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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers March 23, 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 7:02 p.m. Councilmember Seal 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; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Bruce Linton, Deputy Police Chief; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Residential Focus Area — Housing. Jack Pace, Community Development Director. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to discuss how City departments can collectively improve the quality of housing in Tukwila. At the last meeting Police Chief Villa provided an overview of how the City is creating safer communities. The presentation this evening will focus on ways to improve the quality of housing in Tukwila. Mr. Pace explained that the City's vision and strategy related to housing are based on various documents, including • Comprehensive Plan • Strategic Plan • Home Repair Program • Crime Prevention pamphlet Outreach, support and education These efforts are key to facilitating improvements in housing, and many different City departments are involved in ways to push information out to residents on a variety of programs. • Hazardous materials education and recycling • Indoor air quality presentation • Landlord tenant training • Crime free housing initiative • Utility rebates • National Night Out • Block Watch support • Minor Home Repair Program • Waste Management recycling challenge • Publicizing non - Tukwila programs • Employment support referrals • Community Connectors program • Developing relationships, i.e. Rainbow Trailer Haven • Community Conversations • Allentown survey • Fire and Police partnerships with DCD (Department of Community Development) and Human Services • Backyard Wildlife Community Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 2 of 7 The most recent edition of the "Tukwila Reporter" contains an article on rebates and discounts, including those the City coordinates with Comcast and Waste Management. The City has a partnership with Waste Management for Earth Day with a goal of increasing recycling. With a 25% increase in residential sign - ups for recycling, the City will receive a donation of $5,000 to go to the Tukwila Pantry, which will provide an additional 5,000 meals to our neighbors in need. The Community Clean -up program last year provided residents with an opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials, recyclables and bulky items (mattresses, appliances and tires). All these big and small initiatives combine to improve housing; there is no one solution to solve all the problems. Infrastructure Housing conditions do not end at the property line; the community as a whole affects housing quality. Current City programs that support livability and neighborhoods include: • Annual overlay and repair program • Annual small safety projects • Annual small drainage program • 42nd Ave. S. street and surface water improvements • 53rd Ave. S. street, water, sewer and surface water improvements • Surface water management • Walk and Roll plan • Thorndyke and Cascade View Safe Routes to School • Traffic engineering and design • Residential parks • Sensitive areas designations The Walk and Roll Plan began in 2010 with a grant to improve walkability around schools, including physical components such as improving stormwater and sidewalks. The plan also includes an education component, such as teaching children where they should cross the street and the importance of using sidewalks. During the Community Conversation events, staff learned what residents prefer. Although Tukwila is a very diverse community, the residents all had a similar desire of what they wanted their neighborhood to look like. It is not always the obvious things that affect livability. Planning and permitting Work across many departments has an impact on housing standards, including design review for remodeled multi - family development, fire regulations, and signage. Examples of planning and permitting tools include: • Design review • Residential remodel permits • Comprehensive Plan updates • Tukwila International Boulevard redevelopment • Southcenter Urban Center designation • Building permit review • Fire codes • Public facilities review • Planning Commission • Shoreline Master Plan program • Tukwila South • Walk and Roll Plan • Tukwila Municipal Code changes • Historic preservation • Sign Code Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 3 of 7 The $20 flat fee for a residential building permit approved last year provides homeowners with an inexpensive way to get permits for work such as moving an interior wall, replacing a roof or building a new deck. Inspection and enforcement • Building inspections • Fire inspections • Code enforcement • Fire and Police partnership with DCD and Human Services • Traffic patrols • Rental Housing Inspection Program • Hot Spots • Right -of -way enforcement and clean -up • Clearing, grading, storm drain and paving inspections Inspections such as those conducted as part of the residential rental housing program help create a common understanding of "livability." Partnerships between Police, Fire, DCD and Human Services are important as Police and Fire personnel are often the first to identify problematic structures and living conditions. Abatement