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Home My WebLink About2016-08-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila Ci!y Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers August 8, 2016 — 7:00 P.m. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Council President Duffie called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge ofAllegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Joe Duffia, Council President; Counci|membensVenna Sea[ Kathy Hougandy, De'SeanQuinn. Kate KruUer. Thomas McLeod. Counui|nnennber Robertson was not present. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David C|ine, City Administrator; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief; Bob Gibarson, Public Works Director; Lynn Miranda, Senior P|anner� Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Brandon Miles, Economic Development Liaison; Vicky Car|sen, Deputy Finance Director; Gail Lobonmua, Public Works Analyst; Louna| Humphrey, Council Analyst; Barbara 8axton, Acting Deputy City Clerk. AGENDA AMENDMENT Council President Duffie asked if there was Council support to allow for an introduction of Jay Wittwer, the new Fire Chief. Mayor Ekberg introduced Jay Wittwer, who was appointed to the position of Fire Chief at the August 1, 2U1S Regular Meeting. Mr. VViMmxsr introduced his wife, Wendy, who was in the audience. They are both from the Las Vegas, Nevada area, where he spent 28 years with the fire department. He expressed his honor atbeing appointed chief of the Tukwila Fire Department and is excited to move to the area and be part of the City. SPECIAL PRESENTATION "Recycle Often. Recycle Right." donation. David Oe)|o, Public Sector Manager, Waste Management. Councilmember Seal, Chair of the Finance and Safety Committee, asked David Della to join her at the podium, along with Tukwila Children's Foundation Board Members Chaplain Al Patterson and Katrina Oohn David Oe||a, Public Sector Manager with VVaata yWanogement, explained they provide waste management services for the City. The company also looks for ways to help citizens recycle more and reduce waste that would otherwise gotoolandfill. For the second year ina row Waste Management has offered the "Recycle Often. Recycle RighL" Green program and asked for recycling pledges from citizens. Citizens pledge to: Recycle all empty bottles, cans and paper. Keep food and liquids out ofrecycling. Keep plastic bags out of recycling. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 8.2O18 Page 2of8 Last year the Tukwila Pantry received the program's donation. This year the Tukwila Children's Foundation was selected to receive the donation. The Tukwila Children's Foundation worked toget pledges through their vvebsite. social media, and other efforts. Mr. Delia said Tukwila ise very enlightened community, and contributed well over 500 pledges. VVaato Management looks forward to continuing their partnership with the City. Mr. Della presented a ceremonial check to Tukwila Children's Foundation in the amount of $5,000. On behalf ofthe Tukwila Children's Foundation, Cnunci|m*mber Seal thanked VVosta Management and all Tukwila citizens who took the pledge. In addition to Chaplain PaLhanson, Ms. Dohn' and hense|f, the following people are also Board Members of the Tukwila Children's Foundation: Brooke Alford Mary Fertokis Dave Johnson Sarah VoUiau The Tukwila Children's Foundation was formed in 2000 to help meet the unmet needs of Tukwila's children. The Foundation provides u vahmh/ of services to uhi|dren, which have ranged from paying fora suit for a student to wear to a sports banquut, providing on alarm clock so a student can get to school on time. literacy efforts, and operating o community clothing bank. CITIZEN COMMENTS Pat Lanson, 14244 55th Ave. S., spoke as a community member and also an Principal of Foster High School. She thanked the Mayor for the follow-up information received after her comments at the last meeting in reference to the recent hiring of the Fine Chief. In the futun*, she would like to see organizations such as the school district, who have frequent and heavy involvement with particular City eemiceo, be involved in the selection process. She also feels the on-boarding process is very important to let the new Fire Chief know what Tukwila is really about and understand its extreme uniqueness. She said Tukwila is not typical diverse community. It is important that the Chief understand the City's history—where they are and how they got there. She would like to see a sense of community built such as that instilled by the current Fire Chief and to continue those relationships and programs with the new Fire Chief. Ms, Larson asked how many local community employees are at the executive decision-making level within the City. She feels it is important to value the different level of voices—all stakeholders—as an added value relationship working toward the same common good Counci|mernber McLeod said that he has heard many different numbers regarding how many languages are spoken at Footer. &1a. Larson explained that the school lists "40 languages" on their sign, but in actuality it is really 80+ when you consider more than just the recognized languages and all the various dialects. With 850 students, the ratio that ia non-English speaking is very high. 7:21 p.m. Counci|nnember Kru||erexited the Council Chambers. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A resolution supporting the City's efforts to obtain economic development funding from the Port ofSeattle. Brandon Mi|ae, Economic Development Liaiaon, explained this item was brought straight tothe Committee of the Whole due to the expedited timeline associated with the grant application. Earlier this summer the Port ofSeattle announced that funding was being made available to all King County cities (with the exception of Seattle) for economic development activities. The funds will be distributed based on a per capita basis. Tukwila is eligible to receive $19,300. Tukwila would use the funds tu create outreach related to businesses moving to the City or planning meetings. Mr. Miles displayed a copy of an existing marketing ton|, which is from the 1980s. The City would like to update its marketing too|s, compile updated demographic data, and create profile on the Southoenterorea (i.e. how many Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 8, 2016 Page 3 of 8 restaurants, how much revenue do they generate, how many employees are in office buildings in the City, how many people come to shop). The Port wants the funds expended by May, which is a very short timeline and impacted the decision process on how to best use the funds. The $19,300 grant requires a 50 percent match from the City, which will be a combination of funds from the Economic Development Division's budget and staff time. Mr. Miles explained the Port has specified they do not want the entire match to be in staff time. It is anticipated the City will provide $4,825 worth of staff time, and an equal amount from budgeted economic development funds. The Port has asked that the Council adopt a resolution acknowledging the grant application. Councilmember Quinn asked whether LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) dollars could also be used for the types of items mentioned by Mr. Miles. Mr. Miles explained that LTAC dollars are primarily considered for marketing to day tourists or overnight visitors, and not necessary to encourage businesses to move to an office building in Tukwila. He stated that a briefing to the City Council is planned for later this year on the use of lodging tax funds. 7:26 p.m. Councilmember Kruller returned to the Council Chambers Council discussion included: • How feedback from the Council would be obtained as it relates to new marketing efforts. • The value of bringing marketing plan information to the Council via both the Finance and Safety Committee and the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. • Clarifying that the City receives both the LTAC (hotel /motel tax) funds for tourism (1 % charge), plus the $2.00 TPA (Tourism Promotion Area) fee. • Incorporating marketing tools beyond paper -based items through the use of media that can be accessed and distributed quickly. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Update on development activities in the City. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained he will be presenting information on development activities in the City over the past 6 months, as well as tools in place that can be used by the public to find this type of information. For many cities, 85% of construction activity is single - family residential, and the remainder is commercial /industrial. The majority of construction in Tukwila (90 percent) is commercial /industrial. Much of the commercial /industrial construction work in Tukwila is tenant improvements. Nordstrom and Boeing have recently done large tenant improvement projects. Mr. Pace referenced page 13 in the agenda packet ( "Monthly Building Permit Report: June 2016 "). For single - family residential construction, 21 permits have been issued to date this year, with a total valuation over $7 million. When this amount is averaged out, it shows the construction cost of a single - family house in Tukwila is approximately $350,000, which does not include impact fees or the cost of the land. The City is seeing houses built in Tukwila that have a higher value than other houses in the neighborhoods they are in —a total valuation of $450,000 or higher —which is unique. In comparison to the previous year (last June), the totals show more fees have been generated this year — approximately $1.5 million vs. $1 million. There were 871 permits for this time period last year; this year there are 979 permits. Mr. Pace noted that in Washington State most cities do not issue electrical permits. Having an outside agency issue electrical permits caused delays for many people in Tukwila, so the City took over this function to provide better customer service. There are only three other cities in King County that issue their own electrical permits. The volume of commercial /industrial construction in Tukwila is high enough to generate the fees needed to cover the cost of providing this function. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 8, 2016 Page 4 of 8 Mc Pace also explained that asingle-family house is typically built in 1 year. With o majority ofprojects in Tukwila being commeroia0ndustha[a typical project inTukvv|aoantak*3yoaro. Asanexample, Washington Place is scheduled to complete the 18th story byDecember. Work on the interior will then begin, and io expected tob* complete in another year (December 2017). Mr. Pace discussed specific projects that are in the construction phase: Project Status Tukwila Village Permits are ready to issue; 3 phases Holiday Inn Express (92 rooms) Another year and a half to completion Woodspring Suites hotel off West Valley Highway (110 rooms) Two years to completion Osterly Park townhomes (31 units) Phase 1 Twin Peaks Restaurant on Southcenter Parkway 3 months to completion Quail Park senior housing (145 units). This property is located below what used to be Riverton Hospital. 1-1/2 to 2 years to completion Olympus Spa Close to breaking ground W1c Pace also mentioned the Tukwila South project, where they are still doing fill. |tkaexpected to take another 3 to 4 years for earth work; this is one of the largest land altering projects in the region. Mr. Pace referenced page 15inthe agenda packet ("New Single Family Building Permits — June 2016"). which highlights the trend that has been seen since 2O11. |n2U15. the City issued 3O permits for new single-family housing. |n2OU8 and 2OO7 (prior to the reoassion). that number was 5O. In the first six months of this year, 21 permits have been issued. Mr. Pace referenced page 17 in the agenda packet ("Permit Trend — 2011-2016"), which gives an overview of permits issued and valuations since 2O11 Average valuation ksapproximately $90to$100 million. He noted that the permit for Washington Place was issued in 2015, resulting in the $190 million valuation for that year. The Department of Community Development generates revenue through the permit process. Approximately $1.5 million has been received to date this year. |n2O15. the City generated $2.3 million in permit revenue. Community Development is already looking at projects planned for 2017 and 2018. Staff ks working with the school district on upcoming projects. Every school district facility will be touched byredevelopment, with $2S million expected tobespent. Public projects for the City may also be coming depending onthe outcome of the public safety bond measure. Council discussion included: • Whether any work is anticipated for multi-family developments and how the City can attract those types of developments. • How the department's TRAK-iT system reporting function can provide these types of statistics for staff, as well as track information on inspeotions, response times, and turn-around Urnma. K8c Pace noted that permits for Tukwila Village are not included in the numbers to date. Over the last 25 years, 649 dwelling units (single and multi-family) have been built in the City. |n the next four years, close to 700 dwelling units may be added, many of which will be affordable housing Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August O.2010 Page5of8 &1c Pace continued his presentadon, with a focus on resources available on the City's website for tracking private development activity. A map is available at [then click on "Private Development Pnojents^] Information is added to the map tracking feature through the department's TRAKiT permitting system and G|S mapping. Mr. Pace explained the activity shown on the map does not include internal improvement projects such as tenant improvements or hot water heaters, and does not show short plats. Thegneen site markers are those in the process of getting land use approval. The blue site markers are projects under construction. You can click ona specific site marker to get more information on the project addrasa, status, etc He noted that Public Works has a similar tool on their page of the website for tracking city construction projects and transportation impacts. Councilmember Quinn asked whether the City can get a sense of how many jobs are being created through development activity. Mr. Pace stated that valuations, the type of construction and types of permits give a good picture of a development activity and can provide an estimate, and part of that reflects labor costs. Councilmember Kruller asked about the stormwater treatment system project in the BNSF hub yard. Mr. Pace stated that the use is permitted in the shoreline area, and environmental requirements are being coordinated between the Department of Community Development and Public Works. Council President Duffimexpressed appreciation to Mr. Pace for providing this information. c. Discussion mn Tukwila Village Purchase and Sale Agreement. Derek Speok, Economic Development Administrator, explained he is available to answer any questions that may have arisen following the presentation at last week's meeting. Mr. Speck confirmed that the proposed land sale will result in revenue to the City of at least $2.230.000. He stated that he spoke to the developer after the presentation and Q&A session at last week's meeting and their reaction seemed very positive. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TC]THE SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWING THIS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. d. Discussion on proposed 2017-2018 budget for Water, Sewer and Surface Water Enterprise Funds. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on July 26'2O1S. The committee members were unanimous in forwarding this item for discussion at a Committee of the Whole meeting. Ms. Hougandy asked Vicky Car|sen, Deputy Finance Director, and Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst, to provide information on this item. Ms. Labanara referenced page 37 of the agenda packet, which provides an overview of the proposed budget for the Water, Sewer and Surface Water Enterprise Funds, the Capital Improvement Program (C|P) items and the rate models. Water Fund A rate increase of 5% is proposed across the board, which is the same percentage as 2015 and 2016. C/Pprojects: Andover Park East Water and Sewer Project, which is connected with the development in that area. Several water projects are also planned in residential areas (on Macadam Road S., 58th Ave. 8 and 53rd Ave. S.). K8a. Lobanaro noted that the City incurs a pass-through increase from Cascade Water Alliance for water. There is long-range concern related to the water reservoir. Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes August 8.2O1S Page 0ofO Ms. Labanara stated that staff will come to Council again in the fall after summer consumption numbers are available. Consumption figures were high last year based on heavy construction during that period and may not be the same this year. She also noted that debt service related to the proposed Public Safety and Facilities Plans was also considered in calculating each fund model. The debt service amount in based nn the number of employees in each of the funds (VVatar. Sewer and Surface VVater). SewerFund The City has been operating with a596 rate increase every year. This proposal io for a35Y6rate increase . which would coincide with increases in King County sewer treatment fees on the alternate years. The proposal includes the addition of 1 full-time employee for the Sewer Fund. The Sewer Division has been operating with 3.5 employees for many years. C/Ppro/ects: Central Business District Sewer Rehabilitation, Andover Park East, Sewer Lift Station #2 and 53nd Ave. S Surface Water The proposal is for rate increases of596 and 3.596in alternating years. This would bea decrease from the proposed 1O96 increases in the 2U15/2O1O Biennial Budget. The proposal includes the addition of a half-time employee for a dedicated foreman position. The Surface Water Foreman position is currently shared with the Street Department. The Surface Water Division is responsible for all the outfe||s and vegetation along the river. C/Ppnojmcta: Very large projects aneinthevvorks.indudinQChinookVVindondtheTukwi|o2O5Levee. It is hoped these projects can be grant funded, but that process is still in transition at this time. Long- range concerns include NPDES requirements (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) and aging infrastructure. Councilmember Quinn noted there are long-range concerns on the water reservoir and other infnastruoture, some of which is pre-1 960s. He asked if some of the projects mentioned will help in those areas. Ms. Labanara stated that all of the scheduled projects will address aging infrastructure, Councilmember Seal stated that she appreciates seeing a good forecast for the City compared to the forecasts 5urG years ago, aa well os decreases in some of the rate hikes. Councilmember McLeod stated that his recent surface water bill was up 51 % compared to 2013. K8o Labanara explained that the chart on page 95 in the agenda packet (Attachment F) shows the history mf increases for surface water 2013=596increase 2O14=1OY6 2O15=2O% 2016 = 1696 Ms. Labanara agreed these were significant increases, and stated funds are used to cover the Capital Improvement Program. The City is also required to meet NPDES, an unfunded mandate that requires the City to maintain and inventory all of its surface water infrastructure. With the proposed (alternating) 596 / 3% increases in 2017 and 2018, Tukwila will still be on the low end when compared to adjoining cities. Councilmember McLeod noted that the school levy recently passed and the City is now proposing a Public Safety bond. He asked what other options have been considered relating to these rate increases. Ms Labanara stated the Water and Sewer Funds are consumption-based enterprise funds. There are not many grants available. Loans from the Public Works Trust Fund through the Washington State Public Works Board have been severely reduced by the State Legislature. Barring Council approval ofthese rate increases, the City would need to delay capital improvement projects, as has been done for many Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 8.2016 Page 7u/8 yearn, which would impact development such an that occurring on Andover Park East. This is the reality of aging infrastructure. She stated that staff has been conservative on the rate model. Counoi|memberKru||erasked about options available for people with low incomes. Ms. Lobanona explained that low-income seniors (82 and older) and permanently disabled persons can get 50% discount by providing verification of their status a( City Hall. (Discount would beon water, sewer and surface water services provided through the City ofTuhwi|a.) Councilmember Quinn stated that infrastructure investment is expensive. The need does not goaway, and becomes critical when there are failing systems. Federal and state governments are not funding infrastructure projects at the nab* they did in the post, and this funding has steadily diminished over the past years. The responsibility now falls locally to fund and provide a high level of safety to the public. Investing in the City's infrastructure is a commitment to this generation and the next. Z14261:4K a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg thanked everyone for their participation in National Night Out Against Crime last week. At one of the events, a citizen asked about the foot bridge across the Duwamish River. He stated that communication will be going out hoAllentown residents on that issue. On August 3, 2016. he participated in tours of the Cedar Hills landfill and the Cascade Recycling Center, hosted by Waste Management. He also attended the final performance of the AileyCamp participants, and the annual Fire Department picnic at Foster Park. b. City Council Councilmember Seal attended the AileyCamp final performance on August 4, 2016. The camp included approximately 60 campers, age 11 to 14, including eight participants from Tukwila. She was very impressed with the show, which featured many different dance styles, and with the self-confidence shown by the participants. Ms. Seal expressed thanks to Parks & Recreation staff and to Ricardo Frazer of the Tukwila School Board. Council President Duffie attended the tours of the Cedar Hills landfill and Cascade Recycling Center. The visit demonstrated there are good jobs such as welding, mechanics, and truck driving available, and that work in the trade fields can bao good option for graduating students. He also attended the Ai|ayCamp final performance. Counni|member Hougandy participated in several National Night Out events, including a dessert potluck at HeathenwoodApartments�obarbeouoinFosterPuinthostedbyJunandJennifarCaati||o.vvhooreB|ouk Watch Captains there� and ice cream sundaes et the Terrace Apartments. She also participated inthe tour of the recycling facility inWoodinville. Un August 7.2U16, she attended the Jet Blast Bash donors' event to watch the Blue Angels and a demonstration of Amazon's new jet. During the event she talked with many attendees about Tukwila's involvement with the Museum of Flight. Counci|member Quinn attended the Ai|eyCamp final performance. He expressed appreciation toRicardo Frazer and the board of the Seattle Theatre Group. Ha commented that this was m great partnership between the Parks & Recreation Department and Tukwila School Board. He participated inNational Night Out and stated it is great to see the neighborhood participation each year. He participated ina recent meeting of the Governor's Taskforce on Deadly Force in Community Policing, and noted there are concerns and challenges for municipalities. Counci|memberKru||*r attended three National Night Out events. She noted there were over 1.UOO people at the Church by the Side nf the Road event. She expressed appreciation tm the Fire Department and Explorers for providing the Burn House for children and emergency vehicles to teach fire safety. She also attended the Jet Blast Bash at the Museum of Flight, and noted that SSRTA (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) had a booth there. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 8, 2016 Page 8 of 8 Councilmember McLeod attended National Night Out events with Police Sergeant Boyd, which he said gave him a good perspective on the City's police force and their great community involvement. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, expressed appreciation for the involvement by Council and City staff in National Night Out. He reported that 17 events were visited by City officials and staff this year. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was noreport. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Duffie stated he stopped at the recent Fire Department picnic and had the opportunity to meet the new Fire Chief. JayVVitbwer. and his wife. ADJOURNMENT ^ 9:09 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DUFF|E DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TOCONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. Barbara Saxton, Actind Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 8/22/16 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 8/23/16