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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers February 9, 2015 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Kruller called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m Councilmember Duffie led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Kate Kruller, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief; Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION 2014 Business Recycler of the Year: Mighty -O Donuts. Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, explained the City of Tukwila Recycling Program works with any interested business in Tukwila to assist them in starting or improving a recycling or waste reduction program. Each year since 2006, the program has recognized outstanding achievements by businesses with the ".Tukwila Business Recycler of the Year" award. The 2014 Recycler of the Year is awarded to Mighty -O Donuts, located at 10825 East Marginal Way. Mighty -O Donuts has two locations in Washington. The Mighty -O Donuts cafe is located in Wallingford, and the donuts are baked in Tukwila. The Tukwila location of Mighty -O Donuts consists of 5 employees and they make over 973,000 organic, vegan donuts per year. Mighty -O Donuts supplies donuts to Whole Food, PCC Natural Market and Fred Meyer stores in the Seattle, Portland, Denver and Bend areas. They are very careful in their processes, using sustainable, healthy ingredients, while maintaining a low waste facility. Mighty -O Donuts' recycling program includes: RECYCLING: • They have an estimated recycling rate of over 70 %. • Since January 2014 they have been able to cut the size of their garbage dumpster in half and increased to double pickups for recycling. • Recycling containers are located throughout the office and the kitchen area. Containers are well labeled so staff are clear on the items that can be recycled. • Food recycling containers are placed throughout the facility and Bio -bags are utilized for these areas. WASTE PREVENTION: • Reusable dishes are provided for employees to use while onsite for lunches, coffee, etc. • Staff is careful to implement practices to reduce paper use including using both sides of paper, sharing paper publications onsite, avoiding prints, and utilizing electronic communication. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2015 Page 2 of 7 • Staff chooses recyclable or compostable packaging for products. • Crates for transporting product are durable and reusable. When a shipment comes on wooden pallets, the pallets are given away to local businesses. • "Overage" is calculated to reduce waste from making product. • Overbaked donuts are given to Food Lifeline for the "Operation Sack Lunch" project. • Palm shortening is obtained from sustainable sources. • No leftover oil is generated in the donut making process. • Reusable, cloth towels are used and washed. • When possible, skull caps are used as washable hair nets. RECYCLED CONTENT GOODS AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION: • Recycled products include Envision toilet paper and paper towels. • Occupancy sensors are located in rooms to turn off lights not in use. Mayor Haggerton presented the 2014 Business Recycler of the Year award (made from recycled glass) to Ryan Kellner, Owner, and Mark Miyamura, Manager of the Tukwila production facility. Mr. Kellner offered to demonstrate for interested groups how the recycling process works at his business. The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Kellner for the information on Mighty -O Donuts and congratulated them on the award. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. PUBLIC HEARING Notice of final action: An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of land, including authorization of potential condemnation of property. The properties considered are located in the City of Tukwila and identified as parcel numbers 000580 -0033 at 16113 West Valley Highway. Final design of the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge is underway and right -of -way is needed in order to construct the proposed bridge. The draft ordinance will provide the authority to acquire the property located at 16113 West Valley Highway. 7:19 p.m. Council President Kruller opened the public hearing. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, stated the Transportation Committee discussed design revisions in December 2014 that were studied as part of the Supplemental Type, Size, and Location Report. During negotiation with affected property owners, it became apparent there would be issues with proposed alignments one and two. Staff began analysis of other alignment options that included costs and a list of pros and cons for the additional bridge alignment. Mr. Giberson referenced pages 11 -17 of the agenda packet, and utilized a PowerPoint illustration to review the potential alignment of the pedestrian /bicycle bridge. Alternate Alignment A was determined to be the most favorable. The alignment would retain the desired 220 -foot bridge length. The City was awarded Washington State Mobility Grant funding for this project, and 90% design must be complete by June 30, 2015 to retain that funding. The Council is being asked to consider the proposed alignment, which would go around the Riverview Plaza property on the west side of the river, and begin at the original location of the Nelsen parcel on the east side of the river. He continued an illustrative review of the proposed alignment and bridge profile. The draft ordinance before the Council is for right -of -way acquisition that will allow the City to initiate the appraisal process and begin negotiations with the property owner. Adoption of the ordinance is a key critical path for work on the project, and will begin the process for obtaining a right -of -entry to the subject property. The goal is to have the design and environmental portion of the project complete by June 301H and advertise for bids in the fall. Council President Kruller called for public comments. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2015 Page 3 of 7 Larry Nelsen, 10750 Aurora Avenue, Seattle, 98133, stated that his family has been a large part of the valley and Tukwila for many years and feels there are better alternatives than taking more land that his family owns. The house being considered for demolition is a small rental home that supplies revenue to maintain the historic home that has been used for various society meetings, mother /daughter teas and public tours. He outlined a suggestion for a better alternative that would not disrupt the historic house. Councilmember Hougardy asked for clarification on the revenue from the rental house and its use for maintenance on the historic Nelsen home. Mr. Nelsen stated that as the sole trustee, he would dedicate the rental income from the small house to cover the costs associated with the maintenance of the historic Nelsen home. Councilmember Robertson asked if Mr. Nelsen preferred Alignment F. Mr. Nelsen answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Quinn asked staff to expand on the evaluation used for the proposed bridge alignments. Mr. Giberson stated that proposed Alignment F was the most