HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers February 27, 2017 — 7:00 P.m.
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; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Verna Seal,
Kathy Hougandy.Oe'8ean Quinn, Kate KruUer. Thomas McLeod.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government
Relations Manager-, Jack Pace, Community Development Director; NonaGier|off, Deputy Community
Development Director; Carol Lumb, Senior Planner; Andrea Cummins, Environmental Specialist;
Bob Giberoon, Public Works Director; Robert Eaton. Parks & Recreation Manager; JayVVitbwer. Fire
Chief; Laurel Humphney, Council Analyst; Francesca GieQ|er, Deputy City Clerk.
AGENDA AMENDMENT
Councilmember McLeod asked for consensus to remove agenda item 4.d., "An ordinance relating to
destruction of forfeited firearms," from the agenda based on answers provided by Police Chief Villa after
the Public Safety Committee meeting nn February 21.2O17.
There was consensus ho remove this item from the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Three ordinances updating landscaping regulations:
1 An ordinance to establish new landscape requirements [Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 18.52].
2. An ordinance to relocate certain sections of the Tukwila Municipal Code from the "Landscape
Requinemants" chapter to the "Supplemental Development Standards" chapter.
3. An ordinance to remove "Recreation Space Requirements" from TMC Chapter 18.52 and add
"Recreation Space Requirements" toTMC Chapter 18.12 and Chapter 18.14.
7:04 p.m. Council President Robertson opened the public hearing.
Carol Lumb, Senior Planner, used a PowerPoint presentation to share information on the proposed
changes to the landscaping regulations, which are included in the ordinance amending Tukwila Municipal
Code 18.52. The other two ordinances were written to move non-landscaping related items to other
chapters inthe Zoning Code (TK8C Chapter 18> where they are better located.
Ms. Lumb explained the Tree and Environment Advisory Committee was established in 2012 and
provided guidance tothe City during the update hothe City's Comprehensive Plan (Natural Environmental
Element). The City now needs to align the Zoning Code with those goals and policies ae required bythe
Growth Management Act.
Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes
February 27.2O17
Page 2 of 9
The updated Tukwila Comprehensive Plan (Natural Environmental Element) includes the following goals
and policies:
• Increase Tukwiba'a overall tree canopy in all zones.
• Promote tree retention through education, incentives and regulations.
• Encourage use of larger trees where appropriate.
• Provide flexibility in the code.
• Promote long-term tree health through education about best practices.
Steps toward education efforts include two videos that have been posted on the City's website on
(1) Proper tree pruning techniques, and (2) Recognizing defects in trees.
Ms. Lumb stated that TIVIC Chapter 18.28. "Tukwila Urban Center (TUC)Disthut,^ was used asastarting
point for developing the proposed changes. That chapter was amended in2O14. Staff also incorporated
best practices from other jurisdictions and comments received from Puget Sound Energy.
Ms. Lumb provided e summary of the proposed changes:
• T&4C Chapter 18.52 does not apply to single-family properties.
• TIVIC Chapter 18.52 does apply to industrial, commercial and institutional uses.
• No changes are proposed to the non-conforming regulations in TIVIC Chapter 18.70.
• Landscape compliance is triggered by owner-initiated upgrades or redevelopment that require
design review.
• Increased parking lot landscape requirements.
• Parking lot landscaping has been added to industrial zones.
• Incentives to retain existing trees.
• Trees spaced according to mature size
• Pruning standards; topping generally prohibited.
• Code modifications and clustering may be approved by the Director.
Council President Robertson called for public comments.
Francesca Siegler, Deputy City Clerk, referenced into the record a 1-page email provided to the Council
from Andy Podvonao from Puget Sound Energy dated February 27.2U17.
There were no public comments.
7:14 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the public hearing.
SPECIAL ISSUES
e' Discussion and consensus on Public Safety Plan Siting Advisory Committee framework.
Councilmember McLeod stated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on
February 21.2U17. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, explained changes that have
been made to the charter for the Public Safety Plan Siting Advisory Committee since discussion at the
January 23.2O17 Council meeting (page 183of the agenda puoket. These include:
°
Formalizing the charter, similar to the format of the charter developed for the Public Safety Bond
Financial Oversight Committee.
°Adding specifics bo Section 4."Committee Responsibilities."
• Amending Section 5, "Committee Structure and Membership," to state the Council shall appoint
three community members and the Mayor shall appoint one person representing the business
community.
• Adding two additional items to Section 7, "Bylaws," which are shown as underlined text on page
1O5of the agenda packet.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
°
Amending Section 9, "Committee Reporting," to reflect reports to the City Council on a 6-month
schedule, and more frequently as needed in advance of significant Council decisions.
Ms. Bianchi stated that further conversations with the City Attorney clarified previous questions relating to
potential conflicts of interest and ethics issues. The advisory committee is established to offer advice ho
the City Council on siting, with final decisions to be made by the City Council. The Council cannot cede
that responsibility; tharafona, committee members are not subject to the same restrictions as elected
officials. She explained the City Attorney drafted the language in Section 11. "Ethics Policy and Advisory
Committee Limitations."
Ms. Bianchi noted the current timeline will not allow for the Siting Advisory Committee to be seated prior
to the first Public Safety Plan open house next month. She noted the open house will provide agood
opportunity for staff to answer questions and discuss committee membership with interested community
members.
Ms. Bianchi shared details on the open house. which will take place on Saturday. March 18. 2017. from
10:OOo.m.to12:00p.m.at Fire Station 54. The firefighters will be serving a pancake breakfast tothe
oommunity. Child care and other activities will be available, as well as representatives of the Community
Connectors. An online version of the open house will also be available, and an internal open house will
be conducted for staff to see the same information that is presented to the community. The link for the
online open house will be provided to Council aa soon msitisready.
Council President Robertson asked Ms. Bianchi to clarify the last bulleted statement under Section 4 of
the charter, "Committee Responsibilities" (page 184 of the agenda packet). Ms. Bianchi confirmed the
statement should be revised to read osfollows: "Review potential sites and provide feedback to the
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TOSUPPORT STAFF MOVING FORWARD ON THE
FRAMEWORK FOR THE SITING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Council President Robertson explained that representatives of the City's project management consultant
for the Public Safety Plan, Shie|sDb|etz Johnsen, were delayed intraffic. There was Council consensus
to discuss agenda item 4.o. nnxt, to allow the team time to arrive for discussion on item 4.b., ''Oiaoussion
and consensus on Public Safety Plan facilities draft siting oriteria."
u. Discussion and consensus on format mf monthly report to Council mm the Public Safety Plan.
Counci|mannber McLeod stated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on
February 21.2O17. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Ms. Bianchi explained the report is intended asa tool for staff toprovide the Council with information on
activities that happen each month. The proposed format would include four major oategoriesthatwi||
apply to all of the projects: [)utroonh. Financial Oversight Connmittee, Siting Advisory Committee, and
Near-term Council Decisions and Key Dates. Information specific to the individual projects wi|)o|noba
included. Ms. Bianchi stated the proposed format is expected to be an interim document for the initial
phase, and will likely become more project speoifio--inc|udinginformodononbudgetoandoohedu|es--ao
the process moves forward. She also clarified that this report would be separate from any Quality
Assurance/Quality Control reporting process that may beimplemented.
Council President Robertson raised the issue of how schedule and budget information would best be
communicated with the Council and how that might relate to incorporation of a Quality Assurance/Quality
Control (ClAQC) component. The Counci|nnambers asked clarifying questions and provided comments on
the following:
• Some preference for a graphical representation (i.e. o timeline) to show the intersections of key
stages for each project and budget dollars (showing project dependencies).
• Who the appropriate party for providing such information would be (City staff? Shiu|s (]b|etc
Johnsen? C>AC}Cperson?)
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 27, 2017 Page 4 of 9
• The importance of the Council being current on whether a project ksoverorunderbudyatand/or
ahead ofor behind schedule.
• The benefits of having an independent project managementqua|ityassunanoeprofeosiono|invo|ved
in projects of this size.
• Adding a quality assurance professional would require an RFP, scope of work and budget
The Council was in agreement with Council President Robertson's assessment that the two items that
should be considered ao high priority are (1) Adding anindependent project management quality
assurance role, and (2) including master budget figures ana starting point.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO SUPPORT STAFF MOVING FORWARD ONTHE PUBLIC
SAFETY PLAN REPORT FORMAT BASED ON THE COMMENTS AGREED TO ABOVE.
b' Discussion and consensus omPublic Safety Plan facilities draft siting criteria.
