HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers January 28, 2019 — 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Hougardy 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 Hougardy; Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, De'Sean
Quinn, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator;
Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst;
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dennis Martinez, 4660 South 160th Street, shared that a senior resident has had issues with illegal
dumping on his property. He thanked Councilmember Robertson for having the trash picked up. The
resident does not have internet access and had difficulty calling into Tukwila Works. Mr. Martinez
emphasized the importance of ensuring services are accessible to senior residents. Mr. Martinez relayed
he is asking on behalf of a resident whether the monthly Council Chats will be resuming. He noted the
pedestrian safety improvements near the Abu Bakr Islamic Center on South 140th Street have gone out to
bid, and bids will be opened on February 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. He is pleased to see the progress on this
issue.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. A contract for commissioning services for the Fire Station 51 and Justice Center projects in the
amount of $143,069.00.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on
January 22, 2019. He indicated this is a part of the Council -approved budgets for these projects. The
committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval.
Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, explained these services and fee were expected and have
been planned as part of the Public Safety Plan. Commissioning services ensure the project's mechanical
and electrical systems and components are installed and performing correctly in accordance with the
design and manufacturers' standards. Based on their qualifications and proposed fee estimate, Tukwila -
based Keithly Barber Associates, Inc. is the top ranked firm and is recommended for selection.
Fire Station 52 will also likely require commissioning services. At this point, an estimated fee for Fire
Station 52 has been identified by the consultant for the City to add this scope of work to the contract,
when that project is ready to start construction. The City will issue the initial notice to proceed solely for
the amount needed for Fire Station 51 and the Justice Center, in the amount of $96,291. The total
contract amount of $143,069 includes an allowance for Fire Station 52 with contingency.
Councilmember McLeod asked if the scores are based on the lowest bid and expressed appreciation that
a Tukwila based company was selected.
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January 28, 2019 Page 2 of 6
Justine Kim, Program Manager with Shiels Obletz Johnsen (SOJ), explained the firms are scored based
on their qualifications and proposed fee estimate.
Council President Hougardy requested clarification on what commissioning services entail.
Ms. Kim said buildings have mechanical (heating and cooling) and electrical systems that use
sophisticated software to function. The practice of building commissioning is becoming an industry
standard by building owners to ensure all equipment has been installed correctly, is integrated, and
functions per the manufacturer's standards.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. A contract for construction testing and inspection services for the Fire Station 51 and Justice
Center projects in the amount of $95,782.00.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on
January 22, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval.
Ms. Bianchi relayed these services and fee were expected and have been planned as part of the Public
Safety Plan. Construction testing and inspection ensure the project construction process adheres to the
designed specifications and criteria intended to meet the applicable codes. Based on their qualifications
and proposed fee estimate, the project team is recommending Mayes Testing Engineers, Inc. for
selection.
Ms. Bianchi explained staff is requesting authorization to contract up to $95,782 for the Fire Station 51
and Justice Center projects, with an allowance for Fire Station 52 with contingency. An amendment to the
contract will be brought forward once the Fire Station 52 project is ready to start construction. The City will
issue the initial notice to proceed for this contract in the amount of $57,075 for Fire Station 51 and the
Justice Center.
Councilmember McLeod asked who reviewed the Request for Proposals.
Ms. Kim said the review team was composed of the respective Project Managers for the Fire Station 51
and Justice Center projects and Ms. Bianchi.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
c. Quarterly Report for Public Safety Plan Program Management Quality Assurance.
Steve Goldblatt, the Council's Program Management Quality Assurance (PMQA) Consultant utilized a
PowerPoint presentation to provide a quarterly update on the Public Safety Plan (PSP) overview as
follows:
Introduction
Capable PSP team: City, Shiels Obletz Johnsen (SOJ); Weinstein Architects & Urban Designers
(WAU); Lydig Construction; DLR Group, BNBuilders; SHKS Architects.
General Contractor Construction Management (GC/CM) is the right approach: better estimating,
fewer surprises
• WA Project Review Committee approval on fire stations' use of GC/CM after initial denial
• PSP has progressed like other public projects, programs
• Tight budgets, schedules
• User needs, expectations 4 $ approved by the voters
• Hard for all (users, PSP team, Council) with limited budgets
• Initial budgets 4 Council -approved budgets
Fire Station 51 nears construction
• GC/CM Lydig began issuing bid packages last week
• Lydig will assemble low responsive bids from low responsible bidders
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January 28, 2019 Page 3 of 6
• Based on those low bids, Lydig will prepare its Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC)
• MACC will be considered at the March 4 Public Safety Committee meeting, March 11 Committee
of the Whole, and March 18 Regular meeting with prices for all design alternates (Council's
choice)
Construction is scheduled to begin in March
Justice Center nears construction
• GC/CM BNBuilders will issue bid packages next week, starting with early work scopes:
demolition, earthwork, site utilities, and steel and elevator procurement
• BNBuilders will assemble low responsive bids from low responsible bidders
• Based on the early works low bids, BNBuilders will prepare a mini-MACC
• Mini-MACC will be considered at the March 4 Public Safety Committee meeting, March 11
Committee of the Whole, and March 18 Regular Meeting.
• Early works construction is scheduled to begin in April
• Based on the remaining low bids, BNBuilders will prepare its full MACC
• MACC will be considered at Public Safety Committee, Committee of the Whole, and Regular
meetings in April/May.
• General construction is scheduled to begin in April/May.
Fire Station 52 construction follows
• WAU schematic design is complete for the drive-thru plan
• Lydig will issue bid packages next month for early work scopes: earthwork, site utilities, and
elevator procurement
• Lydig will assemble low responsive bids from low responsible bidders
• Based on the early works low bids. Lydig will prepare a mini-MACC
• Mini-MACC will be considered at Public Safety Committee, Committee of the Whole, and Regular
meetings in June
• Early works construction is scheduled to begin in July
• Upon completion of the design development and construction documents phases this fall, Lydig
will issue the bulk of the bid packages
• Lydig will assemble low responsive bids from low responsible bidders
• Based on those low bids, Lydig will prepare its full Maximum Allowable Construction Cost
(MACC)
• MACC will be considered at Public Safety Committee, Committee of the Whole, and Regular
meetings this fall with a price for the administration build -out alternate (Council's choice)
• General construction is scheduled to begin this fall
Public Works Facilities master planning underway with staff
• Good Council decision to approve master planning, programming
• Master plan expected to be considered by the Public Safety Committee and Council in May.
• Based on the master plan, Council will have opportunities to make deliberate, incremental
decisions over many years as financing allows
• Heiser property available as early as July 1 and as late as Dec 31; $45,000 monthly rent
• Initial improvements to existing buildings can begin this summer
• UPS property transfers in 2023
Summary
• Council has made step-by-step decisions in a natural progression
• Council can't miss any deadlines to meet schedules, budgets
• Council is set up for success based on good information
• Council is prepared to make big $ decisions
• PMQA consultant's role the next two years
The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions as follows:
Councilmember Robertson:
• Should the Council expect a difficult March 4 Public Safety Committee meeting? Mr. Goldblatt
asserted that the MACC contract amendment is a significant moment in the Public Safety Plan.
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January 28, 2019 Page 4 of 6
However, unless there is a marketplace shock that is different to the estimating that has been
completed, it should be a natural, incremental step.
• How do the decisions to be made on Fire Station 51 impact the availability of alternates for Fire
Station 52? Mr. Goldblatt said if there are any funds left after bids return on Fire Station 51, based
on the market, the Council will have some tough decisions to make. They will need to consider
dollars versus priorities and preferences, and match what is best for Fire Station 52 given the
funds available. He said there will be some lag for the Fire Station 52 and the Justice Center
numbers.
• Mr. Robertson expressed it would be ideal to have some money left over in the budget to add
features to the Public Works Facilities Master Plan, which will be considered in May. He looks
forward to seeing what the needs are for the Public Works shops.
Councilmember Seal thanked Mr. Goldblatt for his diligence in taking the Council through this process.
His presentation aligns with her understanding of the Public Safety Plan to date. She found the update
especially helpful as she has been outside of the Committee process due to her role as Council President
last year.
Councilmember Quinn:
• Do you participate in the review process when a Request for Proposals (RFP) goes out? Mr.
Goldblatt shared that he has been involved in contractor selection. He has not been asked to
participate in the selection of professional services.
• Mr. Quinn said this presentation is representative of the work that has been completed to date.
There are still practical, financial decisions to be made that will end up affecting the bottom line.
He would like Mr. Goldblatt to stay informed regarding these contracts coming forward to the
Council, to ensure the amounts are appropriate.
• Mr. Quinn expressed he will be looking forward to more feedback from Mr. Goldblatt in the
coming months. The PMQA role will be critical in supplying information so the Council can make
solid, thoughtful decisions.
Councilmember Kruller:
• Can you elaborate on the yellow-bulleted items on your monthly report (pages 69-72 of the
agenda packet)? The yellow bullets on the report represent items that are not "locked down." The
fire station budgets will depend on the marketplace. There is a plan in place for Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise and local hiring policies and outreach is happening, but the success of those
policies will depend on hiring metrics that are expected mid-2019. The Justice Center project is
still pending the resolution of an easement issue to complete the final property acquisition
(Travelodge).
• What is the timeline for resolution of the easement issue for the Travelodge site? Ms. Bianchi
shared the project team is working closely with the City Attorney to resolve a maintenance
easement with the property owner just west of the Travelodge (El Matador Apartments). Staff is
trying to close this issue as soon as possible and is currently waiting for confirmation that the
revised maintenance easement meets the property owner's needs.
• Does the project timeline still have off -ramp opportunities? Mr. Goldblatt stated if the Council
decides the market is too high to be able to proceed with a project, that would be an off -ramp.
However, any upcoming off -ramps will be significant decisions with serious implications, as
construction is scheduled to proceed soon.
• Can you say more on the marketplace and the wisdom of doing all these projects at once? Mr.
Goldblatt indicated the market is still highly active. There are many public works projects in the
pipeline, as well as projects in the private sector. He expressed he feels the current marketplace
conditions will continue. Additionally, if the current timing or project scopes are disrupted, the City
will need to procure or reassemble different teams. This would be inefficient and cost more
money.
• What if the City is not able to afford purchasing any alternates for the fire stations? Mr. Goldblatt
expressed the project team has done well at defining the core scope of the projects and providing
a list of alternates that can be purchased based on budget. He indicated while alternates can be
added retroactively, it will be costlier in the future.
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January 28, 2019 Page 5 of 6
Councilmember McLeod asked if Mr. Goldblatt was encountering any barriers. Mr. Goldblatt indicated City
staff and the project team share information without inhibitions. He relayed it is helpful to hear feedback
from the Council.
Councilmember Idan expressed he is excited to see the construction phase of the projects commencing.
He values Mr. Goldblatt's opinion and input.
The Councilmembers raised the possibility of holding a special work session regarding the Public Safety
Plan. They discussed the process for communicating with Mr. Goldblatt. Support existed to coordinate
through Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, and to keep the Council President informed when
communicating directly with Mr. Goldblatt.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg reported attending Chick-fil-A's soft launch event earlier today. They will be open to the
public beginning January 31, 2019. He congratulated the Seattle Seawolves for winning their first home
game at Starfire Sports in the Major League Rubgy season opener on January 27, 2019.
b. City Council
Councilmember Seal expressed she enjoyed being back in Committee. She explained when a
Councilmember serves as Council President, they do not sit on any of the four standing Council
Committees for that year. She shared One America and Washington New Americans will be holding a
free citizenship event on February 2, 2019 at the Sea-Tac International Airport Conference Center.
Volunteer immigration attorneys. paralegals, and interpreters will be providing assistance with citizenship
applications. Appointments will be required. She encouraged residents to contact her if they have any
questions.
