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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers March 28, 2016 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Duffie called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joe Duffie, Council President; Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Lisa Harrison, Police Training Coordinator; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS Dave Larson, 5630 South 147th Street, Tukwila, stated he was present this evening to update the Council on new information relating to the Tukwila School District. He announced that for the first time the State has issued graduation rates for the McKinney -Vento students. McKinney -Vento students are defined as students who have experienced homelessness at some point. Mr. Larson stated that in the Foster High School graduating class of 2015, 73% of McKinney -Vento students graduated on time. In comparison, only 52% of McKinney -Vento students graduated statewide. Of the 295 school districts in the State of Washington, the Foster High School graduating class was 51h in the state. Mr. Larson thanked City staff, Councilmembers, and various community members for their support of programs such as the Weekend SnackPack Program. PUBLIC HEARING A rezone and Comprehensive Plan map change request for Low Density Residential (LDR) to Regional Commercial Mixed -Use (RCM) at 13536 52nd Avenue South. (Quasi - Judicial) Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk, announced this is a quasi - judicial matter, with the City Council acting as the decision- making body based on the information and record presented at this meeting, similar to the process used by a hearing examiner or judge. Quasi - judicial matters do not follow the standard Council agenda process of Council Committee, Committee of the Whole and Regular Meeting. The Council is being asked to conduct the public hearing this evening as part of the Angolkar Rezone request to rezone the property located at 13536 52nd Avenue South, Tukwila. Part of the quasi - judicial process involves Appearance of Fairness questions to be asked of each Councilmember. Ms. Hart explained that City staff and the applicant will be providing information on the project, and the public will be given an opportunity to provide comments. She asked the Councilmembers to make note of their questions, which can be asked during the public hearing after the speakers have finished their presentations. 7:09 p.m. Council President Duffie opened the public hearing. Ms. Hart stated that testimony at a quasi - judicial hearing is taken under oath. She asked those in attendance in the audience who are planning to testify to raise their right hand and then asked, "Do you Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 2 of 10 swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth ?" Those in attendance who planned to provide testimony answered in the affirmative. The Deputy City Clerk asked the following Appearance of Fairness questions of each of the 7 Councilmembers: 1. Do you or your family have any interest in the subject property located at 13536 52nd Avenue South in Tukwila? 2. Do you stand to gain or lose by your decision on this matter? 3. Have you had any ex -parte communications regarding this application? Each of the 7 Councilmembers answered "No" to all of the above questions. The Deputy City Clerk then asked, "Does anyone in the audience object to any of the Councilmembers presiding over this matter ?" There were no objections from the audience. Council President Duff ie asked for a staff report on the Angolkar Rezone request. Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor, reviewed Angolkar Rezone request, and utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Council. Highlights of the presentation included: Yearly Amendment Process: • Public Information Meeting on February 1, 2016 • Public Hearing (this evening) March 28, 2016 • Council Decision — April 4, 2016 Review Criteria for the Comprehensive Plan: • Is the issue already adequately addressed in the Comprehensive Plan? • Is the proposed change needed? • Is this the best means to meet the public need? • Is there a net benefit to the community? Review Criteria for the Rezone Application: • Is the request consistent with the Comprehensive Plan? • Is the request consistent with the (area) zoning? • Do changed conditions merit the change in zoning? • Is the rezone (being requested) in the community's best interest? Decision Options: • Actions following the hearing this evening scheduled for the April 4, 2016 Council Meeting: • Approve the application as submitted • Modify the request, and approve as modified • Deny the rezone request Rezone Request: • Application request: Rezone one vacant lot from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Regional Commercial Mixed Use (RCM) • Primary Change with the request: Allow expansion of commercial and mixed uses into single - family zone at 13536 52nd Avneue South. Public Comments: • Residents have expressed concerns about the scale of the proposed building, intensive Regional Commercial Mixed Uses, and existing conditions: • Limited street improvements • Speeding and excess traffic o Lack of sidewalks o Parking issues — this