HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 2022-08-25 Item 3 - Adoption of 6/23/22 and 7/28/22 Minutes1111111111111111111111111111111
City of Tuk
Department of Community Development - Nora GierIoff AICP, Director
CITY OF TUKWILA
PLANNING COMMISSION (PC)
MINUTES
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Date: June 23, 2022
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams - public in-person attendance was an option at the
Tukwila Justice Center, 15005 Tukwila International Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188
Protocol: Nancy Eklund, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Long Range Planning
Manager, Department of Community Development (DCD) explained the protocol for
the virtual meeting as well as public hearing procedures.
The PC Secretary took roll call.
Present: Chair Karen Simmons; Vice Chair Apneet Sidhu; Commissioners
Louise Strander, Sharon Mann, Dennis Martinez, and Alexandria Teague
Vice Chair Sidhu had to leave the meeting at 6:50 pm.
Staff:
Director Nora Gierloff, AICP, DCD; Long Range Planning Manager Nancy Eklund,
AICP, DCD; Finance Deputy Director Tony Cullerton; Community Engagement
Manager Niesha Fort -Brooks; and PC Secretary Wynetta Bivens
Chair Simmons called the meeting to order.
Adopt
Minutes: Commissioner Mann moved to adopt the 04/28/22 minutes. Vice Chair Sidhu
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Commissioner Mann moved to adopt the 5/26/22 minutes, as noted, that upon review
of the recording the minutes were correct as submitted. Commissioner Martinez
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Written Public Comments
Nancy Eklund, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager, provided an update on the newly written
general Public Comment requirement policy per HB1329 Section 13, that requires the City to provide
the opportunity to the public to submit written comments to City Boards and Commissions. She noted
the timeframe and protocol for submission to the PC.
No written general public comments were received for the June 23rd PC meeting.
2023-2024 Biennial Budget Presentation
Niesha Fort -Brooks, Community Engagement Manager, gave opening comments on the 2023-2024
Biennial Budget presentation. She expressed the City Council's (CC) and the Mayor's interest in
hearing what the PC's priorities are for the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget. She invited the PC to go to the
on-line Balancing Act tool on the City's website to participate and provide their input. She also showed
the Biennial Budget Community Outreach 2023-2024 video.
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: TukilaWA.gov
PC Meeting
6/23/22
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Tony Cullerton, Finance Deputy Director, presented on the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget and provided
a walkthrough of the Balancing Act tool. He showed how to navigate to the Balancing Act tool link.
He noted that the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget will be challenging because revenues are not growing at
the rate expenses are growing. Therefore, there is a shortfall between projected 2023-2024 revenues
compared to the projected expenses. However, RCW statutes requires that the City present a balanced
budget. He also addressed questions from the PC.
2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan Update Briefing
Nancy Eklund, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager, DCD gave a briefing on the 2024-2044
Comprehensive Plan Update. She provided background on the Growth Management Act (GMA),
which requires communities to plan for population growth in the next twenty years. Plans need to be
updated every 10 years and be consistent with GMA, regional and county policy direction and adopted
by December 31, 2024.
Following are the scope of the updates, which need to be consistent with policy guidance:
1. Tukwila's vision for growth and development consistent with Puget Sound Regional Council
Vision 2050 and King County Countywide Planning Policies.
2. Update housing element to address needs for more housing types and affordable options for all.
3. Address the impacts of the legacy of discrimination.
4. Address causes/impact of climate change and enhance the City's resiliency.
5. Adopt implementation strategies to ensure accountability.
6. Update the Plan's implementation strategies to ensure accountability.
7. Explore opportunities to improve the format and presentation of the plan to enhance the
document's accessibility and utility to the Tukwila community.
8. Employ consistent, equitable outreach to the full diversity of the City.
The amendments may require new mapping and potential update of land use maps and will require
environmental review.
Biggest issues noted to address — the City has targets of 6,500 additional housing units, 15,890 new
jobs, and providing affordable housing for all economic levels of the community, addressing how to
incorporate "missing middle" housing into residential areas, and address the potential for displacement
of residents and jobs, among others.
There will be Community engagement with elected officials, boards and commissions, coordination
with other City divisions, and multiple opportunities for community input. The City will apply for
grants and local funding to help with outreach.
Next Steps:
Go to City Council on 7/11/22 for their direction, secure potential funding, and refine the schedule.
Questions were addressed from the PC.
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Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: MayrTukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
PC Meeting
6/23/22
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Director's Report
Director Gierloff informed the PC that the CC would like to streamline processes and to come up with
ideas on how to be more efficient. She said that she wanted the PC to hear from her that she took the
following three ideas to the Planning and Community Development Committee, two of which might
affect the PC:
1. Consider raising the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) threshold - The State now allows
double the maximum threshold the City currently has. If approved, this change would make
things easier on staff and the applicant.
2. Update the process to make amendments to the Zoning Code by allowing the CC the flexibility
to determine whether to send a code change to the PC for a recommendation or review it
themselves. This would streamline the process for housekeeping and other minor changes.
3. Have administrative design review approval instead of public hearing design review - the
current process can add 1-2 months to the approval process. Tukwila is the only city that uses
this hearing and approval process. The following neighboring cities, Shoreline, Bellevue,
SeaTac, Kent, and Federal Way, all are exclusively Administrative Design Review. If
approved, the PC would no longer serve as a Board of Architectural Review.
Staff will write up the processes and take these ideas through the hearing and approval process.
Commissioner Mann said that she thinks it's great to look at these options and try to smooth out
some of the bumps in the road. She thanked Director Gierloff for taking the time to try and figure
out something that make life smoother for everyone.
Commissioner Martinez moved to adjourn. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion.
Adjourned: 8:02 PM
Submitted by: Wynetta Bivens
PC Secretary
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayr TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
1111111111111111111111111111111
City of Tuk
Department of Community Development - Nora GierIoff AICP, Director
CITY OF TUKWILA
PLANNING COMMISSION (PC)
AND
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Date: July 28, 2022
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams - Public, in-person attendance was an option at the
Tukwila Justice Center, 15005 Tukwila International Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188
Chair Simmons called the meeting to order and asked staff to go over the meeting protocols.
Protocols: Nora Gierloff, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Director of the
Department of Community Development (DCD) explained the protocols for the virtual
meeting and the public hearing.
The PC Secretary took roll call and stated for the record that Commissioners Mann, Martinez, as well
as Vice Chair Sidhu would arrive late, and noted there was a quorum present.
Present: Chair Karen Simmons; Commissioners Louise Strander, Alexandria Teague, and
Martin Probst. Commissioner Mann arrived at 6:59 pm.
Absent: Vice Chair Apneet Sidhu and Commissioner Dennis Martinez.
Staff:
Director Nora Gierloff, AICP, DCD; Long Range Planning Manager Nancy Eklund,
AICP, DCD; Economic Development Administrator Derek Speck; and PC Secretary
Wynetta Bivens
Chair Simmons welcomed the new Planning Commissioner, Martin Probst. Commissioner Probst
said he was excited and looking forward to serving the community.
Adopt
Minutes: Commissioner Teague moved to adopt the 06/23/22 minutes. Commissioner Strander
seconded the motion. Commissioner Probst voted in favor, but since it was his first
meeting, he needed to abstain from voting. Therefore, his vote was not counted. [Since
the required quorum for the Commission is the majority of the seated commissioners
(i.e., 4 of the 7 commissioners), it will be necessary to conduct another vote on the
minutes at an upcoming meeting.]
Public Comments
Director Gierloff noted that no general public comments were received.
Derek Speck gave an overview on the City's Economic Development Plan (EDP). He said that the
City has never had an EDP but have talked about it. He said this year, fortunately, there is funding in
the budget for the plan. The City will enter into a contract with a consultant who will help with the
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: TukilaWA.gov
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PC Meeting
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creation of the EDP. This engagement with the PC is one of the first community engagement
activities. There will be a two-month long community engagement process and any time during that
process, the PC and other community members may continue to provide additional input. Soon there
will be a web page where information will be added and there will be a signup page to request
information. Also, there will be the opportunity to add additional information to the EDP. An EDP
survey may be completed and there will be a place to submit suggestions and comments. When the
draft EDP is completed, a draft of the plan will be provided on the City's website and people can
provide comments on the draft before it goes to the City Council (CC). The Comprehensive Plan is
closely related to the EDP and will overlap. Derek stated he will work with the DCD Planning staff to
connect the Comprehensive Plan amendments and the EDP.
Following is the Q & A facilitated by Derek with the PC to obtain their input on the City's EDP, He
noted that the PC comments will be captured.
Q&A
Question # 1:
PC Probst:
PC Teague:
PC Simmons:
PC Strander:
Question # 2:
PC Teague:
PC Probst:
PC Mann
Question # 3:
PC Simmons:
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What do you feel are some of the strengths of Tukwila's economy?
Larger businesses, such as Prologist and Amazon bring a lot of people to Tukwila;
diverse shops; several restaurants with a diversity of great food; parks and recreational
areas; a wealth of present individuals whether they're from Tukwila or not; a captive
audience close to the Tukwila businesses; and a lot of opportunities along International
Blvd.
The number of different types of businesses; you can probably find what you are
looking for in Tukwila; it's an entertainment center; lots to do.
