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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-16 Regular MinutesROLL CALL: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL July 16, 2001 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers REGULAR MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Mayor Mullet led the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS: Mayor Steven M. Mullet; City Administrator John McFarland; City Attorney Bob Noe; Council /Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Public Works Director James Morrow; Operations Manager Pat Brodin; Associate Engineer Joanna Spencer; Parks Recreation Director Bruce Fletcher; Community Development Director Steve Lancaster; Associate Planner Carol Lumb; and Police Sergeant Darrell J. Baskin. Deputy City Clerk Bob Baker called the roll of Council. Present were Joan Hernandez, Council President; and Joe Duffle; Pam Carter; Jim Haggerton; Pam Linder; David Fenton; and Richard Simpson, Councilmembers. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Arts Commission Proposal for Artwork at Sounder Train Station After being introduced, Arts Commissioner Bill Gorjance provided a history of the proposed artwork for Sounder Train Station. He noted monies for the project "Birds in Silhouette Against the Sky" are provided by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. The proposed funding (approximately $40,000.00) supports the Committee's goal to garner recognition for the City of Tukwila. Calling to mind the "Wild Stallions Against the Sunset," in Vantage, Washington, the Commission spoke in favor of large geese sculptures to be widely visible and silhouetted against the sky. This, they believe, will create a large impact and become a well -known landmark to passersby on the train. Created from 3/16" steel sheets; 3 -D in appearance (via the way they are bent), the larger than life size birds (heron, eagle, and osprey) will create the full effect of flying. Birds common to Tukwila are proposed for sculpting. Questions between the Council, Mr. Gorjance and Mr. Fletcher ensued. Due to the fact Council has additional questions regarding the proposed artwork project, (relative to artist; size, stability, etc.), this item was remanded to the Committee of Whole meeting July 23, 2001. PROCLAMATIONS /APPOINTMENTS: Parks Recreation Month Mayor Mullet read and presented the original proclamation to Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director. The proclamation names July 2001, Parks Recreation Month; and urges all residents to become more aware of the parks and recreation services available in the community. Additionally, the proclamation designates July 13 -22, 2001, as Tukwila Days Week. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Betty Gully, complimented the Parks Recreation Department for their work with the Senior Program. She and her husband recently took their first Senior Group Trip. They were interested to learn that seniors from Kent, SeaTac, Renton and Auburn enjoyed Tukwila's programs more so than those within their own communities. Noteworthy is the fact neighboring seniors complimented Tukwila's staff for their courteousness and professionalism. Additionally, Ms. Gully spoke with favor and complimented Tukwila Days events of last weekend. The Rainier Symphony played for the Sister Cities Breakfast and one other function. Beginning their 21st season, the Symphony has adopted the theme of "Take Five" which represents, Take Five sit back and relax; Take Five go to five City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7 July 16, 2001 concerts, Take Five five different conductors. At the end of this season, the Symphony will have found a new conductor and new music director. A drawing was held at Tukwila Days wherein two season tickets (Symphony) were the prize. Mayor Mullet presented those season tickets to Mr. Mrs. Dennis Sevak. Mr. Mrs. Sevak were present to accept the tickets. Bill Holstine. 4651 South 160th Street. Tukwila. referred to a City Council meeting of approximately two years ago, wherein the Highline Water District spoke of its project to build a 10,000,000 gallon water reservoir at Crestview Park. At that meeting, citizens on the North side of the park requested an 8' high fence; and the Water District agreed to a 6' high fence. To date, the fence has not been built. For security and privacy, Mr. Holstein spoke in favor of having the fence erected and asked the Council for assistance. Curt Treadwell. 4255 South 160th Street. Tukwila. lives 10' from Crestview Park and shares the same concerns as Mr. Holstein. The existing 4' fence is insufficient as it is "jumped" and someone tried to burglarize his home a year ago. Mr. Treadwell raised the issue of liability as well as safety concerns. He, too, spoke in favor of the promised 6' fence by the Water District. Art McBracklin. 2403 South 160th Street. Tukwila. agreed with the comments of Mr. Holstein and Treadwell. He, too, noted a 6' fence would be far more safer for both residents and people in the Park. Joanne Houser, 4427 South 160th Street, Tukwila„ attended the reservoir design meetings and was led to believe that a six foot fence would be erected in Crestview Park. People have climbed the currently- existing fence and gone into her back yard. She, too, wants a 6' fence erected. Joanne McManus. 