issue has been referred to the Public Works Department o Water mains o Potential coal mine hazard Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 3 of 10 Background • The proposed development site was annexed into the City in 1989, and at that time the site was zoned as Professional Office. • 1995 Comprehensive Plan — the zoning for the area was changed to Low Density Residential due to infrastructure /streets Comprehensive Plan: • The application is inconsistent with the highest priority of the City's Comprehensive Plan's — Improve, sustain residential neighborhood quality and livability. • Disrupts single - family land use pattern • No buffer between single - family (zoning) and the impacts of commercial /mixed use • No need for additional Regional Commercial Mixed Use Impacts: • Owner is not tied to a specific development and the City is not able to limit the type of use in the RCM area. • Intensive RCM uses (automotive services, tavern, laundry, etc.) next to single - family homes • Bulk /mass of commercial /mixed use buildings vs. single - family homes • Traffic and noise from the construction and after completion of the project • No changed circumstances justify change Councilmember Kruller requested clarification on the reference above to "coal mine issues." Ms. Dhaliwal stated there are some abandoned underground coal mines in the general area, and she displayed a map of the area (also on page 13 of the agenda packet) that includes the subject property and highlights the vicinity of the "Tukwila Coal Mine." Councilmember Quinn referred to the "Impacts" slide of the presentation. He asked staff to provide clarification on the statement made by staff: "(The) Owner is not tied to a specific development and the City is not able to limit the type of use in the RCM area." Ms. Dhaliwal explained that as part of the application process, the property owner is asked to submit the type of development that would be constructed on the project site. This allows everyone a clear picture of the proposed development. However, if the rezone were to be approved, the developer is not tied to the type of development provided as part of the application process. The City is not allowed to limit the type of use for development within the RCM Zone. Councilmember Seal asked if all the permitted uses allowed within the RCM Zone are those listed on pages 67 -68 of the agenda packet. Ms. Dhaliwal answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Kruller asked if there would be another option for the applicant, such as a waiver. It appears the applicant is trying to build a structure to gain additional parking. Ms. Dhaliwal stated there are no waiver options allowed for zoning issues, as the laws governing zoning code changes are very strict. Additionally, the City does not allow stand -alone parking lots to be constructed, and the applicant tried to find a way to increase parking for the existing business. The proposed development would include retail space, some residential space, and a parking garage. Andy Kovak, 2115 Colby Avenue, Everett, introduced himself as one of the architects for the project. He stated the design team has been working on the project for the past year. They will provide the Council with a brief history of the project and their vision for the project site. Alex Kovak, 2115 Colby Avenue, Everett, introduced himself as another architect for the project. He stated the applicant and design team agrees with the opinion that any development should maintain the residential quality of the neighborhood. They believe there is an opportunity to provide for the needs of their client, to provide the much needed parking, while also providing a residential community center. Mr. Andy Kovak stated one of the difficulties with the project area is that there are not a lot of opportunities to create a place for social interaction or community gatherings. The site is unique in that the project site is close to Interurban Avenue and transit facilities, and the new three -story building is Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 4 of 10 partially occupied by the applicant. They feel the subject property is a very important piece of the development and acts as a gateway to the neighborhood. It is an opportunity to provide a positive impact to the area with curbs and sidewalks, undergrounding utilities, and those types of updates that are not likely to happen in the community if the project does not move forward. It is his opinion that the existing single - family lots are not valuable due to the location. The design team thought the proposed project would help improve the neighborhood situation. During the public information meeting on February 1, 2016, many neighbors voiced their frustrations at that meeting, and the design team learned a lot during that meeting. Mr. Alex Kovak said that as the process continued, the design team discussed designing a stand -alone parking lot to be used by the applicant. After discovering that the parking lot was not a permitted use, they submitted a rezone application. This change in zoning would allow this type of development to move forward, while providing the extra parking that is required for their client. Mr. Andy Kovak conveyed the first idea proposed