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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Remote Meeting per Governor Proclamation 20-28 February 28, 2022 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES This meeting was conducted remotely, with the City Council, Mayor, and staff off-site and participating via a remote e!ectronic system. All participants, including the Mayor, Councilmembers, City staff, and legal counsel were not at Tukwlla City Hall and participated via a remote electronic system. The phone number for public participation that was provided via the agenda distribution process was: 1-253-282'9750, access code 670077847# as well as a link to join the Microsoft Teams Meeting. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President McLeod called the remote Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Piedge ofAllegiance. OFFICIALS Present at the virtual meeting were Council President McLeod; Councilmembers Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kru||er, Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson, Mohamed Abdi, Tosh Sharp. CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor; Rachel Bionohi, Deputy City Administrator; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director; Tony CuUedon, Deputy Finance Director; Jay Wittvver, Fire Chief; Norm Gu|den, Deputy Fire Chief; Andy Nevens, Fire Marshal; Tracy GmUaway, Parks & Recreation Director; Eric Onaver, Police Chief; Eric Lund, Deputy Police Chief; Cyndy Knighton, Senior Program Manager; Adam Cox, Program Manager; Scott Bates, Project Manager; Brittany Robinson, Public Works Grant Analyst; Joel Bush, Chief Technology Officer; Laurel Humphnay, Legislative Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Mayor Ekberg stated "The City of Tukwila is located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people. We acknowledge their continuing connections to land, waters and culture. We pay our respectsto their elders past, present and emerging." PUBLIC COMMENTS Those wishing to provide pubtic comment had the opportunity to sign up via email bv5:OOpm. today to read comments verbally at the virtual meeting. Council President McLeod noted there were many individuals sined up for public comment and asked for Council Consensus to reduce the time allowed per speaker to 3 minutes each. There was consensus. 1. Andrea Gamboa is a Community Champion and teacher at Foster Hih School. Nate Robinson, Teen Recreation Program Sialist, has spoken to many students and ensured youth can participate in community -building conversations. She expressed support for the Tukwila Teen & Senior Center and urged the Council to consider the needs of the community. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2022 Page 2 of 5 2. Travis Boyd is a Community Champion and expressed teen and senior voices have previously been underrepresented in the City. This pjeot is an opportunity to bring these communities together and he would like to see the Teen & Senior Center move forward in the right way. He urged the Council to listen to the community. 3. Keith Hubrath is a resident in the Allentown neighborhood and thanked the Councilmembers who attended the Allentown Truck Reroute pject meeting. He referenced TranTech's recommendation to reopen the 42nd Avenue South Bridge to one-way traffic southbound and expressed his support of a northbound configuration instead for safety and traffic reasons. He encouraged the Council to consider replacing the bridge at its current location rather than constructing a new bridge at South 124th Avenue. 4. Kel|e Sue Symonds iso resident in the Allentown neighborhood and agrees with Mr. Hubrath's comments regarding a northbound configuration once the 42nd Avenue South Bridge reopens. She referenced a business that has suffered loss of revenue following the closure of the 42nd Avenue South Bridge that would benefit from having traffic directed northbound. She expressed concern that the recommendation location of South 124th Avenue for the new bridge will increase truck traffic rather than reduce it, affect pedestrian accessibility, and compromise the driveways of nearby homeowners. 5. Hien Kieu is a Community Champion and Executive Director of Partner in Employment and serves a diverse community of immigrants and refugees in Tukwila. The Tukwila Teen and Senior Center is a critical need for the Tukwila community that includes immigrant seniors who do not have an inclusive space and are often left alone. She supports the Bartell site as she hopes redeveloping the site will make it safer to coordinate community activities in that area. She applauded the community engagement process used for this project. G. Claire Tadych is a resident of the Allentown neighborhood and is a Grant professional in the nonprofit sector. She requested the City seek a pjectdne|ineexbensionhnnngnanthundersforthe43'm Avenue South Bridge pject in order to gather more information through a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) that City staff can develop with an outside contractor to calculate how traffic congestion will flow through the neighborhood. If a TIA is already avai|ab|e, she asked that it be shared with the community. A TIA is the best way to take action and address the community's concerns regarding traffic congestion. She urged the Council to consider taking the steps she has outlined. 7. Alejandra Silva is a Community Champion and has Iived in Tukwila for 25 years. She believes it is important to connect the bridge between teens and seniors. She urged the Council to listen to the feedback that has been given by numerous community members. 8. Diane Myers feels it is not fiscally responsible to build the Teen and Senior Center at this time and asked if there are Tukwila Community Center vans or after-schoobuses that can be utilized to shuttle teens and seniors to activities that may be difficult to access such as trails, the golf course or the skate park. The Washington Parks and Recreation Association recently published a report that recommended designating schools as community hubs or civic centers with financial incentives for schools that adopt this mode. Additionally, the report recommends funding for shared -use projects. The City needs to finish the prjeutmitotodedunderthaPub|icGefeh/Bond.8havvou|d|ikebzoee the Community Center being utilized Iess for event rentals and more for community programming for teens and seniors. S. Ann Stempa is a Community Champion and feels it is important to have a desinated place for teens and seniors. Tukwila should invest in youth who will then invest back into the community. She supports the Star Nursery site that can accommodate future growth. Selecting the Bartell site will require building a multistory facility that will negatively impact the adjacent apartment complex by blocking their natural light. She urged the Council to consider the community's feedback. 10. Lisa Krober is a resident of the Allentown neighborhood. The community has repeatedly repeatedty asked for Tukwila City Council Committee of the WhoMinutes February 28, 2022 Page 3 of 5 11. Pat Bako lives in the Duwamish neighborhood and supports replacing the 42nd Avenue South Bridge at its current location. The proposed South 124th Avenue bridge location is an essential fish habitat that is recognized by NOAA Fisheries and an extensive amount of riverbank restoration work has already occurred there. Contract 20-116(a) assumes there will likely be no adverse impact to Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and no habitat restoration will be needed, which she disagrees with, especially if South 124th Avenue is chosen for the replacement bridge. She encouraged the Council to contact NOAA Fisheries to request a formal consultation to determine whether this projectvviUimpact EFH. She urged the Council to replace the bridge in its current location on 42nd Avenue South. 12. Matthew Aimonetti expressed he is strongly against replacing the bridge at South 124th Avenue. That portion of the river has undergone significant environmental restoration efforts and retaining the green space there is in Tukwila's best interests and may generate revenue if people come to Tukwila for outdoor recreation opportunities. 13. Lina Stinson -Ali is a Community Champion and Connection Desk Supervisor at HealthPoint. This project has allowed community members to participate and have their voices and input heard. Many of the individuals she works with are in support of the Tukwila Teen and Senior Center pject and want to have a place they can connect with other community members and have a place of belonging. She hopes the Council wiH listen to the community's feedback. 14. Rachel Jackson is a Community Champion and feels it is important thatthe Tukwila Teen and Senior Center pjautcundnue.Tukvv|oCommunityCenharisnotecoessib|edueto|eckoftronspnrboUon and this pjectwi||he|pimproveconnectionsbebweenb*eneandmenions.SheauppodathaGbar Nursery site that is closer to Foster High School. She expressed it is important to maintain momentum for this project. Councilmember Kruller referenced an email sent to the Council on February 28, 2022 from Bryce Weaver regarding the 42nd Avenue South Bridge replacement. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Weekly COVUD-19 Report. Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, provided an update on the City's COVID-19 response as foliows: The City is transitioning back into in-person services beginning March 1, 2022 and will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; These services have remained available remotely; Human Services distributed $4.401 in rental assistance over the past two weeks; Upcoming COVID-19 vaccine opportunities are Iisted on page 6 of the agenda packet. In response to a question from Councilmember Kruller, Ms. Bianchi relayed the Governor announced the statewide indoor mask mandate will end on March 20, 2022 and the King County indoor mask order will end on March 11, 2022. Masks will be a personal choice once the indoor mask mandate is lifted, and there will be individuals who will continue wearing masks for various reasons. Council President McLeod asked for the Council's input regarding returning to imeetings. Consensus existed to resume holding in-person/hybrid meetings beginning March 7, 2022. b. An Interlocal Agreement with the Puget Sound Regional Afor fire investigation services. JoyVVittwor. Fire Chief, and Andy Nevens, Fire Marshal, explained fire investigations in the City are conducted by the Fire Marshal's Office that is not staffed sufficiently to handle the workload of fire investigations. Tukwila has approximately 75 fire investigations annually, and it is difficult to plan for fire investigation needs are they are unplanned events. The proposed Interlocal Agreement is for a one-year trial period for origin/cause fire investigation services with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority. Tukwila City Council Committee ofthe Whole Minutes February 28, 2022 Page 4 of 5 In response to questions from the Council, Chief VVittwer offered the following information: The Interlocal Agreement will end on December 31, 2022 and will result in reductions to overtime use. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. An update on the Safe Reopening Plan for the 42nd Avenue South Bridge. Rachel Bianchi, Deputy Cty Administrator,provided information on the safe reopening ptan for the 42 Avenue South Bridge. After reviewing options of one-way or two-way traffic directed southbound or northbound per the community's feedback, the recommendation supported by the WSDOT Local Bridge Engineer, King County Inspectors, TranTech Engineering, KPG, and City staff is to safely reopen the 42nd Avenue South Bridge to one lane with traffic directed southbound due to safety and emergency access reasons. A southbound traffic flow configuration reduces the number of non -signalized left-hand turns and aliows for better egress for responders from Fire Station 53. The plan is to reopen the bridge with no additional weight restrictons by April 1st. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and offered comments as follows: • Councilmember Quinn requested documentation regarding the decision to reopen the bridge with one-way traffic directed southbound. • In response to a question from Councilmember Kruller, Adam Cox, Program Manager, confirmed a Traffic Impact Analysis is not available beyond the Type, Size and Location report. • In response to questions from Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson and Councilmember Abdi, Cyndi Knighton, Senior Program Manager, relayed 6 months is the industry standard to evaluate traffic flow. � In response to a question from Councilmember Sharp, Ms. Bianchi indicated the City has reached out to the shop owner whose business has been impacted by the bridge closure and will continue reviewing what options may be available for the business owner. � In response to a question from Council President McLeod, Mayor Ekberg explained the decision to reopen the bridge southbound was made following a thorough investigation and based on data that was provided to him that can support the reasoning to reopen southbound. � In response to a question from Councilmember Kruller, Scott Bates, Project Engineer, explained traffic signal preemption will be adjusted to ensure priority access for first responders and to ensure traffic does not queue on the bridge. � In response to a question from Councilmember Kruller, Ms. Bianchi relayed the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is scheduled to be discussed at an upcoming Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee meeting. d. A resolution adopting the 2022 Tukwila Pond Master PJan for the City of Tukwila. Tracy Gallaway,PorhsendRecremdonDinaotor.indicabeddhe proposed resolution will adopt the 2022 Tukwita Pond Master pan that wifl serve as a road map into the future with identified goals, partnership opportunities with surrounding businesses, conceptual designs, and realistic implementation strategies. Jim Brennan, Principal with J.A. Brennan, PLLC, provided an overview of the 2022 Tukwila Pond Master Plan with project highlights, community feedback, and recommendations. The Councilmembers offered comments to include the need to be fiscally conservative due to multiple competing priorities; acknowledgement that Parks and Recreation has been successful in applying for and receiving grant funds; excitement at the potential of redeveloping this space with the phased approach outlined by the master plan; acknowledgement of the importance of laying the groundwork now for future work to occur; using social media to carry the momentum. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes February 28, 2022 Page 5 of 5 e. A resolution to re-establish the titles, duties, and schedule of the standing City Council Committees for 2022, and repealing Resolution No. 2040. Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst, explained the draft resolution reestablishes the standing Council Committees for 2022 due to housekeeping changes that are needed to reflect updates to the location of two meeting rooms that are equipped with hybrid meeting technology and clarifies that hybrid meetings will continue beyond the effectiveness of the Governor's Proclamation 20-28. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING CONSENT AGENDA DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THIS MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg did not have a report. b. City Council Councilmember Hougardy chaired a Soundside Alliance for Economic Development Board meeting. She is also on the Board of Directors for Greater Seattle Partners. Councilmember Kruller shared the Puget Sound Regional Council: Transportation Policy Board has been working on finalizing the list of recommended projects for transportation funding. Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson attended a South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership Executive Board meeting and reported Maple Valley was recently added to the partnership. She relayed the draft legislative priorities will be sent to the Council for their review and input. c. Staff There was no report. ADJOURNMENT 10:01 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT MCLEOD DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. omas McLeod, toun President Andy Yo eputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 3/14/22 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 3/16/22