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City of Tukwila
Finance Committee
Verna Seal, Chair
Kathy Hougardy
Zak Idan
Distribution:
V. Seal
K. Hougardy
Z. Idan
D. Quinn
K. Kruller
T. McLeod
C. Delostrinos Johnson
Mayor Ekberg
D. Cline
R. Bianchi
C. O’Flaherty
A. Youn
L. Humphrey
AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 – 5:30 PM
HAZELNUT CONFERENCE ROOM
(At east entrance of City Hall)
THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED AT CITY FACILITIES
BASED ON THE GOVERNOR’S PROCLAMATION 20-28.
THE PHONE NUMBER FOR THE PUBLIC TO LISTEN TO THIS
MEETING IS: 1-253-292-9750, Access Code 682223302#
Item Recommended Action Page
1. BUSINESS AGENDA
a. Report from the Public Safety Bond Financial Oversight
Committee. Andy Reiswig, Chair of the Public Safety
Bond Financial Oversight Committee.
Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst
b. An ordinance and a resolution to adjust false alarm fees.
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
c. COVID-19 Community Assistance: City utility payments.
City of Tukwila Water and Sewer Utility Policy in response to
COVID-19 to temporarily suspend the imposition of past -due
and late penalties on delinquent water and sewer accounts
and to temporarily discontinue the water shut-off on
delinquent accounts subsequent to Governor Inslee’s
February 29, 2020 Proclamation of Emergency No. 20-05 and
subsequent orders. The policy will be effective on April 1,
2020 and will expire on December 31, 2020.
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
2. MISCELLANEOUS
a. Discussion only.
b. Forward to 9/28 C.O.W. and
10/5 Regular Mtg.
c. Forward to 9/28 C.O.W. and
10/5 Regular Mtg.
Pg.1
Pg.5
Pg.15
Next Scheduled Meeting: Monday, October 12, 2020
CITY OF TUKWILA
PUBLIC SAFETY BOND
FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTTEE
Report to the City Council
August 2020
On behalf of my fellow members, I am pleased to present you with the first 2020 Report of the
Public Safety Bond Financial Oversight Committee. Per the Charter adopted in Resolution 1892,
our role is to review the allocation of bond proceeds and progress on achieving the purposes of
the Public Safety Bond and to report to the City Council semi-annually.
The Committee met on August 11, 2020. Pursuant to Ordinance 2509 and Resolution 1892,
during this meeting the Committee reviewed status and expenditure reports relating to the
Public Safety Bond as approved by Tukwila voters at the November 8, 2016 General Election.
City staff also provided an overview of the Public Safety Plan overall budget, schedule and
status.
The Oversight Committee has to date reviewed bond expenditures through July 31, 2020 and
and finds that these expenditures are in compliance with the purposes of the Public Safety
Bond. Draft minutes of the meeting is attached to this report.
The Committee appreciates this opportunity and we look forward to our continued relationship
with the City Council.
Attachments:
Draft August 11, 2020 Committee Meeting Minutes
1
2
1
City of Tukwila
Public Safety Bond Financial Oversight Committee
April 11, 2020
Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19 Emergency
4:00 p.m.
MINUTES
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Committee members: Sean Goode, Jessica Jerwa, Andy Reiswig, Jovita McConnell
Absent: Randy Coplen
Staff present: David Cline, Laurel Humphrey, Vicky Carlsen, Aaron Williams
III. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.
IV. Approval of Minutes
The November 5, 2019 meeting minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
V. New Business
a. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Mr. Reiswig was elected to serve as Chair and Ms. McConnell was elected to serve as Vice-
Chair.
b. Public Safety Plan Project Update
Staff presented an overview of the Public Safety Plan status and projects. The Justice Center
and Station 51 are nearing completion with final inspections scheduled. Station 52 is on
schedule with driveway grading and paving scheduled in August. All projects are within
approved budget.
c. Public Safety Plan Financial Overview
The Committee reviewed the original and revised revenue and expenditure budgets for the
Public Safety Plan. The total for actual and projected revenues is $147,948,100.
d. Expenditure Report
The Committee reviewed actual Public Safety Plan expenditures through July 31, 2020.
Actual expenditures through July 31 are $91,554,309.
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2
e. Report to Council
The Committee reviewed a draft Report to Council and agreed that expenditures met the
purposes outlined in the bond measure. Mr. Reiswig will work with staff to coordinate
presenting the report to the Finance Committee.
f. Meeting Schedule
The Committee agreed to meet again in November, tentatively November 17, 2020
VI. Miscellaneous
VII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:32 by unanimous consent.