The opportunity to draw in more large businesses with 250 or more employees; with
the shift in hybrid work, if Tukwila is going to draw in large businesses it should be a
campus environment where employers and employees can drive in to work and have
walkability to trails and nearby businesses where they might enjoy going during their
lunch; small businesses to service larger businesses is key. Noted: Tukwila does a good
job now, but campus environments need to be closer to the businesses.
Tukwila is in a really good location, near 1-5,1-405, airport, and the major city of
Seattle.
What are the weaknesses of the Tukwila economy?
Styles of development, one story businesses, lack of mixed use.
It is lacking points of interest, such as something like Green Lake; walkability.
Not enough public relations on the livability for families in Tukwila; a need to spruce up
the community and improve the parks and make them more family friendly; and make the
world more aware of the community.
Are there things changing in the world that might be challenges for Tukwila in the
future, are there things for Tukwila to start adapting to?
Find common ground between low income and high income such as safety,
affordability, and access.
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: MayorTukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
PC Meeting
7/28/22
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Questions #4:
PC Probst:
Question # 5:
PC Teague:
PC Mann
Question # 6:
PC Mann
PC Probst
PC Simmons
Question # 7:
PC Probst
Question # 8:
PC Probst
Are there things happening in the regional economy that Tukwila might want to be part
of in the future?
Influx of electric vehicles.
What are some ideas to improve Tukwila's economy and support the businesses?
Offering more experiences through events and activities is important.
Improve Tukwila's negative reputation regarding the permitting process.
Is there a need to improve the work lives of Tukwila residents in the workforce?
Service businesses, such as grocery stores, dry cleaners, and family restaurants.
Gathering places/businesses in the Southcenter area.
Survey residents on where they go in their off hours to figure out what services and
activities people are going to outside their community and provide those services
locally to strengthen the community.
A neighborhood feel within walking distance in the community, good paying jobs, and
affordable housing.
What type of businesses would you like to see more of in Tukwila?
Grocery stores, coffee shops; mixed use hotels or condos; businesses close to the
greenbelt.
What type of businesses would you like to see less of in Tukwila.
Casinos.
Derek informed the PC that their input would be captured and that they will receive an email with a
link to the City's web page. He also told them about the Experience Tukwila website and said that they
could sign up for the Experience Tukwila social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The
program is funded by the City with tourism resources to promote Tukwila in an effort to attract people
and tourism to Tukwila. He said to let him or Brandon Miles, who manages the Experience Tukwila
program, know if they have ideas to improve the program.
Public Hearing
Chair Simmons opened the public hearing at 7:16 pm for:
CASE NUMBER:
PURPOSE:
L22-0078 - Comprehensive Plan Zoning Code Amendments
Consider amendments to streamline permit processes related to
Zoning Code text amendments and make recommendations to the
CC for review and adoption.
Chair Simmons swore in persons wishing to speak.
For the record, no public comments were received prior to, or at, the hearing.
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: MayorTukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
PC Meeting
7/28/22
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Director Gierloff gave the presentation for staff. She stated at the June PC meeting she briefed the PC
on streamlining measures that she had proposed to the CC. She said with limited staff hours and more
work than they can do, a streamlined process would allow them to target their efforts where it would
bring the most value to the community. The DCD has reviewed some of the processes and found areas
where processes could be streamlined allowing projects to be approved with less paperwork and in a
shorter timeframe. The proposal is to streamline the Zoning Code Amendment process for an old
section of the code. She said there can be a wide range of processes to take a project forward, but the
code prescribes a single process. Currently, it can be onerous and can take four to six months for a
project to be approved, which is not required by state law. Many cities' council processes are more
streamlined. With a streamlined process the Tukwila CC could decide whether items are a full policy
amendment that needs to go through multiple hearings requiring a PC recommendation, versus a
housekeeping amendment or a minor fix.
She is proposing to separate full zoning code amendments by following the state mandated process.
For smaller Zoning Code Amendments, she is proposing to create a new zoning code chapter, 18.82,
with a streamlined process. It would only affect the zoning code and follows the same outline of the
other chapters. It would allow the CC to customize what process each set of amendments would need
to go through. Additionally, she is proposing a housekeeping amendment to clarify code language
changes in the re -zone chapter of the comprehensive plan. It would address the annual review of the
docket, providing explanation of what the docket is and how it works. The proposal to streamline
processes would provide a more efficient process, as well as shorten the approval process by two
months
Commissioner Probst noted that the proposal is straightforward and it's a great proposal to streamline
the processes. Commissioner Teague was in consensus.
Director Gierloff addressed clarifying questions for the PC.
Commissioner Strander asked if the point is that DCD is looking to streamline because DCD does
not have adequate staff? Director Gierloff responded, we are looking for ways to be more efficient and
given the budgetary constraints, we do not think we are going to get more staff in the foreseeable
future. Further, the workload continues to increase, and we are looking at taking on the Comprehensive
Plan Update. Staff time is being required, but not necessarily adding any more value, on a
housekeeping zoning code.
Director Gierloff discussed the proposed changes to TMC 18.80, 18.82, 18.84 with the PC. Following
are PC comments.
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18.80.020 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket, Ltr. B, - Commissioner Mann was
opposed to striking the language, "either" "or" from the code.
18.82.030 review procedure, Ltr. A. — Commissioner Mann is opposed to the PC not reviewing
Zoning Code changes. She said PC being eliminated from completing thorough reviews and the
lack of public input, is a mistake. She asked about reducing the number of PC public hearings
to reduce time instead of eliminating the PC.
18.80.050, Ltr. B, Items 1-4 - Commissioner Teague said she wondered if it would be more
streamlined if the amendments did not go to CC first. Instead, they would be evaluated by
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: MayrTukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
PC Meeting
7/28/22
Page 5
Planning staff, then go to PC for review with a public hearing. Then PC would make a
recommendation to CC and CC could hold a public hearing.
The public hearing was closed.
The PC deliberated.
Commissioner Mann said she was not in support of the proposed and requested some additional time
to think it through. She said if she voted tonight, she would vote against everything being proposed.
Commissioner Strander said she does not support the proposed and one of the reasons is that the lack
of staff is a short-term issue. She is opposed to the removal of the PC and the lack of extra steps for
public involvement from the process because of staffing issues, which she said will change. She stated
she would vote no.
Commissioner Simmons stated the proposal is categorized more of an efficiency and time
management component and less of a staff component. Further, staffing issues are not a short-term
issue. She said she is not opposed to the proposal as it was put together and when staff comes with an
efficiency process to move the process along faster, they have to take note. She said she thinks it has
changed and sometimes change can be difficult even in roles as Commissioners but thinks that staff
can put together something better that will put the PC at ease.
Commissioner Teague said she is a professional Planner in a different jurisdiction, and they have a
limited number of Planners. She said they do both current and long-range planning and to put together
Zoning Code Amendments is very time intensive. Every time she has to work on one, it is hard to
process permits. She said when you have efficiencies and a process that allows staff to do appropriate
evaluations that allows public input, and it goes to the PC for their input, and goes to CC for their
decision it is always a good thing. She reiterated it is very time sensitive to do both with the lean staff
most cities our size operate with.
Commissioner Mann said she agrees with Commissioner Teague, she said she complains about
inefficiencies and not just in Planning, and she would like to see some efficiencies, but she is not
comfortable with the layout proposed. She would like to take tonight's information about the "why for"
and "what happens now" and "what could happen then" and look at, maybe, fewer meetings. She is
uneasy with the lack of opportunity for public input. In its current state, she cannot support this, She
wants another opportunity to look at this with different eyes before she can support it. She said she
may want some changes in timing or less meetings. She said citizens feel like it's no use in them
saying anything because they are not going to be listened to and if we start eliminating their
opportunities for input, we are just enhancing that thought process. But she wants to do something in
the way of efficiency.
Commissioner Probst said he was quite comfortable with the proposed and that it appears to be a
smart move toward accelerating reviews of administrative projects. Further, it seems to provide enough
public review of the items that are more complex and allowed for individuals in DCD to bring issues
before the CC if they felt like it did warrant an emergency review. But it should not be rushed if PC
need more time. He said he wanted to offer his perspectives as an end user of the services from the
DCD department, and he knows the processes Nora mentioned are intensive and they do take time. He
Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
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PC Meeting
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said he counted three or four initiatives that Nora's team currently or recently worked on and felt she
was probably being conservative with the amount of time it takes. As an end user he knows the
processes and the time involved. It is quite a bit of time for a planner to devote to the revisions.
Moreover, as an end user who has quite a few projects in DCD, he would appreciate some streamlining
and opportunities and thinks this is a creative and smart approach.
Commissioner Simmons said she is open to Commissioner Mann's request for additional review time.
Director Gierloff offered to return with some alternative draft language, or whatever she can do to
support the PC deliberations and decision. The Commission did not provide Director Gierloff with
specific direction on information desired.
Commissioner Mann moved to table the deliberations to a later date for additional review time.
Commissioner Strander seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Director's Report
None.
Commissioner Mann moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Strander seconded. All PC were
in consensus.
Submitted by: Wynetta Bivens
PC Secretary
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Phone: 206-433-1800 • Email: MayorTukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov