HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers April 24, 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 7:00 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Counci|members Joe Duffie.Verna Seal.
Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor-, David C|ine, City Administrator; Bob Giberoon, Public Works Director; Peggy
McCarthy, Finance Director; JoyVVdbwer, Fire Chief; K8ia Navann, Community Engagement Manager;
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Laurel Humphn*y, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxhnn,
Acting Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
A proclamation recognizing April 27-30 as "A Stand Against Racism."
Mayor Ekberg introduced Olivier Santos, Career Navigator with the YWCA, who stated he is in his 4th
year sd the YWCA where he helps people find work. Mr. Santos stated he has talked about the issues of
dealing with the problem of racism before the Council in the past; however, the issue has seemed a bit
more palpable than normal during the past six months. Being ina group of immigrants and refugees and
hearing stories of the fears they face every day has helped him understand those feelings better.
Mayor Ekberg road a proclamation proclaiming ^A Stand Against Racism" April 27-3O. 2017. in the City
of Tukwila, and encouraged all public officials, educators, businesses, community leaders and residents
to commit themselves to stand against racism whenever and wherever it may appear.
Mayor Ekberg presented the proclamation to Mr. Santos.
Dennis PUBLIC COMMENTS
Martinez, 466US1S0th Street, Tukwila, stated he read that the Tukwila School District has plans
to reduce the number of parking stalls near the high achnn from approximately 4O0+ stalls to17Ostalls.
With large events being held there ona continual basis, he wondered where all the cars will park. He
also stated it has been reported that the median income in Tukwila is $42,000. For the United States itis
$54.O80.in Seattle itia861.OUU. and in King County itim$74.8OU. He feels itis important for the City tn
continue to promote more living wage jobs and affordable housing.
Councilmember Hougardy confirmed a notice was sent out from the City's Planning Department
regarding the variance request to reduce the number of parking stalls from 405 to 177.
Council President Robertson asked about the process for reviewing a variance of this type and whether
the matter would go before the Council. David C|ine, City Administrator, stated he would confirm the
process and get the information to the Counoi|membera.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
April 24.2O17 Page 2of0
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. A supplemental agreement for construction management for the Cascade View "Safe Routes to
School" Phase UProject.
Counoi|memberKruUerindicated this item was discussed at the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee meeting on April 11.2017. The committee members were unanimous inrecommending
approval.
Bob {3iberaon. Public Works Direntor, stated the agreement with KPG. Inc., would provide construction
management services for the Cascade View "Safe Routes toSohoo|^Project. Hn explained the project ie
nearing final design, with the bid opening scheduled for May 1O.2O17 The agreement is being prepared
in anticipation of favorable bid. Funding will come from a federal grant/City match, plus funds from the
City's 2017 Overlay and Repair Program and 2017 Small Drainage Program budgets, similar to the
funding process used for the Thorndyke "Safe Routes" project. Construction would start in the summer.
Councilmember Kruller noted that the pathway between 137th and 140th is heavily used by students
going to and from school. This was previously a mud path that has been improved with blacktop and
drainage. The additional improvements will include a roundabout for cars at 33rd Avenue South, plus
sidewalks along 144th and down Military Road.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED T{] FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. An ordinance relating to Tukwila Municipal Code Section 3.32.040. "Unbudgeted Equipment or
Fixed Asset |tmrne."
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on April 18,
2017. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Peggy McCarthy, Finance Dinactor, explained the ordinance would remove Section 3.32.040.
"Unbudgeted Equipment or Fixed Assets," from the Tukwila Municipal Code JMC). That section requires
the approval of the Mayor and three affirmative votes of the applicable Council Committee to approve the
purchase of unbudgeted capital equipment or fixed assets that have a cost of $5,000 or more and a
useful life of2 years or more. There have been inquiries from Council Committees in the past regarding
the stipulation that purchases of replacement items for small amounts (i.e. $5.00O) need togo through the
Council Committee process.
