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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-13 Community Affairs and Parks Minutes* City Of Tukwila * Community Affairs and Parks Committee COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE - Meeting Minutes April 13, 2015 — 5:30 p.m. — Hazelnut Conference Room PRESENT Councilmembers: Verna Seal, Chair; Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg Staff: David Cline, Tracy Gallaway, Stephanie Gardner, Kirstin May, Dave Johnson, Jack Pace, Mike Villa, Laurel Humphrey Guest: Sharon Mann, Resident CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair Seal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. I. PRESENTATIONS II. BUSINESS AGENDA A. King County Partners in Community Health Grant Award Parks and Recreation staff updated the Committee on a successful application to King County Public Health (KCPH) for a "Partners in Community Health" grant, which is part of a larger grant to KCPH from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The funding will be awarded via three separate contracts, beginning with $30,000 from May- September 2015. Funding awarded through the two subsequent contracts will be determined by the annual CDC provision to KCPH and will depend on successful implementation of stated objectives in earlier contracts. This funding will enable staff to implement healthy lifestyle goals on the department's work plan in the areas of education, public awareness, and City administrative policy. INFORMATION ONLY. B. Preschool Program Update Parks and Recreation staff updated the Committee on the Preschool program operating at the Tukwila Community Center. Two preschool classes began in September 2014: a 2 -day per week class for year olds and a 3 -day per week class for 4 year olds. The program is well - attended as there is significant community interest in affordable preschool programs. Based upon inquiries from the public regarding enrollment for 2015 -2016, staff believes there is enough demand to support an additional class for 4 year olds in the community. A funding request for expansion of this program will be proposed to Council through the 2015 General Fund budget amendment process. INFORMATION ONLY. C. Ordinance: Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 12.08 - Park Rules and Regulations Staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance to amend Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 12.08, Park Rules and Regulations. The chapter has not been amended since 1998 and staff recommends a number of changes to bring it in line with current practices and standards as well as to eliminate redundancies with state and other laws. Once approved, the standard "Park Rules" sign will be updated and a sign inventory will be provided to Council pursuant to an earlier request. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and did not propose additional changes. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO APRIL 27, 2015 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. Community Affairs & Parks Committee Minutes April 13, 2015 - Page 2 D. Marijuana Regulations Discussion At its March 23, 2015 meeting, the Committee requested a cross - departmental discussion on penalty and enforcement strategies for marijuana growing code violations. City Attorney Rachel Turpin opened the discussion by stating that the City's main objective is to get illegal grow operations stopped as soon as possible. The typical code violation process involving a notice and order is lengthy, involving an appeal process and hearing examiner decision prior to getting to a courtroom. A faster option would be to seek injunctive relief, which can be obtained in a matter of weeks, and the defendant's failure to comply would mean contempt of court and the potential for stiffer penalties. This will require Council action and a motion relating to certain properties in the City will be prepared for the April 20, 2015 Regular Meeting. Committee members and staff also discussed options for potential legislation, including an outright ban on collective gardens and a criminal zoning code violation. Regarding the former, marijuana - related legislation is still active at the State legislature and appropriate City actions are not yet clarified. If the City enacts a criminal code violation it is still the case that penalties are unlikely to be high and the potential for deterrant may not be as hoped. The Committee was supportive of the City Attorney's proposal for injunctive relief as a tool to combat illegal marijuana growing activities, and did not request that an ordinance be prepared at this time. INFORMATION ONLY. III. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Ekberg inquired about the status of the totem pole at the Duwamish Hill Preserve. It has been cut down due to safety concerns relating to internal rot, and pieces displaying the carvings will be relocated to sites within the park. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m Next meeting: Monday, May 11, 2015 Committee Chair Approval Minutes by LH