HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers July 11, 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 7:06 p.m. and 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
David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Leon Richardson, Police Records Manager;
Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief; Al Patterson, Fire Department Chaplin; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance
Director; Joseph Todd, Technology Services Director; Mike Marcum, Senior Technology Services
Specialist; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart; Deputy City Clerk.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Council President Duffie requested a moment of silence in acknowledgment and support of the Nation
due to the many tragic events the past week. The Council and audience members observed a moment of
silence in memory of the many victims of the recent events.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Robert Neuffer, 13813 37th Avenue South, stated that he was present this evening to comment on the
recent events throughout the country. Mr. Neuffer provided the Council with a brief history of his
experiences with police officers. He does not approve of the violence that has taken place, nor does he
agree with the comments flooding the media after the recent incidents. Mr. Neuffer voiced support for
changes to the laws and felt police officers should be held accountable for their actions. He said
protecting the innocent (such as those with special needs) is very important. Mr. Neuffer feels that the
City does not have an open line of communication between the residents and the Police Department.
Kathleen Graf, 14153 37th Avenue South, explained that she lives near Cascade View Community Park,
and she is present this evening to inquire about the tent city near the Riverton Park United Methodist
Church. Ms. Graf stated the last information she received indicated the tent city would be leaving that
location by the end of June, and it is still operating at the current location. Ms. Graf has noticed an
increase in the homeless sleeping in Cascade View Community Park, and feels this is an issue. She
complimented the 'Tukwila Police Department for their response to calls about issues within the park, and
commended the City's Parks and Recreation and Public Works staff for their frequent visits to the park.
Homelessness within the City is an issue, and having that migrate to City parks is becoming a problem
that she is very frustrated about.
Kathy Stetson, 15278 Sunwood Boulevard, #C32, stated she recently retired from the City of Tukwila
and she was present this evening to speak before the Council one last time as a long -time Tukwila
resident. Ms. Stetson thanked the City Council for their support during her time in the Code Enforcement
division of the City.
Council President Duffie asked Ms. Stetson for her view of the City as a resident.
Ms. Stetson explained that for the past 40 years she has lived in Tukwila, and she is proud of the City.
Over the years there have been a lot of challenges, and there are things that still need to be fixed.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
July 11, 2016 Page 2 of 6
Ms. Stetson said one of the things she most appreciates about Tukwila is the access the residents have
to the City Council. Residents are able to voice their concerns to the Council and know they have been
heard. One main issue appears to be the economics of the City, and the lack of income for some
residents. The lack of income was a root cause for many of the issues she experienced as a Code
Enforcement Officer. Ms. Stetson thanked the Council for their work on all the difficult issues and the
collaborative support she received over the years.
7:25 p.m. David Cline, City Administrator, entered the Council Chambers.
The Councilmembers each thanked Ms. Stetson for her service to the City.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Funding for technology support for Police records system.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on
July 6, 2016. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Joseph Todd, Technology Services Director, explained that the Council is being asked to consider
moving a position from the Police Department to Technology Services and increasing the position from
half -time to full -time. The position was originally created and approved in December 2015 to support the
Police Department implementation and support of the Spillman Records Management System. Staff has
been unable to find a qualified candidate interested in a part -time position, and with new leadership in the
Technology Services Department, there has been a reassessment of need. If approved, the position will
be used for implementation and support of Spillman as planned. Additionally, the position will also
provide much needed technology support for the Police Department.
Mr. Todd addressed the comments from Councilmember Kruller at the recent Finance and Safety
Committee meeting relating to outsourcing the Spillman and Police Department technology duties (page 3
of the agenda packet). He explained that Technology Services staff received quotes from three specialty
vendors at the rates of $150 to $180 per hour. A year of service with the work outsourced would cost the
City $312,000 - $374,000 annually, which is significantly higher than the costs for a full -time employee
Councilmember Quinn asked if the proposal to add a Technology Services Administrator will help the City
address the challenges the City has faced relating to technology issues.
Mike Villa, Police Chief, answered in the affirmative. He explained that the budget for the position was
originally approved as a .5 FTE (half- time). At this time, Technology Services does not have adequate
staffing for the implementation and data migration for the Spillman Records Management System for the
Police Department. The full -time position will provide the necessary technology assistance for the Police
Department.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. July 4 after- action report.
Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief, explained he and Police Chief Mike Villa will update the Council on the
events /incidents relating to the July 4 holiday. They utilized a PowerPoint presentation, with highlights as
follows:
FIREWORKS IN TUKWILA:
• In 1996 the Tukwila voters approved an advisory vote to ban the discharge and sale of fireworks.
• Tukwila is one of 23 cities in King County that has a ban on fireworks.
• This year there were three fires over the holiday weekend that were linked to illegal fireworks use
that included a fire at South 1841h Street and Southcenter Parkway and West Marginal Place.