Ma. McCarthy explained thetTK8C Section 3 32.D3O. ''Bids'', established a mayoral approval limit of
$40,000 for the procurement of goods and services, with Council approval required for all purchases of
goods and services $4O.UOO and above. This ordinance would help streamline the purchasing process
for unbudgebad fixed asset items costing between $5.00U and $4U.O00
The Councilmembers provided comments and asked clarifying questions including
• Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 9 items fell under the approval requirements of TMC Section
3.32.040. Three of those were for amounts close bo the $40.00O lid ($3Q.OUO.$31.UOOand
826.000). (Reference page 33of the agenda paoket.)
• Once the City's population equals or exceeds 20,000, the City will need to reassess all purchasing
policies based on RCVVrequirements.
• Councilmembers have fiduciary obligations as part of their role on the City Council.
• Consideration for maintaining the current procedure, with an increase in the minimum amount (from
$5.000. i.e. $10.000. for example).
• Whether 9 items over 3 years had enough of an impact on processes to warrant reducing the
approval authority by the Council.
• These purchases would be seen in the Council's normal review ofvouchers.
• Consideration of the source of the funde, i.e. would a purchase always come from o capital line item
rather than from any budget line item.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
April 24, 2017 Page 3 of 6
Me. MoCarthyexp|ainedhheTukwi|ayWunkcipdCodedoesnntdefnethobsnn^unbudoebed.^ The
Finance Department has established procedures based on a very strict interpretation of the term,
meaning a purchase would be considered "unbudgeted" if the item is not specifically listed in a
departmental budget. |t could mean that even though the department did have a budgeted amount for
capital items, the budget did not list specific items. She gave an example that the Parks &Recreation
Department may have a budget of $40,000 for capital assets, i.e. to replace equipment at the Community
Contor, but the budget did not list specific items, i.e. 2 treadmills, 8 rowing machines, etc. Under this
operating procedure, she stated that Fleet is one of the few instances where items are specifically listed
in departmental budgets. Other items have needed togo through the Council Committee process.
The Councilmemtersnoted three specific areas they would like to explore further:
1 Approve the ordinance, with the addition of an annual (or quarterly) reporting mechanism that would
update the Council on purchases specific to implementation of the ordinance. This would help
maintain transparency and awareness for Counci|members.
2. Two of the larger purchases noted above had policy-related issues associated with use of those items
(unmanned aircraft system and a data extraction heohno|ogy). Counoi|membero questioned how the
new ordinance would affect Council's continued involvement in policy matters.
3. |f the current procedure was maintained, what amount ($5.0OO? $10,0007 $4O.0OO?) would be
reasonable to set as a minimum to require the Council Committee review process.
David Cline, City Administrator, clarified the ordinance would not change any department's budget. When
ebudgat threshold is met, requests for a change must Qotoa Council Committee. He also stated the
City's process is to always keep the Council informed and engaged on all major policy issues.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO RETURN THIS ITEM TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
o. Recommended recipients for the "Tukwila City of Opportunity" scholarship.
[Wia Navarro, Community Engagement Manager, explained the City's scholarship program was
established in 2014 to provide financial assistance to high school seniors living in Tukwila to assist them
in continuing their education beyond high school. The City allocates $10.UO0 each year, with each award
being no less than $1.0O0 and nomore than $5.000each. This year the City's scholarship opportunity
was advertised on the City's website, on Tukwila Channel 21, at TheWash Board. org and
Scholarships.com, and informational brochures provided to Foster High School, Aviation High School,
Tyee Educational Complex and Seattle Christian High School.
