistics represent a snapshot of the 23 households served with City of Tukwila funds
during the first 9 months of this year: 87% had income at or below 50% of the area median income, 18%
had a female head of household, 35% were two-parent households, and 26% were headed by a person
with a disability. He expressed appreciation for the City's community work in Tukwila and its continued
support of the Emergency Assistance Program
CouncU President Quinn asked about the statistics presented. Mr, Tolbert stated the Emergency
Assistance Program provides a quarterly report to the City and keeps extensive demographic data.
Councilmember Kruller requested a copy of the numbers given tonight and of year-end statistics.
Lisa Krober 11830 42nd Avenue South, spoke about the guardrail project along the river at South 115th
Street and 42nd Avenue South, She understands the project is a safety ssue and expressed
appreciation to Dave Sorenson (City of Tukwila Public Works Department) for his assistance in providing
her with information on the project. She is concerned with the visual and physical impact this p ject will
have along the river, As an alternative solution to walling off the river, she suggested controlling speeds
on the street, such as with speed bumps. She noted there are specific types that are not as intrusive to
emergency equipment.
David Cline, City Administrator, recommended Ms. Krober discuss the situation with Bob Giberaon, Public
Works Director.
Councilmember Ekberg noted that two issues regarding transportation were brought forth this evening.
The Transportation Committee meets on November 24 and December 8, and he would like to see these
issues on an upcoming agenda.
Making a citiz n comment, Mr, Ekberg noted the Sounders are playing a national championship game on
television this evening against Dallas.
Councilmember Kruller noted she has heard several comments regarding renaming a street in the area
around Starfire for the Sounders to show how proud the City is to have the team in Tukwila.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
m Tax levy Iegislation: An ordinance increasing the regular property tax levy 1 percent from the
previous year beginning January 1, 2015, on all property, both real and personal, in compliance
with RCW 84.55.120.
b Budget legislation:
(1) Ari ordinance amending the adopted 2013-2014 budget.
(2) An ordinance adopting the 2015-2016 Biennial Budget.
(3)
A resolution adopting the 2015-2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
8:09 p.m. Council President Quinn opened the Public Hearing for both the tax levy legislation
item and for the three budget legislation items.
Regarding the 2015 property tax levy, Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director, stated the City was
notified on October 7, 2014, that the estimated assessed valuation for the City is just over $5 million. The
allowable levy calculated by King County is just under $14.3 million with the maximum allowable 1%
increase.
Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, explained the budget amendments have been grouped into 5
categories (page 15 of the agenda packet): (1) New proposals, (2) Unbudgeted expenditures,
(3) Revenue-backed expenditures, (4) Revenue increase, and (5) Transfers among departments, and she
provided additional detaHs on these items.
Tukwa City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
November 10, 2014 Page 5 of 8
The amended budget as proposed is shown in the last two columns of the ordinance detail on page 19 of
the agenda packet
Councilmember Robertson stated the Council made a commitment to look at LEOFF and regular health
care cost in early 2015. He asked if comparable increases (like those being added to the 2014
numbers) can be expected in 2015 and 2016. Ms. McCarthy explained it would be prudentto add funds
in 2014 to take some pressure off the 2015-2016 budget, when additional funding may still be needed.
Councilmember Kruller asked about the additional items for the IT budget and the expected follow-up
presentation on that issue. David Cline, City Administrator, explained a report on the IT assessment done
by Moss Adams and IT Strategic Plan is tentatively scheduled for November 24 or December 1.
Joan Hernandez, 15224 Sunwood Blvd., thanked Council for the ordinance and subsequent revision
adopted regarding historical preservation. She is pleased with language in the Comprehensive Plan,
specifically under "Community Image," to identify and protect historically significant properties, structures
and sites. She noted the listed goal is to establish a process for providing incentives and designating
certain structures as landmarks; however, no funding has been allocated to implement that goal. She
expressed appreciation to DCD for providing Brandon Miles as staff assistance in working with the
Historical Society and the Masons on their application for landmark status. Since Mr. Miles has been
transferred out of the Planning Department, she would like to see another person allocated to work on
historic preservation issues, She also requested thatfunds be allocated in the 2015 budgetto conduct a
historic resource survey as referred to in the Comprehensive Plan. She distributed copies of a technical
paper entitled, "Survey and Inventory of Historic Properties," which provides the context and purpose for
conducting these surveys. This would be the first step in developing a preservation program. She invited
everyone to the first Tukwila Landmark Commission meeting on Thursday. November 13, at 10:00 a.m.,
where they will be reviewing a nomination for landmark status by the Delta Masonic Hall.
8:33 p.m. Council President Quinn closed the Public Hearing.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Tax levy Iegislation:
(1) An ordinance levying the general taxes for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2015.
(2) An ordinance increasing the regular property tax levy 1 percent from the previous year
commencing January 1, 2015.
Councilmember Seal indicated these items were discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting
on November 4, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD BOTH ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. Budget legislation:
An ordinance amending the adopted 2013-2014 budget.
An ordinance adopting the 2015-2016 Biennial Budget.
A resolution adopting the 2015-2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Councilmember Seal indicated these items were discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting
on November 4, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE 3 ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR
MEETING.
Tukwila City Couricil Commttee of the Whole Minutes
November 10, 2014 Page Oof8
c. Residential Rental Licensing and Inspection Program:
(1) An ordinance clarifying and updating the program.
(2) A resolution updating the fee schedule.
Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee
meeting on October 14, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer, explained the ordinance makes substantive changes to the
inspection piece of the program. Properties with 5 or more units will now be required to use a private
inspector—rather than having the choice to use a City inspector. She explained that most Iarge
properties have been using a private inspector. Another proposed change is aliowing properties that
participate in the Crime-Free Rental Housing Program to have their inspection deadline extended by 4
years. Units in all four zones in the City will have been inspected by the end of this year. The Crime-Free
Program requires a sampling inspection of some units every year. The Community Affairs and Parks
Committee requested language that a property participating in the Crime-Free Program return to the 4-
year inspection cycle in the event 3 or more verified complaints are received in a rolling 6-month period,
The fee resolution reflects an increase in the Iicense fee and the fee for inspections performed by a City
Councilmember Ekberg asked about the Rainbow Trailer Park. Ms. Stetson explained those trailers are
privately owned, and the residents pay to rent a space for the trailer to sit. The trailer park is essentially a
private property issue. A property owner can be contacted and asked to comply with code. It can be
difficult at that property because there can be two owners involved—the home owner and the property
owner.
Councilmember Kruller asked about any Iife-safety and other standards. Ms, Stetson stated Rainbow
Trailer Haven did have m jor|ifo-safotycmncernsinthepost.which1heCityaddnasnedwithMhe
assistance of other organizations.
Council President Quinn noted any work toward resolution of similar issues will require involvement from
the City Attorney.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD BOTH ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
d. An Inter local Agreement with the Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District (TPMPD) to outline
roles and responsibilities after the City of Tukwila ceases providing support services.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on
November 4, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
After the Finance and Safety Committee meedng, the draft agreement was sent to Brian Snure, legal
counsel for the TPMPD. He requested a few changes, which were then discussed with the City Attorney.
A corrected version of the agreement—approved by counsel for both the TPMPD and the City—was
provided to Council this evening This item will be on the agenda at this week's meeting of the Board of
Commissioners of the TPMPD.
Councilmember Robertson noted the changes made were basically to legal language and not policy. He
felt the updated version of the agreement could be moved forward and included in the packet for next
week's Regular Meeting.
Councilmember Kruller asked about the list relating to transfer of property and computer equipment.
Councilmember Seal explained the list is not needed and has been removed from the corrected version
as the transfer of assets was previously approved.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM (AS CORRECTED) TO THE NEXT
REGULAR MEETING.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
November 10, 2014 Page 7of8
e Council consensus for the Mayor to sign a non-binding indication of intent to extend the
current animal control agreement.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on
November 4, 2014. The committee members were urianimous in recommending approval.
This is pavt of the process to extend the Interlocal Agreement with King County for 2 years. Tukwila
currently participates in a consortium with 25 cities for animal control services. At a joint collaboration
meeting in July, other participating cities were in favor of extending the contract for 2 years as the process
to renegotiate can be very lengthy. The renegotiation process will begin during that 2-year period.
Vicky Cadsen, Deputy Finance Director, explained the contract can only be extended one time. Once
indications of interest are gathered from all participating cities, the Interlocal Agreement to extend will be
brought to Council (in January),
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE NON-BINDING LETTER OF
INTENT TO EXTEND THE CURRENT ANIMAL CONTROL AGREEMENT,
f. A resolution setting the 2015 Public Works Fee Schedule for Water, Sewer, and Surface Water
Rates.
Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on
November 3, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst, explained the rate mode for each of the water, sewer and surface
water charges is reviewed every year, including revenue and expenditures. Some of these fees include
pass-through charges on water and sewage treatment.
Councilmember Seal noted that Tukwila is still very reasonable on surface water rates compared to 13
jurisdictions with higher rates (page 105 of the agenda packet).
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING,
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton complimented Council on tonight's agenda including the performance by Joyce
Trantina, the police recognition presentations, citizen comments, and the numerous agenda items being
moved forward On November 11, 2014, the group of City staff that has been visiting Sound Transit
board members regarding the Link Light Rail Station in Tukwila met with Lynn Petmmon, Washington
State Secretary of Transportation. On November 5, 2014. he attended the Soundside Alliance breakfast
meeting at the Museum of Flight, which included a Iarge business turnout. He stated that good technical
information on the economy was presented Mayor Haggerton gave a reminder that tomorrow is a
holiday in the City. There wiI be a Veterans Day ceremony at the Museum of Flight.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie hosted the Council Chat on Sab|rday, November 8. Citizens discussed a big
problem with rats in Allentown. There were also complaints about dogs running loose in Allentown and at
Cascade View Elementary School. A concern was raised about the traffic light at the Light Rail Station on
Southcenter Boulevard, including a question regarding who controls its operation
Councilmember Robertson commented about his experience using the walkway to cross the street to get
to the Light Rail Station. At the southwest corner—where people are trying to go east across the street-
cars
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
November 10, 2014 Page 8o/8
Counci[member Ekberg visited the Veterans Hospital with the Tukwila American Legion and assisted with
their bingo event. He also attended the Soundside Alliance breakfast on November 5, 2014.
Councilmember Seal explained a resolution will be coming forward from the Finance and Safety
Commthee regarding the preservation of streamlined sales tax. This is an important issue to discuss with
Councilmember Kruller joined a regional meeting in Olympia on November 3, 2014, relating to gang
intervention. She also attended a meeting of the RSLJ Steering Committee, This group will be
discussing the City's revitalization of Tukwila International Boulevard at their January maeding, including
the statutes Tukwila used, the condemnation process and the police action. On November 4, 2014, she
visited with multiple artists for the Tukwila Village pnojeot, who are working with the theme of water and
wind. She also referenced a recent 3-day course from AWC (Association of Washington Cities) on
participatory leadership relating to projects, reaching out to the community and working with constituents.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovernmental
There was no report.
ADJOURNMENT
9:21 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
ADJOURNED.
Sea uinn, Council President
Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator
APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT 12M0M4
AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 12/11/14