expensive due to the extended length of the bridge and the large sandbar in that part of the river, which would prohibit construction of the bridge. Additionally, that area has been identified by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as a proposed location for the on /off ramp associated with the future widening of 1 -405. Most of the other routes include a longer bridge span, which increases the cost of the project. Councilmember Seal asked why the alignment has changed from the original alignment proposed in the Type, Location and Size Report. Mr. Giberson said negotiations with the property owner of Riverview Plaza were very complicated and they would not grant the City access to the Riverside Plaza property. The City already owns property along the river, and the proposed alignment will take advantage of that property. Council President Kruller asked about the cost impacts with the other alternate alignments. She also asked for clarification on communication with the Nelsen family about the project. Mr. Giberson relayed the project cost would increase 10 to 20 percent due to the added length of the bridge that would be needed for the other alignments. In regard to communication with the property owner about the project, he explained the federal process (due to the federal funding associated with the project) prohibits communications until the City has adopted a condemnation ordinance. Once the ordinance has been adopted, staff can begin the negotiation process with the property owner. 7:41 p.m. Council President Kruller closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Notice of final action: An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of land, including authorization of potential condemnation of property. The properties considered are located in the City of Tukwila and identified as parcel numbers 000580 -0033 at 16113 West Valley Highway. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on January 20, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. In December 2014, the Transportation Committee discussed design revisions studied as part of the Supplemental Type, Size and Location Report. The original design of the western trail approach to the new bridge was not in a location acceptable to the affected property owner of the Riverview Plaza office park. With the new design, the western trail approach will use a portion of the existing Green River Trail and the bridge location will be north of the original design. The project requires a full take of the single family home at 16113 West Valley Highway, on the east side of the Green River, to accommodate the bridge landing and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible ramps. The draft ordinance provides Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2015 Page 4 of 7 the authority to acquire the property at 16113 West Valley Highway. The City will do everything within its power to work cooperatively with the property owners. However, if the City is not successful, condemnation of the property would be required. Councilmember Seal would like to hear from the committee members any information they might have that would be helpful regarding this issue. Councilmember Robertson stated he was part of the Committee that reviewed this issue and he did not see any alternatives that were better than the one being proposed. He stated that the Committee discussion reviewed what would be best for everyone concerned, and the cost and bridge length were some of the determining factors. Council President Kruller recounted that she was on the 2014 Transportation Committee and asked Mr. Giberson to explain the curve of the path that sweeps into the Nelsen property. Mr. Giberson explained the bridge must maintain a certain height over the river and be compliant with ADA regulations. The bridge will need to have a ramp down no greater than a 6% slope, which would take a greater amount of space than stairs. David Cline, City Administrator, reviewed the importance of this project and why it is needed. It is a key component to the Southcenter Plan and will connect citizens from the Sounder Rail and Commuter Station to the Mall. This project will make great improvements to the neighborhood. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, stated the recommended alignment will have an impact on the property owners, which is unfortunate. However, this is a key project in terms of Tukwila's overall development. The pedestrian /bicycle bridge is part of the overall vision for the future of the Southcenter neighborhood and the project will encourage a live /work center and bring new jobs to the area. Without this project, promoting this area as a live /work neighborhood will be much more difficult. Councilmember Robertson said the sale of the above - referenced property would be an amount that would hopefully provide the funding needed to keep the historic home updated and maintained. Councilmember Quinn stated that based on the information as discussed, he is comfortable moving forward with this issue. It is not an easy decision to make, but action needs to be taken. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Work Plans: This is an opportunity for the Council to review the City -wide Work Plan that aligns with the 2015 -2016 priorities and strategic goals, as well as the Council Committee works plans to ensure agreement moving forward for 2015. 1. City -wide Work Plan During the 2015 -2016 budget process, the Council and Administration agreed to five priorities to further the City's work toward the adopted Strategic Plan goals. As a part of the Administration's effort to ensure these priorities are met, a Work Plan has been drafted that identifies a timeline for action by quarter, as well as a lead department. David Cline, City Administrator, presented the staff Work Plan for 2015 -2016 (pages 25 -27 of the agenda packet). The plan lists the five over - arching Strategic Plan goals, as well as the focus priorities to be worked on. Committee work plans will be presented each quarter to show the focus on those goals. Councilmember Quinn inquired about how decisions will be made and tracked to ensure actions are undertaken and completed. Information and communication will be the key to continuity; specifically, that citizens receive what they are promised. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2015 Page 5 of 7 Mr. Cline assured the Council that one of the main goals is to keep communications open to help everyone be aware of what is happening. The City's cable TV station is now running and the E- Hazelnut newsletter is another avenue of communicating to the public. There will be a written report on the work plans at least every six months as part of the City Administrator Report. 2. Committee Work Plans Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, referenced the Council Committee work plans that begin on page 29 of the agenda packet. The plans were developed in collaboration with department directors, and they include the Council items identified during the budget process last fall, carry -over items, capital projects in the adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP), items from the departmental work plans and requests from committees. Each Committee has had an opportunity to review and discuss a preliminary draft of its work plan, and understand this is a living document that will be maintained and updated as needed during the year. It was suggested the work plans be reviewed periodically throughout the year to serve as an effective communication tool between staff and Council. The Councilmembers commented on the individual Committee work plans and the review process. c. A resolution committing to the acceptance of the Chinook Wind habitat site from King County. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on January 26, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained King County has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the owner of the two parcels for the Chinook Wind site. Several significant contingencies must be resolved by February 22, 2015. These contingencies include an environmental assessment, a cultural resources review, and obtaining Tukwila's commitment to accept the site. The Council is being asked to approve the draft resolution accepting the Chinook Wind property, at no additional cost, after successful acquisition by King County, to develop it as a salmon habitat. The Councilmembers exchanged comments on the Chinook Wind project. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. An ordinance reflecting changes to Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 2.64 regarding the sale of City property. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on February 3, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, explained the Council is being asked to approve changes to the City's procedures for selling City property. Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 2.64 outlines the process for selling City property such as land and buildings. This chapter was last updated in 2001. Under the current code, authorizing the sale of property is the responsibility of the City Council and processing the transaction is the responsibility of the Mayor. The regulations require that City property be sold after receiving bids for the surplus property. Mr. Speck explained there may be occasions when the competitive bidding process is too limiting for the City to get the best price for the property or to leverage the property for other community benefits. He cited the Tukwila Village project and the urban renewal efforts on Tukwila International Boulevard as recent examples. Staff is recommending revisions to the regulations that would allow the Council to approve alternative processes for receiving offers, selecting the buyer, and negotiating the price and other terms. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2015 Page 6 of 7 e. Discussion regarding transfer of funds for allocation of a third Code Enforcement Officer. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on February 3, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained the proposal to expand resources for Code Enforcement. A plan was formulated from the suggestions of committee meetings and Council input. During the budget meetings for 2015 -2016, additional funds were allocated to Code Enforcement, and last month Code Enforcement staff presented a plan for effective use of those funds. The diagram on page 61 of the agenda packet shows that since an additional temporary code enforcement officer was added last May, the number of cases opened increased 42 percent and there was a 64 percent increase in cases resolved. Staff recommends the hiring of an additional Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Pace stated that Code Enforcement is an area that deals with both criminal and civil violations and has very rigid processes. Due to the processes that must be followed, shortcuts are not allowed. Communication with the public, staff and Council is the key to understanding the processes, the audits done and data on staffing. Changes in the department have made tracking much easier and faster so the data will be quicker to access, allowing the officers to react in a timely manner. There was a discussion about the added salary and benefits analysis versus the potential successful outcome of adding a third full -time Code Enforcement Officer, along with the possibility of adding another fourth officer in the future and the budgeting concerns this would entail. Mr. Pace said staff has been working on identifying specific steps to see how the process can be improved. Staff has implemented some improvements and will track these changes to see if they improve efficiency. In June or July, staff will present the results of these improvements to Council for further discussion. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. A contract with Summit Strategies for federal government (lobbying) affair services. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on February 3, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, explained that Ball Janik has provided lobbying services to the City for many years. The City's contract with Ball Janik for lobbying services was terminated January 31, 2015, due to the departure of the firm's government affairs consultants to Summit Strategies. The proposed contract with Summit Strategies mirrors the previous contract with Ball Janik, minus the fees and expenses billed in January. Ms. Bianchi distributed an updated version of the proposed contract, and stated that section 2, "Compensation and Method of Payment," in the original contract, as listed on pages 69 -76 of the agenda packet, did not include compensation for 2016 services. The Councilmembers exchanged comments about this item. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor There was no report. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2015 Page 7 of 7 b. City Council Councilmember Ekberg attended the Police /Fire Department Battle of the Wings event on February 7, 2015 at Buffalo Wild Wings. Councilmember Hougardy reported on the Equity and Diversity Commission meeting held February 5, 2015. The commission is focused on supporting the City's outreach effort to the City's ethnically diverse population, including at community and regional forums. Councilmember Quinn attended the Police /Fire Department Battle of the Wings event on February 7, 2015 at Buffalo Wild Wings. 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 Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, reminded the Council and audience that City offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2015, in recognition of Presidents' Day. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Kruller said that during their retreat the Council talked about hosting town hall meetings and she will move forward with arranging potential meeting dates. Councilmember Duffie commented favorably on the items being shown on Tukwila Channel 21. ADJOURNMENT 9:35 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KRULLER DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING A DJJDURNED. °l Kat ruller, Co ncil President Minutes by Lady of Letters Reviewed /edited by Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 03/02/2015 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 03/03/2015