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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers July 27, 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 7:03 p.m. Councilmember Robertson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Kate Kruller, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. Councilmember Seal was not present. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Jay Smoot, Information Technology Specialist; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS Dwight McLean, 13015 38th Avenue South, explained he rides a recumbent trike along the Green River Trail in Tukwila. He thanked the City for removing some of the posts along the trail to make it easier for riding his type of trike along the trails. He feels the City's trail system is a wonderful opportunity for people to safely enjoy exercise. Councilmember Robertson thanked Mr. McLean for his service to the City. Councilmember Hougardy asked for clarification on the location of the remaining poles along the trails. Mr. McLean stated the trail area where there are pole issues runs along the Family Fun Center, and in this area the poles require that he reduces his speed. He stated he will work with the Parks Department on locations of the poles that hinder his use of the trail. PUBLIC HEARING An ordinance amending the 2015 -2016 Biennial Budget. 7:11 p.m. Council President Kruller opened the Public Hearing. Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, explained that budget amendments in the past have been presented for approval once, in the fall of each year. For 2015, an additional budget amendment process has been scheduled to: a. Incorporate budget items that were known but not included in the 2015 -2016 budget due to time constraints, and b. Adjust the budgeted beginning fund balances to the actual 2014 ending fund balances for any large variances. In addition to these amendment types, certain other amendments have been proposed for initiatives supported by City Administration or Council. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 2 of 9 The amendments have been grouped into three categories, (1) From 2015 -16 Budget Process, (2) Carryovers from 2014, and (3) Other. These categories are explained in more detail below. From 2015 -16 Budget Process — These items were known at the time the budget was published but adjustments were not made due to time constraints. This category also includes a true up of the budgeted beginning fund balances based on the actual 2014 ending fund balances. Carryovers from 2014 — Certain budgets that were not used in 2014 are being carried over to 2015. The capital project budget carryovers will occur with the second budget amendment process in the fall. Other — Most amendments in this category support initiatives advocated by the Administration or the City Council or are revenue backed with no effect on fund balance. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions on the process and the timing of this budget amendment. 7:15 p.m. Council President Kruller closed the Public Hearing. 7:16 p.m. Council President Kruller reopened the public hearing and called for public comments. There were no public comments. 7:16 p.m. Council President Kruller closed the Public Hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance amending the 2015 -2016 Biennial Budget. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on July 21, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The Council is being asked to approve an ordinance amending the 2015 -2016 biennial budget to adjust certain costs, beginning fund balances and record the budgets for new initiatives. The Councilmembers thanked staff for the detailed information that was provided in the agenda packet (pages 3 through 6). COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. An ordinance authorizing condemnation of right -of -way on the west side of the Green River for the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge Project. Notice of Final Action. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on July 6, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, stated final design of the TUC Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge is underway and temporary construction and permanent easements and right -of -way are needed in order to construct the proposed bridge. The draft ordinance will provide the authority to acquire the easements and right -of -way on the west side of the Green River near Riverview Plaza. As with previous projects that have involved acquiring additional property, the City will work cooperatively with the property owners. However, should the City be unsuccessful in these efforts, condemnation of the property would be required. Letters have been mailed to the property owners notifying them of the potential condemnation, including Council's schedule for review and approval of the draft ordinance. Council President Kruller called for public comments on the Notice of Final Action. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 3 of 9 Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk, acknowledged receipt of 1 written comment letter received in the City Clerk's Office relating to Special Issues 4b, the Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge trail route. The following written comment letter was distributed to the City Council and referenced into the record: 1. A 1 -page letter from Courtney Kaylor on behalf of BRCP Riverview Plaza, LLC dated July 27, 2015, appreciating the decision by the City to locate the pedestrian /bicycle bridge trail on a route that does not pass through the Riverview Plaza parking lot. Courtney Kaylor, 701 51" Avenue , Ste. 6600, Seattle, stated she is present this evening representing Broadreach Capital Partners, who are the owners of the Riverview Plaza. She wanted to appear in person and express appreciation by her clients for the City's decision to locate the trail on the existing easement pathway. Broadreach has worked with City staff and provided comments on the design of the proposed project and they look forward to continuing to work together on the easement documents. The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Kaylor for attending the meeting this evening and providing the Council with comments on behalf of the property owners. Councilmember Robertson voiced his support for the proposed ordinance. He commented that when the trail and path are designed, he feels the City should take extreme care in preserving and protecting the existing mature trees. He explained with the area's recent high temperatures, the river temperature has increased, thus causing harm to salmonid and other river wildlife. Mr. Robertson suggested that when the project moves forward, language be included in the contract about protecting the mature trees and project area. Councilmember Quinn commented that he supports the comment made by Councilmember Robertson. He suggested staff find a way to include the protection of the existing trees as part of the project documentation, as it would benefit the City, the shoreline and the overall project. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Review of proposed 2016 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) sheet for the Strander Boulevard Extension Phase III Project. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on July 20, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the City submitted a $20 million dollar TIGER grant application for the Strander Boulevard Extension Phase III project in June 2015. With other potential grant opportunities, staff is proposing a new 2016 CIP sheet for this project. If the City utilizes the $2 million of City funds in 2016 to begin project design, right -of -way, and wetland mitigation, this action will act as a catalyst for future grant funding. The Council is being asked to approve the revised 2016 CIP Sheet for the Strander Boulevard Extension Project. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on this item. After Council discussion, there was a request to have staff provide documentation that identifies where the proposed $2 million would be transferred from to fund the project work in 2016. Ms. McCarthy stated she would provide written documentation on this item to the Council. Council President Kruller asked if Councilmember Robertson would also meet with staff to discuss the issue. Councilmember Robertson answered in the affirmative. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. An agreement regarding the Green City Partnerships to include an update by staff from Forterra. This item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on May 26, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 4 of 9 Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director, explained Forterra presented the Green City Partnerships program for review at the May 26, 2015 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. The presentation outlined the two -year process for developing and establishing a Green City program. The scope for year one focuses on Forterra conducting a forested park and natural area assessment. The next step would be to develop a Green Tukwila Partnership 20 -Year Plan. Year two focuses on the implementation specifics by creating a Stewardship Plan, a Forest Steward Program and providing on- going support of stewards. Essential City staff would work closely with Forterra throughout this two - year process. Mr. Still introduced Hayes Swinney with Forterra. Ms. Swinney stated she has worked with the City for the past 10 years, specifically on the Duwamish Hill Preserve and Shoreline Restoration projects. She utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Council on the Green City Partnerships. BENEFITS TO HEALTHY URBAN FORESTS • Clean Air and Water • Natural Water Retention and Erosion Control • Habitat for Local Wildlife • Recreational and Educational Opportunities • Revitalized Neighborhoods • Improved Property Values • Greenhouse Gas Reduction • Carbon Sequestration • Physical and Mental Wellness • Saves the urban green space IF WE DO NOTHING If forested natural areas are not restored, aggressive non - native vegetation will dominate the urban forest unless removed. In 100 years, the trees will be gone. City officials estimate that potentially billions of dollars in services such as stormwater control will be lost. WE CAN REVERSE THE TREND IF FORESTED NATURAL AREAS ARE RESTORED Aggressively removing invasive vegetation and planting native trees and shrubs will return the urban forest to a more sustainable condition. In 100 years, the forest will provide the City valuable services and better resist invasive plant infestations. GREEN CITIES — A GROWING NETWORK • Everett • Kirkland • Redmond • Seattle • Kent • Tacoma • Puyallup REGIONAL APPROACH Green Cities Goals: • 7,800 acres (and growing) • Improve urban forest and natural area health • Galvanize an informed and involved community • Ensure long term sustainability Accomplishments: • 1,750 acres in restoration • 239 Stewards • 900,000 Volunteer hours BECOMING A GREEN CITY • Establish Green Tukwila Partnership start-up resources and agreement • Identify parks and natural areas to be included • Assess conditions of parks and natural areas (April — September) Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 5 of 9 Utilize data to create a 20 -year Strategic Plan Establish community -based stewardship program LONG -TERM INVESTMENT Annual program costs include: • Staff (program management, volunteer recruitment and support) • Restoration materials and tools • Marketing and program tracking (database, website, etc.) • Professional /youth employment restoration crew time Councilmember Robertson stated he is very supportive of the proposal, and he asked for clarification on the natural areas described within the presentation. Ms. Swinney stated the City of Tukwila is unique with the Green /Duwamish River running through the City. Forterra, in partnership with the City, has begun restoration projects along the shoreline. Ms. Swinney said they have been working with City staff to identify the natural areas within the City. The focus will be on City -owned land, and that could be parks and City project sites such as Duwamish Gardens. The City also has a lot of natural areas that are owned by Seattle City Light and Washington State Department of Transportation ( WSDOT). Once the partnership has been established between the City and Forterra, and the program is moving along well, it could be possible to approach the other governmental entities who own some of the open space within the City about the partnership opportunity. Councilmember Robertson stated that WSDOT owns a great deal of land within the City. He recalled work previously completed by WSDOT, where they removed a number of trees along the river. He asked if the scope of work associated with the contract could be expanded so all publicly -owned land would be considered "natural areas." He explained that along with the river environment, Interstates 5 and 405 result in a great deal of open space within the City. Land adjacent to the City's natural areas owned by other governmental agencies or by private parties, if not maintained, could negatively impact the City's Green City partnership. Maintaining all the natural areas within the City is very important to the success of the program. A lengthy discussion ensued among the Councilmembers regarding Councilmember Robertson's concern, and it was determined, at this time, that the scope of work would remain as presented in the agenda packet for this meeting. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff and Ms. Swinney to include: The importance of Council input on the final 20 -year plan; The proposed contract is a great example of a public - private partnership; The vision of the Tree Committee to establish a "Tree Bank" (funding) has been realized and this is a next logical step; Implementation of the 20 -year plan will require City resources; What, if any, programs will not be funded due to monies being diverted to this program; and The proposed plan is the first step in the project and plans can be amended as needed. Ms. Swinney clarified that the first step of this program is to conduct a rapid assessment of the forest health in City owned properties. This will need to be accomplished as soon as possible, and the assessment is best done before the trees drop their leaves. Ms. Swinney stated the proposed 20 -year plan would be brought before the Council for approval. Mr. Still stated staff will continue to update the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on the status of the project. Brooke Alford, 4724 South 124th Street, stated as a citizen, she can speak to 14 years of partnership between the City and Forterra, and a lot of good has been accomplished due to the partnership. Now, speaking as a Planning Commissioner, she feels the proposal addresses the Natural Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan, and the Park, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. She feels this would greatly benefit the City, and the assessment should be considered a priority project. Ms. Alford suggested a new committee, such as a Green Tukwila Committee, comprised of Councilmembers, City staff and residents would be an appropriate next step. Ms. Alford explained that she has education and experience in this area and would lend her expertise to this effort. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 6 of 9 Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, addressed the funding question raised by the Council. She explained that the process has been that the individual department would try to absorb the cost of the project within their existing budget. Last year, there were department savings to cover new items. If additional funding is needed by a department, the funding would be added to the budget amendment that the Council will consider in late 2015. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. A resolution revising the Financial Reserve Policy. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on June 2, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, explained the proposed revisions to the Financial Reserve Policy would increase the General Fund reserve level, add a one -time revenue reserve and conform the Health Care Fund reserve policy to current practices. The following are the proposed updates to the Financial Reserve Policy: 1. Ensure sufficient General Fund balance is maintained. The current policy requires a 10% General Fund minimum fund balance. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Best Practices recommends a 16.67% minimum balance. The proposed policy revision increases the minimum balance to 18 %. Together, the proposed revised 18% General Fund reserve requirement and the existing 10% Contingency Fund reserve requirement would commit 28 %, or approximately $15.4 million, to reserves. This level is realistic and attainable since the 2014 unassigned General Fund balance was $10 million and the 2014 Contingency Fund balance totaled $5.7 million. This represents a combined total of $15.7 million, exceeding the estimated $15.4 million required should the policy revision be adopted. 2. Establish a One -time Revenue Reserve. A One -time Revenue Reserve is proposed to ensure that a portion of revenue windfalls from one -time or periodic events — such as construction sales tax and real property sales - is set aside and saved. The reserve would reside in the Contingency Fund and be in addition to the Contingency Fund minimum balance requirement. The One -Time Revenue Reserve would be credited annually with 10% of the prior year one -time revenues. This would occur only if the General Fund surplus for the year is sufficient to cover the reserve funding. Use of the reserves would be based on the recommendation by City Administration and approval by City Council through a resolution. 3. Conform the self - insured health care reserve minimums to those used by the actuary in the annual IBNR (incurred but not reported) liability and IBNR reserve calculations. The Policy now states that the IBNR reserve should equal 2.5 times the IBNR. In practice, and as conservatively recommended by the actuary and health care broker, the IBNR reserve should equal 1.5 times of the IBNR. This reserve is in addition to the IBNR liability. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked that staff provide the dollar amounts associated with the IBNR liability and IBNR reserve funds. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Review Planning Commission - recommended drafts of the Introduction, Vision, Glossary, and Land Use Map Legend of the Comprehensive Plan prior to the August 10, 2015 Public Hearing. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, explained the City is at the final stage in the three -year effort to update the Comprehensive Plan. This has been a valuable process that has allowed staff to engage the community and measure progress. In 2015, staff conducted joint work sessions with the City Council and the Planning Commission to focus on the 2015 updates. Ms. Gierloff stated the Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 7 of 9 items for review this evening are administrative sections of the plan and are not elements. The items for review are the Introduction, Vision, Glossary and Land Use Map Legend. At the July 28, 2015 Special Work Session, the Council will review the final three elements of the Comprehensive Plan: Housing, Residential Neighborhoods and Tukwila International Boulevard. The staff report (listed on pages 95 through 101 of the agenda packet) outline all of the topics to be discussed this evening and at the work session. She reminded the Councilmembers to bring their Comprehensive Plan Binders to the work sessions. On August 10, 2015, the Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed updates to the Comprehensive Plan, and staff will collect the comments received for the Council to review at the August 24, 2015 Committee of the Whole Meeting. After Council review of the proposed changes, the Communications Division will produce the final, formatted version of the Comprehensive Plan for Council adoption in September. Ms. Gierloff reviewed the following administrative sections of the City's Comprehensive Plan: The Introduction and Vision sections are at the beginning of the plan and set the focus and direction for the elements. These sections were updated to reflect how the document and the City have changed over the past 20 years. The major edits to the sections involve: 1. Adding a discussion about the Strategic Plan 2. Referencing new outreach techniques such as the website and community liaisons 3. Changes references from "citizen" to "resident" to reflect that not all of our residents are U.S. citizens 4. Updating the discussion to reflect how the Plan has been updated and implemented over the past 20 years Introduction Explains what is in a Comprehensive Plan, why it is important, how it was developed and how the Plan will be implemented. The four main objectives remain unchanged from the original 1995 Plan: • Improve residential neighborhood quality and livability • Develop and reinvigorate the Tukwila International Boulevard District • Develop and reinvigorate the Manufacturing /Industrial Center (MIC) • Develop a thriving urban center Vision Describes the City's values expressed in the Plan. • Respect for the Past and Present • Compassion and support for individuals and families • Pride of Place • Quality opportunities for working, living and community involvement Ms. Gierloff explained that on July 23, 2015, the Planning Commission held a hearing on the Glossary and Land Use Map Legend, and they made their recommendations that same evening. She distributed copies of the Planning Commission's recommendations to the Council, and reviewed the proposed updates. Map Legend and Glossary The Glossary is a list of terms used in the Plan. It was edited to ensure that the terms and definitions are up -to -date (Shoreline definitions for example) and to remove the definitions no longer used in the elements. The Comprehensive Plan contains a map with designations that mirror the Zoning Map. The Land Use Map Legend explains the designations and links them to the specific Comp Plan Elements. The major edits to the sections involve: 1. Deiete designations that are no longer used 2. Removing specific density limits in residential designations to allow for greater Zoning Code flexibility Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 8 of 9 3. Adding TUC (Tukwila Urban Center) sub- districts developed as part of the subarea plan 4. Changing the Tukwila South Master Plan Area to include a discussion of the Tukwila South Overlay 5. Add the Tukwila International Boulevard District Eliminating the density language in the Comprehensive Plan designations will allow development of zoning for residential housing types such as cottage housing without requiring Comprehensive Plan amendments. Increased Zoning Code densities could also be a tool to encourage redevelopment in specific areas. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff on the proposed changes to the Introduction, Vision, Map Legend and Glossary. Councilmember Robertson commented that it is a good possibility the Council will need additional discussion on these elements, as the Council has received numerous comments about housing and the City's neighborhoods. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton referred to an email that was recently sent by Cascade Water Alliance announcing they will join Seattle Public Utilities, Tacoma Water and the City of Everett in declaring a regional water advisory. Mayor Haggerton read the message from Cascade Water Alliance to the Council and audience On July 23, 2015 he attended Boeing Academy for STEM Learning's (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) announcement event at the Museum of Flight. On July 24, 2015 he, along with City staff from the Mayor's Office, attended Red Dot Corporation's 50th year celebration. On July 25, 2015 he attended the Touch -a -Truck event at Westfield Southcenter, and he commented that he has received several messages on the success of the event. b. City Council Councilmember Robertson commented that his 7 year old grandson is in his second week of camp at the Museum of Flight. He commended the Museum of Flight for the program. Councilmember Ekberg attended the "See you in the Park" event at Duwamish Park on July 22, 2015. On July 24, 2015 he attended the Teen Late Night program at the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Hougardy attended the July 21, 2015 South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting, and she updated the Council on the various topics discussed at the meeting. She announced that the Finance and Safety Committee is reviewing other types of revenue options for the City now, rather than waiting until budget time next year. On July 23, 2015 she attended a ribbon - cutting event for the Sears Outlet Re -Grand Opening, and she participated in the small group Joint City Council meeting with the City of SeaTac on July 24, 2015. On July 25, 2015 she attended the Touch -a -Truck event at Westfield Southcenter. Ms. Hougardy also met with City staff on July 27, 2015 regarding King County Metro, and the City's message to members of the Regional Transit Committee. Councilmember Quinn attended the "See you in the Park" event at Duwamish Park on July 22, 2015 and the Touch -a -Truck event at Westfield Southcenter on July 25, 2015. Council President Kruller attended the Touch -a -Truck event at Westfield Southcenter on July 25, 2015, and she commented on the successful space assignments for the exhibitors. She attended a recent barbeque event with U.S. Representative Adam Smith, and she will be attending the upcoming Sound Cities Association Breakfast event featuring U.S. Senator Patty Murray. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, attended the small group Joint City Council meeting at the City of SeaTac on July 24, 2015. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 27, 2015 Page 9 of 9 d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings e. Intergovernmental Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, reminded everyone of the Council Work Session on July 28, 2015, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers to discuss updates to three elements of the Comprehensive Plan. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Kruller said she has a topic to be addressed this evening, and she was compelled to bring it forward. The topic is about bullying and she has a personal experience that made her think about this topic and what is said to children about this issue. Ms. Kruller referred to a definition of bullying to be: "A person is bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly over time to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself." The definition includes three important components: 1. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions. 2. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time. 3. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength. This definition is from the national program titled "Olweus Bullying Prevention Program." Ms. Kruller stated there are different types of bullying including cyber bullying and stalking, and she has encountered cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is done through email, instant messages, chat room exchanges, website posts or digital messages or images sent through cellular phones or personal digital deliveries, etc. Cyber bullying is like traditional bullying, and involves an imbalance of power, aggression and a negative action that is often repeated. She has done research on these topics and spoken with professionals regarding these issues. Ms. Kruller said her experience with cyber bullying is where a member of the public has told her to resign her position within one week, among other things. She stated that by talking about this, she is trying to set an example as a civic leader, and conform to the instructions given to children about bullying, and that is to tell the authorities. After contacting the authorities, she has been advised to no longer reply to or engage this individual. She noted that by being silent, she is following the advice given to her, and she plans to remain silent. Ms. Kruller feels it is important that we walk the talk; it takes courage to speak up against these types of issues. Talking about this incident has aided her greatly, and she urged others who find themselves in this type of situation to talk about it and to ask for help. She thanked the Council for listening to her statement. ADJOURNMENT 9:06 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KRULLER DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. ident Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 08/10/2015 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 08/11/2015