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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers January 25, 2016 — 7:00 P.M. IMIIki [Nil I COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Duffie called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Councilmember McLeod led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Duffie explained that during their annual retreat the Council discussed procedural changes for conducting business at Council meetings, including expanded use of Robert's Rules of Order. OFFICIALS Present were Council President Joe Duffie, Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Lavern Peterson, Fire Battalion Chief; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator. SPECIAL PRESENTATION a. 2015 Business Recycler of the Year. Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, explained the City provides assistance to businesses to achieve greater recycling, resource conservation and waste prevention success. In 2015, the City assisted approximately 98 businesses with on -site meetings, walk - throughs and evaluations. Over 5,000 cubic yards of recycling was diverted as a result of distributing new recycling containers. As part of this effort, Tukwila's GreenWorks program acknowledges businesses with outstanding recycling and waste prevention programs, and Tukwila's "Business Recycler of the Year" is selected from this program. Ms. Fox introduced Sahale Snacks as the 2015 Business Recycler of the Year. The company was founded in 2003, and is a manufacturer of unique fruit and nut snacks. Sahale Snacks was purchased by the J.M. Smucker Company in late 2014, and the Tukwila site employs approximately 150 people in three shifts. As part of their recycling efforts, Sahale Snacks formed teams to work on waste, water and emissions. They have an approximate 67% recycling rate, which includes composting, recycling metal, separated cardboard recycling, comingled recycling and shredded paper recycling. Food recycling collection is available in staff break areas and production areas. The company conducts a thorough education program and makes recyclable bamboo instruments and durable mugs available to employees, plus a dishwasher. Recycling containers are well labeled and convenient. All printers are set to duplex as a standard. Copier toner and batteries are collected for recycling, and reusable plastic pallets are employed. Reusable containers and materials are used throughout the manufacturing and shipping process. Bin review has been integrated into the company's line shut -down process, allowing staff to readily check the contents in the containers. They also compost and collect food items that cannot be used in the production process. The company hopes to achieve an ambitious 95% waste diversion goal by 2020. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 2 of 6 Mayor Ekberg introduced Sahale Snacks representatives Laurel Haas, Category Development Manager, and Karl Niedermann, Technician, and presented them with the 2015 Business Recycler of the Year award, which is made of recycled glass. The award recognizes the company's outstanding commitment to recycling, which leads to conservation of energy and natural resources. Ms. Haas expressed her appreciation for the support they have received for their sustainability program and for the City setting the 50% diversion rate goal across the community. Rebecca Fox organized an audit at their facility a year ago, and they implemented all of those recommendations. Ms. Haas and Mr. Niedermann received congratulations from the Councilmembers CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance updating regulations for vehicle parking on residential properties. As Chair of the Community Affairs and Parks Committee in 2015, Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at multiple Community Affairs and Parks Committee meetings last year (October 12, November 9 and November 23, 2015). Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, explained the ordinance amends regulations in Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 8.25 relating to vehicle parking on single family residential property. A new subparagraph "G" is proposed to limit the number of vehicles to 6 vehicles on lots 13,000 square feet or less. On lots greater than 13,000 square feet, the existing provision would apply, which states that "approved durable uniform surfaces outside of structures on -site may cover a maximum of 1,200 square feet or 10% of the lot surface" (whichever is greater). Councilmember Seal noted that changes were made to address concerns expressed by citizens at previous Community Affairs and Parks Committee and Committee of the Whole meetings. Council discussion included: • The City has received repeated code enforcement complaints from citizens on this issue. • A question about the rationale behind the sample cities referenced in the agenda packet materials. • A request to have staff and /or the Community Affairs and Parks Committee conduct a general review after implementation to determine how well the new law is working and to review any feedback received from citizens. • A discussion on how these new regulations will be communicated to citizens. • Acknowledgement that Police and Code Enforcement staff have found the existing regulations difficult to enforce. • The two ordinances being discussed this evening relating to parking help clarify the question of enforcement responsibility between Code Enforcement (on vehicle parking limits) and Police (on the second ordinance). COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. An ordinance relating to parking regulations within the City. As Chair of the Community Affairs and Parks Committee in 2015, Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at various Community Affairs and Parks Committee meetings last year (on October 12, November 9 and November 23, 2015). Ms. Humphrey stated the two parking ordinances being discussed this evening were also scheduled on the agenda for the December 14, 2015 Committee of the Whole meeting, at which time they were postponed in the interest of time. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 3 of 6 This second ordinance was drafted in response to a Council request to address commercial parking issues, and other issues were raised during the review process. Some of the specific changes proposed include: • Commercial vehicles will be referenced by class and weight, which are Federal standards. The prior Tukwila Municipal Code language was based on vehicle length, which was not easily identifiable. • Infraction language was taken out of each individual section and compiled into one section that relates to the entire chapter. • Municipal parking will be limited to 6 hours without authority or permission. • Verbiage relating to parking at City parks and trails and for vehicle maintenance was amended. • Regulations related to large vehicles, trailers and recreational vehicles were removed from a Tukwila Municipal Code section entitled "Miscellaneous Regulations," and incorporated with other parking - related laws. • The word "commercial" was removed altogether; the ordinance instead refers to vehicles Class 5 and above, or those over 16,000 pounds. • Prohibits the parking of vehicles Class 5 and above —and trailers —from City right -of -way in all zones. • Prohibits the parking of recreational vehicles in non - residential zones in the City. • Retains the loading and unloading exemption and adds a construction or utility project exemption for active construction projects. • Class 3 and Class 4 vehicles would be prohibited in residential zones, with the exception of large pick- up trucks that fall within the Class 3 rating. • Recreational vehicles and trailers are currently not allowed in residential zones; the new language would allow them for up to 24 hours. • Penalty and impound procedures have been rewritten to address state requirements and current practices. • As it relates to occupying recreational vehicles as a dwelling unit, the definition of "recreational vehicle" has been expanded to include fifth -wheel trailers. Ms. Humphrey explained the Community Affairs and Parks Committee discussed various ways to publicize these changes including an article in the e- Hazelnut and "Tukwila Reporter," as well as on the City's website. An information brief could also be distributed at Council Chats. Councilmember Robertson referenced page 28 of the agenda packet under Section 9.2.070, "Parking large vehicles, trailers and recreational vehicles on City streets." He felt the language in subparagraph C.2. could be too tightly construed. It reads as follows: C. Exceptions: The parking prohibitions outlined in this section do not apply to the following: 2. Parking or stopping while actively engaged in a construction or utility project. Mr. Robertson suggested amending subparagraph C.2. to read as follows 2. Parking or stopping while actively engaged in a construction or utility project, or in the course of doing business with a property owner. Councilmember Quinn stated communication regarding these new regulations will be especially important, as some of the changes are significant. He noted that parking regulations relate to the issue of community livability in the City's Strategic Plan. Mr. Quinn suggested the impacts of this ordinance be reviewed later this year by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. Councilmember Kruller noted the changes proposed in these two ordinances may affect the availability of parking for residents. For example, residents that currently have numerous cars parked on their property may now move the excess cars to street parking. The increased presence in neighborhoods of cable TV trucks, cement trucks, etc., can also impact the availability of parking for residents or emergency response vehicles. Ms. Kruller also asked if removing the word "commercial" from the ordinance language would limit taxi cabs from parking in residential neighborhoods or vans that appear to be for commercial use, i.e. those loaded with ladders and racks and marked with business signage. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 4 of 6 Councilmember Robertson noted the original complaints which prompted these changes were regarding large trucks. The amended language does not specifically address taxi cabs or town cars. He suggested the Community Affairs and Parks Committee discuss this issue when they review the effects of the ordinance later this year with Code Enforcement and Police. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM, AS AMENDED AND SUBJECT TO LEGAL REVIEW, TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. A resolution adopting the 2016 Legislative Agenda. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on January 25, 2016. The item was also discussed at the Finance & Safety Committee meeting on January 20, 2016. Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, explained the City adopts a Legislative Agenda each year. The 2016 legislative agenda is largely based on last year's, and remains a high level policy document. The Finance and Safety Committee requested the addition of the section entitled "Education," and the Community Affairs and Parks Committee agreed to retain the added language. Council discussion included: • Approval will allow Councilmembers to bring these issues to the attention of legislators during AWC's (Association of Washington Cities) Action Days this week in Olympia. • Appreciation to Ms. Bianchi for collaboration with the school districts and Sound Cities Association regarding regional needs. The added "Education" section helps address the opportunity gap. • The addition of the Education section is in harmony with regional priorities, as there was a major focus on education last year and it is also a major focus in Olympia now. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA OF THE SPECIAL MEETING TO FOLLOW TONIGHT'S COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg thanked the Council for extending an invitation to him to attend the recent Council retreat. During AWC's Action Days in Olympia this week, the Mayor plans to attend a public hearing on House Bill 2576 on public records reform for local governments. The issues associated with public records requests is one of the items on the City's proposed 2016 legislative agenda. b. City Council Councilmember Robertson attended the Council retreat, which included a class on Robert's Rules of Order and agreement by Councilmembers to tighten up meeting procedures this year. Councilmember Seal expressed appreciation to Council President Duffie, Ms. Humphrey, the Mayor and City Administrator David Cline for their work and participation related to the Council retreat. Ms. Seal noted that the Department of Homeland Security processes citizenship applications and conducts swearing -in ceremonies for the region at their location in Tukwila. She reported that 10 additional officers will be working at the Tukwila location to address processing backlogs. They will conduct approximately 500 additional interviews over the next 6 weeks, and ceremonies will be increased to 2 per day. On February 6, 2016, OneAmerica, Washington New Americans and the American Immigration Lawyers Association will be holding another Citizenship Day in Tukwila to assist people with filling out forms and assembling packets. Ms. Seal also noted the Department of State has issued a paper explaining a change that has been made to the existing Visa Waiver Program, which will affect people who have traveled to Sudan, Syria, Iran or Iraq within the last 5 years. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 5 of 6 Council President Duffie thanked everyone for attending the Council retreat and Ms. Humphrey for her outstanding work organizing the event. Councilmember Hougardy attended the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting last week; she distributed a copy of the organization's legislative priorities. The Regional Transit Committee is now meeting twice a month as they work to wrap up the long -range transit plan. Ms. Hougardy volunteered to work with Council President Duffie and Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, to incorporate some of the new procedures for streamlining Council meetings into the Council's Standard Operating Procedures. Councilmember Quinn stated that he appreciated the Council retreat. The City is committed to being a higher performing organization, and training such as what they participated in at the retreat helps the Council do the same. Councilmember Kruller stated the retreat was an opportunity for the Council to discuss collaboration and work flows, priorities and processes for 2016. Councilmember McLeod stated the Council retreat was a great opportunity for him to get to know the people who serve Tukwila, and he learned how accomplished and dedicated this group of Councilmembers is. He noted he will be attending a training for newly - elected officials in Olympia on January 27, 2016. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, stated that he enjoyed working with Council at the retreat. 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 Quinn stated the issue of Teens for Tukwila attending the NLC (National League of Cities) conference in March of this year was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting earlier this evening. A major component of the group's efforts that needs to be discussed is funding. The Mayor has agreed to support their effort, and Councilmembers need to reach a consensus and then discuss diversified fund raising efforts. When the subject was previously discussed with the Teens for Tukwila group, all of the participants expressed an interest in attending. (If all 11 students participate, the total cost is roughly estimated at $13,000, including chaperones.) Ms. Humphrey explained that one proposed funding mechanism is allocating funds from the Council's travel budget, which Councilmembers have supported in the past. Councilmember McLeod noted that a major conference of interest to Councilmembers is being held in Everett, Washington, in 2016, which may reduce the Council's need for travel funds this year. He expressed support for giving students exposure to this process. Councilmember Seal stated she has served on the NLC Youth, Education and Families Council for the past 9 years. Four youth members also serve on that Council and attend workshops on public speaking, leadership and community organizing; participate in service projects; and learn how to have a voice in their community. Issues such as homelessness, domestic violence and trafficking are discussed, all of which are issues teens in our community have had to deal with for a long time. She has reached out to the Tukwila Children's Foundation for some funding assistance. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 25, 2016 Page 6 of 6 Council President Duffie stated he has been inspired by youth at NLC events in the past and is proud the Tukwila City Council is discussing this. Youth in Boston deal with many of the issues our City deals with, and are very involved in the Council meeting process there. He also referenced Jonathan Joseph who grew up in Tukwila, left the area, and then came back to make a difference in this community. Councilmember Kruller asked whether the intent was to consider budgeting and participation criteria just for this year or also going forward. Councilmember Quinn noted the City Council approved an operating charter for Teens for Tukwila in 2015, which formalized the relationship. With the Council President's permission, the Council Analyst can compile information relating to budget and other components for further consideration. Councilmember Robertson suggested that discussions relating to supporting funding efforts for Teens for Tukwila to attend the NLC conference refer to this year as a "pilot" year. CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR THE COUNCIL TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SUPPORTING THE TEENS FOR TUKWILA'S EFFORTS TO ATTEND THE NLC CONFERENCE IN MARCH 2016. ADJOURNMENT 6:40 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Jo4Due, Co uncil Pr sident Barbara Saxton, Admifiistrative Support Coordinator APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 2/16/16 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 2117/16