HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers October 23, 2017 — 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Robertson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present were Council President Robertson; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn,
Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod.
Councilmember Hougardy was not present.
CITY OFFICIALS
David Cline, City Administrator; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Leon Richardson, Senior Manager, Police
Support Operations; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Peggy
McCarthy, Finance Director; Robin Tischmak, Acting Public Works Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council
Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Update on SCORE Jail
David Cline, City Administrator, introduced Penny Bartley, Executive Director of SCORE. Tukwila is one
of the founders of the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail. Several years ago, south -end cities entered
a joint agreement to create SCORE jail as a solution for their misdemeanor jail population.
Penny Bartley, Executive Director of SCORE, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide the Council
with a 2017 update. She stated the last time she presented to the Council was in 2014.
SCORE serves the Member Cities of Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Renton, SeaTac and
Tukwila. These Member Cities were responsible for the organization of SCORE. It's managed by the
following boards, with the Administrative Board functioning as the governing body:
• Administrative Board
O 4 Elected Mayors (Mayor Ekberg represents the City of Tukwila)
O 3 Councilmembers (Representatives from Burien, SeaTac and Des Moines)
■ Director reports to the Administrative Board
• Operations Board
O 7 Police Chiefs (Police Chief Linton serves on the Operations Board)
• Finance Committee
O 7 Finance Directors (Peggy McCarthy serves on the Finance Committee)
SCORE is the 2nd busiest jail in the state by volume of bookings. Ms. Bartley estimated that this year
SCORE will book about 23,000 inmates. For 2017, the facility is averaging approximately 1,800 bookings
a month. However, the facility has seen a record number of bookings (2,300) for September.
Approximately 4,000 - 5,000 inmates are moved into and out of the facility each month.
The average daily population for the month of October has increased from 590 in 2016, to 697 in 2017,
with a majority of the inmate population made up of misdemeanor offenders.
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October 23, 2017 Page 2 of 7
Ms. Bartley indicated many of those arrested on misdemeanor charges are arrested due to mental health
problems. SCORE provides mental health and drug and alcohol services. She also explained that there
are fewer inmates coming on violent charges or misdemeanor drug charges.
Of the Tukwila bookings, 13% of inmates identified Tukwila as their City of residence. 26% of inmates
identified another SCORE member city. 61% were from all other cities. Ms. Bartley stated that because
Tukwila is a transitory City and its population swells in the daytime, only a small percentage of bookings
are from those who reside in Tukwila.
One of the biggest challenges SCORE faces is that 68% of the inmates are under the influence of drugs
or alcohol at the time of booking. Of those 68%:
• 80% are under the influence of opiates, heroin, benzodiazepines or other drugs (may be in
combination with alcohol)
• 20% are under the influence of alcohol
SCORE also has a high percentage of inmates who are significantly mentally ill. Based on 2014 survey
results from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), Washington's rate
of mental illness (20.77%) is higher than the national average (18.19%). The rate of serious mental illness
in Washington is also higher (5.14%) than the national average (3.7%).
Competency evaluations are another challenge. Ms. Bartley explained that when an individual is arrested,
they go before the judge, who determines whether the individual needs to be evaluated for competency
before he or she can proceed to trial. There has been an increase in the volume of competency orders
issued by the court statewide:
2014: 880
2015: 843
2016: 1,124
Ms. Bartley relayed that SCORE has an ongoing relationship with the Department of Social and Health
Services, which has placed a forensic psychologist in SCORE. As a result, SCORE's average wait time
for a competency evaluation is 4 days, which is well under the court's requirement of completion within 14
days. Ms. Bartley noted that SCORE also produces more requests for competency evaluations than any
other jail in the state.
NaphCare, SCORE's comprehensive medical and mental health provider, works with over 123 community
agencies to provide different types of services for inmates. Although many of these services are post -
release, while inmates are in custody, SCORE has a unique opportunity to identify those who may benefit
from services after they have been released.
There are many good stories to tell:
• One of only 2 jails in the state to receive accreditation with the National Commission on
Correctional Health Care
• First jail accredited by Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs
• Only Jail in the state to have 3 certified jail managers and 8 certified jail officers
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services
• Expedited competency evaluations
• One of only 5 certified government finance officers in the State
• Great staff doing amazing work with an extremely high volume of work
Councilmember Duffie asked if inmates receive reentry training and if SCORE follows up with them after
they have been released. Ms. Bartley explained that 90% of inmates are released within 30 days and that
the average length of stay is approximately 8 days. Only a small percentage of inmates are incarcerated
beyond a month. These inmates are placed in jobs within the facility and can work towards jobskills and
certifications such as a food -handler's permit and ServSafe certification. All inmates have access to
services such as anger management, counseling, and GED programming. In response to Councilmember
Duffie's question regarding follow-up, Ms. Bartley explained that once inmates have been released, the
court is responsible for following up.
