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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Remote Meeting per Governor Proclamation 20-28 May 11, 2020 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES This meeting was not conducted at Tukwila City Hall, based on the Govemor'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 670077847#. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Quinn called the remote Tukwila City Council meeting to orderat 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, City Attorney; Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director, Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Bruce Linton, Police Chief; Henry Hash, Public Works Director; Juan Padilla, Human Resources Director; 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 comment received by email: Peggy McCarthy referenced her email of last week regarding service levels at Fire Station 52 and noted changes to response standards effective November 2019 that lengthen the response times. She also referenced NFPA standards stated in the City's 2017 FACETs Study and expressed concern about increased risk to the community. Council President Quinn noted National Police Week is May 10-16 this year, an opportunity to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in service to others. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 11, 2020 Page 2 of 3 SPECIAL ISSUES a. A statement denouncing COVID-19 related discrimination. Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson expressed appreciation to Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, for her assistance in drafting the statement denouncing incidents of blaming or harassment related to COVID-19. The statement emphasizes the Council's commitment made per Resolution No. 1970 to lead a diverse, tolerant and welcoming community. She noted that King County has created a group specifically looking at COVID-related discrimination, and she plans to stay in touch with Council officials to ensure Tukwila is plugged into regional efforts. CONSENSUS EXISTED ON THE LANGUAGE AS SHOWN IN THE DRAFT STATEMENT. b. Weekly COVID-19 report. David Cline, City Administrator, provided an overview of information contained in the report. He noted that a full week of golf course operations has taken place in accordance with the Governor's orders. Curbside retail is also starting to become available. A phone surrey with businesses is underway, and the City is involved with the Saving LocalKC.com campaign. A full report from Human Services will be coming on May 18 related to the use of HB 1406 funds for rental assistance. c. Financial impacts from the COVID-19 emergency: (1) Discussion on a resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Administrator, or designee to implement various cost -saving measures to address revenue shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Discussion on a resolution providing for a temporary pay reduction for non -represented employees to assist with addressing the budget shortfall associated with the coronavirus pandemic, effective June 1, 2020. Councilmember Seal, Chair of the Finance Committee, explained expenditures need to be aligned with the reduction in revenue in order to provide a core level of services. The focus will be on reaching consensus on tools to be used for balancing labor reductions, program reductions, and use of contingency funds. The chart on page 19 of the agenda packet shows one option for filling the required $12 million revenue gap for 2020. The Council recommended building in periodic check -ins with City Administration both now and as conditions change. The check -ins would include triggers fordifferent phases, timetables on how the tools are used, and reports and discussion around the process. Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst, will provide collaboration on a process and schedule forthese check -ins. Council President Quinn asked if there was consensus to request additional information from staff related to capital projectfunding and use of contingency funds (pros and cons, risks and benefits) for discussion at the May 18, 2020 Council meeting prior to making a decision. Consensus existed. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD BOTH RESOLUTIONS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS There were no reports from the Mayor, Councilmembers or staff. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 11, 2020 ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 3 9:49 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. De'Sean'-Quinn, Council President Barbara Saxton, Administrativ Support Coordinator APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: