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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-18 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council Regular Meeting City Hall Council Chambers April 18, 2016 — 7:00 P.m. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL Mayor Ekberg called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:01 p.m. and led the audience inthe Pledge ofAllegiance. ROLL CALL Christy D'F|aherty. City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Counoi|memberaDennio Robertson, Verna Seal, JoeDufhe. Ke[hyHnugardy. Oe'SeanC)uinn' Thomas McLeod. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY HOUGARDY TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER KRULLER FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 7:0 3p.m. Counoi|memberKruUer entered the Council Chambers. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Charlotte Archer, Assistant City Attorney; Rick GUU' Parks and Recreation Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Lavern Peteruon, Fine Department Battalion Chief; Evie Boykan, Human Gamimae Manager; Laurel Humphnay, Council Analyst; Christy 0'F|aharty' Qty Clerk. a. Appointments/Reappointments tm Boards and Commissions: (1) Library Advisory Buexƒ Confirm the appointment of Scott Kruizeto Position #1Vn the Library Advisory Board, with o term expiring 12/31/18. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY SEAL TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF SCOTT h[RUiZE TO POSITION #1 ON THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD, WITH ATERK0 EXPIRING 12/31/16.° Mr. Kruize has used library services extensively and views them as precious resource for the community, and he looks forward ho making a positive contribution. *MOTION CARRIED 7-0. (2) Park Con7nn/ookzn. (a) Confirm the reappointment of Sean Albert to Position #1 on the Park Commiesion, with a bann expiring 3/31/1& MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED B~yQUINN TO CONFIRM THE REAPPOINTMENT OFSEAN ALBERT TO POSITION #1ONTHE PARK COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/19. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 2 of 8 (b) Confirm the appointment of Heidi Wattemto Position #2 on the Park Commission, with aterm expiring 3/31/18, MOVED BY SEAL, SECONDED BYK8CLB]OTO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT CJFHE|D| WATTERS TO POSITION #2C3N THE PARK COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31M8.^ Ms. VVattero said she and her family have lived here for over 12years. She has a background in environmental design and urban forestry and has a wide range of stewardship experience with Parks and Recreation involving children and families, She loves the diversity in Tukwila and has creative ideas about galvanizing the community in this important arena. *MOTION CARRIED 7-0. (c) Confirm the appointment of Matt Mega to Position #3 on the Park Commission, with o term expiring 3/31/17. MOVED BY KRULLER, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF MATT MEGA TO POSITION #3gN THE PARK COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/17. MOTION CARRIED 7-U. (d) Recognition of Joanne McManus for her years of service on the Park Commission MOVED BYOUFF|ESECONDED BYKRULLER TQ RECOGNIZE JOANNE K0CMANUS FOR HER YEARS 0F SERVICE ON THE PARK COMMISSION.* Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that Joanne McManus had previously held Position #3on the Parks Commission. Ms. McManus has provided 17 years of service ho Tukwila, averaging over 317 volunteer hours per year, with several years having more than 400 hours (25-30 hours/month) of service for the Parks and Recreation Department, Police Department and the Court. The annual value of her volunteer time to the city amounts to approximately $7,000, and nearly $125,000 over the 17 years ofservice. This ioin addition to attending nearly every City Council meeting for many years. In appreciation for her dedicated service to Tukwila, a tree was planted in her honor on Arbor Day. A plaque will be placed at the location of the tree in recognition of her commitment to the City, She was also presented with a Parks and Recreation jacket. Ms. McManus expressed how much she has enjoyed her volunteer service to the City and expressed appreciation to her family for their support. The Councilmembers conveyed the greatest admiration for Ms. McManus and the time she has spent in service to the City. The audience members gave Ms. McManus o standing ovation. *MOTION CARRIED 7'0. (3) Planning Commission. Confirm the appointment of Dennis Martinez to Position #4on the Planning Commission, with aterm expiring 3/31/19. MOVED BY OUFF|E TO DENY THE APPOINTMENT OF DENNIS K8ART|NEZTO POSITION #4 ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/19. KAQT|0N FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY KHULLERTO APPOINT DENNIS K8ART|NEZ TO POSITION #4K]N THE PLANNING COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/19.