HOW THE CITY PREPARED:
• Police and Fire department coordination
• Vacation freeze during the holiday weekend
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
July 11, 2016 Page 3 of 6
• Adding 10 additional police officers for holiday weekend shifts
• Preparation and distribution of information on enforcement of the fireworks ban
• Creation of a flyer to educate the community on the fireworks ban and enhanced enforcement
• Additional aid car and engine in service
• Addition of 5 firefighters during the holiday weekend
• Coordination with Zone 3: An action plan was developed for Zone 3 response to calls for service
within the City
OUTREACH
• The City utilized the following tools to remind the community about the fireworks ban:
o Facebook
o Twitter
o E- Hazelnut
• City website
• Production of an information flyer
• CodeRED
• The City also reached out to the Tukwila Reporter for their assistance on community education
• Parks and Recreation installed yard signs in City parks throughout the City
CodeRED
• 770 phone calls were attempted and 677 numbers received the message
• 464 emails were issued
• 383 text messages sent
STATISTICS
• Calls for service relating to fireworks were slightly higher than last year (12 of the calls were from
on -duty staff)
• The City issued 20 warnings over the holiday weekend and seized fireworks from 7 individuals
• Riverton, Thorndyke, Allentown and McMicken neighborhoods had the highest concentration of
calls for service relating to fireworks
STATISTICS — VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS (VALLEY CITIES TOTALS)
• July 1 — 4:
o 2016: 914 fireworks related calls
o 2015 939 fireworks related calls
• July 4 peak:
o 2016: 505 fireworks related calls
o 2015: 640 fireworks related calls
THE CITY HAS HEARD:
• There needs to be additional education on the fireworks ban
• Integrate Tukwila Works
• Good use of the CodeRED system
FAMILY 4T" AT THE FORT:
• 4,500 participants in the park
• An additional 2,500 people enjoyed the fireworks from outside the park
The Councilmembers exchanged comments on the information presented and thanked staff for the after -
action report.
Interim Fire Chief Flores asked the Council if the collaborative approach used during the enhanced
fireworks enforcement this year was acceptable to use again next year.
Councilmember Quinn asked that staff provide the Council with the costs associated with the enhanced
fireworks enforcement for future reference.
Chief Villa stated the cost for the two - person enforcement team was approximately $1,500 to $2,000 each
night of the assignment (July 1 — July 4).
c. Committee Chair Mid -Year Report.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
July 11, 2016 Page 4 of 6
Utilities Committee Chair Hougardy distributed to the Council two maps that identify the locations of
two City utility projects. Ms. Hougardy reviewed the following work plan items (pages 35 and 36 of the
agenda packet), and referred to the maps distributed, while providing a brief description to the Council on
each of the projects.
Community Affairs and Parks (CAP) Committee Chair Quinn reviewed the following items (pages 37
and 38 of the agenda packet), while providing a brief description to the Council on each of the work plan
items.
Description
Status /Notes
4.
CBD Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
Parks, Council
4.
Bid Award for 2016 Design
Complete
12.
Emergency Repair at 1200 Andover Park East
Complete
32.
Budget for 1227 Andover Park East
Complete
11.
East Marginal Way S Storm Pipe Replacement
Construction
4/25/16 and 6/27/16
CAP periodic review
10.
Status Update and Closeout
Complete
Community Affairs and Parks (CAP) Committee Chair Quinn reviewed the following items (pages 37
and 38 of the agenda packet), while providing a brief description to the Council on each of the work plan
items.
Mr. Quinn stated the CAP Committee continues to have discussions on housing options and issues within
the City. He commended the CAP Committee for the creative approach used to try and address the need
for play areas near multi - family housing complexes. There is more to be done by the CAP Committee.
Transportation Committee Chair Robertson stated that the Transportation and Utilities Committees are
mainly Public Works committees, and the Transportation Committee has completed 16 projects included
on the 2016 work plan. Mr. Robertson referred to two projects included on the work plan (pages 39 and
40 of the agenda packet) and provided a brief review of the items for the Council.
Descri ton
Status /Notes
42.
Teens for Tukwila
Parks, Council
4.
Healthy Tukwila — Fit City
Briefing 6/13
12.
Duwamish Hill Preserve Construction — Contract
Closeout
32.
CDBG Application for Minor Home Repair
Complete
2.
Housing Options Matrix
4/25/16 and 6/27/16
CAP periodic review
10.
Housing Options Program Briefing
Complete
17.
Residential Infill Standards
Schedule after Housing
Options
Mr. Quinn stated the CAP Committee continues to have discussions on housing options and issues within
the City. He commended the CAP Committee for the creative approach used to try and address the need
for play areas near multi - family housing complexes. There is more to be done by the CAP Committee.
Transportation Committee Chair Robertson stated that the Transportation and Utilities Committees are
mainly Public Works committees, and the Transportation Committee has completed 16 projects included
on the 2016 work plan. Mr. Robertson referred to two projects included on the work plan (pages 39 and
40 of the agenda packet) and provided a brief review of the items for the Council.
Finance and Safety Committee Chair Seal stated the Finance and Safety Committee has been very
busy so far this year. Ms. Seal referred to page 41 of the agenda packet and she conducted a brief
review of the work plan items that will be addressed in the near future for the Council.