Councilmember Quinn stated the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee will be
reviewing applications for Lodging Tax Funds at its January 29, 2019 meeting. They will also be reviewing
the Lower Green River Corridor Plan's Flood Hazard Management Plan as well as the Tukwila 205 Levee
Certification effort. He said the last two items will take significant work.
Councilmember Kruller participated in the annual "Count Us In" homelessness count on January 25,
2019. Many people volunteered to collect data on the number and locations of homeless individuals
throughout King County. In a recent meeting with Ms. Kruller, King County Executive Dow Constantine
reflected on an encounter during "Count Us In" regarding a suicidal individual experiencing
homelessness. She emphasized the importance of a regional reaction that provides balance between
preserving neighborhoods and responding in a humane manner.
Councilmember McLeod reported the Finance Committee discussed the 3rd Quarter Sales Tax Report at
its January 28, 2019 meeting. The Committee reviewed revenues and also discussed a preliminary work
plan for this year.
Councilmember Idan stated the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had its first meeting on
January 23, 2019. The 42nd Avenue South Project was originally estimated to be completed by August
2018. The current estimated completion date is end of February 2019 due to unanticipated levels of
groundwater interference and design issues. Staff will be outreaching to the community through various
methods. The 53rd Avenue South Project is currently estimated to be complete by May 2019 due to issues
with Seattle City Light and a substandard gas main. The Committee also reviewed the Neighborhood
Traffic Calming Program. The City is working on an outreach plan which will be launched in the 1st
Quarter of 2019.
Council President Hougardy attended the Highline Forum on January 23, 2019 and was elected Co -Chair
with Commissioner Fred Felleman from the Port of Seattle. The Forum received an update from the Sea-
Tac Airport Stakeholder Advisory Working Group regarding a sustainable airport master plan. They look
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 28, 2019 Page 6 of 6
forward to receiving the Department of Commerce's report on the impacts of Sea-Tac Airport on
surrounding communities that was approved last year through the Sea-Tac Airport Budget Proviso.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, reported he participated in the annual "Count Us In" homelessness count
on January 25, 2019. The event took place at 2.00 a.m. He commended the City, Mayor, and Council for
their work and focus on the issue of homelessness.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Robertson referenced the article, "Are Antarctica's Glaciers Collapsing?" from the
Scientific American's February 2019 issue. The amount of ice being lost due to climate change has
severe implications for global sea level rise. Sea levels may rise as much as 11 feet in 20 years. Mr.
Robertson emphasized the importance of treating this issue seriously and changing our behaviors now to
prevent a catastrophic future.
Councilmember Kruller shared the Seattle Seawolves management team recently reached out to
Councilmembers regarding the recent season opener game at Starfire Sports to express their
disappointment in not being able to display fireworks at the beginning of their game. She asked for
clarification on this issue.
Mr. Cline relayed there was some confusion on timelines for getting fireworks permits. Staff are working
with the Seattle Seawolves to ensure a permit is in place for all future 2019 season home games.
Ms. Kruller referenced the Fire Station 51 groundbreaking ceremony that is scheduled for March 30,
2019. She recently found out that the Tukwila Food Pantry had scheduled their annual "Strike Out
Hunger" bowling fundraiser event on the same day and was told they need to change the date due to the
City's groundbreaking ceremony. She asked why the City is conflicting with a key event for an important
cause.
Councilmember McLeod asked if there was Council interest in reviewing the current zoning for cannabis
and marijuana retail. He noted the current zoning does not allow this type of business to be successful as
these businesses can only operate in zones not suitable for retail. While there have been misgivings in
the past regarding cannabis and marijuana retail, there are now several model cities from which staff can
gather information and learn best practices. Reviewing the zoning may provide an additional revenue
stream for the City and align with the City's model of inclusivity.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO HAVE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE REVIEW ZONING FOR
CANNABIS AND MARIJUANA RETAIL.
ADJOURNMENT
8:24 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Kathy Hou•arby, C•uncresident
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 2/14/19
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 2/15/19