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Councilmember Quinn expressed that he enjoyed hearing about the expansive services provided by
SCORE. He asked how services are spread across jurisdictions to ensure all inmates receive the care
they need. Ms. Bartley stated a huge percentage of inmates are coming to SCORE with challenges such
as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health; or homelessness. SCORE has been the beneficiary of
funding from King County, which has embedded many resources at the facility. Ms. Bartley relayed that
the mental and substance abuse treatment programs at SCORE have had a positive impact on the rate of
recidivism at SCORE, which is far lower at 35% compared to the national rate of 85%.
Councilmember Quinn remarked on the reduced availability of resources for treatment of mental illness
and asked if this has contributed to the increase in number of inmates at SCORE. Ms. Bartley agreed with
Mr. Quinn's assessment. She stated that individuals with private insurance and individuals who are
networked to social service organizations and/or the criminal justice system can receive medical
treatment, but anybody who falls in the middle of the spectrum falls through the cracks.
Councilmember Kruller shared that approximately a year ago, she encountered a testimony from
treatment professionals indicating they were not able to access inmates at SCORE to provide treatment.
Ms. Bartley explained that in September 2016, SCORE changed its medical provider and as of January
2017,\ is providing methadone treatment through its contractor, Evergreen Treatment Services.
Evergreen comes into the facility daily and provides courtesy dosing for inmates who are enrolled in
Medication Assisted Treatment programs. SCORE's providers also recently received licenses for
Suboxone and Vivitrol treatment administration. In response to a request for clarification from Ms. Kruller,
Ms. Bartley explained that SCORE was delayed in being able to offer these treatments because of the
time it took to find a licensed provider that could administer the treatments. Methadone is regulated by
both the state and federal governments.
Councilmember Kruller reported that a resident had disclosed their experience at SCORE to her and
informed her that food was very sparse during his stay. Ms. Kruller noted that according to a menu she
was able to review via email, SCORE has a substantive food menu. She asked how the jail ensures its
food service delivers per the menu. Ms. Bartley explained that a dietician reviews the menu quarterly, and
the facility undergoes all food inspections like restaurants. All inmates are given a physical inspection and
weighed upon admission, then checked to ensure they are not losing an unhealthy amount of weight.
Inmates can send a request to the medical department and kitchen for special dietary needs. Many
inmates do receive additional food. She invited Ms. Kruller to contact her directly for further information.
Councilmember McLeod referenced the slide for Bookings by Month (page 3 of the agenda packet) and
asked why there was a large increase in bookings from 2013 to 2014. Ms. Bartley replied that SCORE
opened in September of 2011. In 2012, SCORE expanded its services to the current 7 member cities and
began taking contract agencies in 2013 and 2014. SCORE also takes inmates from smaller jails in local
jurisdictions.
The Councilmembers thanked Ms. Bartley for her presentation.
b. Firefighter Deployments to Assist Regions Based on Weather Events Associated with
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief, stated 6 members of the Fire Department responded to federal and state
deployments to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Chief
Wittwer expressed his pride in the Tukwila Fire Department for their leadership and great service.
He introduced Captains Andy Nevens and Mark Morales, who utilized a PowerPoint to provide an
overview of the Fire Department's deployment.
Late this summer, the southeast part of the country was hit by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The states of
Texas and Florida were hit very hard. Captains Nevens and Morales were deployed as a mission -ready
package consisting of 17 members to help with Hurricane Harvey. Captain Pat McCoy and firefighter Pat
O'Brien were also deployed to Texas. The team performed search and rescue operations, which lasted a
few days, and primarily helped the Houston Fire Department with 911 distress calls they couldn't access
due to the floods. Captain Nevens showed pictures of the floodwaters in the Houston area.
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The mission -ready package finished its assignment in Houston, and drove back towards Seattle. As the
team approached the Tri -Cities, they were contacted by FEMA and deployed to Georgia to assist with
rescue efforts in response to Hurricane Irma. The team remained at Robins Airforce Base in Georgia for
approximately a week as part of a backup Type 1 Package. Captain Nevens explained that a Type 1
Package consists of approximately 80 members and can complete any operation. During their stay in
Georgia, the Tukwila Fire Department participated in trainings and learned valuable lessons on
responding to future rescue operations.
Captains Nevens and Morales expressed they are grateful for the opportunity to serve and proud to work
for the City of Tukwila.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the presentation and expressed great
appreciation to Captain Nevens and Morales for their exemplary performance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An Ordinance for Short Term Debt Re -Financing for the Urban Renewal Project.
Councilmember Seal indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on October
17, 2017. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, explained the City purchased three crime -ridden motels in 2014 for
$3.6 million and an additional motel and structure in 2015 for $1.6 million for a total of $5.2 million. The
City financed these purchases through a taxable 20 -year $3.85 million bond that was issued to Zions First
National Bank and a taxable 3 -year $2.25 million note issued to Bank of the West in December 2014.
It was previously anticipated that the note would be paid from proceeds of the sale of the property, but
this has not yet occurred. The 3 -year note comes due on December 1, 2017.
Based on feedback from the Finance Committee on June 6, 2017, City staff and PFM, the City's financial
advisor, moved forward with the solicitation process for replacement financing. A replacement financing
Request for Proposals was published on September 7, 2017, and of the seven banks that responded,
Cashmere Valley Bank offered the most favorable terms.
Ms. McCarthy introduced Duncan Brown of PFM, and Deanna Gregory of Pacifica Law Group, the City's
bond counsel.
Mr. Brown utilized a PowerPoint to provide an overview of the costs and terms of the proposed Limited
Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bond, 2017.
Review of 2014 LTGO Bonds and Note
• In December 2014, the City issued its $2.25 million Limited Tax General Obligation Bond
Anticipation Note, 2014 and $3.85 million Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 2014
o Both were used to acquire properties along Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB)
o The 2014 Note has a final maturity of December 1, 2017
o The 2014 Bond has a final maturity of December 1, 2034, and is subject to optional
redemption on December 1, 2019.
• At the time of issuance, the City anticipated using proceeds from the sale of the TIB properties to
repay the 2014 Note, however the properties have not yet been sold
2014 Note — Considerations
The City has several options to address the upcoming maturity of the 2017 Note:
• Refinance with cash
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October 23, 2017 Page 5 of 7
• Refinance with long-term Limited Tax GO (non -voted) debt
• Extension or replacement
o Most flexible option (could be refinanced on a longer-term basis with other options)
Limited Tax General Obligation Bond, 2017 (Taxable)
• The holder of the existing 2014 Note (Bank of the West) is not interested in extending the existing
facility
• On September 7'h, PFM distributed a Request for Proposals for replacement financing on behalf
of the City
o Distributed to 18 banks, of which 7 responded
o Cashmere Valley Bank provided the most advantageous financing terms for the proposed
Limited Tax General Obligation Bond, 2017 (Taxable)
• Five year final maturity (December 1, 2022)
• Initial rate of 2.6%, increasing to 2.8% in year 4 and 3.0% in year 5
• Estimated "True Interest Cost" of 2.71 % through maturity
• Prepayable at any time
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions to include:
• A $2.25 million note was issued in 2014 but the City is refinancing for $2.35 million. Why is there
a difference? Mr. Brown explained the $2.35 million is a not -to -exceed number and built in
because at the time proposals were solicited from various banks, up -front fees were still
unknown. Cashmere Valley Bank is not proposing any bank or legal fees. There are some fees
that the City would incur, including those from its financial advisory bond counsel, but this is
expected to be under $40,000.
• Does refinancing put pressure on the City to sell the property as soon as possible? Ms. McCarthy
explained the terms of the note give the City 5 years to sell the property. Otherwise, the City can
also consider other options such as obtaining a new debt or paying off the debt with City funds.
• Page 53 of the agenda packet shows a chart with debt extending to 2039. Is this all the City's
debt? Ms. McCarthy responded in the affirmative and noted 2039 includes debt for SCORE.
• What are the terms of the original bond issuance? Mr. Brown relayed that the 2014 Note was
issued at about $2.25 million and continues to bear interest at a variable rate of approximately
2.25%. Mr. Brown clarified that Cashmere Valley Bank's terms lock in the City's cost of capital at
today's market rates and doesn't subject the City to additional interest rate risk over the life of the
bond.
• Is there a financial risk to keeping the property rather than selling it? Ms. McCarthy concurred
with Mr. Quinn's assessment that holding onto the property is not a big financial risk to the City,
especially as property values in Tukwila have risen and will likely continue to rise. Ms. Gregory
noted that while the historical expectation has been to use the proceeds from the sale of the
property to pay the 2014 Note, from a legal perspective, there's no pledge of the property or of
the proceeds. There is plenty of flexibility.
• How did we arrive at the decision to move forward with refinancing? Ms. McCarthy stated the City
considered other alternatives such as paying off the debt from the General Fund or rolling the
debt into a longer-term debt instrument. However, because of the financial challenges the City will
be facing in the next few years, refinancing and extending the debt is more prudent so the City
can keep funds available for the Public Safety Plan.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE
NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. A Collective Bargaining Agreement with the United Steelworkers Police Non -Commissioned
Employees
Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director, stated she is pleased to bring forward a collective
bargaining agreement to the Council.
City staff, the City's Labor Relations Consultant, and the representatives of the United Steelworkers
(USW) Police Non -Commissioned Local No. 9241 (04) opened labor negotiations on November 18, 2016,
to reach an agreement on a successor labor contract. A tentative agreement negotiated in good faith
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October 23, 2017 Page 6 of 7
between the parties was reached during mediation on September 8, 2017, which resulted in a two-year
agreement for 2017-2018.
Ms. Brown explained that the collective bargaining agreement provides for a wage increase of 1.8% in
2017, and 2.5% in 2018. They will also receive two (2) floating holidays, and an increase to the shift
differential for those employees who work between the hours of 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 a.m. In addition, the
USW Police Non -Commissioned members have agreed to accept the City's Self -Insured Medical Benefit
Plan Design changes, which will result in savings to our health care plan. Other negotiated changes to
this successor labor agreement resulted in clarification of language and process, for ease of
administration, interpretation and application.
She noted the Council has been provided the collective bargaining agreement under separate cover.
Councilmember Quinn requested clarification on the mediator's role in the process. Ms. Brown relayed
the mediator's function is to be a neutral third party and resolve issues when negotiations are at an
impasse. Mr. Quinn asked if labor negotiations are consistent with the current City ordinance process. Ms.
Brown affirmed the guiding principles of the City drive the negotiation process.
Councilmember Kruller asked who the mediator is and how we picked them. Ms. Brown stated the
mediator is through the Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). The
commission is represented by state employees who are certified mediators, labor attorneys, and
examiners.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE
NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg attended Duwamish Alive on October 21, 2017 and reported many people came to plant
trees at the Duwamish Hill Preserve. Brooke Alford was recognized for her work with Duwamish Alive.
The Tukwila Police Department sponsored a "Tip -A -Cop" fundraising event at Red Robin on October 21,
2017 to benefit the Special Olympics. Mr. Ekberg thanked the Councilmembers for attending
Councilmember Duffie's retirement celebration.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffle acknowledged the City, the Mayor, the Council, and everyone who attended his
retirement celebration on October 21, 2017. Mr. Duffle thanked Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, for her
work on his behalf and Maxine Anderson, former City Clerk. He also thanked Margarita Prentice, former
Washington State Senator and Joe Fain, Washington State Senator.
Councilmember Seal attended Councilmember Duffie's retirement celebration and enjoyed hearing about
his accomplishments and stories. She expressed she is not ready to say goodbye.
Councilmember Quinn was honored to be present at Councilmember Duffie's retirement celebration on
October 21, 2017. Mr. Duffie's commitment to public service was a theme throughout the evening. Mr.
Quinn noted that Pat Larson, former Principal of Foster High School, also had her retirement celebration
the same evening. Mr. Quinn also attended Duwamish Alive on October 21, 2017 and commended
Brooke Alford for her commitment to environmental stewardship and encouraging the community to
participate.
Councilmernber Kruller reported Councilmember Duffie's retirement celebration on October 21, 2017 was
very successful and showed his impact on the community. Ms. Kruller was also present at Pat Larson's
retirement celebration on October 21, 2017.
Councilmember McLeod congratulated Councilmember Duffie on his retirement and expressed serving
with him has been a tremendous opportunity. Mr. McLeod informed the Council that the Southside
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October 23, 2017
Page 7 of 7
Chamber of Commerce is holding a Celebration of Women in Business on October 25, 2017 and noted
several Tukwila businesses will be represented at the event. He also issued a general reminder regarding
the Planning Commission's public hearing on Accessory Dwelling Units taking place on October 26, 2017
at 6:30 p.m.
Council President Robertson was present at Councilmember Duffie's retirement celebration on October
21, 2017.
c. Staff
There was no report.
d. Council Analyst
There was no report.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Seal has received reports about campaign signs in the public right of way at the Urban
Center. She requested City Administration contact these campaigns to remove signage from right of
ways.
8:53 PM. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Dennis Robertson, Council President
Youn, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 11/8/17
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 11/9/17