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Home My WebLink About2020-04-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Remote Meeting per Governor Proclamation 20-28 April 13, 2020 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES This meeting was not conducted at Tukwila City Hall, based on the Governor's Proclamation 20-28 adopted March 24, 2020 which says in part: `Any public agency, subject to RCW 42.30, is prohibited from conducting any meeting, subject to RCW 42.30 unless (a) the meeting is not conducted in person and instead provides an option(s) for the public to attend the proceedings through, at minimum, telephonic access. " All participants, including the Mayor, Councilmembers, City staff, and legal counsel were not at Tukwila City Hall and participated via a remote electronic system. The phone number for public participation that was provided via the agenda distribution process was: 1-253-292-9750, access code 178695929#. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Quinn called the remote Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present at the virtual meeting were Council President Quinn; Councilmembers Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan, Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson. CITY OFFICIALS The following staff were present via remote access: Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator; Kari Sand, Legal Counsel; Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director, Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager; Joseph Todd, Technology and Innovation Services Director; Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator. PUBLIC COMMENTS Council President Quinn announced that those wishing to provide public comment had the opportunity to deliver public comments via email by 5:00 p.m. today. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, acknowledged receipt of and read the following written comments received by email: 1. William C. Holstine stated it would be nice forthe City to have a fund in its budget fortax shortfalls such as have been brought about by the COVID-19 virus and hopes the need will be addressed in future budget planning. 2. Jovita McConnell had several questions related to the "partial shutdown" of Fire Station 52: How does this affect outside agencies responding into Tukwila? Can Tukwila fill commercial fire responses with the engine out of service? How does this affect the City's insurance rating? What about bargained contracts with the unions? Why not close down E3-51 instead of E3-52 (since many businesses are closed)? Is protecting the closed businesses more important than protecting households and families that are quarantined in their homes? Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes SPECIAL ISSUES a. A contract amendment with Weinstein A+0 for the Public Safety Plan —Fire Station 52 in the amount mf$191,697'71. Justine Kim, Program Manager with 8hie|oOb|ebcJohnsen (SOJ). and Steve Go|db|att.who served oe the Counoi|'a PK8CA (Program Management Quality Assurance) conou|tmnt, provided information on the site conditions prompting the amendment and confirmed the costs are straightforward expenses and within the project budget (not being paid out of contingency funds). CONSENSUS EXISTED T0FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. b. COVUD' 9 community assistance: Delay of collection of certain taxes: (1) Gambling tax. (2) Admissions and entertainment tax. (3) Commercial parking tax. BnsndonK8Ume.BuoinesoRent|nneK4oneger,e1atedthuintedmpu|icyfromtheFinencwOepadment allows businesses an additional month to remit these tax payments in light of most businesses being closed locally, auwell aecorporate offices throughout the country. This ia|nline with Washington State and King County, both of which are allowing certain taxes to be remitted late due to the pandemic. Council President Quinn asked that the Council receive an update in approximately 30deys. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. COVID-19 community assistance: City utility payments. Mr. Miles briefed the Council on measures proposed to mitigate impacts to the community. These are also consistent with other providers, and Governor Inslee has recommended that utility providers make these allowances. The temporary policy would be applicable to all City water and/or sewer accounts, both commercial and residentim|, and includes discontinuing water shut offs effective March iG. waiving late fees, and allowing ratepayers to set payment schedules. The Council asked for policies being implemented by other utilities in the area such as Water District 125, Valley View Sewer, Seattle City Light, PSE\and that the information also beshared innext week's agenda packet. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d' Council consensus on carryout bag ordinance implementation. Laurel Humphrey, Council Anmyst, explained the ordinance regulating bags in retail establishments was adopted last year —to gointo effect onSeptember 1.2O2O. Since then, the Washington State Legislature passed asimilar bill that will preempt city laws, effective January 1. 2021. As naau|t ofthe new statewide law and the current pandernic emergency, staff is recommending a repeal of the City's ordinance in order to redirect efforts and partner with the state on education and outreach forthe January 1.2021 d*do. CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR OPTION 3, REPEAL ORDINANCE 2619 AND REDIRECT OUTREACH EFFORTS ON THE JANUARY i. 2021 EFFECTIVE DATE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STAKE. Council President Quinn stated the importance ofputting out accurate information and offered City administration an opportunity to correct the record on two items discussed at the Council meeting last week, specifically: 1. Was there an email sentoutto, Fire that may havecontained information that was not100% accurate? Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes David Cline, City Administrator,stabedthetadrafpo|icyvwaewrittondafiningthefivostnategieoidentified toachieve a$4million budget reduction, one ofwhich was reducing overtime. The draft was sent toFire Battalion Chiefs on April 5 and discussed ways that reduction could happen, which was then clarified by the Mayors memo on Aph|G. as sent to the Council. The memo was sent to all Fire Department staff on April S. Mr. Cline reiterated that Fire Station 52will remain open at 3-person level when staffing allows. Tbreduce overtime costs going forward, the Fire Chief recommended putting onaid car into service ed Statimn52 if needed, i.e. due toan unscheduled absence. This scenario occurred on April and April 8. yWc Cline affirmed this is the current po|icy, which was not clearly communicated at the |mat meeting. In response toquestion #2. Mr. Cline explained that Captain JoehKe|oh was brought off ofShift [|inmid- March inondertnwmrkwithHpeOepartmentpareonne|whoweroquorantinedduetoCOV|D-1S. The assignment change was one ofthe reasons staffing was down to 12 on April G. Staffing was also at 12 people onApril Gdue toadifferent situation. Onthat date the aid car was run onone call that evening. Council President Quinn asked the Council for consensus onhaving the Fire Chief respond tothe questions received earlier from JovitaMcConnell during Public Comments. CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR THE FIRE CHIEF TO RESPOND. JoyVWtbmar, Fire Chief, responded to each question. How/ does this affect outside uAenx/aa responding into Tukwila? Tukwila has always had a good relationship with our neighboring jurisdictions forautornatic aid. We will respond with appropriate units. Analysis last year showed we responded 1796 more than we received reciprocal aid. Can Tukwila fill commercial fire responses with the engine out ofservice? How wm respond to incidents depends onthe inoident, i.e. response bom 18-story multi -resident property would beomuch large response than for asmaller one due tooccupancy levels. VVerely onour neighbors and they rely onus. How does this affect the City'a/noun*nco /obnJ? The State insurance rating system came |oat year and did interviews and gathered data. Tukwila was rated high onour robust hydrant system, oncommunication with Va||eyCom, and for our training as pad of the Training Consortium. He noted Tukwila is rated a 3. There are no 1s. and GeotUe. Tacoma, and Olympia are rated at 2. What about bargained contracts with the unions? Two meetings have been held tndate with more planned. Then* have been good discussions fcvo|ohty on both sides. Why not close down E3-5finstead ofE3-52(since many businesses are ? Decisions are based ondata, not anecdotally. 32Y6ofcalls run out ofStation 51.and i596 out ofStation 52. It makes sense for the aid car to be based out of Station 52, which is in the center of the City. Outside analysis was also done; that was the recommendation received. /aprotecting the closed businesses more important than protecting households and families that are quarantined /ntheir homes? The Fire Department places high value onprotecting all properties, the community, and the residents. Lives always come first and property second inevery situation. Chief VNttwmrprovided additional information oncall data and how that has been impacted byCOV|D-19. Council President Quinn stated an email was received from resident referencing the Governors Proclamation 20-28 regarding RCVV 42.30 and Open Public Meeting regulations. The Proclamation stated agencies should limit action to "necessary and routine" matters or matters necessary to respond to Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 13, 2020 Page 4 of 4 the COVID-19 outbreak/public health emergency until such time as regular participation is possible. The Attorney General further stated it may not be necessary for agencies to hear oral reports that can be deferred to future meetings or be submitted in writing. CONSENSUS EXISTED FOR THE COUNCIL TO LIMIT REPORTS TO THOSE RELATED TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK AND RESPONSE. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg congratulated the Council on their diligence and use of technology for continued meetings. b. City Council Councilmember Seal noted the Finance Committee will be holding a Special Finance Committee meeting on April 21 at 4:00 p.m. Councilmember Kruller attended a meeting of King County Transit fora discussion on bus service in regard to COVID, including better separation of riders, protecting drivers, and assisting cyclists. She noted the Transportation Policy Board voted on projects, including some in South King County. Council President Quinn reporting on a meeting Brandon Miles participated in with the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee about the impact of COVID on their businesses. Participants included hoteliers, Westfield Southcenter, the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, and Starfire Sports. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the COVID-19 response update in the agenda packet. He also reported that 275 of the 300 available MyFi hotspots have been distributed. d. Council Analyst There was no report. ADJOURNMENT 8:31 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. t' )e'SeaKQuinn, Council President �y� Barbara Saxton, Administrative Support Coordinator APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT.- 5/6/20 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 5/7/20