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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-08-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesAugust 25, 1980 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL 7:00 P.M. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Council Chambers M I N U T E S CALL TO ORDER The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Council President Dan Saul at 7:02 P.M. ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL LIONEL C. BOHRER, MABEL J. HARRIS, GEORGE D. HILL, DORIS E. PHELPS, MEMBERS Council President DANIEL J. SAUL, GARY L. VAN DUSEN. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD AUGUST 11, 1980 BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. MOTION CARRIED. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Lynn West Letter re leash law. Oil on streets. DISCUSSION Prop. Ord. requiring certain procedures to be followed in the hiring of Dept. Heads. City Hall J7f Council President Saul read a letter from Mrs. Lynn West with reference to the leash law recently adopted by the City Council. She objected to the new leash law. Her child cannot leave the yard with the dog without the worry of the dog being picked up. This was a concern to her as many of the children are protected by their dogs. She asked why there could not be a law that would punish those people who do not take care of their animals. As for King County Animal Control patrolling this area, why can't they be contracted to be in Tukwila only when they are needed? She stated the law was too strict. Council President Saul said a reply would be made. Councilman Harris stated she received about six calls on Saturday from people who were irate about the oil on the streets. Councilman Hill said if the Public Works Department had a street sweeper it would not have been there. Council President Saul read a memorandum from Mayor Todd in which he stated, "Confirmation of mayorial appointments by the Council may be required by the Council in any instance where qualifications of the position have not been established by ordinance or charter provisions." Councilman Bohrer said he felt these words did not apply to the ordinance being considered. The words relate to confirmation, the ordinance being considered has nothing to do with confirmation. The City has a separate ordinance that is a matter of law. Council President Saul said at the present time we have three department head positions with acting department heads. His concern was that there are people who have been in an acting position since February and they are getting department head pay. He felt if they have been acting department head for several months they should be appointed to the position or the City should advertise for applicants so a selection can be made. Most position openings have been advertised in the past. Councilman Phelps said when the proposed ordinance was discussed in the Finance and Personnel Committee they did not come to a conclusion. There are some ordinances that are not entirely up to the City Council but are administrative problems. Councilman Harris said she felt a department head in a permanent position would do a better job. Councilman Hill disagreed, stating it has been his experience that people work extra hard if they are in an acting position. Councilman Van Dusen said his feeling is that vacancies in the City should be filled in- house, if there are qualified people to be promoted. Councilman Phelps said that has been her thought. If we are unable to fill a position in -house then the position should be advertised. The possibility of promotion would make employees want to do a better job. Councilman Bohrer said their should be strong concern about the way the City is managed. The proposed ordinance is limited to the hiring of department heads. The City should have the most qualified department heads they can get. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 25, 1980 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. regulating size of signs authorizing the Planning Comm. to approve extra- ordinary signs. If Prop. Ord. requir- Mayor Todd suggested the proposed ordinance include a provision that ing certain procedures qualified employees be given the first opportunity to fill the to be followed in the positions. hiring of Dept. Heads, contd. Councilman Hill said advertising for applicants should be done, but after City employees have had the opportunity to fill the jobs. Councilman Van Dusen said the Mayor is elected to be the administrator of the City. The Council is given a chance to confirm some of the decisions because the Council also works with these department heads. The Mayor works closely with the department heads. Qualified City employees should have first chance for promotion. The Mayor has to have confidence in the people he works with. Councilman Bohrer said there are two parts to the proposed ordinance. The first part deals with how positions are filled and the second part states how long acting personnel may be compensated at the full rate of the position. Councilman Van Dusen stated the Council appropriates money for these positions. If the job is being done, the money should be used to pay the person doing the job. City Attorney Hard said the Council should consider the Civil Service law which applies to the Fire Chief and the Police Chief. City Attorney Hard said he thought, according to Civil Service rules, that a person could remain in an acting position for 120 days. MOVED BY BOHRER, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT SECTION 2 OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE SPECIFY THAT ACTING PERSONNEL MAY NOT BE COMPENSATED AT THE FULL RATE FOR THE POSITION FOR MORE THAN 120 DAYS SO IT WILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE LAWS. Councilman Phelps said the intent of the proposed ordinance is alright, but she disagreed with the statement that the City has to advertise all positions. If the City has qualified employees within the City to fill vacancies then we should not have to advertise. If there are not qualified employees, then the advertising should be done. *MOTION CARRIED, WITH HILL VOTING NO. MOVED BY BOHRER, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE REQUIRING CERTAIN PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE HIRING OF DEPARTMENT HEADS BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 2, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE REFERRED TO THE CITY ATTORNEY FOR CLARIFICATION OF ANY CONFLICT WITH CIVIL SERVICE RULES. Councilman Bohrer said if the proposed ordinance is changed substantially he would like to see it again before it comes before the Council at the regular meeting. He suggested a sentence be added that says if the position is covered by Civil Service, we will be ruled by the Civil Service laws. *MOTION CARRIED, WITH HILL AND PHELPS VOTING NO. MOTION CARRIED WITH BOHRER AND VAN DUSEN VOTING NO. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT ITEM 6 OF THE AGENDA BE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME. MOTION CARRIED. Tim DuBois, Doubletree Inn, said he understands the Building Official's objections to the sign code. There does not seem to be any avenue available to him that will give relief or where he can voice his case in order to have signs. He said he would like a statement from the Council that will establish standards and guidelines so the streets of Tukwila will appear orderly. If an applicant can demonstratE that to the Planning Commission, that would be agreeable to him. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 25, 1980 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. regulating size of signs authorizing the Planning Comm. to approve extra- ordinary signs., contd. Councilman Bohrer said an applicant can currently go to the Planning Commission on this subject. Mr. DuBois said he had been told that the appeal process was with the Board of Adjustment and in 7 years there has not been a successful attempt for a waiver. When he was before the Planning Commission they thought it was not within their sphere of influence. Councilman Bohrer said the troublesome word seems to be "integral." The only thing that changed in the draft ordinance the Council had previously was that the maximum limit on sign usage was stricken. That was the only essential change. Mr. DuBois said when he first came before the Council with his request he was told to go to the Planning Commission for the appeal process. You can have a simple sign code with the review processor you can have one that fits every situation that comes up. He said their building is different than any other in Tukwila. He said he would like to present his case to an audience Mayor Todd said the fault he finds with the proposed ordinance is that the whole question of sign permits originated with Mr. DuBois and we are proposing to pass an ordinance that should fix his situation if it is repairable. We pass this ordinance and the next day he still has to appeal to have his logo on the side of the building where he wants it. We do not know whether the Planning Commission is going to allow that or not. If the Council thinks that is in good taste they ought to indicate it in the ordinance. Councilman Bohrer said he thought the proposed ordinance would apply to everyone. The issue is growing more confusing because this is the first time he has heard the subject of logo. Lego is not mentioned in the ordinance. Does the 150 foot limit currently include the logo? Are they considered part of the sign? Al Pieper, Building Official, said the logo is included in the square footage of the sign. Mr. DuBois said on the west face of his building there is a loggia, and on the first floor there is a one and one -half ledge. It has been demonstrated that they are much more appealing than if we were to put a 150 foot square up in the corner. He said he could have one free standing sign and one sign on the building. He cannot have two on the building and forego the free standing sign. The thing that produces clutter is the free standing signs out by the street. Al Pieper, Building Official, said 2' x 2' signs are allowed but you cannot advertise goods or services available. They want a 2' x 2' sign to advertise a restaurant and bar. He said the trouble with the proposed ordinance is in Section A (2) where it says a building may use two or more signs with a total area for all signs exceeding 150 square feet provided the applicant can show that the proposed signs are consistent with the theme of the architectural design or building use, required by special circumstances of location or usage and compatible with surrounding structures. Any applicant seeking approval for a sign under this paragraph shall seek approval from the Planning Commission. Councilman Bohrer said the plan was to apply some conditions that can be met in order to grant an exception. If these conditions are not acceptable he said he would like the Building Official to provide conditions that would be acceptable to him. Mr. Pieper said the Doubletree is a classic example where a sign would not be a part of the building. Signs hanging on a building have nothing to do with a building. The proposed ordinance presented to the Council on August 4 was better. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 25, 1980 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. Prop. Ord. regulating size of signs authorizing the Planning Comm. to approve extra ordinanry signs contd. RECESS 8:55 9:05 P.M. Doce's Furniture Store corrective improvements to the public /private properties on So. 180th St. Prop. Res.accepting grant of easement for public access to use of, a portion of Grn. R. Shoreline Trail System. Prop. Res. author- izing Finance Dir. to make a segrega- tion on the orig- inal Assessment Roll for LID #25. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE REGULATING THE SIZE OF SIGNS AND AUTHORIZING THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO APPROVE EXTRAORDINARY SIGNS AND AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 773, SECTION 011, PARAGRAPH 7, BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 2, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. City Attorney Hard said everyone has agreed there is a problem with the sign code. The Council needs to do long range planning to solve the problems with the sign code. The Building Official has said he does not like the sign code and it gives him trouble interpreting it. We have a person requesting relief because he has a building, but this ordinance does not give him relief. Mr. DuBois said if there is not a positive approach given him by the Council he felt he would not get very far with the Planning Commission. City Attorney Hard said perhaps it would be a good idea to leave the sign code along until the Council has time to revise the whole thing. *MOTION CARRIED, WITH BOHRER VOTING NO. Mr. Pieper said perhaps it would be better to permit people to get variances. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was called back to order by Council President Saul with Council Members present as previously listed. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, stated Mr. Doces was not able to be at the meeting. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT THE DOCE'S FURNITURE STORE CORRECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS BE DEFERRED UNTIL MR. DOCES REQUESTS THE MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT DISCUSSION ON THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 8, 1980 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. Budget Transfer Motion,Councilman Phelps explained the need for the budget transfer motion. Amend budget for Councilman Bohrer said he felt it was premature to transfer funds personnel changes. from OCD Administration until the Council has acted on the Mayor's suggestion for reorganization of the Planning Department. John McFarland, Administrative Assistant, said a draft of the reconstruction of the Planning Department will be presented at the next Finance and Personnel Committee meeting. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED BUDGET TRANSFER MOTION AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR PERSONNEL CHANGES BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 2, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED, WITH BOHRER AND HARRIS VOTING NO. MOVED BY HARRIS, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO MAKE A SEGREGATION ON THE ORIGINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR LID 25 BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE SEPTEMBER 2, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 25, 1980 Page 5 DISCUSSION Contd. King County Block Grant Requirements: a. 3 yr. Dev. Plan b. Cooperation Agreement c. 1981 Population Fund Program 1981 Water Sewer Rates MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE KING COUNTY BLOCK GRANT REQUIREMENTS (3 -YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN, COOPERATION AGREEMENT, AND 1981 POPULATION FUND PROGRAM) BE FORWARDED TO THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. Councilman Phelps said before this is put into the Community Affairs Committee she would like to see a copy of the existing development plan that we are operating under with King County at the present time. What projects and what considerations were made in the past for these funds? If the staff has any goals and recommendations that they propose using the fund for, or if the Park Board has any recommendations or discussion, this would be useful. John McFarland, Administrative Assistant, said there are three matters in this discussion. They are inter related but should be discussed separately. The first matter is the Cooperation Agreement which is an administrative document that allows King County to administer the block of federal funds identified as Community Block Grant Funds. This expires on December 31, 1980 and must be renewed before King County and City of Tukwila can participate in the Community Block Grant Program as joint co- sponsors. It is administrative in nature. It allows the County to act as the lead agency in the delineation of fund awards and the administration and audit of community block grant funds under the Federal Government Community Development Act of 1974. That should take place no later than September 19. We need a Council Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the County for the succeeding three year plan. The second matter we have to consider is the 3 -year development plan. It is a philosophical statement of short term and long term goals that the City uses in developing annual community development projects. It also delineates the needs identification based on housing and population characteristics within the City. This document is quite comprehensive. We do not need a document quite this comprehensive to satisfy the County's needs. However, it does represent a major policy development and decision on the part of the Council. He said he recommended strongly that this matter go to the Community Affairs Committee and input be requested from Staff and the Park Board as suggested by Councilman Phelps. It is important to get a maximum input. This must be submitted to the County by September 30, 1980. The 1981 Population Fund Program will require a public hearing. The 1981 population Fund program should reflect the goals and objectives statement of the 3 -year plan. We go through the Annual Population Fund program process annually, we identified some projects down at the Community Center. This is a specific delination of projects, whereas the 3 -year plan is philosophical, this specifi- cally says where the City is going to spend their 1981 allocation. They must have this by November 14, 1980. The 1981 Cooperation Agreement requires a resolution and does not require a policy commitment. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HARRIS, THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED AND A RESOLUTION BE PREPARED AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT ON THE 1981 COOPERATION AGREEMENT AT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1980. MOTION CARRIED. *MOTION CARRIED, AS AMENDED. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, said the last significant change made to the water and sewer rates was in 1975 and 1977. Since that time labor, material, equipment, and overhead costs have increased and will continue to increase. Both Meto sewer and Seattle water rates will increase in 1981. Since the City's last significant increase, the City has passed an ordinance to provide for reduced water and sewer rates to senior and handicapped citizens. The City's current rates do not allow for any major capital improvement program to the water and sewer system. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 25, 1980 Page 6 DISCUSSION Contd. 1981 Water Sewer Rates contd. Purveyor's Contract w /City of Seattle. City's 48 inch storm drain problem. OTHER King County Housing Development Prog. fro Mr. Uomoto said with respect to water, Tukwila has been imposed a demand charge. The certainty of this cost cannot be determined accurately as it depends on the City's summer consumption which will vary with the weather condition. The City of Seattle will be increasing the water rates to purveyors in 1981 by about 40 50 Tukwila's future water consumption can only increase as the City has extended many new waterlines to developers. Tukwila's 1980 monthly demand charge is about $3,000 per month. Tukwila also owns a portion of water line with its take -off from Beacon Hill and serves the area east of the railroad. This line is old. Most entities have already replaced old lines like this as maintenance costs became high and problems frequent. The alternative actions to be considered are: (1) Do nothing and the City be prepared to absorb costs not recovered by revenue. No capital improvements proposed. (2) City increase rate small amount and City absorb remaining costs not recovered by revenue. No capital improvement proposed. (3) City obtain services of a consultant to review all existing water revenue sources and modify and update fees based on existing conditions and known projected costs such as Seattle's proposed increased rates and anticipated demand charges. No capital improvements proposed. (4) Include in above comprehensive water study to determine future capital improvements such as reservoir, pipeline, easements, and right -of -way acquisition. The 1981 water rates can be established to include future capital improvement programs. With respect to sewer, the City has a large number of sewer lift stations. Most of them are relatively new and have been relatively maintenance free. We can do nothing and the City be prepared to absorb costs not recoevered by revenue. (2) The City obtain services of a consultant to review existing water revenue sources and modify and update fees based on existing conditions and known projected costs such as Metro's proposed rate increase. No capital improvement proposed. (3) Include in above a comprehensive sewer study to determine future capital improvement programs such as standby power generators, pumps, telemetering monitoring systems, truck -line improvements, etc. Mr. Uomoto said he would like to have the Council approval to obtain the services of a consultant to do a comprehensive water and sewer study. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT A COUNCIL MOTION BE DRAFTED AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO GET A COST ESTIMATE TO PERFORM THE WATER AND SEWER STUDY. MOTION CARRIED. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, said the City Attorney has approved the draft purveyor's contract and letter of intent. MOVED BY PHELPS, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE LETTER OF INTENT FOR WATER SUPPLY. MOTION CARRIED. Ted Uomoto, Director of PublicWorks, explained the City's 48 -inch storm drain problem. With an overhead projector he showed the problem as it exists and the steps that are being taken to alleviate the problem. He said he would like to get Council approval to get a consultant to look at the drain problem in order to have a better understanding of the problem. The cost of the study is unknown. Once the debris has been removed from the pipes he would like to look at the pipe more closely and check for damage. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BE AUTHORIZED TO INVESTIGATE THE COST OF OBTAINING THE SERVICES OF A CONSULTANT. MOTION CARRIED. John McFarland, Administrative Assistant, said in March King County initiated a new program to construct housing for seniors on fixed incomes. The program incorporates a combination of subsidies to produce affordable rents. With the Housing Authority as developer mortgage funds can be borrowed at tax exempt rates. The mortgage TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 25, 1980 Page 7 OTHER Contd. King County Housing Development Prog. contd. COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Personnel Committee. Public Safety Health Committee. ADJOURNMENT 10:20 P.M. principal is reduced by using block grant money to cover planning and site improvement costs and by obtaining cost free sites through donation or long -term lease. Under this program, 10 15 projects throughout the county can be built over the next four years. The County is donating some surplus property for this program and other cities and government agencies have expressed interest also. The County will apply for $200,000 in joint block grant funds for the Senior Housing Program. Support can be shown by a Council Motion or resolution stating the Council authorizes support or co- sponsorship of the application. This Council action needs to take place prior to September 5, 1980. The Council agreed that a resolution of support should be presented at the next Council Meeting, in order to meet the deadline of September 5. Chairman Phelps reported the Finance and Personnel Committee would meet on Thursday. Chairman Hill stated the next meeting of the Committee has been cancelled. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMIS. OF THE WHOLE MEETI, r •URN. MOTION CARRIED. 6 Saul, Council Pr si: -nt Norma Booher, Recording Secretary