HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-24 Special Minutes - Small Group Joint Meeting with City of SeaTacSmall Group Joint Meeting
Meeting Summary
Small Group Joint Meeting Tukwila /SeaTac
Location: SeaTac City Hall,
Date: July 24, 2015
Begin Time: 9:00 a.m.
End Time: 10:27 a.m.
PRESENT
McMicken Room
From SeaTac: Mia Gregerson, Mayor; Tony Anderson and Pam Fernald, Councilmembers;
Todd Cutts, City Manager; Joe Scorcio, Community and Economic
Development Director
From Tukwila: Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Kathy Hougardy Councilmembers; David
Cline, City Administrator; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst
Welcome & Introductions
The meeting began with a welcome from Mayor Gregerson and self- introductions of attendees.
Tukwila International Boulevard Light Rail Station Area Update
Mr. Scorcio provided an update on planning in the South 154th Street station area, including
land assembly and infrastructure investment. The vision is for mixed -use, transit and pedestrian
friendly redevelopment with localized retail and high density housing. The development
community is aware of future opportunities in this area. Additionally, SeaTac is working with
the State on cleanup of the Betty Brite property. SeaTac will receive 1.25 million in State capital
funding for the International Marketplace project, which will be included in the development
concept for the area. Development in this area will include improvements to the intersection at
152nd and TIB. In its assessment of this area, the Urban Land Institute recommended fee -
based parking in support of light rail ridership and local business. He distributed copies of the
Station Area Project Background and Urban Land Institute recommendations.
Councilmember Robertson shared that current efforts toward the Tukwila International
Boulevard Comprehensive Plan update are focusing on a vision of a walkable area with main
street character. A consultant hired by the City advised that the market is not quite ready for
new housing.
Attendees discussed the importance of having a unified vision for this area, with common goals
and elimination of service redundancies. Leadership and planners from both cities are in
regular communication toward this effort. Councilmembers agreed that it would be useful to
have shared talking points when lobbying for funding or describing the common vision, and are
supportive of staff collaboration with regular updates to Councils. Mayor Gregerson would like
this group to meet again on this topic with each group respectively reporting back to their
Councils on the outcome.
Code Compliance /Enforcement Update
Mr. Scorcio provided an update on code enforcement strategies in the City of SeaTac. The
program was adjusted during the last budget cycle and is currently undergoing review by a
dedicated, cross - departmental working group. There will be more focus on proactive practices
and community outreach than in the past. Their code was originally based on King County's
code and has evolved over time to better meet their needs. Substantial code amendments are
being developed now and expected to be reviewed by Council in September. Code
Enforcement staff from both cities regularly meet to share best practices. SeaTac is
considering a rental housing inspection program of their own. Councilmember Hougardy noted
that Tukwila's Strategic Plan was instrumental in giving staff the guidance to put resources into
strengthening code enforcement.
Fire Services Update
Mr. Cline provided an update on Tukwila's current examination of the possibility of annexing to
the Kent Regional Fire Authority. There is a steering committee, a finance committee, and a
governance committee evaluating various aspects, and the steering committee is on track to
make a recommendation to Council by the end of the year. Depending on the outcome and
Council approval there is possibility of a public vote in April 2016, concurrent with Kent RFA's
next vote. He noted that regardless of the outcome, the close proximity of SeaTac's Station
47 and Tukwila's Station 54 present a valuable opportunity for partnership and he would like to
continue that conversation.
Other
Mr. Cline noted the award of $1 billion in funding from the Legislature for the SR 509 extension
project. The project will benefit the whole area and is worth celebrating.
He also shared that Tukwila's Transportation Committee recently receive an update on the
intersection at 42nd Avenue South and South 160th Street. Tukwila is in the design phase of a
project that will construct ADA improvements in the northern corner. At that meeting Public
Works staff shared that SeaTac has no plans regarding the southern corners of the intersection.
He brought this to Mr. Cutts' attention and the two will have further discussions about
possibilities for aligning improvements for a cohesive intersection.
Mayor Gregerson thanked Tukwila for its participation in regional transportation planning efforts
and noted the Sustainable Airport Master Plan currently being developed by the Port.
Stakeholders in South King County are meeting regularly and cities should ensure their
transportation plans are written to accommodate impacts from the projected future airport
expansion.
Councilmember Duffie noted that as 2016 Council President, he would like to have two Tukwila -
SeaTac cooperative meetings.
Meeting Summary by LH
Joint Meeting: Tukwila /SeaTac ................................................................................................... ............................... July 24, 2015 - Page 2