HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-23 Community Development and Neighborhoods MinutesCity of Tukwila
City Council Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
April 23, 2019 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: De'Sean Quinn, Chair; Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal
Staff: David Cline, Jack Pace, Tracy Gallaway, Robert Eaton, Laurel Humphrey
Guests: Sharon Mann, Louise Strander, Dixie Stark, Karen Simmons, Planning
Commission; Ron Johnston, Civil Service Commission
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Quinn called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Grant Application: 2019 King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy
Staff is seeking Council approval to apply for Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy
funding from the King County Department of Community and Human Services. The next round
of funding covers five years from September 1, 2019 - December 31, 2023 and will provide
successful applicants with funds to create senior hubs and expand outreach to isolated
individuals and other forms of engagement. Final inputs are being gathered from the Older Adult
Recreation Needs Assessment to identify immediate priorities that VSHSL funding can address.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
B. Consultant Agreement: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Staff is seeking Council approval of an agreement with MIG in the amount of $125,000 to perform
the required update of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan. Five proposals were
evaluated by a review committee, and two consultants were then interviewed. MIG was rated
with the highest score and selected as the most qualified. Chair Quinn referenced the April 22
discussion on the Older Adult Recreation Needs Assessment and said the Council is going to be
looking for detailed recommendations in the updated PROS Plan. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
FORWARD TO MAY 6, 2019 REGULAR CONSENT AGENDA.
C. Commission Appointments and Terms
Staff presented information about processes relating to Planning Commissions, including
process for reappointments, Council Vs. Mayor role, term limits, and RCW citations. It is most
common in cities for the Mayor to appoint and the Council to confirm, which is supported by
language in the RCW. Terms vary from 3 to 4 years, and some cities cap terms at two. While
Community Development & Neighborhoods Minutes April 23, 2019
Tukwila does not require reapplicants from completing a new application, other cities do. Staff
is seeking direction on additional information and next steps on this topic. Committee members
clarified that they are interested in looking at best practices for appointments to all of the City's
Commissions.
Councilmember Robertson stated that the checks and balances of the Council vs Mayor's role is
helpful and decisions to not confirm should be handled carefully. He is comfortable with the
current process but would like to require people to reapply for additional terms. Councilmember
Seal referenced a recent incident where the Council did not have adequate notice of a Mayoral
appointment and were in an uncomfortable position at the Council meeting. She would like to
have a better -defined process that includes equity in recruiting individuals to fill open positions.
She also supports requiring reapplication. Chair Quinn stated that he would like to look at best
practices and additional information from other cities and referenced the City's Hearing
Examiner process. He stated support for requiring reapplication every four years, and improving
communication relating to the appointment process. He also mentioned that Planning
Commissioners make very important recommendations regarding the future of the City and the
Council needs to be assured that applicants have the background and experience to be suited to
the role. After additional discussion, Committee members expressed interest in receiving the
appointment paperwork from the Mayor's Office at least two weeks prior to the expected
confirmation date. All agreed that a written, predictable process would be benefit the City. Chair
Quinn asked that the Commissions be included in the review of any process changes. RETURN
TO COMMITTEE.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
• Staff noted that at the Housing Development Consortium 11t"Annual Celebration earlier
in the day the City of Tukwila received a Municipal Champion Award along with the other
South King Housing & Homelessness partner agencies.
• Staff mentioned that on May 29, the City of Tukwila will be hosting the Department of
Commerce's "Short Course on Affordable Housing," and invitations will go to the
Planning Commission and the other SKH HP partner agencies. It will also be open to the
public.
• Staff mentioned that there is a technicality with the Tukwila Valley South zone that
needs to be resolved in that the City Council needs to provide specific direction on town
homes. Staff asked for Committee approval to take this matter to the Planning
Commission, and the Committee agreed.
Adjourned 6:41 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval