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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers July 22, 2019 — 7:00 P.m. 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 inthe Pledge ofAllegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Council President Hougardy; Counci|membensVenna Seal, Oe'Sean Quinn, Koha KruUer, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan. CouncNmemherRobertson was not inattendance, CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg. yWayor� David C|ine, QtyAdministrator� Henry Hash, Public Works Director; Bruce Linton, PmQoeChie� Kraig Boyd; Special Operations Commander; Vicky{}adoen. Finance Director; JayVVittwer, Fins Chiet Henry Hash, PubHcVVodka Direohz� Laurel Humphnay, Council Analyst; AndyYoun. Deputy City Clerk. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were oopublic comments. 7�03 p.m. Counci|rnember KruUoranteped the Council Chambers SPECIAL ISSUES a. Automated Traffic Safety Cameras: (1) An ordinance authorizing use at signalized intersections (discussion only). (2) An ordinance authorizing use 1nschool zones. Council President Hougandyindicated this item was discussed atthe Public Safety Committee meeting on July 15, 2019. Per the Committee minutes on pages 63- 64 of the agenda packet, the Committee was in full support of the school zone pilot program but forwarded the red light intersection pilot to the Committee of the Whole for discussion only. Bruce Linton, Police Chief, explained page 8 of the agenda packet contained incorrect data in the last table and distributed oop�eeofthe corrected page. Heutilized aPowerPuintpresentation tnprovide a brief overview of this item as follows: Red -Light Cameras The data presented on the red-light camera proposal has not changed significantly from the last several times staff communicated with the Council in2D1O. However, the data presented for intersection collisions is dated and there have been questions from the Public Safety Committee as to the efficacy of the Red'LiBhtCamera program. Following the July 15 Public Safety Committee &ioe1ing, staff are working oncompiling current and detailed information onaccident rates before and after camera installations. Chief Linton relayed he has an obligation to improve public safety and reduce incidences of red-light running, whether through officer enforcement or automated enforcement. He intends to identify the appropriate equipment Uo capture instances of red-light running during commuter days for each intersection named in the study, after which:, he will bring the, data back to the Council for discussion. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 22, 2019 Page 2 of 6 The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions as follows: • Councilmember Quinn: o While the Police Department gathers updated collision data, will there be increased enforcement to reduce the number of collisions in the pilot intersections? Chief Linton answered in the affirmative. c What kind of outreach has occurred? Staff have reached out through community meetings, City Boards and Commissions, and social media to garner support. • Councilmember McLeod: This item went through the Public Safety Committee last year. Why is it coming through again this year? Chief Linton explained that following the July 15, 2019 Public Safety Committee, the Committee requested that staff research local jurisdictions with red light cameras to see if they have more current and detailed information on accident rates before and after camera installations. He intends to provide hard data by capturing actual incidences of red- light running. • Councilmember Idan: Can red-light cameras be deployed in other locations? Chief Linton indicated this is a possibility but cautioned that additional funding may be needed to deploy red light cameras in additional intersections. Three intersections were identified for a pilot program and were based on collision statistics, School Speed -Zone Cameras In Washington State, school speed zones are posted at 20 mph. The proposed intersection for this program will be on South 1441h Street between 42 nd Avenue and 4611, Avenue in the vicinity of Foster High Schod and Showalter Middle School. The Tukwila Police Department worked with Public Works staff to mitigate speeding in this school zone by adding speed limit signs, flashing radar speed measuring signs, crosswalks and other warnings. Despite these mitigation efforts, individual drivers continue to speed through this area, creating concerns among parents. Speed measuring signs were installed to capture the most current data. The updated speed analysis over a three-week period shows compelling data to support the recommended automated enforcement. All data was collected during the times when children were present considering the off -set times of arrival and departures between Showalter Middle School and Foster High School: • Arrival - 7:30AM to 9:OOAM • Departure - 2:OOPM - 130PM During the week of March 25, 2019 to March 29, 2019, the Police Department looked at violator speeds between 25-45 mph during this time period. As a reminder, the posted speed limit is 20 mph. A breakdown of the numbers eastbound and westbound are depicted below: Radar Speed Measuring Device - Without Flashinq Speed Notification Direction of Travel on S. 144th Travel Times - Children Present Total Number of Vehicles Violators Speeds 25 - 45 mph Eastbound 7:30AM - 9:30AM 1,397 320 Westbound 7:30AM - 9:30AM 1,576 477 Eastbound 2:OOPM - 3:30PM 1,625 _568 Westbound 2:OOPM - 3:30PM 11729 776 Total 6,327 1 2,141 Below are the results during the week of April 1, 2019 to April 5, 2019 when the Police Department activated the flashing speed notifications on the speed measuring devices. There was a significant