HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 2017-08-22 Item 2E - Discussion - Business Responsibilities Regarding Litter Control on Tukwila International BoulevardCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: August 16, 2017
SUBJECT: Business Responsibilities regarding Litter Control on Tukwila International
Boulevard
The Finance Committee has been reviewing a proposal to streamline business license fees in
anticipation of converting to the Washington State system within the next few years. At the July
24, 2017 Committee of the Whole, public comment was given by a representative of Tukwila
International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) urging the City to do more to enforce
business maintenance of exteriors, and to tie that enforcement in with the draft legislation, Chair
Seal requested that the Finance Committee discuss the concerns,
TIBAC previously approached the City with a request to revise business license requirements to
"include the collection and disposal of any trash, litter, or garbage on the exterior of the business
premises, including the public sidewalk adjacent to the business." At that time, staff determined
that the proposal as submitted would be duplicative of existing codes, as TMC 6.12.040
prohibits owners or occupants of private property from allowing litter to accumulate. In addition,
the City has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code which also prohibits
accumulation of litter. Being out of compliance with the Tukwila Municipal Code is grounds for
revocation of a business license. Please note that the Code Enforcement division is currently
working with the City Attorney's Office on an update to TMC Chapter 8.45, Enforcement, and
the draft will include a new repeat offender clause. The City welcomes public comment on the
draft revisions which are scheduled to come before the Public Safety Committee on September
5, 2017.
One of TIBAC's requests is to enhance business owner education on the code requirements
pertaining to exterior maintenance. Staff agrees that this is a good idea and proposes to create
a flyer that can accompany business license applications as well as add additional language on
the application itself that points to the law and the city's expectations. Staff will present drafts of
both to the Finance and Public Safety Committees for input.
Staff is seeking Committee discussion, including any follow-up questions for the City Attorney.
Staff recommends that the Committee consider this topic separately from the draft ordinance
and resolution relating to business license fees, as any follow-up direction from the City Council
will not impact the text of the legislation regarding fees.
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