HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-05 Public Safety MinutesPUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Citv Council Public Safetv Committee
Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2017 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Thomas McLeod, Chair; Joe Duffie, De'Sean Quinn
Staff: Nora Gierloff, Laurel Humphrey
CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
I. ANNOUNCEMENT
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Legislation amending Municipal Code regulations relatingto Code Enforcement and Violations
Staff is seeking Council approval of three ordinances and one resolution that represent an
update to the Tukwila Municipal Code to streamline the code enforcement process. Currently
there are two processes available to enforcement officers - civil infractions and violation notice
and orders. The proposed legislation would move all future DCD enforcement actions to the
Notice of Violation process, although Police Officers could still issue civil infractions. The City
Prosecutor and City Attorney worked with DCD staff to develop this more streamlined process
which is expected to be more effective. The changes include a repeat violator clause with
increased penalties, increasing appeal fees to cover the City's cost, creating a separate chapter
for "Unfit Dwellings, Buildings and Structures," and eliminating references to civil infractions
through the Code. Councilmember Quinn noted that code enforcement staff will have flexibility
and decision making based upon unique circumstances of the case, and asked how the City can
protect staff using internal checks and balances. Staff replied that the department has
procedures in place to address this, and multiple people look at each case. Chair McLeod
expressed support for the proposal if staff feels it provides stronger tools. He also asked how
staff decides which cases to enforce, and staff replied that every complaint is pursued.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Adjourned 6:11 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH