Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers October 26, 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 Quinn 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; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Dennis McOmber, Police Commander; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION King County Transportation Planner Briana Lovell explained she and Jana Demas were present to update the City Council on the King County Metro Long -Range Plan and Metro Service Guidelines. a. King County Service Guidelines Task Force update. Jana Demas, Transportation Planner, King County, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Council on the King County Metro Service Guidelines Task Force; highlights of the presentation included: TASK FORCE WORK PLAN • How transit service performance is measured as specified in the Metro Service Guidelines to reflect the varied purposes of different types of transit service; • Approaches to evaluating how the goal of geographic value is included in the Metro Service Guidelines, including minimum service standards; • Approaches to evaluating how the goal of social equity is included in the Metro Service Guidelines; • Outline financial policies for purchase of additional services within a municipality or among multiple municipalities; • Outline guidelines for alternative services implementation SUMMARY OF MAIN RECOMMENDATION THEMES • When making reductions, consider relative impacts to all parts of the county • Modify service types to measure like services • Provide greater protection for peak -only services in the event of major service reductions • Changes to social equity and geographic value have the effect of increasing target service levels — or overall need for transit services • Provide greater funding for alternative services as a way to meet diverse needs • There is a need for additional funding to support expansion of the system Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2015 METRO INTEGRATED PLANNING TIMELINE Page 2 of 7 Long Range Plan public launch, Test transit ST3 service planning concepts, begins Draft ST3 Draft ST3 Draft Long Final Long priority system plan Range Plan Final Range Plan project list plan JF MA M! 1 J, ,' A S s O N D' s J F M A M J J 2015 2016 , King County RTC Council recommendation adopts on Strategic Strategic Transmit Plan and Service Plan and Strategic Plan Guidelines update Service Service Guidelines and Service (expected) Guidelines Launch Task Force Final Guidelines update Service ecommendations updates to (expected) Guidelines expected County Council, Task Force referred to RTC Process NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS Changes based on these recommendations will be proposed for: Metro's Service Guidelines update Metro's Strategic Plan update Metro's Long Range Plan 2017 -18 Budget • Transmitted to King County Council on December 15, 2015 • Regional Transportation Committee (RTC) Deliberation — Q1 /Q2 2016 • RTC Recommendation April 2016 b. King County Metro Long -Range Plan for public transportation. Ms. Lovell continued the presentation to the City Council by providing an update on the King County Metro Long -Range Plan for public transportation. Highlights of the presentation included: GROWING WITH THE REGION: • Keeping the Region Moving • Coordinating with Growth • Providing Access to Opportunity • Building an Integrated Network WHAT IS IN THE PLAN • Strategic Element o How Metro will help the County grow Service Element 0 2025 and 2040 service networks Capital Element o Capital investments to support the network Financial Element o Multiple funding assumptions Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2015 Page 3 of 7 OUTREACH PROCESS • Public Engagement o Public events, online surveys, roundtable groups • Community Advisory Group o Regular input from riders and non -rider community representatives • Technical Advisory Committee o Engaging with city staff in all 39 King County cities • Elected Officials o Briefings and presentations to regional groups, local councils, Sound Cities Association and RTC WHAT HAS BEEN HEARD COUNTYWIDE • Improve connections to centers and high capacity transit services • Increase access to park- and -ride locations • More investment in alternative services, for low density and hard -to -serve areas • More east -west connectivity • Frequent service key for areas with growth • Express service from more rural cities COMMENTS RECEIVED IN TUKWILA Working with staff through the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) • Service to Tukwila South and the Allentown areas of the City, specifically to the Tukwila Community Center • Boeing Access Road station • Parking at the Tukwila Sounder and Tukwila International Boulevard Link Stations. The parking issues at the Interurban park- and -ride location. • Span of service (expanded area and time of service) • Express connections to East King County NEXT STEPS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE • Fall: Draft preliminary concept review • TAC network review October - November • Coordination with Tukwila Transit Plan • Winter /Spring: Draft Long -Range Plan development • Spring: Public outreach The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of Ms. Demas and Ms. Lovell to include: Further explanation of the term "geographic value "; Concern regarding whether the Rapid Ride program will continue to be expanded; The possibility of transferring responsibility of the bus shelters along Tukwila International Boulevard to King County Metro; The concept that an active Tukwila community group working on issues relating to limited parking at the Interurban park- and -ride could benefit the Community Advisory Group; The need for City officials to receive information the King County group received that identified the needs /wants in Tukwila; and Consideration of a public /private partnership funding mechanism for transit. Ms. Lovell explained that the term "geographic value" means that everyone within King County should feel value in the transit network. She also clarified that a possible expansion of the Rapid Ride program has been included as part of the King County Metro Strategic Plan. Councilmember Hougardy, speaking as a member of the Regional Transportation Committee (RTC), reviewed several topics discussed under the presentation that included: • The RTC will be discussing the topic of cities maintaining the bus shelters within their cities • The Rapid Ride system in King County • Updating the rating system that is used for bus routes • The reduction of transit services and how the routes were chosen Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2015 Page 4 of 7 • The metrics used by King County Metro to determine the access needs for transit Councilmember Hougardy thanked City staff for serving on the committee. She voiced her appreciation for King County Metro conducting the outreach and engaging the smaller cities within the county. Ms. Lovell explained they are working on a 2025 plan that is in addition to the 2040 plan. The 2025 plan will include the full build -out of the ST2 funded projects. One purpose of the 2025 plan is to identify what transit options Metro can provide now, while Sound Transit is continuing to expand light rail. Additionally, they will include a review of the current parking facilities as part of the parking program that is included within the plan. CITIZEN COMMENTS Pam Carter, 4115 South 139th Street, stated that she is the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee ( TIBAC) Co- Chair. TIBAC would like to know how the City will address the pest infestation in the City's rental housing stock, which Foster High School Principal Pat Larson brought to the attention of the Council. Ms. Carter reviewed existing City policies, and offered suggestions about how to best address the issue, which they feel is a health emergency. Ms. Carter said the next TIBAC meeting will be on Tuesday, November 10, and they would like to know how the City is going to address the issue. Council President Kruller referenced a recent posting on the social media site "Next Door" relating to rats. She provided an example of her recent experience where she witnessed rodents near the Rainbow Trailer Park running across the street in front of her car. She feels the question that needs to be asked is what can be done to eradicate the rodents, such as be creating a program to better educate the community on what attracts rodents. Councilmember Quinn thanked Ms. Carter for TIBAC's call to action on the issue. Councilmember Ekberg commented that he also has heard about the issues with rodents, and he feels something needs to be done. Councilmember Duffie stated the City needs to enforce the laws that have been adopted, and that an excess height of grass and /or weeds is an area for rodents to take refuge. Dennis Martinez, 4660 South 1601h St. commented that currently Sound Transit is constructing an 8 -story parking garage at the SeaTac Station near 200th Street that could address some of the parking issues at the Tukwila Light Rail Station. Mr. Martinez said that the Councilmembers were elected by the residents, and that they too are residents. He urged the Councilmembers to use the wisdom that the residents expect, to do what is best for the City. He provided some examples of recent decisions, and explained that there should be common sense used when decisions are made by Council and City staff that affect the residents. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance relating to parking regulations within the City. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on October 12, 2015. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Councilmember Seal commented that the companion ordinance relating to residential parking regulations, has been referred back to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee for additional review due to comments the Council received at the October 19, 2015 Regular Meeting. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, explained staff is seeking Council approval on an ordinance that would reenact Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 9.20, Parking Regulations. While draft legislation was being developed to address commercial vehicle parking, other parking - related items were identified for an update, and the draft ordinance captures several proposed amendments to parking - related regulations. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2015 Page 5 of 7 Ms. Humphrey conducted a detailed review of the draft ordinance, as listed on pages 7 -21 of the agenda packet. Councilmember Duffie asked how the City would ensure that a vehicle isn't continually moved from place to place in order to bypass the proposed 24 -hour rule. Dennis McOmber, Police Commander, explained he would need to confer with the Patrol Division to address Councilmember Duffie's concern. Brennan Wilson, 4803 South 162nd Street, said he feels that regulations such as what is being proposed are to benefit Code Enforcement. Pam Carter, 4115 South 139th Street, voiced her concern with the proposed regulations that would limit recreational vehicle parking to 24 hours. She gave many examples of how the proposed regulations would adversely affect residents and cautioned the Council on including this type of regulation. Councilmember Robertson commented that the current regulations do not allow recreational vehicle parking in residential areas, and the proposed code update would be a tool for the Tukwila Police Department, rather than Code Enforcement. Councilmember Hougardy stated the proposed parking regulations are about safety issues, and in some areas of the City, if a recreational vehicle is parked in front of a residence it could impede safety. Council President Kruller stated there are properties