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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers November 24,2014-7:0UP.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Quinn called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the audience in the Piedge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were De'Sean Quinn, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy and Kate Kruller. Councilmember Robertson was not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Jon Harrison, Police Commander; Bob Gibenson, Public Works Director; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Tracy Gallaway, Parks and Recreation Superintendent; Nate Robinson, Recreation Specialist; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Brandon Mi|ea, Economic Development Liaison, Jack Paue, Community Development Director; Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor; Carol Lumb, Senior Planner; Stephanie Bnown, Human Resources Director; Kim Gilman, Human Resources Analyst; Laurel Humphnay, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. Council President Quinn stated there has been a request to amend the agenda to move the last item on the agenda - 4.j. The ordinances regarding TIB financing - up on the agenda, to be discussed after item 4.c. A resolution endorsing the Teens for Tukwila charter. There was Counc I consensus to amend the agenda to move Item 4 j, Ordinances authorizing the issuance of bonds for the purpose of financing the TIB (Tukwila International Boulevard) Redevelopment Project, to be discussed after Item 4,c, CITIZEN COMMENTS Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52 Avenue South, reminded the Council and audience members that the Seattle Sounders, who train in Tukwi|a, have a Western Conference Final play-off game on Sunday, November 30th. She feels having the Sounders train at the Starfire Sports Complex is wonderful for the City. Council President Quinn thanked Ms. Zaputil for reminding the Council of the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) play-off game. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. An ordinance authorizing the 90 Andover Park hotel development. The City Council is being asked to consider the proposed Development Agreement for a proposed hotel development at 90 Andover Park East that would allow the shared use of parking in the right-of-way of Christensen Road in exchange for the construction of a public pocket park. 7:05 p.m. Council President Quinn opened the Public Hearing. Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supen/isor, explained the Council is being asked to consider an ordinance authorizing the Development Agreement for a proposed hotel at 90 Andover Park East. She utilized a Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 2 of 12 Power Point presentation to update the Council on the proposed development. Highlights of the presentation included: Overview: • Review Process Development Agreement - public hearing. • Background Information - Site and Project • Options for City Council Development Agreement - City Code and State Law: • Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 18.86 allows the City to use Development Agreements • RCVV367Ob.17U(1) authorizes execution ufa Development Agreement • A public hearing is required on the proposed Development Agreement Development Agreement -Terms: • Shared use of parking and drive aisle area in the right-of-way of Christensen Road: - 18 new parking spaces and reconfigure the existing spaces, a total of 45 parking spaces. - 41 spaces will be shared, with four reserved exclusively for non-hotel users. • In exchange for the shared parking the developer has offered to: Develop a public pocket park; Maintain the park and the parking area; Provide public access through the subject property; Construct a pedestrian connection; and - 50 year term with an option to extend for 30 additional years, � Termination clause: - Building permit is not submitted within one year; or if the construction is not completed within three years; or if the developer does not comply with maintenance obligations for the park and the parking areas; Change of use occurs; Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) widens 1-405 or should any other pr jectorconditinnarisethatrequineoreconfiguradonofTukwi|aPerkway.the project parking area, and/or the pocket park; Developer abandons the project; New agreement if the hotel use is to continue after the expiration of the agreement. Community Affairs and Parks Committee's Recommendation: • An alternative was recommended that would allocate the funds specified in the development agreement for the pocket park to go toward a tree planting project in the area of the riverbank across Christensen Road. The Committee supported the alternative if it did not delay the agreement or add costs for the developer. The Committee agreed to forward the item for Committee of the Whole discussion to include the original proposal and additional analysis relating to the alternative proposal. The Committee of the Whole would then select the preferred option. Further review of the Riverbank Planting alternative: • The following projects are underway that might preclude the quick approval of a Green River planting plan adjacent to 90 Andover Park East along the river: - Green River System Wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) process will be ongoing through early 2O15, The Tukwila 205 Levee Certification effort will not be completed for at least one year. The Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge final design may include habitat mitigation near the bend in the river to the south of 90 Andover Park East, The design for this project wi||becomp|ehedin2O15andconstruntedby2O17. Background on the Pocket Park: • A system of pocket parks in the TUC is vi al to meeting the recreation and social needs of the community because purchasing larger parcels in this area is cost prohibitive at this time. Tukwila City City CouncH Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 3 of 12 • In 2006, staff met with a developer who introduced the concept of using the Christensen Trail parking area as part of their development located between Christensen Road and Andover Park East. • The Christensen Road pocket park provides an area on the north end of the TUC where there currently is not a recreational opportunity for the community. Options for the City Council to consider: 1. AppromedhmDevo|opmantAoreemen(asoriginaUyproposedtoaUowaharedparkingintheright- of-way in exchange for building and maintaining a pocket park. 2. Approve the Development Agreement for the alternative proposed by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee to allow shared parking in the right-of-way in exchange for a monetary payment for the Green/Duwamish riverbank planting project. 3. Approve the Development Agreement as originally proposed with an amendment to include a $10,000 payment by the developer towards Green/Duwamish River restoration/planting projects or to implement the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan related to Urban Forestry. Council President Quinn asked staff which option is being recommended. David Cline, City Administrator, stated Option 3 is the recommendation from staif. That option provides the best public benefit, by creating a benefit for the specific area where the public right-of-way would be removed and keeps the p jectmovingfonwerd.vvhi|e adding funds to the City's tree bank. Councilmember Seal clarified that Councilmember Robertson presented the alternate idea at the recent Community Affairs and Parks Committee. The Committee felt the alternate idea was in-line with the Shoreline Master Prognam, and helps with tree restoration in the City. The Committee moved the item forward to the Committee of the Whole meeting for discussion. She feels Option 3 would be the best option as it moves the development forward, includes the pocket park and adds funding for tree restoration. An alternate option submitted by Councilmember Robertson was for the proposed cost of constructing the pocket park, $150,000, to be paid to the City for use on other City projects competing for funding such as the 53 Avenue Residential Street Project. Councilmember Duffie feels Option 3 would benefit the City. Councilmember Ekberg asked if the Development Agreement would be transferrable to a new owner if the property owner were to sell the property, and why staff is recommending that two policy items be added to the 2015 work plan. Ms. Dha|kwa| stated yes, the Development Agreement would transfer to the new owner. Mr. Cline stated this topic has generated great conversations about how the City and public would benefit with giving up a public right-of-way. Staff felt these discussions could be added to the 2015 work pan if the Council wanted to pursue those discussions. Councilmember Kruller commented that the proposal includes four parking spaces for the general public. She asked if there would be signage that would identify those as such. Ms. Dha|ivva| stated the City woutd require signage identifying the parking stalis are for non-hotel users only. Councilmember Hougardy asked if the proposed parking on both sides of Christensen Road would create parking/turning issues, and whether the proposed hotel would have large meeting spaces and/or conference rooms that would attract large groups. Ms. Dhaliwal stated that Christensen Road and the proposed parking meets the City's parking code requirements. As for the proposed hotel, what is being proposed is not a large hotel and most hotels do Tukwila City Counci Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 4 of 12 have a meeting room where they can hos events. She asked the Developer to come forward to answer the other questions. David Kwok, 21109 66th Avenue South, Kent, explained with the size of the proposed hotel at 92 rooms, they will have a small meeting room and a boardroom that would accommodate 8 to 10 attendees. This p ject will not be the size of the DoubleTree hotel, A Holiday Inn Express is a much smaller scae hotel that will cater to transient visitors. Councilmember Ekberg asked if the Park Commission has been briefed on the proposed project, and if there is an urgency to move forward with the proposed Development Agreement. Ms. Dhaliwal stated staff has not scheduled a briefing with the Park Commission on the proposed development. Councilmember Kruller asked what would happen if the Council chose to not approve the proposed Development Agreement. Mr. Kwok explained the feasibility study that was completed showed the proposed program would enhance the City and the surrounding properties. He commented that City staff has been working very hard to provide assistance wfth the proposed project for the City and the community. If the Council chose not to move forward with the proposal, they would need to review what options they have for the property. Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122nd Street, stated as a Planning Commissioner she has spent a lot of time on the City's Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The proposed project is within the shoreline jurisdiction, and she feels the Development Agreement does not address the SMP regulations. Ms. Alford read from several sections of the Shoreline Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 5 of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan, and projects within the vicinity of the river. She voiced her concern about the process used for the proposed Development Agreement. Additionally, she supports the proposal of a pocket park in the area. However, the adjacent trail and the riverbank that is overgrown with invasive plants also need to be addressed. She asked the Counci to return this item to Committee for additional review. 7:47 p.m. Council President Quinn closed the PubIic Hearing. b. An ordinance establishing a multi-family property tax exemption. The Council is being asked to designate a portion of Tukwila's Transit Oriented Development District as a "residential targeted area" and approve a multi-family property tax exemption program as an incentive to encourage construction of new apartments and condominiums. 7:47 p.m. Council President Quinn opened the Public Hearing. Derek Speok, Economic Development Administrator, explained City Administration is recommending the Council adopt a multi-family property tax exemption program as an incentive to encourage construction of new multi-family residential units in a portion of Tukwila's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District (Southcenter Area). State law (RCW 84.14) allows cities to encourage multi-family development in these types of areas. The proposed ordinance would exempt qualified multi-family housing from property taxes vvithinoertain''residentia|targetedoraas''aadesignmtedbythecitieoaeaninoentivetoenuounmge residential development and redevelopment of market rate and affordable housing in urban centers. State property tax exemption: • Ad valorem property tax (not fees) for all taxing agencies • Does not take away taxes currently received by taxing districts; the exemption would be on new residential construction (not land or commercial) • Duration: a. 8 years if no affordability requirements Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 5 of 12 b. 12 years ifthe development meets the affordability requirements (when 20% or more of the units are rented or sold to low and moderate income households with rent or saes price Iimits). Criteria and process: • Basic state and City of Tukwila processes followed, • A sunset clause includes Ianguage that the Cty would accept applications until 12/31/16 Community concerns: a. Transient occupancy/permanent residential occupancy, people staying less than 30 days b. Effect on other taxing districts c. Affordabi|ity — sbaffhaa recommended following state guidelines Mr. Speck referenced the benefits to the City as contained in the staff report (pages 51-54 of the agenda packet). Below are some of the benefits to the City for adopting the program: 1. Residents in the TOD district help create a more ^downtovvn" feel and sense of p|ac*, which strengthens Tuhvvi|a's identity. 2. Multi-family residential in the TOD district is a housing option that some of our current residents would like to have. 3. New apartments in the TOD district would be a step toward oondominiums, which may lead to a higher percentage of home ownership in Tukwila. 4. Residents in our TOD district and an improved identity strengthen the economy of our retail area by providing a sense of place that attracts additionat customers. 5. Housing in the TOD district will help the City achieve its residential growth targets and goals outlined in the City's Housing and Urban Center Element of the Comprehensive Plan. G. Housing in the TOD district will help the City meet its obligations under the State's Growth Management Act as a designated urban center and continue receiving additional credit when applying for State and Federal infrastructure grants 7. Housing in the TOD district will help the City meet its obligation under the King County Countywide Planning Policies. 8. Housing in the TOD district will help implement the City's intent as described in the recently adopted Southcenter P|on, which states the community intent to "stimulate pioneering residential and office development in walking distance of the Southcenter transit center..." Council President Quinn asked if municipalities are the only agencies able to implement this type of exemption. Mr. Speck explained the intent of the exemption is to spur new construction of multi-family residential projects. Agencies that are required to comply with the Growth Management Act are able to enact the proposed legislation. Councilmember Ekberg asked if property tax would be assessed on commercial property improvements. Mr. Speck used the proposed Washington Place Devetopment as an example. He exptained that the proposed development is a mix of commercial and residential, and the commercial portion would not be exempt from property tax assessment. Council President Quinn commented that if the proposed Washington Place Development or any other development in the area does not move forward, the tax revenues would not increase for any of the tax districts. Councilmember Ekberg asked if the exemption would apply to another developer and if the exemption would be transferrable to a new property owner. Mr. Speck stated the City would issue a certificate of exemption for a specific development that meets the criteria, and the certificate of exemption would be transferrable to a new property owner. The King County Assessor's office would maintain a database of properties that have received the certificate of exemption. Tukwiia City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 6 of 12 Councilmember Kruller asked if other taxing authorities were contacted about the proposed property tax exemption. Mr. Speck stated staff sent notification on the proposed exemption to the other taxing districts, and the Tukwila School District provided positive feedback to the proposal. Mr. Cline state he met with the Tukwila School District Board of Directors and they were supportive of the proposed development. The Board was not in action when he met with them, and they could not take action to support the item at that time. The topic was to be discussed at the next school district Board Meeting, where they intend to officially support the proposal. Councilmember Kruller inquired if the City was proposing the multi-family property tax exemption to stimulate growth in the Tukwila Urban Center. Mr, Speck stated the intent is to spur growth in the target area, which will hopefully croatepnoofMhat people want to live in the Urban Center, Council President Quinri called for public comments. Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52*, Avenue South, stated there are several taxing districts that would be impacted by the proposal. She said her comments are not against the proposed Washington Place project, rather it has more to do with the City establishing a program that will affect the other taxing districts. She asked the Council to consider a policy decision, and whether the City is able to make decisions for the other taxing districts. She suggested that other taxing districts be exempt from the proposal and only the City's portion of the property tax be affected by the program. Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122nd Stnmmt, is a resident and Planning Commissioner. She explained the Planning Commission has spent a great deal of time on changes in the Tukwila Urban Center. One comment that the Planning Commission heard was how the City would add new residential housing stock. The long-term vision for the Tukwila Urban Center area included residential housing and creating a livable environment. She feels the proposed 8-year term for the exemption is acceptable and development in that area should increase. With additional development, the economy will become stronger. She encouraged the Council to move forward with the proposed program. 8:14 p.m. Council President Quinn closed the Public Hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES Due to the time Council President Quinn asked the Council to amend the agenda to move Items 4.c. — A resolution endorsing the Teens for Tukwila charter, and Item 4.j — Ordinances authorizing the issuance of bonds for the purpose of financing the TIB (Tukwila International Boulevard) Redevelopment Project - to be the first items discussed under Special Issues. There was Council consensus to amend the agenda as requested. Per agenda amendment above, Item 4 c is being considered at this time. c. A resolution endorsing the Teens for Tukwila charter. Cnunci|member Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on November 12, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Nate Robinson. Recreation Specia|ist, stated the proposed charter sets forth guidelines for a successful partnership between the City Council and Teens for Tukwila, identifying involvement and a teen voice/perspective on commu n ity/teen related topics. Tukwila City Couricil Committee ofthe Whole Minutes November 24.2O14 Page 7 of 12 Andrew Hougardy and Maranda James came forward to explain the idea beh nd the proposed Teens for Tukwila charter. Andrew stated Teens for Tukwila is a group of high school students established through the Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department, Mr. Hougardy and Ms. James reviewed the Teens for Tukwila Charter as identified on page 107 of the agenda packet. The following Teens for Tukwila members were in attendance: Andrew Hougardy Maranda James Travis Boyd Unique Hebert Armen Papyan Ariak Papyan Andre Jones, Jr, The Councilmembers exchanged comments and commended the Teens for Tukwila group on the proposed resolution and charter. Mayor Haggerton thanked the group for attending the meeting and voiced his appreciation for the Teens for Tukwila and the benefits they would have in attending local and national conferences. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Per agenda amendment on page 6, item 4 j is being considered at this time. j. Ordinances authorizing the issuance of bonds for the purpose of financing the TIB (Tukwila International Boulevard) Redevelopment Project. Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, explained that on September 2, 2014. the City Council approved a financing plan for the TIB Redevelopment P ject(Reso|uhonNo.1841). A financing proposal that includes short-and long-term components is being presented consistent with the approved plan. Under the urban renewal authority, $3.57 million has been spent on the purchase of three motels abng TIB. A financing plan was approved by Council on September 2, 2014. A $1 .9 million General Fund interfund loan was made to the 302 FaciHties Fund to provide temporary financing, and a proposal for bank financing was presented to the Council at the November 17, 2014 Regular Meeting. The draft ordinances presented for Council consideration and approval authorize financing consistent with the financing proposal previously presented. The draft ordinances authorize the issuance of debt as foliows: • 3-year bond anticipation note Bank of the West $2.250.000 • 20-year bonds Zions First National Bank $3.850.000 Alice Ostdiek, Bond Counsel with Foster Pepper, commented that the City has been working on the Urban Renewal p jectformonyyears.andFosterPepperiag|adhzbeab|etopnzvideassistsnceinthe financing plan. She gave a general overview of the two proposed ordinances, identifying the specific type of funding for each ordinance. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. a. An ordinance authorizing the 90 Andover Park hotel development. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on November 12, 2014. The committee members forwarded this item to the Committee ofthe Whole Meeting for discussion. TukwUa City Counci Committee of the Whoe Minutes November 24 2014 Page 8 of 12 Approval of an ordinance and Development Agreement for the proposed hotel development at 90 Andover Park East would allow for shared use of parking in the right-of-way of Christensen Road in exchange for the construction of a pubUc pocket park. The Council is being asked to consider the draft ordinance and associated Development Agreernent. Councilmember Seal voiced her appreciation for the comments made earlier this evening on this item. The Council spent a lot of time on the Shoreline Master Program and the Parks, Recreation and Open, Space (PROS) PIan. She feels the proposal has identified some policies the Council would need to discuss, and she supports Option 3. Councilmember Ekberg also thanked everyone for the comments and discussion on this item. He feels there could be an Option 4, as suggested by Councilmember Robertson, where the funding would be used for other City projects. Councilmember Hougardy stated there are two issues with the proposed development: parking and payment to the City, Relating to the parking in that specific area, she feels there could be some unintended consequences with the shared parking and she would like more research on that item. She commented that the idea of pocket parks are included in the PROS Plan, and if the park is not developed as part of the project it most likely would not be developed. She concurred with Councilmember Seal regarding the importance of shoreline restoration within the City. Councilmember Kruller referred to the email the City Council and Administration received from Councilmember Robertson on his proposed alternative. She feels the Counci! should have additional time to review all options available before making a decision. She voiced her support for the project in general, and would like to see the funding for the park be available for City use for priority projects. Council President Quinn commented that this has been a good discussion about potential policies and the public benefit. He supports Option 3, as it serves the purpose of moving forward with the proposed development and provides funding for investment in the City's tree canopy and riverbank restoration. The Council sets policy, and adding a topic to the 2015 work plan would allow the Council to set policy on establishing priorities for capital projects for the future. Councilmember Ekberg stated his approach with Option 4 is to have funding set aside for priority projects. He feels there are other projects within the City that could benefit from the funding. He stated the Transportation Committee was briefed earlier this evening that the grant application for the 53rd Avenue Residential Street project was denied, and this funding could move that project forward. Councilmember Seal stated the City has a WaIk-n-RoII PIan and a PROS PIan. Staff has spent a great deal of time working with the developer and conducted the research requested by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. Option 3 provides funding for the tree bank that was previously established, while allowing the developer to move forward with the proposed project. Council Fresident Quinn voiced his support for Option 3. He feels the option provides a pathway to move forward with the project and is a compromise to what was suggested by Councilmember Robertson. Councilmember Kruller stated there was testimony from a citizen about the effects of the project, andahe asked that the Council consider what would be the most impactful to the City. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD OPTION 3, "APPROVE THE ORIGINAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH AN AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE A $10,000 PAYMENT BY THE DEVELOPER FOR THE GREEN/DUWAMISH RIVER RESTORATION/PLANTNG PROJECT OR TO IMPLEMENT THE GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATED TO URBAN FORESTRY," TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Mayor Haggerton stated the Council referred to correspondence from Councilmember Robertson in their comments. Since the correspondence was provided directly to the Council and City Administration, he provided a copy of the memo to the Deputy City Clerk for reference. Tukwila City Council Committee af the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 9 of 12 b. An ordinance establishing a multi-family property tax exemption. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on November 12, 2014. The committee members forwarded this item to the Committee ofthe Whole Meeting for discussion. At the November 3, 2014 Council meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution setting the public hearing for November 24, 2014 on this issue. Staff is proposing the City adopt a multLfamily property tax exemption incentive program to encourage new multi-family residential development in a portion of the Transit Oriented Development District (Southcenter area). Councilmember Ekberg stated the proposed ordinance would aid in the redevelopment of the Tukwila Urban Center area, and will still allow a taxing authority to collect property tax on commercial properties. CouncHmember Seal spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance, For the past 9 years the Council has discussed ways to encourage development in the Tukwila Urban Center. She reviewed the topics of discussion for the Council from the recent National League of Cities Conference. Increasing the housing stock available to interested individuals will increase the City's resident al population. 9:28 p.m. Councilmember Duffie left the Council Chambers. Councilmember Hougardy voiced her support for the proposed ordinance. She referred to a survey in Site Selection Magazine that identified tax exemptions as a top business decision factor. She feels the proposed exemption would benefit the City and the area businesses and she voiced her support for the ordinance. Ms. Kruller distributed a copy of the survey she referenced to the Council. 9:30 p.m. Councilmember Duffie returned to the Council Chambers. Council President Quinn voiced his support for the proposed ondinance, and he thanked Mayor Haggerton and City staff for all the options provided to support the proposed development within the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC). He explained there are residential popuration numbers the City needs to meet and the proposed residential development could fulfill those requirements. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with PBS + Environmental for Phase 1 of the Motel Demolition Project. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on November 18. 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. In August 2014, the City of Tukwila purchased the Great Bear, Boulevard, and Traveler's Choice motels, which had been seized by the federal government in late 2013 as part of an undercover operation with the City of Tukwila. Prior to the federal seizure, the City had planned to purchase the Great Bear, Boulevard, and Spruce motels as part of its crime reduction initiative. The City would have included the Traveler's Choice as part of its crime reduction initiative except it was outside of the urban renewal area. The City anticipates completing negotiations with the owners of the Spruce Motel prior to year end, and to assume ownership in early 2015. It could be a few years until the City has sod the properties to a developer or decided on an alternative use. The Administration does not see a valuable use of the properties as motels and therefore plans to demolish them in order to ensure the properties are as attractive and safe as possible. Derek Speok, Economic Development Administrator, explained the proposed agreement is for the consultant to prepare the bid specifications for the demolition of four motels along Tukwila International Boulevard. 9:39 p.m. Council President Quinn exited the Council Chambers. Tukwila City OouncH Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 10 of 12 The Council exchanged comments and asked clarifying quest ons of staff on the above item, 9:41 p.m. Council President Quinn returned to the Council Chambers. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. A resolution establishing the 2015 non-represented employees' wage and benefit schedule. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on November 18.2O14, The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Stephanie Bnown, Human Resources Director, explained the City Council adopted Resolution No. 1796 in 2013, which provides that in odd-numbered calendar years a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) would be app|iedhothenon'repnasonVedemp|oyeeswsganchedu|ebaoedon8O96oftheSeatt|e'Tacoma' Bremerton Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) Average (June to June). The non-represented employees did not receive a market adjustment in 2014. The CPI-W June for the above stated period is 2.2%, whereas 90% represents 1.98%. Although there had been some wage adjustment in 2012 and 2013, the non-represented employee wages have lagged behind represented groups, creating salary compression at various position Ievels within the organization. Internal equity between non-represented and represented groups will continue to have an impact on compensation. In order to mitigate salary compression continuing and the future impacts to the budget, City Administration recommends an increase of 2.0% to base wages, keeping in alignment with represented groups. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. A collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) for Police Commanders for 2014-2016. Stephanie Bnzwn, Human Resources Director, explained the City labor negotiations team and the USW (United Steelworkers) Police Commanders opened labor negotiations on September 9, 2013, in an effort to reach an agreement on a successor labor contract. A tentative agreement was reached during mediation in good faith between the parties on November 14, 2014, which resulted in a three-year contract (2014-2016) The City team used the guiding principles established by the Council in their Compensation Resolution No. 1796. setting the focus for the negotiation and mediation process. The contract provides for wage increases over the term of the labor agreement based upon external market comparators, using flat percentage or CPI-W formula. Other negotiated changes were to the Bereavement Leave and the Grievance Procedure articles of the agreement. Overall, the negotiation and mediation process was a good collaborative effort by both parties. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. An ordinance relating to tow truck Iicensing. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on November 18, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jon Harrison, Police Commander, stated Tukwila Municipal Code 5.44 requires the City of Tukwila to individually Iicense tow trucks and tow truck businesses annually. Tow truck businesses and tow trucks are regulated by the Department of Licensing (DOL) and inspected by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) for compliance with the requirements for tow trucks as listed in RCW 46.55. There is no need for the City to be involved n the inspection or certification of tow trucks as being (among other things) in safeoperadngcondition.^whonthatisa|readybeingdonebytheVVSP. Additionally, a secondary inspection by Police staff unnecessarily increases the liability for the City, and creates another Tukwila City Couricil Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24.2U14 Page 11 of12 inspectionhlicensing step for the applicant. The arnount charged for the Iicensing of the truck would not cover the staff costs to conduct the inspection. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. h. An update on the BNSF Intermodal Facility Access Project. Bob Giberson, Public Works Oinacbor, explained the access study is a joint project with BNSF, who has agreed tn cover upto$15O.O0O for the site access project. The City advertised a Request for Qualifications to solicit proposals for preliminary engineering for the BNSF Intermodai Facility Access Project on September 18 and 25, 2014, and three proposals were received on October 2, 2014. The clear consensus after review by City staff and BNSF was David Evans and Associates. After the final scope of work is developed and the fee is negotiated, the final contract will return to Council for approval. Brandon Mi|es, Economic Development Liaison, stated City staff is in the process of conducting a "Community Assessment Study" of the Allentown neighborhood. A goal of the City's Strategic PIan and Comprehensive Plan is to improve the livability of the residential neighborhoods. Prior to beginning the "Community Asaessment.^staff from various City departments conducted a door-to-door survey of the neighborhood. This was done in order to help staff understand the issues that could be part of the "Community Assessment." in early November, staff completed the first round of surveys and visited every home in the Allentown neighborhood. From that outreach, there are 185 valid responses to the survey from residents. This includes those who completed the survey and those who declined to complete the survey. Over half the residents were not home when staff visited, and staff will revisit those homes in the near future. The goal is to have a 70% response rate to the survey. Once the survey is complete, staff will return to a future Council meeting to present the results. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic. Council President Quinn thanked staff for the update on the status of the project. i. An ordinance extencling the sunset provision on the interfund utility tax. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on November 18, 2014. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Peggy McCarthy, Finance Dinachor, explained staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance that would extend the sunset provision for the collection of City utility taxes to December 31, 2021. Currently a1O96 tax is assessed on the revenues of City-operated utilities which is set to end on December 31, 2015. In 2013, the City recognized nearly $1.7 million of interfund utility tax receipts. If the sunset provision is not extended the City will have to consider budget reductions or alternate revenue sources beginning in 2016. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff on the above item. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXSTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING, REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton stated he attended the recent National League of Cities, Congress of Cities and Exposition conference in Austin, Texas (November 10'22.2O14). He will prepare a written report to be distributed to the Council. Council President Quinn suggested Councilmembers who have items to report on submit the reports in writing to the Council Analyst. Due to the lateness of the hour Council dispensed with reports. Tukwiia City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 12 of 12 ADJOURNMENT 10:05 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. De Sedrf Quinn, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 12/10/2014 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 12/11/2014