HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-11 Committee of the Whole Minutes►y4
\tip Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers December 11, 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 asked
Councilmember Duffle to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present were Council President Robertson; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy,
De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Charlotte Archer, Assistant City Attorney; Rachel
Bianchi, Communications and Government Relations Manager; Jack Pace, Community Development
Director; Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Brandon Miles, Business Relations
Manager; Stacy Hansen, Human Services Coordinator; Joseph Todd, Technology and Innovation
Services Director; Rick Mitchell, Deputy Police Chief; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Andy Youn,
Deputy City Clerk.
AGENDA AMENDMENT
Council President Robertson requested that the agenda be amended to move Special Issues item 4b, "A
resolution of service appreciation to Councilmember Joe Duffle," after Public Comments, prior to the
Public Hearing.
Council consensus existed to amend the agenda as requested above.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Council President Robertson emphasized that public comments are for items that are not included on the
agenda. He requested that those wishing to speak on an item on the agenda wait until that item comes up
for discussion.
Edna Morris, 4412 South 150th Street, is here tonight to speak on affordable housing. Her children still
live with her because they cannot afford to live on their own despite making a good income. Although her
children want to raise their families in Tukwila, they are unable to live independently due to the cost of
student loans and high apartment rents. She stressed the necessity of having affordable housing in
Tukwila.
Louise Jones -Brown, 20021 5th Avenue South, Des Moines, is the President of the Tukwila Historical
Society. She thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers for supporting the Tukwila Historical Society, which
has finished one of its best years. She reported on some of the activities of the Society, including the
restoration of a garden honoring Louise Strander, one of the founding members of the Tukwila Historical
Society. They were also approached by a young teen for assistance with his Eagle Scout project, and are
collaborating on the refurbishment of the building's flag pavilion. They will be selling commemorative
bricks to place in the pavilion and will also be using the funds for a new flag pole. The Society also
received word that the house on the corner of South 147th St and 58th Ave South will be featured in a
show called, "You Live in What?" through HGTV. This house used to be the first Tukwila school. Ms.
Jones -Brown stated she looks forward to 2018 and the continued support of the Council and the Mayor.
SPECIAL ISSUES (per agenda amendment)
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December 11, 2017 Page 2 of 10
a. A resolution of service appreciation to Councilmember Joe Duffie.
Council consensus existed to have the proposed resolution read in its entirety.
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk, read the proposed resolution in its entirety.
J. Paul Blake, 17627 133rd Place SE, represents the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA),
which is the largest and most prominent organization for public administration. It is dedicated to
advancing the art, science, teaching, and practice of public and non-profit administration. ASPA's four
values are accountability and performance, professionalism, ethics, and social equity. Councilmember
Duffie is a former president of the Evergreen Chapter of ASPA, and a current district representative to
ASPA's national council. Mr. Blake stated he is present tonight to present a letter from Mark Sullivan,
President of the Evergreen Chapter of ASPA, honoring Mr. Duffie's retirement.
Andre Jones II, representing Teens for Tukwila, extended thanks to Mr. Duffle for being a benefactor. He
also thanked the City Council for enabling the group's participation in the National League of Cities
Conference in Washington, DC.
Akeela Olebar-Dowers, representing Teens for Tukwila, thanked Mr. Duffle for teaching her many things
over the past few years and emphasizing the importance of education. He taught her that if she puts her
mind to it, she can do it.
Councilmember Hougardy thanked Mr. Duffie for his commitment to youth and for his passion to the
people in this community. He has been a mentor for children and has always been passionate about
seeing youth succeed.
Councilmember Quinn referenced a maxim in politics, "You don't have friends, you just have interests."
Mr. Duffle has proved that maxim wrong by being a friend to everybody. He has left a mark on the City
and the community. He has a reputation for being trustworthy, involved, and for 'telling it like it is.' Mr.
Quinn recounted an instance in which he observed Mr. Duffie interacting with a child. Mr. Duffie's care
and commitment to the community were evident from the questions he asked. It has been an honor to
serve with Mr. Duffle.
Councilmember Kruller stated she was told by her father to judge a person's character by what they do
when they think nobody is looking. She sees Mr. Duffie working behind the scenes, often serving as a
color guard on ceremonial occasions, or helping youth succeed in school. Mr. Duffle leads by example
and reinforces what he asks people to do through his own example. He always meets people with a smile
and a welcome, from neighbor to neighbor.
Councilmember McLeod has had the privilege of working two years on the Council with Mr. Duffie. Mr.
Duffle's level of service, passion, and commitment is unprecedented. These are all elements that
leadership is defined by. He is a legacy in this community.
Councilmember Seal stated Mr. Duffie has been a friend. When she thinks of Tukwila, she doesn't think
of Southcenter Mall or shopping. She thinks of Mr. Duffie, because he coined the key phrase, "If you can't
find it in Tukwila, you don't need it." She thanked Mr. Duffle for his years of service and the lessons taught
with a smile. She looks forward to continuing their relationship as friends for years to come.
Councilmember Robertson came onto the Council 30 years ago and has served 22 of those years with
Mr. Duffie. Mr. Duffie was one of the original Councilmembers to support the idea of electing presidents in
a rotating order based upon seniority to show that all Councilmembers are equal. He was also
responsible for founding a culture of respect among Councilmembers and to City staff. Although
Councilmembers may not always agree with each other, they always treat each other with respect.
Mayor Ekberg said the word that comes to his mind is "commitment." Mr. Duffle has shown commitment
to the community, service, the City's veterans, its school district, and its residents. Mayor Ekberg
expressed that he will miss Mr. Duffie and the leadership he has provided to the City.
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December 11, 2017 Page 3 of 10
Mayor Ekberg presented Mr. Duffie with a plaque containing a key to the City in recognition of his service
on the Tukwila City Council from January 1, 1982 to December 31, 2017.
Mr. Duffle thanked the City for the acknowledgement and attributed his success to the residents of
Tukwila. He recognized his wife for supporting him over the past 53 years. He emphasized the
importance of working together to accomplish goals. "Together we stand, divided we fall."
PUBLIC HEARING
An ordinance authorizing the Bellwether Housing Development Agreement.
7:32 p.m. Council President Robertson opened the public hearing and asked for a staff report.
Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide an overview of this item
and stated she will go over the Development Agreement process, provide background information on the
site and project, and conclude with a staff recommendation.
On December 12, 2016, Bellwether presented their organization and goals to the Council, and City staff
was directed to proceed with negotiations for a Development Agreement. A Development Agreement is
intended to allow flexibility in standards in exchange for public benefits that will be achieved with the
development. In this case, the City will be receiving permanent affordable housing, 1/4 of a new street to
break up the superblock, development that sets a new standard for apartments, and a development that
responds to new community goals and the adjacent public transit facility.
The 2016-2017 City budget specifically encourages healthy, safe and affordable housing and promotes a
dynamic urban environment. The Department of Community Development has focused on implementing
the housing element of the City's Comprehensive Plan, which focuses on supporting regional affordable
housing development and preservation efforts.
Bellwether desires to develop the site located in the block bounded by South 152nd Street on the north;
Southcenter Boulevard on the south; Tukwila International Boulevard on the west; and 42nd Avenue South
on the east. The project site is in the High Density Residential (HDR) zoning district and is surrounded on
three sides by apartments (the Avalon, Ambassador Gardens and Seasons). The Rainbow Trailer Park is
across the street. The site is currently developed with four single family structures. Additionally, the site is
located within a half mile of the Tukwila International Boulevard Light Rail Station.
The applicant is requesting the following changes to development standards:
a. Building Height: Increase the maximum building height from HDR standards of 45 feet to 70 feet
as measured from grade plane to be consistent with Building Code standards
• Ms. Bradshaw relayed the Tukwila Urban Center allows additional height if the project
contains affordable units. An additional story can be justified because of the dedication of
an access easement that would begin to break up the superblock at this site. There is a
precedent in this neighborhood for allowing developments of up to 70 feet such as in the
example of buildings A and D in Tukwila Village.
b. Recreation Space Standards: Reduce required Recreation Space standard to 15% of residential
area
• Tukwila has a 10% requirement in the Urban Center. Greater open space, public rights of
way, and a neighborhood park are all options that are being considered. Ms. Bradshaw
also noted the Riverton Heights Park (City of SeaTac) is within 3 blocks.
c. Parking Supply Standard: 1:1 stalls per unit
• City staff ran the model developed through the Right Size Parking Study, and found a 1:1
ratio to be sufficient for residential parking needs. In addition, Ms. Bradshaw noted the
site is in a transit -rich environment, which reduces overall demand for parking.
d. Lot Area per Unit: No minimum; density to be determined by the other standards, such as height,
parking, landscaping, etc.
e. Maximum Building Length: No maximum — to be determined during design review by the Board of
Architectural Review
f. Development Area Coverage: 75%
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December 11, 2017 Page 4 of 10
g. Setbacks:
• Front: 6 feet
• Side: 25 feet for 4th floor and higher
Ms. Bradshaw explained the front setbacks are normally 15 feet for the first floor, 20 feet for the second
floor, 30 feet for the third floor, and 45 feet for the 4th floor and above. The front includes 5 - 6 feet of
landscaping and a 5 — 6 -foot sidewalk in the South 152nd Street right of way.