within the City that have issues with street width, and a recreational vehicle could block access along those streets. Councilmember Ekberg asked where the reference to commercial vehicles in residential areas will be addressed. Ms. Humphrey stated commercial vehicle parking in residential neighborhoods will be addressed in a separate ordinance that is being reviewed at the committee level. Councilmember Quinn asked how the residents would know about the new parking regulations. Ms. Humphrey stated once the Council adopts the legislation, she would work with the Communications and Government Relations Manager on the best way to inform the community about the new regulations. Councilmember Duffie feels a public hearing should be held on the proposed update to the parking regulations. Council President Kruller suggested the Community Affairs and Parks Committee review the draft ordinance again, while the City is advertising the proposed changes /updates. She feels the proposed language changes will adversely affect the community. Speaking as the Community Affairs and Parks Committee Chair, Councilmember Seal said she is willing to refer the item back to the committee for additional review. Councilmember Hougardy commented that the Council has been working through a lot of tough issues lately, and she felt it might be good to let the residents be part of the process to update the parking regulations. Councilmember Robertson commented that while the draft ordinance will be reviewed again at the committee, he suspects that very little will change. The draft ordinance does contain new regulations to address some of the issues in the neighborhoods, and includes several housekeeping items the City Attorney corrected. The existing code does not work, and the new code makes it clear that Tukwila Police would enforce the regulations. The goal of the sub - committee was to provide a tool for the City to use to address and enforce the issues relating to parking within the City. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2015 Page 6 of 7 Councilmember Quinn voiced his support for having the committee review the item again. He commented that if the proposed update will address safety and public health, those points should be included in the information that is provided to the community. Mayor Haggerton stated that improving the image of the City neighborhoods was one of three major goals for 2015. If the Council feels additional work needs to be done on the proposed legislation, the Council should vet the issues. There is not a rush to update the regulations; the issues need to be addressed. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO RETURN THIS ITEM TO THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE. b. Discussion and consensus on Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (SCA PIC) items. Council President Kruller updated the Council on a few of the topics discussed at the October 14, 2015 Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee meeting that included the following: • E911 Oversight • "Best Starts for Kids Levy" • SCA issues discussed in 2015 Council President Kruller announced that nominations for SCA's 2016 board and committee appointments are due by November 12, 2015. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the community safety meeting on October 20, 2015 that was held at Showalter Middle School. He said the event was well attended, and he thanked the City staff, residents and Community Connector interpreters for their work on the important event. On October 21, 2015 he attended the Sound Cities Association Board of Directors meeting. He explained one topic discussed was a possible increase in the population cap for association dues. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie announced that on November 10, 2015, there will be a Veterans Day event at the Tukwila Community Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. He invited everyone to attend the event and be honored. David Cline, City Administrator, clarified that the City built and maintains the bus shelters along Tukwila International Boulevard. Councilmember Ekberg offered kudos to staff for the clean -up on a property at South 164th Street and 51st Avenue South. On October 20, 2015 he attended the community safety meeting at Showalter Middle School. He also attended the Big Read event and Foster football game on October 23, 2015. On Saturday, October 24, 2015, he attended the Washington Multi - Family Housing Association's chili cook - off that benefited the Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN). Councilmember Hougardy attended the Regional Transportation Committee meeting on October 21, 2015. Councilmember Quinn attended the community safety event on October 20, 2015 at Showalter Middle School. Council President Kruller attended the community safety event on October 20, 2015 at Showalter Middle School, and the Cascade View Care Night event on October 21, 2015. Ms. Kruller attended the Washington Highway Users Federation meeting and the Big Read event on October 23, 2015. On Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2015 Page 7 of 7 October 25, 2015 she attended a Tukwila Historical Society event where they viewed the video titled "The Maury Island Incident." Councilmember Seal commented that the clothes for the Care Night are supplied by the organization established by Katrina Dohn. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie reported on a recent news story relating to a natural gas leak, and he urged people to be mindful of suspicious odors, and if they should smell natural gas, they should exit the area and call 911. ADJOURNMENT 9:32 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT KRULLER DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJIdURNED. Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 11/9/15 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 11/10/15