Council President Robertson stated the Council would now address agenda item 4.b. based on the
Council consensus on page 3.
K80. Bianchi explained staff is seeking feedback on the draft siting criteria in relation to the Public Safety
Plan prior ho making the draft available atthe first open house on Saturday, March 18.2O17. Staff will
return to Council with an overview of the feedback received, and Council will approve the final criteria at a
future meeting.
Councilmember McLeod stated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on
February 21.2017. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
D.J. Baxter. 8hie|s0b|etzJohnsen (the City's consultant on the Public Safety Plan projects), introduced m
Site Selection Criteria matrix designed to help facilitate the site evaluation and selection process. The
tool incorporates three main groups to help categorize specific criteria items:
1. City Operational Requirements, described as core, essential features based on discussions
with staff (''muothoves^)
2. City Policy Requirements/Guidance, which were developed by the Facilities Committee
3. Public Desires, based on input received at the three open house events held in 2016
K8c Baxter explained the goal is to help participants look forward on what the City is trying to accomplish
and what in most important. The proposed structure will help ensure a transparent process and ameans
ho convey the decision-making process. He noted that this matrix focuses on aspects related hoselection
of sites versus functions of the buildings.
Bill Holstine, 4251 So. 160th Street, shared that he feels the Fire Department does a great job in the
oonnnnunib/. His concern is with ensuring there is adequate oversight and fiduciary responsibility related
to the $77 million bond. He feels a study should be done to determine whether the City needs to replace
3 fir* stations or whether 2 would be sufficient in m City of this size and considering the availability of
instant obate-of-the-artcommunications. One less fire station could result in o $10 million eavinga, plus
annual operating costs. He also proposed that 8-hour shifting for firefighters would eliminate the need for
living quarters et the stations.
Council President Robertson asked Mr. Holstine about the Fire Chiefs response to Mr. Holstine's earlier
e-mail questions regarding shift hours at the stations, and stated he would ensure Mr. Holstine received a
copy of the response.
The Councilmembers expressed commitment to the budget and any potential cost savings. Council
President Robertson stated that Counoi|nnember McLeod was selected os Chair ofthe Public Safety
Committee this year based on his extensive experience with cost planning and budgeting.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 5 of 9
Councilmember Hougardy stated that it will be important to share the reasoning of why and how the
number of fire stations is determined.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and provided comments on the following:
°How items on the matrix will ��eighted" against each other (where should the emphasis be
placed).
• Whether any items should be considered "deal breakers," and what level of detail should be
included.
• The need to continually calculate cost and budget impacts as items are considered.
• A suggestion that site pollution be added to the matrix.
• A willingness to consider repurposing existing structures that may be available.
In response to a question from Councilmember Quinn about the format for the upcoming open house,
K80. Bianchi clarified there will be multiple information stations set up for the various components of the
Public Safety Plan project. City staff, including fire personnel, will be available to answer questions and
discuss operational issues. |t will be similar to the open house format used last year. She noted that
planning for the fire station pnojeoto, in partiou|ar, is o data driven p0000ao (not as subjective as others
may be). with the goal of enabling fast and equitable response times.
8:30 p.m. Coumj|nnomberDuffie exited the Council Chambers.
8:31 p.m. Counci|memberDuffie returned bo the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Kruller shared thoughts related to planning for the Justice Center, including security
considerations; how the grounds can be used by citizens, staff and the public at large; and designing
multi-use spaces to allow flexibility and the widest range ofuses.
8:36 p.m. Counui/memberHougardy exited the Council Chambers.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO SUPPORT STAFF MOVING FORWARD ON THE DRAFT
SITING CRITERIA.
d. An ordinance relating to destruction of forfeited firearms.
This item was removed from the agenda per the agenda amendment on page 1.
8:39 p.m. Counoi|nnambe/Hougardy returned ho the Council Chambers.
m' A resolution adopting the Green Tukwila 20'yearplan.
Counoi|nnemberHougandy stated this item was discussed at the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting on February 13.2017. The committee members were unanimous in
recommending approval.
