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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-08-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesAugust 11, 1980 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT APPROVAL OF MINUTES AUDIENCE COMMENTS Sign Code DISCUSSION Doce's Furniture Store corrective improvements to the public /private properties on S. 180th St. Prop. Ord. pro- viding for accrual of sick leave on a monthly basis for City employees. City Hall ,?i7 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Council Chambers M I N U T E S MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT COUNCILMAN VAN DUSEN ACT AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING, DUE TO THE FACT THAT COUNCIL PRESIDENT SAUL HAS NOT HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED, WITH HILL VOTING NO. The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Chairman Van Dusen, with Council Members present as listed. MABEL J. HARRIS, GEORGE D. HILL, J. REID JOHANSON, DORIS E. PHELPS, Council President DANIEL J. SAUL, GARY L. VAN DUSEN. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD JULY 28, 1980 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Steve Koehler, representing Stephen K. Koehler Company, Seattle, said his company had received notice that signs on their building were in violation of the sign code. Chairman Van Dusen stated Item 5 of the agenda deals with the sign code and Mr. Koehler's discussion could take place at that time. Councilman Bohrer arrived at the meeting at 7:10 P.M. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, stated Mr. Doces was still ill and would like to be present when the matter is discussed by the Council. He suggested it be tabled until the next Committee of the Whole Meeting. Councilman Johanson said this subject was reviewed in the Public Works Committee. He said he felt it is the responsibility of the City to improve the appearance of the venting system that was installed and the construction of the berm, but not the development of a parking area. Councilman Hill said he agreed to putting in the berm and it would look better if some trees were planted, but he did not agree to putting in the parking and asphalt. The City put in a ditch, but it was to make it possible for Mr. Doces to build his furniture store rather than wait until LID 27 was in. Mr. Uomoto said Mr. Doces is requesting the berm, landscaping and parking lot completion because the original plan indicated everything would be undergrounded. The end result was the vault transfer was put above ground in front of their main entrance. Councilman Bohrer asked if Mr. Doces reviewed the final plans of LID 27? Mr. Uomoto said he did not know, but LID 27 is completed. Councilman Bohrer asked what the City's legal responsibility is, what obligation does the City have to correct an LID? City Attorney Larry Hard said after a LID is completed, additional cost is at the expense of the City. You cannot go back and reassess the people. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT MR. DOCES REQUEST FOR CORRECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC /PRIVATE PROPERTIES ON SOUTH 180TH STREET BE TABLED UNTIL THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ON AUGUST 25, 1980. MOTION CARRIED. John McFarland, Administrative Assistant, explained the proposed ordinance resulted from a request by the Finance and Personnel Committee. It was developed about three years ago for various reasons. Some LEOFF members have no coverage during the first three days of an injury after which they would be covered by Workman's Compensation if an injury occurred during the six month probationary period. When the Fire Department contract was negotiated, the City covered them for the first three days of absence during the first three months of employment. It does not affect the total number of hours or days an employee receives per year. It will be of no TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 11, 1980 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. pro- viding for accrual of sick leave on a monthly basis for City employees contd. o? P74 expense to the City. It allows for recognition that an employee may get sick during the first six months of employment. Employees get twelve days of sick leave per year. Councilman Johanson asked about the performance evaluation of a person who calls in sick and takes sick leave. John McFarland said Administration has specific language to delineate how sick leave will be administered. There is specific language in the firefighter's contract regarding the use of sick leave. The non supervisory personnel and police officers follow the ruling of 3 days off for police officer and 5 days for other employees before they have to have a doctor's verification of their illness. Administration has found no abuse of sick leave. The majority of employees have a respectable amount of sick leave accumulated. Council President Saul said it seems like we are giving away some- thing in an ordinance that could be a subject of negotiation with the Police Department. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE AMENDED IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH TO READ: 2.52.060 SICK LEAVE. EVERY FULL TIME CITY EMPLOYEE OR OFFICER HEREAFTER EMPLOYED BY THE CITY, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED OR EXCLUDED BY UNION CONTRACT, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO AND AWARDED THREE DAYS OF SICK LEAVE WITH PAY UPON DATE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY AND AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE THIRD MONTH OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE SHALL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL ONE DAY OF SICK LEAVE WITH PAY PER MONTH, TO A MAXIMUM OF NINETY (90) DAYS. ALL OF THE FOREGOING SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS AND PROVISIONS IN SUBSECTION (b), (c), AND (d) OF THIS SECTION. Councilman Hill asked if there is an Administrative policy regarding action taken if a person misses over 8 hours due to illness in a month. Mr. McFarland said the Fire Department is strict about it. The City Departments are quite liberal. Councilman Harris said she advocated the allowance of sick leave for probationary employees. A person in probationary status is trying to do their best and would not take advantage of the sick leave policy. If someone is ill and does not have any sick leave during the probationary period, they come to work and spread their contagion so other employees have to take time off. If a person is going to take advantage of the sick leave, the probationary period is a good time to find out about it. Councilman Bohrer said it is desirable to have a uniform policy regarding sick leave for probationary employees, in case they are injured. He thought the sick leave would be increasing their benefits. Mr. McFarland said if an employee takes excessive sick leave, the Department Head is aware of it and takes appropriate action. The action varies from Department to Department. There is no overall evaluation system for the City. Attendance would be a criteria for evaluation. The new employee would not take advantage because he is striving hard to make a good impression. The older employee knows how to work the system. Specific control factors can be developed. The policy on sick leave can be more stringent. MOTION CARRIED, WITH SAUL AND BOHRER VOTING NO. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 916 OF THE CITY PROVIDING FOR ACCRUAL OF SICK LEAVE ON A MONTHLY BASIS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. ROLL CALL VOTE: VAN DUSEN, BOHRER, HARRIS, PHELPS, VOTING YES; HILL, SAUL, JOHANSON VOTING NO. MOTION CARRIED, 4 TO 3. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 11, 1980 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. author- izing Planning Comm. to review advertis- ing signs. f 73 Chairman Van Dusen stated Mr. Steve Koehler, representing the Stephen K. Koehler Company, Seattle, had spoken earlier during the meeting that they had been informed that their sign on the Parkway Place Office Building, 16400 Southcenter Parkway, was not in compliance with the sign code. Mayor Todd stated the question is whether the business is retail or not. If it is retail, the signs are alright. Mr. Koehler said there are at least 16 businesses in the building. On the upper floors there are administrative offices, which are not asking for signs. The lower floor has a stocks and bond office and real estate brokerage office. That is where the signs are needed. Council President Saul said when you go to the high rise buildings in Seattle they do not have a name plate on every floor. They have the name of the building only and a directory inside that gives the occupants of the building. Mr. Koehler said in most cities they want retail space associated with office buildings. These activities provide increased action not generally associated with offices. It encourages use and gives added color to the street scene. The trend is to provide retail on the lower floors and the upper floors would be devoted to office use. He said he discussed the signs with the previous Mayor and Mr. Stoknes, then Director of Community Development. They agreed that the use was retail. Mr. Pieper, Buidling Official now indicates they are not retail, but office use. He said he realized Mr. Pieper has been hampered by the sign code. Foster and Marshall, occupant, has no administrative offices in the building, they are a sales outlet only. The real estate office is retail. If they had a free standing building they would have a large sign. These two uses are retail. Councilman Phelps said there is a travel agency located in the building, do they have a sign? Mr. Koehler said they would like to have a sign. Councilman Harris asked if the rest of the people in the building feel their usage is being sidetracked because they do not have signs? Mr. Koehler said the retail on the lower floor brings life to the building. People on the upper floors do not need signs. He said most residential brokerage offices have signs. These firms are a benefit to the City. Before leases were signed with these people it was verified with the City that the signs were appropriate. He said he obtained approval from the Mayor and Mr. Stoknes, but did not get the approval of the Building Official. He said he had not realized he was talking to the wrong people. Mayor Bauch and Mr. Stoknes are no longer with the City and he did not come in and get formal approval. City Attorney Hard asked how long the signs have been up? Mr. Koehler said they have been up since December or January. Al Pieper, Building Official, said there had been a discussion on the use and it was suggested that the consensus of the City Council be obtained. City Attorney Hard said he was convinced the real estate firm and stock brokerage firm would be considered retail. Council Members expressed their opinions as to whether or not these uses would be considered retail. Mayor Todd said he was in agreement with the interpretation of former Mayor Bauch and Mr. Stoknes that it is a retail use. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONCUR WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE INTERPRETATION OF COMMERCIAL SIGNS ON THE PARKWAY PLACE OFFICE BUILDING. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 11, 1980 Page 4 RECESS 8:30 8:40 P.M. DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. author- izing Planning Comm. to review advertis- ing signs.- contd. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. The meeting was called back to order by Chariman Van Dusen, with Council Members present as previously listed. Councilman Bohrer said the applicant, Stepehn K. Koehler Company, was told they were entitled to a sign permit which was not consumated. He saw no reason for the City Council to get involved. *MOTION CARRIED, WITH BOHRER VOTING NO. c,7 76 Councilman Bohrer stated he had reworded the proposed ordinance. The applicant must show that the proposed signs are consistent with the theme of the architectural design or the building use; required by special circumstances of location or usage; and tasteful, modest in size and compatible with surrounding uses. The applicant must prove he needs two or more signs and also the conditions that require it. In his proposed plan, the curve (as shown on attached drawing) is gentle and not abrupt as it is in the proposed ordinance. Mr. Pieper said the proposed ordinance came to the Council and it was referred to the Planning Commission for discussion. It was discussed at length in the June meeting. A motion was made to recommend to the Council certain changes to be made. The ordinance that has been presented has got away from the one used in the Planning Commission discussion. He said he had never had any problem with the Table A chart and its proportions. The code allows only one sign and the intent of the Planning Commission was that a building such as the Doubletree could divide the space allowed for a sign into two or three signs with the approval of the Planning Commission. The present sign ordinance was adopted in 1973 when the City had few buildings. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE REVISED ORDINANCE SUBMITTED BY COUNCILMAN BOHRER BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. City Attorney Hard asked if Table I referred to the total maximum area? Councilman Bohrer said his intent was that it be maximum for the entire building. Councilman Phelps said in looking at the table it appears to apply to each side of the building. Mayor Todd said he could see a potential of penalizing people who attract their business from the freeway. If a sign is small it cannot be seen from the freeway. The developer of the Doubletree says they get 5% of their business from the freeway and it is their gravy. They cannot get business from a sign that cannot be seen. Councilman Bohrer said it has been shown a 150 foot sign will not draw people off the freeway. Southcenter has a nice sign and you are past the exit before you see the sign so it does not draw from the freeway. Councilman Hill said the 150 square feet would be adequate 90% of the time, but there could be certain instances where it would be desirable to ask for a waiver. Councilman Phelps said it was her thought that the Table applies to each side of the building, if they face four streets. Council- man Harris said that was her thought. Councilman Bohrer said total building; Council President Saul said each side; Councilman Hill said each side; Councilman Johanson said total building. Councilman Phelps said this ordinance does not have provision for a sign exceeding 150 square feet under any circumstances. Councilman Harris thought there should be an allowance for inequities. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 11, 1980 Page 5 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. author- izing Planning Comm. to review advertis- ing signs.- contd. Foster Golf Course Bridge Change Order, 57th Ave. S. S. 147th St. Improvement Proj. f77 Councilman Bohrer said revising the sign code is a bigger job than the City Council should take on. It was his thought that the Building Department and Planning Commission should tackle it after they get the zoning ordinance out. Councilman Harris said it is difficult to visualize 150 square feet for a sign. Mr. Pieper said he has pictures in the Building Depart- ment of every sign in the City if the Council members would like to look at them. *ROLL CALL VOTE: HILL, VAN DUSEN, SAUL, HARRIS VOTING YES; BOHRER, JOHANSON, AND PHELPS VOTING NO. MOTION CARRIED, FOUR TO THREE. Prop. Res. accepting MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION grant of easement ACCEPTING A GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO, AND USE OF, A for public access to, PORTION OF THE GREEN RIVER SHORELINE TRAIL SYSTEM BE ON THE AGENDA and use of, a portion OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION FAILED, WITH of the Grn. River HARRIS AND PHELPS VOTING YES. Shoreline Trail Sys. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY SAUL, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION ACCEPT- ING A GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS T0, AND USE OF, A PORTION OF THE GREEN RIVER SHORELINE TRAIL SYSTEM BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 25, 1980 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE BRIDGE BE CONSIDERED NEXT ON THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED, WITH HILL VOTING NO. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, said the Foster Golf Course manager called him and Don Williams, Recreation Supervisor, to inspect the foot bridge at the golf course. His inspection showed that some of the suspension cords have slipped and were not supporting the bridge deck. The connection of the suspension cord with the main cable has slipped downhill causing the problem. Some of the timber at the bridge abutment are rotted and should be replaced to retain the approach embankment. At present it has a two ton load limit. He recommended immediate action to discourage the use of the bridge for maintenance vehicle crossing, discouraged use of bridge with passenger loaded golf carts and removal of the "two ton load limit" sign. Immediate action must be taken to readjust the suspension cords with installation of suitable clamps so the connectors will not slip; adjust cord tensions which have unbalanced detrimental load; replace rotted timber plank at abutment; explore condition of cable which enters ground at each end. The cost will be about $1,000. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT COUNCIL APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF $1,000 TO REPAIR THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE BRIDGE AS LONG AS IT IS DONE THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. MOTION CARRIED. Ted Uomoto, Public Works Director, explained the need for the change order, stating when the project was first designed, a sidewalk on the east side was not wanted south of South 149th Street because the plans indicated some of the existing trees, concrete bulkhead, and fences would have to be removed or adjusted. A survey adjustment has been made relocating the street centerline. It is now possible to construct a sidewalk on the east side without affecting any of the existing features. The change has been discussed with the resi- dents and they have all indicated they would prefer a sidewalk. The cost of putting in the sidewalk will be approximately $3,000. The cost for driveway aprons will be $1,100. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE CHANGE ORDER BE APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 11, 1980 Page 6 DISCUSSION Contd. 1980 Surface Treatment of City Streets. Budget Transfer Motion, spec. assessment for Centrex, sidewalk, legals, interest undergrounding neg. settlement w /Jones Assoc. Prop. Ord. amending Ord. 1098, interest rate for LID 29 extending finance period. Consideration of request for credit for sewer Metro charges from Jim Patten. Ted Uomoto, Public Works Director, explained the need for the 1980 surface treatment of City streets. The low cost pavement rejuvination program can be accomplished for about 3 miles of City streets which would benefit from this treatment as it would extend the life of the pavement several years and preclude greater damage. If adverse weather precludes this effort, then the alternate effort is to utilize about $15,000 to seal cracks and patch limited areas of damaged street to reduce greater damage. This alternate can essentially be completed within a two day period of a weekend. It has been scheduled for weekend of August 23 and 24. MOVED BY JOHANSON, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED 1980 SURFACE TREATMENT OF CITY STREETS BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. LID #30 Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, stated two construction schedules Construction Schedule. have been discussed and a decision needs to be made as to the one to adopt. Plan I shows each activity on a critical path to complete the project this year. Any activities which result in delaying the start two weeks would cancel this project for this year's completion and it would be deferred for next summer's construction. Plan II is a more leisure schedule. This plan can be reverted from Plan I if the decision in Plan I is made before the award is made. The advantages and disadvantages of both plans were discussed. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE COUNCIL RECOMMEND THE ADOPTION OF PLAN I. Councilman Bohrer said he did not favor Plan I because construction is scheduled in November and that is usually a rainy month and it would be difficult to complete the project in 60 days. Plan II shows a construction period of 120 days. Plan I does not allow us to coordinate with property owners or the opportunity to review the work. City Attorney Hard said there will be a resolution on August 18, 1980 at the Regular Meeting if the Council decides to go with Plan I. The moratorium will be repealed in the resolution. *MOTION CARRIED, WITH BOHRER VOTING NO. Prop. Res. providing MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION for an interfund PROVIDING FOR AN INTERFUND LOAN BETWEEN THE STREET FUND AND THE loan between Str. LID 30 CONSTRUCTION FUND BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 Fund LID 30 constr. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. fund. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE BUDGET TRANSFER FROM CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,950 BE TRANSFERRED TO CITY HALL CONSTRUCTION, WHICH REPRESENTS COST OF CORRECTING CITY HALL WATER LINE BY WEST COAST CONSTRUCTION DURING LID 29 CONSTRUCTION. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1098, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 1105, RATE FOR LID 29 AND EXTENDING FINANCE PERIOD BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. Shirley Kristofferson, Acting Finance Director, stated Mr. Jim Patten has requested a credit of $165.50 on his utility account for sewer and Metro charges from October 1977 through March 1979. She gave a brief history of the account, stating Mr. Patten was billed and paid his utility account for 14 years, although he did not try to connect. In September 1977 they tried to connect and found it impossible. The City agreed to install a stub to his property line so he TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 11, 1980 Page 7 DISCUSSION Contd. Consideration of request for credit for sewer Metro charges from Jim Patten contd. Budget Transfer Shirley Kristofferson, Acting Finance Director, stated a budget Motion, FICA refund transfer motion is necessary in order to transfer funds from FICA per court order. Refund and Salaries and Wages in the amount of $36,556 to the FICA Refund which is the FICA contribution City would have contri- buted for period from October 1, 1976 through December 31, 1977 for firefighters, plus interest through August 20, 1980 which is in accordance with the court award of July 31, 1980. Councilman Harris suggested taking the $4,556 out of Salaries and Wages in the Fire Department, rather than that amount out of the Building Department. Councilman Phelps agreed this should be done. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Community Affairs Committee Public Safety Health Committee OTHER 56th Ave. Bridge Grady Way Bridge EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:35 11:11 P.M. ADJOURNMENT 11:12 P.M. could connect and it was accomplished in April 1979. a f7f MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT CREDIT BE ISSUED TO JIM PATTEN FOR SEWER AND METRO CHARGES FOR PERIOD OCTOBER 1977 THROUGH MARCH 1979 IN THE AMOUNT OF $165.50. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HARRIS THAT THE REQUEST OF JIM PATTEN FOR CREDIT FOR SEWER AND METRO CHARGES BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED, WITH HILL VOTING NO. Shirley Kristofferson said if that amount is available in the Fire Department the Budget Transfer Motion will be amended in that manner. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED BUDGET TRANSFER MOTION BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE AUGUST 18, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. Finance Personnel Chairman Phelps reported the Finance and Personnel Committee Committee will be meeting on Wednesday at the appointed time. Dennis Hidell, Council Intern, will be present. Chairman Bohrer said the Community Affairs Committee will meet as scheduled. Chairman Hill said the committee would meet as scheduled. Mayor Todd stated it has been agreed that block grant funds would be given to the City for replacement of the 56th Avenue bridge. The Council will have to approve the block grant. Mayor Todd said he would be meeting with the City Attorney and Renton on Tuesday to discuss the subject of the Grady Way Bridge. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY SAUL, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL END THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED. Gary Van Duren; Chairman Cwyti 4_AL„,,,, Norma Booher, Recording Secretary