HomeMy WebLinkAboutHSAB 2016-10-13 Minutes
City of Tukwila Human Services
Advisory Board
th
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Human Services Conference Room
6300 Southcenter Blvd., suite 115
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
AGENDA TOPICS
Attendees: Terra Straight, Jan Bolerjack, Charis Hnin, Jonathan Joseph, Chief Wittwer, Rachel Bianchi, Evie Boykan,
Stacy Hansen
1. Proposed revision to advisory board meeting structure/bylaws:
Standardizing processes city-wide; including coordinated term appointments before council for all
rd
boards/commissions (terms will expire at the end of the 3 year), voting on a chair and co-chair, bi-annual
review of necessity/purpose of board, review of Ethics, Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act to
occur first meeting in calendar year for new/re-appointed members, at least one board meeting per quarter,
produce an annual report.
2. Budget updates:
2017-18 budget may include a $50,000 annual increase due to an identified budget surplus. Council members
acknowledged that need has increased but budget has remained flat for 8 years. After budget is approved,
council will share priorities, board will discuss their priorities (improving stability? increasing lifetime limit?
Visit/invest in training programs that applied for funding? Funds to share resident success stories, Tuk TV,
video’s, etc.? community visibility of HS?)
Parallel Process Update:
10-11 – application available
10-18 – Tech Assis workshop, 9-11:30 at Kent City Hall (Centennial Center)
10-25 – Application due (emailed or hard copy)
(Tukwila $10,000; Federal Way $15,000; Kent $25,000; Seattle Foundation is providing matching funds up
front for start-up support). Question was asked regarding outreach on the parallel process and accessing funds;
all three cities advertised (city web sites, SKCHS, Reporter, providers, community partners).
3. Tukwila Public Safety Bond - Fire Chief Wittwer – Rachel Bianchi
Chief introduced himself - 29 years in N Los Vegas fire department, wanted to relocated to PNW. Goal of
today’s visit to answer questions and give a brief overview of the Public Safety Bond. Bond includes replacing
(retro-fitting was not recommended after facilities studies was complete showing significant infrastructure
issues). Bond is for three fire stations, equipment needs (self-contained breathing apparatuses, fire truck, etc.).
The bond will also support the construction of a Justice Center housing the police department and municipal
court.
Questions from the board:
What community outreach occurred to gather input?
Multiple media outlets were used (city website, social media, etc.) to inform the community about upcoming
events. An advisory group was formed (businesses, residents), presentations were held at council meetings and
open houses were held in all fire stations.
Since there is a 60/40 split (rentals vs homeowners) aren’t property owners then paying a large portion
of the levy?
80% of property taxes are paid by businesses in Tukwila-that leaves the remaining 20% to be paid by individual
homeowners at a rate of $116 per year on a $250,000 home (over the course of 20 years).
Prior to you (Chief Wittwer) being hired, there was a significant financial shortfall in the budget due to
excess overtime. As the new fire Chief, how can residents be assured that this issue will not reoccur?
When staff unexpectedly leaves employment, it creates a workforce shortage. Hiring new civil service
positions (fire/police) requires very specific regulatory training and protocol must be followed, so the hiring
process takes many months. Staff working o/t was the only way to provide adequate/necessary city-wide
coverage until new staff was on-board. Now, there is a ‘pipeline’ of ready-to-start employees available for hire
in the event of staff turnover so an excess of o/t should not be an issue.
4. Member sharing – did not occur-meeting ran late.
Person responsible: Deadline:
Staff: Create Doodle poll for November meeting, discuss priorities from 10-EB - SH 10-28-16
024-16 council meeting, develop funding priorities