Minutes by LH
4
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: August 17, 2020
SUBJECT: Update Police and Fire false alarm fees
Updated September 22, 2020
ISSUE
Update fee schedule for false alarms
BACKGROUND
Fees for false alarms were last adjusted in 2014. As City resources are expended to respond to,
and bill for false alarms, a restructure and an increase in false alarm fees is being proposed to
deter the occurrence of false alarms and to help recoup City costs.
Responding to an Alarm
When an alarm monitoring company receives an alert that an alarm has been triggered, they call
911 to report the alarm. Valley Com procedures stipulates that the alarm company calls two
phone numbers before calling 911 to dispatch. This is their verification process and is an attempt
to reduce the number of false alarm. If there is no response from either phone call, or if someone
does answer and requests help, then officers are dispatched.
The standard response for police is a minimum of two officers. When they arrive at the scene,
they will walk the perimeter and check doors and windows for any signs of a break-in. If nothing
suspicious is located and there are no signs of a break-in, they mark the incident report as a false
alarm. The average length of a response to a police false alarm is 10-20 minutes, depending on
the size of the business or residence.
Fire personnel are dispatched to an alarm in a similar manner. The average length of a response
to a fire false alarm is 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of the business or residence. Most
often more time is needed to re-set the alarm panel for a fire alarm as compared to the police
response.
Costs to the City for responding to a false alarm include apparatus usage and personnel time
spent responding to the alarm, as well as administrative time to bill and collect payment for the
false alarm.
Current False Alarm Fees
The current structure for false alarm fees is as follows:
First two alarms: Free
Third alarm: $150
Fourth and subsequent: $200
5
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
The schedule resets each year which means every alarm owner is not charged for the first two
false alarm responses each year. The current fee structure requires significant staff time each
month to review all false alarms to determine if it is the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. alarm of the year.
DISCUSSION
False Alarm Statistics for the City
The table below represents the number of false alarms for both police and fire for the last three
complete calendar years. A large percentage of false alarms are not billable because they are
either the first or second false alarm in a calendar year. False alarm data from 2010-2012 has
been included to demonstrate that the substantial fee increase in 2014 did not reduce the number
of false alarms.
Year Police
# of False
Alarms
Fire
# of False
Alarms
2019 1,030 611
2018 1,089 606
2017 1,037 713
2012 872 552
2011 810 632
2010 837 666
As a side note for fire false alarms, the total number of false alarms listed above includes false
alarms outside of the City of Tukwila and are not billable. The average number of false alarms
per year that would qualify as billable averages between 425 and 475.
Comparison of Surrounding Jurisdiction False Alarm Fees
The table below lists several surrounding jurisdictions and the fees they charge for false alarms.
The table does not include information on alarm registration fees, alarm renewal fees, or other
action that may be taken by the jurisdiction responding to a false alarm. Additionally, many of the
cities that charge for false alarms have outsourced the billing function. Outsourcing the billing
function would result in either additional fees to the alarm owner or reduced cost recovery to the
City.
Source: City Codes, websites
City Alarm Type 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th+
Auburn Burglary 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$
Federal Way Burglary -$ -$ 50$ 100$ 150$ 200$
Seattle Burglary 115$ 115$ 115$ 115$ 115$ 115$
Burien General 150$ 150$ 150$ 150$ 150$ 150$
Des Moines General -$ -$ 100$ 200$ 200$ 200$
Kent General -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Renton General -$ 100$ 250$ 250$ 250$ 250$
SeaTac General -$ 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$
Tukwila
(Current Fee) General -$ -$ 150$ 200$ 200$ 200$
False Alarm Fees
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
Staff is recommending the following fee structure. The intent of the new fee structure is twofold.
The new fee structure will streamline the review and billing process. A reduction in time spent
reviewing and billing false alarms could be redirected to other responsibilities. An updated fee
schedule could encourage alarm owners to take steps to reduce the number of false alarms.
Decreasing the number of false alarm responses for both Police and Fire personnel will redirect
time to responding to actual alarms.
The proposed and current fee schedule for false alarms follows:
False Alarm Proposed
Fee
Current
Fee
First (lifetime for alarm owner)$0 $0
Second $250 $0
Third $250 $150
Fourth and Subsequent $250 $200
The recommended fee structure will keep the rates comparable with surrounding jurisdictions.
Fees incurred in the new schedule will help to offset costs of responding to recurring false alarms.
New Information as of September 22, 2020
At the August 24, 2020 Finance Committee meeting, two questions were asked and responses
are provided below.
1. How many free false alarms do other cities allow and does the free alarm(s) reset each
year? The following chart outlines each city’s policy for free false alarms. As mentioned
earlier in this memo, the proposed fee structure changes the current policy of 2 free false
alarm every year to 1 per alarm owner (lifetime, no annual reset).
