The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2019-11-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers November 12, 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; Councilmembers Dennis Robertson, Verna Seal, De'Sman{]uinn. Kate KruUer.Thomas McLeod, Zak |don. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David C|ine, City Administrator; Rachel Bianohi, Deputy City Administrator, Derek Speok, Economic Development Administrator; Vicky Cadsen, Finance Director; Aaron Williams, Heoa| Coordinator; Juan Padi||e, Human Resources Director; Erika Eddins, Human Resources Analyst Robert Eaton, Parks and Recreation Manager; Henry Hash, Public Works Director; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Jay VWMm/er, Fire Chief; Jack Poce, Community Development Director; Laurel Hunnphnsy, Council Ana|yst Barbara 8axton, Administrative Support Coordinator. PUBLIC COMMENTS Joe Ouffie, 5332 South 140th Gtreot, stressed the important of honoring veterans. He offered congratulations to the new and reelected Councilmembers, and stated he was pleased to see that work has resumed on53rdAvenue South. Mike| Hansen from the SabeyCorporation, 12201 Tukwila International 8ou|evard, spoke in response to comments made at the November 4, 2019 City Council meeting by Mr. Sherlock about Sabey and himself. Mr. Hansen provided information on past interactions with Mr. Sherlock and City Code Enforcement officers, and stated 8abey values their partnerships with residenta. City ntmff, non -profits and educational institutions. Greg Sherlock reviewed the noise complaints he has reported to Sabey and the City, and discussed the brief periods when the noise would cease. Hewould like the noise bobestopped permanently. PUBLIC HEARING a. An ordinance regulating the use ofbags atretail establishments. 7:15p.rn. Council President Hougardyopened the public hearing. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, reported this initiative was led by Councilmember Robertson and will eliminate distribution ofthin single -use carryout bags inTukwila. She reported onproblems caused by various types of plastic packaging including harm to fish and wildlife, litter pollution, impacts to commercial composting processing and damage torecycling machines. The ordinance imposes an $0.08 charge to be collected by any retail establishment that provides a customer with a recycled content paper carryout bag or a reusable carryout bag made of film plastic. The fee is important for businesses to cover their costs and as a deterrent to consumers relying on retail - provided bags. The Washington State legislature may take state-wide action on this issue in the near future. The City'eordinance ieclosely aligned with that language and would provide amore seamless transition. TheCity'a Public Safety Committee recommended a 9 month phase -in period. W1o. Humphrey Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes Page 2 of 6 recommended the effective date of this ordinance be changed to a specific date, September 1, 2020. Enforcement would be complaint -based and focus on education. Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator, acknowledged receipt of 8 emails relating to the ordinance regulating the use of bags at retail establishments. The following written commentson this issue were distributed to the Council and referenced into the record: 1. Anemail from Trisha Gilmore, dated November 5.2O1S 2. Anemail from Donna Andrew, dated November O.2O19 3. Anemail from Cathy and Craig Anderson, dated November 7.2O1S 4. Anemail from Chuck Parris, dated November 12.2O1y 5. Anemail from Christine Neuffer.dated November 12.2O1S G. Anemail from David Greer, dated November 12.2O1S. 7. Ane-mail from Raze|K8e||a.dated November 12.2O1S 8. Aletter from the Washington Food Industry Association 7:23 p.m. Council President Hougardy called for public comments. Susan Thompson . 14705 58th Avenue South, stated she appreciates this discussion on the ben, and thinks itshould gofurther bzalso ban Styrofoam take-out containers. She isconcerned about litter and plastic, and has used her own bags for years. Andrea Reay, President and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, stated a roundtable discussion onthis topic was held atthe Chamber, They also received feedback from businesses via e- mail that echoed points in tonight's presentation relating to a long implementation period and outreach. She noted the cost could be a consideration for smaller businesses and suggested the Chamber would beinterested inoco-op role toassist small businesses inbuying the approved recycled content and/or reusable carryout bags inbulk. Holly Chisa with the Northwest Grocery Association stated this ordinance is similar to others used throughout the state. Key points are the exemptions allowed for specific circumstances inorder bomeet health requirements and the $0.08hee. |ncities that donot impose the fee, the cost difference from plastic topaper can bechallenging for stores. She also agreed the Cib/'sproposed ordinance iavery similar to language being considered at the ebaba level. Cat Holm is with the Washington Food Industry Association, which represents smaller, independently - owned, stores. She appreciates the ordinance as written, specifically with the fee and alternative to a 2.25beg. She also stated many stores now use paper bags that do not have a store logo because availability ofbags even without any cua(omizadonievery limited atthis time. Heather Trim, Executive Director with Zero Waste VVoshington, stated she has been impressed in her work with City staff. She appreciates the City's leadership on creating this legislation and the consistency with the Qbate'udraft language and those ofother jurisdictions. She noted there has not been osingle enforcement action taken inthe state since 2OOQ. Consumers can report obusiness and the City can conduct outreach. Tukwila would be uih/ #36 to enact this type of legislation in Washington State. 7:35 p.m. Council President Hougardy closed the public hearing. b. Tax Levy Legislation: (1) An ordinance increasing the City pfTukwila regular levy from the previous year, commencing January 1, 2020, on all property, both real and personal, in compliance with RCW 84'55.12¢; (2) An ordinance levying the general taxes for the City wfTukwila imKing County for the fiscal year commencing January 1.2O20,omall property, both real and personal, insaid City, that im subject botaxation for the purpose of paying sufficient revenue tmcarry amthe services wf the several departments wfsaid City for the ensuing year, with mn excess property tax levy for the purpose of paying debt service mmthe City'sUnlimited Tax General Obligation bonds issued im2016and 2019,asrequired by law. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 12, 2019 Page 3 of 6 7:35 p.m. Council President Hougardy opened the public hearing. Aaron Williams, Fiscal Coordinator, stated the two ordinances are to: (1) increase the regular tax levy for 2020, and (2) adopt the general tax levy for 2020 and excess tax levies associated with the Public Safety Plan. 7:37 p.m. Council President Hougardy called for public comments. There were no public comments. 7:37 p.m. Council President Hougardy closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance regulating the use of bags at retail establishments. Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on October 21, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval. The Councilmembers expressed support for the ordinance and the September 1, 2020 effective date. Clarifying questions were asked about the outreach and implementation process, the impacts of the microplastic particles created by bags and wrap, the difference between biodegradable and compostable material, and the rationale behind the exemptions created for certain types and uses of plastic bags. Holly Chisa with the Northwest Grocery Association stated they are working with the Association of Washington Cities and other agencies. The Northwest Grocery Association would prefer a State-wide bill; they work with jurisdictions in an effort to keep language standardized, which is a benefit to stores with locations throughout the state. Heather Trim with Zero Waste Washington stated the primary opposition to this type of legislation is the pulp and paper industry. In response to an earlier comment regarding banning Styrofoam containers, the Council will consider whether to open that conversation next year. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING, WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATE STATED AS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020. b. Tax Levy Legislation: (1) An ordinance increasing the City of Tukwila regular levy from the previous year, commencing January 1, 2020, on all property, both real and personal, in compliance with RCW 84.55.120; (2) An ordinance levying the general taxes for the City of Tukwila in King County for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2020, on all property, both real and personal, in said City, that is subject to taxation for the purpose of paying sufficient revenue to carry on the services of the several departments of said City for the ensuing year, with an excess property tax levy for the purpose of paying debt service on the City's Unlimited Tax General Obligation bonds issued in 2016 and 2019, as required by law. Councilmember McLeod indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on October 28, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval. In response to a question from Councilmember Kruller, Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director, explained the 1% limitation is set through the State legislature. Cost -of -living increases over the past few years have been between 2 to 3 percent, so those costs are actually more than the 1 % increase covers. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes c' Aresolution tmname a donated parcel as Corner." Coumj|memberOuinn indicated this item was discussed at the Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee meeting on October 29, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval. Robert Eaton, Parks & Recreation Manager, stated this parcel was received through a donation in 2016, atthe same time the Green Tukwila initiative was being implemented. Green Tukwila looks otopen spaces with invasive species taking over and works to do removal and reinvigorate life into those parcels This parcel was paired with o local steward who lives close by, HeidiVVattero. who iualso aCity Planning Commissioner, The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions on the Green Tukwila program. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE JANUARY 6,2020 REGULAR MEETING. d- Fire Station 52 Mini-MACC 2(Maximum Allowable Construction Cost Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Public SafetyCommittee meeting on November 4.2O1Q. The committee members forwarded this item with majority approval. Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Adnniniudnator, explained this K8iniK8ACC will be the final big spend of the Public Safety bond. Fire Station 52 costs have come inbelow the amended budget bvapproximately $837.000. There was o potential Alternate for this pnoject, which was bid oepanate|y, for interior build -out (furniture, fixtures and equipment) of the Administrative space in that building. The possibility exists to fund the interior build -out for atotal cost of$84S.747. Ms. Bianchi stated that Steve Go|db|att.the Council's Program Management Quality Assurance (PMQA) Consultant, was not able to attend tonight's meeting and heiofully supportive ofthis proposal. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions on Fire Administration and Emergency Operations, where the savings onFire Station 51 and the Justice Center would come from, whether therearesbU unfunded Alternates oneither cf those two projects, andthedesinetohaveanin-personconwsrsaUon with Steve Go|db|att. Councilmember Kruller stated that although Fire Station 52 is showing a budget savings, the total cost for all the facilities tobebuilt has been much more than originally anticipated. She asked about other options for locating Fire Administration staff. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. A resolution updating non -represented employees' compensation. Councilmember McLeod indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on October 28, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval. Juan Padilla, Human Resources Director, explained the resolution is for a 1.53%across-the-board cost - of -living wage increase for non -represented employees and a longevity plan for the Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief for internal wage compression. They are also asking for authorization boconduct a Request for Proposal for a new market -based classification and compensation system for non - represented positions. The Coumcihnenbermmade comments and asked clarifyingquestions about the evolutionary process of this issue; that this would be a departure from the decision band method (DBM); and challenges with keeping the DBM system in sync with the marketplace and for benchmarking a number of City positions. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THUS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes f. A resolution on Fire Department service levels and compliance with State law. Councilmember McLeod indicated this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting on October 28, 2019. The committee members forwarded this item with unanimous approval. VickvCadsen. Finance Director, and JayV0tbwer. Fire Chief, explained the resolution covers the requirements in state law related to Fire Department performance measunss, including turnout and response time goals, minimum service levels and emergency services provided bythe department. The Councilmembers; made comments and asked clarifying questions about the various review points relating to Fire Department operations this year, a comparison of response times to other jurisdictions, and the impact response time has onsuccessful outcomes. CONSENSUS EXISTED T0FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg reported on the Chamber of Commerce's Stars Awards, which included awards to the Still Waters' SnackPack program (non-profit organization of the year) and Tukwila School District's Superintendent (education). Healso attended the recent fundraiser for Tukwila Pantry fundraiser, and services onbehalf ofthe Museum ofFlight for Veterans Day. lb. City Council Councilmember Quinn noted he recently lost an uncle who was a veteran, and shared his story of enlistment and service. Councilmember Kruller attended the Veterans Day ceremony at the Museum of Flight. She noted the director ofthe Boeing employees' concert band is having a hard time finding a place for the group to practice and she hopes toprovide assistance. She attended the Sounders win ot the yWLSCup. Counci|memberMcLeod stated the Finance Committee discussed marijuana retail considerations atthe meeting earlier tonight and reviewed what may have changed since the City's ordinance written in 2013. The Committee isnot recommending any changes atthis time. o. Staff There was noreport, d. Council Analyst There was noreport. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Hougardy stated the Council has received a request from the Port of Seattle to sign two letters written bythe Port. One letter would be to the Congressional delegation for airport communities in support of new legislation being proposed by Congress related to airplane noise and operations. The second letter would be to the administrator of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regarding the 2U18FAA Reauthorization Bill. Consensus existed to allow the Council time to review and research this issue, and revisit the request at the next Council meeting. Councilmember Quinn reviewed items scheduled for discussion at the next Community Development and Neighborhoods Committee meeting. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes November 12, 2019 ADJOURNMENT Page 6 of 6 9:49 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. hl&qL- dho&elul d*r-- - Kathy Houg6jry, -(f >6"reiident Barbara Saxton, Admini6trative Support Coordinator APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 11125/19 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 11/27/19