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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting On-site and Virtual Meeting June 27, 2022 — 7:00 P.M. MINUTES 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# as well as a link to join the Microsoft Teams Meeting. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President McLeod called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present at the meeting were Council President McLeod (on-site); Councilmembers Kathy Hougardy (on- site), De'Sean Quinn (on-site), Kate Kruller (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; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Norm Golden, Deputy Fire Chief; Tracy Gallaway, Parks & Recreation Director; David Rosen, Parks and Recreation Fiscal Analyst; Eric Dreyer, Police Chief; Eric Lund, Deputy Police Chief; Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director; Greg Villanueva, NPDES Coordinator; Joel Bush, Chief Technology Officer; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Councilmember Hougardy stated "The City of Tukwila is located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Satish people. We acknowledge their continuing connections to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging." PUBLIC COMMENTS Council President McLeod stated public comments will be limited to 3 minutes per speaker due to the high number of individuals signed up to speak. The following written comments to the Council were referenced into the record: 1. An email from Levi Berger, dated June 23, 2022. 2. An email from Paul Coblentz, dated June 27, 2022. 3. An email from Benton Coblentz, dated June 27, 2022. Council President McLeod asked those who had signed up to proceed with their public comments. 1. Greg Sherlock shared that he has still not received a response from the City regarding the May 27, 2022 complaint submitted to Code Enforcement regarding excessive noise generated at night by his neighbor, Sabey. He would like to see City Administration resolve this issue that has been ongoing since 2005. 2. Jan Bolerjack expressed excitement at moving forward with the tiny house villages in Tukwila. Unhoused individuals need time and space in order to rest and recuperate from living with uncertainty and stress on a daily basis. She introduced those in the audience who have experienced homelessness and are now helping the Tukwila community in various ways. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 27, 2022 Page 2 of 5 3. Maisy Donaldson thanked the Miracle Temple of God and Pastor Jenkins for supporting her and her family in their times of need. 4. Douglas Nolting shared he has known Pastor Jenkins for a long time and expressed the community needs a place where people can have a sense of purpose and belonging. He urged the Council to move forward with the tiny house villages. 5. Lessa spoke on behalf of Miracle Temple of God and thanked the Council for making the tiny house villages a possibility and addressing the homelessness issue for the greater good. She commended the Low -Income Housing Institute (LIHI) for their genuine concern for the welfare of the homeless and thanked LIHI for including Miracle Temple in this undertaking. 6. Kathy Foster is the owner of Executive Support Center and a former member of the Rotary Club of Tukwila and former board member of the Tukwila Pantry. While she is in support of tiny house villages, she urged the Council to reconsider siting a tiny house village on Interurban Avenue South. Other south -end tiny home villages did not look well-maintained and were not sited near office buildings. Riverton Heights is more suitable for a tiny house village as it is spacious, in a residential area, has the Tukwila Pantry next door, and has successfully housed a tent city. She expressed that she hopes the tiny house villages succeed and all perspectives are taken into consideration before final placement. 7. Charles Gooding is a Tukwila resident and Executive Director of a behavioral health agency. He stated it is time to address homelessness in Tukwila and to break the stigma that individuals cannot receive the support they need. Helping homeless individuals will start with providing stability in housing and resources. He has known Pastor Jenkins for over 25 years and received assistance from the Miracle Temple. Had people not reached out to him, he would not be where he is today. 8. Nature Carter -Gooding is a Tukwila resident and Program Manager at the YWCA and has known Pastor Jenkins for approximately 30 years. She urged the Council to make a decision supporting access to resources for homeless individuals, who are already on the streets near businesses on Interurban Avenue South. Tiny homes will provide opportunities for the community. 9. Laten Jenkins is Pastor Jenkins' brother. He encouraged the Council to give Pastor Jenkins the opportunity to continue giving back to the community. 10. Darrell Winston relayed Pastor Jenkins has been a family friend for over 50 years. Pastor Jenkins is one to give to others and help the community. He thanked the Council for their consideration of the tiny house villages. 11. Henry Jenkins shared that his work for over 30 years has been to go out on the street and have compassion on people. Helping one person leads to that person helping another. The proposed tiny house village on Interurban Avenue South will be surrounded by offices, which can be viewed as an opportunity to participate in giving shoes, clothes and necessities to the homeless. He relayed he would like the tiny house village at Miracle Temple to be the best in the State. He thanked LIHI for the opportunity to help others. 12. Cam Lyons is a volunteer at the Tukwila Pantry. He shared that he has an anxiety disorder that was exacerbated by being homeless. He has lost time in progressing forward with his life due to lack of resources. He spoke in support of those who will not have homes tonight who deserve a decision that will impact their lives positively. 13. Andrew Knapp urged the Council to approve the tiny house villages. 14. Joe Duffie spoke in favor of the tiny house villages and relayed while nobody wants them in their neighborhoods, they need to go somewhere. Homeless individuals are also Tukwila residents. Tiny homes are preferrable to tents and are a better environment for individuals. He urged the Council to make the right decision. 15. Meshach Williams is an advocate for and hopeful tenant of tiny homes. He currently resides at Miracle Temple with his service dog and he relies on Pastor Jenkins for safe accommodations. His circumstances should not obstruct him from obtaining adequate resources. He expressed disappointment in the reactions from the community regarding the proposed tiny house village at Miracle Temple and indicated homeless individuals have always been on Interurban Avenue South. The tiny house villages will be beneficial to the community. 16. Michael Williams shared that one of the obstacles to employment for homeless individuals is needing secure facilities during the day for their belongings. He expressed his hope that the Council will be in favor of the tiny home villages. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 27, 2022 Page 3 of 5 SPECIAL ISSUES a. A contract amendment with Axon to provide body and dash cameras, conducive energy devices, and digital evidence for the Police Department. 7:46 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy exited the Council Chambers. Eric Lund, Deputy Police Chief, explained the current contract with Axon Enterprises expires August 2022. The body camera and dash camera program has been successful since its implementation in July 2017. The proposed contract will extend the term for an additional five years and expands the scope of services to include body cameras, dashboard cameras, tasers, digital storage, and evidence.com software licenses for $972,747.23. 7:48 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy returned to the Council Chambers. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and commented on the equipment, improved technology and benefits of transparency. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING CONSENT AGENDA DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THIS MEETING. b. A Memorandum of Agreement for tiny house villages. Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director, provided an update and overview of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the two tiny house villages that will be sited at the Miracle Temple of God and Riverton Park United Methodist Church. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and offered comments regarding the code of conduct and Community Advisory Councils required by the MOAs, the need for continued outreach, ensuring the sustainability and success of the villages, and the opportunity for the business community to be part of the solution. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO PROCEED WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT. c. Discussion on a broker for the health care contract. Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, explained the City issued a Request for Qualifications for a health care broker and received five responses. Following an extensive interview process involving staff and representatives from the City's labor partners, Alliant was unanimously selected due to its strong commitment to customer service, focus on high-quality benefits without cost escalation, and experience in the public sector. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING CONSENT AGENDA DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THIS MEETING. d. Acceptance of the COPS Hiring Program Grant for a community liaison position, in the amount of $125,000.00. Eric Dreyer, Police Chief, indicated the Police Department was awarded $125,000.00 over a 3 -year term through the COPS Hiring Grant to hire and/or rehire career law enforcement officers to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts through the creation of a Community Liaison Officer position. The estimated 2022 salary and benefits for a new Police Officer is $134,509.00 and after grant funds are applied, the remaining cost of $92,842.00 per year will be sought through a budget amendment. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING CONSENT AGENDA DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THIS MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 27, 2022 Page 4 of 5 e. Future of Fire/Emergency Medical Services. Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst, shared discussions from the June 6, 2022 Regular Meeting and June 13, 2022 Work Session with Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) Chief Morris. The Council Question and Answer Log has been updated to include information about the Center for Public Safety Management Report's recommendation as well as additional details regarding a fire benefit charge. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and emphasized the intent to negotiate in good faith with a goal of near-term annexation into the PSRFA. CONSENSUS EXISTED TO PROCEED WITH THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TASK FORCE TO BEGIN NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT WITH PSRFA AS A BRIDGE TO NEAR-TERM ANNEXATION. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg referenced the recent Juneteenth celebration at the Sullivan Center and thanked City staff and the Council for their support. b. City Council Councilmember Hougardy attended an Association of Washington Cities conference in Vancouver, Washington where she participated in sessions regarding middle housing and more. She also toured a tiny house village in Skyway which included shower facilities and a safe parking zone. Councilmember Quinn referenced the recent Juneteenth celebration that covered the meaning and history of Juneteenth. He participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Homestead development that will have affordable, energy-efficient homes and the ribbon -cutting ceremony for Dimension XR which is a virtual reality entertainment center. 9:25 pm Council President McLeod exited the Council Chambers. 9:28 pm Council President McLeod returned to the Council Chambers. Councilmember Kruller facilitated a panel discussion on bipartisan infrastructure law at the recent Association of Washington Cities conference and was able to attend part of the session on Building Bridges to Heal by Erin Jones on dismantling racism and injustice and strategies to move communities forward. She reported the Seattle Seawolves did not win the Major League Rugby (MLR) shield this year despite a valiant effort by the team. Councilmember Kruller relayed she was invited to attend a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX by the Seattle Storm that was attended by many athletes. Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson presented a Proclamation on Seattle Seawolves Community Pride Day on behalf of the City at the MLR Championship game. Councilmember Abdi attended the recent Juneteenth celebration and expressed he enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the rest of the Council and with staff. He gave kudos to Niesha Fort -Brooks for managing the Juneteenth event. Councilmember Sharp attended the recent Juneteenth celebration and relayed it was well attended. He offered a reminder regarding the "safe and sane" fireworks that will be piloted in the City for this Fourth of July and looks forward to hearing the feedback from the community. Council President McLeod shared he participated in a ride -along with Police Sergeant Isaiah Harris and commended him for his professional response to a shoplifting call. He attended the recent Association of Washington Cities conference and also had the opportunity to tour the tiny house village in Skyway. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes June 27, 2022 Page 5 of 5 c. Staff There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hougardy shared National Night Out against Crime will be on August 2, 2022 and is another opportunity for the Council to come together and meet the community. Councilmember Quinn referenced binders that were recently distributed to the Council that contain relevant information and resources that will be necessary for budget deliberations. ADJOURNMENT 9:40 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT MCLEOD DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Thomas McLeod, Council President Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 7/9/2022 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 7/12/2022