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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council City Hall Council Chambers MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Committee of the Whole September 25, 2017 — 7:00 P.M. Council President Robertson called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod. CITY OFFICIALS Rachel Bianchi, Acting City Administrator; Nora Gierloff, Deputy Community Development Director; Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner; Robin Tischmak, City Engineer; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Bruce Linton, Deputy Police Chief; Robert Eaton, Parks and Recreation Manager; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Records Governance Manager/City Clerk; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Ekberg was not in attendance. PUBLIC COMMENTS Dennis Martinez, 4660 South 160th, expressed pleasure at how well the Diversity in Construction Apprenticeships event went at Foster High School on September 21, 2017. There were 160 registered participants, and it gave so many people an opportunity to review options for their future. From his standpoint, there is a labor shortage, and this event provided a stimulus for individuals who may be deciding on a career. He commended the City's Economic Development staff, King County, and the School District for their participation in this important event. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. A public hearing for a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. 7:04 p.m. Council President Robertson opened the public hearing and asked for a staff report. Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner, provided an overview of this issue. BACKGROUND In 2010 the Public Works Department initiated an effort to update the Transportation Element (Chapter 13) of the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan. The effort included a traffic modeling effort that included projected household and employment growth throughout the City through the year 2030. This effort was in conjunction with an overall update to the Comprehensive Plan. Subsequently, the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) provided updated growth data that reflected the 2008-2009 recession. The updated growth data showed a small reduction for projected household growth and a significant reduction in projected employment (nearly 50%). The review by PSRC identified discrepancies within Tukwila's Plan that indicated conflicting growth information between different chapters of the plan, as well as a differing projected end year. The modeling effort projected through year 2030 while the remainder of the plan projected through year 2031. PSRC requested that the City run a revised model update that reflected the updated growth data as well as the 2031 horizon year. The staff recommends approval. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 2 of 11 Councilmember Seal clarified that the numbers are changing, and Ms. Bradshaw responded in the affirmative. Councilmember McLeod referenced the map on page 29 of the agenda packet and asked if the growth associated with Tukwila Village was taken into consideration. Ms. Bradshaw responded in the negative, clarifying that staff has looked at the numbers for various traffic area zones (TAZs), to include Tukwila International Boulevard, and will have updated numbers for future discussions. Mr. McLeod inquired about the Washington Place Development. Ms. Bradshaw said that area is not under review at this time. Council President Robertson called for public comments. Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160th Street, referenced Councilmember McLeod's comment about Tukwila Village, stating she had similar concerns at the Planning Commission meeting that were not reflected in the minutes. She has concerns about the number of 0-50 cars along International Boulevard as it relates to household growth. While a senior development (55+) is going in, there will still be cars coming and going. The library is also in the area, as are commercial establishments. For the period of 2010-2031, to only account for 50 cars does not seem reasonable. 7:11 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the public hearing. b. A quasi-judicial hearing for a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map redesignation request for property at 13407 48th Avenue South (Flower Power). Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, announced this is a quasi-judicial matter, with the City Council acting as the decision -maker based on the information and record presented at this meeting, similar to the process used by a hearing examiner or judge. Quasi-judicial matters do not follow the standard Council agenda process of Council Committee, Committee of the Whole and Regular Meeting. The Council is being asked to conduct the public hearing this evening as part of the Flower Power Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map redesignation request for the property located at 13407 48th Avenue South from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Commercial Light Industrial (C/LI). Part of the quasi-judicial process involves Appearance of Fairness questions to be asked of each Councilmember. Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, explained that City staff and the applicant will be providing information on the project, and the public will be given an opportunity to provide comments. She asked the Council to make note of their questions, which can be asked during the public hearing and after the speakers have finished their presentations. 