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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-09 Committee of the Whole Minutes Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers May 9, 2011 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Ekberg called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Allan Ekberg, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Steve Lancaster, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Interim Police Chief; Shawn Hunstock, Finance Director; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator. CITIZEN COMMENTS Roger Baker, 11662 42nd Avenue South, explained that on April 21, 2011 a close friend backed out of his driveway, across the road and into the river, and lost her life. Not too long ago, another car went into the river just a few feet down and a young boy lost his life. He feels both of these losses were unnecessary because there should have been a guardrail. During construction of sewers on that street a couple years ago, a guardrail was installed on a portion of the road but was not continued all the way along the river. Mr. Baker wondered how many more lives must be taken before the needed protection is provided along the river. Mr. Baker commended the Fire Department for their efforts in trying to save his friend's life. The response was very fast and they did everything they could to try and revive her. Council President Ekberg asked that this item be added to the City's citizen inquiry system. Larry Quicksall, 11870 44th Place South, explained there are two lots immediately to the south of his that are residential lots. The owners of those lots have been told they must remove the steel stored on the property. This has been going on for a considerable length of time, with minimal progress, and there is no fence around the property to separate the commercially -used property from residential lots. He recently observed a family on the property with a young boy riding a tricycle through one of the pipes. He has also observed other children playing hide and -seek in the pipes, which range in size from 1 -1/2 feet up to 6 feet in diameter and 40 to 50 feet long. Mr. Quicksall asked the City Council for any help they can provide to clear the property and protect children in the meantime. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, noted this item is on the citizen inquiry list and he has asked for an update from the Department of Community Development. He explained a Notice and Order was filed, which was appealed by the property owner and business owner. The Hearing Examiner upheld the Notice and Order, and the City is continuing to work with the property owner towards compliance. Councilmember Robertson suggested this appears to be more than just a zoning problem, but also a public safety issue. Mr. Lancaster stated he would forward information regarding the safety aspect to the City Attorney. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 2 of 5 SPECIAL ISSUES a. An application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the 2012 Minor Home Repair Program to serve the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, Covington and Pacific in the amount of $125,000. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on April 25, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, explained the application to King County is for a share of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The funds are used for the City's Minor Home Repair Program. The program has expanded since 2005, and now includes the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac and Covington, and plans are for the City of Pacific to join for 2012. Funds are used primarily for repair and construction for low- to moderate income homeowners who have been in their homes a year. Identifying information is collected to verify income status and review the nature of the service being requested. Last year 23 Tukwila households were served, plus a total of 78 households in the other cities combined. The City of Tukwila serves as the fiscal agent for the participating cities, including writing of the grant application. Each City makes their own decisions on use of their funds and hires their own contractors. Projects include both preventive maintenance and small repairs such as electrical and plumbing work, small carpentry, handicapped accessibility items such as grab bars and railings, and gutter cleaning. Council asked clarifying questions about the grant application and commended Ms. Boykan on the good work provided to our citizens. They also noted that lobbying at the federal level to save these funds is important. There is a lot of competition with other cities and non profits for funds for capital projects. The sub regional approach including additional cities in the proposal —helps in securing approval for funds year after year. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. A lease extension with the Way Back Inn. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on April 25, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Ms. Boykan explained the City has had a partnership with the Way Back Inn for a number of years. In exchange for rehabilitating Tukwila -owned houses up to current code and maintaining their appearance, the Way Back Inn is able to provide housing for local families for up to 90 days at a time to help them get back on their feet. They are a grassroots organization with one paid staff person. Members of the Way Back Inn in attendance included Della Shane, 2314 NE 11th Ct., Renton; Dorothy Francis, 2524 Jones Ave NE, Renton; and Vern Francis, 2524 Jones Ave NE, Renton. Ms. Francis explained the Way Back Inn has been serving homeless families for 20 years, and has had a partnership with the City of Tukwila for 16 years. The Hartnett Manor is a 100 year -old property that has been converted into a duplex. The Way Back Inn has contacted the Boeing Employee Community Fund for a $16,000 grant to make repairs to the house. The Fund is requiring the Way Back Inn have a 10 -year lease with the City; the current lease is for 5 years, which will expire in 2013. Mr. Francis provided a hand -out to Council including photographs and bid estimates. Work required includes roof and gutter replacement and painting, including special requirements relating to lead -based paint. In response to a question from Council, Ms. Shane explained the home was named after Dick Hartnett, one of the primary volunteers who renovated the house in 1993. All of the houses in the Way Back Inn program are referred to by name (rather than address) for security and confidentiality purposes. Councilmembers acknowledged the challenges in maintaining an older home, and thanked the group for their service to the community. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 3 of 5 COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. A resolution opposing federal preemption of local land use authority related to railroads and urging the United States Congress to clarify its intent regarding local authority. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on April 25, 2011. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Ms. Seal explained the original resolution was discussed at the Community Affairs Parks Committee meeting, where input was received from some Allentown residents. The resolution in the agenda packet contains language that was added after that meeting. Steve Lancaster, City Administrator, explained the resolution will ask the City's representatives in Washington DC for some very specific action: Hold hearings on the existing federal law with regard to railroad preemption Direct the Surface Transportation Board to investigate the power exercised by the railroads; and Enact legislation to clarify that federal law does not preempt local law Councilmember Seal noted the resolution will be signed by the Mayor as well as the Council President. Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122nd Street, expressed appreciation to the Council for working on this issue and for allowing the community to participate. She feels the additions to the resolution better represent the potential impacts by conveying the demographics of the area, the opportunity for affordable home ownership within the greater metropolitan area, and the money that has been spent on salmon recovery in that area where there are federally listed threatened salmon. Council deliberation included the fact that this issue will relate to future discussions the City will have on the federal, state and county levels regarding salmon restoration and the Growth Management Act; noting that the City worked hard to install sewers in the Allentown area approximately 10 years ago and are now seeing the benefit of new single family housing; the importance of protecting the quality of life of residents; and appreciation for the involvement of citizens to protect their community. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended a meeting on May 2, 2011 with Steve Lancaster, where they met with three representatives of Burlington Northern Railway who were in town from Texas. They discussed the encroachment into Allentown by the railroad and explained the City's Comprehensive Plan directs the City to preserve its neighborhoods. On May 4, 2011, the Mayor wrote a letter to the Burlington Northern representatives, with copies to Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, Representative Adam Smith, Representative Jim McDermott, and Burlington Northern's Government Relations department. He acknowledged this will be an uphill battle as the railroads currently have a lot of power in this country. He is resolved to challenge the recent decisions by Burlington Northern in order to protect the Tukwila community. The Mayor also noted that other cities are having similar problems and are ready to support Tukwila's efforts. Mayor Haggerton discussed the "Southcenter Marketing Partnership Kick -Off Meeting" hosted by Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, on May 5, 2011. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together businesses in the area to determine whether there was interest in joining their efforts to market the Tukwila Urban Center. Approximately 25 to 30 people attended, representing businesses of various sizes. Mayor Haggerton acknowledged Steve Rydeen, Tukwila firefighter, and the Tukwila Fire Department. The Mayor attended the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) 7th District Fire Ops 101 program on May 5 and 6, 2011. The program is held annually on a site near Hanford, Washington, for elected Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 4 of 5 officials and other staff members to experience all the drills that fire departments consider a normal part of their business. The Mayor and his team (shadowed by Firefighter Rydeen) participated in multiple fire related and life saving exercises in full uniform, which included boots, heavy coat and pants, helmet, mask and, for some drills, an oxygen tank. Firefighter Rydeen commended the Mayor and thanked him for his participation. He noted they hope to be able to take two people to the event next year. Mayor Haggerton reminded everyone there will be a celebration for Officer Gerry Myklebust on May 10, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Officer Myklebust is retiring after 35 years with the City of Tukwila Police Department. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie noted King County Councilmember Julia Patterson was on the news today in a story about funds needed to complete the rail system to Federal Way. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Tukwila Government Affairs meeting on May 3, 2011, where Derek Speck discussed the response to the City's Request for Proposal on Tukwila Village. On May 5, 2011, she attended the National Day of Prayer gathering at the City Hall flagpole. On May 7, 2011, she attended the planning meeting for the Heritage Cultural Center dinner auction. It was announced at that meeting that Dr. Kay Reinartz passed away on May 16, 2011. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 27, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in the Magnolia Village area. Council President Ekberg attended the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting on May 4, 2011. He noted stays in hotels are rising slowly, but rates have remained flat. He also noted that the cities of Renton and Bellevue will be competing to host the start location of the Rock'n' Roll Marathon. Councilmember Seal attended the King County Domestic Violence Initiative meeting on May 4, 2011, as the Suburban Cities representative. A lot of interesting information was presented as it relates to the committee's work with Municipal Courts and Superior Courts, and the importance of law enforcement working with attorneys and victims of domestic violence relating to immigration issues. Councilmember Hougardy attended Renton High School's centennial celebration on May 7, 2011. On May 5, 2011, she attended the National Day of Prayer event, and she attended the Tukwila Government Affairs meeting on May 3, 2011. c. Staff There was no report. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded Council the work session on the Shoreline Master Program on May 11, 2011 will begin at 6:00 p.m. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hernandez thanked the Mayor for copying Council on his letter to Burlington Northern Railway Company, and agreed with several points made in the letter. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 9, 2011 Page 5 of 5 Council President Ekberg explained the setup of the Council Chambers for the Shoreline Master Program work session next week will be similar to the Council's most recent work session. ADJOURNMENT 8:14 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT EKBERG DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. An Ekberg, Council President A S�Ad inistrative Support Coordinator APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 5/23/2011 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE ON 5/24/2011