HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-01 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council
City Hall Council Chambers
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
October 1, 2018 — 7:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Ekberg called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Christy O'Flaherty, Records Governance Manager/City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were
Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas
McLeod, Zak Idan.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator;
Henry Hash, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance
Director; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Eric Dreyer, Deputy Police Chief; Joseph
Todd, Technology and Innovation Services Director; Joel Bush, Technology Integration Manager; Rick
Still, Parks and Recreation Director; Robert Eaton, Parks and Recreation Manager; Jack Pace,
Community Development Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, Records
Governance Manager/City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Recognize the promotion and swearing in of Deputy Police Chief Eric Dreyer (Badge #106).
Bruce Linton, Police Chief.
Bruce Linton, Police Chief, provided the history of Deputy Chief Dreyer as it relates to his career in the
Tukwila Police Department and his numerous accomplishments. He was hired by the Tukwila Police
Department in 1994, promoted to Sergeant in 2002, and promoted to Commander in 2009. Additionally,
he was an anti -crime bike officer and narcotics detective; supervisor in Patrol and Major Crimes Unit;
oversaw Investigations, Patrol, Professional Standards, and Records, and served as the interim
Technology Services Director in 2016. Deputy Chief Dreyer has been a key player on several teams and
projects for the department and an active participant within the community and various regional
organizations. Chief Linton emphasized that Deputy Chief Dreyer will always do the right thing for the
citizens of Tukwila.
Mayor Ekberg administered the Oath of Office to Eric Dreyer, Deputy Police Chief. His wife pinned on his
badge.
Deputy Chief Dreyer introduced his family and conveyed that his internal philosophy is to provide the type
of service to the community that he would want other agencies to provide to his family members. He
looks forward to continuing to serve the City and thanked Chief Linton for this opportunity.
The Councilmembers congratulated Deputy Chief Dreyer on his promotion.
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October 1, 2018 Page 2 of 10
b. Presentation of Mayor's proposed 2019-2020 Biennial Budget.
(State law requires that the budget estimates and projects be presented to the Council by the first
Monday in October.)
Mayor Ekberg presented the preliminary budget to the City Council, with the following key points (full
copies of the budget document were provided to each Councilmember):
2018, 2019, 2020 General Fund Preview
Overall Goals — implement Council adopted policies
• Maintain an 18% General Fund ending fund balance
• Maintain a 10% Contingency Fund
• Stay within adopted budget
• Implement Public Safety Plan
• Ongoing revenues match ongoing expenses
2018
Due to the flattening of sales tax revenues, the Administration committed to a 3% underspend to align
expenditures with expected revenues. No capital funding was decreased as a part of this effort. The
underspend was largely achieved through vacant positions.
Current projections show the General Fund will balance in 2018 and the City will meet its reserve policy of
18% of the previous year ongoing revenue and the contingency policy of 10% of previous year ongoing
revenue.
2019-2020
With the flattening of sales tax and the loss of streamlined sales tax mitigation payments from the State,
the Administration expects a shortfall of more than $3 million per year in the next biennial budget. The
Administration proposes to align revenues and expenditures in the following ways:
• Reduce Expenditures
O 3% reduction in department budgets (supplies and services) excluding Fire, Police and
Court
O 1.5% reduction in Fire and Police Department budgets (supplies and services)
o Overall growth in department spending limited to 0.5%
• Increase Revenues to offset loss of sales tax
o $350,000 in increases to the gambling tax (1% increase from 10% to 11%)
o $1.8 million in additional revenues from increases to the business license fee (B&O is
also an option, though implementation would be significantly more difficult and time
consuming)
Current projections show these tools will allow the City to maintain a high level of services. Should new
revenues not be implemented, service levels would be decreased.
The following additional assumptions are included in the proposed budget:
• All existing positions have been budgeted; Contractual obligations for salaries and benefits have
been met.
• City's reserve policy of 18% of previous year revenue is met for 2019 and 2020
• City's contingency policy of 10% of previous year ongoing revenue met for 2019 and 2020
• COLA of 3.0% in 2019 and 2.5% in 2020
• Self -funded Healthcare Fund limited to 5% increase in 2019 and 2020
• Retirement and industrial insurance updated
• Funding provided for new state Family Leave Act - 0.04%
• Insurance, SCORE, Valley Com, utilities increased per budgets received from these entities
The City has implemented a phased based approach to Priority Based Budgeting (PBB), which provides
clarity to the City's programs and associated costs. References to the PBB projects can be found
throughout the budget. PBB is a work -in -progress that the City will continue to fine-tune to ensure it
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October 1, 2018 Page 3 of 10
provides the maximum benefit. The City's values are also reflected throughout the budget that prioritizes
equitable distribution of services throughout the community.
The Mayor commended Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director, for her work on this extensive process.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rune Harkestad, 845 NE 106th Avenue, Bellevue, expressed the need to provide greater clarify regarding
his concerns about code changes for mixed use developments on Tukwila International Blvd. (TIB). (1)
The City has imposed a TIB Overlay that mandates a 65-foot height rather than 45-foot height that only
applies to partial areas of the Boulevard. He was originally told the 65-foot height would apply to his
development, and then it was reversed due to inconsistences in locations that are applicable based on
the current Code. He suggested that requirement be reversed and applied to the whole Boulevard.
(2) The setback requirements are prohibitive for properties on a slope. If he met the setback
requirement, it would reduce the number of stalls from 50 to 25, yet his costs would remain the same
even when building less stalls. Other agencies have a simple fix for this through the use of a retaining
wall.
(3) The amount of recreational space required at 200 square feet is difficult to achieve in the space
available and is higher than other agencies require. From his perspective, the parking code also needs
updating as Tukwila requires 52 parking stalls for a 2,600 square foot business, and other jurisdictions
require 25 stalls. He explained he will be paying the $28,000 fine for prior tree removal and will continue
to work with staff in an effort to find a way to develop his property.
Joe Duffle, 5332 South 140th Street, explained that at a prior meeting there was discussion about putting
an additional swing set at Cascade View Park, and he wanted to report that the swings at Tukwila
Elementary School were removed for safety issues. There can be many problems when children fall off
the swings, causing potential liability and insurance concerns. He also emphasized that the work being
done on the 53rd Avenue Street Project is going well, with the exception of those who disregard the "local
access only" restrictions.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 9/17/18 (Regular Mtg.)
b. Approval of Vouchers #378920-379034; #180800, 180902-180903 in the amount of $3,623,066.10
c. Authorize the Mayor to sign a lease agreement for Kennedy's Cottage for transitional housing.
[Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee on
9/25/18. J
MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY SEAL THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED
AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2019-2020 Biennial Budget Overview and Discussion:
• Firemen's Pension Fund — Reviewed at the September 17, 2018 Public Safety Committee meeting
Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director, provided the budget information for this fund.
The Firemen's Pension Fund exists to support 10 firefighters who qualified for a City pension system prior
to 1971. Members of the Tukwila Firemen's Pension system receive benefits from the LEOFF 1 system
provided by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. State law requires the City to
compute the benefits under the prior pension system (City's pension system) as if transfer of membership
had not occurred. The retirees are paid the difference (if any) between the pension benefit they would
have received from the City's plan and the benefit received from the LEOFF retirement system.
Revenue received from the State is anticipated to cover expenditures in the upcoming biennium.
Expenditures are projected to be comparable with 2018. The fund retains a healthy fund balance through
the biennium.
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• Technology & Innovation Services— Reviewed at the September 18, 2018 Finance Committee
meeting
Joel Bush, Technology Integration Manager, provided an overview of the department budget.
The 2019-2020 Technology & Innovation Services budget proposal covers staffing, infrastructure, and
services which enable the delivery of high -quality services to City of Tukwila departments and citizens.
Budget reduction
The proposed reductions to the budget are in the area of professional services.
Professional Services costs are reduced for the 2019-2020 budget cycle as $122,000 had been budgeted
to support the realignment of TIS staff to lead the refreshing of City technology. Most other service line
items are remaining constant. The Professional Services reduction areas include cancelling the
Dimensional contract for City Council video recording services and reducing the spend on our Tier 1 help
desk service, Vitalyst by 50%. Analysis of Vitalyst services in 2018 have indicated that reducing our Tier
1 help desk service by 50% will better align to existing needs while reducing the 2019-2020 budget.
Salaries & Benefits
COLA increases were applied to salaries, and benefits were adjusted to account for changes in health
care and retirement. An internal restructure has resulted in three new positions (Technology Integration
Manager, Information Systems Project Analyst, IT Systems Engineer) replacing three positions from the
prior budget (Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, IT System Administrator).
