HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
On-site and Virtual Meeting October 10, 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 Piedge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present at the meeting were Council President McLeod (on-site); Councilmembers Kathy Hougardy
(on-site), Kate Kruller (on-site), De|os hnosJohnann (on-site), Mohamed Abdi (on-site), Tosh Sharp
Councilmember Quinn was not in attendance.
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; David C|ima, City Administrator; Rachel Bianohi, Deputy City Administrator; Nancy
Ek|und, Planning Supervisor; Derek Spenk, Economic Development Administrator; Vicky Codsen,
Finance Director; Tony CuUerton, Deputy Finance Director; Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief; Norm Golden, Deputy
Fire Chief; Peter Mayer, Interim Parks and Recreation Director; John Dunn, Recreation Superintendent;
David Rosen, Parks and Recreation Fiscal Analyst; Eric Onever, Police Chief; Hari Ponnekand, Public
Works Director; Seong Kim, Deputy City Engineer; Griffin Lerner, PubIic Works Analyst; Joel Bush, Chief
Technology Officer; Laurel Humphney, Legislative Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Council President McLeod 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
respectobztheire|derspaet.pnaaontandomerging.^
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Greg Sherlock indicated there has been an increase in the noise from the Sabey Data Center that is
audible from his home and referenced interactions he has had with other residents who support his
efforts to find a resolution. He expressed Tukwila needs strong Ieadership and thanked the Council
for stepping up.
2. Peggy McCarthy referenced the Public Works Shops pject and expressed concern regarding how
the project is financed. Informational memorandums on the Public Works Shops have stated that the
users who benefit pay a proportionate share, therefore, 50% is funded from the general fund and 50%
is funded from utilities. She asked how utility operations benefit from this pject and said she
interprets the financial statements to mean the facilities will be Ieased and the accounting method
now shows the debt service obligations for this facility as non-exchange transactions. By her
estimations, the project is structured like a tax that is subsidized by ratepayers.
3. Joe Duffie asked if the answer to Ms. McCarthy's questions could be provided in a way that is
accessible to the public.
Tukwila City Councii Committee of the Whole Minutes
October 10, 2022 Page 2 of 6
David Ciine, City Administrator, confirmed ciarification on Ms. McCarthy's questions would be provided in
an upcoming CA Report that is included in the Council agenda packets.
4. Arta Baharmast, General Manager of Westfield Southcenter, introduced Danny Kennedy, Senior Vice
President of US Security Operations at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, who oversees security and risk
operations for the U.S. portfolio of assets. Mr. Kennedy relayed there has been a concerning spike in
violent crimes and theft over the past few years that have involved firearms, edged weapons and
violent encounters. He previously worked in law enforcement for many years at the local and federal
levels and noted the concentration of violent crime occurring at Westfield Southcenter is atypical. He
noted Westfield Southcenter began an initiative last year to partner with the Tukwila Police
Department for increased police staffing in the mall and stated the mall has also invested in other
security measures. He asked for the Council's support in helping Westfield Southcenter deter crime
and ensure pubiic safety through fuli-time poiice presence.
Eric Dreyer, Police Chief, explained the Police Department is currently down by several police officers
and staff positions with additional employees out on light duty and administrative leave that is causing the
department to be extremeiy short-staffed, The Majorjor Crimes Unit is currently half -staffed, and the
Community Policing Team is currently unstaffed. The department is looking at some temporary measures
to deter crime and coordinating with regional agencies to address "smash and grab" incidents in addition
to working on initiatives such as automated Iicense plate readers.
Council President McLeod indicated a discussion on Police Department staffing and budget will be
coming forward to a Council meeting in the near future.
PUBLIC HEARING
An ordinance regarding a franchise agreement with King County Water District No. 125
7:44 p.m. Council President McLeod opened the public hearing and called for mstaff report
Seong Kim, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer, indicated King County Water District No, 125
approached the City to explore the possibility of a franchise agreement to mitigate the City's permit
processes for efficiency and time savings in operations and maintenance activities. The ordinance
approving a franchise agreement with King County Water District No. 125 wili generate new revenue
through a 6% Franchise Fee and allow the Water District to perform expedited routine maintenance
activities under an annuaily issued permit.
7:49 p.m. Council President McLeod called for public comments.
Council President McLeod asked if there was anyone who wished to make a public comment on this topic
to speak now or press *6 on the phone to unmute.
There were no public comments.
7:49 p.m. Council President McLeod closed the public hearing.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An ordinance regarding a franchise agreement with King County Water District No. 125.
Counui|memberHougardysuggast*dstnyam|iningpermitpnomassesandintnoducing^b|anketactiviUes^
permit with other utilities.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING CONSENT
AGENDA.
Tukwila City CouncCommittee of the Whole Minutes
October 10, 2022 Page 3 of 6
b. An update on the Washington Recreation and Park Association SEEK (Summer Experiences
and Enrichment for Kids) grant and Tukwila basketball festival.
John Dunn, Recreation Superintendent, provided an overview of the Summer Experiences and
Enrichment for Kids Grant and the recent You Got Next Tukwila! Basketball and Community Festival.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and offered comments regarding the quality of the
programs offered, grant funding availability, and increased accessibility of programs to Tukwila residents.
c. A grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for "middle housing."
Nancy Eklund, Long Range Planning Manager, explained the Washington State Department of
Commerce has provided grant funding to support analysis for and development of the City's
Comprehensive Plan along with an exploration of allowing additional housing types within single family
zones. The grant provides $100,000 for an analysis of historic and existing racial equity in the City's
housing and regulatory framework and development of anti -displacement policies, analysis and
consideration of whether the City should adopt policies and code language to allow "middle housing", and
$30,000 to facilitate participation by community-based organizations.
8:19 p.m.
8:21 p.m.
Council President McLeod exited the Council Chambers.
Council President McLeod returned to the Council Chambers.
The Councilnnembers offered feedback to include the need to provide more opportunities for affordable
home ownership, the need for proactive community engagement, and noted parking remains a significant
issue that will require mitigation.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING CONSENT
AGENDA'
d. A contract for Microsoft Enterprise Services.
Joel Bush, Chief Technology Officer, explained staff is seeking approval to continue the contract with
Microsoft for enterprise subscription services for an additional 3 years in an amount not to exceed
$443,882.00. The services include the Microsoft 365 suite of products such as Office, security services,
mobile device management, SharePoint, Teams, and more.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING CONSENT
AGENDA.
e. Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget: Utility Funds.
Griffin Lerner, Public Works Ana|yst, provided an overview of the proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget:
Water (401), Sewer (402), and Surface Water (412). The 401 Fund is used to operate and maintain a
water distribution system for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The 402 Fund is used to
operate and maintain the City's sewer collection system that ensures the hem|th, safety and welfare of
residents and visitors. The 412 Fund provides for engineering studies, preliminary engineering,
construction, and maintenance of public surface water and drainage facilities to include control and
monitoring of storm and surface water quantity and quality.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the utility funds, aging infrastructure, and
capacity.
(1) A discussion on Public Works Water, Sewer, Surface Water Rates.
Griffin Lerner, Public Works Analyst, provided an overview of the Water, Sewer, and Surface Wateutility
funds and proposed increases to utility rates in advance of eventual adoption of the 2023 and 2024 Public
Works Fee Schedule Resolution. The overall estimated additional monthly cost of the proposed City rate
Tukwila City Council Committee of the 'Miole Minutes
October 10, 2022 Page 4 of 6
increases across all three utilities is $4.73, with an additional $2.84 due to a King County pass-through.
The proposed rate increases are all below the recent inflation threshold of 9.5%.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding the rate increases.
f. Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget: Land Acquisition, Recreation and Parks
David Rosen, Parks and Recreation Financial Anmlyat, provided an overview of the proposed 2023-2024
Biennial Budget: Land Acquisition, Recreation, and Park Development (301) Fund. The 301 Fund
supports the Parks and Recreation Department's sieorCapha||mprovementManthsdaddresoes
cnnstruction, repair, maintenance and acquisition of parks, trai|a, recreation and open space properties.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding expenses relating to capital improvement,
partnership opportunities, the use of Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) 1, and the condition of Tukwila's
parks.
9:41 p.m.
9:43 p.m.Councilmember Hougardy returned to the Council Chambers.
Councilmember Hougardy exited the Council Chambers,
g. Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget: Foster Golf Links.
David Rosen, Parks and Recreation Financial Analyst, provided an overview of the proposed 2023-2024
Biennial Budget: Foster Golf Links (411) Fund. The 411 Fund is an enterprise fund that encapsulates
operating and capital expenditures for the Foster Golf Links (FGL) course.
9:45 p.m. Councilmember Abdi exited the Council Chambers
9:51 p.m. Councilmember Abdi returned to the Council Chambers.
The Councilnnembers offered comments regarding the proposed development of a business plan,
operations, and concessionaire agreement renewal.
Councilmember Sharp expressed concern regarding the use of a portion of City funds towards the Foster
Golf Links that are used infrequently by those who reside in Tukwila. He suggested raising fees to recoup
the costs of operations.
9:55 p.m. Councilmember McLeod exited the Council Chambers.
9:57 p.m. Councilmember McLeod returned to the Council Chambers,
h. Proposed 2023-2024 Biennial Budget: Urban Renewal Budget.
Derek 8peck, Economic Development Administrator, provided an overview of the proposed 2023'2024
Biennial Budget: Urban Renewal Budget (302) Fund. The 302 Fund was established for tracking certain
redevelopment pjects such as Tukwila Village and the City's purchase of motels on Tukwila
International Boulevard. The projects are nearly comp|ehe, and staff anticipates the 302 Fund will be
closed after the 2023-2024 biennium.
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director, offered clarification that any remaining balance in the 302 Fund following
final accounting would be a policy decision by the Council.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
October 10, 2022 Page 5 of 6
b. City Council
Councilmember Hougardy attended the Sound Cities Association Networking Dinner with keynote
speaker Brian Sunatt, President and CEO of Greater Seattle Partners. She also participated in an Equity
and Social Justice Commission meeting where they discussed the budget for next year and holding a
retreat in the near future,
Councilmember Kruller attended the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Networking Dinner and a King
County Public Health briefing through SCA. She suggested making information available to the
community on where to get vaccinations. She participated in a Transportation Policy Board's Federal
Transit Authority Funding Working Group meeting through Puget Sound Regional Council where they
discussed equitable distribution of funds. She asked for an update on the Tiny Home Villages and asked
the City to follow up regarding Church by the Side of the Road which is seeking to add a Tiny Home
Village at their site. She also requested an update on the issue raised by Tukwila resident Sean Albert
regarding the Boeing Access Light Rail Station. She recently accepted the delegate designation to the
National League of Cities City Summit.
Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson recently met with the SeaTac-Tukwila Community Coalition
regarding their budget priorities, which she will distribute through Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst.
Councilnnember Abdi will be attending the African Community Economic Development of New England's
20th Anniversary Celebration in Boston that will be attended by several elected officials.
Council President McLeod offered a reminder regarding the upcoming Special Budget Work Session
Meetings on October 11th and October 13th at 5:30 p.m. and asked the Council to bring the budget
binders they received.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, relayed he and Deputy Fire Chief Norm Golden continue to attend the
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority's Governance Board meetings. He shared he was recently
appointed to the Executive Committee for Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA).
MISCELLANEOUS
In response to a question from Councilmember Sharp regarding City Hall's operating hours, Rachel
Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, stated City Hall is currently open for in-person services on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. City Hall also remains open during business hours through
appointments, phone, and online services. Signage regarding open hours and phone numbers are posted
at all public entrances,
Councilmember Sharp also relayed a resident report regarding illegal parking on Tukwila International
Boulevard that he will send to City Administration for follow-up.
In response to the question raised by Councilmember Kruller regarding the Boeing Access Light Rail
Station, Councilmennber Hougardy shared she has not seen any indications that this station will be
delayed from her meetings with the South County Area Transportation Board and Regional Transit
Committee through King County.
David Cline, City Administrator, confirmed staff can provide a brief update regarding this issue at an
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
October 10, 2022
Page 6 of 6
ADJOURNMENT
10:29 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT MCLEOD DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
cil President
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT:
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE:
10/23/22
10/24/22