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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers July 25, 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 7:05 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joe Duffie, Council President; Councilmembers Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod. Councilmembers Robertson and Hougardy were not present. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Bruce Linton, Deputy Police Chief; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS Dennis Martinez, 4460 South 160th Street, wished the Deputy City Clerk luck in her new adventure, as this is her final meeting. Mr. Martinez thanked the City for allowing a fellow Tukwila resident and current City employee the opportunity to apply for the Fire Chief position. That action showed the community that the City will consider Tukwila residents for open positions. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Discussion on an ordinance to place a public safety bond on the November 8, 2016 General Election ballot to fund the replacement of three seismically- unsound fire stations, guarantee funding for fire equipment and apparatus for the life of the bond, and construct a new Justice Center to house the Tukwila Police Department and Municipal Court. Councilmember Seal indicated the City Council conducted a Public Hearing on this item at the July 18, 2016 Regular Meeting. Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, stated the presentation this evening is available at www. TukwilaWA.gov /PublicSafetyPian. Ms. Bianchi utilized a PowerPoint presentation that included the following: PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN — FOLLOW -UP FROM THE JULY 18, 2016 PUBLIC HEARING How we got here • Two efforts converged; Public Safety prioritized • Identifying how to fully fund fire services in Tukwila has been an ongoing effort since 2010, and included two lengthy processes investigating whether joining the Kent Regional Fire Authority was the best option. • At the direction of the City Council in 2012, the City has also engaged in a comprehensive review of City facilities, which included fire facilities, resulting in the City of Tukwila Facilities Plan for Essential Government Services. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 25, 2016 Page 2 of 7 o Public Safety was the top priority identified and, at the direction of the City Council, the Public Safety Plan was developed in 2016 to address both fire and the broader public safety facilities deficiencies identified by the Facilities Committee. Details of the Public Safety Plan • 20 -year voter - approved Public Safety bond to pay for: • Replacing three seismically- deficient fire stations • Guaranteed funding for fire equipment and apparatus for the life of the bond • New Justice Center to house Tukwila's Police Department and Municipal Court • Consolidated Public Works shops facility to be paid for with an equal mix of General Fund and Utility Funds, within the existing rate structure Themes heard from the community • Model of fire service • Oversight committee • Impact to taxpayers • Community involvement in siting and design • Certainty of use of funds • Funding for Public Works shops • The future of City Hall and long -term facilities planning • Potential impacts of facilities Model of Fire Service • Average response time for a call for service in 2015 was 5:59 • Finance and Safety Committee was presented with different service model options • Tukwila is unique — geography, building types, critical infrastructure • Time is critical when responding to both fire and EMS calls • 67% of the calls are for aid; not unique nationally or regionally • Slightly higher calls for fires than other counterparts at 7% of total calls • An engine is the only piece of equipment that can respond to both fire and EMS calls; all firefighters are trained EMTs • Changing to a model that relies more on aid cars than fire engines will increase fire response times significantly • The full presentation is available on the City's website at www .TukwilaWA.gov /PublicSafetyPlan — see "Impacts to Service Levels" Oversight Committee • Council will determine scope and makeup • Proposed language reads minimum of five • Goal of non - profit representative is to enhance voice of all communities • Terms can be changed; staff concerned that more than a two -year commitment could be a deterrent for some people • Proposed language provides a separate process for Council to develop the purpose of the Oversight Committee • Similar process used by other jurisdictions • Ultimately, per state and municipal law, the Council is the final oversight Impact to Taxpayers • A homeowner assessed at $250,000 would pay an average of $116 per year • Rate is $0.47 per $1,000 of assessed value based on current assumptions • Commercial property owners currently pay 80% of the property taxes in the City of Tukwila, and they will also pay 80% of the costs associated with the Public Safety Bond • Low income seniors and disabled who qualify for the existing property tax exemption program are also exempt from this tax Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 25, 2016 Page 3 of 7 CommunitV Involvement with Siting and Design • Council and Administration share desire for a robust public engagement around siting and design of the three fire stations, Justice Center to house the Tukwila Police Department and Municipal Court, and Public Works Shops • Community advisory council to be created • Community meetings, charrettes and other visioning events are planned • Siting and design will incorporate staff input Certainty of Use of Funds • RCW 84.52.056 restricts how voter - approved unlimited -tax general obligation (UTGO) bonds can be spent • Ordinance is specific about the ballot language and projects • Bonds can only be spent for what is included in the ballot • City Council has the ability to defease (void future) bonds early in the event of an underspend • City cannot issue additional UTGO bonds in excess of what is stated in the ballot title without going back to the voters Funding for Public Works Shops • Half of the funding comes from Water, Sewer and Surface Water Funds • Must be spent on utility - related issues • Will be achieved within the existing rate structure • Reserves in the funds and other debt service sun setting allow this to happen • Debt service payments for the shops represent 5.6% of all funds on an annual basis • Half coming from the General Fund through councilmanic (LTGO) bonds o Achieved by efficiencies, continuing today's level of service Future of City Hall and Facilities Reserves • Facilities Steering Committee recommended the City Hall campus be funded through councilmanic limited -tax general obligation (LTGO) bonds, that would be paid back by the General Fund • Current proposed timeline for City Hall campus is outside the six -year planning window • City is not contemplating any other voter - approved facilities measures • The Public Safety Plan provides the City the opportunity to begin a facilities reserve program to address future needs Potential Impacts of Facilities • Both the Justice Center and Public Works Shops are limited by zoning as to siting • The Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center is a good example of a Justice Center — the City of Kent welcomed it as a revitalization tool for its downtown area • Feedback from open house events indicates the community would like to use the siting of the proposed facilities to enhance existing neighborhoods • Siting and design committee effort would review any potential impacts to a neighborhood Next Steps • Public Safety Bond — Council must act by August 1, 2016 to have this issue on the November 8, 2016 ballot and the Council must decide on the representatives for the pro /con committees • Public Works Facility — 2017/2018 Budget process • Bond Oversight Committee scope and representation to be finalized by the Council later this year Councilmember Seal read a statement from Councilmember Hougardy relating to the Public Safety Bond item. "Greetings Fellow Councilmembers. Since I will not be in attendance at next Monday's Committee of the Whole meeting, I am writing to express my support to place the Public Safety Plan on the November 8, 2016 ballot. I have a few comments regarding Section 5 of the ordinance. I think it's important to acknowledge that this section addresses a financial oversight committee, whose purpose is to review the spending of bond proceeds and ensure the process is transparent, accountable and collaborative. Because of this, I am rethinking my suggestions at the last council meeting. A committee of 5 or 6 should be adequate, consisting of something like 3 residents, 2 business persons and 1 non - profit Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 25, 2016 Page 4 of 7 that works with traditionally under - represented populations in our community. The language encompasses the intent of the committee and the description is intentionally broad, so that the details can be worked out after the bond passes. A second committee to provide input on siting and design of the facilities could be formed at a later time." Councilmember Quinn referred to a process used by King County relating to an Oversight Committee, and asked that the City Attorney be present for the upcoming discussion on this item. He explained that the Council needs to be sure their actions do not diminish the authority of the future City Council. He feels the fiduciary duty rests with the legislative branch and that any proposed language for the proposed Oversight Committee should not affect existing limitations on the Council established by RCW. Ms. Bianchi clarified that the thought process behind the proposed Oversight Committee is the committee would be a fiduciary committee. Further into the process, a Siting Committee would be established and that focus would be on facility siting and design. Councilmember Quinn said he would be interested in how the Planning Commission and Siting Committee would or could work together on these types of projects. Ms. Bianchi clarified that the addition of a Siting Committee is another way to ensure greater citizen involvement in the process. Councilmember Kruller suggested the following edits /amendments to the proposed ordinance: • Amend the name of the committee: Section 5. Financial Oversight Committee. • Amend the second sentence in paragraph "A" to read "The Oversight Committee shall consist of at least a minimum of five members .. " • Amend the third sentence in paragraph "B" to read "The Oversight Committee may elect officers and establish rules of procedure, Councilmember Kruller thanked staff for the information included in the presentation and appreciated that the presentation included answers to the questions raised on July 18, 2016. Ms. Kruller voiced concern relating to the inclusion of the non - profit member on the proposed committee. Councilmember McLeod commented that the Planning Commission should be involved early in the process relating to any facility siting and design. The Councilmembers discussed the following proposed edits to the draft ordinance: Section 5. Financial Oversight Committee. A. If the ballot proposition submitted by this ordinance is approved by the qualified voters of Tukwila, an Oversight Committee shall be appointed by the City Council within six months following approval. The Oversight Committee shall consist of a minimum of at least five members comprising two residents, two members from the business community, and one individual from a non - profit organization located in the City. The term of appointment for each member of the Oversight Committee shall be two years. However, in order to have staggered terms, one resident and one business member of the Oversight Committee will initially be appointed for three years and thereafter all terms of appointment will be for two years. The Oversight Committee shall continue in existence for the economic life of the Project. B. The Oversight Committee shall review the allocation of bond proceeds and progress on achieving the purposes of this proposition, and shall report at least semi - annually to the City Council on the same. The annual report shall be filed in paper and electronic form with the City Clerk. The Oversight Committee may elect officers and establish rules of procedure. iRGIuding what shall GoRstitute a quorurn. Oversight Committee members shall serve without compensation and may be removed by the City Council following absence without cause from two or more meetings. The City Council may prescribe by ordinance or resolution such other rules relating to the appointment process and the operation of the Oversight Committee as shall be necessary or appropriate. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and discussed the proposed amendments identified above Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 25, 2016 Page 5 of 7 COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM, AS AMENDED, TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. 7:59 p.m. Mayor Ekberg exited the Council Chambers. b. Advancing 21s' Century policing. Mike Villa, Police Chief, stated that on June 22, 2016 he received an invitation from the White House, and last week attended the briefing on "Advancing 21$t Century Policing." Chief Villa updated the Council on the following "pillars" that were identified and were the foundation for the briefing. 8:01 p.m. Mayor Ekberg returned to the Council Chambers. In 2015 the President's Task Force on 21St Century Policing published their report. There were six pillars identified and 62 recommendations for building trust between the police and communities; 38 to local law enforcement and 24 to the President and federal agencies. The pillars are as follows: • Building Trust and Legitimacy • Policy and Oversight • Technology and Social Media • Community Policing and Crime Reduction • Training and Education • Officer Wellness and Safety Chief Villa explained that there were approximately 50 attendees, which were comprised of police chiefs from municipalities across the country. The briefing consisted of welcomes, an introduction, opening remarks and breakout sessions with Senior Staff from the White House, Police Executive Research Forum, and Department of Justice. During the breakout sessions there was discussion on the President's Police Data Initiative, Officer Safety and Wellness, and Implicit Bias Training. The first day ended with a discussion about social media and next steps. During the day it became apparent to him that the Tukwila Police Department is progressive in department operations. He felt that members of the Tukwila Police Department could have easily been presenters on effectively advancing 21St Century Policing. Deputy Police Chief Bruce Linton distributed a copy of the "Final Report of The President's Task Force on 21St Century Policing" to the Councilmembers. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of Chief Villa on the presentation. Natalie Hunter said she is a resident and she currently works for the City of Seattle. With the recent newspaper article ( "The Seattle Times ") relating to the City's payout of lawsuits, she does not feel the City has a world class police department. Ms. Hunter commented that she and her son do not feel safe, and she briefly described a past incident involving her son and the Tukwila Police Department. Ms. Hunter referred to the works of Derald Wing Sue, PhD, relating to implicit bias. She said that people are scared and stated it is going to take a lot of courage to shift the paradigm to allow policing that is fair and equitable for everyone. Chief Villa feels the Tukwila Police Department is a world class organization. He explained that there are some feelings otherwise within the community. There are facts of incidents across the nation and in history that have created some of that divide and division. Officers are not perfect; there are always ways to improve. The Tukwila Police Department is working towards making the community safe. Chief Villa offered an invitation to audience members to meet with him to discuss the issues. The Tukwila Police officers are doing a great job trying to keep the community safe, while treating people with respect, and they will continue with that practice. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 25, 2016 Page 6 of 7 c. Discussion of City Council budget. Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on July 19, 2016. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The budget review schedule was approved by the Finance and Safety Committee on July 6, 2016. The schedule includes Council Committee review of budget sections prior to review by the full Council. During that meeting it was requested that if budget sections are completed early, those sections are to be presented to the Council as they become available. The Council is being asked to review the City Council 2017 -2018 proposed budget. If no changes are requested, Council consensus will be requested to move the City Council 2017 -2018 proposed budget forward to the final budget packets for approval in November. Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director, referenced questions raised at the recent Finance and Safety Committee meeting, relating to salaries. She explained the proposed Council budget includes a 2.5% COLA (cost of living adjustment) placeholder, and the Council Analyst is currently at step 4 of the 6 -step increase scale. The changes included in the benefit portion of the proposed 2017 -2018 budget include an increase to 12.83% contribution into PIERS (Public Employee Retirement System), an 8% increase for health care and a 10% increase for Worker's Compensation. Ms. Carlsen stated that any changes to the proposed budget will be forwarded to Council for review. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE FINAL BUDGET PACKAGE. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg stated there are mixed emotions within the community relating to law enforcement. Due to the recent issues, he attended a recent shift change for the Tukwila Police Department to convey to the officers that the City supports the Tukwila Police Department. On July 19, 2016 he attended the soft - opening event at The Habit Burger Grill and Senator Cantwell's Housing and Homelessness Roundtable event on July 20, 2016. b. City Council Councilmember Seal reported to the Council on items discussed at the July 19, 2016 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. She stated that the City has contracted with BERK to develop an interactive tool that will be used in preparing Attachment A to the Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program. Ms. Seal conveyed that the first planning meeting with BERK will be held on July 26, 2016. Additionally, Police Chief Mike Villa updated the Committee with the quarterly briefing for the Police Department. Ms. Seal commented that the presentation included a lot of great information and was very informative. A copy of the presentation can be found in the City's Digital Records Center at http: // records .tukwilawa.govNVebLink8 /1 /fo1 /272199 /Row1.aspx. Councilmember Quinn commented that the Community Affairs and Parks Committee had a robust discussion relating to affordable housing earlier this evening, and he thanked Councilmember McLeod for acting as Chair of the meeting. On July 20, 2016 he participated in the International Rescue Committee youth activity at Highline College. On July 25, 2016 he will be attending the Joint Legislative Taskforce on Community Policing Standards meeting. Councilmember Kruller explained that the Council meetings are a place where everyone can come to talk to the Council and they should feel safe. Ms. Kruller commented that people will stumble when they are learning something new. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 25, 2016 Page 7 of 7 Councilmember McLeod stated he had the opportunity to Chair the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting earlier this evening. Mr. McLeod stated one topic of discussion related to affordable housing, and he gave a brief report to the Council on that agenda topic. He reminded the Council that he will be attending the upcoming Association of Washington Cities (AWC) municipal budgeting and fiscal management workshop on July 28 - 29, 2016. Council President Duffie attended the Tukwila Community Food and Clothing Drive on July 22, 2016 at the Cascade View Community Park. Mr. Duffie commented that the event was hosted by local Tukwila business, ThriftlT! He 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. ADJOURNMENT 8:49 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFFIE DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. a je ffie ouncil P d t Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 8/8/16 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 8/9/16