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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-02 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council Regular Meeting City Hall Council Chambers March 2, 2015 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn and Kate Kruller. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Turpin, City Attorney; Bruce Linton, Deputy Police Chief; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Evie Boykan, Human, Services Manager; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction and swearing in of lateral Police Officers Charles Saguil and Chris Backus. Bruce Linton, Deputy Police Chief Deputy Police Chief Linton introduced Officer Charles Saguil to the City Council. Officer Saguil was raised in California and attended college in New Mexico on a football and wrestling scholarship. He graduated with a BA in Criminology. His job experience includes working for the U.S. Border Patrol from 2009 -2014 in Yuma, Arizona. He intends to compete in the 2015 Police and Fire Games in Fairfax, Virginia in the Greco and Freestyle Wrestling events. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Officer Charles Saguil, Badge #214. Officer Saguil's wife pinned on his badge, and he expressed appreciation at the opportunity to be a Tukwila Police Officer. Officer Saguil introduced the members of his family who were in attendance in the audience. Deputy Police Chief Linton introduced Officer Chris Backus to the City Council. Officer Backus has a BA in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology. His prior experience includes being a reserve officer for the City of Shelton, a jailer for Mason County jail, and a Corrections Officer for Washington State Corrections. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Officer Chris Backus, Badge #218. The wife of Officer Backus pinned on his badge, and he thanked the Police Department for giving him this opportunity to work in such a phenomenal department. He then introduced the members of his family in the audience. The Councilmembers extended a welcome to Officers Saguil and Backus. Councilmember Duffie asked the officers why they chose to work for Tukwila. Officer Saguil said he has ties to Washington, and after having interactions with Tukwila Police Officer Zack Anderson, the experiences were so positive that this is where he wanted to work. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Page 2 of 8 Officer Backus explained that he researched and specifically chose the cities that he wanted to work for. He was particularly drawn to the diversity in Tukwila and the potential opportunities to become a canine officer. APPOINTMENTS a. Confirm the appointment of Adrienne Banks to Position #2 on the Arts Commission, with a term expiring December 31, 2018. MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY EKBERG TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF ADRIENNE BANKS TO POSITION #2 ON THE ARTS COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2018.* Ms. Banks thanked the City for this opportunity. She recently moved to Tukwila and has been an artist for 27 years. She looks forward to volunteering for the City and giving back to the community. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. b. Confirm the appointment of Nandina Cengic to the Student Representative position on the Arts Commission, with a term expiring at the end of the 2015 school year. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY KRULLER TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF NANDINA CENGIC TO THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE POSITION ON THE ARTS COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING AT THE END OF THE 2015 SCHOOL YEAR.* Ms. Cengic expressed appreciation to the Council for her appointment to the Commission. Mayor Haggerton said student representation on Boards and Commissions is a City priority. *MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. CITIZEN COMMENTS Bill Holstine, 4251 South 160'h Street, said he has lived in the City for approximately 25 years. He expressed concern regarding 4 new homes being constructed in his neighborhood. Two of the homes are 2 -story construction and two of the homes are 3 -story construction. The character of the homes in this area are 1 -story construction, and these homes invade the privacy and tranquility of the neighborhood. He compared it to putting a Metro bus in a minivan parking stall. A contractor for one of the large homes severely destroyed a fence belonging to one of the neighbors, and City staff said it would have to be handled in the courts as a civil matter. There is also a care facility going into the neighborhood, and those living in the area were not notified. From his standpoint, the staff in the Department of Community Development seems to rubber stamp items for contractors and builders, and do not have much time for residents. He suggested that the City adopt the Tukwila Tomorrow strategy and go back to 7,500 sq. ft. lots, 25 ft. building height from grade to ridge, require energy efficient construction, good neighbor policies, and require contractors to leave property in the same or better condition than they found it. Notice should also be given to residents when care facilities are going in, and as new Department Heads are hired, they should reside in the City so they can appreciate the aspirations of the citizens. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of Mr. Holstine and thanked him for coming to speak at the meeting. Mayor Haggerton explained that the Council can revisit the current rules and regulations as they relate to housing construction. Councilmember Ekberg said the Council will be looking at residential housing and zoning as part of the Comprehensive Plan. He asked that staff get Mr. Holstine's contact information. Mr. Holstine asked to be informed as discussions occur involving these issues. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Page 3 of 8 Alma Villegas, 10627 53rd Avenue South, Seattle, explained that she made the hard decision to resign her Community Programs Director position with Global to Local. She thanked the City for the support and collaboration in supporting programs for diverse populations. She conveyed that her commitment to Tukwila is a personal one, and there will be no loss as she is confident the work will continue. She said she is not going anywhere and extended the invitation to contact her as needed. She acknowledged the following City staff as wonderful collaborators: Joyce Trantina, Evie Boykan, Stacy Hansen, Amy Kindell, Marlus Francis, and the many staff at the Tukwila Community Center. She ended with a quote: "I raise my voice not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard." The Councilmembers and Mayor offered the following comments regarding Ms. Villegas: You have done an excellent job for this community; Thank you for your service and please stay in touch; You have been great to work with; You are appreciated for working with our international community and also enhancing the work of the MPD; Thank you for being the voice of so many in need and making us listen; You put your heart and soul into public service and left your handprint on all of us. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 2/17/15 (Regular Mtg.) b. Approval of Vouchers: #368576- 368673; #150100; 150204 - 150207 in the amount of $2,812,996.44 c. Accept as complete the East Marginal Way South Overlay and Repair Project (contract #14 -030) with Miles Construction, Inc. of Tacoma; authorize release of performance bond, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project: $1,418,169.39). (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Transportation Committee on 2117115.) d. Accept as complete the 2014 Overlay and Repair Program (contract #14 -089) with Miles Construction, Inc. of Tacoma; authorize release of retainage bond, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project: $978,020.75). (Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by Transportation Committee on 2117115.) MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. An ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2375 §5 and 2303 §3 (part), as codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Section 19.12.030, to update the Sign Code to expand exceptions to permit the display of street banners in the City. MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BY HOUGARDY THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 2375 §5 AND 2303 §3 (PART), AS CODIFIED AT TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 19.12.030, TO UPDATE THE SIGN CODE TO EXPAND EXCEPTIONS TO PERMIT THE DISPLAY OF STREET BANNERS IN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2469. b. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1995 §1 (part), as delineated in Attachment A to Ordinance No. 1995 and codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Section 11.12.030, regarding payment for street frontage improvements. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Page 4 of 8 Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1995 §1 (PART), AS DELINEATED IN ATTACHMENT A TO ORDINANCE NO. 1995 AND CODIFIED AT TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11.12.030, REGARDING PAYMENT FOR STREET FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2470. c. Council consensus on the SCA (Sound Cities Association) item regarding the 2015 -2018 Committee to End Homelessness Draft Strategic Plan. Council President Kruller is seeking discussion and consensus on the Draft Strategic Plan on the Committee to End Homelessness (CEH) that will be acted upon by the SCA (Sound Cities Association) PIC (Public Issues Committee). SCA would like feedback tomorrow (March 3, 2015). Councilmember Duffie referenced an email from Evie Boykan, Human Services Manager, regarding this topic and asked her to give an overview of the issues. Excerpts from the memorandum include the following: BACKGROUND Background information was provided to members of the SCA PIC meeting on the ten year plan and the proposed draft 2015 -2018 Strategic Plan. Up to this point, city Human Services managers have provided input on the draft plan in a few different ways. Additionally, in 2014, the Human Services Advisory Board sent a letter to the director of CEH and to the King County and Community Services director regarding their concern around the revised definition of homelessness. ANALYSIS The vision and the goals in the draft strategic plan are ambitious and the data is compelling. The plan helps people understand the multiple factors that contribute to homelessness. Much work has been done by many players to come to a collective response. Key points for consideration: • Homelessness is defined too narrowly and does not include those that are couch surfing, staying in motels, or in deteriorating or overcrowded housing stock. This is unstable housing with significant impacts to our community that should not be ignored. This is a permanent change that we are not able to impact. • Council and staff should look closely at policies that may be too restrictive regarding a city's autonomy. This might affect land use or public safety issues. • Proposals for performance improvement require not only new, but realigned funding. South County cities have greater needs for services and disproportionately less funding, and this may have a real impact to our budget. Our 2015 -2016 budget is already established, and we are unsure how realignment will impact the ability of our contracted partners to provide critical services. • Siting of facilities for which suburban cities are not prepared. The plan requires suburban attention on additional services such as mental health, substance abuse and specialized housing. These are regional services and coordination is critical. • Need for increased staffing capacity to address housing affordability to very low income households. New housing for this population will require inter - jurisdictional cooperation and public subsidies. FINANCIAL IMPACT It is unknown what the financial impact will be for implementing this new plan, as well as what the expectations are for contributions by suburban jurisdictions. Many of the strategies are unfunded, uncertain, and would need significant political support. Should strategies that do not have clear funding resources be included as statements of value that all stakeholders hold? Tukwila's Human Services budget funds a broad range of services that contribute to the health and well- being of our residents. Our Board has chosen to take a broad based approach. The City of Tukwila has Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Page 5 of 8 a variety of avenues in place that contribute to the prevention of homelessness. We fund a significant amount of rent and utility assistance ($62,000). Additionally we are funding several shelters, ($24,300) and homeless outreach through Sound Mental Health and Auburn Youth Resources ($15,500). The City also allows Way Back Inn to use and maintain 3 properties for providing up to 90 days of rent and utility free housing to allow families to get back on their feet. Other services contribute to homelessness prevention such as food bank services, refugee support services, and domestic violence support services. We are concerned about the impacts to these services as outlined in the draft CEH Strategic Plan. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of Ms. Boykan and considered and discussed the issues at length, to include the following comments: Concern regarding unfunded mandates that may occur as a result of the plan adoption; The importance of not being rushed on this decision and a desire to take it through the Council Committee process; Concern about supporting the plan with caveats that may get overlooked in the long -term; The necessity of ensuring the impacts and benefits to Tukwila are a top priority; and Recognition that this plan is a positive effort to reduce homelessness in the region. Councilmember Quinn asked Ms. Boykan if she feels the Council should oppose the plan, and Ms. Boykan responded in the negative. She explained this is a positive step for the region, and it is equally important that collaboration continue among all stakeholders to ensure the needs of the community members of each agency are not compromised. Council President Kruller said she would work with Ms. Boykan to outline the concerns affecting Tukwila, to be included as part of the input given to SCA. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO SUPPORT THE PLAN, TO INCLUDE CONCERNS REGARDING THE NEEDS OF THE TUKWILA COMMUNITY. NEW BUSINESS a. Council motion designating an Acting Council President for the March 9, 2015 Committee of the Whole meeting. Council President Kruller stated she would not be in attendance at the March 9, 2015 Committee of the Whole meeting, and it is necessary for the Council to designate an Acting Council President for that meeting. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY QUINN TO ELECT COUNCILMEMBER DUFFIE AS THE ACTING COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR THE MARCH 9, 2015 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. b. Discussion and potential decision regarding the addition of language in Council emails noting in part that "email communication is subject to public disclosure." Council President Kruller explained that she talked with the City Attorney regarding putting a footer on Council emails noting that the messages are subject to public disclosure. The Council Analyst distributed the suggested language to the Council, which was approved by the City Attorney, and reads as follows: "Please be aware that email communication with City of Tukwila Councilmembers is a public record and is subject to disclosure upon request. Public documents and records are available to the public as provided under the Washington State Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW)." Ms. Kruller said that many agencies do this, and while it is not mandatory, she would like the Council to lead by example and all use standardized language. She also explained that the City Attorney has noted that whether the language is used or not, the email communications are subject to public disclosure. Rachel Turpin, City Attorney, said there is no legal requirement to do this, nor is it prohibited. Since this will add more language to emails relating to document searches for public records requests, it would be helpful if the language used by the Councilmembers was identical to allow for enhanced efficiency in the search process. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Page 6 of 8 The Councilmembers discussed this issue and were supportive of using a footer regarding public disclosure in their emails. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the ribbon cutting event for the Aflac Insurance Company on Interurban Avenue on February 24, 2015. That same day he also visited the Red Dot Corporation on Andover Park East as part of the business outreach program. On February 25, 2015 he had a meeting at the Museum of Flight that was coordinated by Dave Sabey and Mikel Hansen with the intent of bringing the key players together to promote consideration of a Boeing Access Road Light Rail station. That project was eliminated when light rail came from Seattle to Tukwila International Boulevard. The need is significant due to increased employee populations from Boeing, the Museum and Aviation High School. There was an excellent conversation among the key players, and Rachel Bianchi, Communications Manager, will continue to work on this issue. Additionally, on February 25, he attended the Cascade Water Alliance Board of Directors meeting and the SCA (Sound Cities Association) networking dinner. Dow Constantine, King County Executive, was the featured speaker. Also at the meeting, the President of SCA, Matt Larson, provided information relating to where individuals come from to work in each City. The information was very informative and is beneficial in assessing traffic issues and needs. On February 27, 2015 the Mayor attended the Valley Mayors meeting where the focus was on the Surface Water Inventory. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie referenced discussion at the Transportation Committee meeting and relayed that people will not be able to park at the Foster Golf Course unless they are there to utilize the golf course facilities. Vehicles will be towed if they are parked there for reasons other than use of golf course facilities. Council President Kruller said she is the Vice Chair for the King County Law, Safety and Justice Committee and she attended the recent meeting. The King County Sheriff spoke about legislation regarding body cameras, and the Seattle Police Deputy Chief gave a report on their approach to policing with emphasis on training and de- escalation. She also attended the Joint City Council /Planning Commission work session on February 25, 2015 at Showalter Middle School, which was very productive. She would like to consider a joint Council /School Board meeting, possibly in April. She reported that the Burmese family who lost their mother recently has run into a problem with living quarters. As the situation develops, it may turn out that this family is displaced. This is disturbing, and she will contact the Human Services staff regarding this issue. Councilmember Ekberg attended the recent MPD meeting and the joint City Council /Planning, Commission meeting. This past weekend, he participated in the TIBAC (Tukwila international Boulevard Action Committee) cleanup event. He handled the westbound ramp of State Route 599 up to 599, and it was heavily strewn with garbage. Mr. Ekberg announced that Foster High School is celebrating its 100th year of existence on March 21, 2015. The doors will open at 3:00 p.m. with a formal ceremony to include open microphone speaking, live music, live presentations, a re- enactment with the very first graduate of the school, and all are welcome. He has asked the City, through the Public Works Director, if it is possible to use the parking area alongside the Tukwila Village site as overflow parking for the event. Councilmember Hougardy attended the SeaTac City Council Study session with Economic Development staff to give a presentation regarding Soundside. She noted that they have a 2 -hour study session before their regular meetings twice a month. She noted their website includes the Council Agendas on the introductory page on the right side -bar, and it was very helpful. She reported she will be conducting the next Council Coffee Chat on March 7, 2015, and it will be held at the Police Resource Center in the Westfield Southcenter Mall. Councilmember Quinn felt the joint Council /Planning Commission work session was very well put together and provided a big picture perspective. He asked if the information would be available on the website. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Page 7 of 8 c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator (CA) Report and offered to answer any questions. Councilmember Ekberg referenced the portion of the report regarding the tour of the Renton Technical College. He inquired regarding City staff facilitating the tour. Mr. Cline explained that Tukwila is in the service area for the college, and City residents get training at the college. Part of the City's economic development goals include collaboration with agencies that facilitate training for Tukwila residents. Councilmember Seal referenced the portion of the report that provides an update on the parking issues at Foster Golf Links. She said the north end of the parking lot is being affected by non -users of the golf facilities. Cars will be towed from the lot effective April 1, 2015. Council President Kruller referenced the part of the report that talks about the demolition of the motels in 2015. She inquired if there was a more solid date. Mr. Cline said the plan is to do them all at the same time, and he would get back to the Council on the date. Ms. Kruller would also like to know when dirt will be moved on Tukwila Village. Mr. Cline will also provide that information. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Kruller said the Tukwila School District would like 1 Councilmember to be part of a bond committee. The meetings will be held Thursday evenings in April and May from 5:30 -7:30 p.m., and there could be some overlap with the MPD meetings. Councilmembers should let her know if they are interested in participating. She offered the reminder that March 14, 2015 is the Bowl -a -thon that supports the Tukwila Food Pantry. While there are scheduling conflicts, she suggested forming a "virtual" team as a means to contribute. Councilmember Hougardy referenced a "Click and Request" app that the City of SeaTac has implemented. She downloaded the free application, and you are able to report issues, to include photos or videos. She suggested the City contact SeaTac to see how it is working in the next couple of months. Councilmember Ekberg referenced Code Enforcement issues that have been discussed at Council meetings recently. He went online and completed Tukwila's online form and said he did not need to be contacted. However, action has been taken and the house with strewn garbage has shown signs of cleanup. Code Enforcement is active in the city. Council President Kruller said Rachel Bianchi, the Communications Manager, gave a high level report on the Allentown survey results 2 -3 weeks ago. It had been requested that the data be provided to the Councilmembers, and she is hoping that will be forthcoming. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 ADJOURNMENT Page 8 of 8 8:50 p.m. MOVED BY KRULLER, SECONDED BY HOUGARDY THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 3/16/15 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 3/17115