Robert Eaton, Parks & Recreation Manager, explained the City first had a presentation from Fodenaon
entering into the Green Cities Partnerships in 2015, with the vision of creating a Green Tukwila plan and
stewardship development. The City received e grant from Boeing to cover GO percent of the cost to
develop the Green Tukwila 20-Year Plan.
The Plan sets out u strategy ho care for green spaces and natural areas in the City. A total nf137acres
of public-owned properties were identified, 87 acres of which are owned by the City. The remaining acres
are King County, VV8DOTand school district properties. Revitalization plans include working with
volunteers to remove invasive species, plant "correct" plants and species, and monitoring for long-term
mustminabi|ih/. The implementation cost for all 137 acres ie estimated at$5.O million. The City's intent is
to focus on the City-owned properties first, at an estimated cost of $3.5 million. Mr. Eaton referenced the
chart on page 241 of the agenda packet, which shows the estimated number of new acres and program
costs for each of the 20 years, as well as the "Volunteer Match Value" that would be associated with
volunteer stewardship over the course of the Plan.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 27, 2017 Page 6 of 9
The Cuumj|men)bera provided comments asfollows:
"Awareness that one goal of the plan is for use of trees with longer life spans.
• Appreciation for the equitable and inclusive volunteer opportunities associated with stewardship
plans.
• The |onQ4ann benefits of establishing such o master p|an, which will also serve as o guidebook for
future generations.
• The City's commitment to this work during the last two budget cycles.
• Appreciation to staff for the level of detail and engaging information compiled in the Plan.
Councilmember Quinn stated that as a member of the King County Land Conservation Advisory Group
over the past year, he feels Tukwila's plan is an example for other jurisdictions that want to identify
preferred green spaces.
Mr. Eaton added that the assessment process will identify invasive species versus healthy trees and
existing ^good"vegetation. He also clarified that landscaped sports fields, such os Foster Park, have a
different use and are not included in the areas identified in the plan. The plan focuses on natural areas
such as can be found at Tukwila Park and a portion of Crestview Pork. for example. Stewardship plans
will be developed for each site, with the goal of working with community and business partnerships.
Council President Robertson explained there is a parallel program called "Green the Green," which
focuses on salmon restoration and encompasses the entire Green River watershed. "Green the Green" is
dependent on grants to fund their work. Recent scientific discoveries have shown that when the
temperature of the water ia high, it can be deadly to the salmon population. He would like hr overlay the
site maps contained in the Green Tukwila 20-Year Plan with maps developed by area tribal communities
to compare sites located on the river that could be marked as high priority sites for shading.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED T0 FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
t Three ordinances updating landscaping regulations:
1. An ordinance to establish new landscape requirements [Tukwila Municipal Code JMC) Chapter 18.52].
2, An ordinance to relocate certain sections of the Tukwila Municipal Code from the "Landscape
Requirements" chapter to the "Supplemental Development Standards" chapter.
3 An ordinance to remove "Recreation Space Requirements" from TIVIC Chapter 18.52 and add
"Recreation Space Requirements" to TIMC Chapter 18.12 and Chapter 18.14.
Counoi|membnrHuugardy stated this item was discussed at the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting on February 13.2O17. The committee members moved it out of
committee without a recommendation in order to have Council review the items together.
Carol Lumb, Senior Planner, and Andrea Cummins, Urban Environmentalist, presented a review of the
proposed update ho the landscaping code. The Counoi|members agreed staff should focus the discussion
on the key policy issues associated with the ordinances.
Ms. Lunnb referenced Attachment Bon page 1Ynf the agenda packet, which iman annotated draft ofthe
ordinance amending Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 18.52. The comments provide additional
information on staff changes that were proposed throughout the ordinance development process.
Counci|member Quinn noted that both the Tree Committee and the Planning Commission have been
involved in review of the information over the past two months.
Councilmember Hougardy referenced the "Whereas" statement in the ordinance establishing new
landscape requirements (page 41 of the agenda packet), which states "WHEREAS, new Comprehensive
Plan goals and policies establish tree canopy goals for all zoning districts." She asked staff to clarify
whether the zoning districts noted ne|ota to commercial zones or residential zones. Ms. Lumb clarified the
draft ordinance is for all zones. The specific goal for residential areas io for "no net |oss.^ meaning the
goal istn maintain the current canopy zone. This would mean ensuring that trees are replaced when
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 7 of 9
removed for development purposes. The current discussion on landscape regulations ks applicable ho
commercial, industrial development and non-residential areas.