Four eligible applications were reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committeo, which was comprised
" Mayor Allan Ekberg
" Dennis Robertson, Council President
"K8ia Navarro, Community Engagement Manager, City ofTukwila
• Cheryl Thompoun, Executive Assistant, City of Tukwila
°Jenni Standard, College and Career Counselor, Foster High School
Each reviewer individually considered the applicant's grade point average, financial need, educational
and professional goals, community involvement (service, extracurricular activities, and employment
experience) and o personal essay. The committee has recommended the following scholarship awards:
"MahaAbrego --------. $3.000
" Lionel DeLa Torre Ortega ..... $3.00O
"Yanodl Garcia ........................ $2.O0O
"FrozanSidiqi .............. ........... $2.OUO
Mayor Ekberg stated that the needs identified by the scholarship applicants are valid, and financial
assistance is needed to help these students move on to the next level of their life.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
April 24, 2017
The Counci|membero provided comments and asked clarifying questions including:
Page 4 of 6
• The applications showed the diversity in Tukwila, and reflected different situations and interests.
• Working with the community and businesses may help to identify more funding possibilities for the
future.
• One indicator of a community is how well a community takes care of its seniors and youth.
• How can the City optimize the program and get the word out to encourage more applicants?
• Clarification that the scholarships may also be used at a community college or trade school.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TD FORWARD THIS ITEM TOTHE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
d. Lodging Tax Advisory Comnmndtee(LTAC) legislation.
Councilmember Hougardly indicated this item was discussed at the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting on April 10. 2017. The committee members were unanimous in
recommending approval with onamendment.
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, explained the regulations relating to the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee (LTAC) would be re-established via ordinance, rather than through the existing resolution that
originally defined the Committee. This allows the provisions relating to the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee to be codified in the Tukwila Municipal Code, consistent with the City's other 8omndo.
Commissions and Committees.
Ms. Humphrey reviewed the differences between the existing resolution and the proposed ordinance.
Purpose
The proposed Code language explains the purpose of LTAC in greater detail and in accordance with
RCVV07.28.1817�
Membership
As required by RCVVG7.28.1817. LTAC will still consist ofnine members including one elected official
serving as Chair, four representatives of businesses required to collect lodging tax, and four
representatives involved in activities to be funded by lodging tax revenue. The proposed ordinance
specifies that it will be a Councilmember serving as Chair, not just an elected official (which could include
the Mayor under the existing reso|ution)
Appointment Process
State law requires the City Council to make all appointments to LTAC and to review the membership
annually. The proposed code outlines the City's current practice for LTAC appointments in greater detail
than the existing resolution. The ordinance clarifies that the Cuunoi|member serving asLTACChair
recommends appointments tu the rest nf the Council for confirmation.
Ms. Humphrey noted the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committeerequestedan
amendment hothe first sentence of the following paragraph (in Section 4 of the proposed ordinance):
2.35.02O. subparagraph C. "Appointment Process"
Interested parties that meet the requirements stated in TMC Section 2.35.020, subparagraphs A and
B, shall submit a completed Boards and Commissions Application to the Mayor's Office for
processing by the Citv Council.
Reporting Requirements
The proposed code requires that LTAC submit an annual report to Council that summarize its activities for
the year.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
April 24, 2017 Page 5 of 6
Otherpmvision
The existing LTAC resolution is silent on provisions such as terms, resignations, vacancies, removal,
service of Council President or designee, meetings, and City staff support, although it does state that
LTAC itself may establish administrative procedures for the conduct of meetings, voting, and comments
The proposed ordinance would establish these details in the Tukwila Municipal Code and provide
standardization with other City Boards, Commissions and Committees.
Ms. Humphrey explained the corresponding resolution would repeal the resolutions that previously
established (and amended) the structure of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS T0 THE NEXT REGULAR
MEETING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg met with representatives nf Seattle City Light |oetwemkendrogandingpub*nda|reso|udonof
the off-smell coming from the pole yard in the Allentown area. Initial steps will include planting some
vegetation to help with the issue. He also met with the government liaison with PSE. The Mayor
welcomed conventions of the Western States Rural Postal Carriers and the Pacific Rim Garden Club to
Tukwila last week. He noted the City will be welcoming Fellows from the International City/County
Management Association, and they will be introduced at next week's City Council meeting.
b' City Council
Counoi|noemher Duffie participated in a tour ofSouth Seattle College's campus in Georgetown on
April 21.2O17. with Mayor Ekberg and City Administrator David Cline. He was very impressed with the
apprenticeship program and opportunities in trade studies available there. He emphasized itioimportant
to make students aware of employment opportunities in the various trades such as mechanical and
carpentry trades and truck driving training. He also noted May 4io National Day of Prayer and that an
observance will be held by the flagpole ot City Hall.
