HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers March 27, 2017 — 7:00 P.m.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge ofAllegiance.
OFFICIALS
Mayor Ekberg was not in attendance.
Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Coumci|membere Joe Duffie. Verna Seal,
KathyHougordy. De'SeanC>uinn. Kate Kru|k*r, Thomas McLeod.
CITY OFFICIALS
David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; JayVViMmer. Fire Chief; Rachel Bianchi,
Communications and Government Relations Manager; Derek Speck, Economic Development
Administrahor� Brandon [Niles. Business Re|abonnK8anager� Laurel Humphray, Counci|Ana|yat�
Barbara Saxton, Acting Deputy City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jennifer McCoy, 1���� Ave. S.,stated she last spoke to the Council inJanuary 2015 to report one
food drive for the launch of the SnackPack program at Thorndyke Elementary, which supports children
experiencing housing insecurity. The program ia now also serving children at Cascade View and Tukwila
Elementary Schools. Last week 129 students were provided with o bag containing 7 meals for the
weekend. She expressed thanks to employees of the City of Tukwila who donated funds to this program
from the silent auction at a recent employee appreciation event, and for a great partnership with the City.
This year a new type of food drive has been initiated called "Stuff the Bus," during which a school bus is
parked at Target or Saars and suggested shopping lists are distributed to shoppers. They will beholding
their first auction/dinner on April 28, 2017, with Meeghan Black serving as emcee. Monetary donations
can also be made ot . Volunteers are needed for inventory, which
is a critical task to their operation, as well as assembling packs (Thursday mornings), distribution at
schools (afternoone), food drivea, and during their auction. K8m. McCoy provided examples of the critical
assistance the SnackPack program provides, and she appreciates the City's efforts toward success of the
program.
Angelina Benedetti, 721 Grant Ave. S-. Renton, is the Regional Manager for the Western Region
representing King County Library System (KCL8). She invited City officials and the public tothe opening
of the new Foster Library on April 2Q.2017. beginning otS:3Om.m. She noted that the public art
installation is in place, and they are excited about the great community commons area that is to come at
the Tukwila Village site.
Ms. Benedetti reported thotKCLS is currently engaged in developing o strategic plan, which has included
surveys, interviews and community conversations. Over 4.5UO people have participated, combined with
input from abaff, to help determine what direction KCLS will be taking. She distributed a hand-out on
KCLG'e service direction scenarios. Ms. Benedetti said the KCLS Strategic Plan information will be
available this summer, and stated KCLS needs to listen to the community about the types ofservices
desired. She stated the benefits of the new library space to Tukwila will be significant.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 27.2017
Page 2 of 8
Councilmember Kruller recognized the many services available at the library, and noted the grand
opening is on the same morning as the City's Fun Run/N/a|kaverd. K8m. Benedetti noted the library will be
open on their regular schedule beginning April 29, and she invited people to come visit whenever they
SPECIAL ISSUES
a' Board and Commissions legislation: Ordinances and one resolution updating the Tukwila
&Ammiolpal Code pertaining bo City Boards and Commissions.
Counni|monnberHougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting on February 27.2O17. The committee members were unanimous in
recommending approval.
Rachel Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager, noted the purpose of these
updates is for consistency across all Boards and Commissions of the City and to incorporate the
recommended best practices published by the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC).
The following summarizes the proposed changes bo each advisory group
Arts Commission — Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 2.30
Add provisions for Revocation of Appointment, Staff Assistance, Reporting Requirements and
Evaluation Process, and the adoption of Bylaws.
Civil Service Commission — TMC Chapter 2.42
Add provisions for Procedures for Conduct of Meeting, Staff Assistance and the adoption of Bylaws.
Equity and Diversity Commission — TMC Chapter 2.29
Proposed name change from "Equity and Diversity Commission" bo "Equity and Social Justice
Commission" and to modify the objectives of the Commission to include facilitating better
understanding and awareness cf social justice and human rights. |n addition to the name change,
staff proposes making the Sister Cities Committee a sub-committee ofthe Equity and Social Justice
Commission and to change the name from "Sister Cities Committee" to "Sister Cities and Civic
Awareness Committee." The purpose of the Sister Cities and Civic Awareness Committee would be
expanded to include connecting youth and residents with civic organizations for education and
awareness.
Other changes include adding provisions for Revocation of Appointment, Evaluation Process, and
adding a Student Representative.
Park Commission — TMC Chapter 2.32
increase membership from five members to seven members, and add provisions for Revocation of
Appointment, Staff Assistance, Reporting Requirements and Evaluation Process, and the adoption of
Bylaws.
K8a. Bianchi explained the Park Commission preferred to retain flexibility regarding election of the
Commission Chair each year and asked that the sentence that reads, "The Vice-chair shall promote
to the Chair the following year and a new Vice-Chair shall be elected by the members" bedeleted.
The Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee were in favor of this exception.
Planning Commission — TMC Chapter 2.36
Add provisions for Organization, Procedures for Conduct of Meeting, Meeting Schedule, and Staff
Assistance.
Community Oriented Policing Citizen's Adviso!y Board — TMC Chapter 2.39
Add provisions for Staff Assistance, Evaluation Process, and the adoption of Bylaws.
Human Services AdvisoU Board — TMQ Chapter 2.34
Add provisions for Staff Assistance, Reporting Requirements and Evaluation Process, and the
adoption of Bylaws.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 27, 2017
Page 3 of 8
Library Advisory Board — TIVIC Chapter 2.33
Increase membership from five members to seven members, add a Student Representative, and add
provisions for Staff Assistance, Reporting Requirements and Evaluation Prooess, and the adoption of
Bylaws.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee — to be codified at TIVIC Chapter 2.35
The changes to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee include repealing Resolution Nos. 1381 and
1533 that established the Committee and adding the Committee to the Tukwila Municipal Code as
TK8C Chapter 2.35. Changes include codifying the appointment and the term of appointment in
compliance with RWC 67.28, and adding provisions for Meeting Conduct, Bylaws, Staff Assistance,
and Reporting Requirements.
Ms. Bianchi explained there had been questions about the proposed language in the ordinances relating
to sharing applications with the applicable Board orCommission. She clarified that the intent is for the
information sharing to ensure a diversity of ideas and opinions, and not to ask the Board or Commission
ho provide arecommendation. The ordinance language will codify that seeking m recommendation from
Board or Commission members will not be part of the process.
Counci{nnennber Quinn stated that although there k*no intention Vr expectation for Board orCommission
members to make a recommendation, there is the potential that may be implied by the process. He noted
there have been challenges with some committees not being filled in the past, and he has heard the
application process can appear intimidating tn some people.
Councilmember Kruller asked why the ordinance for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee did not show
strike-through or underline text (showing changes) asdo the other ordinances. Ms. Bianchi stated she
would provide Council with the previous legislation (resolutions) that established the Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee.
It was suggested that Councilmembers be advised about vacancies on Boards and Commissions so they
are aware during interactions with the public and at Council meetings. Other suggested outlets for raising
awareness of these openings in order to seek a broad level of participation included on-going information
on vacancies in the bi-weekly City Administrator Report, the monthly E-Hazelnut newsletter, the City
pages in the "Tukwila Reporter.'' social media, and the Council Chats.
Councilmember Seal would like to see a consistent process discussed relating to how Councilmembers
are advised of recommendations hmCity Boards and Commissions, meaning the process used prior to
publication in the Council agenda packet for the meeting at which the appointment would occur.
As Chair of the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee, Councilmember Hougardy
requested these items be sent directly to the Consent Agenda at the next meeting.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED T0 FORWARD THIS ITEM T0 THE CONSENT AGENDA K3F THE
NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b' Update on2016 lodging tax collection and distribution.
Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager, utilized aPowerPoint presentation to provide an update on
lodging tax funds in2O1G. He distributed revenue and expenditure information from the City's 2017-2018
Biennial Budget to the Council.
In 2016, the City collected more lodging tax than budgeted as shown below.
2016 Budgeted
2016 Actual
Percent Difference
$630,000
$711,129
12.87%
This is likely a reflection of the overall economy, with more people traveling for business and coming for
leisure activities.
Tukwila City Council Committee nfthe Whole Minutes
March 27, 2017 Page 4 of 8
Projected lodging tax expenditures for 2O1G were just over $425.00O.
The projected Ending Fund Balance for 2O18ha just over $AOO.UO0. The following chart shows the trend
in the Ending Fund Balance over the past few years:
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
$710,707
$714,946
$575,845
$623,120
$906,875*
The City has used funds in the past for administration of Seattle Southeida. With the formation nfthe
Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority (SSRTA), they now have their own fee and funding, so the
City's lodging tax Ending Fund Balance is starting to move toward having a surplus.
Lodging tax funds have traditionally been used tosupport third party applications—organizations thsdare
registered ae501(c)(3)orSO1(c)K6)--kzro variety of tourism promotion activities in the City.
Municipalities can also use these funds, so the City can go through the same application process (which
is required by the State Auditor) to access funds.
State law requires that any request to use lodging tax funds go through a two-step review approval
p the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and the City Council. Applicants are required to
estimate the impacts of their activities and to report actuals back to the City as part of contract close-out.
The City is required to report these outcomes to the Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review
Committee (JLARC) each year.
The following entities received City of Tukwila lodging tax funds in2U1G:
• Seattle Smuthside Regional Tourism Authority. $337.50O (per |nted000| Agreement with SSRTA
and the cities of Tukwila, SooTao and Des K8oines. SSRTAie responsible for marketing topeople
outside of5O miles from the City.
• Museum mfFlight. $35.000. The majority of their visitors come from the 4-oountyarea. The City
transitioned their agreement to one of sponsorship and marketing opportunities that directly benefit
the City, such as the Aviation Pavilion, Jet Blast Bash, Santa Fly-in and "Museum ofFrighL^ The
Museum had 630,000 total attendees last year, which also generates room nights in the City.
°Star@re Sports. $25.OUO. Starhra draws a large number of people toTukvvla--1.2 million total
attendees ayear. Between 3.5OO and 1O.UOO room nights are generated from these visitors. The
City is working towards cross-promotion on social media with 8hadino. Mr. Miles noted the Qh/ has
a great partnership with SbadireSpods. which consistently promotes they are located in Tukwila.
The stadium can hold approximately 4,000 people and has been praised by fans as a great venue
for watching games.
* City of Tukwila. $40,500.
" General administration of lodging tax funds.
• Day marketing campaign, forwhichfundewiUbmusedin2O17.
• Sounders KnLS Cup send-off event, attended bv approximately 2OO people and which received
great social media presence from the Sounders and fans.
Rather than operating under eonoe-a-year application process.dlereanenow^nd|inQdeod|inee^toaUow
quicker funding opportunities. Applications have already been received from S@RTA. the Museum of
Flight and StadineSports. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will review the applications and forward
their recommendations, which will go through the Council Committee and full Council meeting process.
Mr. Miles reported the City ia also applying for lodging tax funds. The following are various economic
development opportunities being explored for 2017:
Tukwila City Council Committee nf the Whole Minutes
March 27, 2017 Page 5 of 8
• Westfield Southcenter's 50th anniversary (May 2018), with plans to celebrate the whole
Southmenb* area shopping district. Mr. Miles noted they are looking for stories from the public
about their experiences at Southcenter (i.e. Was your first date at the old movie theater? Phobos
with Santa or the Easter Bunny, etc.).
• Combating the perception of Tukwila aaa "dangerous oity.^ The City hopes to get businesses
involved with this strategy.
• Sounders FC and the G2 team, which plays all their home games inTukwila. Possible City
sponsorship of 4 games by the City and creating a very family-friendly atmosphere
(August/September).
• Southcenter block party type event, which could include shutting down Baker Boulevard to be a
festival street.
• Seattle Suuthaide Chamber ofCommerce is interested in exploring on international/farmer's
market.
• Next phase of the City's day marketing campaign, with a focus on creating a brand to draw day
visitors to the Southoenherarea. Another presentation to the Council is scheduled for April 17.
Mr. Miles stated the next deadline for lodging tax fund applications is April 14, 2017.
Councilmember McLeod asked about the "Return on Investment" amounts shown on page 76 of the
agenda packet for the Seattle Soudlside Regional Tourism Authority. Mr. Miles explained the numbers
on page 7O are amounts reported bySSRTA. Page 83cf the agenda packet has expanded information
onSGRTA'snumbers. He noted that SSRTA has changed the way they track the number ofhotel
reservations attributed b/ their wmbsite. which explains the difference between 2015 numbers Oust under
10,000 reservations, which was based on direct bookings) and 2016 (160,000, which was calculated
through a correlation analysis of people who visited the SSRTAwmboite and ultimately booked a trip).
The Counoi|nnembers provided comments and asked clarifying questions related to the proposed
economic development plans:
° How robust /a the plan for Suuthcente/o50d`anniversary? Mr. Miles noted they have met with
Westfield Southcenter's marketing director and the Chamber, with plans to convene a committee.
Potential components include a collection of activities such as a video, VIP party, fun run, banners,
and public relations work. The goal istn involve corporate sponsors and other parties ho help with
the event and activities.
° Why are no Tukwila businesses listed on the "Pub Partners" page on the Sounders website?
K8c Miles explained pubs pay hobe included on the site. This was discussed with the Sounders
last year; however, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee had concerns with some ofthe proposed
marketing concepts.
• The City is late to address the "dangerous city" perception. A "Safe City" run was suggested.
• How can the City express support for a wide diversity of ideas from grassroots community
organizations? Discover Burien is a non-profit organization the City has partnered with, as well as
other groups to draw people to their local businesses. Potential ideas suggested by
Councilmembers involved the salmon hatchery, an artists' retreat, a cupcake competition, a jazz
hantiva|, air shows, foodie ovenhs, cycling/walking the City's troilo, an art walk, revival of "Tukwila
Days," the Duwamish Hill Preserve and native communities, and more emphasis on Tukwila as the
home of the Sounders (and 82). Aaafo||ow+up. the City should discuss how they can promote
ideas from the community and advertise the availability of lodging tax funds throughout the year.
• Lodging tax funds come from a 1 % tax collected on Tukwila hotel rooms, and that money must be
spent inTukwila. Those funds can be used to bring in visitors and can also be invested inways
that will bring people back hn the City again and again. Examples include improving amenities such
aea boardwalk for Tukwila Pond and installing vvavfindingaignmge. A recommendation was made
to create policies on an Ending Fund Balance and for Reserves for lodging tax funds.
Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minute
March 27,2017
Page 6 of 8
• The City would like to have funds available for small requests too, ie. $1.008nr$5.000. These
small events can grow over time. KU±itas County and KbmepCounty find themselves with more
funding requests than they have funds for—a great position Tukwila would like to be in.
• The City is a great partner for the Museum of Flight and would like to see them reference their
location during promotions as being in Tukwila rather than Seattle.
• The @uuthounter branding process will get underway in August orSeptember. Other efforts and
events to promote the City can still move forward as the City's consultant continues their work. The
Southcenter 50th anniversary can also be tied into the launch of the branding campaign.