7:13 p.m. Council President Robertson opened the public hearing. Ms. O'Flaherty stated that testimony at a quasi-judicial hearing is taken under oath. She asked those in attendance in the audience who are planning on testifying to raise their right hand and then asked, "Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" The members of the audience intending to testify answered in the affirmative. The City Clerk asked the following Appearance of Fairness questions of each of the 7 Councilmembers: Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 3 of 11 1. Do you or your family have any interest in the subject property located at 13407 48th Avenue South in Tukwila? DUFFIE NO SEAL NO ROBERTSON NO HOUGARDY NO QUINN NO KRULLER NO MCLEOD NO 2. Do you stand to gain or lose by your decision on this matter? DUFFIE NO SEAL NO ROBERTSON NO HOUGARDY NO QUINN NO KRULLER NO MCLEOD NO 3. Have you had any ex -parte communications regarding this application? DUFFIE NO SEAL NO ROBERTSON NO HOUGARDY YES - Ms. Hougardy said this morning she asked the Council Analyst for input on the order of pages in the Council packet regarding this item. QUINN NO KRULLER NO MCLEOD NO The City Clerk then asked, "Does anyone in the audience object to any of the Councilmembers presiding over this matter?" There were no objections from the audience. Ms. O'Flaherty referenced that the applicant for Flower Power, Mr. Ion Manea, sent a 2 -page email and 1 page of photos today (September 25, 2017) that was put on the dais for the Council this evening. Council President Robertson asked for a staff report on the Flower Power Rezone. Per the agenda procedures, 15 minutes will be allowed for the staff report. Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner, provided an overview of this issue, displaying the staff report electronically to the City Council. Information from the staff report follows: Background This application is part of the 2016-2017 annual docket for amendment of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of an annual docket is to ensure that changes to the Comprehensive Plan are only considered once a year and that they are considered concurrently so the cumulative impact of the proposals can be determined. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 4 of 11 The applicant for this amendment, Ion Manea, is seeking changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code maps for a 28,270 -square foot lot located at 13407 48th Avenue South, Tukwila, Washington, King County tax parcel no. 261320-0028 (the "Site") from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Commercial/Light Industrial (C/LI) for the following reasons: 1. As the resident of the home located on the Site, he thinks the noise from the LINK trains is unacceptable in a residential setting; 2. As the property owner of the Site since 1992, he has had much flooding from the Southgate stream that travels along the south and east sides of the Site and along the edge of the existing home. A 2003 project to install a high flow bypass upstream of the site does not alleviate all flooding, which continues during rain storms. 3. He owns and operates a business growing bean sprouts, which he sells commercially and that is being displaced by a King County levee project in Kent. He would like to relocate his operation to this Site where he currently lives. C/LI zoning on the Site would allow the hydroponic growing of the bean sprouts and their assembly and distribution. This non -project proposal is a quasi-judicial change to the land use designation on the Tukwila Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code maps. If the zoning is changed, any C/LI use would be permitted subject to all City regulations; however, the applicant has stated his intent to construct a new commercial/light industrial building for his hydroponic bean sprout business. The applicant submitted an existing site plan and a proposed site plan as an example of his intent. Site Information The Site is developed with a single-family home that was built in 1948. The rectangular shaped property measures approximately 110 feet wide by 258 feet long, and is a corner property. The Southgate stream runs along the south and east edge of the home and has caused flooding of the Site and structure. In 2003, the City built a high flow bypass on the south side of 48th Avenue South. An aerial map of the site shows green lines representing underground storm pipes as well as a blue line representing the above ground stream. Due to fish concerns expressed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the elevation of the inlet is high enough that water is diverted only during peak flows. The Site contains several categories of environmentally sensitive areas summarized below. Watercourse Type 2 watercourse — Southgate Stream Type 2 watercourse buffer of 100 feet Upstream on the south side of 48th Avenue South, the stream is categorized as a Type 3 watercourse. Landslide Class 2 — Moderate landslide areas with topographic slopes primarily along 48th Avenue South and South 134th Place where the stream is located. Annexation and Zoning History The Site was annexed into Tukwila in 1989 as part of the Riverton annexation. At the time of annexation, the Site was zoned single family residential to reflect the prior King County zoning and its existing land use. When the Comprehensive Plan and City-wide zoning were reviewed in 1994, most areas of the City and this site were not evaluated for any change. Comments On July 17, 2017, staff held a public information meeting for residents and property owners within 500 feet of the Site. The key issue raised was a concern for truck travel on 48th Avenue South; the applicant and attendees noted that navigation is confusing in the area and commercial trucks typically do a hammerhead turn at the intersection of South 134th Place and 48th Avenue South. Vicinity Information The Site is close to SR 599 and 1-5 freeway access and interchange area. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 5 of 11 Land Use The Site is located at the outer edge of the LDR district and abuts the C/LI district. The land uses around the Site are consistent with the underlying zones. An auto/truck paint company is across South 134th Place. Holaday Park, a mechanical systems company, is also across and adjacent to the Site. Single family homes are across 48th Avenue South and to the west. Existing Regulations Current conditions The Site is constrained by the Southgate stream that traverses the 48th Avenue South and South 134th Place sides of the Site. In LDR districts, 6,500 square foot lots are allowed; however, environmental regulations that require a 100 -foot buffer limits the buildable area for any additional homes on the half acre lot. Division of the lot into smaller lots could not be approved. The nonconforming structure section of the Zoning Code allows, in residential districts, a property owner to rebuild or move an existing nonconforming structure to any less non -conforming location on the lot. (TMC 18.70.050(7)). In addition, in residential zones, property owners are allowed to rebuild to their original dimensions and bulk if their home is destroyed. (TMC 18.70.050(2)). Rezoned conditions These provisions that allow rebuilding of a nonconforming structure in residential zones would not apply if the Site is rezoned to C/LI, even if the structure continues to be used as a residence after the rezone. The existing single-family home would become a nonconforming use with approval of the request because single family dwellings are not a permitted use in the C/LI zone. Approval of the rezone would mean that the nonconforming residential use of the Site could not be moved or intensified. The existing home could be converted to a commercial or light industrial use as long as the structure is not enlarged or changed in some other way that increases the degree of nonconformity. That means the structure may not intrude farther into the required buffer and required setback. The cost and complexity of converting a residential occupancy to a commercial/light industrial occupancy per Building and Fire codes would require compliance with current standards for items such as fire, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, mechanical, etc. The applicant's proposed site plan would not be allowed because it encroaches farther into the watercourse buffer. The final potential scenario would be that the property owner keeps the existing home and requests a buffer reduction in order to develop the northwestern corner of the site for commercial/light industrial use. Recommendation Staff recommends changing the Zoning Map from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Commercial/Light Industrial (C/LI), subject to addressing and access to commercial light industrial uses being limited to South 134th Place. Council President Robertson asked for a presentation by the applicant on the Flower Power Rezone. Per the agenda procedures, 15 minutes will be allowed for the applicant report. Mr. Ion Manea, the applicant and a resident and property owner in Tukwila since 1992, commended the Planning staff for their good work and relayed that he concurs almost 100% with the staff recommendation. He disagrees with the recommendation for limited access as it is too broad and limits access to that site including employee parking and emergency access. He provided an overview of the project, displaying pictures and a video electronically. Key points regarding his request are as follows: Since 2011, he has been engaged in the business of indoor hydroponic grow of bean sprouts. He employs six to eleven people under a Food and Drug (FDA), Washington State Department of Agriculture food processing license. The basic sprouts production is done hydroponically in a fully automated, computer controlled, remote monitored facility. No hazardous materials are used or noise generated and sound manufacturing practices are employed in order to comply with food safety regulations. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 6 of 11 Recently the Kent facility was acquired by King County as part of the Green River Levee Project which is due to commence the first quarter of 2018, funding permitting. As part of the project, his facility needs to be vacated and demolished for levee and park relocation. For relocation, there is a need to have a duplicate facility up and running before the old facility is closed, and the Tukwila location is the most preferred due to the lack of affordable warehouse space in the greater Seattle area and proximity to their customers and freeways. By federal law, the business is eligible to be compensated for relocation by King County. This provides an opportunity to preserve the business, jobs and customer goodwill and cut the cost while operating in a new facility that they will own. Purpose of request: • Rezone from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Commercial/Light Industrial (C/LI) at 13407 48th Avenue South, Tukwila • Relocate production facility from Kent to Tukwila due to King County Green River Levee Project • Operate commercial wholesale nursery (no retail sales on site) Current Zoning Limitations: • Building size not to exceed 4,000 sq. ft. • Customary building materials like corrugated panels are prohibited • Business needs to be operated as a home occupation and is limiting the number of non-resident employees to one • Limited type of land use permitted. Commercial production operation west edge of the property and perpendicular on sound propagation direction prohibited (nursery, greenhouse, etc.) Problem Number 1 • Light rail train noise on the property is non -complaint with the federal, state, county, and city local noise regulations for residential areas but within the limits allowed for industrial areas. Solutions • Rezone to Commercial/Light Industrial • Reduction of noise propagation on the property and neighbor's residential area purpose, to include planting tall, rapid growing native trees (poplar); building a tall, long green building parallel to the west edge of the property and perpendicular on sound propagation direction; accessing the property to the north end, further from residential (500 ft.) but closer to C/LI zoning. Problem Number 2 • Flooding, storm water drainage and fish habitat degradation Solutions • Eliminate fish barriers and increase habitat surface on the subject property • Increase the water quality to include turbidity, excessive flows, oxygen level, etc. The subject property is one of the last ones that has the size and location to effectively contribute to the restoring of the Southgate Creek fish habitat along South 134th Place. Mr. Manea is seeking the Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezone in order to bring the parcel into compliance with noise limit regulations and develop the property for relocating his facilities and personnel to conduct business in the City of Tukwila. Council President Robertson asked if either staff or the applicant had any other comments. Per the agenda procedures, 5 minutes would be allowed by each for rebuttal. Ms. Bradshaw clarified that the noise standards used for Link are approved FTA (Federal Transit Administration) standards and are currently in compliance for this neighborhood. The DOE (Department of Ecology) standards that were referenced earlier do not apply to Link. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 7 of 11 Mr. Manea said they studied the noise issues in detail. The federal regulations are based on sound produced by surface trains as they cross over local crossings as a warning. The trains for Link are not surface trains as they are high and this standard does not apply. Council President Robertson called for public comments. David Vanderpol, 13430 48th Place South, said he lives 2 doors down from this location. He supports the Planning Commission recommendation to not allow access on to 48th Avenue South. This street is 100% residential, and it is a dangerous area as well. The street is very narrow, with no shoulder and an 8 -foot drop on one side and a 15 -foot drop on the other side. To put more traffic in that area would be dangerous due to the physical geography. He would like to see landscaping as a buffer on the south side to block the south residential areas from the light industrial activity. Pedestrian improvements should be made clear as well. Aaron Seely, 13435 48th Avenue South, lives 3 driveways up from the proposed site. He said the traffic there moves too fast, and there is no room on the sides. More ingress/egress out of the location is not a good idea. He is against increasing traffic and has concerns regarding sound and light pollution. If the business starts work at 4:30 a.m., it could be a negative impact to the residential neighborhood. Council President Robertson asked the Council if they had questions of staff or the applicant. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff and the applicant, with key information as follows: • Question to both parties: Do both parties support the recommendation? Response: Yes, with the applicant taking exception to the traffic limitation to commercial/light industrial uses being limited to South 134th Place. • Question to staff: Is there any new information before us this evening? Response: No. • Question to applicant: Do you want a driveway on 48th Avenue South? Response: Yes, for emergency parking. • Question to staff: How will staff address the access limitation to South 134th Place? Response: There will be a recording against the property such that when development begins and a permit is applied for, it will trigger staff to the requirement for access from 134th and not 48th. • Question to staff: If the property is sold, could there be access allowed on 48th Avenue South? Response: No. Councilmember McLeod asked those who offered comments earlier in the public hearing to provide input on whether they are in favor of the project. David Vanderpol, 13430 48th Place South, said it is a reasonable project with the exception of access to 48th Avenue South as it will affect residents. Right across the street is light industriai which makes sense, as long as the access is from 134th Place. Aaron Seely, 13435 48th Avenue South, is somewhat ambivalent and is leaning 60-40 toward "no." He recognizes there is a truck paint shop right across the street, and 134th is a C/LI kind of street. However, 48th Avenue is very much residential, with no commercial buildings. Additionally, adding 11 people to the commute in that area causes him to not be the biggest fan. 8:39 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the public hearing. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 8 of 11 UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. A Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on August 15, 2017. The Committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. The basis for this is to adjust to new figures on growth management for PSRC. Council President Robertson inquired about potential changes to Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB). It is his understanding that at the point the City begins to work through changes to TIB, all of the updated numbers, to include existing and potential developments, would be part of the consideration of the highway lane changes. Robin Tischmak, City Engineer, said the original modeling was done in 2010-2011 because the horizon year is 2031. Since then, there have been proposed changes, and there was not funding to run a whole new model for the entire City. The task was to update the model to get it down to the required growth for employment and housing. The next modeling effort will take in new changes discussed more recently. Councilmember Quinn referenced the Goals, Policies and Strategies, noting that the data will be updated, but the standards will not change. Council President Robertson reiterated that this Comprehensive Plan amendment will in no way limit the data and analysis for potential changes to TIB. Mr. Tischmak said that statement is correct based on the "road diet" concept. These improvements will be City driven. The most current numbers will be used moving forward. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO MOVE THIS ITEM TO THE OCTOBER 2, 2017 REGULAR MEETING. b. A Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map redesignation request for property at 13407 48th Avenue South (Flower Power). Quasi-judicial Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner, provided information regarding next steps in this process. There are 2 ordinances to (1) amend the Comprehensive Plan for the Transportation Element, approve the redesignation for the Flower Power site, and amend the Comprehensive Land Use Map; and (2) approve the rezone for the Flower Power site and amend the Zoning Map. Findings and conclusions are attached to both ordinances in support of both actions. If the Council wants to modify or deny any of the recommendations, staff should be directed to amend the findings and conclusions. Council President Robertson expressed that what is important in this discussion is not any particular use presented by an applicant. What must be remembered is that any potential use of the property within the current zoning can be developed if the rezone is approved. There is no limit on what a property owner can do after the decision is made within the scope of the zoning. Councilmember Seal is fine with the recommendation, knowing the access limitation will be placed on the title of the property (access point only on 134th Place and not on 48th Avenue South). Councilmember Hougardy spoke in favor of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Kruller concurs with Councilmember Seal and hopes to see many buffers for the neighbors. She hopes the property owner will follow through with the project as outlined this evening. Councilmember McLeod supports the staff recommendation and places high value on residential preservation. Councilmember Quinn agrees with the staff recommendation and conveyed importance regarding the drainage issues, South 134th Place access, and neighborhood buffers. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 9 of 11 Council President Robertson concurs with the staff report. Councilmember Duffle supports the staff recommendation and relayed importance regarding the issues associated with the salmon habitat. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO MOVE THIS ITEM TO THE OCTOBER 2, 2017 REGULAR MEETING. c. A resolution to name the northeastern ball field at Joseph Foster Memorial Park as "Joe Henry Duffie" field. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Community Development and Neighborhcods Committee meeting on September 11, 2017. The Committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Ms. Hougardy also conveyed that prior to this meeting, Councilmember Kruller recommended asking Councilmember Duffie if he would like his middle name added to the naming, for which he concurred. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, provided an overview of this issue. Councilmember Seal proposed the idea of naming a portion of Foster Memorial Park to honor Councilmember Duffle's years of service on the Council and to the community. Joe Duffle has served on the Tukwila City Council for 35 years and was a dedicated employee of the Tukwila School District for 21 years. As a City of Tukwila resident, he has been a steadfast advocate for our City parks as well as recreation activities. Because Councilmember Duffie lives particularly close to Foster Memorial Park and has always taken an active prideful role in the park, staff felt this would be the perfect site to name a field in his honor. This idea was presented to the Park Commission by Mayor Ekberg on April 12, 2017. City Council Resolution No. 1400 addresses the process for naming City property. For Parks, the names shall be recommended by the Park Commission to the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee. The following unranked criteria is used to guide the naming decision: 1. Geographical location 2. Historical considerations 3. Names of persons 4. Geological features 5. City identity and image Resolution No. 1400 also states that "where persons' names are used, they should be people who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, or whose names are of historical significance to the area, or who the City would like to recognize as an important influence in the area." The Park Commission discussed this at the June 14, 2017 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the name change and forward the recommendation to the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee. It was also discussed that along with name signage of the field an additional sign referencing why the field was named after Councilmember Duffie be posted as well. The City policy states that there must be 30 days between the Committee of the Whole meeting and action on the item. Upon concurrence, this will come before the Council for action on November 6, 2017. Councilmember McLeod said this is fantastic, and he looks forward to spending time at the Joe Henry Duffie ball field. Councilmember Kruller said this is the most used field in the City, representing health and wellness, which exemplifies Joe Duffie. Joe has worked so hard for so long in the military, for our schools, in the community at large, and as a Councilmember. She said it is so very important to recognize his achievements at this time. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 10 of 11 Councilmember Quinn has known Joe Duffie since he was a child. This action exemplifies what Joe has done for this city. This is an opportunity to show Mr. Duffie how much his contributions are valued in the community he has served. Councilmember Hougardy expressed that the policy says a recipient must have "made an outstanding contribution to the community." Joe has been doing that for Tukwila for many years and has become an historical figure in our area. She remembers taking her kids to Tukwila Elementary and watching how Joe interacted with the students and how much they listened and looked up to him. Councilmember Seal said the idea to name the ball field after Joe came to her through her kids. Every child who has lived in Tukwila loves Joe Duffie; everybody knows Mr. Duffie, from Washington D.C. to the Carolinas. Joe is truly a celebrity who has touched so many lives. We know Joe will continue to affect the lives of everyone around him even after he ends his time as a Councilmember. She thanked Joe for all he has done in the community. Council President Robertson said he was at Safeway 29 years ago when he ran into a citizen and started a discussion. Shortly thereafter, 2 school age children came up and asked him "What did Mr. Duffie tell you to do?" Everyone in this area knows Joe Duffie. Councilmember Duffie extended thanks for this honor and credited his wife and family for being his inspiration. He introduced his wife, Jackie and daughter, Debbie to the City Council. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NOVEMBER 6, 2017 REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor The Mayor was not present. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended the Confluence Tukwila event for new arrivals to the City on September 20, 2017. He also attended the Diversity in Construction Apprenticeships event on September 21, 2017, and he is very pleased to support the importance of bringing trade -related jobs back to the City. Councilmember Seal said her oldest son attended the Diversity in Construction Apprenticeships event on September 21, 2017 and found it very beneficial. She also attended the Confluence Tukwila event for new arrivals to the City, which she said is an amazing event. Councilmember Kruller attended the Diversity in Construction Apprenticeships event on September 21, 2017. She emphasized that oftentimes people are able to work in the construction industry while they are paid to learn. There are times when college can be paid for during the apprenticeship, leaving people with a college education and a trade to fall back on. She was pleased that the Mayor introduced the event and that Councilmember Duffie spoke as well. Additionally, they served sandwiches at the event and because there were too many, the extras were donated to the food bank at the local Methodist Church. Councilmember McLeod attended the King County Executive Small Business Awards breakfast on September 21, 2017. He was pleased to announce that 3 Tukwila businesses received awards: (1) Industrial Revolution as the best exporting business; (2) Pacific Rim Environmental for Green/ Sustainable business; and (3) Odin Brewery as the best overall small business in the County. He commended the City's Economic staff, Derek Speck and Brandon Miles, and the Southside Chamber for their good work. Council President Robertson thanked Councilmember Seal for sitting in for him while he was on vacation. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes September 25, 2017 Page 11 of 11 c. Staff There was ,io report. d. Council Analyst There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Robertson referenced an email from Joseph Todd, the City's Technology Services Director, regarding the FCC's (Federal Communications Commission) plan to lower broadband standards. He is asking to have the Council Analyst work with staff to prepare a letter to go to the FCC opposing lowering the standards. Councilmember Seal had contacted Mr. Todd for talking points, as she frequently contributes as part of her job, and she supports something from the full Council as well. Councilmember Kruller suggested that SCA (Sound Cities Association) be involved, as the voice of 38 cities could be beneficial in this effort. Council consensus existed to pursue communication to oppose lowering broadband standards. ADJOURNMENT 9:18 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. V council President .114'1 Alt Dennis Robertso Christy O'Flahe'f Records Governance M SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: ager/City Clerk 10/9/17 10/10/17