HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers February 13n2017~~7:00 P.R0.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge ofAllegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Cound|membere Joe Duffie. Verna Seal,
Kathy Hougardy, Dn8aon Quinn, Kate Kru||er, Thomas McLeod.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg. Mayor; David C|ine, City Administrator; Rachel Bionchi, Communications and Government
Relations Manager; ViokvCar|san. Deputy Finance Director; Stephanie Brown-Smith, Human Resources
Director; Jack Paoe, Community Development Director; NoraGier|off. Deputy Community Development
Director; Mike Villa, Chief ofPolice; JoyVVithwer. Fire Chief; Laurel Humphrey' Council Analyst;
Francesca Siegler, Deputy City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Todd 8mith, 13325 K800adann Road, discussed information in a recent article from "The News Tribune"
regarding affordable housing. The article discussed how City involvement could be detrimental to
affordable housing. He expressed that while attending previous Council meetings regarding affordable
housing he did not agree with all the information presented; hovvever, the news article helped provide
greater understanding. Additiono||y, he shared suggestions regarding m state bank instead of 'for profit'
banks, as he feels a state bank could provide lower fees and widen the financial opportunities of the City.
Pam Carter, 4115 S. 139th St., shared the Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) 2016
activity report. Key points focused on the TIBAC mission: "Working in collaboration with the City of Tukwila
to discourage criminal activities, support local businesses, and improve the livability of the Tukwila
International Boulevard noighborhood" Meetings occur the second Tuesday of each month from 7:OOp.m
to 8:30 p m.. in the Valley View Sewer District meeting room.
The Councilmembers expressed gratitude for Ms. Carters efforts and committee involvement.
Councilmember Kruller voiced appreciation of Waste Management's support to provide extra waste
receptacles, and the volunteer opportunity TIBAC provides to many community members.
Erin Nunn, 14488 58th Ave. S., stated she feels saddened with the current events surrounding the
immigrant, refugee, and Muslim community members. She expressed that many people have ancestors
who immigrated to our country, and she looks to the Council to stand up for our diverse and strong
community.
Counci|nnernber Quinn thanked Ms. Nunn for her concern and being part of the greater solution.
Councilmember Seal mentioned the recently adopted resolution that reaffirms the City's commitment to
being o diverae, tolerant and inclusive city.
Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., expressed concern regarding affordable housing. While her focus has
always been to better the lives of women and girls of the community, she asked that the Council address
issues with current substandard housing before considering new construction. &1o. Mann asked that the
City explore incentive programs for existing housing in order to provide a better living experience for
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017 Page 2 of 8
residents. Additionally, she thanked the Mayor and staff for keeping the roads cleared during the winter
Council President Robertson stated the discussion on the "Council retreat" this evening (agenda item 3.dj
will provide opportunities to investigate City options for legally encouraging existing multi-family property
owners to improve living conditions. Suggestions from the retreat include the possibility of creating new
codes, enforcement measures and incentive programs.
Sheila Coppola, 42G1 South 144thSL. shared she ieo member of the Tukwila Arts Commission and
wanted to inform the public of new grant opportunities from 4Cu|ture. o South King County arts
organization. The grants are available for arts organizations with a focus on under-served communities.
yWo. Coppola nr4Cu|ture can be contacted for further grant information.
Additionally, Ms. Coppola asked if the City has taken a formal position regarding the federal administration's
policies regarding innmiQnsdon, deportadona, revocation of visas, and incarceration of long-time residents.
TheCounci|nnembana referred to Resolution No. 1900, which reaffirms the City's commitment to being a
diverse and tolerant city. While currently no formal process has been implemented, the Council suggested
that the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee may be an appropriate forum for further
discussion. Mayor Ekberg noted Resolution No.1900 ie available on the City's webaite in English and in
Spanish.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Am|mterlocal Agreement with Regional Animal Services ofKing County (RASKC) for animal
control services.
Councilmember Seal stated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on February 7,
2017. The committee members were unanimous in recommending appmv i
Vichy Carlsan` Deputy Finance Direotor, introduced Norm AJbarg, Director ofKing County's Records and
Licensing Services Division. Ms. Codsen explained the Council authorized m non-binding agreement to
sign an Interlocal Agreement with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) in December 2016
The Interlocal Agreement will provide continued animal services for unincorporated King County and 24
contract cities to begin January 1. 2018.
Mr. A|berg utilized aPovverPoint presentation hoprovide an overview of the current Regional Animal
Services |nter|ooa| Agreement and proposed changes.
RASKC's core work includes field services, shelter services and licensing services. Additional services
include a live call center, responding to public disclosure and media requests, adjudicating civil infractions
and conducting animal cruelty investigations. The benefits ofm regional system include consistency
across jurisdictions, a single access point for residents, reduced demands on jurisdictions and a wide
network ufvolunteers. He explained the RA8KC coverage area ia divided into North, East and South
districts, with Tukwila located in the South district.
Key changes ho the intedoca| agreement include:
• Cost allocation methodology bo remain the same: OO96 based on service usage and 2OY6based
on jurisdiction population, with usage based one3-yemr rolling average rather than annual.
° Term change from 3to5 years with automatic 5-yeerextension. (January 1.2O18through
December 31.2O23)
• Limited Re-Opener upon Notice of Termination, should any city or cities opts out of the second
term.
• Latecomers allowed prior bo the termination or expiration ofthe
• Retain shelter credits.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017 Page 3 of 8
°Juhsdiction revenue in excess of jurisdictions costs to bp used to reduce regional model support
expenses.
• Operating costs reduced by $141,000 to help mitigate the cost impact of Kirkland choosing to leave
the regional model.
Counoi|nnennber Seal added that the estimated cost for the City of Tukwila is$111.0OD, which is
approximately $G.OUO lower than currently budgeted.
Counci|rnernber{Juinn clarified with M/. A|berg that the cost re-calibration in the contract was forecasted
without the City ofKirkland being included.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TOTHE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b' Public Safety Plan — Public Involvement Plan.
Council President Robertson stated this item did not go through a Committee, and introduced staff to
present discussion.
Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, introduced Dennis Sandstrom
from Envirolssues to share a presentation to discuss current outreach efforts. Ms. Bianchi shared the first
open house will be held Saturday, March 18.2O17, from 1O:OOo.m.bo12:DOp.m.at Fire Station 54in
Tukwila. The open house will feature information stations on key topics associated with the Public Safety
Man.
Mr. Sandstrom utilized aPovverPoint presentation toprovide an overview of key points of the draft public
involvement plan (page 177of the agenda paoket). Mr. Sandstrom explained the public involvement plan
provides a strategy ho meaningfully engage the public. He reviewed the key messages of the plan and on
inclusive outreach approach to broaden participation among diverse and historically under-represented
populations. He explained that inclusive outreach activities will support the City's overall public
engagement goals for the plan and will aim to ensure all residents of Tukwila are represented, have equal
access to information and benefit equitably.
The key tools involved in sharing information will be open houses, a project webeiba.suoia|nnedimand
news articles and involvement by the Community Connectors. The plan for advertising the first open
house will include the use of postcards, emails and social media, distribution of flyers through the school
districd, online ads and working with high school civics classes. The public will also be able to ^oMand^ an
on-line open house.
Mr. Sandstrom explained that the next steps in the public involvement plan following the first open house
will be to share input and feedback with project staff and Council, engage the key stakeholders and move
forward to prepare for the second open house inJune 2017.
Ms. Bianchi noted three open houses were held last year relating to the decision to place the Public
Safety Plan on the ballot and information gathered from those events has been incorporated into the
current public involvement plan. The Public Safety Plan Siting Advisory Committee will be formed after
the first open house.
Mr. Sandstrom said that in order tocapture statistics on outreach eObrte, a volunteer form and/or an
interactive map will ba available where participants can identify their location. This analysis will show
which areas of Tukwila were reached and areas where further focus is needed. Additionally, members of
the Community Connectors program will attend the first open house and then reach out ho the public. The
email address of is the most direct way to get in touch with City staff.
8:16 p.m. Counci|memberHougordy exited the Council Chambers.
8:18 p.m. Counoi|nnembnrHougondy returned ho the Council Chambers.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017 Page 4 of 8
The Coumciknembers exchanged comments, asked clarifying questions, and requested that outreach be
broad to allow the greatest citizen participation. They extended thanks ho Mr. Sandstrom and Ms. Bianchi
for the presentation.
8:26 p.m. Counci|momber Quinn exited the Council Chambers.
8:27 p.m. Counoi|rnember Quinn returned bo the Council Chambers.
c. Discussion on proposed changes to marijuana retail regulations.
Counci|member Hougardy stated that the item was discussed ed the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting on January 23, 2017. She explained the City received two separate
requests to modify permitted marijuana retail regulations:
1. Reduce exclusionary buffers around parks from 1.00Obo1OOfeet.
2. Expand zones where marijuana retail sales are permitted.
NonaGierloff. Deputy Community Development Director, stated Tukwila has had zoning in place since
2013 that allows marijuana producers, processers, and retailers in the Heavy Industrial (HI) and Tukwila
Valley South (TVS) districts. CunenUy, the City does not have any established marijuana businesses.
|beI A: Reduce the buffer between marijuana businesses and parks from 1,000 feet to 100 feet.
In 2015 state marijuana regulations and the scope of local control over marijuana uses were changed by
two bills, 28SB5O52 and HB213O. These allowed cities bo reduce buffers for marijuana retail locations
from 1.ODO feet to 100 feet for child oane, canbans, parks, transit centers, and libraries but not for schools
or playgrounds. Ms. Gier|off referred Council tu maps on pages 213 and 215of the agenda packet, which
highlight the difference in zones with a 1,000-foot park buffer compared to a 100-foot buffer.
The current 1,000-foot buffer around Kent's Briscoe Park eliminates a number of parcels from marijuana
uses in both the H| and TVSzones. |f the buffer was reduced to1OO feet, it would allow the property
referenced in the first proposal (Item A) to qualify for the Liquor Control Board buffer distance. The park
is located in the City of Kent with the Green River acting uaabuffer. Staff informed the City of Kent about
this proposal, and Kent found no convincing evidence to reduce the buffer. Ms. Gier|off referenced a
hand-out distributed to the Council that provides a detail of the area around Briscoe Park.
Item B: Allow marijuana retail in additional zones, or create a zoning overlay that would allow marijuana
retail stores, and could be applied to specific properties throughout the City.
Ms. Gierloff explained that both proposals would require changes to the Zoning Code, ordinance
development and a public hearing process.
Council President Robertson asked if members of the public would like to speak on this issue.
Donal Botkin. who is from the Puget Sound area, spoke about the process of working with the Liquor
Control Bomrd, and stated he is here to provide on objective viewpoint to the Council. He expressed
concern about opening a business in one of the currently zoned areas of Tukwila where there are higher
crime statistics. He feels the suggested location (in Item A) should be acknowledged as an acceptable
distance as allowed under current state provisions. Due to the river creating m physical barrier between
the property in question and the park, the ability to pass through is not realistic.
Mr. Botkin shared that through prior communication, he understands the City of Kent would be willing to
engage in further conversation; however, it would be possible for Tukwila to make an amendment to its
current Zoning Code. Additionally, he shared he does have applications in process to other cities;
however, Tukwila has been his focus point.
Ezra Eickmeyer, a state lobbyist for the marijuana industry, shared information about his proposal (item
B). He explained the Liquor Control Board allocated two licenses to Tukwila; however, neither license
holder has found a location in the areas currently zoned inTukwila. He feels the City should open atleast
one retail zone, which would bring in additional tax revenue for the City. He explained he was involved in
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017 Page 5 of 8
creating the legislation that gave cities authority to change the 1,000 -foot rule to 100 feet. However, the
law does not address a situation where an affected entity is located in a neighboring jurisdiction. Mr.
Eickmeyer asked the City to consider either opening additional zones for marijuana retail or creating a
marijuana zoning overlay to carve out specific properties on a case -by -case basis.
In response to a question from Councilmember Hougardy, Mr. Eickmeyer indicated that as an industry
lobbyist, he is not tied to any one specific interest but is working with many cities that currently do not
have marijuana retail stores.
Sharon Mann, 4452 S. 160th St., expressed concern regarding how the change to a 100 -foot buffer might
add to current problems at Cascade View Park. She feels that if the City is considering this change, the
issue should be brought before the Planning Commission for discussion on why a specific site may be an
acceptable location. She feels any potential reductions (down to a 100 -foot buffer) should be reviewed on
a case -by -case basis.
Todd Smith, 13325 Macadam Road, shared he feels businesses searching to open a retail business in
Tukwila should be able to work with the City to find a good location. If there are location restrictions, it
acts like a monopoly for the current businesses.
Councilmember Kruller explained that at a recent Sound Cities Association meeting, she learned there
have been changes to proposed legislation. Cities were previously warned that a city could lose up to
70% of the liquor license revenue if they did not make allowances for zoning. Substitute House Bill 1099
has been amended to reduce the impact of that legislation to only one city (Lakewood), which takes away
some of the pressure cities have been operating under previously.
Councilmember Seal thanked Councilmember Kruller for the updated information and added she would
like Council to receive further information regarding the status of HB 1099 from the City's lobbyist or
Rachel Bianchi. David Cline, City Administrator, confirmed staff would provide that information.
Ms. Gierloff provided clarification to a question from Councilmember Quinn regarding the proposed area
discussed in Item A. She explained the discussion regarding the buffer reduction along Briscoe Park
occurred because it is the only park that affects the two zones where marijuana uses are permitted under
zoning. The reduction to 100 feet for all parks would only affect Briscoe Park unless the allowed uses
were expanded to other areas of the City. Currently there are two semi - industrial zones where marijuana
uses are permitted, and the addition of other zones would require further discussion.
Council President Robertson presented background information to clarify the Council decision process in
creating marijuana retail zones in the City, how Tukwila's crime statistics are perceived, and the City's
image issues. Additionally, he commented on concerns from the City of Kent regarding the buffer area,
and the staff time that would be needed to move this item forward.
The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions regarding Item A and Item B.
Key discussion points included:
• Current drug, alcohol, and crime issues in Tukwila.
• Input from City Police and legal staff is needed prior to making any final decisions.
• The need for staff review of the entire marijuana issue to include policy and process related
questions.
• A public involvement process that would include a public hearing and further discussions.
• Concerns regarding marijuana advertising, city image, community, proper timing, legal questions,
and cost.
• Whether the City Council wants to discuss an outright ban.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017
Page 6 of 8
The Council expressed interest in revisiting the entire marijuana issue due to the change in the legal
landscape. Prior to considering zoning changes, Councilmembers supported:
1. Asking City Administration to provide information on schedule impacts and costs associated with
having staff look at the full marijuana zoning issue; and
2. Council review and analysis of the decisions already made, including policy, exposure, process,
and legal aspects.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED NOT TO MOVE ITEMS A AND B FORWARD FOR FURTHER
ACTION. THERE WAS COUNCIL CONSENSUS FOR RECEIVING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND
FURTHER DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF POLICY.
d. Council Retreat follow -up items.
Council President Robertson shared that the City Council conducted its annual retreat on January 21,
2017, where a list of items requiring discussion and follow -up with City Administration were reviewed (as
outlined on pages 221 -224 of the agenda packet). The Councilmembers provide consensus or
comments on City Administration's response to each item.
City Council Item
Council Comments
1.
Review both best practices and City
The Councilmembers agreed the item should be
personnel hiring policies for criteria
tasked to the Finance Committee with a suggestion
encouraging Tukwila residents as well as
that an alternative word /phrase be used in place of
minorities.
the word "minorities."
2.
Review both best practices and existing
The Councilmembers agreed the item should be
City policies and processes for City
tasked to the Finance Committee for an updated
employee discrimination reporting,
policy review.
tracking, and resolving.
3.
Review best practices and City policy and
The Councilmembers agreed the item should be
processes on employee reviews.
tasked to the Finance Committee with updates
provided to Council and for review of best
practices.
4.
Investigate City options for legally
The Councilmembers noted there has been on-
encouraging existing multi - family
going discussion on this issue, including the need
owners /operators to improve living
for an ordinance related to source of income
conditions in their facilities. This includes
discrimination. Councilmembers agreed the item
creating new codes, code enforcement,
should be tasked to the Community Development
incentives, publicity, etc.
and Neighborhoods Committee.
5.
Review information regarding the tax
Economic Development and Finance staff are
implications of affordable housing.
currently gathering information that will be involved
in the upcoming Council workshop on housing.
Councilmember Quinn clarified there will be many
discussion elements included in the workshop.
6.
Review information on what the City is
The Councilmembers agreed the response should
doing to address the regional
be amended to read: "Staff will provide an update
homelessness problem, and what else it
to the 2015 memo to Council regarding Tukwila's
could do
efforts around homelessness and regional
homeless issues ".
7.
Request a report from City Administration
The Councilmembers agreed new information from
on City housing.
2016 regarding vacancy rates, best practices, rent
increases, eviction proceedings and property
owners /management should be included.
8.
Review our policy or legal stance on
The Councilmembers agreed this item would be
tenant rights for displaced mobile home
included in discussion during the upcoming Council
tenants. Create an ordinance if necessary.
workshop on housing.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017
Page 7 of 8
REPORTS
a. Mayor
The Mayor had noreport.
b' City Council
Councilmember Kruller congratulated Councilmember Seal for being selected by the Sound Cities
Association as an alternate member of the Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
City Council Item
Council Comments
9.
Create a process for specifying individual
The Councilmembers clarified this item will be
residential neighborhoods and involving
included in discussion during the upcoming Council
them in City zoning decisions on individual
workshop on housing, and then move to the
neighborhood density issues.
Community Development and Neighborhoods
Committee as applicable.
Public Safety Plan
10.
Create/Pass a Resolution documenting the
The Councilmembers were in consensus the item
City Council Public Safety Plan success
be brought to the Public Safety Committee for
criteria, roles, responsibilities and
further discussion, and then to a City Council
processes.
Committee of the Whole meeting.
11.
Ensure the Council, in the'off-ramp
The Councilmembers were in consensus the item
decisions,' has authority to match its
be brought to the Public Safety Committee for
responsibilities.
further discussion, and then to a City Council
Committee of the Whole meeting.
12.
Decide ahead of time, what steps will be
The Councilmembers; were in consensus the item
taken if any of the Public Safety Plan
be brought to the Public Safety Committee for
project deliverables cannot be achieved
further discussion, and then to a City Council
from a cost or schedule perspective.
Committee of the Whole meeting.
13.
Review the reporting/direction giving roles
The Councilmembers were in consensus that the
in the Public Safety Plan project
item be addressed in the Public Safety Committee
organization.
and the Finance Committee as described.
14.
Investigate the use of an external,
The Councilmembers were in consensus that the
independent Project Management Quality
Administration will explore and report back to the
Assurance consultant to scrutinize the
Public Safety Committee by second quarter of
ongoing Public Safety Plan Project
2017, and then to a City Council Committee of the
Management and provide reports directly
Whole meeting.
to the City Council and Mayor.
15.
Restate request for documentation for
The Councilmembers agreed the Council President
work sessions at least one week in
would ensure appropriate agenda review time is
advance of meeting date.
planned for work sessions.
16.
Implement Community Workforce
Councilmembers agreed the work should remain
Agreements for all Public Safety Plan
with the Public Safety Committee.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
The Mayor had noreport.
b' City Council
Councilmember Kruller congratulated Councilmember Seal for being selected by the Sound Cities
Association as an alternate member of the Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 13, 2017
e. Intergovernmental
There was no report.
MISCELLANEOUS
Page 8of8
Councilmember Seal stated she had additional information related to the speaker earlier this evening
under Public Comments related to the City's inclusive city resolution. Due to the lateness of the hour, she
will forward this information to the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, which is the appropriate forum
for discussion.
ADJOURNMENT TO SPECIAL MEETING
10:23 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING.
efinis Robertson, C6uncil President
Barbara Saxton, Ad mini 6trative Support Coordinator
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 3/15/17
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 3/16/17