Counci|member Seal reported that the April 18 meeting of the Finance Committee included the
Technology and Innovation Services' quarterly report; the full Council is to receive copies of the
information. The budget to actuals report for February is also included in that agenda packet. She stated
the Work Plan for the Finance Committee will include a briefing on different budgeting models such as
priority-based budgeting, incentive'based, participatory, and zero-based.
Councilmember Hougardy attended a South County Area Transportation Board (SCATBd) meeting on
April 18. 2017. where METRO fares were discussed. She stated that King County's fare system is
considered very complicated due to the use of zones. Various proposals are being considened, but all of
them would eliminate the use of zones. They also discussed VVSDOT'o aviation plan relating to airfields
throughout the state, as well oe the need for another metropolitan airport. She attended the ribbon-
cutting ceremony at the opening of Din Tai Fung at Westfield Southcenter on April 21, 2017. {}n April 1Q.
2O17. she attended a Regional Transit Committee meeting on the implementation ofMETRO
CONNECTS Seattle's ''C)ne City Center" plan would include closing the tunnel to buees, which would
mean a change to all the bus schedules to Seattle and would require multiple bus transfers for many
riders. There is concern that riders who end up with a "3-seat ride" (initial bus + 2 transfers) may return to
using their cars to commute. Ms. Hougardy referenced a meeting of the Economic Development Council
ofSaott|e/KinO County and noted the City pays o membership fee to that organization, which provides
services to help businesses grow local jobs, retain and expand jobs, and maintain economic vitality.
Councilmember Quinn stated he has presented at South Seattle College in the past. |n reference to
Counoi|member Duffie's uommentn, he noted he has found that bringing people who actually work in the
trades—private and public—together with the students can be impoctfu|. On April 22. 2017. he served as
a chaperone for Foster High School students attending the Ascend Youth Summit at the University of
VVaehingbun, where the focus was on STEAM studies (Science, Technology, EngineerinQ, Art and
Mathematics).
Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes
April 24, 2017 Page 6 of 6
Councilmember Kruller noted the grand opening of the new Tukwila library is this Saturday beginning at
8:30am..aois the City's Fun Run. She recently attended aBECU stakeholders event, and noted BECU
reached the 1 million member mark this year. Their programs focus on financial plans for their members,
in. being prepared for an emergency ora potential drop in income.
Counoi|nnennber McLeod noted that today ie Holocaust Remembrance Day. He stated a message that
initially emerged from the voices of the past is, "Never again will this happen." He noted that over the
past decade that movement has evolved into platforms of human to|eranoe--g rowing from a Jewish issue
into a worldwide human issue. Hu stated hoappreciates being part ofa Council that will speak for those
who cannot speak for themselves and stand on behalf of those who cannot stand for themselves.
Council President Robertson stated he spoke before 11 th District Republicans in Tukwila on April 18,
2017. He discussed the City's Public Safety Plan, new foot bridge and Tukwila International Boulevard,
as well as explaining the impact of the "two Tukwilas" (differences between the night and day
environments). He noted the participants engaged in an insightful and polite discussion back and forth on
numerous topics including fire ineuoo, housing and the City's rental safety program.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, stated he is looking forward to the grand opening of the new Tukwila
Library on April 28.2O17. Ho explained that he will be teaching a class os part ofe course on
^P|aoemaking in Economic Development and Communihes.^ In conjunction with that course, he will be
with some students from the University of Washington Evans School on April 29, and the group will be
walking on the Tukwila Village site.
d. Council Analyst
There was no report.
ADJOURNMENT
8:59 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Den6is Robertson-, Co"6nbil President
Barbara Saxton,'Acti6g Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 05/10n7
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 05/11/17