This Development Agreement is fairly standard and similar to previous agreements used for projects such
as Washington Place and Alliance. The most significant change in addition to the changes requested by
the applicant is the effective period of the Development Agreement, which is until December 31, 2023.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the site and the Development Agreement.
8:08 p.m. Councilmember McLeod left the Council Chambers
8:11 p.m. Councilmember McLeod returned to the Council Chambers
8:11 p.m. Councilmember Quinn left the Council Chambers
8:12 p.m. Councilmember Quinn returned to the Council Chambers
Susan Boyd, CEO with Bellwether Housing; Becky Bicknell, Development Program Manager; and Richard
Loo, Director of Development, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide information on the proposed
development.
About Bellwether
• Founded in 1987
• 30 properties managed
• 1,900 apartments managed
• Diverse Neighborhoods: Northgate, University District, Wallingford, Downtown Seattle, Capitol
Hill, South Lake Union, Queen Anne, Rainier Valley
Who We Serve
Bellwether envisions diverse communities where people of all incomes and backgrounds share in the
opportunity and prosperity of the region. Residents include families exiting homelessness, independent
seniors, immigrants seeking opportunity, educators and social workers, and young people just starting
out.
Mission -Based Developer
Bellwether designs high quality apartments that bring stability to the lives of their residents. They take
pride in maintaining their buildings and being responsive to neighbors. Bellwether has kept its buildings
affordable for 40 years and proactively manages the finances and physical needs of their buildings.
Stability and Longevity
Bellwether recently conducted a stability study of 472 units in 8 buildings serving small and large families
with children, with the following findings.
• Over 50% of the households have lived in their apartments for 5 years or more.
• Over 20% of the households have lived in their apartments for 10 years or more.
• Annual turnover rate is 10%.
• Turnover rate in market buildings is 54%.
Target Incomes of Bellwether Residents
• 30% AMI (area median income):
O 1 person= $20,200; 2 people= $23,050; 3 people= $25,950; 4 people= $28,800
o Employment includes retail workers, dishwashers, fast food workers, housekeepers,
childcare workers, home health aides.
• 50% AMI:
O 1 person= $33,060; 2 people= $38,400; 3 people= $43,200; 4 people= $48,000
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December 11, 2017 Page 5 of 10
o Employment includes receptionists, teacher assistants, landscapers, school bus drivers,
medical assistants, vet techs.
• 60% AMI:
o 1 person= $40,320; 2 people= $46,080; 3 people= $51,840; 4 people= $57,600
o Employment includes delivery service drivers, dental assistants, pharmacy technicians,
machinists, social workers, teachers, carpenters
Proposed Bellwether South 152nd Street Project in Tukwila:
• 112 apartments serving families and small households
• Unit mix:
25 Studios with rents at $500 to $1,000
37 One -Bedrooms with rents at $540 to $1,080
34 Two -Bedrooms with rents at $645 to $1,295
16 Three -Bedrooms with rents at $750 to $1,500
• Income Mix: Households earning between $20,000 to $66,000 annually
• 112 parking stalls for residents and an estimated 8 additional stalls
Proposed Community and Play Space:
• Total estimated community/play space: 14,600 square feet or 15% of the building area
• 3 courtyards on the second and upper levels
• Ground level yard space
• Enclosed community room on second level
• Features:
o Structured playground with safety structure
o Structured climbing rocks
o Bike and stroller parking
o Benches for parents
o Outdoor tables and chairs
o Communal tables for meals and kids' activities
o Potential turf areas at ground level
o Safety fencing and railings throughout
Ms. Bicknell stated Bellwether appreciates the work of City staff and the Council in considering their
proposal. With the support of the Council and King County, they anticipate they will be able to start
construction by the end of next year and open in 2020.
Councilmember Kruller asked Bellwether what their takeaways were from meeting with the Tukwila
School District and Tukwila International Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC).
Mr. Loo shared the school district's concerns were centered around a lack of family size units. Bellwether
considers 2 and 3 -bedroom units to be family size units. Some of the issues raised by TIBAC included
concerns about resident profiles and demands on local services.
Council President Robertson called for public comments.
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk, acknowledged receipt of 1 written comment received in the City Clerk's
Office relating to the Bellwether ordinance. The following written comment was distributed to the City
Council and referenced into the record:
1. A 2 -page letter received on December 11, 2017, from David Puki relating to the rezone
application.
Bryan Whiting, 150 Southwest 156th Street, Burien, is representing the owners of the Avalon Apartments,
which is located adjacent to the proposed development. The Avalon was built by tradesman back in the
70s and is operated by working class residents. It comprises 42 studio units and has very reasonable
rents. The owners of the Avalon are concerned by the proposed sidewalks and on -street parking along
South 152nd Street, as that area sees high traffic congestion in the evening. Mr. Whiting expressed
concern about the height of the proposed development and stated a 75 -foot building will dwarf the other
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December 11, 2017 Page 6 of 10
properties in the area. He asked what the tax liability of the Avalon will be if the area is rezoned, and
relayed the Avalon has already needed to increase their rent twice over the past year because of higher
taxes. Mr. Whiting also feels there will be an impact to police because more people often means more
crime.
Dave Puki, 3748 South 152nd Street, is here tonight to speak on some of the issues presented in his
written comments. He feels it is unjust to grant deviations from the City's code to an outside developer
when residents are not allowed to make modifications to their properties. South 152nd Street sees serious
traffic conditions because of the Transit Center that was built on South 154th Street/Southcenter
Boulevard. Although he lives on a residential road, drivers use South 152nd Street as a bypass, resulting
in speeding and illegal parking. Mr. Puki stated Bellwether will be given tax breaks but can still utilize
services such as Fire, EMT, and Police. He asked that the City consider this Development Agreement
carefully to ensure the City is not financially impacted by an increased demand for services. Mr. Puki also
explained affordable housing is not the same thing as subsidized housing and to qualify to be a resident,
applicants will need to meet certain criteria. Bellwether does not have an exit plan for tenants who reach
above average income, preventing the next needy individual and family from moving in.
Pam Carter, 4115 South 139th Street, is representing TIBAC. Members of TIBAC had differences of
opinion regarding the proposed development. Ms. Carter reminded the Council that the vision planning for
Tukwila International Boulevard several years ago did not specify building height limits. She supports this
Development Agreement although she is wary of some aspects. As stated by Ms. Bradshaw, the Council
and the City's Comprehensive Plan both support affordable housing. Ms. Carter noted many of the
requests made by the applicant in the Development Agreement are not out of line with the anticipated
changes to the TIB zoning. This development isn't low-income; it's affordable. Ms. Carter asked for
clarification regarding on -street parking. It was her understanding that the City will design the street and
decide where parking is, but she is hearing differently from others this evening. She also asked how this
would impact property taxes. Ms. Carter emphasized her support of the Bellwether development and
noted they have several successful projects. If the City does not move forward with this Development
Agreement, she does not know when the City will have affordable housing.
Sharon Mann, 4452 South 160th Street, stated she objects to the Bellwether Development on many
levels. She does not see a benefit to the residents of Tukwila through this project. The Boulevard is
already moving in a positive direction with the construction of Tukwila Village, the recent opening of a
library, and the plans for the Justice Center. She asked why the City is not doing more to attract economic
developers. Is it possible for this development to go down into the Urban Center instead, where there are
more "live and work" opportunities? In January 2017, she asked the Council about the possibility of
incentivizing restoration of existing properties by reducing their property taxes. The Bellwether
development will only further extend the issue of substandard rentals in the City. The City has 53
apartment complexes within 9 square miles: Of 6,029 homes in Tukwila, 3,897 are non -owner occupied
and rentals. Tukwila has become a transit community. Ms. Mann noted the Council passed an ordinance
increasing the property tax by 1% last month. She expressed that the residents of Tukwila cannot be
responsible for solving the housing crisis and the City has taken on more than is sustainable for a City of
its size. Ms. Mann is concerned about the property's potential impact on fire, police and social services
despite not paying property taxes. She noted the site is not equipped to accommodate 200 children due
to the impact on schools and lack of nearby recreational space. She is not in favor of the applicant's
request to increase their height limit.
Charis Hnin, 5212 South 164th Street, stated 814 households are waiting for affordable 3 -bedroom units in
southwest King County; 1,213 households are waiting for 2 -bedroom units; 2,275 households are waiting
for 1 -bedroom units. The household on the top of this waitlist submitted their application in April 2013.
She emphasized the importance of housing 200 children; 10% of the students in Tukwila's schools are
experiencing homelessness. Ms. Hnin stated she is here tonight to support the Bellwether Housing
Development Agreement. Affordable housing options such as Bellwether will allow residents greater
discretionary income and an opportunity to save toward down payments to purchase houses. She has
heard several comments tonight about Bellwether using City services although it will not pay taxes. She
noted that the City of Tukwila has a fire and police force large enough to support a daytime population of
over 100,000. According to a human services report she read, the number one human service issue in
Tukwila is housing. Based on her experience as a property manager in Seattle, residents in affordable
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December 11, 2017 Page 7 of 10
housing properties are assets to the community. She came to the United States as an immigrant and has
lived in Tukwila with her husband for almost 4 years. They are here to put their roots down. She urged the
Council to invest in future generations and stated she is proud to be a resident of Tukwila.
Pat Larson, 14244 55th Avenue South, is a former principal of Foster High School. The current principal of
Foster High School has a single -income family and commutes from Auburn because she cannot afford to
live in Tukwila. Although 2 — 3 -bedroom apartments may seem like a family size unit, Tukwila has families
that are extremely large and multi -generational. Three -bedrooms will barely accommodate these families.
Tukwila also has many families that are living on the edge of homelessness. Ms. Larson noted many
people do not have to make choices between paying rent or putting food on the table, but this is the
reality for many families of students at Foster High School and throughout the Tukwila School District. Ms.
Larson shared that one family of a student at Foster High School is commuting from Spanaway because
they became homeless. Invisible homelessness is a real issue in the Tukwila School District, which has
over 300 students that are homeless. Ms. Larson expressed concern about these at -risk students and
noted winter break is very difficult for them because they are going two weeks without free or reduced
lunch and the stability and structure that school provides. She is also concerned about the gentrification
of Tukwila International Boulevard. Landlords are refurbishing shabby apartments and doubling rents in
these units. She emphasized the need for affordable housing and asked the Council to consider how this
development will benefit students.
Jan Bolerjack, 13832 Military Road, noted the New York Times had previously reported Tukwila School
District as the most diverse district in the nation. Tukwila is losing its diversity. Ms. Bolerjack noted some
of the benefits of being the most diverse district included notoriety and funding to the School District.
When enrollment declines, so does funding. The Tukwila School District can no longer provide services to
students and must make hard budgetary decisions. Ms. Bolerjack expressed support for affordable
housing and stated this development will serve Tukwila's families. Riverton Park United Methodist Church
has a dedicated Best Start for Kids program case manager through King County. Ms. Bolerjack relayed
that the case manager is unable to find affordable housing in Tukwila and places homeless families as far
as Lynnwood. She noted voters approved the Sound Transit light rail although it was not perfect because
of the necessity of having a regional transit system. She sees a similarity with this issue on affordable
housing in Tukwila and expressed that if the City and its residents wait until everything is perfect to move
forward with a project, it will never get started. This is a community that makes things work. She asked
the Council to take a chance and thanked them for listening to the testimony tonight.
Sondra Lesser, 3740 South 152nd Street, stated she feels strongly about this issue as a resident. Last
year, she tried to renovate her house but never received a call back from the City regarding her request.
As a result, she lost her financing. She stated she is unhappy that an outside developer is being granted
deviations from the City's code but she, as a resident of Tukwila for 22 years, is not allowed any changes.
She is concerned that this development will further exacerbate the problems she has had with people
parking on her property. She also expressed concern about the possibility of sex offenders moving into
the area.
Adam Loeffler, 5212 South 164th Street, expressed his support of the Bellwether development. He relayed
Bellwether's eligibility criteria for residents could be found on their website. Based on his knowledge, sex
offenders are not eligible. Mr. Loeffler is a structural engineer who has been in practice for 6 years. He
understands the concerns surrounding height and parking, but noted these issues can be worked out
during the design phase. Neither are "game stoppers."
Bill Flores, 3731 S 152nd Street, has lived at his property since 1978. The City knows he has a storm
drainage problem. All of the houses along 37th Place South have problems with the water. On rainy days,
his pump runs approximately every 50 seconds, which is a lot of water. He expressed concern about the
development's impact on his street's water drainage issue and asked that the City consider how to divert
water, since he feels this will worsen the problem. Mr. Flores stated he and his wife have saved money to
build a house for their retirement but are unable to afford building the house due to the many changes
required by the City's codes.
9:20 p.m. Council President Robertson closed the public hearing.
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December 11, 2017 Page 8 of 10
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An ordinance authorizing the Bellwether Housing Development.
9:23 p.m. Councilmember Duffie left the Council Chambers
9:26 p.m. Councilmember Duffle returned to the Council Chambers
Councilmember McLeod asked the following clarifying questions:
• How does Bellwether determine who gets the units? Ms. Boyd stated Bellwether is required by the
City of Seattle to review applications on a first-come, first -serve basis. The first applicant to pass the
screening criteria gets the unit. There is no waiting list because there is little turnover in their units.
• What is the opportunity cost to the City regarding property tax? Ms. Bradshaw stated property taxes
for the site under existing conditions would be valued at approximately $10,000. She clarified
Bellwether will not be totally exempt from paying property taxes. Bellwether will pay property tax for
any units occupied by households making 50% AMI (area median income) or more.
• How will Bellwether handle residents who remain tenants despite making a higher than average AMI?
Ms. Boyd confirmed Bellwether is not able to evict tenants who begin making more than the restricted
income limits. These cases happen infrequently, but when they do, Bellwether typically increases rent
to 30% of the tenant's income.
Councilmember Kruller asked the following clarifying questions:
• How necessary is the right-of-way the City will receive in exchange for granting additional building
height? Ms. Bradshaw replied that the additional story the City would allow Bellwether would not be
out of line with the anticipated rezoning for that area. Mr. Loo explained Bellwether chose that site
after first attempting to purchase and renovate other property in the area. Mr. Loo expressed that he
feels the additional height is suitable to the location of the proposed development.
• Why is Bellwether asking for additional building height? Ms. Boyd explained Bellwether proposed a
right -sized development to the City, after considering their funding system, efficiency of operations,
and the need to create a healthy community within the building.
• Why is it expensive to build underground? Mr. Loo stated the cost is due to construction, excavation
and shoring. In response to questions regarding storm water drainage, Mr. Loo explained that the
issue of groundwater and storm water detention is normally addressed during the permitting stage.
Councilmember Quinn asked the following clarifying questions:
• What is your process as it relates to tenant eligibility? Ms. Boyd stated Bellwether completes criminal
history checks on all applicants and has intricate screening criteria according to different levels of
criminal backgrounds. Bellwether tries to balance between creating a safe community and giving
those who have served time an opportunity to have affordable housing. Ms. Boyd relayed the
screening criteria can be found on Bellwether's website.
• What are some of the items covered in your lease agreements? Ms. Bicknell outlined some of the
tenant rules, including: quiet hours effective 10:00 p.m.; restrictions on guest accommodations; unit
occupancy limits; common area use; and parking. Ms. Bicknell stated she could provide the full list to
the Council.
• What are Bellwether's funding opportunities? Ms. Boyd explained King County currently has funds
available to develop what is called "work -force" housing, otherwise known as affordable housing.
These funds are being allocated countywide, with $5.5 million dedicated to south King County. Funds
are being allocated through the end of 2017. There will not be new funds for affordable housing
development for several years. Ms. Boyd emphasized that this is a unique opportunity.
9:57 p.m. Councilmember Quinn left the Council Chambers
10:00 p.m. Councilmember Quinn returned to the Council Chambers
Councilmember Hougardy asked the following clarifying questions:
• What will the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review cover? Ms. Bradshaw noted SEPA
reviews include ground and storm water analysis and the impacts this development will have. The
report will have technical information on the project's impacts on the environment. It will also have
information regarding the impact on municipal services and utilities. SEPA reviews also cover traffic
studies. SEPA reviews are intended to be as comprehensive as possible.
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December 11, 2017 Page 9 of 10
• Does the City have a Capital Improvement Plan for South 152nd Street? Ms. Bradshaw explained the
City looked at all its residential streets to develop a residential street prioritization plan. South 152nd
Street is not on the priority list for capital improvements. However, redevelopment of the street is
possible on the developer's frontage side.
• How does Bellwether intend to reach out to Tukwila residents? Ms. Boyd stated Bellwether will reach
out to potential tenants through their relationship with community-based organizations in Tukwila.
They will employ outreach strategies such as advertising and affirmative marketing to ensure those
living in Tukwila are the first to know about this affordable housing opportunity.
• Is the lawn on the south side of the property flat or sloped? Ms. Bicknell said there is some slope to
that part of the site. If the City would like to utilize that area for recreation space, it is possible to grade
and level it.
Councilmember Duffle asked about building security. Ms. Bicknell replied that although the building will
not have security guards, it will have restricted access through a key -fob system. Staff will be available
after hours through a call service, and central maintenance staff are on duty as well. A resident manager
will be available on site during regular business hours.
Council President Robertson asked the following clarifying questions:
• Is it possible for Bellwether to sell the property later? Ms. Boyd conveyed that while it is possible for
Bellwether to sell the property, it is a very remote and unlikely possibility. Bellwether builds sites as
though they will operate them for the life of the building. Charlotte Archer, Assistant City Attorney,
explained Development Agreements have a short shelf life and are not intended to live beyond the
construction of the building. She called attention to an affordability covenant mentioned by Ms. Boyd.
Ms. Boyd confirmed Ms. Archer's statement and clarified that Bellwether's funding requires that the
property be owned by a nonprofit organization and operated as affordable housing for a period of at
least 50 years. This limits the flexibility of the use and sale of the property.
Council President Robertson asked several technical questions regarding the site plan measurements
and calculation of recreation space. Diana Keys, architect with Johnson Braund, came to the podium to
answer Mr. Robertson's questions on those issues.
Council President Robertson also referenced Page 25 of the agenda packet, which states Bellwether has
proposed to develop a Parking Management Plan agreement for its tenants. He asked how this can be
implemented. Ms. Bicknell explained Bellwether has done similar agreements when they know parking is
an issue. They work closely with local officials to identify tools and resources to manage parking.
Bellwether already limits the number of parking spaces, and incentivizes alternative modes of
transportation such as providing public transit cards or investing in a shared car. They partner with the
City to try to enforce parking regulations for their tenants.
The Council expressed their support of this Development Agreement. While there is concern about some
of the requested zoning modifications in the Development Agreement, the Council is committed to
providing affordable housing in Tukwila.
Council President Robertson asked the Council if there was consensus to extend the Council meeting
past the 11:00 p.m. deadline.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO CONTINUE THE MEETING PAST 11:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO CONSIDER THIS ITEM UNDER THE SPECIAL MEETING
DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THIS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Based on a suggestion by David Cline, City Administrator, to address the other items on the agenda due
to the lateness of the hour, the Council made the following consensus statement:
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO APPROVE ITEM 4C (TUKWILA TOURISM AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT BRANDING), ITEM 4D (A LEASE FOR THE WAY BACK INN-GREGOR HOUSE),
AND ITEM 4E* (COUNCIL CONSENSUS ON THE HUMAN SERVICES PLAN) AND FORWARD THESE
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
December 11, 2017 Page 10 of 10
ITEMS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE OF
THE WHOLE THIS EVENING.
*Note: Item 4E — While the Council supported the Human Services Plan, it did not require a motion
through the Consent agenda at the Special Meeting following this Committee of the Whole.
REPORTS
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO DISPENSE WITH REPORTS DUE TO THE LATENESS OF THE
HOUR.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Kruller reported she attended an event through the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and
spoke with Mary's Place (emergency shelter for homeless families) regarding their application to create a
temporary family shelter in Tukwila. Ms. Kruller relayed Mary's Place put in significant work on this project
and is ready to re-engage. She stated she looks forward to "moving the needle" in 2018.
Joseph Todd, Technology and Innovation Services Director, stated the City has done studies to see how
it can provide students with Internet connectivity. The Technology and Innovation Services Department is
implementing a plan for public Internet access and will be providing a public wi-fi zone on 144th Avenue
heading west toward Military Road. There will be 9 access points, with approximately 300 megabytes per
second of total bandwidth. Mr. Todd stated this is the City's first foray into providing free connectivity for
its residents.
11:18 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONDUCT A SPECIAL MEETING.
Dennis Robertson, Council President
Andy Your, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 1/3/18
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 1/3/18