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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 14, 1996 Tukwila City Hall 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OFFICIALS CITIZEN'S COMMENTS SPECIAL ISSUES An ordinance estab. water Sewer connection fees for the Allentown area and water connection fees for Ryan Hill Area COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Council President Pam Carter called the Committee of The Whole Meeting to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. JOE DUFFIE; JOAN HERNANDEZ; PAM CARTER, Council President; ALLAN EKBERG; STEVE MULLET; JIM HAGGERTON; PAM LINDER. JOHN MCFARLAND, City Administrator; LUCY LAUTERBACH, Council Analyst; ROSS EARNST, Public Works Director; RON CAMERON, City Engineer; ALAN DOERSCHEL, Finance Director. Lanny Vickers, 12227 45th Avenue South, commented on an issue he felt would benefit the Tukwila community. He stated that South 122nd Street and South 124th were not safe for children nor students who go to and from the school bus. There might also be a potential hazard for bikers, walkers, and joggers. He said he had called attention to this problem before, explaining that the ditches along those routes were about 3 to 3 -1/2 feet deep or deeper. Those ditches should be covered and it would be cost effective to the City if it's done while construction is currently in progress in the area. Councilmember Ekberg visited the area a year ago and discussions were held with regard to putting in a ped path; however, that was the extent of it. Vickers thanked the Council for the light that has been installed on 44th. It was the consensus of the Council to forward this issue to a Utility Committee Meeting for discussion. /97 City Engineer Ron Cameron explained the ordinance establishes connection charges to recover construction costs for Allentown water and sewer; and Ryan Hill water connection improvements. When a home connects to the sewer, a sewer connection fee would be paid. Connection to the sewer is voluntary with three exceptions: 1) If the septic system fails; 2) If the home changes ownership; and, 3) If there's a bedroom or bathroom addition made. When a new home connects, a water connection fee would be paid. Homes with existing water connections don't pay a Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes October 14, 1996 Page 2 An ordinance establishing water /sewer fees (Cont'd) Citizens comments /1C connection fee. He said a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan was developed in 1994 and 1995 to provide sewer lines for seven neighborhoods. Water lines are included as needed. The Plan provides that construction costs would be recovered through connection charges. Phase I construction cost recovery will provide funding for subsequent phases. Allentown Phase II and other neighborhoods will be funded as the initial costs are recovered through connection charges. Several public meetings and hearings about the Plan were held. Additionally, Metro Sewer meetings were held and City Staff presentations were made at the Duwamish Improvement Club. Councilmember Mullet commented that this project has been ongoing for about three years. This area of concern was identified during the onset of neighborhood revitalization meetings. They were unable to obtain permits due to the lack of sewers; and they were being shut down for construction projects by the County Health Department for lack of water and suitable fire flow. The Utilities Committee agrees that the ordinance should be adopted as written in order to promote Single Family Residence and so that Allentown can remain viable as a neighborhood. Council President Carter clarified one of the issues listed on a flyer that had been circulated throughout the Allentown neighborhood informing residents to attend the October 14 Council meeting to speak out against low- income apartment projects supposedly proposed for the Allentown area. She stated that the Allentown area is zoned Single Family. There is no possibility of apartments going in without a zoning or Comp Plan change. The Council has no desire to embark upon such a major task especially since the Council has been very firm on not allowing a lot of new apartment areas in the City. The following residents spoke in opposition of the ordinance that would establish water and sewer connection fees for the Allentown area and water connection fees for the Ryan Hill area of the City: Laurence Weikum, 12249 44th Ave So Chris Jacobsen, 12235 44th Ave So Arthur A. Burrington, 12244 45th Ave So Pat Cagampang, 12238 42nd Ave So Brenda J. Burrington, 12244 45th Ave So Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes October 14, 1996 Page 3 Citizens Comments (font' d) Roe Dicker, 12253 45th Ave So Bev Hunley, 12254 44th Ave So Vaberia Nistor, 12253 49th Ave So Jim Hunley, 12254 44th Ave So Beverly Wertman, 12210 47th Ave So Lanny Vickers, 12227 45th Ave So Jon Fertakis, 11822 42nd Ave So Charles Cunningham, 12207 44th Ave So Chad Crossen, 12228 44th Ave So Residents wanted clarification on why the Council thought they needed a new sewer line in their neighborhood at a total cost of between $6,000 $10,000 per residence; and why was there so much construction going on in their neighborhood? It has become a complete mud pit. They wanted to know why was there a 5% annual interest rate tacked on when back in 1994 the City stipulated that there would be zero interest? Why were the residents being given only seven years to pay the loan off? Why weren't the residents properly informed? Mr. Jacobsen said most of the people in Allentown are senior citizens or people who are barely making ends meet like himself. He has a family of four and live from pay check to pay check. This plan will take food and clothing away from his family. Mr. Burrington said a $1,270 connection fees is ridiculous for Metro to charge when all they would have to do is hook up the side sewer to the stub off the existing line to activate his service. Burrington also stated that the City promised there would be public assistance for senior citizens and low- income families. Burrington requested that a layer of gravel be placed in the area to keep the mud down and as a safety measure. Most of the residents present expressed anger and frustration over every aspect of this issue. The Council struggled for answers then called upon staff to try and shed some light upon some of the questions posed by the residents. The question and answer session almost became chaotic at times, with loud outburst of applauds when speakers were indignant toward the Council. The Council informed those present that they try to avail themselves to the public as much as possible via telephones, pagers, inhouse mailboxes, a complete listing of all departmental T') Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes October 14, 1996 Page 4 Citizens Comments (Cont'd) phone numbers printed in the Hazelnut and the Council Message Line (431- 3652). Recess 8:40 p.m. Agenda Item Postponed REPORTS Councilmember Hernandez suggested that the residents receive a written response regarding their concerns. The session concluded with the Staff, Administration, and the Council reiterating that they are only a "phone call away" from citizens who have concerns about any City issue. Business Cards and Phone Numbers were offered and /or handed out. It was the consensus of the Council to give immediate attention to the mud situation; respond in writing to the residents of their concerns; then forward the ordinance establishing water and sewer connection fees for the Allentown area and water connection fees for the Ryan Hill area back to the Utilities Committee for further discussion. Council President Carter called the meeting back to order at 8:58 p.m. It was the consensus of the Council to postpone "Item 4b" under Snecial Issues CDBG FUNDING FOR SEWERS until the above ordinance is finalized. Mayor Rants called attention to a letter he had received from the Association of Washington Cities regarding the impact the Federal Telecommunications Act would have on local official should such an Act become law. The City will lose control of its rights -of -way and utility poles; and would no longer have permitting authority to cite telecommunication facilities, such as cell towers. Last August the Board of the Association of Washington Cities voted to spend $50,000 of AWC's reserves to support the political education effort they thought was required. Several cities have stepped forward to make individual contributions to match AWC's efforts on this. They are asking Tukwila for a contribution of $1,500 which will go toward augmenting AWC's lobbying staff with these contracts. Rants suggested the City support this effort by contributing $1,000. Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes October 14, 1996 Page 5 Reports (Cont'd) Councilmember Duffie reported that he had attended the area breakfast at the Emerald City Race Track in Auburn, Washington this past week. Councilmember Hernandez reported that she had attended a sub- committee meeting of the Equity Task Force this past Thursday. Individuals were appointed to re -write the mission statement and to recommend a name change. The group is recommending that the focus be expanded beyond the school district to include the entire community. When all is finalized, Hernandez says she would like to share the results with the Council. Council President Carter reported that she had attended ACC early morning meeting last week and learned that the litigation work is continuing. The Interlocal Agreement was also discussed. Carter announced that Chester Beattie, Policy Analyst, is moving back to Texas, which leaves his position open. Council may make recommendations of qualified persons to fill his position should they wish to do so. Everyone is invited to a farewell party being held at Des Moines City Hall on Friday, October 18, 4:30 6:30. Councilmember Mullet and Public Works Director Ross Earnst attended the Duwamish Coalition and the Transportation Committee meetings held in the Columbia Tower last week. The discussion focused on recommended projects for the corridor for the next round of state monies set aside for grade separations for cranes and trucks, etc. Mullet requested Council approval to attend the upcoming National League of Cities Conference. It was the consensus of the Council to approve Councilmember Mullet's request to attend the National League of Cities Conference, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, December 6 9, 1996. Councilmember Haggerton announced that he was selected to serve on the South Central's CORE Planning Team. The Team consists of one elected official (himself), a Foster graduate, two community members, a business partner, a parent school site council member, support staff, a teacher, the superintendent and a board member. The first meeting will be held Saturday, October Committee of The Whole Meeting Minutes October 14, 1996 Page 6 Reports (Cont'd) 26, 1996, 9:00 a.m. thru 5:00 p.m., at the West Coast SeaTac Hotel. 11:24 p.m. Councilmember Linder reported that she had attended the Hwy. 99 Action Committee meeting on last Tuesday. Also, Larry's Market is sponsoring a spaghetti -feed this Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. in their parking lot, all proceeds to benefit the Hwy. 99 Action Committee. A number of community groups, school officials and City staff have been invited to participate. Linder also attended the Ryan Hill meeting and is checking into the possibility of starting a safe street program on 152nd Street. Councilmember Hernandez said she also attended the Hwy. 99 Action Committee meeting and congratulated City Administrator McFarland for receiving the award for the Month. City Administrator McFarland announced that Hazelnut articles are due to the City Clerk's office no later than Monday, October 21. McFarland also announced tomorrow night's budget meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. (dinner included). ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY HERNANDEZ, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. )4 a.h-J ()14.) ��Carte Council President ate Celia Squa Deputy Cii yrterk