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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers August 13, 2018 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Seal 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 Seal; Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan. CITY OFFICIALS David Cline, City Administrator; Henry Hash, Public Works Director; Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Deputy Director/City Engineer; Pat Brodin, Public Works Development Manager; Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Bill Devlin, Sergeant; Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor; Mia Navarro, Community Engagement Manager; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Erika Eddins, Human Resources Analyst; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mia Navarro, Community Engagement Manager, introduced two teachers from the Highline School District who are externing with the City this week: Christina Kalu and Robbie Furtado. Ms. Kalu teaches Special Education Math at Chinook Middle School. She thanked Ms. Navarro and the Council for the opportunity to extern with the City. Mr. Furtado teaches 8th Grade U.S. History at Pacific Middle School. He is excited to observe how city government works and incorporate what he learns into his lesson plans for his students. He thanked the Council for the opportunity. Joe Duffie, 5332 South 140th Street, expressed concern about speeding on 53rd Avenue South. Despite the construction, drivers are going so fast on this road that he wonders if they will hit a pedestrian or construction worker. Once the construction project is finished, 53rd Avenue South will be a "straight through" from South 144th Street to Interurban Avenue. He relayed that many youths are walking along 53rd Avenue South and urged the Council to address speeding on this street. Councilmember Kruller shared feedback she received from residents during National Night Out Against Crime on August 7, 2018, about the 53rd Avenue South project. She heard comments regarding speed and safety. Gravel and loose dirt are being swept up early in the mornings but less so at the end of construction. She thanked Mr. Duffie for bringing forward his concerns. Councilmember McLeod relayed he spoke to residents in the area over the weekend. He provided a list of items to follow up on to Henry Hash, Public Works Director. Mr. Hash and his staff met earlier today to review the list. They will be reaching out to the contractor to see what can be done to mitigate speeding on 53rd Avenue South. Mr. Duffie replied construction trucks and vehicles have also been blocking resident access to roads. He appreciates the efforts of the City to make its streets safer. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 2 of 8 SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance establishing sewer connection requirements for "the Loop and Surrounding Area." Councilmember McLeod indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting on July 23, 2018. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Pat Brodin, Public Works Development Manager, explained that Valley View Sewer District is completing a project to provide sanitary sewer services to "the Loop and Surrounding Area." This ordinance sets the sewer connection requirements and defines the service area boundary. The ordinance states that any homes existing on September 30, 2018 will be required to connect to the sewer and pay the associated connection charges to Valley View Sewer District if any portion of any building is situated within 250 feet of a sewer line and if: • Septic or health problems are identified by King County Health Department that require repair or replacement, or • A temporary drain field repair permit that requires connection to public sewer has been issued by the King County Health Department, or • The home changes ownership, or • Remodeling occurs, adding a bathroom or bedroom. Valley View Sewer District has also provided preliminary project and cost details regarding installation of sewers as shown on pages 9 through 11 in the agenda packet. Mr. Brodin stated this item is very similar to previous sewer connection projects in Duwamish and Allentown. Dennis Martinez, 4660 South 160th Street, visited the Valley View Sewer District last week to ask about a construction schedule and was not able to reach anyone. Residents in the area are in support of this project, but it would be helpful if a schedule could be shared. Mr. McLeod confirmed he will inquire about obtaining a schedule. Pam Carter, Valley View Sewer District Commissioner, came forward to answer questions by the Council. The Councilmembers asked questions regarding this issue and exchanged comments as follows: • Valley View Sewer District presented great information at the July 23, 2018 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting. This process is consistent with other projects; • Homeowners in "the Loop and Surrounding Area" are only required to connect if any portion of the building is within 250 feet of a sewer line and in the event of septic failure, temporary drain field repair, change of ownership or remodel; • Valley View Sewer District has engaged with residents on an individual basis regarding this project; • As a result of Community Development Block Grant funding, lower -income households will qualify for financial assistance towards the district's connection charge, the district's general facility charge and King County's capacity charge; • More homeowners may be eligible for financial assistance as a result of revised income guidelines for 2018. Valley View Sewer District recently sent out letters to residents regarding the new guidelines; • Failing home septic tanks is a public health and environmental concern due to fecal coliform contamination of rivers and waterways; • There is a significant savings incentive to connect in 2018, or Phase II of the project. Charges will be almost double in 2019; • Residents can make appointments to meet Valley View Sewer District staff in advance; • It is important to minimize construction disturbance to residents in the area; • Should a change in ownership or fulfillment of the other listed conditions occur, the City will notify Valley View Sewer District. This ordinance will be recorded against the affected properties; • Complaints about septic systems will go to King County Health Department, which will notify the City. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 3 of 8 b. An ordinance related to red Tight cameras. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on August 6, 2018. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. She relayed the Court is estimating that an additional 1.75 FTE and another half -day calendar would be needed if the City moves forward with 6-12 cameras. The committee suggested a phased -in approach with fewer cameras. Bruce Linton, Police Chief, introduced Sergeant Bill Devlin, Traffic Section Supervisor. Chief Linton provided a brief background of this issue and explained the City has experienced an increase in speeding complaints mostly in residential neighborhoods and arterial streets. Addressing these complaints has been difficult due to the Police Department's limited Traffic Section. Two years ago, the Mayor's Office in collaboration with the Police Department and Public Works implemented SPRINT (Speed Reduction in Neighborhoods in Tukwila) to address speeding within the City. The program assigned additional duties to two police officers to focus on speeding in neighborhoods when their shifts are adequately staffed. However, the current staffing level has been a challenge for the Police Department. Chief Linton emphasized that red light cameras will provide an opportunity to use technology to help Police address speeding issues. Sergeant Devlin outlined key points regarding automated traffic safety cameras as follows: Key Points. • Cameras will... o Make the city streets safer; o Reduce red light running; o Reduce potentially serious injury right angle collisions; o Educate the public and spill over to surrounding non -camera intersections; o Increase traffic flow; o Assist with internal investigations, collision investigations and lawsuits; o Increase the safety of police officers; o Provide more efficient service, 24/7, with no additional FTEs; and o Allow for better tracking of vehicles, collisions, and tickets issued. • Police, Prosecutor, City Attorney and Court support this program. • National studies show a high percentage of the public is in favor of red light cameras. General Automated Enforcement Information and Uses • "Automated enforcement" refers to the use of cameras to enforce traffic safety laws (red light running) 24/7. • Their primary purpose is to improve traffic safety by modifying driver behavior. • Many states have laws that explicitly authorize automated enforcement. (RCW 46.63.170) • The most common type of automated program is for red light violations. The use of cameras to enforce speed limits is less common, but increasing, especially in school zones. • Many jurisdictions treat automated enforcement citations just like parking tickets in that the registered owner is liable. Parking tickets do not result in points and/or are not recorded on a driver's record. Local Automated Enforcement Uses • In our State/area there are currently 17 programs, with 343 safety cameras. • They are used in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Chelan Counties. • King County ATS camera programs include: Bellevue (9), Des Moines (11), Federal Way (16), Issaquah (2), Kent (8), Lake Forrest Park (11), Mercer Island School District (5), Renton (18), Seattle (59), Seattle Public Schools (120). The Need for an Automated Red Light Program • Their primary purpose is to improve traffic safety. • To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting and healthy environment for our residents, businesses and guests. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 4 of 8 • Responsive —We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve. • Why is red light running a problem? • Red light runners cause hundreds of deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars in property damage each year. In 2016, 800 people were killed, and an estimated 137,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running. How Often do Drivers Run Red Lights? • Studies conducted during a several month time frame in 5 busy intersections in Fairfax County, Virginia prior to the use of red light cameras found that a motorist ran a red light every 20 minutes at each intersection, and during peak times it was more frequent. • An analysis of red light violation data from 19 intersections without red light cameras in four states found a violation rate of 3.2 per hour per intersection. Do Red Light Cameras Reduce Violations and Collisions? • Yes, in addition to the decrease in red light running at camera -equipped sites, studies show this effect is carried over to nearby signalized intersections that are not equipped with red light cameras. • An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) international red light camera study concluded that cameras lower red light violations by 40-50 percent. • A 2016 Institute study comparing large cities with red light cameras to those without found the devices reduced the red light running crash rate by 21 percent and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14 percent. • Previous IIHS research in California found significant citywide crash reductions followed the introduction of red light cameras, and injury crashes at intersections with traffic signals were reduced by 29 percent. Red Light Violations and Injury Collisions • Front -into -side collisions (right angle), the crash type most closely associated with red light running, at the aforementioned intersections declined by 32 percent overall, and front -into -side crashes involving injury fell 68 percent. • An Institute review of international red light camera studies concluded that cameras reduce injury crashes by 25-30 percent. • The Cochrane Collaboration, an international public health organization, reviewed 10 controlled before/after studies of red light camera effectiveness. Based on the most rigorous studies, there was an estimated 13-29 percent reduction in all types of injury crashes and a 24 percent reduction in right angle injury crashes. Do Red Light Cameras Increase the Risk of Rear -end Collisions? • Some studies have reported that while red light cameras reduce front —into -side collisions and overall injury crashes, they can increase rear -end crashes, however such crashes tend to be much less severe than front —into -side crashes, so the net effect is positive. • The study sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration evaluated red light camera programs in seven cities and they found that overall, right-angle crashes decreased by 25 percent while rear -end collisions increased by 15 percent. • Results showed a positive aggregate economic benefit of more than $18.5 million in those seven cities. The authors concluded that the economic costs from the increase in rear -end crashes were more than offset by the economic benefits from the decrease in right-angle crashes targeted by red light cameras. • Note, not all studies have reported increases in rear -end crashes. The review by Cochrane Collaboration did not find a statistically significant change in rear -end injury crashes. Proposed Red Light Safety Camera Intersections • Boeing Access Road at Martin Luther King Jr. Way South • South 133rd Street and Interurban Avenue South • Southcenter Parkway at Strander Boulevard • West Valley Highway at South 180th Street Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 5 of 8 • Grady Way and Interurban Avenue South • Southcenter Boulevard at 61 st Avenue South o Stats From 1/1/14-12/31/16: 39 collisions with 16 being right angle crashes, with 8 persons injured; 16 sideswipe; 6 rear end crashes; 1 fixed object. American Traffic Solutions (ATS) Per Month Pricing (No Upfront Cost) • $4,250 (per camera, per month) • Latest Technology • Program Support and Training • End -to -End Services • Award -Winning Public Relations Based on questions from the Councilmembers, clarification was provided on the following: • The size of the city or agency is not indicative of how many cameras it may have; • The Police Department has the capacity to assign additional duties relating to this program. The intent is for this program to be self-sufficient; • The Tukwila Municipal Court anticipates an additional 1.75 FTE and half -day calendar to move forward with 6 cameras. Including benefits, this would cost $53,000 to $73,000 annually; • 6 cameras may bring in 7,500 citations monthly, depending on the location; • American Traffic Solutions requires a multi -year contract; • Cameras can be redeployed to other intersections; • According to outside agencies, about 72% of those cited pay the penalty; The Councilmembers asked questions regarding this issue and exchanged comments as follows: • This program is intended to improve public safety rather than create revenue; however, revenue is also a significant consideration in the current fiscal climate; • It is important to be mindful of data retention and public disclosure requirements for red light cameras; • It is prudent to roll out the program with the least number of cameras possible; • More information is needed on the anticipated costs of implementation, predictability and revenue; • Information is needed on how many people pay penalties immediately or through collections; • Since this program is a significant change for residents, there should be community outreach to obtain feedback; • Chapter 46.63 RCW requires an annual report be posted on the number of traffic accidents, notices issued, and other relevant information. Council President Seal thanked Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator, for coming forward to provide clarification and answer questions from the Council. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO RETURN THIS ITEM TO COMMITTEE. c. An amendment to a contract with The Watershed Company for the Sensitive Areas ordinance. Council President Seal shared this item bypassed the August 14, 2018 Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee meeting as it was cancelled. Minnie Dhaliwal, Planning Supervisor, explained this is an amendment to a contract with The Watershed Company to update the Sensitive Area Code (TMC Chapter 18.45) to reflect current Best Available Science (BAS) as required by the Growth Management Act (GMA). Staff is currently conducting background work prior to forwarding the updated code to the Planning Commission for review. More data and analysis are needed to inform the policy discussion on the buffers for the wetlands. The Watershed Company will be conducting work to classify wetlands according to the Department of Ecology's new rating system that requires that habitat value be taken into consideration. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 6 of 8 The original contract was approved for $12,320. The proposed amendment is for an additional $33,715 for a total not to exceed $46,035. This amount will come from the Department of Community Development professional services budget. Councilmember Kruller asked Ms. Dhaliwal to expand on the substantial increase in cost. Ms. Dhaliwal noted the initial scope of work was for The Watershed Company to prepare a memo and analyze BAS. This amendment is to perform field work and analyze the City's wetlands. Ms. Kruller highlighted approximately 47 wetlands will be evaluated. Councilmember Quinn remarked that having a complete inventory is advantageous to the City, as attorneys may question a designation per BAS. Ms. Dhaliwal added staff has reviewed wetland reports received in the recent past as part of development applications to avoid duplication and to keep costs down. This has reduced the number of wetlands that need to be classified. Following a question from Councilmember Idan regarding timelines, Ms. Dhaliwal explained the original contract was executed in August 2017. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. A collective bargaining agreement with Tukwila Firefighters Union Local No. 2088 (2017-2019). 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 Tukwila Firefighters Local No. 2088 negotiations team opened labor negotiations on October 4, 2016, to reach an agreement on a successor labor contract. A tentative agreement negotiated in good faith between the parties was reached resulting in a three-year agreement with the Tukwila Firefighters Local No. 2088 bargaining group for 2017-2019. Ms. Brown explained the collective bargaining agreement provides for wage adjustments of 3.0% for 2017; 3.25% for 2018; and 3.0% for 2019. The Tukwila Firefighters Local No. 2088 have agreed to accept the City's Self -Insured Medical Benefit Plan design changes which will result in savings to our health care plan. The City and Union negotiated a Retirement Management Program for employees with seniority who voluntarily separate employment form the City through the LEOFF retirement system. This benefit provides the employee with a monthly stipend towards medical insurance until they become eligible for Medicare. In addition, updates to the drug and alcohol testing program were made for compliance with Federal safety standards and department policy. She noted the Council has been provided with a track changes version of the collective bargaining agreement under separate cover including a retirement master program and the letter of understanding. Ms. Brown thanked the Council for their support over the past 29 years and introduced Cabot Dow, City Negotiator. She thanked Mr. Dow for his work. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. A 2018 lodging tax application from the Museum of Flight for Museum of Fright, Veterans Day Activities, Santa's FIy-In, and general marketing activities in the amount of $30,000 from lodging tax funds.. Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager, relayed this item was brought forward to tonight's meeting with the approval of Councilmember Kruller, Chair of the Community Development and Neighborhoods Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 7 of 8 Committee, and Council President Seal due to the cancellation of the August 14, 2018 Committee meeting. Mr. Miles stated the Museum of Flight withdrew an earlier request for $50,000 for marketing and event support for the Veteran's Day activities and the grand opening of "Project Welcome Home" as "Project Welcome Home" will not occur this year due to unforeseen construction delays. This revised application by the Museum of Flight is for $30,000 in lodging tax funds for marketing and event support for "Museum of Fright", Veterans Day activities, and Santa's Fly In. The request was reviewed by the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) at its July 24, 2018 meeting and LTAC recommends approval of the funding requests. As the "Presenting Sponsor" for all three events, the City will receive significant branding and marketing opportunities. Additionally, the events are anticipated to bring nearly 10,000 visitors to the City. The events are consistent with the City's overall branding to help establish Tukwila as a great place for families and activities. The City has supported these events in the past. Mr. Miles explained the City collects a 1% lodging tax on certain qualifying overnight stays in paid accommodations (hotels/motels/Airbnb) in the City. State law limits the use of these funds to tourism promotion. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg was not in attendance. b. City Council Councilmember Robertson thanked Council President Seal for sitting at the Public Safety Committee Meeting in his stead last week. Councilmember Hougardy attended a training session with Soundside Alliance earlier today for an upcoming event. She invited the Council to participate in the Soundside Alliance Ambassador Training and Networking Mixer on August 16, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in SeaTac. The event will focus on how elected officials can promote economic development. Councilmember Quinn was asked by Senator Maria Cantwell to participate in a press conference earlier today in support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. He spoke at the event regarding the importance of access to quality parks and open spaces. He appreciated the opportunity to highlight Tukwila. Councilmember Kruller attended National Night Out Against Crime on August 7, 2018. She thanked all those who coordinated the event, with a special thanks to Chris Partman, Community Policing Coordinator. She reported residents at the Terrace Apartments have raised concerns regarding dust, gravel, pedestrian accessibility, safety and speeding at the 53rd Avenue South project. It would be helpful if sweeper trucks could clean the site at the end of the day in addition to mornings. She thanked Code Enforcement for mitigating a noise complaint issue and offered the general reminder to try to be good to neighbors. Ms. Kruller relayed residents are concerned about a large group of people in a growing homeless encampment at South 112th Street near U-Haul. She stated she hopes there is a kind and humane way to help them be placed in a better situation. She thanked the Vietnamese Martyrs Parish for inviting the Council to their annual Summer Festival. She reported Forterra, in concert with the Abu Bakr Islamic Center, have purchased the Knights Inn and intend to convert it into a mixed -use development with affordable housing and an international market. Ms. Kruller shared her experience attending Snoqualmie's summer festival and would like to see a similar event in Tukwila using concepts of tactical urbanism to reconnect with the community. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes August 13, 2018 Page 8 of 8 Councilmember McLeod attended the annual Summer Festival hosted by the Vietnamese Martyrs Parish. He expressed his appreciation for their hospitality and acknowledged how valuable they are to the community. He also attended National Night Out Against Crime on August 7, 2018 with Councilmember Quinn and visited 10 out of the 15 locations. He offered a reminder about the upcoming Town Hall on August 19, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mr. McLeod reported a contractor cut an unmarked cable at 52nd Avenue South and Interurban Avenue South, causing network connectivity outages. As a result, he visited the area over the weekend to speak to residents and hear their concerns, to include speeding, dust, blocked driveways and road closures, pedestrian safety and traffic control issues. He emphasized the need for the City and contractors to engage the community. Council President Seal thanked Councilmember McLeod for speaking with residents over the weekend. She reported she will be participating in an Association of Washington Cities webinar regarding surplus property for affordable housing on August 15, 2018. She reported attending National Night Out Against Crime on August 7, 2018. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, thanked everyone for participating in National Night Out Against Crime on August 7, 2018. d. Council Analyst There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Idan asked what the policy is regarding staff bringing forward grant applications through the committee process and expressed concern about adversely impacting staff's ability to pursue grants in a timely manner. He suggested putting the information on the City Administrator Report instead. Discussion ensued on match requirements for grants and the need for the Council to maintain its ability to make policy. Support existed to review procedures relating to grant applications and to place this item on the Council retreat agenda. ADJOURNMENT 9:15 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SEAL DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. r ,\,\LL tit Verna Seal, Council President Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 9/10/18 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 9/11/18