5610 South 133rd Street. Tukwila. on behalf of the Parks Commission, gave thanks to the Council for their support during Tukwila Days. Monies raised at the event will be used toward Youth scholarships. Responding to the "fence" issue, Mayor Mullet noted Bruce Fletcher has reviewed the tapes of Council meetings and cannot find a direct reference to the promise of a fence. That being the case, the Mayor suggested the item be referred to the next Community Affairs Parks Committee meeting for consideration and /or action. Confusion on the part of Highline Water District has arisen as they have had a change in Project Managers from the time the agreement was made until this time. At this point in time, Highline Water District is refusing to pay for the fence. Verna Griffin, 14488 58th Avenue South, Tukwila, introduced herself to Council and thanked them for sponsoring a City Council Orientation meeting last week. She attended and noted it was informative. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Approval of Minutes July 2, 2001 Regular Meeting b. Approval of Vouchers 229518- 229756, in the amount of $812,602.93 c. Accept as complete the Fire Station #51 HVAC Retrofit Project with W.A. Rotting Co.; And authorize the Release of Retainage (Total Project Cost $30,408.00) Duffle moved; Hernandez seconded; approval of the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried 7 -0. PUBLIC HEARING: FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOSTER HEIGHTS City Attorney Bob Noe reviewed the contents of Resolution 1335 as it relates to Council's handling of quasi-judicial matters. He then asked if any Councilmember(s) had any ex parte contact with anyone regarding this matter. None replied affirmatively. Finally, City Attorney Bob Noe administered an oath /affirmation to those who would testify in this matter. 7:41 p.m. Mayor Mullet opened the public hearing. Carol Lumb, Associate Planner, Department of Community Development, presented background on this issue and reminded Council of staffs request for final plat approval of the Foster Heights Subdivision. The proposed plat City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7 July 16, 2001 approval subdivides four parcels, totaling 3.14 acres, into 16 single family lots; including two public streets, sidewalks, utilities and pedestrian connection to South 144th Street. This final plat approval, a Type 5 decision under TMC 17.14.030(b), requires a public meeting and public hearing. The public informational meeting was held on January 31, 2001, with one community member attending (a neighboring property owner). That neighbor raised particular issues of concern; (increased traffic on South 146th Street; a street connection from South 146th through to 51st Avenue South to reduce traffic traveling east to 42nd Avenue South; pedestrian safety, and the need for a through street between South 146th and South 144th Streets to provide a connection for vehicles and pedestrians). In response to concerns raised, City staff noted road capacity exists to handle traffic on South 146th Street. As further platting occurs along South 146th, the City will look for opportunities to provide a through street from South 146th to South 144th Street; yet the sight distance was not adequate to provide a street connection from Foster Heights Subdivision through the short plat on the North to South 144th Street. Further, South 146th Street is too steep to connect with 51st Avenue. As it relates to pedestrian safety, the shoulder of South 146th Street has been paved for a walking area. A condition of a pedestrian connection from the subdivision through the short plan on the north was to be provided to access South 144th Street. Unfortunately, however, there are no sidewalks on the South side of South 144th and inadequate sight distance for pedestrians crossing that street. Therefore, it was determined pedestrian traffic should be discouraged through to the North. Next, Ms. Lumb reviewed the decisional criteria and reviewed the staff report. Council is encouraged to determine conditions of the preliminary plat approval have been met. And, if done, final plat approval must be granted. If conditions have not been met, a waiver to any given condition to the preliminary plat approval may be granted. The conditions were reviewed by Ms. Lumb. Thereafter, she noted staff recommends the plat be approved as presented including relief (a waiver) from the requirement to provide a pedestrian connection to 51st Avenue South. Related to this waiver, Public Works Development Engineer, Joanna Spencer, prepared a memorandum informing Council of the following "At the City's request, the applicant conducted an additional geotechnical evaluation. It was determined that it was not safe to construct the pedestrian connection due to unstable soils, steep slopes, and drainage disturbance. Based on these factors, Public Works recommends the elimination of the condition of a pedestrian connection between S. 146th Street and 51st Avenue S." Questions and clarifications were exchanged between staff and Council. Councilmembers expressed displeasure that the condition in question could not be met. CITIZEN COMMENT: Scott Wiklof. Tridor, Inc., applicant, informed Council he worked diligently to meet the conditions under the preliminary plat approval in conjunction with the Tukwila Municipal Code. Unfortunately, soil conditions on the site would not allow it. Additionally, he explained the asphalt in front of the vault was provided for the City to gain access to the vault (for emergency vehicle responses). Bob Noe administered an oath /affirmation to John Muth. owner. Bonsai Northwest. Mr. Muth expressed concern with the retaining wall in the project area and asked Council if the lot could be blocked to prevent parking. Bob Noe administered an oath/affirmation to Anna Bernhard, resident. Ms. Bernhard shared the concern of Mr. Muth, and asked if the City could do plantings at the base of the retaining wall to hide its unsightly appearance. In response to Mr. Muth and Ms. Bernhard, the project applicant, Scott Wiklof, stated he would, indeed, work with the City to plant shrubs, etc. across the front of the retaining wall and up the sides of the vault/retaining wall. Additional questions for clarification were raised by Councilmembers and answered by staff. Noteworthy is the fact "Road A" will become 47th Avenue South. It will be a full -sized travel -lane, residential road. However, sidewalks are only on one side of the road. This allows for future development on the other side. Public Works Director James Morrow noted proposed, future development on the other side of the road. Rather than having some structure put in place and possibly having it removed, the City asked the applicant to work with that development; which has not transpired. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Several Councilmembers and the Mayor expressed concern that this project is not pedestrian friendly; especially in light of the fact that all projects in recent history have had such an emphasis. Bob Noe administered an oath /affirmation to Oliver Muth. property owner. Bonsai Northwest, (father to John Muth), informed staff Bonsai Northwest gave rights for the sewer line only; not for walking area over their property. He noted that would severely affect his business. Mr. Haggerton asked, "Over the years, what has land stability been at Bonsai Northwest Mr. Muth responded they have had no real problems. Jane Kohler. 620 Kirkland Way. Kirkland. representing Tridor, Inc., noted the parties have been working hard for over two years to comply with the regulatory requirements. The local project review statute was adopted in 1995 to ensure predictability and fairness. This project has been thoroughly reviewed and the requirements have been met to the best of the developer's ability. The developer hopes Council will review the project to ensure compliance with requirements and other requirements have been promulgated, resulting in no surprise requirements to the developers. 8:23 p.m. Mayor Mullet closed the public hearing. COUNCIL DELIBERATION: Page 4 of 7 July 16, 2001 Again, various Councilmembers expressed dismay with pedestrian access issues and with the project not being pedestrian friendly. Conversely, Council takes faith City staff has assured them criteria/conditions have been met, even if one of the conditions must be waived. Haggerton moved; Fenton seconded; final plat approval, as presented, including relief from the requirement to provide a pedestrian connection to 51st Avenue South. The motion carried 7 -0. NEW BUSINESS: a. Cascade Water Alliance (CWA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Regarding Water Rights for the Lake Tapps Reservoir Public Works Operations Manager, Pat Brodin, presented Council with information on the Memorandum of Understanding. Of utmost importance is the fact Tukwila is at a major crossroad in terms of options on how Tukwila gets its future water supply. Tukwila's currently existing contract for water, (with Seattle) expires in 2012. Purveyors can choose from a full service contract, partial contract, or block contract. For Tukwila to be well positioned, the contract issue will need to be reviewed for costs as well as a view toward a guaranteed future water supply for our ratepayers. Council must look critically at both issues. Additionally, Council must know Tukwila can get water to our growing customer base when they need it, in the amount they need, and at the best possible price. This has been and should continue to be a foremost mission of the Tukwila Water Utility. Mr. Brodin offered assurance the mission and direction of CWA is still in alignment with the original objectives agreed upon when Tukwila joined the CWA. Staff will continue to evaluate our position once CWA contract negotiations with Seattle are complete (perhaps August or September, 2001). When the draft document is presented, Mr. Brodin intends to give Council a full comparison of options, CWA /Full Contract /Partial /etc. At issue for this meeting is proceeding with an MOU between CWA and PSE. This MOU with PSE on the Lake Tapps Water Supply Project obligates CWA to financially support activities related to obtaining the water rights for the Lake Tapps Reservoir. Two points are water rights issues and; as committing dollars which enables CWA to manage the consultant studies to serve our needs in bringing answers regarding viability and feasibility of Lake Tapps as a municipal water supply. Lake Tapps deserves our attention. Seattle has no plan for additional supply; and their 1% per year, for ten years, conservation plan helps, but does not outpace growth. By their own statistics, the City of Seattle's water supply is red -lined within 20 years. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Since capital reserves will be used to pay Tukwila's portion of the water rights, and consultants' work becomes due in 2002, time exists to earmark the amount, formally, within the budget process. Tukwila's CWA representative, Councilmember Jim Haggerton, will vote on the MOU at the July 25th CWA Board meeting. To that end, he needs Council support to vote affirmatively. Staff recommends the MOU begin a process that is a step in the right direction for Tukwila and the surrounding region. Surrounding cities who support the MOU are Redmond, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Covington and Skyway. Simpson moved; Carter seconded; approval for Councilmember Haggerton to vote affirmatively in proceeding with the MOU between CWA and PSE.* Discussion ensued amongst Councilmembers and staff, clarifying questions and issues. *The motion carried 7 -0. Page 5 of 7 July 16, 2001 b. Resolution Considering Sewer Annexation of the 42nd Avenue South Service Area by the Val Vue Sewer District Councilmember Simpson reported this item has been reviewed by the Utilities Committee. There, one change was made to "cut the loop out" of the area to be included. Fenton moved; Duffle seconded; the proposed resolution be read by title only. The motion carried 7 -0. City Attorney Bob Noe read the title of the proposed resolution. Duffie moved; Carter seconded; approval of the proposed resolution as read.* Discussion ensued. Val Vue Sewer District will hold a public hearing on July 27, 2001, on the annexation of a portion of Tukwila sewer service. The area is approximately bounded 135 feet east of 42nd Avenue South on the east, 34th Avenue South on the west, State Route 418 on the North; and South 160th Street on the South. The annexation will allow the Val Vue Sewer District to form an U.I.D., and provide sanitary sewer service to an unsewered area of the City. At this time, Tukwila does not have sewers in the above described areas. Mayor Mullet spoke in favor of getting unsewered areas sewered. *The motion to approve the proposed resolution, as read, carried 7 -0. APPROVED RESOLUTION #1467 REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet had no report. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie thanked everyone involved with Tukwila Days and spoke of its success. Councilmember Carter attended the July 4th fireworks display; a July 5th orientation session for newly elected AWC members, and a later Equity Diversity Commission meeting. Ms. Carter was also in attendance at the July 10 information session for would -be candidates for City Council positions. Ms. Carter also participated in Tukwila Days. Finally, Ms. Carter expressed concern with timely receipt of the summer edition of The Hazelnut and wondered if sending it another way, versus bulk rate, would expedite the process of getting it to the residents. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7 July 16, 2001 Council President Joan Hernandez attended the July 10th information session for would -be candidates for City Council positions (along with John McFarland and Lucy Lauterbach). Six potential candidates attended. She has learned others are interested in running for Council positions, yet they were unaware of the meeting due to untimely receipt of The Hazelnut. Ms. Hernandez attended the July 13 Art Exhibit, sponsored by the Arts Commission. She appreciated the Rainier Symphony participating at the event. She, too, participated in Tukwila Days. Councilmember Haggerton attended a July 13th ACC Executive Session, at Burien City Hall, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Many things covered will be communicated to Council at future meetings, related to how the permit process is developing. He also participated in Tukwila Days events. Councilmember Linder attended a 4:00 p.m. meeting (today) of the King County International Airport (KCIA) Part 150 Study Advisory Committee and Roundtable. Of noteworthy importance is the fact KCIA is ending a culmination of 5- years' worth of work for this study. More information will follow. Councilmember Fenton participated in the July 10th exit audit/interview between the Washington State Auditor's Office and the City. He was pleased with the results as well as the City staff in the Finance Department. Councilmember Simpson attended the July 10 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting; and the July 11th Duwamish Street Improvement Neighborhood meeting. He, too, participated in the Tukwila Days celebration. c. Staff City Administrator John McFarland has been appointed to the Suburban Cities Jail Negotiations Task Force. They will hold a planning meeting at Tukwila City Hall on Wednesday, July 18. He will provide Council with a briefing at the July 23 COW meeting. Additionally, he'll ask for Council's concerns with regard to negotiation of the Jail contract. The Concert in the Park series, sponsored by Tukwila's Parks Recreation Department will begin at Noon, on July 18. Finally, on July 13, he and other City staff and Councilmembers attended the Economic Development Council's (EDC) quarterly update meeting (breakfast). d. Legislative Analyst Council Analyst Lucy Lauterbach reported the Legislature is trying to determine how to appropriately assess taxes for road needs throughout this region, and the State in general. Currently, there is no consensus between the House and the Senate on how to handle the situation of a $10,000,000.00 shortfall. Increased gas, property, and sales taxes, etc. will most likely be considered as ways to meet the shortfall. e. City Attorney City Attorney Bob Noe had no report. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Duffie attended a July 13 Economic Development Council's (EDC) quarterly update meeting with Mayor Mullet, Mr. McFarland and Councilmember Simpson. Councilmember Carter noted her desire to attend the "Rail Volution" Conference, in San Francisco, September 13- 16. Councilmember Hernandez reported receipt of several complaints regarding KCIA noise. She was able to provide the complaint telephone number to those citizens. Additionally, she spoke of an e -mail response sent to a business owner as it relates to the smells and noises in the Duwamish /Allentown area, related to Western Cascade. Councilmember Simpson participated in Tukwila Days by serving in a Dunk Tank, to raise money for the Rainier Symphony. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Stricken. City of Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes ADJOURNMENT: 9:13 p.m. Haggerton moved; Duffie seconded; to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion carried 7 -0. St-"Steve4(M. Mullet, Mayor Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Approved: Auuust 6.2001 Page 7 of 7 July 16, 2001