Mr. Pace showed before and after photos of three properties that have gone through abatement proceedings. All three properties had an absentee owner, overgrown vegetation, garbage, and security issues. Liens were placed on the properties to recover the costs associated with clean up. This discussion on housing will continue at the next scheduled Council meeting (April 6), where the focus will be on increasing pride and ownership in Tukwila neighborhoods. The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Pace for the presentation and exchanged comments including: • They have seen a difference in their own neighborhoods. • Residents are happy to have the Police Department and Code Enforcement available to help them improve their neighborhood. • There are costs associated with these efforts, and the difficulty is in prioritizing expenditures. • Programs such as the $20 residential permit fee make it easier for people to make improvements to their homes. A daunting permit process will sometimes deter people. Incentives can be helpful to drive improvement or redevelopment of housing stock and make positive changes. • Mental health issues can be a bigger, over - arching problem in cases with poor living conditions. • Concern about incidents that occur over the weekend when Code Enforcement is not available. Councilmember Ekberg stated that the process works best if the resident wants their living conditions to change. He asked about the typical length of time involved from initial contact to abatement. Mr. Pace explained the variables involved, which include: 1. Making contact with the owner. It is more difficult when the owner does not live in the house; often they are not even in Washington. 2 The type of abatement will impact the amount of time needed. The process is simpler when the work needed is on the outside of the property and the City can file a lien. The process is longer when a property tax lien is required (i.e. to demolish a house) or for work needed inside a house. 3. Once the legal process is complete, code enforcement staff get a short list of contractors from Public Works. From the time approval is received from the City Attorney, it is usually a matter of weeks until work is complete. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 4 of 7 Mr. Pace stated additional items will be brought to Community Affairs and Parks Committee meetings in the spring to reexamine standards for housing such as air quality and Section 8 standards. Councilmember Seal, Committee Chair, said they will also delve into more details of the residential rental housing inspection program. Councilmember Hougardy commented on the "after" pictures shown, in which windows and /or doors of the houses are boarded up. She asked if there were any alternatives that would make the properties less unsightly for neighbors. Mr. Pace explained the property must be secure or people will get in and vandalize or cause damage or even start afire to keep warm. Neighbors may also end up calling the Police if they see lights on because they know the property is vacant and no one should be living there. The plywood also prevents protection from rain and moisture as windows have often been broken out. Councilmember Quinn asked questions relating to (1) whether there is an educational component to inform residents about inspections and enforcement, and (2) how DCD will keep this high level of collaboration going between departments. Mr. Pace stated that the LEAN process completed by Code Enforcement identified 30 -, 60- and 90 -day programs. They have now implemented courtesy letters and made changes to the way people are notified. The TRAKiT permitting software will allow people to check the status of action related to their property on -line. Improvements to the City's website will make it easier for people to get information and contact Code Enforcement. DCD also has a flyer that is widely distributed, which outlines who to call if you have issues or complaints on a specific topic, i.e. animal control or fire safety, as Code Enforcement does not handle all issues. Police enforces noise complaints and parking in the public right -of -way. He explained staff will continue to break down barriers so residential housing quality is seen as a City issue rather than work done by different departments. He has on -going discussions with department heads, which results in cross - department efforts such as asking the Fire Chief if there are fire or life safety items they would like Code Enforcement to check on since they are able to access the inside of houses. Mr. Pace also acknowledged the benefits of HPO (high - performing organization) concepts and other support from City administration. Councilmember Ekberg asked what steps are taken to prevent a repeat offense once an abatement process is complete. Mr. Pace explained one of the hardest situations is when a property tax lien has been placed on a house with owner - occupied hoarders. Although absentee owners can be difficult to locate, they usually are not repeat offenders as the property is an investment for them and they know there is now a lien on the property, which will affect them should they want to sell. The inspection program has prompted improvements with some rental properties where the owner /managers were previously unaware of the condition. Tukwila continues to find unique solutions to unique problems. Mr. Pace stated that he has been invited to speak at the National APA (American Planning Association) conference in Seattle this year on suburban poverty and what Tukwila is doing. The City received a state award for its Community Conversations program. A partnership is currently in place with the school district, YMCA and the City's Parks & Recreation Department for an after - school program. The City of SeaTac is learning techniques from us regarding Code Enforcement. Council President Kruller asked if there are any current standards or processes Tukwila has in place that have proven burdensome or should be reviewed. Mr. Pace stated they may be able to expand the $20 flat fee permit. TRAKiT will facilitate the submission of permits on -line. Some standards are unique to Tukwila, such as how to do residential infill. Policy direction may be needed to balance the needs of residents living next to vacant lots and new development going in. Some traffic and parking issues in neighborhoods are tied to plans such as Safe Routes to School and Walk and Roll, which offer options to driving. Sidewalks are prioritized near Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 5 of 7 schools. The City also continues to face infrastructure issues with areas that have been annexed from the county over the past 25 years. Council President Kruller reported on new tools that may be available using technology, such as citizens being able to submit a complaint by sending a photo depicting a problematic situation, or being able to call a number and hear information that has been translated to another language. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES Council discussion on scheduling Special Meetings: Teens for Tukwila, Town Hall, Joint Council/ School Board, 2017 -2018 Budget Priorities, and 2015 Comprehensive Plan Review Process. Council President Kruller explained there are a number of meetings that will need to be scheduled to discuss specific issues or meet with other groups /entities. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, distributed a spreadsheet of 6 specific topics that have already been identified. 1. Teens for Tukwila 2. Town Hall 3. Joint School Board 4. 2017 -2018 Budget Priorities 5. Housing /Residential Elements of Comprehensive Plan 6. SeaTac Small Group A seventh item is a meeting on the Facilities Phase 4 work sessions and presentations. The Joint School Board /Council meeting is scheduled to be hosted by the School Board this year. Among other topics, the School District Superintendent would like to explore ways to assist students and families facing housing issues, including foreclosed homes, occupying houses where the lights are out, and working with banks. The Council will propose the following dates for a joint meeting: April 9 April 29 April 30 Teens for Tukwila. Councilmember Hougardy explained the Teens for Tukwila would like to have a preliminary meeting with 3 Councilmembers for planning purposes before meeting with the full Council. At their group meeting on March 25, they will decide on either April 1 or April 8 (6:00 pm at the Community Center) for that meeting. Councilmembers Hougardy, Seal and Duffie would be available on April 8. Town Hall. Council President Kruller reported that she has discussed holding a Town Hall with people at the Church by the Side of the Road. The building has a Fellowship Hall that seats up to 100 people and a kitchen for refreshments, and the facility could be used for no cost. Thursdays would be the best day for that venue. June 4 was selected as a tentative date. Allentown neighborhood. David Cline, City Administrator, reported that a neighborhood meeting has been scheduled in Allentown on May 7 to report on survey results and next steps. He also reported the Steering Committee for Facilities is meeting next week, and they will want to meet with Council in May and June. SeaTac Small Group. It was agreed that Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, will work with participants to schedule the SeaTac Small Group meeting. Councilmembers Duffie, Robertson, Ekberg and Hougardy expressed interest in participating. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 6 of 7 2017 -2018 budget priorities. Ms. Humphrey reported that contractual arrangements still need to be worked out with The Athena Group for facilitating a meeting on 2017 -2018 budget priorities. She suggested looking at a date in May for that meeting. Comprehensive Plan Elements. Mr. Pace stated the City would like to complete the Comprehensive Plan this year. The Neighborhood and Housing Elements are scheduled to be complete by August. Councilmember Robertson stated it would be beneficial to have a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss visioning and broad ideas related to the Comprehensive Plan Elements. This work will have long -term impacts. The subsequent work sessions on these issues require interactive discussions and would be more efficient with the Council working as a smaller group. He referenced the format utilized for creating the Shoreline Management Plan as an example. It is important to determine how many meetings are needed and plan around summer vacation schedules. Mr. Cline suggested April 27 as a potential date for the joint meeting (in lieu of a Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting). Ms. Humphrey will work with staff to confirm dates. Regional Fire Authority. In response to a question about the need for a meeting with the Regional Fire Authority Steering Committee, Mr. Cline reported updates will be provided during regularly - scheduled Council meetings. A meeting for further action may be scheduled in the fall. T�I3t': a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton stated the City has sent a letter to Representative Jinkins in support of the eminent domain authority cities currently have, as was used on Tukwila International Boulevard for economic development. Chief Villa will represent the City at a hearing on the matter in Olympia on March 25. The Mayor shared information on this issue with other cities at a Sound Cities Association Board of Directors meeting last week. On March 20, 2015, he attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet, which was attended by approximately 175 people. He heard many positive comments about the event and the award recipients. On March 21, 2015, he attended the opening match of the Sounders S2 team. Just under 3,000 people were in attendance (the stadium has a capacity of 4,000). He was pleased to participate in the coin toss, and the Tukwila Police Honor Guard participated in the event. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet on March 20, 2015, and he heard from many employees that they hope this event continues. He attended the centennial celebration at Foster High School on March 21, 2015, and expressed kudos to Pat Brodin, Operations Manager, for his participation in the event. Councilmember Robertson attended the S2 game on March 21, 2015, and commented that it appears to be the beginning of a good working relationship between the City and the Sounders organization. Councilmember Ekberg attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet on March 20, 2015, and enjoyed the event. On March 21, 2015, he attended the Easter egg plunge at Tukwila Pool and the centennial celebration at Foster High School, where he estimated at least 1,000 people were in attendance. Councilmember Seal attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet on March 20, 2015, and commented she enjoyed the different award categories this year. She also attended the centennial celebration at Foster High School on March 21, 2015, and felt the planning committee did a great job. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Regional Transit Committee meeting on March 18, 2015. Two items were addressed at the workshop -style meeting: The Access to Transit Study and the Metro Transit Long -Range Plan. The group identified park- and -ride lots as integral to access to transit, and expressed that Metro's Long -Range Plan needs to work with cities' comprehensive plans. She attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet on March 20, 2015, and the centennial celebration at Foster High School on March 21, 2015. March 24 is the only evening performance of the childrens' play, which will also be performed during the day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 23, 2015 Page 7 of 7 Councilmember Quinn attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet on March 20, 2015, and enjoyed hearing about the passion City employees have for public service. He attended the centennial celebration at Foster High School on March 21, 2015. Also on March 21, he talked with some members of a local youth soccer team that won a championship last year and they have been having trouble finding fields to play on in Tukwila. Council President Kruller attended the employee appreciation and awards banquet on March 20, 2015, and enjoyed the park scenes and talking with employees about their daily work. On March 21, 2015, she attended the egg hunt at Tukwila Pool, as well as the centennial celebration at Foster High School and the Sounders S2 game. Council President Kruller stated that a copy of Sound Cities Association's letter to end homelessness has been provided to each Councilmember. Council President Kruller reminded everyone that there are five Mondays this month, so there will be no Council meeting or Committee meetings next week. c. Staff Davie Cline, City Administrator, reported there was a major water leak on the second floor of Westfield Mall on March 20, which caused significant damage to Seafood City. Fire personnel and building inspectors have been available to help the store get up and running again, and they are expected to return to business on Friday, March 27. Mr. Cline expressed appreciation to Cheryl Thompson, Executive Assistant, for an excellent job coordinating the employee appreciation and awards banquet. On March 21, 2015, he attended the Sounders S2 event and the centennial celebration at Foster High School. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Kruller reported that the next scheduled event at Tukwila Pool is April 18 on water safety. ADJOURNMENT 9:27 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KRULLER DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADiJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Kate!`// Cour 'iI President Barbara Saxton, Adrrdnigtrative Support Coordinator APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 4/13/15 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 4/14/15