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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-10-17 Regular MinutesOctober 17, 1977 7:00 P.M. FLAG SALUTE AND CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE MINUTE APPROVAL VOUCHER APPROVAL BID OPENINGS AND AWARDS Thorndyke Senior Center TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Tukwila City Hall M I N U T E S Council Chambers Mayor Bauch, presiding, called the regular meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order. LIONEL C. BOHRER, DWIGHT R. GARDNER, GEORGE D. HILL, PHYLLIS D. PESICKA, DANIEL J. SAUL, DWAYNE D. TRAYNOR, GARY L. VAN DUSEN. KJELL STOKNES, OCD Director; LAWRENCE HARD, City Attorney; JOHN MCFARLAND, Administrative Assistant; MABEL HARRIS, Treasurer; MAXINE ANDERSON, City Clerk. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 3, 1977, BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT THE VOUCHERS BE ACCEPTED AND WARRANTS BE DRAWN IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AMOUNTS. Councilman Traynor asked about Voucher No. 3883 in the amount of $701.85 for the purchase of turf for Christianson Road. Mayor Bauch explained that this was used on the area around the bridge, not for the trail. Councilman Traynor also commented on Voucher No. 3922 for Workshops and Seminars. One department with only two people in it sent both to the same seminar who is taking care of the department? Another department sent three people to the same workshop is it necessary to send everyone? It should be adequate to send one person and have them report back. Councilman Pesicka asked about Voucher No. 3955 in the amount of $1,106 to H. B. Drilling for boring under Southcenter Parkway to provide the water service for McDonalds. Mayor Bauch explained that this will be reimbursed to the City by the Company. MOTION CARRIED. Current Fund Street Fund Title II Revenue Fed. Shared Revenue Water Fund Sewer Fund Vouchers No. 3867 1979 3867 3936 3937 3946 3947 3949 3950 3952 3953 3964 3965 3979 47,904.11 1,969.00 1,140.67 952.13 12,594.81 14,314.62 78,875.34 Mayor Bauch reported on three of the vouchers questioned at the last regular meeting. Voucher No. 3880 was for removing a tree and dead wood. The contract called for the contractor to remove the wood. He didn't want it so some of the city employees hauled it away. Any wood that was remaining has been stored at the City Shop to use in the park. Voucher No. 3843 erroneously stated'Puget Power' when it was a City of Tukwila transformer box for street lights. Voucher No. 3837 was for the water truck. Itmlas used for flushing and pumping water at City Shop mechanical area to remove the oil and for flushing catch basins in the storm drain system. Gary Crutchfield, Assistant Planner, presented the results of the Call for Bids received October 12, 1977, for Thorndyke Senior Center renovation. Bids were received from Bourgalt Construction, $62,011, and Almer Construction, $69,770. Both bids are beyond the grant budget. He presented alternatives and factors that should be considered in determining the future course of action. His recommendations to TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 17, 1977 Page 2 BID OPENINGS AND AWARDS Cont. Thorndyke Senior Center Cont. PUBLIC HEARINGS Adding the definition of "Recreation Space" /77LI Council was, in order to keep the project moving, to reject the bids, authorize staff to pursue additional funds from King County, and authorize publication of a new call for bids. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY TRAYNOR, THAT COUNCIL CONCUR WITH THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REJECT ALL BIDS, SEE IF MORE MONEY CAN BE OBTAINED FROM KING COUNTY, AND PUBLISH A NEW CALL FOR BIDS. Councilman Van Dusen stated that he would like to discuss this with the Senior Citizens at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilman Saul asked if there was any indication from King County that there might be more money available. Mr. Crutchfield stated that he spoke with a staff member at King County Housing and Community Development and they have indicated the avail- ability of additional funds is slim. He recommended going back to the Senior Ad -Hoc Committee and the architect and revise the plans as much as is possible to still serve the needs of the Seniors. Mr. Fred Shepherd, Senior Ad -Hoc Committee Member, stated that the plan had been thoroughly reviewed by them and recommendations made on the alternates. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT THIS ITEM BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF OCTOBER 24, 1977, AND THAT THE SENIOR CITIZENS BY INVITED. MOTION CARRIED. This being the time and date published, Mayor Bauch declared the Public Hearing open. Kjell Stoknes, OCD Director, reviewed the proposed requirement for "Recreation Space" in all R -2, R -3, R -4, and RMH zone districts. The Ordinance, recommended by the Planning Commission, provides for 200 square feet of open space per apartment unit with a minimum of 1,000 square feet. This would allow approximately 42 units per acre. Mr. Stoknes further explained that requiring 300 square feet would allow 35 units per acre and 400 square feet would allow 33 units per acre. Mr. Peter L. Buck, attorney representing S M Investments, suggested amending the proposed ordinance to add the following to Section 3(1)(e): "except when the setbacks are in excess of 50 percent of the minimum required setback in which event the entire setback area shall be used in computing the required recreation space." Mr. Buck continued to explain their proposal. There are many recreation activities that could take place in a setback that is in excess of 50 percent of the requirement. He encouraged Council to stay with the 200 square foot requirement instead of considering 300. Councilman Bohrer stated that this does not encourage an increase in recreation space but reduces the total open space. Mr. Buck agreed that this does reduce the total open space but still allows for meaningful recreation space. Mrs. Vicki Schildmeyer, 5821 South 152nd Place, commented that it is very important to incorporate good recreation space in any apartment unit where there is potential housing for parents with children. There being no further comments from the audience, Mayor Bauch closed the Public Hearing. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 17, 1977 Page 3 PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, APPEALS, AND SIMILAR MATTERS Claim for Damages, Patrick G. Hanlon and Robert S. Green, Jr. Claim for Damages, Thomas Johanson Claim for Damages, Jim L. Patton /775 Mayor Bauch recognized the Claims for Damages filed by Patrick G. Hanlon and Robert Scott Green, Jr. John McFarland, Administrative Assistant, reported that the claim involves damages which occurred when Mr. Hanlon's vehicle struck the partially open arm of the metal swinging gate at the entrance to the Fort Dent Athletic Center. Mr. Green was a passenger in Mr. Hanlon's car, and both men were injured in the accident. They are claiming negligence on the part of the City of Tukwila for not securing the metal swinging gate. This gate is located at the entrance to the King County Park and not on public right -of -way. The claims have both been referred to the City Attorney. Mr. McFarland stated that he felt the City took the necessary precautions and has satisfied their obligation. He recommended that Council deny the claim. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT COUNCIL DENY THE CLAIMS FILED BY PATRICK G. HANLON AND ROBERT S. GREEN, JR. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Bauch recognized a Claim for Damages received from Thomas Johanson. Claimant is asking for adjustment for water bill and reimbursement for repairs made on water service. Claim states that damage was caused by the City while installing storm drain pipe and catch basins on his street. John McFarland explained that the City's Street Department fractured a water line belonging to Water District #75 while installing a catch basin on the traveled right -of- way on 54th Ave. South. The water line was repaired by Water District #75. About a month later the City received a call that they had damaged the water line belonging to Mr. Johanson. The fracture to the District #75 line was seven feet from Mr. Johanson's water meter and the water leak occurred eight feet from the meter on his property in the other direction. There was no evidence of damage to the water meter or of a leak in the area after the fracture was repaired. The possibility of the damage to the main line causing the leak on private property was discussed. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE CITY PAY THE CLAIM.* Councilman Pesicka stated she thought Council should listen to Staff and use logic about this and that she is not infavor of paying the claim. Councilman Bohrer stated that, if the line were damaged, it might take several days for the leak to show and this aspect of the problem was not considered in the report. Al Pieper, Building Official, stated that he has had considerable experience in repairing plastic pipe. The probability of causing damage 14 feet away from a fracture is highly remote especially with a water meter in between. It was noted that the main line was plastic pipe as was the service line. MOTION FAILED WITH SAUL VOTING YES. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THIS BILL BE FORWARDED TO WATER DISTRICT #75. MOTION CARRIED. The Claim for Damage is the result of the elevation of the sewer stub. Mr. Patton, 13904 56th P1. South, hired a contractor to connect his residence to the City's sewer system. After considerable time and expense it was determined by Gene Isler, Field Supervisor, that, due to the elevation of the sewer line, it was not possible for the Patton's home to be connected to said line. The Pattons are asking for the refund of their assessment, for the monthly charges they have paid for the past 15 years, and reimbursement for the labor and machinery used in attempting to locate the sewer stub. Based on the fact that the City issued a permit to connect to the sewer and that the Pattons have been making monthly payments, Mr. McFarland recommended that the claim be awarded after the exact total is determined. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 17, 1977 Page 4 PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, APPEALS AND SIMILAR MATTERS CONT. Claim for Damages, Jim L. Patton Continued Notification of Appeal, International Assoc. of Firefighters, vs City of Tukwila OLD BUSINESS Salary and Wage Plan Councilman Traynor asked if there was a sewer stub there and was told by Mr. McFarland that there is one there some place but it is to high to serve the basement facilities. Councilman Hill asked if there is any way the City can run this connection to the foot of the hill behind the house. Mrs. Mabel Harris, City Treasurer, asked why this house was not connected earlier. At the closing of LID #5 everyone was notified they had to connect. They wouldn't have paid the sewer bill all these years if they had done it earlier. They have been using a septic tank illegally. Mayor Bauch noted that the ordinance requires everyone within 200 feet of a sewer line to connect. Councilman Bohrer asked if it was correct that the sewer stub was never located and he was told that it was correct. Mr. McFarland stated that Mr. Isler drew his conclusion from the depth of the manhole in the middle of the street. Council- man Bohrer stated that in many places it is possible to install a local pump to increase the elevation. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT THE CLAIM FOR DAMAGES BY TABLED UNTIL NEXT MONDAY. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Bauch noted for the record the filing of an appeal per Council's instructions in the case of International Association of Firefighters vs. City of Tukwila. John McFarland reviewed the proposed Salary and Wage Plan and submitted a cost workup on the Alternate III Plan that was recommended for Council adoption. The workup shows how much it would cost to place each non -union employee in the approporiate step. The entire package reflects a 7.56% increase over the 1977 salary budget. This does not take into consideration any cost of living adjustment. This Alternative is the most realistic economically of those presented. Mayor Bauch noted that the totals on the worksheet include the employee benefits. Mr. McFarland explained that Ordinance No. 1019 was only a path; now, we need implementation on moving out of the Step I position. This plan needs to be made attractive to the organized groups in the City to encourage them to participate at a future date. Fred Satterstrom, President of the Unincorporated Society of Municipal Employees, asked what steps had been taken to attempt to get the Fire, Police and Teamsters into this plan? Mr. McFarland stated that it will have to be through salary negotiations. This plan approaches equality, it is very realistic and should be considered by the union groups when contracts are open again. Mr. Satterstrom commented that there is very little difference in the three alternatives. He showed Council charts illustrating percentage increase in salaries from entry level to year twelve. One of the goals of the Salary Plan should be to achieve equality with the other bargaining groups. Mr. Satterstrom's chart, that compares the current Fire and Police Step Plan with the proposed Alternate III Plan,shows that these groups achieve their maximum within three years or less. At this time, employee morale should be one of the high priorities. The plan should attempt to involve most of the bargaining groups; but, Mr. Satterstrom stated that he doubts if this plan would be attractive to the Police Officers. He offered to furnish information on how USTME feels about the Salary Plan and also furnish some ideas that would attempt to achieve an equitable plan that would not only satisfy the non -union groups but also be attractive to the union employees. Mr. McFarland explained that there is a disparity but felt that Alternate III addresses this by removing the longevity requirements for movement in the top three steps of the plan which represents a 10% increase. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 17, 1977 Page 5 OLD BUSINESS CONT. Salary and Wage Plan Continued H77 Gary Crutchfield, USTME Member, pointed out that any cost of living adjustment is irrelevant to the Step Plan because this would raise all salary steps equivalently. Councilman Traynor asked who are we trying to compete with? Government is creating the high salaries and Industry is trying to keep up. Mr. Crutchfield reminded Council that three years ago this Salary Plan was a "wishful thought" and now it is nearing existance but seems to have lost the original objective. That was, to establish an equitable plan, one that provides salaries commensurate with the duties and responsibilities for each position as well as provide an incentive to stay in Tukwila. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE SALARY PLAN AND THE THREE ALTERNATES BE REVIEWED BY ONE DEPARTMENT HEAD, PRESIDENT OF THE POLICE GUILD, PRESIDENT OF THE FIREFIGHTERS, PRESIDENT OF USTME, THE TEAMSTERS AND THREE COUNCILMAN.* Councilman Traynor stated he would rather see a committee of citizens review the Salary Plan. Councilman Bohrer said he reviewed the minutes of the July 25, 1977 meeting and the motion was that the Administration draft a plan for administering a Wage and Salary Plan to be implemented by the Council no later than June 30, 1978 with progress reports submitted quarterly to the Council. He was the one that made the motion and he had intended that the Administration return to Council with a plan for developing the Salary Plan, not with a complete plan. It appears we are still struggling to even define the elements of a Salary Plan. We need to go back and generate the plan we asked for last July. Mayor Bauch reminded Council that an employee committee worked on the Prior Plan for a year. John McFarland reviewed the plan presented. Job assessment is required as well as longevity. Ordinance #1019 can be expanded if Council feels it necessary. A citizen committee is a very honorable suggestion but the design of a Salary Plan should be left to the people that have a little more experience. Councilman Traynor asked if he understood correctly it is not necessarily true that everyone will be placed in the step indicated on the worksheet. Mr. McFarland acknowledged that this would be true only if everyone in the City is performing his job in a satisfactory manner. Mayor Bauch reminded Council that part of the research for the Salary Plan showed a discrepancy between similar jobs in the City compared with those of surrounding Cities. The Salary Plan took this into consideration. It cost the City around 12% to put these employees in Step I. Now, what do we do to get employees off of Step I. Satisfactory job performance and longevity would move people to mid range. Additional work will have to be done on how to move employees beyond this. Mayor Bauch reminded Council that they are the people who grant all wage increases. MOTION FAILED WITH COUNCILMAN HILL VOTING YES. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THREE COUNCILMAN, ONE MEMBER OF USTME AND A DEPARTMENT HEAD STUDY THE THREE ALTERNATES. Councilman Traynor stated that the total picture, as presented, will include education and performance as well as longevity. Maybe this is the best plan. Mayor Bauch stated that, if Council doesn't act by November 1 they will do the same as they have in the past consider each employee separately. An objective of this Administration is to try and get a plan leaving personalities out. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 17, 1977 Page 6 OLD BUSINESS CONT. Salary and Wage Plan Continued RECESS: 9:10 P.M. 9:15 P.M. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES Ordinance #1040 Defining "Recreation Space" and providing standards Ordinance #1041 Reclassifying certain real property loc. at the intersection of 65th Southctr. Blvd. from R -4 to C -1 Zoning MOTION FAILED WITH COUNCILMAN HILL VOTING YES. MOVED BY MRS. PESICKA, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT COUNCIL ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE III. Councilman Bohrer asked how the other elements will be fit into this plan. Mayor Bauch stated that a formal motion or a resolution, approved by Council, will spell out the elements as a guideline for the Administration. Mayor Bauch noted that he needs the guidelines to put the salaries in the 1978 Budget. ROLL CALL VOTE: 4 YES GARDNER, MRS. PESICKA, SAUL, TRAYNOR. 3 NOS BOHRER, HILL, VAN DUSEN. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY MRS. PESICKA, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT COUNCIL RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Bauch called the meeting back to order with all Council Members present as previously reported. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED Deputy City Attorney Hard read an ordinance defining "Recreation Space" and providing standards and regulations for the provision of recreation space in all R -2, R -3, R -4 and RMH Zone Districts. MOVED BY TRAYNOR, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1040 BE ADOPTED AS READ. Councilman Traynor asked if the question on the R -2 zoning had been settled. Kjell Stoknes, OCD Director, illustrated the problem and explained that there are no R -2 Zone Districts in the City. Council can direct Staff to remove this from the new Code revisions. Attorney Hard stated that he did not see any problem in passing the ordinance now but would like to see the Code amended in the near future. MOVED BY BOHRER, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT THE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO ADD SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION CARRIED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE, WITH COUNCILMAN HILL VOTING NO MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED. Deputy City Attorney Hard read an ordinance relassifying certain real property located at the northeast corner of the intersection of 65th Avenue South and Southcenter Boulevard from R -4 zoning classi- fication to C -1 zoning classification within the City of Tukwila. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1041 BE ADOPTED AS READ. Councilman Hill asked if Mr. Stoknes had looked at the property and see if it is possible to realign the road and vacate a portion of Bluff Street. Mr. Stoknes stated that he hadn't had time but did not recommend it because it takes time and the applicant may not want to wait that long to develop the property. This is creating an Office Zone which is consistant with the new Comprehensive Plan. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING October 17, 1977 Page 7 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES CONT. Ordinance #1041 Reclassifying certain real property Continued Ordinance #1042 Fixing the amount of Tax Levies for the year 1978 DEPARTMENT REPORTS Mayor's Report Treasurer's Report MOTION CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS AND FURTHER AUDIENCE COMMENTS 10:06 P.M. P 7 Councilman Saul asked if 25 feet was enough set back. Mr. Stoknes stated that more of a set back would be good but would be creating a hardship on the size of the property maybe the 25 feet is a hardship. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ. MOTION CARRIED. Deputy City Attorney Hard read the ordinance of the City of Tukwila, Washington, fixing the amount of tax levies necessary to raise funds to meet the estimated expenditures for the year 1978 as required by RCW 84.52.020; authorizing the City Clerk to certify such budget or estimate of the amount to be raised by taxation on the assessed valuation of the property located within the City of Tukwila, Washington, and declaring an emergency. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1042 BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED. The total assessed vaulation is $360,409,786. The General Levy will be $2.845. Mayor Bauch read a letter to Police Chief John Sheets commending the conduct and total involvement of the Tukwila Explorers. They worked at the PI /KJR cyclathon for 12 hours assisting in traffic control. The City received official notice that they were awarded a grant for the Christianson Trail. Ten applications have been received for the position of Finance Director. They are again reviewing the applications for Public Works Director as the first two applicants are unable to take the position at this time. Mayor Bauch asked Council to grant a $150 per month acting pay for the Office Engineer for the length of time he is serving as Public Works Director. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT COUNCIL GRANT $150 PER MONTH ACTING PAY FOR THE OFFICE ENGINEER. This pay will be retroactive to the date he started. MOTION CARRIED. Councilman Saul read the report submitted by Mabel J. Harris, City Treasurer. Invested during September, $2,250,000; investments sold, $2,425,000; and interest income, $16,389.12 Mayor Bauch reported on the progress of new city hall. Tom Emrich, Mithun Associates, has three landscape architects for Council to interview. Council concurred that three are enough. Councilman Bohrer reported that the asphalting is done on 58th, 59th, and 149th to the relief of all those along the street. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY MRS. PESICKA, THAT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED. .e.ia4 Edgar j/. Bauch, Mayor Maxine Anderson, City Clerk