Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-16 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council Regular Meeting City Hall Council Chambers February 16, 2016 — 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Ekberg called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:06 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Joe Duffie, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Bruce Linton, Deputy Police Chief; Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Mayor Ekberg requested that the Police Department employee introductions that had been scheduled to appear first on the agenda be moved to the end of the Employee Introductions section of the agenda. Council consensus existed for this change in the order of the items. a. New Employee Introductions. Court: Candace Morrison, Judicial Support Associate II Judge Walden introduced Candace Morrison to the City Council. Ms. Morrison worked for the Tukwila Municipal Court part time prior to being hired for the full time position. Previously she worked at a law firm as a paralegal and attended Seattle Pacific University. She is a positive addition to the Court. Department of Community Development: Valerie Lonneman, Assistant Planner Jack Pace, Community Development Director, introduced Valerie Lonneman to the Council. Ms. Lonneman worked previously at the City of Kent and has expertise with current planning issues and the Sign Code. She is also involved in the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program for the City and is a great asset to the City. Fire Department: Daniel Thompson, Firefighter Interim Chief Flores introduced Daniel Thompson to the Council. Firefighter Thompson has completed the Fire Academy and has been assigned to shift work. He came to Tukwila after working at Boeing and as a photographer for both the United States and British governments. He is also a youth mentor and snowboard instructor. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 Jordan Tursi, Firefighter Interim Chief Flores introduced Jordan Tursi to the Council. Page 2 of 6 Firefighter Tursi worked for 10 years as a physical therapist and was also an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and a volunteer firefighter in South King County. He enjoys hiking, climbing and skiing. Graduates of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee: Tukwila Firefighters Greg Planellas (not in attendance) and Matt Fink Interim Chief Flores introduced Firefighter Matt Fink who, along with Firefighter Planellas, has completed a 3 -year apprenticeship program. This L &I sponsored program involves 6,000 hours of intense training and studying with an end - result of highly qualified, journeyman firefighters. These firefighters can be commended for the hard work and commitment required in this program. Police Department: Introduction and Oath of Office to Officer Arthur Stephenson (Badge #221) and Officer Ryota Akimoto (Badge #226) Chief Villa introduced Officer Arthur Stephenson to the City Council. Officer Stephenson is a lateral hire who came to Tukwila from Alabama, where he received lifesaving awards and 1 Medal of Valor and was a member of the mounted patrol and water rescue and recovery teams. He is also retired from the military and National Guard that included 3 combat tours of duty. Chief Villa introduced Officer Ryota Akimoto to the Council. Officer Akimoto is a lateral hire from Hawaii. He worked in narcotics and patrolled the islands and was an award winner in the department. Mayor Ekberg administered the Oath of Office to Officer Stephenson (Badge #221) and Officer Akimoto (Badge #226). The Councilmembers welcomed and congratulated all of those introduced. Chief Villa provided an overview of a recent news story that involved Tukwila Police Officers and their handling of an unusual shoplifting case. A video from the news report was shown, with the following information. Police Officer Mike Boehmer and Sergeant Mike Murphy have nearly 40 years on the force between them. Last Monday, the two were called to Southcenter Mall to catch a shoplifter. "This lady was described as leaving with two young children, so we wanted to check on the kids," says Murphy. When they finally tracked down the suspect and the children, they realized this was no ordinary crime. "She stopped, she dropped the bags and she kind of broke down in tears," says Boehmer. "They were hysterical. The poor kids were scared to death." She said she was the recent victim of domestic violence and that she was homeless," says Murphy. Boehmer knew just how to calm everyone down. "Doc came to the rescue! Yes he did," says Boehmer. He let the children play with his K -9 partner, Doc. The mother explained she'd stolen some children's gloves and hats to keep her 6- year -old daughter and 4- year -old son warm, while they were stranded out in the cold for the day. "They were riding the bus to stay warm," says Boehmer. "They had a place to stay that night. They had a friend to stay with, but they had no one to stay with during the day, and they didn't know about shelters to go to," says Murphy. Boehmer returned their stolen items and bought the children warm gloves and hats. Murphy gave mom a list of resources and shelters and wished them well. "She came over and gave me a really heartfelt hug. Ya know, you're not supposed to hug the police. But it was great. It made me feel good," says Murphy. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 Page 3 of 6 It's a story you don't hear often and it's definitely one they weren't chomping at the bit to share. "He was mortified when I asked him to come on the news and talk about what he'd done," says Murphy. "I was terrified. It's just not something we do. We don't become police officers to get notoriety like this." But, it's the kind of story that's not told often enough. "She needed help, so we were glad to help her out," says Boehmer. Murphy and Boehmer say the mother won't face any shoplifting charges. They just hope her and her children are OK. They say it's a night on patrol they will never forget. Mayor Ekberg expressed that these officers epitomize the values of the City of Tukwila. b. 2015 Annual Report. Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, presented the 2015 Annual Report to the City Council. The Council Analyst distributed paper copies to the City Council. Ms. Bianchi thanked the staff members from all City Departments who contributed to the content of the report. She gave high commendations to Stacia Norris, Graphics Specialist, for the creative design and professionalism of the final report and to Scott Kirby, Webmaster, for his exemplary work on the new website. The report focused on: The City's Vision: Tukwila — The City of Opportunity, The Community of Choice The City's Mission: To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting and healthy environment for our residents, businesses and guests. The City's Values: Caring — We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy, and kindness. Professional — We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all. Responsive — We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve. The report contains: • Demonstrations of the City's values • Snapshots of 2015 • Departmental Highlights • Council Accomplishments The report is available on the City's website. The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Bianchi for the report. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 1/19/16 (Regular), 1/25/16 (Special), 2/1/16 (Regular) b. Approval of Vouchers #371480 - 371552 and #160201- 160202 in the amount of $1,148,431.59 c. Accept as complete the 2015 Overlay and Repair Program (contract #15 -121) with Miles Construction, Inc., of Tacoma; authorize release of the retainage bond, subject to the standard claim and lien release procedures (final cost of project: $1,288,587.45). [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Transportation Committee on 211116.] d. Authorize the Mayor to sign Supplement No. 3 to contract #13 -161 with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., for design services for the Boeing Access Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $52,805.00. [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Transportation Committee on 211116.] Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 Page 4 of 6 e. A resolution adopting an expense reimbursement policy. RESOLUTION NUMBER 1874 [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Finance and Safety Committee on 212116.] f. An update to Tukwila Municipal Code Title 5, "Business Licenses and Regulations ": 1. An ordinance amending various ordinances as codified in Tukwila Municipal Code Title 5, "Business Licenses and Regulations," to remove obsolete provisions and fees from the ordinance language, clarify appeal procedures, and add a fee reference for the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) report required for peddler /solicitor license applications. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2496. 2. A resolution adopting a business license fee schedule. RESOLUTION NUMBER 1875 [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Finance and Safety Committee on 212116.] g. A resolution declaring a 1994 Darley fire truck surplus, and authorizing its sale to Bates Technical College. RESOLUTION NUMBER 1876 [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Finance and Safety Committee on 212116.] h. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with BergerABAM for the Phase 3A Early Start Activities design services for the Strander Boulevard Extension Phase 3 Project in the amount of $399,383.00. [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Committee of the Whole on 218116.] MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Dennis Martinez, 4660 South 160th Street, expressed that Item H regarding the Strander Boulevard Extension that was just adopted is a very good deal for the City and thanked the Council for authorizing the contract. This will provide a much - needed thoroughfare in the City. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with KPG, Inc., for design services on the Cascade View "Safe Routes to School" Phase II Project in the amount of $138,205.30. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY SEAL TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH KPG, INC., FOR DESIGN SERVICES ON THE CASCADE VIEW "SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL" PHASE II PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $138,205.30. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg reported that he and the City Administrator went to Washington D.C. last week to meet with federal legislators. They met with staff from Congressman Adam Smith's office regarding Tukwila related projects such as ST3, Boeing Access Road, Strander Blvd., COPS grants, Tiger Grants and other issues. They also met with Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell and staff from the Department of Justice and Department of Transportation. It was a very successful and productive exchange of information with the federal delegation. b. City Council Councilmember Seal said there is an opportunity being offered by the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, One America, DSHS and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). There will be a series of free public sessions for those who are lawful permanent residents who want to know how to become a citizen. This is a great opportunity for those wishing to go through the naturalization process. To vote in the November election, an application must be submitted by April 1, 2016, Council President Duffie relayed that February is Black History Month. He expressed excitement that the Tukwila school levies passed. He requested an update on the status of the RFA (Regional Fire Authority) issue. Councilmember Seal explained that the RFA issue will be on the Finance and Safety (FS) Committee agenda on February 17, 2016. This topic has been discussed for some time, and no decisions have been made. The FS Committee will look at whether to move forward on the process that would ultimately bring this matter to a vote of the Tukwila citizens. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 Page 5 of 6 Councilmember Hougardy attended the SCATBd (South County Area Transportation Board) meeting on February 16, 2016. The participants will be presenting their transportation projects to the Board, and she is looking forward to sharing information regarding Tukwila projects. She will be attending the Regional Transit Committee meeting tomorrow and is pleased with the information provided regarding the long - range plan, particularly as it relates to park- and -ride lots. Councilmember Quinn reported that he is part of the Joint Recommendations Committee on behalf of SCA (Sound Cities Association), where there has been a focus on allocating federal housing dollars. On January 28, 2016, a vote was taken and more money was identified for Tukwila's Minor Home Repair Program. Mr. Quinn offered input on his absence from the February 1, 2016 meeting that was due to illness that took him off his feet for several days. He was also invited to give a guest lecture to a Masters in Public Administration class titled Leadership in Public Service. The students wanted to talk about Tukwila, South King County, poverty, racial justice, and embracing diversity. He made this commitment in September of last year, which is the basis for missing the February 8, 2016 meeting. Additionally, he participated in the One Night Count for the homeless with Councilmember Kruller. This past Friday, he had the pleasure of being invited to be the keynote speaker for the Foster High School Academic Assembly. It was an amazing event that was videotaped. He expressed to the assembly that part of the reason the school levy passed is because the students shared their experiences with the public. Councilmember Kruller expressed pleasure at the passage of the Tukwila school levies. She reported that the "All Home" Committee meeting (formerly the Committee to End Homelessness) will be held at the Tukwila Community Center on March 11, 2016. The 1% Lobby Day" will be held on February 18, 2016 in Olympia, which supports a legislative change in the 1% tax lid. That percentage rate does not keep up with inflation. As part of the PSRC (Puget Sound Regional Council) Transportation Policy Board, she was elected to be the 2016 Chairperson. In late February, this board will do the "call for projects," which is a critical time to get involved with Tukwila projects. She encouraged staff and the Mayor's Office to remain very involved with PSRC as it relates to Tukwila projects. Additionally, she hosted the Council Coffee Chat this past Saturday, where the discussion involved Light Rail near Allentown, support for agriculture, the RFA (Regional Fire Authority), and a Farmers' Market. Councilmember Quinn received an email about urban agriculture that he can pass on to those interested. Councilmember McLeod reported on his ongoing meetings with staff to get up to speed on a variety of topics, to include economic development issues and the RFA. He referenced the fundraising efforts by the Teens for Tukwila group to make the trip to Washington D.C. Those interested in supporting their efforts can find information on the Teens for Tukwila GoFundMe site. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator (CA) Report in the packet and offered to answer any questions. Mayor Ekberg explained that the project updates in the CA report have been lengthy, and staff is working on providing succinct summaries to capture the highlights. Mr. Cline reported that demolition of the motels will start tomorrow. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 16, 2016 Page 6 of 6 MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Robertson relayed his experience this past weekend as it relates to individuals camping in Tukwila parks. He noticed some questionable individuals tent - camping in his local park. The viewpoint held by many citizens is that City staff would remain "hands -off' toward people camping in parks unless there were complaints or illegal activities. Mr. Robertson clarified that is not the case, and he observed Tukwila Police Officers handle the situation with people camping in the local park, in a very professional manner. In this case the camper did not want help from social service agencies. He suggested the Council review this topic at a Council Committee as it relates to homelessness and tent - camping in parks and the belief of community members that the City does not enforce the laws. It is important to review the extremes and ensure consistency. Mayor Ekberg said that City staff review these kinds of issues at the "hot spots" meetings and are looking at existing ordinances and policies relating to homelessness and camping. City Administrator Cline said there is a no- camping policy in parks that is enforced. The City also works with individuals to direct them to essential services. This is being looked at holistically, and the plan is to bring this to a Council Committee, most likely the CAP (Community Affairs and Parks) Committee. Councilmember Kruller said Tukwila works hard for the less fortunate, to include the Tent City program, which has been hosted by local churches. For every 1 person in a Tent City, there are 9 others out on the streets. She suggests a boisterous plan for relocation of those 90% that are on the streets. Council President Duffie spoke in support of this topic being thoroughly vetted through the Council Committee process. Councilmember Quinn favors the holistic approach and informed decisions that can be reviewed in the CAP Committee. ADJOURNMENT 8:21 p.m. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 3/14/16 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 3/15/16