• How is the word getting out to event promoters and reaching out beyond Tukwila? A new web
page is schedule to go up this week; social media channels; collaboration with the Chamber of
Commerce, the school district and other groups; and in the "Tukwila Neporter.^os well asthe
Reporter publications in adjacent cities. This work is done with a limited amount of funds, and radio
and T\/ advertising can be very expensive. The City would also like to encourage local businesses
ho use Tukwila ma their location name inadvertising.
Council President Robertson recognized a member of the audience who wanted to address the Council
regarding the ordinances updating the Tukwila Municipal Code pertaining to City Boards and
Commissions (agenda item 3.al
Jerry Thornton, 321Q South 142ndPL stated heiathe Chair ufCOPCAB (Community Oriented Policing
Citizens' Advisory Boanj). Ha acknowledged the City's efforts to provide consistency on the structure
across all the Boards and Commissions and for using MRSC'sbemp|ate. Mr. Thornton also commended
the City on providing training on OPMA (Open Public Meetings Act) and the Public Records Act to
members ofthe City's Boards and Commissions.
Mr. Thornton stated he was recently approached by a TV reporter about combatting the "dangerous
Tukwila" issue. He has heard comments from citizens asking why the City is not making an effort to
counteract that perception, which can impact property values. Statistics quoted in news reports donot
reflect any pro-rating to calculate the impact of Tukwila's daytime population, and it is up to individual
cities to report information to the FBI—and some cities with high crime statistics may choose not to report
their information. Mr. Thornton stated C0PCABuon be resource in the City's efforts related tuthis
issue.
o. Review of applications for the Public Safety Bond Financial 0versightComrniffne'
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on March 21,
2017. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The Finance Committee reviewed all 10 applications for the Public Safety Plan Financial Oversight
Committee and recommended the following appointments:
JunCasUUo -----
Resident
RandyCoplen --
-- Buskneanrepnaaentotiva
Sean Goode .... .......
Resident
JeasioaJemva --
-- Reaident
Ms. Seal stated she will be contacting the other applicants and encouraging them to apply for the Siting
Advisory Committee or for other Boards and Commissions with vacancies.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg was not in attendance.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 27, 2017 Page 7 of 8
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie stated he recently visited a retail marijuana location on Rainier Avenue in order to
discuss their operations including security, loitering policies, cleanliness, etc. He noted this particular
location had on ATM onsite. [)n March 21.2O17.he met with officials of the Boeing Employees Credit
Union with Mayor Ekberg and discussed property BECU has purchased. He recently talked with students
at Thorndyke Elementary School, where discussions included how to get into politics, how they can be
invo|ved, and what the students would like their City to look like in the future.
Councilmember Seal commented on the Finance Committee meeting on March 21, 2017. One item on
the agenda was oreport from the Finance Department on expenditures compared to allocated budget for
each department for January 2017, and this is an item the Finance Committee will be reviewing on a
regular basis. On March 22, 2017, she participated in a webinar that was a spinoff of the National
League of Cities' Healthy Communities workshop. The vvebinar was entitled, "Better Together:
Partnerships toEnhance and Advance Approaches to Healthy Houaing." She noted that a recording of
the webinmrie available to other interested Cuunoi|membero.
Councilmember Hougardy stated she will attend meetings of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and
Highline Forum this week, as well as the Council's Housing Policy Work Session on March 30, 2017.
Counoi|membar Quinn stated he attended the Joint Recommendations Committee regarding housing and
infrastructure on March 22, 2017, as well as serving as the keynote speaker at the All Home Conference,
which was focused on racial equity. Also on March 22.2O17.ho served ona panel ontransit-oriented
development for the Urban Land (Nodhvveat)Institute. He noted there was support for transit-oriented
development and interest in how developers and interested non-profits can partner with communities.
Councilmember Kruller attended S2's opening game on March 26, 2017, and was honored to represent
the City Council and flip the coin. She noted that itia the South King County Soccer Referee Association
that does these, and the coin used reads, "For the good of the ganne.^
Councilmember McLeod attended Fire Ops training at Hanford in Richland, Washington, on March 23 and
24.2O17. Tukwila firefighter Chuck Wooley served as team leader, and Tukwila firefighter Jim Evans was
Mr. MoLeod`e^ohadow'' during the exercises. Mr. McLeod ''neooued''3dummies, extinguished different
types of fires, and climbed a ladder truck up a building (even in a foot boot due to aggravating a sprain
incurred a few weeks prior). Tukwila Fins Department Captain Mark Morales led atnaining on extraction.
Mr. McLeod reported he has new level of respect for the paasinn, professionalism and nki||e of
firefighters.
Council President Robertson participated in the meeting with BECU corporate officers on March 21, 2017.
He said that BECU has made a tremendous commitment to Tukwila with their purchase of most ofthe
buildings in the Gateway development for use as their long-term corporate headquarters. He noted that
BECU expressed concerns about the BNSF planned access point.
On March 21.2U17,Mr. Robertson attended Salmon Safe training with two City employees, which in
conducted bya5O1(c) organization based inPortland. On March 23.2O17,he represented the 17
jurisdictions that make up the Gnaen/Duvvamiah Watershed atthe Salmon Resource Council (GRC).
The SRC involves joint representation from watersheds, jurisdictions, various 5D1(o)o, and the tribes, all
working to restore salmon. Mr. Robertson noted the tribes are concerned the area is losing ground on
salmon recovery and indicated they want ''bo|d^action. He also referenced m presentation byascientist
at a recent meeting of the Green/Duwamish Watershed Forum on the impact of climate change and sea
level rise and what jurisdictions can do. He asked if there was interest in having a presentation onthe
topic ata Council meeting, and there was consensus from the Council.
Mr. Robertson explained thmtCounoi[rnembens have received a workbook on housing policy in
preparation for the Council's Housing Policy Work Session on March 30, 2017. Ho noted that the Council
will receive a briefing on housing actions, but should also be prepared to prioritize the list of items for
discussion.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
March 27, 2017 Page 8 of 8
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, reported on several projects invo|vingFnsterHi0hSchooi After the
Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) workshop last month, staff visited 5 different classrooms and had
discussions with approximately 130 seniors on the work to come on Tukwila International Boulevard and
what the students feel works and does not work in that area. He reported that all City departments will be
represented at Career Day at Foster High School on March 30, 2017, along with multiple businesses, and
the Police Department is conducting their Bulldog Academy every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00
p.m. with Officer Adam Ba|cnm and Sergeant Kraig Boyd.
d' Council Analyst
There was noreport.
MISCELLANEOUS
Counci|member Quinn explained that the preliminary federal budget—the "skinny budget" they received
at the recent National League of Cities Conference—is now a "blueprint budgeL" Jurisdictions are being
encouraged to compile information on how the blueprint budget could specifically impact their community
and residents. He would like this to be a Council product, and noted this work would require staff time.
City departments have already begun discussions about potential impacts—particularly for seniors and
children. He would like information that demonstrates how much Tuhwi|a's residents participate in
programs impacted by the proposed cuts in the federal budget, which Councilmembers could then take
back to our Congressional delegation and State legislators.
Councilmembers noted that Representative Adam Smith and others had asked for this type of
information—raw numbers and anecdotal relationsh ips---d u ring their recent visit to Washington DC.
Council President Robertson asked Mr. Cline and Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, to report back to the
Council in the next week or two with an estimate of staff time required for this project.
Council President Robertson stated that Bellwether has identified another piece of property near Tukwila
International Boulevard that they are interested in as a development site. He asked if the Council still
supports staff s work toward a development agreement. Council consensus existed.
ADJOURNMENT
S:22p'mm' COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
ETING Barbara Saxton, -Actinig Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BYTHE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 04M2M7
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 04/13117