,;Descri tion
Status /Notes ".
14.
Interurban Avenue S (S 143rd — Fort Dent Way)
9.
Status update and Project Close -out
Complete
17.
OTHER
19.
S eed Issues — Traffic Calming Options
Ongoing
Finance and Safety Committee Chair Seal stated the Finance and Safety Committee has been very
busy so far this year. Ms. Seal referred to page 41 of the agenda packet and she conducted a brief
review of the work plan items that will be addressed in the near future for the Council.
Description
Status /Notes
2.
Financial policies
9.
Non - represented employee compensation policy
Resolution No. 1796
10.
New or increased revenues
19.
Ordinance: Gambling tax collection (monthly vs
uarterl
Standard Reports /Briefings
Police and Fire budget detail
Quarter)
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
July 11, 2016 Page 5 of 6
Councilmember Robertson commended Councilmember Seal for her work this year as the Finance and
Safety Committee Chair.
Councilmember Kruller thanked the chairs for the committee work plan updates. She stated the Council
Committees have spent hundreds of hours working on the important issues, and she felt committee
updates were important to the community. Ms. Kruller inquired about the status of a proposed ordinance
relating to landlord /tenant issues.
8:17 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy exited the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Quinn stated the Community Affairs and Parks Committee invited members from the
Tenants Union to attend a committee meeting to discuss the emerging issues. One topic of discussion
from that meeting related to landlord /tenant issues and the pros /cons associated with legislation to
address those types of issues. Mr. Quinn feels solving these types of problems within the City will require
a larger solution rather than legislation. He stated that the committee continues discussing all housing
issues at the committee level.
Councilmember Kruller referred to a recent article in "The Seattle Times" relating to rent increases in
Seattle, and suggested Tukwila research a similar option.
8:22 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy returned to the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Quinn stated that the topic of housing is a significant issue for the committee.
Councilmember Kruller feels that a communication plan should be developed and reviewed by the
Council on how the City will communicate with residents about a proposed project within the City. She
feels the City should be communicating early and often with the residents about proposed developments
and /or projects that could impact the neighborhoods. Ms. Kruller used the proposed development of
cottages near the Riverton Park United Methodist Church as an example.
Councilmember Robertson commented that during Council discussions on the update to the City's
Comprehensive Plan in 2015, there was discussion about the development of a master plan relating to
Transit Oriented Development. He asked if that plan has been completed.
Councilmember Quinn stated the Community Affairs and Parks Committee has asked to review that plan,
and it is not complete. The committee is working with City Administration on these types of plans, and
being proactive in seeking solutions to the issues.
Council President Duffie thanked the Council Committee Chairs for the reports on the activity of each of
the committees. He asked that the meeting days and times for each committee be provided to the
audience.
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, reminded the audience of the Council Committee meeting schedule
• Transportation Committee meetings are on the first and third Monday of every month in the
Foster Conference Room at 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite 100, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
• Finance and Safety Committee meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of every month in
the Hazelnut Conference Room at City Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
• Community Affairs and Parks Committee meetings are on the second and fourth Monday of
every month in the Hazelnut Conference Room at City Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
• Utilities Committee meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month in the
Foster Conference Room at 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite 100, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg was not present.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
July 11, 2016 Page 6 of 6
b. City Council
Councilmember Quinn stated that he was recently appointed by Governor Inslee to the Joint Legislative
Taskforce on Community Policing Standards. The events of the past week in Baton Rouge, Minneapolis
and Dallas are a cause for concern, and weigh heavy on his heart. He now has a responsibility to sit with
the other members of the Governor's Joint Legislative Taskforce and talk about the recent issues and
open the line of communication on Community Policing Standards.
Councilmember Kruller attended the Sounders S2 match on July 10, 2016. She will be attending the
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation Policy Board meeting on July 14, 2016. Ms.
Kruller reminded the Council and audience members of the upcoming three -day events for the Boeing
Founders Celebration beginning July 15, 2016.
Councilmember McLeod announced that he will be participating in the interview process for the Fire Chief
candidates.
Council President Duffie reminded the Council of the upcoming mid -year Council retreat
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
There was no report.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Seal said the Council is currently working toward a decision to possibly place a Public
Safety bond measure on the November 8, 2016 ballot. If the Council decides to move forward with a
bond measure, the City will need to provide King County Elections with the names of people who would
like to serve on the pro /con committees. The committees are responsible for writing the statements for
the voters' pamphlet. She asked that anyone interested in serving on either the pro or con committee
submit their name to Rachel Bianchi, Communications Manager, at 206 - 454 -7566, by July 25 at 5:00 p.m.
Interested individuals should indicate which committee they would like to serve on as well as if they are
willing to be the committee spokesperson. Ms. Seal stated that the pro /con statements are due to King
County Elections by August 11.
ADJOURNMENT
8:46 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
DJOURNED.
J
oe ffie, uncil Pre ' t
Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 7/25/16
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 7/26/16