HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-15 Community Development and Neighborhoods MinutesCity of Tukwila
City Council Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2018 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Kate Kruller, Chair, Kathy Hougardy, Zak Idan
Staff: Mayor Ekberg, David Cline, Derek Speck, Nora Gierloff, Stacy Hansen, Kia
Shagena, Laurel Humphrey
Guests: Michelle Hankinson, Nexus Youth and Families
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kruller called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
I. BUSINESS AGENDA
Motion was made, seconded and carried to consider the Homeless Services Zoning item as the
second order of business.
A. 2018 Lodging Tax Application: Southcenter 50th Anniversary
Staff is seeking Council approval of an application from the City of Tukwila for lodging tax
funds in the amount of $90,500 to be used for costs related to the Southcenter 50th
Celebration. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommended approval of the funding
request at its meeting on May 1, 2018. Southcenter Mall, now known as Westfield
Southcenter, opened in 1968 and the City is partnering with other stakeholders to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the Southcenter Shopping District. If approved, only the actual costs
will be billed and unused funds will remain in the lodging tax fund. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
FORWARD TO MAY 21, 2018 REGULAR CONSENT AGENDA.
B. Zoning for Homeless Services
Staff updated the Committee on homeless shelters and services, including code status and
2017 service statistics. The Zoning Code does not currently address shelters or services for
those experiencing homelessness, so when Mary's Place approached the City with a proposal
for a temporary shelter at the Barnaby's location, staff worked on a development agreement
which was approved by the 2017 Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee.
Ultimately Mary's Place opted not to locate in Tukwila and are currently pursuing a former
addiction treatment center in Burien which could provide housing, services and shelter for
approximately 200 people each night. Tukwila contracts with numerous agencies that
provide services relating to housing stability, and shelters in neighboring cities serve Tukwila
residents as part of a regional approach in South King County. The City could provide greater
certainty to agencies desiring to locate shelters in Tukwila if the Council makes policy
decisions around siting, criteria, and an approval process, which is a work plan item that could
be included in the 2019-2020 budget.
Community Development & Neighborhoods Minutes May 15, 2018
Michelle Hankinson, Executive Director of Nexus Youth and Families, briefed the Committee
on her organization, which provides behavioral health and homeless services including
shelter and transitional housing to youth up to age 24. While their housing and shelter
facilities are located in Auburn, they contract with the City to provide outreach and services
to Tukwila youth. Ms. Hankinson stated that co -location of services and access to transit are
key to successful shelter facilities.
Staff asked the Committee for direction on next steps. Councilmember Hougardy noted that
a code change would be a significant work item and that handling applicants with a
development agreement process could provide more flexibility for shelter locations at this
time. Chair Kruller stated an interest in looking into the conditional use option. She remains
disappointed that Mary's Place chose not to locate in Tukwila and would like the City to have
its expectations clarified before the next applicant approaches. She proposed that a starting
place for the Council could be to review the Mary's Place proposal again to evaluate what
could or could not work for future zoning or use decisions. She feels that addressing youth
homelessness is an urgent need and the City needs to do more. Councilmember Idan shared
that it would be effective to find an existing shelter partner to collaborate with on a zoning
proposal, and he would like to explore options. Staff pointed out that shelter locations can
be a controversial topic in communities, requiring significant outreach and staff time.
Councilmember Hougardy mentioned that significant work items require a quorum of Council
direction, and Chair Kruller indicated that she will raise this issue at Monday's Council
meeting. DISCUSSION ONLY.
C. Animal Regulations and Rats/Rodents
Staff briefed the Committee on existing chicken regulations and the relationship that Code
Enforcement staff sees between chicken and rat complaints made to the City. The animal code
was updated in 2011 to increase opportunities for residents to raise chickens, then updated
again in 2015 to align with King County's code. In Tukwila there is no minimum lot size and
setback requirements of 10 feet for both lot lines and residences. Citywide code enforcement
complaints do not reflect a strong correlation between backyard chickens and rat infestations,
and staff stated that bird feeders, dog food, garbage accumulation and fruit trees can all play a
part. The two most common complaints are garbage and vegetation overgrowth. Chair Kruller
and some of her neighbors have noticed a worsening problem since the 2011 code changes and
she will encourage her neighbors to submit code complaints. TMC 7.08.130 states that
"Provision shall be made for the removal of animal waste and food waste so that the areas are
kept free from infestation of insects, rodents or disease..." and staff offered that they will
investigate any addresses provided. DISCUSSION ONLY.
Adjourned 7:06 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH