HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-14 Community Affairs and Parks MinutesCity of Tukwila
Community Affairs and Parks Committee
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PARKS COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2011– 5:00 p.m.; Conference Room #3
PRESENT
Councilmembers: De'Sean Quinn, Acting Chair; Joe Duffie and Allan Ekberg (filling in for Verna Seal)
Staff: Shelley Kerslake, David Cline and Kimberly Matej
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Committee Chair Quinn called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
I. PRESENTATIONS
No presentations.
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Ordinance: Anti Panhandling
At Mayor Haggerton's direction, the City Attorney has drafted an ordinance, for Council consideration,
banning solicitation (i.e.: panhandling) in certain areas of the City.
The City has been receiving an increased number of complaints from both the residential and business
communities regarding panhandling activities in the Tukwila Urban Center as well as along Tukwila
International Boulevard. Currently, the Police Department has no enforcement tools to stop such activities.
Without impeding on First Amendments rights, this draft ordinance prohibits solicitation (i.e.: panhandling) in
the following areas:
Tukwila Urban Center (boundaries defined in ordinance)
Tukwila International Boulevard (boundaries defined in ordinance)
Near Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Near Outdoor Eating Establishments
This draft ordinance was modeled after a similar ordinance used in the City of Tacoma which is effective and
has resulted in a minimal number of arrests. Committee Members requested that the Tacoma ordinance be
included in the information that goes to full Council. Additionally, Committee Members inquired if day
reporting could be an option in place of serving jail time if a person is found guilty of said violation. Ms.
Kerslake explained that it is ultimately at the judge's discretion. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD
TO NOVEMBER 28 COW FOR DISCUSSION.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Acting Chair Quinn inquired about enforcement tools for response to abandoned properties and structures that
appear to be occupied unlawfully. Ms. Kerslake responded that the Department of Community Development is
currently working with the City Attorney's Office to evaluate strategies that address these concerns.
Meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.
Next meeting: Monday, November 28, 2011 5:00 p.m. Conference Room #3
X Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by KAM. Reviewed by SK.