HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers January 14, 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; Vicky
Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Andy
Youn, Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Update on 2019 legislative session. David Foster, Foster Government Relations.
Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, introduced David Foster, the City's new contract lobbyist.
Mr. Foster utilized a PowerPoint to provide an overview as follows:
David Foster — Foster Government Relations
• Contract Lobbyist since 2007
• City of Seattle Lobbyist between 2002-2010
• Staff to King County Councilmember 1996-2001
• Western Washington University
• Roosevelt High School
• Helping to raise two teenage girls
Clients include:
• Government
o King County
o Intercity Transit
• Non-profit
o FareStart
o Sound (formerly Sound Mental Health)
o YMCA's
• Business
o American Behavioral Health Systems
o Kindercare
2019 Legislature
• House
o Democrats — 57 seats (change of +7 from 2018)
o Republicans — 41 seats (-7 from 2018)
o 22 new House members overall
• 12 new Democrats
• 10 new Republicans
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January 14, 2019 Page 2 of 7
• Senate
o Democrats — 28 seats (+3 from 2018)
o Republicans — 21 seats (-3 from 2018)
o 6 new Senate members overall
• 5 new Democrats
• 1 new Republican
Legislative Session
• January 14 — Session begins
• April 28 — Session ends
• 105-day session
• Budget year— Biennium starting July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021
o Operating
o Capital
o Transportation
Issues in addition to the budgets...
• Mental and behavioral health
• Housing and homelessness
• Culverts
• McCleary — What's next?
• Revenue increases — Governor proposed
o Capital Gains Tax
o Business & Occupation (B&O) tax increase on services
o Progressive Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
Tukwila's Legislative Priorities
• Strander Boulevard extension funding
• Housing Trust Fund and new/expanded local options for housing and human services
• Maintain the existing Streamlined Sales Tax mitigation payments
• Amend the limits on property tax growth to reflect growth and need
• Increase funding for law enforcement training
• Preserve lodging tax flexibility
11th Legislative District
• Senator Bob Hasegawa
o Vice Caucus Chair
o Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade Committee — (Vice Chair)
o State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee
o Ways & Means Committee
• Representative Zack Hudgins
o Innovation, Technology & Economic Development Committee — (Chair)
o Appropriations Committee
o State Government & Tribal Relations Committee
• Representative Steve Bergquist
o Appropriations Committee — (2nd Vice Chair)
o College & Workforce Development Committee
o Education Committee
o Rules Committee
The Councilmembers asked the following questions:
Councilmember Robertson:
• What are the odds of a Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Mitigation Program passing? Mr. Foster replied
while the issue is difficult to predict, he will work hard to try to secure funding. Representatives Pat
Sullivan and Drew Stokesbary both spoke regarding this issue following the Mayoral testimonies
before the House Appropriations Committee. Mr. Foster understands preserving revenue streams is
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January 14, 2019 Page 3 of 7
an important issue for the City. Ms. Bianchi added the City is part of a strong coalition of affected
cities that is working on this issue.
• Do you represent other jurisdictions? Mr. Foster does not represent any other cities. However, he
does represent two other government agencies: King County and Intercity Transit.
• Does King County have more than one lobbyist? King County currently has two internal lobbyists and
two contract lobbyists. Mr. Foster is one of two contract lobbyists there.
Councilmember Quinn emphasized the City's first priority is addressing SST mitigation payments. Part of
the challenge is that mitigation payments were supposed to be in place as the State addressed other
solutions such as online sales tax. Additionally, Tukwila shares a zip code with another jurisdiction. This
issue has still not been fixed but negatively impacts SST mitigation payments to the City. Mr. Quinn
emphasized that the fixes the Council was told would be made have not yet happened. He encouraged
Mr. Foster to follow up with the business community, as they have articulated that this issue is a priority
on their legislative agenda. He looks forward to receiving a later briefing from Mr. Foster.
Mr. Foster shared there will likely be legislation to attempt to address this issue on a permanent basis for
the impacted jurisdictions. If the coalition is not able to push forward a permanent fix this year, the
alternative position is to secure funding in the operating budget for the next two years and continue
pursuing a permanent solution. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Quinn's comments.
Councilmember Kruller:
• Can you provide a report on whether the House Appropriations Committee seemed receptive to the
Mayor's testimony on SST mitigation payments? Mr. Foster relayed he was not in the hearing room
during the testimony as he was in the overflow room. However, he indicated he is happy to provide
updates as the session progresses.
• To whom should Councilmembers speak to garner support for Tukwila's legislative agenda? Mr.
Foster said he will have a comprehensive list in approximately 2-3 weeks, broken down by those in
support, those who may be on the fence, or those opposed.
Councilmember McLeod asked how the Council will receive updates. Mr. Foster indicated he will send
weekly email updates. He will try to be as accessible as possible and is happy to attend Council meetings
to provide reports as well. It would be helpful to have one week's notice if Councilmembers intend to visit
him in Olympia, so he can schedule meetings accordingly.
Ms. Bianchi added she will work with Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, to coordinate meetings and
schedules.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dennis Robertson, 16038 48th Avenue South, thanked the Police Department for resolving the issue of an
illegal marijuana grow operation in his neighborhood on January 10, 2019. Marijuana grow operations
release fumes similar to skunk cabbage into the neighborhood which reduces quality of life for residents
in the area. In addition, such illegal operations can be dangerous due to the amount of electricity needed
to sustain plant growth. Mr. Robertson said a power transformer near the property in question blew up
last week, likely due to the grow operation. He relayed Police have covered the entrance to the property
with plywood. He expressed his appreciation that this issue has been resolved and encouraged residents
to report illegal marijuana grow operations to the Police.
Councilmember Kruller shared that she has encountered similar odors while commuting to Seattle by
bicycle. She also discovered the odor is a result of marijuana grow operations. Ms. Kruller suggested
having Police staff start educating the public so residents can help identify illegal grow operations.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Interlocal Agreement with the South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership (SKHHP).
Councilmember Kruller indicated this item was discussed at the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee meeting on December 11, 2018. The committee members forwarded this item
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January 14, 2019 Page 4 of 7
with support but requested that the City's comments on the draft include Council representation on
governance.
Ms. Bianchi provided a brief background of this issue as follows:
Tukwila has been participating in the South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership regional
working group to identify approaches to housing issues. The next step would be to join an interlocal
agreement to pool resources with other Cities facing similar housing challenges. The draft work plan
objectives for the collaboration include:
1. Technical assistance to member jurisdictions to create affordable housing;
2. Strategies for housing stability and preservation of existing affordable housing stock;
3. Establishment of a South King County capital fund for housing development and preservation;
4. Support for local Comprehensive Plan housing elements;
5. Represent member jurisdictions at regional forums;
6. Educate and advocate member jurisdictions' interests at the State Legislature;
7. Assist in implementing an ongoing collaboration through the interlocal agreement; and
8. Outreach and education around affordable housing options and opportunities.
Ms. Bianchi explained the interlocal agreement is still undergoing review through the various participating
jurisdictions, but staff do not expect material or significant changes. Staff are seeking approval of the
interlocal agreement in substantial form.
The Councilmembers provided comments and asked clarifying questions as follows:
• Participating in this interlocal agreement will be helpful in capital investment discussions to
address housing and homelessness. It is a broader message coming from South King County
about the unique issues in this region.
• Auburn and Kent are great partners that have provided strong leadership in this area on
homelessness.
• Is the City of SeaTac intending to participate? Ms. Bianchi replied that they are not participating.
• In response to a question regarding cost, Ms. Bianchi confirmed Tukwila's cost for this
collaboration has decreased from $10,500 to $7,500 annually due to the increase in the number
of participating agencies.
• Will Tukwila appear on the list of participating agencies? Ms. Bianchi explained the interlocal
agreement is still undergoing minor revisions, therefore, staff are asking for approval of the
interlocal agreement in substantial form. Tukwila will be added.
• Support existed to add language to have an option to include elected representatives as part of
the membership of the Executive Board. Having two bodies of government will increase
equitability and can produce greater benefits on this issue. If the requested change is not made,
support existed to continue with the interlocal agreement.
• How are the revenue sources determined? Ms. Bianchi explained the participating cities
contribute to the SKHHP budget based on size. The highest the fiscal impact to Tukwila could be
is $7,500. The lowest it could be is $5,837. The budget could change depending on the Executive
Board.
• Who will be the administering agency? The interlocal agreement proposes having one or more of
the participating parties serve as the administering agency and fiscal agent for SKHHP, unless
the Executive Board appoints another entity. Ms. Bianchi shared that a local Housing Authority or
the Housing Development Consortium may also be the administering agency. This is in the
process of being finalized.
• How will the Council receive updates on the progress of the work plan? Ms. Bianchi said the
interlocal agreement calls for quarterly budget performance and progress reports on the status of
the work program elements. Depending on Council preference, the quarterly reports can go to the
Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee as well as the full Council. Staff can
also obtain copies of the quarterly reports for the full Council. Council support existed to finalize
the format of the quarterly reporting with the Chair of the Community Development and
Neighborhoods Committee.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 14, 2019
Page 5 of 7
b. Council participation on 2019 regional boards, committees and commissions.
Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, presented the draft list of Council representation on regional, state,
and national committees and commissions and/or boards for the 2019 calendar year. The list includes
boards and commissions on which Councilmembers are serving as a Tukwila City Council representative.
Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Educational
Advisory Committee
Kathy Hougardy
AWC Federal Legislative Committee
Kate Kruller
AWC Nominating Committee
Kathy Hougardy, pending
Cascade Water Alliance Board of Directors
To be determined, Mayor's Alternate
City of Tukwila Equity and Social Justice Commission
Kathy Hougardy
City of Tukwila Library Advisory Board
Verna Seal
Firemen's Pension Board
Thomas McLeod
Highline Forum
Kathy Hougardy
Dennis Robertson, Alternate
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Kathy Hougardy, Chair
King County Consortium Joint Recommendations
Committee for Community Development Block Grants
(CDBG)*
De'Sean Quinn
King County LEOFF 1 Disability Board*
Verna Seal
National League of Cities (NLC) Transportation &
Infrastructure Services Federal Advocacy Committee
Kate Kruller, Vice -Chair
NLC Council on Youth, Education and Families
Verna Seal
NLC First Tier Suburbs Council
Thomas McLeod
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Transportation
Policy Board
Kate Kruller
King County Regional Transit Committee*
Kathy Hougardy
Salmon Recovery Council
Dennis Robertson
Sound Cities Association (SCA) Public Issues Committee
Kate Kruller
To be determined, Alternate
South County Area Transportation Board
Kathy Hougardy
To be determined, Alternate
Soundside Alliance for Economic Development Board
Kathy Hougardy, Executive
Committee Chair
Washington State Commission on African American
Affairs
De'Sean Quinn
Washington State Criminal Justice Trainin. Commission
De'Sean Quinn
Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA9) Management
Committee
Dennis Robertson, Chair
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Statewide Active Transportation Plan Steering Committee
De'Sean Quinn
*Represents SCA Appointments
Councilmember McLeod relayed he has accepted an appointment to the King County Growth
Management Planning Council.
Councilmember Kruller stated she will not be able to attend the SCA Public Issues Committee meeting in
March as she will be attending an NLC conference. Councilmember Robertson stated he can attend the
SCA Public Issues Committee meeting in March as the alternate.
Ms. Humphrey said any Councilmember may attend as an alternate, but they may not be able to vote.
She will follow up.
The Council concurred with the list of representation with the changes as discussed above.
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January 14, 2019 Page 6 of 7
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg shared that Police Chief Bruce Linton's presentation to the Tukwila School District Board
regarding red light cameras was well received. The Mayor attended a Tukwila International Boulevard
Action Committee meeting and received updates regarding the Boulevard. On January 11, 2019, he
attended the Southside Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast Luncheon. He was invited to a
Tukwila Pride community meeting on January 11, 2019. Tukwila Pride plans to hold a Pride event in
June. He expressed that this event is an example of the inclusiveness and compassion we have for the
diversity that exists in the City. On January 14, 2019, Mayor Ekberg testified before the House
Appropriations Committee regarding Streamlined Sales Tax Mitigation payments. The City has invested
heavily in infrastructure and public services that support warehouses, light/heavy industry, and retail for a
community with a daytime population of 150,000 and a nighttime population of 20,000. He shared that the
Mayoral testimonies seemed well received by the Committee, as they have not received enough
feedback from impacted cities. He hopes the work by David Foster, the City's contract lobbyist, will
produce positive results for the City.
b. City Council
Councilmember Robertson expressed he enjoyed the recent video promoting the upcoming Renton
Comic Con event in Renton.
David Cline, City Administrator, shared that Brandon Miles, Business Development Manager, was the
creative force behind the video.
Councilmember Seal attended a Tukwila Library Advisory Board meeting on January 8, 2019 and
received an update on the Tukwila Village nonprofit from Derek Speck, Economic Development
Administrator. Ms. Seal shared that the Library Advisory Board will be reviewing the issue of parking stall
shortages at the library. Ms. Seal referenced Police Chief Linton's Change of Command Ceremony on
January 6, 2019 and expressed the Council would have liked to participate in that event. She stated she
hopes the Council and Administration can find a way to collaborate more effectively this year.
Council President Hougardy shared that she met with the Interim Superintendent of the Tukwila School
District, Dr. Lester "Flip" Herndon. There will be a joint School Board and Council meeting in March. She
will send updates once details are confirmed.
Councilmember Quinn reported having a great conversation with the Interim Superintendent of the
Tukwila School District, Dr. Lester "Flip" Herndon, over winter break. Mr. Quinn referenced the closure of
the Seattle Viaduct and noted this is an opportune time for Department of Community Development staff
to review parking and traffic counts in Tukwila, as the City considers its approach to discussions with
Sound Transit. Many people have planned for the Viaduct closure by using public transit. Seattle
dedicated Police Officers to direct drivers through intersections. Mr. Quinn expressed he would like to
see Sound Transit facilitate parking and alternatives through this transition.
Councilmember Kruller attended a Sound Cities Association meeting last week, where the subject of
homelessness was at the forefront of business. Ms. Kruller said she will send the minutes and agenda
from that meeting through Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, as there was a reference to a potential new
tax from King County. Ms. Kruller noted she saw de-icer on the streets tonight but cannot recall if de-icer
was applied yesterday. She asked when and how the City makes its decisions on which roads to de-ice.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, reported attending the Southside Chamber of Commerce Economic
Forecast Luncheon on January 11, 2019. Chris Mefford, CEO of Community Attributes, was the keynote
speaker at the Luncheon. Mr. Cline said he will send out the economic climate data from Mr. Mefford's
presentation, as well as the City's economic forecast PowerPoint, to the Council. He indicated he will
follow-up on Ms. Kruller's question concerning de-icing through his next City Administrator Report.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 14, 2019 Page 7 of 7
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Robertson stated in 2014, the Army Corps of Engineers and the King County Flood
Control District sponsored the System Wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) to create a multi -benefit
plan for the Lower Green River which runs through Tukwila, Kent, Auburn and portions of King County.
The plan was postponed until last summer. Mr. Robertson relayed SWIF recently completed their Lower
Green River Corridor Plan containing three alternatives with no input from any agency other than the King
County Flood Control District. The plan covers the next 50 years but prevents key actions beneficial to
salmon from occurring, and essentially closes down whole sections of the Lower Green to multi -beneficial
improvements. Mr. Robertson shared several jurisdictions and agencies are in opposition to the SWIF
plan. The City and Mayor have been working with the Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA9) to see
what will happen in Tukwila's section of the Lower Green.
Water Resource Inventory Area 9 (WRIA9) voted to come up with a letter opposing the plan. Mr.
Robertson relayed January 29, 2019 is the last day to submit comments regarding the draft Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement for the Lower Green River Corridor Plan. He would like to send a draft
letter signed by all cities opposing the plan and requesting additional opportunities for public input. Due to
the time sensitivity, he is requesting Council consensus to send this item to the appropriate Committee to
authorize the Mayor to sign the letter.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO HAVE THE TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
COMMITTEE REVIEW THIS ITEM AT THEIR NEXT MEETING.
ADJOURNMENT
8:15 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 2/14/19
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 2/15/19