HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-23 Special Minutes - City Council and Tukwila School District Joint MeetingCity of Tukwila
City Council
Joint School Board - City Council Meeting
Summary
October 23, 2019, 6:00 p. m.
Tukwila School District Administrotion Building Board Room, 4640 S. 144t" St, Tukwila WA 98168
PRESENT
City Council: Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller,
Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan
School Board: Tracy Russell, Dave Larson, Jan Bolerjak, Edna Morris
Thejoint meeting of the Tukwila City Council and the Tukwila School District Board of Directors
came to order at 6:00 p.m. Council President Hougardy and Board President Russell jointly
welcomed the group.
School District Levy
The School District is planning to have a levy renewal on the February 2020 ballot for both technology
and operations & maintenance.
Speed ing/Traffic Issues in School Zones
The City Council adopted a code allowing traffic cameras in school zones to allow for more
enforcement of speeding. Implementation will include a 30-day grace period and community
outreach is ongoing. Messaging to school families about safe driving and courtesy to neighbors would
be helpful. The Showalter drop-off circulation will be different when construction is complete. The
City Council adopted a neighborhood traffic calming program lastyear, in which community members
can submit requests for consideration.
Declining Enrollment/Affordable Housing
For a variety of reasons, the District continues to experience declining enrollment which is
problematic for budgeting as state funding is tied to enrollment. The City should consider
enrollment impacts with the Economic Development Plan that is currently in development. The City
Council hears public comment from residents who oppose housing affordability and the District
could lend its voice to public comment opportunities as well. PSRC is forecasting an additional 2
million people by 2050, but the District's demographer anticipates continued low enrollment.
Communication about the District's strengths and programs could help attract students.
Joint City Council- School Board Meeting Summary October 23, 2019 Pape 2
Communication
The District is looking for an effective replacement for the communication tool that used to be
available via the Tukwila Reporter. The City and District will consider partnership opportunities.
Miscellaneous
The City Council is considering an ordinance that would regulate retail carryout bags and prohibit the
distribution of single use plastic bags. A public hearing is scheduled on November 12, 2019 at 7:00
p.m., and students or other interested parties are encouraged to participate.
The Census is coming up in 2020 and a complete count for Tukwila is crucial with regard to funding
programs. The City and District should partner on this important effort. The Census Bureau is also
hiring for well-payingjobs.
The City Council just adopted a resolution restating its commitment for Tukwila remaining an
inclusive community and taking a stand against hate speech and instances of intimidation. Staff will
send the District a copy.
The Board will be taking courses in equity training at the Washington State School Directors'
Association conference in November. The City Council is also looking for opportunities and will be
invited to participate in an upcoming training for City department supervisors. The School Board will
be invited to this as details are firmed up.
Board Directors and Councilmembers discussed effective public comment policies. It is important
that people feel heard, but it is best practice to avoid responding from the dais. Staff will send the
Councii's policy to the Board.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Summary by LH