City # of Free False Alarms Reset Period
Auburn None Not applicable
Burien None Billing function is outsourced
Des Moines 2 Every year
Federal Way 2 Every year
Kent Unsure. Research indicates that police respond to false
alarms as a low priority and may not respond at all.
Renton 1 Every year
SeaTac 1 Every 6 months
2. What efficiencies are expected to be gained by restructuring the fee schedule? Per Police
staff that currently process the false alarms, the billing process has already been
streamlined to a degree but still can average 16-20 hours a month to process the false
alarm billings. The amount of time varies, depending on how many businesses/residential
properties require research to determine mailing address and to determine if the business
is still active or not. Staff sends out notices for all false alarms, including the first 2 that
are free. Alarm owners tend to call when they receive the 3rd invoice that includes a
charge and it takes time to research and respond to the alarm owner’s concerns. By
eliminating the free false alarms every year and increasing the fee to $250 for each alarm
after the first free false alarm, staff is hoping that this will encourage alarm owners to
7
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
address the reasons for the false alarms occurring, thereby reducing the total number of
false alarms.
In order to give alarm owners the ability to formally appeal the false alarm charge, staff is
recommending the following process be established.
The proposed False Alarm Appeals Program will borrow heavily from programs already in place
by other Valley Cities.
The person/organization against whom the false alarm fee is levied shall, within thirty days of
receiving notification that a false alarm fee has been levied, submit an appeals request either
online (via a site dedicated to that purpose but not yet built) or via an email sent to an email
address that will be monitored by representatives of the Tukwila Police and Fire Departments.
If the appeal is submitted via the webpage, all required fields must be completed.
If submitted via email, the notice of appeals must contain the following information:
1. Name of person submitting the appeals
2. Email address of above listed person (if applicable)
3. Physical address where alarm occurred
4. Date of false alarm
5. Permit number of alarm, if applicable
6. Name of alarm monitoring company, if applicable
7. Reason(s) for the appeal
8. Any supporting evidence
For an appeal to be reviewed, the person/organization submitting the appeal must remit an appeal
fee of $25 that will be refunded if the appeal is upheld. If the appeal is not upheld, the Tukwila
Police or Fire Department will deposit the fee into a revenue account and the fee will help to offset
the cost of reviewing the appeal.
Upon receiving the appeal notice, complete with the information listed above and the appeals fee,
a designated representative of either the Police or Fire Department shall review the appeal and
submit a decision within thirty days.
A non-comprehensive list of actions that typically will result in a false alarm appeal being denied
will be listed on the City of Tukwila’s Alarm Information webpage and will include items such as
the following:
1. Faulty, defective, or malfunctioning equipment supplied by an alarm business.
2. Improper installation or maintenance by an alarm business.
3. Improper monitoring by an alarm business.
4. Alarm activations that occur while alarm technicians are repairing or servicing the alarm system.
5. An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity, fire, or medical need is present.
6. Mistakes made by private contractors, maids, cleaning crews, visitors, etc.
7. Item(s) within the home or business that move causing motion detectors to activate (i.e.
curtains, signs, balloons, etc.).
8. Doors and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts that activate the
alarm system.
9. Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away and who activate the alarm
in error or are not familiar with required codes or passwords.
10. Pets, rodents or wildlife movement in or near the home or business.
8
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 5
11. Alarms caused by Apartment Management Employees.
RECOMMENDATION
The Council is being asked to approve the resolution and consider this item at the September 14,
2020 Committee of the Whole meeting and subsequent September 14, 2020 Regular Meeting.
The Council is being asked to approve the resolution and ordinance and consider this item at the
September 28, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting and subsequent October 5, 2020 Regular
Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Resolution
Draft Ordinance
9
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14
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: September 21, 2020
SUBJECT: COVID-19
Community Assistance, City Utility Payments
ISSUE
Extend interim emergency policies regarding City water and sewer accounts in
response to COVID-19 through December 31, 2020.
BACKGROUND
On February 29, 2020 Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding the
COVID-19 Pandemic, directing state agencies to use resources necessary to prepare
for and respond to the outbreak. The Mayor issued a Proclamation declaring an
emergency on March 9, 2020. The City Council affirmed the emergency declaration at
its April 20 meeting.
As result of the Pandemic, the City has closed all City buildings to the public and moved
most City functions to a virtual city hall model. At this time, city buildings are closed
through the end of 2020.
Due to the economic disruptions in the community and the disruptions in City
operations, the Finance Department has adopted the following interim policy for all City
water and/or sewer accounts, both commercial and residential. These temporary
policies are consistent with policies adopted by other utility providers in the region, such
Water District 125, Seattle City Light, and Puget Sound Energy.
1. No late fees or penalties for non-payment would be incurred, effective with the
April billing.
2. Effective March 16, water shutoff for non-payment is suspended for occupied
premises. Due to concerns with potential squatting and protection of the City’s
utility system, water shutoffs for vacant properties will still occur. Water Shut Off
fees incurred prior to March 16, 2020 would still be due if there is a request to
restore service.
3. Customers can establish payment plans by calling the City’s Finance
Department.
DISCUSSION
TMC 2.57.040 (3) requires the City Council to affirm any rules or regulations related to
the protection of life, environment, and property that are affected by the emergency.
The policy is one avenue that the City can do to help Tukwila community members
during the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a reminder, the policy only applies to ratepayers 15
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/mayorsoffice/cc/CC Docs/Old W/2020 Info Memos/Info Memo - Water and Sewer Utility Payment Waiver Extended.doc
within the City’s water and sewer service area. The policy is set to expire on September
30, 2020 and staff is requesting that this policy be extended through December 31,
2020.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City typically collects $2,000 in late fees per month from late payments, though it is
reasonable to assume there will be additional late fees incurred by utility customers
during the Pandemic due to employment and revenue disruption. This revenue would
be lost. Allowing delayed payments could also result in a cash flow issue for each of the
utilities.
RECOMMENDATION
Reaffirm the emergency policy provided by City Administration. Staff is requesting that
this item be placed on the September 28, 2020 committee of the Whole and subsequent
October 5, 2020 Regular Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Interim emergency policy regarding City water and sewer accounts
16
Page 1 of 2
City of Tukwila
Water and Sewer Utility Policies in Response to COVID‐19
SUBJECT: Temporary Policy to Discontinue Water Shut‐off for Non‐Payment of Water and
Sewer Service Fees and to Discontinue the Imposition of Late Fees on Delinquent
Water and Sewer Accounts
PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to temporarily suspend the imposition of past‐due
and late penalties on delinquent water and sewer accounts and to temporarily
discontinue the water shut‐off on delinquent accounts subsequent to Governor
Inslee’s February 29, 2020 Proclamation of Emergency No. 20 05 and subsequent
orders. This policy will be effective on April 1, 2020 and will expire on September
30, 2020December 31, 2020 unless otherwise terminated or extended.
SCOPE: This policy applies to all City of Tukwila water and sewer customers.
DEFINITIONS:
1. “Public Health Emergency” shall mean any such emergency declared by the Governor of
the State of Washington pursuant to his or her powers under 38.08, 38.52 and 43.06 RCW,
any such emergency declared by the King County Executive pursuant to RCW 38.52, or
the Mayor of the City of Tukwila pursuant to RCW 38.52.
2. “Water Shut‐off” shall mean any notice of water shut‐off, the act of shutting‐off water,
and any fees, charges, or monetary penalties associated with water shut‐off and turn‐on
set forth in TMC 14.04.125 and TMC 14.04.130.
3. “Late fees” shall mean any penalty, fee, or charge associated with a delinquent account
as set forth in TMC 14.04.270.
POLICY:
During a Public Health Emergency, the City of Tukwila shall discontinue the issuance of Shut‐off
Notices for delinquent water and sewer accounts for the duration of the Public Health
Emergency. In addition, the City shall not apply Late Fees incurred after April 1on delinquent
accounts during the Public Health Emergency.
This policy does not suspend regular monthly utility charges for water and sewer service.
Customers are encouraged to continue making regular payments. In addition, late fee or water
shut off fees incurred before March 15 are required to be paid.
PROCEDURE:
The following procedures are established to allow for community members to continue receiving
water and sewer, utility service, without penalty, during a declared Public Health Emergency.
Notification
A. The Utility Billing Division shall provide written notice of the policy herein to customers
with delinquent accounts. Such notice shall state that all past due amounts are still owed
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but that a penalties incurred after March 15, 2020 will be suspended, and disconnections
will be postponed for the duration of the Public Health Emergency. In order to prevent
spoilage and to protect the City’s utility system, the City shall still disconnect water of
properties the City determines are vacant.
B. Within thirty (30) days of termination of the Public Health Emergency, the Finance
Director will review delinquent accounts and will work with customers to enter into
repayment plans as in the Director’s discretion is appropriate as to each account.
C. Late fees and shutoff shall resume 30‐days after discontinue of this temporary policy in
response to COVID‐19
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 1, 2020
APPROVAL:
______________________________________ ______________________________
Mayor Allan Ekberg De’Sean Quinn, Council President
________________________ ______________________________
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director Kari Sand, City Attorney (initials)
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