^ Dennis Martinez thanked the Councilmembers for their support, to include Councilmember Duffle for his letter of encouragement to participate in the community and on Boards and Commissions; Councilmember Seal for her handwritten note; Councilmembers Quinn and Kruller for encouragement Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 3 of 8 during the last election; and Councilmember McLeod for his suggestions on the night he was appointed to Council. Tukwila is a community of opportunity and diversity. Based on a question by Councilmember Robertson, Mr. Martinez provided input on his involvement in the trades mentor program, which assists women and minorities in gaining living wage trade jobs. This program picks up a troubled apprentice and assists them in being successful. Mr. Robertson relayed that Sharon Mann, who is on the Planning Commission, had interest in Mr. Martinez being appointed due to project forecasting and project labor agreement experience. Mr. Martinez confirmed that he has done a great deal of project management work as part of his current position. Councilmember Kruller referenced Mr. Martinez's application as it relates to volunteer work to promote women and minorities as well as contributions to his church and neighbors. Councilmember McLeod stated that there will be essential discussions coming up regarding Fire Facilities. Since Mr. Martinez's wife works for the Fire Department, he inquired about how that would affect his decision making on the Planning Commission. Mr. Martinez conveyed that his decision making would not be compromised. His wife is a tax payer and cares greatly about the City. He is a steward to the community and has no problem making hard decisions. Councilmember McLeod asked Mr. Martinez if he would recuse himself from Fire Department related subject matter that comes before the Planning Commission. Mr. Martinez responded that if need be, he would have no problem recusing himself. Councilmember Quinn encouraged Mr. Martinez that if he is appointed to the Planning Commission that he consult with legal representatives regarding potential conflicts of interest. Councilmember Seal asked Mr. Martinez if he had been told he received the appointment already. Mr. Martinez responded in the negative. Mayor Ekberg relayed that in the final interview process for the appointments, the Planning Commission Chair was invited into the discussions and was part of the interview panel and decision making process. Councilmember Seal expressed that she is very concerned about the process, which is in no way personal to Mr. Martinez. Ms. Seal explained that in the past, prior to appointments to Boards and Commissions going on an agenda, the Council had an opportunity to weigh in. From her standpoint, that did not happen in this case, and the item was put on an agenda. The Council President pulled the item from the agenda originally, since the Council had not had the opportunity to review the applications and finalists. She was of the understanding that finalists for the appointments, to include Mr. Martinez, had been notified that they were being appointed, and it was just a matter of Council confirmation. The Planning Commission is an advisory board to the Council, with appointments by the Mayor and confirmation by the Council. Since it is the responsibility of the Council to confirm appointments, following the process is essential in demonstrating thoroughness of review to the citizens, who oftentimes feel "rubber- stamping" is taking place. Councilmember Quinn reiterated that Mr. Martinez has good experience with Project Labor Agreements, which would be a benefit to the City. There were others who applied who had housing experience, and it is important that collaboration occur in this process. It would have been beneficial to resolve the process issue before it came before us; those who volunteer deserve better than this situation. Councilmember Kruller is pleased that so many of the appointees this evening also applied for the position of Councilmember a few months ago. She is thoroughly impressed with Mr. Martinez's qualifications. She offered the reminder that we have 9 neighborhoods, many of which have no representation on a Board or Commission. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 4 of 8 Councilmember McLeod said he spent 6 years on the Planning Commission and has concern that Mr. Martinez has a family member who works for the Fire Department. Mr. Martinez also has a strong union background and wonders how that will affect decision making on a building project. Having a tradesman would be a benefit to the Planning Commission. Mr. McLeod said he checked with Department of Community Development staff and asked their opinion, and they felt the issues could be mitigated and were not concerned with the appointment moving forward. He expressed concern regarding Mr. Martinez's opening remarks this evening regarding "letters of encouragement by the Council" that seemed to be boxing the Council in based on prior comments. From his standpoint, that is concerning as it relates to collaboration, which is needed by Planning Commissioners. Councilmember Robertson expressed being bothered by the discussion and said that the Council President approves the agenda. A discussion could have been added to the agenda at a Committee of the Whole meeting to address the process related issues. In a meeting like this where volunteers are present, we are putting people on the spot. We do not want to lose volunteers, who are essential in our City, due to situations like this. He apologized to Mr. Martinez and other potential volunteers. Councilmember Seal apologized to Mr. Martinez as this issue is not intended to be personal; the questions she had posed about the process were not answered satisfactorily. The Councilmember's role is to confirm appointments, which is also an opportunity to disagree and raise concerns. Setting a precedent could be prohibitive in the future if issues are not resolved. Councilmember Hougardy said it was her understanding that this candidate was notified that he had the position and that the other people who had applied for the Planning Commission were assigned to other Boards and Commissions. She asked the Mayor if he could clarify. Mayor Ekberg said he followed the same process that other Mayors have followed. The new piece is that the Planning Commission Chair was invited into the process. The Mayor agreed that the timing was rapid, which was in the interest of getting appointments filled. As an example, the Human Services Advisory Board had vacancies at a time when they would be reviewing $350,000 worth of contracts, and the focus was getting vacant seats filled as soon as possible. The Mayor said that during Council agenda review, it became clear this was moving too quickly, for which he apologized. This item was removed from that agenda. Fortunately, most of the Boards and Commissions are filled, and the Mayor said he is willing to review the process. As in the past, the City notifies the individual to come to meet the Council. As it relates to the Planning Commission appointment, there were 5 applicants, and the Mayor chose Mr. Martinez. He then personally reached out to the remaining applicants for that position, as well as those who were candidates for the recent open Council seat to consider applying for other vacant Board and Commission spots. Many of those individuals did apply and are being confirmed this evening. Councilmember Hougardy read from correspondence the Mayor sent to the Council on the Wednesday before the March 21, 2016 Council meeting when this topic was originally scheduled. The correspondence included copies of the applications and an Informational Memorandum that stated, "Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns." From her viewpoint, this was the Council's opportunity to speak up and request additional time or express concerns. Moving forward we need to fine -tune the process. Council President Duffie verified that he followed the Council Agenda process. Councilmember Quinn suggested the future process involve a de- escalation procedure. ROLL CALL VOTE: ROBERTSON YES SEAL YES DUFFIE NO HOUGARDY YES QUINN YES KRULLER YES MCLEOD NO *MOTION CARRIED 5 -2, WITH DUFFIE AND MCLEOD VOTING NO. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 5 of 8 (4) Community- Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board. Confirm the appointment of Zak Idan to Position #7 on the Comm u n ity-Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board, with m tann expiring 3/31/17. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BYFCRULLERTO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OFZAK|OANTO POSITION #7ONTHE COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 3/31/17.° Mr. |don explained that he is originally from Somalia. He is graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Construction Management and a minor in Urban Planning. Hn currently works aaa project control engineer for King County and is also a member of the Abu Bakr Mosque in Tukwila. He coaches youth soccer and is involved with the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee *MOTION CARRIED 7-0. (5) Human Services Advisory Board Confirm the appointment of Coletha Albert to Position #4 on the Human Services Advisory Board, with a term expiring 4/3U/18. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY SEAL TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OFCC]LETHA ALBERT TO POSITION #4ON THE HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD, WITH ATERM EXPIRING 4/30119.* Ms. Albert relayed that she has volunteered with the City Attorney's Office and at the Tukwila Community Center as part of the Teen Program. While she has not always had positive experiences when seeking opportunities in the City, she credits Mayor Ekberg's leadership in contacting her personally to apply for this position. She has a background working with non-profit agencies relative to human services and was also on the Board for Seattle Public Schools. K8a. Albert is also port of support group for parents of murdered children. She is proud to be a resident and cares about Tukwila. 8:35p.m. Counoi|memberDuffia left the Council Chambers °K8C]T|C3N CARRIED G-U,WITH OUFF|EABSENT. The Councilmembers and Mayor thanked all of the appointees for their exemplary qualifications, commitment and willingness tu serve the Tukwila community. b. Proclamations: 1. A proclamation declaring April 22.2O1Gao"Earth Day." Mayor Ekberg read a proclamation declaring April 22, 2016 as Earth Day in Tukwila, encouraging all residents to join in recognizing that positive land management protects resources for the future enjoyment of citizens. Mayor Ekberg presented the proclamation to Rick Still, Parks and Recreation Director. 2. Apnoc|omnation declaring April 2B'2016as "Stand Against Racism 0oy." Mayor Ekberg read a proclamation declaring April 29, 2016 as Stand Against Racism Day in the City of Tukwila, encouraging all residents to observe this day and commit themselves to stand against racism whenever and wherever it may appear. 8:48 p.m. Councilmember Duffie entered the Council Chambers Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 6 of 8 Mayor Ekberg presented the proclamation to Olivier Santos, YWCA, Youth Employment Specialist, who brought pins that were distributed to the Council. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 3/21/16 (Regular); 4/4/16 (Regular) b. Approval of Vouchers #371874 - 371956; #160401- 160402 in the amount of $1,464,458.05 c. Authorize the Mayor to sign the grant award documents for the Duwamish Hill Preserve from 4Culture in the amount of $200,000. [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on 4111116.] d. Authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with MMS Consultants, Inc. (formerly Habannini, LLC) to operate Billy Baroo's restaurant at Foster Golf Links for a period of 7 years. [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on 4111116.] MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg reported this past week he attended the Volunteer Appreciation event, the 5th Grade Dare Graduation and the Southcenter Rotary auction. On April 11, 2016 he and Tukwila School Superintendent Nancy Coogan met at the Golf Course for the Leaders at the Link event. On April 17, 2016, he participated in the New Year's event at the Buddhist Temple. This past week, he also gave a Civics presentation to the Seattle Christian School students. b. City Council Council President Duffie attended the recent FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) class this past week. He has asked the Council Analyst to find a date such that all Councilmembers can participate. Additionally, he displayed a picture of 53rd Avenue South as it would look once it has been reconstructed. He thanked the Transportation Committee for their excellent work. Councilmember Robertson will be attending a 2 -day forum titled "Make Sense of Sea Level Rise" sponsored by the Tulalip tribe. This is an emerging issue in that it is anticipated there will be an 8 inch rise in sea level in the Puget Sound by 2050. By the year 2100, the rise will be 3 feet. This has dramatic implications in that the Green River flows into the Duwamish River, and there is not 3 feet of elevation to accommodate that rise. The work must begin early in order to mitigate these issues. Councilmember Seal reported that Washington New Americans will sponsor a Citizenship Day on April 23, 2016. Councilmember Hougardy attended the recent Regional Transit Workshop and reported that Metro King County is completing their long range plan. Staff from the County are willing to attend Council meetings to provide a presentation. She also attended the Sound Side Policy Board meeting on April 13, 2016. She hosted the Council Coffee Chat on April 16, 2016 where issues came up regarding Seattle City Light, Code Enforcement, senior rates for Valley View Sewer and Water District 125, small businesses, and the King County Library, She echoed Council President Duffie's suggestion that all Councilmembers attend the FEMA training. Councilmember Quinn referenced the recent Community Affairs and Parks (CAP) Committee meeting based on citizen concerns regarding children living in apartments not being able to play outside. It was a robust discussion that included members of the Tenants Union and the City Attorney. Some apartment Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 7 of 8 managers testified that they want to work on solutions. There may be additional CAP meetings that focus on specific issues of concern to citizens. Mr. Quinn read from a letter to the CAP Committee dated April 6, 2016 from multiple citizens in the Allentown neighborhood. The letter reflects in part that members of the Allentown area "believe that flexibility in housing construction codes needs to be considered by the Tukwila City Council to address the housing needs in our racially diverse, moderately priced housing neighborhood. We hope this discussion and pursuant action will occur soon as we continue to lose potential opportunities to improve our neighborhood." Mr. Quinn was asked to participate in the recent Governor's Equity Conference, where he facilitated a leadership discussion. There were representatives from every State agency in attendance. Councilmember Kruller was pleased with the recent Facilities Work Session, and she also attended the Tukwila Police Academy. Judge Walden takes that opportunity to speak to citizens to inform them of their rights and make them aware of the impacts of having seemingly small crimes on their records. Ms. Kruller attended the recent SCA PIC (Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee) meeting, where the topic of ST3 (Sound Transit 3) was a focal point. She also attended the Transportation Policy Board meeting and the Restore the Duwamish cleanup event sponsored by BECU. She also attended a Sounders S2 game and hopes everything will be done to keep the team in Tukwila. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator (CA) Report in the packet and offered to answer any questions. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Robertson said that last August, the Council chose not to move forward with an ordinance that would deal with vacant or abandoned property due to the associated costs. Councilmember Quinn had been instrumental in that effort. Mr. Robertson has spoken with the City Attorney and learned there may have been some changes that could prove beneficial in moving forward on this issue. He is seeking Council consensus to create an informal team that would include the City Attorney, Council Analyst and himself to look into options and then turn it over to the Community Affairs and Parks (CAP) Committee to handle. Councilmember Kruller suggested the topic begin in a Council Committee per the standard practice and the Council President's intent. Councilmember Robertson conveyed that there are houses in his neighborhood that would benefit from this effort. Since he is retired and has time to pursue the additional work, he would be willing to spend his personal time on this project in advance of the CAP. Councilmember Quinn, Chair of the CAP, would prefer to retain the current process and investigate and pursue this topic with the CAP committee members. Councilmember Robertson requested that the CAP Committee look at this topic, due to changes that the City Attorney feels may prove beneficial to the City. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 8 of 8 Councilmember Hougardy, CAP member, is in support of the CAP Chair's recommendation that the Committee take this topic on through the standard process. She also thanked Councilmember Robertson for his willingness to work on this. ADJOURNMENT 9:26 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY KRULLER TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Allan Ek , ayor Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 5/2/16 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 5/3/16