reduction of violators between 25-40 mph Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes _B,����surinq Device - With Flashing Speed Notification Activated Direction of Travel on S. Travel Times - Children Total Number of Violators Below are the results during the week of April 22, 2019 to April 26, 2019, several weeks after the radar speed devices were continuously notifying drivers of their speed. The violations increased over time. -.Radar Speed Measurin vice - With Flashinq Speed Notification Below are the results during the week of April 22, 2019 to April 26, 2019, several weeks after the radar speed devices were continuously notifying drivers of their speed. The violations increased over time. -.Radar Speed Measurin vice - With Flashinq Speed Notification Direction of Travel on S. Travel f'm"'es - Children Total Number of Violators Chief Linton explained officers will beenforcing speeds at 26mph (Miles per Hour) and above, with warnings for those speeding slightly over the posted limit. He indicated he has presented this proposed program 10the Tukwila School District School Board ontwo occasions. The School Board was very supportive. In regard to questions regarding data retention and privacy, he explained the Revised Code of Washington is very comprehensive and referenced the informational memorandum that contains updated answers hoadditional questions previously asked bythe Council. Christine NeuKer.1381�337mAvenue South, has been aTukwila resident for over 2Uyears and has a vested interest inensuring the safety ofher family members. She encouraged the Council toconsider reducing vehicle speeding by investing in road improvements rather than relying on fees and fines. When a low-income individual gets involved in the justice system, there can be dire consequences if they cannot afford to pay fines and fees. She expressed the solution of speed cameras is problematic as Tukwila is m working-class City with osignificant low-income population. Ms. Neuffernoted ifcities were willing to invest in road revisions, red light cameras would be less necessary. K4o. Nmufforexpneased concern that nearby residents vvnu|d be most impacted by the location of the proposed speed zone. She shared o past experience in which a vehicle with an identical license plate was photographed but she was sent the fine. The fine was difficult toreverse, and she was instructed toresolve the matter with the third -party vendor. If the Council adopts this ordinance, steps should be taken to protect resident information and ensure the data is not given to the Federal government. She proposed that revenue from this program go towards human services programs and indicated she does not want further police personnel costs as a result of this program In response tothe concerns raised by Ms, Neuffer,Chief Linton provided the following information: w Citations can bemitigated. At aprevious meeting with the Tukwila School District School Board, Judge Walden spoke on the possibility of reduction of fines based on the ability to pay and other alternatives such as communityoervice� • The proposed school speed zone is a high -volume transit area for those who one using it as a shortcut to reach Interstate 5; • The vendor will not decide whether fines are assessed; The third -party vendor wM forward information tothe, Tukwila Police Department for officers toreview and make a final determination Tukwila City Council Committee o{the Whole Minutes Juiy22,2O1Q Page 4o/8 • RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 46.63. 170 has stringent requirements concerning how data is used, natainod, and re�eosed Additionally, the vendor needs to abide by strict rules to protect driver informa1ion- . ° The Police Department does not expect additional staff will be needed to conduct reviews and assess nnes- ` ~ Any revenue generated will gotowards funding traffic safety programs. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and provided comments as follows: ° School zone speeding violations are considered ncn-moving violations and will not be reported to insurance orDoondriving necords� * Records associated with school speed -zone cameras only become public if the violator asks for a public hearing tnappeal the citation; � Any vendor will need to meet Federal Bureau of Investigation CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) requirements concerning data protection. The City xvflNinclude this requirement as, part ofthe RFP(Request for Proposals) and contract process; ~ The City iscommitted tothe privacy ofits residents; itmay betime for the Council toset apolicy regarding data privacy cfresidents; � There will bequarterly and annual opportunities for the Council toreview the school speed -zone camera pilot program data and analysis; * It is important to implement this program in e way that does not burden 8ow-income individuals and trap them inthe justice system and cycles ofcrime and poverty� ° The speeding data is very compelling; having information in real time is necessary to show the pub�kzthe benefits ufthis proQoam� � There will bea3O-deynotice period prior tminsta|Ungthe cameraa� * VVhke there are other alternatives bz reduce speeding, road improvements tend to be costly and sometimes pose issues for emergency vahic|ea� Hmvvever, any revenue generated from this program will gotowards traffic safety that can include road improvements; m The vendor will not be engaging directly with residents-, vioiatocs should be able to reach out dinaoL|y to the Tukwila Pn|ioo Department or Municipal Court for oemimtsmoe� w There has been outreach and solicitation of community feedback through the Tukwda School District; The Police Department received mostly positive responses regarding the program. Council President Hougardy noted that while the Equity and Social Justice Commission had an opportunity to review the ordinance authorizing use in school zones, they remained concern about disproportionate impact imsome communities. Support existed to have the Equity and Social Justice Commission review the ordinance and school speed -zone camera pilot program at their next meeting on August 1 for input by the next Regular meeting. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THE ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMERAS IN SCHOOL ZONES TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. Public Works' capital purchase ofsnow and ice response equipment. Councilmember Idan indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting on July 18, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval. Henry Hasb, Public Works Director, explained this item isfor authorization to purchase a 10.000-gaUon storage salt brine tank with 1808PyN pump. 325-gallon anti -ice sprayer, 2'cubicyard poly sander, and an 8-foot plow fore 14on dump truck in the total amount of $52'264.30 including sales tax. Tukwila currently has an ongoing contract with the City of SeaTac to purchase a salt brine solution as SeoTaoowns msalt br�neproduction p�entattheir City maintenance yard. Following the February 2O1Q snovvstormo, staff has determined that winter operations wmu/d be more efficient and ne|iabXewith an on - site salt brine storage tank. Benefits of storage tank at the Public Works Shop would include: Tukwila City Council Commkbsocfthe Whole Minutes July 22.2O13 Page 5of0 • BiminaUonofmultiple trips tuSeaTaotoobtain brine solution asthe crew can only fill a325- Qe||ontank otatime� • Avoid waiting inlong lines for brine with other municipa|ities� ° De-icing operations would not behalted ifthe brine maker ioout ofoperaUon� • Saving approximately $4.Q82inlabor, fuel, wear and tear onvehicles; ° Improve customer service byreducing response time. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO, THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING CONSENT AGENDA. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg acknowledged the Museum ofFlight for their partnership andthonkedthemfovmarkohnA as being part ofTukw0a. He offered a reminder that See You in the Park— Bark in the Perk will be held onJuly 24.2U1QmtCrestview Dog Park. August S.2O19will bethe National Night Out Aga�nst Crime. He invited everyone to participate. b. City Council Cound|memberSea| reported she will be attending e SKHHP (South k3nQ Housing and Homelessness Partners) Executive Board meeting on July 26, 2019 where they will be discussing House Bill 1406 which authorizes cities to retain a portion ofsales tax to support affordable housing initiatives. K8a. Seal emphasized this topic needs to be thorough,ly vetted. She reported that the issue concerning shortage of parking stalls at the Tukwila Library has greatly improved Councilmernber Quinn reported that at the July 23, 2019 Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee meeting, the Committee will be reviewing the following agenda items-, A Port of Seattle South King Countyfund;UaeofTukwi|o'mmarkeand|ogos|AnupdateontheK�ngCoonty-Ci0enCQmate Collaboration (K4C);and fair housing. CouncUmennber KruUer shared members otthe Transportation and Infrastructure Committee along with the Planning Commission accepted a staff invitation to look at how other jurisdictions such as Des Moines, Columbia City. Lake City, and Bothell have handled transit and pedeetrian-oriented design for roads similar 8oTukwila International Boulevard. She referenced the issue ofLime Electric Scooters and suggested preparing |egieYa1ion to mitigate issues associated with electric scooters in the City. Atthe July 18.2O1SToamsportat[onand Infrastructure Committee meeting, staff provided ahandout summarizing traffic mitigation projects that have been completed or are in progress. She looks forward to bringing this report forward for the full Council to review. K&m. RruUershansd she will be attending aCascade Water Alliance Board meeting onJuly 24mnbehalf ofthe Mayor. Counni|mennberMcLeod reported that atthe July 22.201AFinance Committee meeting, the Committee had a long discussion concerning the Fire Department's budget and service levels. The Fire Department has required budget amendments over the last several years. The Committee will be identifying funding and reviewing service levels for the Fin* Department and Fire k&a/shm|'m Office. Mr, McLeod shared he will be attending a King County Growth Management Planning Council meeting on July 24, 2019. Council President Hougardy reported the Regional Transit Committee and South County Area Transportation Board meetings were cancelled this month. She will be chairing the next High|ine Forum meeting onJuly 31.2Q1B. There was no report. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes July 22, 2019 d. Council Analyst There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Page 6 of 6 Councilmember Kruller thanked Ms, Seal for sharing a packet from the National League of Cities on "Advancing Racial Equity in your City." Mayor Ekberg shared the Economic Development Director along with Department of Community Development staff met with representatives from Lime to discuss the potential implementation of Lime bikes and scooters in the City. He indicated the Council will have an opportunity to weigh in and provide policy direction regarding this matter. ADJOURNMENT 8:32 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED AND CALLED A BRIEF RECESS PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING. all, Kathy Hougardy, CiuncikP.resjden Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 8112119 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 8113119