was to build a park on the project site, and City staff discussed the reasons why a new park idea would not work for that location. The design team decided to submit the rezone application based on the zoning of the developed property across the street from the project site. The primary concern is addressing the parking issues for their client. Mr. Kovak stated that the new business is flourishing, which is good for the area, and the increased parking will allow that business to grow. Mr. Alex Kovak explained the proposed mixed -use of the project would include office space, residential units, a retail space for a coffee shop, and on -site storage for the residents. Mr. Andy Kovak clarified that they proposed a live /work type of development as previously described. They feel this type of development would attract residents to stay within the community. Residents in the area have voiced their concern with additional office space for lease. The proposed design includes a low- profile development in consideration to the area neighborhood. There have been comments made about the future use of any development of the project site, specifically if the site was sold and a new owner chose to open a tavern, as that is an allowed use in the RCM. Mr. Kovak commented that perhaps those types of concerns could be addressed through some type of contract process. The applicant and design team are and have been willing to work with the residents on the issues of concern, and they feel the proposed development would benefit the area and fits within the City's Comprehensive Plan. Council President Duffie called for public comments. Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk, acknowledged receipt of 1 new written comment received in the City Clerk's Office relating to the rezone application. Additional written comments were included on pages 59 — 64 of the agenda packet. The following written comment was distributed to the City Council and referenced into the record: 1. A 2 -page letter received on March 28, 2016, from Kathleen McDermott relating to the rezone application. Pete Noonan, 3407 East 4th Street, Los Angeles, California, stated his parents live at 13546 52nd Avenue South and their property that would be the most impacted by the proposed development. He originally purchased the house in 2002, and then sold the house to his parents in 2007. In 2002, there were two new homes under construction that added to the single - family feel of the neighborhood. He understands the need for development and the changing economic conditions. Mr. Noonan said his family supports the recommendation by City staff regarding this development. However; if the Council should choose to approve the rezone application, he asked that the setbacks and development standards for development of that site be similar to the established setbacks and standards for a single - family neighborhood. Additionally, if approved, the conditions be bound to the project under review. Todd Hutchinson, 13905 55th Avenue South, stated he attended the public meeting on February 1, 2016, along with other residents who would be impacted by the approval of the rezone. There has been discussion on whether the proposed development would benefit the community. Mr. Hutchinson said, in his opinion, a community gathering place would benefit the community. He said the people that are going Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 5 of 10 to be impacted are property owners who border the project. Mr. Hutchinson stated that his grandmother owns the property next to the building that was newly constructed by the applicant (across the street from this project site), and her property values declined with the addition of the new building. While he supports the applicant for growing his business in the community, he conveyed that the current building is not 100% occupied, and they already have parking issues. The parking issues will continue as the tenants increase. Mr. Hutchinson feels the proposed development would not benefit the community. A new office type building would be competing for tenants with all the other units that are available for lease. The negative impacts of developing the subject property would include increased noise, pollution and traffic. Brian Haddix, 13620 52nd Avenue South, stated that the neighborhood in question is a quiet residential neighborhood. The reason there have not been any changes to the area is due to long -time residents living in the area. Mr. Haddix commented on the parking lot below the applicant's building that has been closed -off for some time, and he would like to see the building occupants utilize that space. He would prefer that his neighborhood remain a single - family neighborhood. Dorien Taylor, 13600 53rd Avenue South, stated that she lives near the project site, and she is most concerned with pedestrian safety in the neighborhood. The streets are very narrow, and as someone who uses a wheelchair, at times she needs to be in the middle of the street to get around. Ms. Taylor stated the area in question is not on a list for sidewalks, as she has made many attempts to inquire about the needed sidewalks. In addition to pedestrian safety, allowing the proposed rezone would increase noise and traffic, along with the continued parking issues that affect the neighborhood. Emily Zisette, 13600 531 Avenue South, voiced her concern with the pedestrian safety issues within the proposed rezone area. As stated by speakers before her, the streets are very narrow and increased traffic would not help the situation. Ms. Zisette also was concerned with the types of uses that would be allowed as a result of approval of a rezone. Having a tavern in the neighborhood would not benefit the community. She said there is a vacant parking lot along Interurban Avenue, and she would prefer if the applicant would try to utilize that resource. Relating to pedestrian safety, she has been in communication with City staff about the need for sidewalks and she worries about Ms. Taylor's safety. Veronica T., 13765 56th Avenue South, voiced her concern about the proposed use of the site. She explained that people use their neighborhood as a through street to access the nearby King County Metro Park -n -Ride lot. She feels that approving the proposed development is not the only way to have sidewalks in the neighborhood. There are a lot of residents who live within the small area, and the streets are narrow for vehicle traffic, and increased traffic would not make it any safer for pedestrians. Additionally, the streets in the neighborhood are poorly lit. Council President Duffie asked the Council if they had questions of staff. Councilmember Kruller asked staff if there is a net benefit to the community and whether the proposed change is needed for the area. Ms. Dhaliwal commented that the staff report provides a lot of detail on the proposed project. The issue is the proximity of the proposed commercial mixed -use development to the single - family homes without any type of buffer in between. Citywide, there has not been a demand for an increase of RCM Zoning. Relating to the net benefit to the community, the Council has heard from some of the residents that would be impacted by the proposed development, and they are opposed to the proposed project. The idea of having some type of caf6 was supported by a few residents. The City is not able to limit the use. Staff tried to find a middle ground for the residents and applicant. Ms. Dhaliwal relayed that there is not a clear cut answer to the situation. The City does not have the merits to approve the plan, because there are no buffers between the development and the single - family homes. Ms. Dhaliwal referred to page 9 of the agenda packet that identifies the zoning for the entire area, and she gave examples of how the zoning affects the area. Councilmember Kruller inquired about the outreach conducted by staff on the rezone application Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 6 of 10 Ms. Dhaliwal stated that City staff met the notification requirements. All property owners and tenants within 500 feet of the rezone site were provided notification of the application and hearings. City staff also went door -to -door to talk to the area neighbors, and the public meeting was held in the project area to garner maximum neighborhood participation. Irene Boerm, 13535 531d Avenue South, stated that her property is just south of the proposed project site. They have looked at the vacant lot quite a bit, as the site has issues with weeds, rodents, and has been a dump site. Ms. Boerm voiced her support for some type of development on that lot that would be a nice addition to the neighborhood. However, she is not sure that a large building is the answer. The roads are narrow and very busy, and like previous comments, pedestrian safety is extremely important. She voiced her concern about the future of the site, specifically if a tavern could open on the site. Councilmember Quinn asked staff to clarify the statement by the applicant about constructing a park on the project site, and constructing sidewalks in the area. Ms. Dhaliwal clarified that Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, was the Planner on the project, and she was not privy to a conversation about a proposed park. The conversation about a proposed park could have been addressed by the Parks and Recreation Department. It is likely that a new park was not deemed necessary due to proximity of an existing park in the area. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, said the City could install sidewalks in the area of the rezone application in the future. A sidewalk project has not been budgeted or programmed as of yet. However, Public Works staff has been reviewing the City's "Residential Street Priority matrix" for the City as a whole, and the document he has reviewed does identify 52nd Avenue South, 53rd Avenue South and South 137th Street as being in the top 10 -20 %. With that being said, he does not know in what year the sidewalks would be added to the budget. Mr. Giberson commented that the streets previously mentioned are narrow. He was pleased someone suggested making some of the streets one -way streets; he also made that suggestion at one time. The streets in the referenced area are heavily traveled, and that increases the rank of priority for curbs, gutters and sidewalks as part of the Residential Street Program. Councilmember McLeod asked if all the LDR areas near the project site would be changed to RCM if the rezone application was approved. Ms. Dhaliwal stated no, the application for rezone is for the single location. There are some existing tri- plexes, four - plexes and a six -plex in the neighborhood that do not meet the LDR standard, which is one house per lot. Those are considered non - conforming multi - family /medium density type of uses. All of the property owners within that neighborhood would need to petition for a zoning change from LDR to Medium Density (MDR), which allows duplexes or townhomes of that nature, if they wanted that to happen. Councilmember Hougardy commented that the existing building is not fully occupied and yet there is a parking issue. She asked if the City allowed a parking variation for the new building. Ms. Dhaliwal explained that the development did comply with the City's code relating to parking standards. The high demand is most likely due to increased patient load by the doctor and the number of staff at the location. Councilmember Robertson stated his question relates to the process this evening. During this time, the Council is listening to testimony and asking clarifying questions. He feels the deliberations by the Council should take place under Special Issues and, as with a quasi - judicial process, the item is already scheduled for the April 4, 2016 Regular Meeting for Council action. Councilmember Seal stated what began this process was an issue relating to parking, and that led to what could be done with the existing site. She asked if that is how the project morphed into what is being proposed. Mr. Andy Kovak answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Kruller asked about the zoning for a park, and what options Medium- Density Residential Use (MDR) would offer the applicant. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 7 of 10 Ms. Dhaliwal stated most parks are in a zone with a Recreation Overlay over the LDR zoning designation. The community would need to support a rezone to the higher density change. Councilmember Kruller asked the developer if they have considered smaller spaces or multi -level parking at the existing development location. Mr. Andy Kovak stated they have not considered multi -level parking. Councilmember Kruller asked if the City has considered or if there is interest in creating a transit - oriented development in the area of the proposed project. Ms. Dhaliwal clarified there is not a transit - oriented development "zone" classification at this time. In the future the City may consider planning for transit - oriented development, primarily near light rail stations. However there are no existing or proposed plans for creating a transit - oriented development in the area of the proposed project. Councilmember Kruller asked the developer if they have approached the property owner of the vacant lot about use. Mr. Andy Kovak answered no; they have spent their time on the site currently owned by the applicant. 8:33 p.m. Council President Duffie closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A rezone and Comprehensive Plan map change request from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Regional Commercial Mixed -Use (RCM) at 13536 52nd Avenue South. (Quasi - Judicial) The City has received an application for a rezone from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Regional Commercial Mixed Use (RCM) for one vacant lot located at 13536 52nd Avenue South. If the rezone is approved, the applicant would apply for a permit to construct a two -story over basement mixed -use building with 40 parking spaces. The property is located on a block that contains single - family homes. If approved, the rezone would extend the RCM zoning across 53rd Avenue South, and would allow the mixed use building to be constructed immediately adjacent to single - family homes without any separation. As indicated in the "conclusions" portion on the staff report, staff recommends retaining the existing Low Density Residential (LDR) zoning, and rejecting the application for rezone and Comprehensive Plan map change to Regional Commercial Mixed Use (RCM). Councilmember Robertson stated he is cautious in a quasi - judicial process. The item before the Council is a quasi - judicial process for strictly a zoning change. It is his opinion that the Council should not engage in an inappropriate discussion on limiting what could be permitted on this site. All the uses in the RCM are allowed. He does not support a Council discussion this evening on the pedestrian safety or parking issues at a current commercial site. He feels his role is to review the agenda materials and the current zoning based on the application. He referred to page 22 of the agenda packet, and reviewed the following "Conclusions ": 1) Consistency with Comprehensive Plan: • The rezone is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies that place the highest priority on supporting strong single - family neighborhoods. 2) Consistency with Zone: • The RCM zoning allows a range of uses that are not compatible with adjacent single - family residences, and the low- density residential neighborhood. 