The Council reviewed four key policy issue areas:
The proposed table, "Landscape Requirements by Zoning District," on page 22 of the agenda packet
is designed to increase canopy coverage in commercial and industrial districts. The proposal would
increase landscaping requirements in front and parking lot areas, while maintaining a level of
flexibility for developers and property owners. Ms. Lumb explained the new regulations would go into
effect if there was any redevelopment at the site that triggers design review. Ms. Lumb referenced
Comprehensive Plan policy 8.4.2 in the Tukwila International Boulevard section of the
Comprehensive Plan, which provides an incentive (reduction or elimination of landscaping
requirements) for properties in certain zones along Tukwila International Boulevard to bring buildings
toward the street.
2. The proposal for the Commercial and Light/Heavy Industrial districts ksto increase front landscaping
from 12.5bo15 feet, and landscaping in the manufacturing and industrial center would bewidened
from 5to1Ofeet.
Councilmember Hougardy asked staff to clarify the reasons for the proposed increase. Ms. Lumb
explained that increasing the depth of the landscaping would allow for additional trees, with a
preference for planting of large stature trees. |t was noted there are factors that can interfere with
placement of large trees including interference with utility lines and utility cabinets, and
obstruction nfsignmge.
3. A section on procedures has been created that identifies certain criteria under which substitutions for
landscaping may beconsidered. Examples include a cluster or community garden in lieu cfformal
landscaping in residential and multi-family districts, use of landscaping ho meet low impact
development requirements, and substituting pedestrian or transit facilities, particularly along Tukwila
International Boulevard.
Councilmember Hougardy asked staff to clarify the restrictions on plant material requirements
stated in TIVIC Section 18.52.060A subparagraphs 5.a, b and c, on page 57 of the agenda
Andrea Cummins, Environmental Speoia|ist, explained that healthier plant material can be
promoted with biodivenaity. Intermixing of species provides better defense against aninsect
infestation that could occur against one particular type of tree, for example.
4. A violation section has been added to clarify what a violation is and the associated penalty, which
relates to implementation strategies included in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Under the current
code, enforcement measures default to Chapter 8 of the Tukwila Municipal Code. Flexibility iabuilt
in, such that a penalty could be replacement and/or a fine. |n addition to removing a tree, topping nr
pruning measures that can potentially cause a tree to die are also violations. A penalty may range
from a minimum of $1,000 up to the marketable value of each tree (reference Table C on page 67 of
the agenda poukaU. Ms. Lumb stated that staff will implement educational measures, including
making materials available tolandscaping companies. She also noted the emphasis placed
throughout the ordinance on the use of ISA-certified arborists (International Society of Arboriculture).
Councilmember Hougardy asked how the tree replacement requirements in Table C would be
handled, i.e. that tree with a diameter over 2U inches must be replaced with 8 trees. NYa. Lumb
agreed that characteristics of a particular site may not be able to accommodate more than 1 or 2
trees. In that oose, the penalty amount would be paid into the City'* tree fund. The strategy
followed is "Right tree, right place."
Councilmember McLeod asked about input received relating to tree regulations for residential
properties (page 11Dof the agenda ponket). Ms. Lumb explained the existing canopy in single-
family areas is 47 percent; however, there is no language in the existing code that protects that
level of existing canopy. She noted that the issues in residential areas will be addressed with
updates to the tree code later this year.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 27, 2017 Page 8 of 9
Councilmember Quinn noted that the City also received a lot of input from residents who are
concerned about the potential loss of tree canopy.
Ms. Lumb explained an additional change to TMC Section 18.52.110. B of the ordinance (page 66 of
the agenda paoket).
^B. Penalties. In addition to any other penalties or other enforcement actions, any person who fails
to comply with the provisions of this chapter also shall be subject to a civil penalty assessed ag
as set forth henain^ Counoi|mnmbnrKru||er recommended substituting ''vio|ator'
for "property ownmr.^to read asfollows:
"B. Penalties. In addition to any other penalties or other enforcement actions, any person who fails
to comply with the provisions of this chapter also shall be subject to a civil penalty assessed against
the violator as set forth herein."