Based on a question from Councilmember Kruller regarding the positions impacted by the canceling of
services, Mr. Bush explained that all members of the team will be pitching in to assist. Weekend work will
be handled by salaried staff.
Based on a question by Council President Seal regarding savings associated with canceling the
Dimensional contract for televised Council rneetings, Joseph Todd, Technology and Innovation Services
Director, said the cost savings for that contract is $27,000. That amount plus the reduction in the Vitalyst
contract is $122,000 savings for the 2-year biennium.
7:44 p.m. Councilmember Quinn exited the Council Chambers.
7:45 p.m. Councilmember Quinn returned to the Council Chambers.
7:44 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy exited the Council Chambers.
7:47 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy returned to the Council Chambers.
• Water, Sewer, Surface Water — Reviewed at the September 24, 2018 Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee meeting
Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst, provided an overview of the Utility funds.
DISCUSSION & FISCAL IMPACT
Water Fund
• Rate increases of 5% across the board
• Remains at 7.5 employees
• CIP (Capital Improvement Program) includes 58th Ave S, Macadam Rd S, and an update to the
Water Comprehensive Plan
• Long range concern includes Water Reservoir
• Public Works Shops debt service is estimated at $400k per year
Sewer Fund
• King County sewer treatment increase in 2019 only, no Tukwila rate increase
• Remains at 4.5 Employees
• CIP includes CBD (Central Business District) Sewer Rehabilitation and Fort Dent Park Sewer
Relocation
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• Long range concerns include aging infrastructure and replacing sewer lift stations
• Public Works Shops debt service is estimated at $240k per year
Surface Water Fund
• Rate increases of 5% in 2019 and 3% in 2020, alternate years
• Remains at 12.5 employees
• CIP includes Riverton Creek Flap Gate Removal, Chinook Wind, Tukwila 205 Levee, and the
East Marginal Way S Stormwater Outfalls.
• Long range concerns include NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
requirements, aging infrastructure, and levee
• Public Works Shops debt service is estimated at $560k per year
Based on a question by Councilmember Quinn regarding investments in infrastructure, Ms. Labanara
explained that the City's insurance carrier, WCIA (Washington Cities Insurance Authority) is often
surprised at the minimal claims they receive for Tukwila. That can be attributed to the investment in
infrastructure that has been occurring regularly for the last 6-7 years.
Based on a question by Councilmember Kruller regarding increasing utility rates, Ms. Labanara
emphasized that the Sewer Fund is similar to a business in that its only revenue is from the rate payer
receiving the sewer services. As new requirements occur, the City must go to the rate payers to recoup
costs.
Based on a question from Councilmember Quinn regarding the approach to community members as it
relates to utility increases, Ms. Labanara relayed that the Council has given direction to have low and
steady increases that occur over time to avoid drastic escalations. At this time, there is a slight increase
in water rates, no increase in sewer rates, and surface water rates will increase at 5% and 3%.
Based on a question from Councilmember Kruller regarding how well Tukwila has done based on the
projections from 6 years ago, Ms. Labanara explained the City is doing very well. The Water Fund is the
most unpredictable as it is consumption based. The Sewer Fund had some significant increases in the
past, which is the basis for no increases occurring at this time. The surface water rates remain one of the
lowest in the region.
• Foster Golf Course (FGL) — Reviewed at the September 25, 2018 Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting
Robert Eaton, Parks and Recreation Manager, provided an overview of the Golf Course budget.
HISTORY
Staff began a deep dive project to make adjustments in the procedures, management practices,
maintenance operations, and revenue programs. This process started with the first step of making
budget reductions. All golf staff from maintenance to management have met regularly and worked
diligently to achieve 8% budget reductions ($159,000) for the 2018 budget and for the 2019-20 biennium
budget.
The ongoing implementation of GASB 68, which requires all government agencies to report possible
liabilities for future pension requirements, has changed the available fund balance significantly from
previous years. Over $500,000 is allocated due to this reporting requirement even though the City will not
incur these costs.
Additionally, staff have been making changes to improve operational efficiencies in course maintenance
operations, pro shop operations, and revisions to the fleet replacement plan to better align with golf
course equipment needs, as well as implementing new revenue generating programs.
DISCUSSION
Intentional efforts are helping set FGL on a more sustainable long-term trajectory.
The administration recommends that Admissions Tax revenues remain within the FGL budget. As seen
on Attachment G, the $60,000 Admission Tax expense has been zeroed out so that those funds collected
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October 1, 2018 Page 6 of 10
by FGL stay within the FGL budget to make it balance. If approved, the Tukwila Municipal Code will need
to be amended to reflect this. This reduction will cover the annual SCL (Seattle City Light) easement
lease expense of $30,000 while the remaining $30,000 will be allocated to reinstate the golf cart
replacement plan and Comprehensive Improvement Plan funding again. This change helps create a
sustainable financial plan, especially when the GASB 68 proposed liabilities are not included.
Reclaimed Water
In the 2017-2018 council budget discussions it was suggested that reclaimed water be investigated as an
alternate source for irrigating the golf course. Staff began a pilot test area on the course where reclaimed
water is being used. This began in May of 2018 and to date has used 6,343 gallons of reclaimed water at
a cost of $4,275. Staff will continue with the pilot area testing and monitoring of the soils for two more
years to allow more adequate time for determining the long-term impacts of using reclaimed water.
Based on a question by Councilmember Kruller regarding use of reclaimed water, Mr. Eaton explained
that during the 2017-2018 budget process, staff was asked to look into use of reclaimed water. Over the
past year, they have been using reclaimed water on a test plot on the 18th tee and are also conducting
soil sampling and testing at a second location on the course to compare soils. They are consistently
monitoring the sites and want to continue the testing phase over the next 2 years to ensure there is no
damage to the greens.
Councilmember Robertson said he has done some research on the cost of reclaimed water and
distributed a 2008 contract between Tukwila and King County regarding distribution of reclaimed water.
He also talked with Kristina Westbrook from King County staff. The current way of charging based on this
10-year old contract could amount to $240,000. The infrastructure to use the reclaimed water is provided
by the County. In talking with Ms. Westbrook, King County would be happy to amend the current contract
which could reduce the costs from $240,000 to $40,000-$70,000.
Additionally, and of great significance is that the Governor has established a special task force to save
the orca whales in the region, which rely on 80% of their diet coming from king salmon. A goal is to
increase the number of chinook salmon and double the amount of hatchery fish in the Green/Duwamish
River to help that cause. One of the problematic issues for the river involves volume, and while Tukwila
has pumped water from the river in the past for use at the golf course, that could compromise the efforts
to protect the orca whales. Councilmember Robertson would like to see Public Works staff bring the King
County reclaimed water contract to a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in February or March
to start moving forward to reduce the costs for reclaimed water.
The Councilmembers discussed the topic of reclaimed water with the following comments:
• Appreciation for Councilmember Robertson providing this information to the Council;
• There has been a great deal of new data shared that will need to be worked into a timeline that may
require further discussion;
• Concern was expressed regarding the need to provide the time necessary for testing to continue on
the greens to ensure reclaimed water is the best option;
• There may be an opportunity through the Priority Based Budgeting process to determine if the City is
best at managing the reclaimed water project or if another outside vendor would be a better option.
Council President Seal referenced that it is the recommendation of Administration that the Admission Tax
revenues remain in the Foster Golf Links budget, which requires a Code change. She inquired as to
whether the Code change would occur as part of implementation of the budget.
David Cline, City Administrator, said the Code change would occur in alignment with adoption of the
budget in December.
8:12 p.m. Councilmember McLeod exited the Council Chambers.
8:14 p.m. Councilmember McLeod returned to the Council Chambers.
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October 1. 2018 Page 7 of 10
• Community Development (DCD) - Reviewed at the September 25, 2018 Community Development
and Neighborhoods Committee meeting
Jack Pace, Community Development Director, provided an overview of the department budget.
Changes from 2017-2018 Budget - 3% Reduction ($110,619)
The reductions in the department were made to accounts that would have the least impact on service;
accounts such as travel, supplies, professional service, and overtime. Actual usage was a criterion on
which reductions were based. Overall, budget reductions will limit the department's flexibility to deal with
changing demands.
Grant Funding
The Recycling Program in 2019-2020 will have a grant reduction of 14% with a proposed budget of
$32,910 per year.
The Transportation Demand Management (TDM) grants will be reduced from 2018 levels in 2019 and
2020. Starting in mid-2019, without additional grant funding, the budget will be $74,205 for 2 years or
$37,100 per year. With the reduced grant funding, the FTE (full time employee) count will decline from 2
FTEs to 1.5 FTEs.
As part of the Shoreline Master Plan update, the department received a $20,000 grant. $5,000 will be
spent in 2018 and $15,000 in 2019. For the update of the Buildable Lands Report, the department will
receive a $5,000 grant.
2019-2020 Revenues
The projected revenues per year are:
• Grants $117,910
• Pass Thru Fees $152,000
• Application Fees $2,211,322
New Proposal
The department is proposing to replace the existing permitting software (TRAK-iT) with a new vendor.
The current system vendor has changed companies three times and has not met the contract
commitment to respond to service needs, such as implementing e-TRAK-iT. The estimated cost ranges
from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on if it is a subscription based or licensed product. This proposal
will be funded by the DCD technology fee. In 2019, staff will review options and make a selection.
Implementation would occur in 2020.
Councilmember Quinn reflected that when TRAK-iT was initially implemented, it was supposed to provide
many end results that did not come to fruition. He will be watching the replacement product with great
scrutiny.
Additionally, Councilmember Quinn referenced a Code Enforcement situation regarding a property on
146th Street that had 2 garbage piles as high as 7-8 feet. It has been cleaned up, and Mr. Quinn feels the
Council would benefit from hearing the property owner's comments about the situation. This could
potentially be discussed in the CDN (Community Development and Neighborhoods) Committee.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg reported that he attended the recent opening of Mary's Place in Burien and the cultural and
economic exchange sponsored by the Seattle Chinese Immigrants Center. He also attended the
Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs reception.
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October 1, 2018 Page 8 of 10
b. City Council
Councilmember Hougardy attended the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs reception as well as
the Highline Forum. The focus was on the Sea-Tac Airport Master Plan (SAMP), which is now in the
environmental impact study phase. The Port of Seattle is also exploring options for getting travelers from
the Light Rail station to the airport, as it is a long walk that can detract from use of the Light Rail system.
There was also discussion on what agency would take the lead on seeking a 2nd or 3rd airport in the
region. Ms. Hougardy also attended the Soundside Broker Breakfast, where there was an opportunity to
speak to real estate brokers about what developers find attractive in local jurisdictions. The most
common response was that developers are the most likely to purchase property in jurisdictions that have
efficient and quick permitting processes.
Council President Seal participated in the King County LEOFF1 (Law Enforcement Officers and
Firefighters) meeting. She offered a reminder that on October 20, 2018 the Tukwila Friends of the Library
will be having a book sale at the Tukwila Library. Books can be dropped off at the library for the sale.
Ms. Seal announced there will be a Senior Chat on October 6, 2018 at the Tukwila Community Center at
3:00 p.m. Ms. Seal commended the Code Enforcement staff for a quick response on a multi -layered
issue regarding an apartment complex and Cascade View Elementary.
Councilmember Quinn attended the Joint Recommendations Committee, which looks at issues
associated with housing and affordable housing. At this meeting, the committee reviewed 2018-2019
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) fund applications. He reported that the Valley View Sewer
District Loop area (as it relates to connecting to sewers) has more applicants than anticipated, with 19
eligible low-income applications for assistance. This would require an additional $97,000 in CDBG funds,
and the Joint Recommendations Committee approved that additional funding at the meeting.
Councilmember Kruller attended a meeting sponsored by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center as it relates
to Washington's future for the legislature, with a focus on funding for cities. Those cities affiliated with
SCA (Suburban Cities Association) met at the Tukwila Community Center to discuss issues of common
concern. She also attended the NLC (National League of Cities) Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee meeting and the Southside Chamber of Commerce meeting. She reported that the FCC
(Federal Communications Commission) has produced information on small cell phone requirements that
has been provided to the Council. Ms. Kruller also attended the 1-5 Corridor Committee meeting which is
moving into tactical activities. She extended a reminder that the SCA nominations are coming soon.
Additionally, she attended the Law Safety and Justice Committee meeting, where the King County Sheriff,
City of Seattle Deputy Police Chief and the Kent Police Chief spoke about regional issues and a focus on
gang violence. At the SCA PIC (Public Issues Committee), there was discussion on the legislative
agenda, which will be voted on soon. She asked the Councilmembers to weigh in to her prior to the vote.
Sound Cities will be holding a workshop with a group called Future Laboratories as it relates to
homelessness.
Councilmember McLeod referenced the portion of the CA (City Administrator) report as it relates to the
42nd Avenue Street project that was intended for final completion in October. Due to a workers' strike and
delays associated with utilities, the new estimated completion date is December 2018.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the CA (City Administrator) report and monthly Public Safety
Plan update and offered to answer any questions.
Councilmember Kruller referenced the portion of the CA report associated with Senator Curtis King
touring the Strander Blvd. area and inquired as to the outcome. Mr. Cline said the City's legislative
agenda for many years was to fund the Strander Blvd./27th project. The City's state lobbyist Jennifer
Ziegler has been working with Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, to do outreach to keep
momentum going toward a positive outcome. Staff met with Roger Millar, Secretary of WSDOT
(Washington State Department of Transportation), this past week. This is a great project, and efforts are
ongoing to put the funding package together. There may be a mini transportation package during this
legislative cycle, which would be beneficial.
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October 1, 2018 Page 9 of 10
Councilmember Kruller mentioned the K4C meeting (King County Cities Climate Collaboration) on
October 2 regarding the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Climate Action Plan and inquired if the public can
attend. Mr. Cline said he believes those are public meetings.
Councilmember Kruller referenced the portion of the CA report associated with the closure of the
Crestview Dog Park. Options during the closure include the small dog park at Crestview or the Joseph
Foster Dog Park. She also asked about recent inquiries regarding the closure time of parks. Mr. Cline
explained that "dusk" is approximately 30 minutes after sundown.
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney was not present.
e. Council Analyst
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, said the SCA (Sound Cities Association) Boards and Commissions
nomination deadline is October 31, 2018.
MISCELLANEOUS
Council President Seal referenced a letter sent to the King County Executive that was signed by the
Mayor, along with several other regional mayors. The topic involved a proposal for revising the process
involving the use -of -deadly -force circumstances. In her view, the letter made some policy statements on
behalf of the City. This is a matter that can involve the whole community, and she would like to have a
better understanding of this topic. She would like to have this matter brought to a committee for review.
Ms. Seal read from the letter as follows: " we ask that you and your office push the pause button on
updates to the inquest process and allow more discussions with us as elected officials who are
accountable both to the citizens we serve and the law enforcement officers we employ....." She would
like to work with the Chair of the Public Safety Committee to have this item placed on a future agenda.
Councilmember Kruller expressed concern about letters going out that imply the Council has supported
an issue without the matter coming before the Council. She inquired if the Council had a policy regarding
these kinds of instances, and Council President Seal responded in the affirmative. Ms. Kruller suggested
that when there is urgency, perhaps the policy could be amended to build in options that involve the
Council President and/or Council Analyst to communicate with the whole Council. From her perspective,
there may need to be a broader discussion on what equates to "policy" so everyone is on the same page.
Council President Seal thanked the City Administrator for providing 14 other letters signed by the Mayor
for her to review for potential policy issues.
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, explained there is a memorandum that outlines the process staff uses
when City Administration receives requests to support a legislative effort. It states that if the issue is in
the Council -adopted legislative agenda, City Administration does not need to circle back to the Council. If
it is outside the legislative agenda, the topic should be addressed at a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Council President Seal said there will be continued discussion on this topic.
Councilmember Kruller referenced 2 items that continue to surface at Council Committee meetings. From
her standpoint, the Council has determined there will be no more spending as it relates to Fire Station 54.
She continues to see items that involve spending money on Station 54. From her standpoint, if money
continues to be spent on Station 54, it should come before the full Council.
Ms. Kruller referenced a recent discussion at the CDN (Community Development and Neighborhoods)
Committee as it relates to re-channelization of traffic on Tukwila International Blvd. (TIB). There were
references in the information about "direction" to stop certain activities. She noted that it is the Council
that sets policy. She would like to see items follow the Council process prior to direction being given.
Mayor Ekberg offered that he believes it was a recommendation.
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October 1, 2018 Page 10 of 10
ADJOURNMENT
9:01 p.m. UNANI �;, ,(�j'PRO EXISTED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING.
Allan Ekber
Christy O'Fla
y, Records Governance ager/City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 10/15/18
AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 10/16/18