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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-08-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesAugust 28, 1978 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL 7:00 P.M. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES ,2 :2 3 ,5 City Hall Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER Council President Van Dusen called the Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting to order. ROLL CALL OF BOHRER, HILL, HARRIS, VAN DUSEN. COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 14, 1978 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. DISCUSSION Public Hearing: LID #25 Committee report on Data Proc. Needs Study MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT COUNCILMEN TRAYNOR, SAUL, AND JOHANSON BE EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING. Councilman Bohrer requested that the Minutes of the Work Meeting held July 28, 1978 show Item 9A as "Teen programs" rather than "Team programs." *CARRIED, AS CORRECTED. Mayor Bauch said the request to have the Public Hearing on LID #25 continued to September 5, 1978 was at the request of the City Attorney MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FINAL CLOSING OF LID #25 BE CONTINUED TO SEPTEMBER 5, 1978. CARRIED. Emergency Intertie Mayor Bauch stated the City of Renton has requested an intertie be- between Tukwila tween the City of Tukwila and the City of Renton water systems. The Renton intertie is proposed on the east side of the West Valley Highway at the common boundary of both jurisdictions. The purpose of the inter tie would be for emergencies, particularly fire emergencies. The cost of installing the intertie will be entirely borne by developers, through the City of Renton. The status of one of these developments, the Benaroya project at S. W. 43rd Street (South 180th Street), is such that the need for the intertie is immediate. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT A RESOLUTION BE PREPARED AUTHORIZING THE EMERGENCY INTERTIE BETWEEN CITY OF TUKWILA AND CITY OF RENTON AND IT BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Ron Swanson, Finance Director, said the needs of the various depart- ments are different and he would like to make the accounting system more efficient. He said the Fire Department has their mini computer and the other departments are moving in different directions. He said he thought the need was to move towards an integrated long range data processing plan to be implemented over the years on a systematic basis. He said the committee has determined several alternative ways to perform such a study. It could be done in- house. This would take 500 to 700 man hours of a lead persons time. This would cost about $7,500 to $10,500. The main disadvantages of this approach are that the employee would lack independence, there would not be current technical expertise available and time spent on the study would sacrifice time needed for other City services. It could be done by the computer manufacturer. The initial needed study cost under this method would be minimal. However, the City would have to establish that an in -house computer is needed immediately without the advantages of an independent appraisal of processing alternatives, i.e., Service Bureau, share with another agency, etc. Using existing systems a long range plan would not be developed and other alterna- tives would not be thoroughly considered. In hiring a consultant the cost would be about $10,000. The primary advantages of this method would be an independent and expert appraisal of our needs and processing alternatives for an integrated system. Mr. Swanson contin- ued that the committee considered the following as the best way to proceed: to retain the firm of Niemi, Holland, and Scott to perform the study and develop a long range plan at a cost of $9,240; form a permanent committee of Council members and City staff to guide and monitor the work of Niemi, Holland, and Scott to assure the City's goals are met; report back to the Mayor and Council with a proposed long range data processing plan to meet all of the City's needs. He said the committee has taken this approach since this type of study, the proper definition of overall data processing needs and the devel- TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 28, 1978 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Committee report on Data Proc. Needs Study contd. Recommendations from Golf Management, Inc. re improvements to the golf course fac. opment of a coherent plan for implementation, demands experienced, senior individuals who are thoroughly familiar with data processing and who can foresee the long term implications of initial decisions. The cost of such an initial study can then be spread over the life of the system. Council President Van Dusen said he felt negative about consultants, but he thought this is one time the City will get something signifi- cant. He said the committee had recommended Niemi, Holland, and Scott because they had been impressed with their references. He said he was reluctant to have one of the vendors give a needs study because they would be biased in selling their own machines. Council President Van Dusen said the consultant would be guided and monitored by the City and Council, they would proceed in phases, reporting back to the City at intervals. Councilman Harris said she was against the vendors doing the study because they will push their own machines. She said the City has experienced this before. She said if we spend money she would like to know what the City needs and how soon we can get it. Councilman Bohrer said one of the goals the Council had set recently was to increase the efficiency of the City employees and there is the possibility that the computer can do a lot of tasks that it takes a long time to accomplish. He said it is true we have felt in the past that the City has had unfavorable ex- periences with consultants. He said he liked the idea that the consultants would be guided by the Council and Staff and frequent reports would be received from the consultants as they conducted the needs study. Councilman Bohrer continued that he was in favor of the recommendations of the committee. Council President Van Dusen said a representative from Niemi, Holland, and Scott could come to a Committee of the Whole Meeting and answer questions the Council might have. MOVED BY BOHRER, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE FIRM OF NIEMI, HOLLAND, AND SCOTT BE INTERVIEWED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT THE NEXT COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 11, 1978, AND A RESOLUTION BE PRE- PARED. CARRIED. Kjell Stoknes, OCD Director, said a tentative contract was being worked on which would present a capital improvement plan. He said Mr. Roy Moore of Golf Management was in attendance to present some of the plans he has. Mr. Roy Moore, Golf Management, said they had operated the Foster Municipal Golf Course for 90 days and examined the Mithun Report. He said they wished to recommend two areas of improvement: one being their repsponsibilities as the operators and the other the City's responsibilities. He said the operator's responsibilities would be to remodel the existing clubhouse building to accomplish a much more efficient operation and enable it to serve as a major restaurant for the Tukwila area. He outlined the suggested changes and remodeling that would take place, interior and exterior. The time required for the remodeling would be approximately 90 days and would cost them about $100,000. He said they suggested the installation of a lake containing a fountain and other beautification treatments that would be put in adjacent to the now existing putting green. They would also landscape the area around the putting green under the now existing trees including special lighting effects, etc. The approxi- mate cost of these items is expected to be about $15,000. The No. 2 green and No. 9 green would be renovated and the asphalt path behind the No. 9 green would be relocated along with removal of the asphalt parking area adjacent to the No. 9 green. Approximate cost of this work would be $9,500. He said their suggested improvements would total around $125,000. Mr. Moore said the City's responsibilities would be the repair and maintenance of the suspension bridge that crosses the river. He said it was their opinion this should have number one priority, as it constitutes a hazard in its present condition. Mayor Bauch said the Street Department would work on the bridge and repairs will be made this winter. Mr. Moore said they would like to see the City construct a new maintenance building, preferably in the area recommended by the Mithun Report adjacent to the 18th fairway. The present maintenance structures are not only insufficient in size and unsightly but constitute a fire hazard. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 28, 1978 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. Recommendations from Golf Management, Inc. re improvement to the golf course facility contd. RECESS 8:40 8:50 P.M. ;37 He said if they were to invest a sizeable sum of their own money in renovating the clubhouse they felt strongly that to leave those old dilapidated buildings would go a long way toward negating the effect they are trying for. He said they would also like to see the cart shed removed and they have made arrangements to store their new fleet of electric cars in another building. He said they would suggest the City look at the possibility of erecting a steel building to house the maintenance equipment. He said in accordance with the Lease Agreement it was the responsibility of the City to handle whatever was necessary in providing restroom facilities on the main floor of the clubhouse building to serve the handicapped. This is required by State Law. He said they would like the City to provide the materials in accordance with the lease for the cart paths. Mr. Moore continued that the lack of an irrigation system at the golf course had caused a direct economic effect on the golf course, espec- ially in the late summer months. He said they recommended an engin- eering and economic study which would show the type of system that might be installed, the cost, and what the course could expect in increased revenues. He said they had found Papsco, Inc., one of the major firms in the area, to be reliable. He said he thought a design and feasibility study which would include complete irrigation plans could be accomplished for around $4,500. He said he thought if the above mentioned tasks were accomplished in 1979, before heavy golf season starts, it would add to the efficiency and quality of the golf course. He said he thought this was self evident if they were willing to invest over $125,000 of their money. With maps and wall plans Mr. Moore pointed out the anticipated changes to the restaurant, interior and exterior. He said on the exterior there would be white aluminum siding with green trim. It would be lighted at night and would be striking. Mayor Bauch asked Mr. Moore about the amortization. Mr. Moore said it would be a ten year schedule. Councilman Harris said it was likely the proposed lake water would be pumped from the river. Mr. Moore said they hoped to do that. Council President Van Dusen said he liked the plans, but the one thing everyone has asked is that we make sure we get improvement on the greens. Mr. Moore said they are working on the drainage. Mr. Moore said he was not sure grass tees can be put in. He said the golf course is on a tight acreage for 18 holes. He said the City might be able to get a grass tee on the first hole. He said there are two new synthetic materials on the market. He said at this point they did not recommend grass tees. He said when it is torn up it takes five years to grow good turf. When it is worn out it is just mud. He said the irrigation system is badly needed. Councilman Bohrer said he liked the remodeling idea for the restaurant and he wondered if the atrium could be designed so the glass windows could be opened for outdoor dining. Mr. Moore said they had thought of extending the patio area out so outdoor dining could be done. He said there are about two months of the year when outdoor eating can be done. He said it is also nice to eat breakfast out there. He said there would be a good view of the putting green and the lake. Councilman Bohrer said the Mithun Study said we needed a ramp for the handicapped in the front. Mr. Moore said they had suggested a curved ramp with a flower bed in the middle. Councilman Bohrer asked about the size of the maintenance building. Mr. Moore said it would be a 30'x 100' building, it would have large doors so large equipment can be brought in. Mr. Moore said they would like to have the plans come to the Council in phases, with respect to the sprinkling system. He said they have had the golf course mapped and a lot of the work is already done. Council President Van Dusen said the sign in front of the Golf Course might not be in accordance with the sign code. Mr Moore said the sign would be straightened and he would get a copy of the sign code. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES. CARRIED. The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called back to order by Council President Van Dusen with Council Members present as previously listed. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 28, 1978 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Landscape Plans 1. Old City Hall Site 2. Tukwila- Southgate Community Center 3. McMicken Park Design Carl Stixrood, Planning, said he and Audrey Ko had worked on the landscape plans. The intent is that the old City Hall will be used as a library and museum. It will be a focus for the neighborhood, the parking has been kept to a minimum. The recommendations were that a 15 foot wide landscaped area along the north and west property lines form a buffer between adjacent residences and the site. It was recommended that all structures except the old schoolhouse and fire station be removed. The plan has been to develop parking, walks, and landscape areas to support use of the old school building and improve views of it. The area to the west of the building is sug- gested to be used for active recreation such as basketball and child's play. Outdoor seating areas which enhance uses within the old schoolhouse and provide neighborhood gathering space are desir- able. Trees are suggested as a method for preventing the afternoon sun from shining in the west windows. Mr. Stixrood suggested lighting at the entrance /drop off area. He said it might be desirable to use some of Tukwila's old street light fixtures for this lighting to support the historic function of the site. It was suggested the separating wall be removed so there would be one large room; the foyer and restrooms would be separate and could be open to the public when the main rooms are closed and locked. Councilman Bohrer said it seems thirteen spaces for parking is not sufficient for a library. He said if basketball and volleyball are played in the active play area it might disturb those in the library. He said the elementary school is just a block away, for play area. Mr. Stixrood said there could be a plaza and some parking. He said many people live within walking distance and children would be coming by bike or walking. He felt there was enough parking provided and people could park on the street. Council President Van Dusen said the hours for the library would be determined by the usage. Councilman Harris said she was in favor of the tot lot and she thought they should have a place for older kids to shoot baskets it is better to keep them busy. Mr. Stixrood said he thought it would be possible to get 1,000 books in the library. A lady working for King County has been in the building looking into possibility of putting it on the Historical Register. Mayor Bauch said he would like to see the building restored to its natural state with the walls removed and the dropped ceiling removed. Council President Van Dusen said he thought it will mean more to the City if the restoring efforts are done by volunteer labor. Carl Stixrood, Planning, explained suggested improvements to the exterior of the Southgate school. He explained existing conditions and the suggested relocation of activities. Council President Van Dusen asked about access to the building by the police cars and stated he felt there should be parking for more cars. Kjell Stoknes, OCD Director, said activities are being coordinated so too many people will not be using the building at one time. Mr. Stixrood said the one plan had multi- entries and would provide separate entrance for senior citizens. He said all of the parking would be in one place for 18 cars. Mr. Stixrood said parking space for about 10 cars could be provided in the play area if it is paved. He explained by filling in the low area with the creek and nice trees, we could get a 222' right field and a 235' left field for little league baseball. Carl Stixrood, Planning, explained the proposed development of McMicken Park. He said the concept was well accepted at the public meeting. Two alternative construction schedules were presented. Alternate A would produce a completed park in about 10 years with an annual expenditure of about $25,000 per year. Alternative B would produce a completed park in about 3 years with expenditure of about $75,000 per year. He said in each case, design fees would amount to about $25,000 and the work would take about one year. The total development cost is expected to be about $225,000. Mr. Stoknes said his department was making a proposal on this through the prelim- inary budget. Councilman Harris said she thought the neighborhood would do a lot of the developing. Mayor Bauch said he favored the longer construction period. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 28, 1978 Page 5 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Landscape Plans 3. Tukwila- Southgate Community Center -contd Request of Southcenter Investors to have a portion of James Christensen Rd. reop- ened to public use *CARRIED. Mr. Stixrood said trails and entrances will connect all proposed use areas and support walking, jogging, bicycle riding, and a fit- ness course. He said the park would be divided into two major sections, community and neighborhood, and he explained the proposed uses within each section. He said play equipment for two to five year olds would be dispersed among the trees and fit into the topo- graphy (i.e., slides which utilize the natural slope rather than stand on a frame). He said the picnic and child's play areas sup- port an interlocking range of family activity and should be designed as a unit to form the core of the neighborhood oriented development area. Desirable facilities include picnic tables, litter recepta- cles, barbecue grills and an amphitheater or council ring. He said Phase II would be the development of public gardens, major picnic area, streams and ponds, and meadow. Phase III would be the develop- ment of court games for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Parking and picnic facilities for small groups will be needed to support the court game activities. Mr. Stixrood said there had been a positive response towards turning the swamp areas into a lake for swimming and fishing. He said he did not feel safe about a lake due to possible damage to adjacent property caused by drainage from the lake and because of the type of soils on the hill. However, he said several small ponds could be developed. Mr. Stixrood explained that the park is proposed, to be divided into two major sections, community and neighborhood. He also explained the proposed uses within each section. Councilman Bohrer said he thought the steams were interesting. He said he liked the general concept. He said he thought the area where the court games are located is rather steep. Kjell Stoknes, OCD Director, stated Southcenter Investors, owners of the property on the east side of the James Christensen Road near Baker Boulevard (formerly known as the Van Woerden property) have requested that the portion of the Christensen Road extending south 325 feet from the centerline of Baker Boulevard be reopened to public use. The purpose of the reopening is to permit Southcenter Inves- tors to improve that portion of the street and provide access to two parcels of land created by City approval of a short plat on the adjoining property. Mr. Stoknes said the Christensen Road was previously closed to through traffic between Baker Boulevard and Strander Boulevard to provide for the Bicentennial Park, and also to create a bicycle and hiking trail as part of the river trail system. He continued that the approval of the short plat to the east will create a riverfront trail area and City park replacing the present trail in the more desirable riverfront location. He said the required improvements will provide for a public sidewalk along the east side of the street which would be available to pro- vide an interim routing for the trail (essentially along its present route) until such time as the City develops and opens the riverfront trail and park. Councilman Bohrer said at the time the dedication was discussed there was no consideration expected from the developer. Councilman Hill asked if this road would have to come up to the standards of the City. Mr. Stoknes said the Fire Chief sits on the Short Subdivision Committee and he had said he would be able to turn the fire truck around in the cul -de -sac. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHCENTER INVESTORS BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. Councilman Bohrer said he would like some discussion on this by the City Attorney on the legal aspects according to the ordinance that was passed. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 28, 1978 Page 6 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Res. auth. Mayor sign Joint H &CD Block Grant Application w/ Auburn, Kent, Renton King Co. to carry out community invol- vement public use enhancement design projects Prel. draft of storm drainage ordinance Prop. Ord. adopting HB 98 re thermal de- sign stds. for new dwellings Prop. Ord. CATV Franchise Prop. Ord. authorizing Mayor Council to accept use donations made to City Prop. Res. accepting donation for aid car Prop. Res. re merger of functions between Metro King Co. Voucher #170 City Council Budget 1979 OTHER LID 19 and 20 Mayor Bauch said the County is proposing to dip into the joint use funds to fund the continuation of the valley flood drainage for another year so the valley drainage plan can be finalized. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. Councilman Bohrer asked if this would be a grant we are seeking so there would not be any expense to the City. Mayor Bauch said that is right, the County is seeking and they want Tukwila to be a party to it. He said if it is funded, a representative of Tukwila will work with the group. *CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF A STORM DRAINAGE ORDINANCE BE PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Mayor Bauch said Mr. Hurd had recommended putting Northwest Cable under the new ordinance. He said it would extend their franchise. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Mayor Bauch explained the ordinance is necessary in order to accept donations by resolution so they will not have to be published. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AID CAR BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT A RESOLUTION SIMILAR TO THE CITY OF KIRKLAND DECLARING OPPOSITION PLACEMENT OF THE QUESTION OF WHETHER A MERGER SHOULD TAKE PLACE BETWEEN METRO AND THE KING COUNTY GOVERNMENT ON THE NOVEMBER 1978 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Councilman Harris said Fire Chief Crawley said they had success on this ad placed in Western Fire Journal. Mayor Bauch said they received 17 applications for Assistant Fire Chief, 13 of them have been attributed to the ad. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT VOUCHER #170 BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. CARRIED. Council President Van Dusen said it was his suggestion that the 1979 budget be the same as it was last year. Mayor Bauch said there would be some things he would be suggesting for capital equipment. Council President Van Dusen said if the Council concurs, the amount in Miscellaneous (Other Services and Charges) will be increased to $400. Mayor Bauch said a legal opinion from the City Attorney has been received regarding LID 19 and 20. He said it would be referred to the Finance Committee so they can come up with a recommendation. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 28, 1978 Page 7 OTHER Contd. Weeds S -Line Bridge Councilman Harris said she would like to call attention to the weeds to the west of the S -Line Bridge. They are obstructing the view. She wondered why they have not been mowed. Mayor Bauch said he would call it to the attention of the Public Works Department. Berry Vines ADJOURNMENT 10:50 P.M. Councilman Harris asked why the City does not have an ordinance requiring people to clean up berry vines, etc., on their property. Mayor Bauch said there is a nuisance ordinance requiring people to keep their property cleaned up. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN. CARRIED. Gary Van eD City Council Pr`- sident NOtliia Booher, Recording Secretary