Due to the lateness of the house, there was consensus not to discuss the "housekeeping" items in the
other two ordinances related torearranging sections within various chapters ofTitle 18of the Tukwila
Municipal Code.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TOFORWARD THUS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING,
TO INCLUDE THE REVISION AS DISCUSSED FOR TK8C SECTION 18.52.110.B.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg attended the HERO Gala celebrating 20 years at the Tukwila Community Center on
Saturday, February 25.2O17. He attended the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)oharn*tta for the
Tukwila International Boulevard neighborhood (February 23 and 25) and noted the community workshops
were well attended.
The "Stuff the Bus" event held at Target was osuccess. Mayor Ekberg thanked Target for their
coordination and participation inTukwi|a'e8naokPmokProgram. He attended the grand opening event for
the 85^CBakery. On February 23, 2017, he attended the recognition assembly at Foster High School.
b. City Council
Councilmember Seal attended the Sound Cities Association LEOFF1 Committee meeting on February
22, 2017, the HERO Gala at the Tukwila Community Center on February 25, 2017, and the Tukwila
International Boulevard oharnette workshop on February 25.2U17.
Councilmember Hougardy attended the South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting on
February 21, 2017, where the Puget Sound Gateway Program (State Routes 509 and 167) was
discussed. She participated inthe Regional Transit Committee meeting with Jaimie Reovisofthe
Department of Community Development on February 23, 2017 regarding the implementation of Metro
Connects. She attended the Tukwila International Boulevard charrette February 23 through 25. On
February 25, 2017, she attended the HERO Gala celebrating 20 years at the Tukwila Community Center.
Ms. Hougandy expressed appreciation to Travis Boyd, a participant in the "Teens for Tukwila" progrorn, for
sharing his testimonial during the HERO event.
Councilmember Quinn attended the Joint Recommendations committee meeting, where potential
opportunities for funding of housing projects vveradiscusaed. He thanked Council Analyst Laurel
Humphrey for coordinating the Councilmembers' attendance to the Congress for the New Urbanism
oharrette events that took place February 23 through 25.2O17. He felt the high level of participation from
residents reflected the City's goals for this event.
Councilmember Kruller attended a Safety and Justice meeting on February 23, 2017, where database
prosecution in King County was discussed. Tukwila is one of five cities that King County ia working with
to implement a new program, with a goal of finding ways to reduce crime through the way cases are
prosecuted. She attended the recent Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) charrette and is looking
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
February 27, 2017 Page 9 of 9
forward ho their return event inMay. [>n February 23.2017. she attended the Foster High School Honor
Society event, which celebrated students in multiple areas including behavior, attendance and helping
othens, as well as the ado, music, math, and other academics.
Councilmember McLeod attended the HERO Gala celebrating 20 years at the Tukwila Community Center
on February 25.2O17. He thanked staff for coordinating both the Community Center event and Congress
for the New Urbanism oharn*tte.
Council President Robertson attended the Congress for the New Urbanism charrette on February 24,
2017.
c. Staff
There was noreport.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovenmental
There was no report.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Hougardy explained that Senate Bill 5827 would redefine "tourism" in a way that will
significantly restrict the use of lodging tax revenue. The City's lobbyist, Jennifer Ziegler, has advised that
this bill would define "tourism" as only those activities requiring traveling for more than 50 miles and
staying overnight inahotel. This would limit the use of lodging tax revenue for festivals and special
events, for example. The bill passed out of Senate Ways and Means with three Senators voting no. She
asked Council for consensus to oppose this bill, as day tourists are an important part of the City's
economy.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO OPPOSE SENATE BILL 5827.
Council President Robertson stated that City ofSeaTaoComnci|member Peter Kwon sent information
regarding a current Senate and House bill that makes it easier for law enforcement to remove squatters.
Council President Robertson asked if there was Council consensus for City Administration to research the
two bills and provide feedback.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR CITY ADMINISTRATION TO RESEARCH THE TWO BILLS
AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO THE COUNCIL.
ADJOURNMENT
10:12 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
dA�,� (01�
Dennis Ro*�6n",-todncil President
Barbara Saxtorf, AQ(ind Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 3/23117
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 3/23/17