3) Changed conditions: • DRA Professional Center was constructed in 2011 in the existing RCM zone. • 2015 Comprehensive Plan update reaffirmed the importance of strong, single - family neighborhoods. • There have been no zoning changes in the vicinity since the LDR and RCM zoning was instituted in 1995. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 8 of 10 There are no compelling changed conditions to warrant the rezone at this point. 4) Benefit to community: • The proposed rezone would negatively affect the existing residential neighborhood through additional traffic, noise, commercial activity and building bulk. • The rezone could set a precedent for additional commercial rezones adjacent to LDR. • Multi- family housing, retail and office could be developed elsewhere in Tukwila on property that is already zoned commercial or multi - family without the rezone. • RCM property, located adjacent to the DRA Professional Center, is currently vacant. Mr. Robertson feels there has not been any information presented that would encourage him to change the zoning for the subject site. Councilmember Seal commented that the proposal submitted by the applicant is creative, and she approves that type development within parts of the City. However, based on the information in the agenda packet and the testimony this evening, she concurs with the staff recommendation presented in the agenda packet. Councilmember Hougardy concurred with the Councilmembers who previously spoke. She voiced her appreciation for the applicant and the quality of their work. She feels staff has provided a good report on why the project is not in the best interest of the community. Councilmember Quinn thanked the applicant for their presentation. He also concurred with Councilmember Robertson and his view of this issue. The staff report and presentation provided the answers to his questions and concerns. Councilmember Kruller commended the applicant for the brainstorming done to present an item that would benefit the community. There are codes and regulations that have to be abided by, and the testimony received this evening support the staff conclusions presented on page 22 of the agenda packet. Councilmember McLeod stated that he recently drove by the subject property to see the area in person. He did not talk to anyone and he was alone at the time. Mr. McLeod stated he would like to have the City preserve and maintain the neighborhoods. Ms. Dhaliwal stated that having ex -parte contact such as discussing the project with an area resident is what is not allowed under the quasi - judicial hearing procedures. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director, asked Councilmember McLeod if he is able to make a decision based only on the information presented on the record this evening. Councilmember McLeod answered in the affirmative. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. An ordinance updating the criminal code. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on March 22, 2016. A majority of the committee members recommended approval. The Tukwila Police Department enforces state statues that are adopted by reference in Title 8 of the Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC), "Public Peace, Morals, and Safety." Those state statutes are re- codified by the state legislature from time to time and new codes are adopted, and the City must adopt a new ordinance every few years to ensure that the TMC references the correct state statutes. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28, 2016 Page 9 of 10 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg said he has a few items to report, beginning with the upcoming discussion regarding the development of the 2017 -2018 Biennial Budget. Earlier in March, the City Council and the Executive Staff conducted a work session to identify shared priorities for the 2017 -2018 biennium. He supports the continued discussion on finalizing the priorities and believes those items that have been put in place and completed should continue to be taken into consideration. Some of those investments include the work along Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB), the recent demolition of the motels, construction of a new library, and future construction of new senior housing. Mayor Ekberg would also like to continue the investments in the Tukwila Police Department (TPD). The past investment in the TPD has provided notable results. The City has seen a 15 -year low in robberies, a 10 -year low in burglaries and 56% fewer crimes in the last three years, which can be attributed to the closure and demolition of the motels and the investment along TIB. Investment in the Fire Department and Code Enforcement is also essential. In 2015 there were more abatements completed in that one -year period than in the last 10 years combined. The Council's support has been invaluable toward increased Code Enforcement. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department is serving more participants than in years past, which he hopes to see continue into the 2017 -2018 biennium. Mayor Ekberg asked the Finance Director to provide comments on the upcoming budget process. Due to some Council concern regarding staff commenting under the Mayor's Report, the Mayor continued with his overview of the budget process. As the process moves forward, the Finance and Safety Committee will be an integral part of the budget process, along with all of the Council Committees. As a former Councilmember he often felt "talked at ", on budget matters, rather than advised, and he would like to ensure a better experience for the Council. The Council will have increased opportunities to weigh in during the process, and a robust outreach is intended for the Tukwila community. The budget will be guided by priorities and will build on the Council's desire to develop a strong 2017 -2018 biennial budget. Mayor Ekberg stated the second item in his report relates to the search for a new Fire Chief. The City has hired the Prothman Company for this recruitment, and he stated that a representative from the Prothman Company will be contacting the Councilmembers individually to obtain feedback on what the Council would like to see in a new Fire Chief. For the final item of his report, Mayor Ekberg stated he will not be in attendance at the April 4, 2016 Regular Meeting and Council President Duffie will preside as Mayor Pro Tempore. Councilmember Quinn thanked Mayor Ekberg for the proactive approach to building a relationship with the Council as it relates to the budget deliberations. He feels the Council has a distinct role in the budget process. The Mayor proposes a budget and the Council then deliberates on and approves the budget, and the process for how that is done is important. He voiced his concern with having a discussion this evening on the budget process prior to having a discussion with the Finance and Safety Committee Chair He does applaud a new approach to communication relating to the budget. Speaking as the Finance and Safety Committee Chair, Councilmember Seal commented that she was aware that comments relating to the budget were going to be made this evening; she was not fully aware of the depth of the information that would be presented. It was her understanding that the budget review process would be discussed at the April 5, 2016 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. David Cline, City Administrator, apologized for any confusion. The City Council established the budget process a few years ago. The purpose of the report this evening was to announce that the budget process review will begin at the next Finance and Safety Committee meeting, and that staff looks forward to a more collaborative approach to the budget development. b. City Council Councilmember Seal asked that any Council questions resulting from the recent City facilities work session be submitted to the Council Analyst as soon as possible. Ms. Seal reviewed the comments made by Mr. Larson under the Citizens Comment portion of the meeting as it relates to McKinney -Vento students or those students who are affected by homelessness. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes March 28� 2016 Page 10 of 10 [bumci|mmmborHougordv attended the most recent Hi h|inoForumn1eetng.wheneshevvoae|enbsdho serve osCo-Chaic She reviewed some of the topics that were discussed at that meeting. (]n March 29' 2O1O she will be attending the Southwest King County Chamber ofCommerce event. Councilmember Kruller attended the City Facilities Plan work session on March 22, 2016. (}n March 25. 2016 she participated in a meeting with the City's lobbyist, Hal Hiemmtru. Later that day she attended the opening match of the Sounders 82atSterfin* Sports Complex. [)n March 28'2O1G' she watched the State ofthe County Address by King County Executive Dow Constantine. Ms. Kru||er referenced a statement made during that address relating to the inclusion of the proposed Sound Transit Boeing Access Road station (in the 8T3 draft p|an). Councilmember McLeod attended the City facilities work session on March 22, 2016, and he thanked City staff for the recent tour of the Tukwila Police Department facilities. He expressed concern related to some of the conditions in the facilities, particularly as it relates to prisoners being transported past the employee lunchroom. Council President Duffle participated in a recent tour of the SCORE jail facility, and he suggested that Counui|members schedule a tour of that complex. Dn March 25.2O1O.he attended the opening match for the Sounders Q2at the Storfire Sports Complex. Mr. Duffie reminded the Council to respond hothe requests that are sent from the Council Analyst. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, explained that when people work together good things can happen, and the inclusion of the Boeing Access Road Station by Sound Transit (in the ST3 draft plan), is a testament to a collaborative effort between the City and private partners such as the Sabey Corporation. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings e. Intergovernmental There was noreport. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Robertson commented on the recent success of the University of Washington women's basketball team and their advancement to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Final Four basketball tournament. ADJOURNMENT 9:24 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFF|E DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. r�o%e- Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 4M8/16 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 4/19/16