HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-06 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council
On-site and Virtual Meeting
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Regular Meeting
June 6, 2022 — 7:00 P.M.
This meeting was conducted both on-site at Tukwila City Hall and virtually via Microsoft TEAMS. The
phone number for public participation that was provided via the agenda distribution process was:
1-253-292-9750, access code 670077847# to include a link to join the Teams Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Ekberg (on-site) called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. and
led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present at the meeting were
Councilmembers Kathy Hougardy (on-site), De'Sean Quinn (on-site), Kate Kruller (on-site),
Thomas McLeod (on-site), Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson (on-site), Mohamed Abdi (on-site),
Tosh Sharp (on-site).
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator;
Kari Sand, City Attorney; Joel Bush, Chief Technology Officer; Eric Dreyer, Police Chief; Eric Lund,
Deputy Police Chief; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Norm Golden, Deputy Fire Chief; Vicky Carlsen, Finance
Director; Tony Cullerton, Deputy Finance Director; Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director; Brittany
Robinson, Public Works Grant Analyst; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director; Derek Speck,
Economic Development Administrator; Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager; Laurel Humphrey,
Legislative Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk; Felipe Ayala,
Administrative Support Coordinator.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT — Councilmember Abdi 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 respects to their elders past, present and emerging."
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Those wishing to provide public comment had the opportunity to sign up via email by 5:00 p.m. today to
read comments verbally at the meeting. Mayor Ekberg asked those who had signed up to proceed with
their public comments.
Tony Martiniello (on-site) said he is the owner of a business on Interurban Avenue and is speaking
regarding the negative impacts related to the Tiny House project approved by the City Council. He
relayed that those in the area were unaware of this project, and it has affected his business adversely. A
costly remodel associated with a new tenant (a law firm) fell through once the business learned about the
Tiny House project. He feels this was pushed through quickly and was not properly vetted as there was
no input from those in the area who are impacted by this development.
Jeffrey Vert (on-site) is speaking on the Tiny House project and the lack of transparency and
communication toward the businesses and residents on Interurban Avenue. The development is not in
alignment with the City's Strategic Plan or Comprehensive Plan, both of which call for community
engagement in decision making. He expressed concern about the safety of children as there is a school
in the area as well as Starfire Sports. This development does not support the economic climate in this
area of Tukwila, and he inquired as to whether the City has a plan to mitigate the negative impacts to the
business community based on this decision.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2022 Page 2 of 5
Dennis Robertson (on-site) is speaking regarding the future of Fire/Emergency Medical Services. He
emphasized that while he supports annexation to the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA), he
does not support a long-term contract unless there is clear language added to the contract that the
annexation will occur within 2-3 years. If the City enters into a contract and then does not proceed with
annexation, at that point the PSRFA owns the equipment and trucks, and the City is without recourse.
He also emphasized that Tukwila has good fire service. The basis for annexing to the PSRFA is to
acquire long-term financial sustainability. The fire authority has additional revenue sources by way of a
fire benefit charge that can provide that sustainability. It is imperative that any contract entered into with
the PSRFA have clear language that the annexation will occur within a 2-3 year timeline.
PRESENTATION
a. Police Department life-saving award to Officer Brian Hunter. Eric Dreyer, Police Chief.
Chief Dreyer presented Officer Brian Hunter the life-saving award for providing CPR to a non-responsive
female on September 16, 2021 that was instrumental in her survival.
The Councilmembers expressed gratitude to Officer Hunter for his heroic actions.
b. Introduction of the "Tukwila, City of Opportunity Scholarship" recipients:
• Czarin Dela Cruz
• Devika Ghimirey
• Kidus Kassa
• Sahara Safi
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 5/16/22 (Regular Mtg.); 5/23/22 (Special Mtg.)
b. Approval of Vouchers #00400743-00400843 in the amount of $2,791,591.00
c. An ordinance revising Tukwila Municipal Code Section 16.04.250 to clarify regulations regarding
expiration of construction permits, time limits on construction permit applications, and additional fees
required when work is started without a permit. ORDINANCE NO. 2673
[Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Planning and Community Development Committee on
5/16/22.]
d. Authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement between the cities of SeaTac, Des Moines,
Covington, and Tukwila for the Minor Home Repair Program.
[Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Services and Safety Committee on 5/23/22.]
e. Authorize the Mayor to sign a grant agreement with Partners in Employment for the Youth Ecology &
Restoration Stewards (YERS) program, in the amount of $43,940.00 (funding coming to the City).
[Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Services and Safety Committee on 5/23/22.]
MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE
APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Bi -weekly COVID-19 report.
David Cline, City Administrator, explained the COVID-19 testing center has new ownership and is still in
operation. Councilmember Kruller emphasized that this testing center is highly regarded in terms of
quality and expediency. Mr. Cline asked if the Council would like the COVID report to continue to be
provided every 2 weeks or once a month. Council consensus existed to continue receiving the report on
a bi-weekly basis.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2022 Page 3 of 5
b. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Community Attributes for consulting services to
create an Economic Development Plan in the amount of $50,000.00.
MOVED BY DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON, SECONDED BY QUINN TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO
SIGN A CONTRACT WITH COMMUNITY ATTRIBUTES FOR CONSULTING SERVICES TO CREATE
AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000.00.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
7:35 p.m. Councilmember Quinn recused himself from the following item and left the Council Chambers.
c. Authorize the Mayor to approve a new grant -funded Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) position (1.0 full-time employee (FTE) in the amount of $70,000.00 (funding coming to the
City).
MOVED BY KRULLER, SECONDED BY HOUGARDY TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO APPROVE A
NEW GRANT -FUNDED TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) POSITION (1.0 FULL-
TIME EMPLOYEE (FTE) IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000.00 (FUNDING COMING TO THE CITY).
MOTION CARRIED 6-0, WITH QUINN RECUSED.
7:37 p.m. Councilmember Quinn returned to the Council Chambers.
d. Future of Fire/Emergency Medical Services.
Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst, explained that on May 23, 2022, the Future of Fire/EMS Services
Community Advisory Committee delivered its final recommendation to the City Council. The Committee's
recommendation (supported by 11 of 12 members) is for the City to begin work as soon as possible to
negotiate a service contract with Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) as a bridge to near-term
annexation. PSRFA is interested in engaging with the City on this but has requested a very specific and
short timeline, seeking City Council direction by July 15, 2022 and a contract negotiated by September 1,
2022 and effective January 1, 2023. If a decision is not reached, PSRFA has indicated they are not open
to a contract starting mid -year and will set aside further discussions with the City of Tukwila for an
indeterminate time.
Council President McLeod emphasized the importance of Council attendance at the upcoming meetings
and work sessions on this issue. It is imperative that Councilmembers thoroughly review the agenda
materials and seek meetings with staff outside of the Council meetings to get greater clarification as
needed.
The Councilmembers exchanged comments and outlined initial questions that were captured by the
Legislative Analyst to be discussed at the Council Work Session on this topic on June 13, 2022.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve an application for lodging tax funds from the City of Tukwila for the Summer Gut
Check Wrestling Tournament in the amount of $6,000.00.
MOVED BY DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON, SECONDED BY MCLEOD TO APPROVE AN APPLICATION
FOR LODGING TAX FUNDS FROM THE CITY OF TUKWILA FOR THE SUMMER GUT CHECK
WRESTLING TOURNAMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,000.00. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
b. Authorize the Mayor to accept the Transportation Alternative Program grant with Puget Sound
Regional Council for the Green River Trail Improvements Project, in the amount of $989,000.00.
(Local match of $308,000.00.)
MOVED BY KRULLER, SECONDED BY HOUGARDY TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT THE
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM GRANT WITH PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL
FOR THE GREEN RIVER TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $989,000.00.
(LOCAL MATCH OF $308,000.00.) MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2022 Page 4 of 5
c. Budget Workshop: Capital Projects.
Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director, provided information on capital improvement projects. The
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a comprehensive multi-year plan of proposed capital projects that
will support the continued growth and development of the City. They are typically relatively expensive;
have a multi-year useful life; and result in capital assets. However, the CIP does include projects, such
as the Annual Overlay Project, that do not result in a capital asset upon completion, but are associated
with significant maintenance and repair of an existing capital asset.
The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions regarding the presentation.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg attended a recent "Relay for Life" event sponsored by the American Cancer society, where
he and others spoke about how cancer has impacted their lives.
b. City Council
Councilmember Hougardy attended the recent Highline Forum where an update on Tukwila's Economic
Development Plan was provided. She also attended the Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Committee
meeting. She referenced the City Administrator (CA) report and appreciates the information on the Utility
Box art; return of the See you in the Park events; and responses to Councilmember Kruller's questions
about the Multi -Family Property Tax Exemption.
Councilmember Quinn was asked to facilitate an appreciation dinner for Tukwila School District teachers,
many of whom are retiring after years of service. He expressed the importance of recognizing the great
work and commitment of teachers.
Council President McLeod was recently in the Philippines and had a chance to assist a local rotary club
there by participating in a visit to a school. He also thanked Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson for
filling the role of Acting Council President in his absence.
Councilmember Kruller attended the Memorial Day event at the Museum of Flight where former
Councilmember Joe Duffie was in charge of the color guard. She also attended the Puget Sound
Regional Council (PSRC) General Assembly and reported that the transportation package was passed by
the Transportation Policy Board. She also expressed support for the Seattle Seawolves Rugby Team, as
they recently won a long -shot game. Their mascot was exuberant over participation in a recent shoreline
cleanup in the area, denoting that the team gives back to the community.
Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson provided an update on this evening's PCD (Planning and
Community Development) Committee meeting. The topics included LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee) funding applications; an update on the Gunter Levee design considerations; and a briefing on
the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan Update. She will be participating in an upcoming luncheon by
Seattle King County realtors as it relates to "missing middle housing."
Councilmember Abdi reported that he was invited to speak at Everett Community College for Mental
Health Awareness Month. Additionally, he was given an award for a documentary he participated in
entitled "Surviving the Movement." He was also asked to speak to seniors graduating from Foster High
School this past week.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the CA (City Administrator) report and Monthly Construction
and Budget Reports and offered to answer any questions.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2022 Page 5 of 5
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Sharp referenced the last page of the agenda packet as it relates to upcoming Council
meetings. He suggested this information be disseminated via the City's social media sites. Additionally,
he is concerned about the public comments made this evening regarding lack of awareness by individuals
and businesses as to what is occurring in their area of the City. He asked if the Hazelnut newsletter could
be used to inform the community about projects occurring in Tukwila.
EXECUTIVE SESSION - Collective Bargaining — Pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) (60 minutes)
Mayor Ekberg announced the Council will now go into an Executive Session to discuss:
Collective Bargaining — Pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) (60 minutes)
The total amount of time will be no more than 60 minutes, and no decisions will be made during the
Executive Session. No action will be required in the Open Meeting after the Executive Session has
concluded.
He declared the meeting adjourned as of the conclusion of the Executive Session. The Executive
Session will not be extended beyond the announced time, and they will not be returning to open session
to adjourn or for any other reason.
8:39 p.m. Mayor Ekberg called for a brief recess to allow the Councilmembers to convene to the
Executive Session.
Executive Session Start: 8:47 p.m.
Attendees: Mayor Ekberg; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator;
Kari Sand, City Attorney; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst; Councilmembers Hougardy, Quinn,
Kruller, McLeod, Delostrinos Johnson, Abdi, and Sharp.
Executive Session End: 9:25 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
9:25 p.m. THE REGULAR MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
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Christy O'Flaherty, Records Governance Manager/City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 6/27/22
AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 6/28/22