HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-06 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council
On-site and Virtual Meeting
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Regular Meeting
g
February G. 2023 — 7:00 P.M.
This meeting was conductod both on-site at Tukwila City Hall and virtually via Microsoft Teams.
The umb for public participation that was providedxia the process was:
1-253-292-9750, access code 670077847# as well as a link to join the Microsoft 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.
Felipe Ayala. Administrative Support Coordinator, called the roll of the Council. Present at the meeting
were Councilmembers Kathy Hougardy (on-site), De'Sean Quinn (on-site), Kate KmUer (on-site),
Thomas McLeod (on-site), Cynthia Da|outhnus 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; Brandon Mi|eo, Business Relations Manager; Vicky Caduen, Finance
Director; Tony CuUmrton, Deputy Finance Director; LaTricia Kin|ow; Judicial Branch Administrator; Pete
Meyer. Parks and Recreation Director; Eric Ormvmr, Police Chief; Hari Ponnokanh, Public Works Director;
Bryan Still, Public Works Operations Manager; Cody Lee Gray, Public Works Operations Manager; Fleet,
Facilities and Street Divisions; Joel Bush, Chief Technology Officer; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative
Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk; Felipe Ayala, Administrative Support Coordinator.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT — Mayor Ekberg stated "The City of Tukwila is located on the ancestrai
lands of the Coast So|inh people. We acknowledge their continuing connections to land, waters and
culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, pmaerd, and emerging."
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Joseph Ayala informed the Council of a city pipe that is draining water onto his parcel located on the
lower section of Macadam Road, which has partially turned into awot|and and is invaded by blackberry
bushes. The permit he had applied for to clear the blackberry bushes was denied but he was given the
option to clear the invasive plants with the use of hand tools. A few days after he hired workers to perform
this task, he received an environmental violation from the City. He expressed his discontentment with the
uituabnn, requesting the need for a balance between property owmos, the environment and the City, and
asked Council to look for a solution to mitigate these issues.
Arta Baharmast, General Manager for Westfield Southcenter [Wsd|, read a ietter for the Mayor and City
Council's consideration regarding public safety concerns at the centerHe reported the expanded safety
patrol in December of 2022 resulted in a significant drop in crime at the center and brought hundreds of
thousands of residents and visitors to shop, dine and engage in entertainment activities. However,
criminal activity has increased since the December patrol ceased. He reiterated the need for collaboration
between the center and the City for short- and long-term public safety initiatives to protect residents,
visitors, and businesses.
Joe Duffie shared a personal anecdote in reference to Black History Month about a road trip he embarked
on with his family in the 1970o from Tukwila to Arkannoa, and how the Chief of Police in Tukwila helped
them reach their destination safely during a time of heightened racial discrimination and violence. He
shared his views regarding the ^Oefund the Police Movement," expressed his appreciation for the Police
Department, and reiterated the importance of supporting the Tukwiia Poiice Department and working
together to make the community safer.
Tukwila cil Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2023 Page 2 of 4
APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
a. Equity and Social Justice Commission:
Confirm the appointment of LaTricia Kin|owto Position #4 on the Equity and Social Justice Commission,
with a term expiring December 31, 2024.
MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY KRULLER TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF
LATRICIA KINLOW TO POSITION #4 ON THE EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION, WITH
A TERM EXPIRING 12/31/2024. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
b. Park Commission:
Confirm the appointmenof Joe Camacho to Position #5 on the Park Commission, with a term expiring
December 31, 2023, and the appointment of Ella Thorng to the Student Representative position on the
Park Commieaion, with a term expiring June 30, 2025.
MOVED BY DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON, SECONDED BY QUINN TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT
OF JOE CAMACHO TO POSITION #5 ON THE PARK COMMISSION, WITH A TERM EXPIRING
12/31/2023' AND THE APPOINTMENT OF ELLA THORNG TO THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
POSITION ON THE PARK COA8K8|SS|ON, WITH A TERM EXPIRING 6/30V2025.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: 1/23/23 (Special Mtg.)
b. Approval of Vouchers #00402373-00402495 in the amount of
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ount of $150,000.00.
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Councilmember McLeod requested that Item 5.0 be pulled from the Consent Agenda (to be discussed
under New Business).
MOVED BY H0UGARQY, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE
APPROVED AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
a. After Action Report: December Storm Event
Cody Lee Gray, Public Works Operations Manager; Fleet, Facilities and Street Divisions,
provided an overview of Public Works' response to the winter storm that hit the region in December of
2022 and the actions emploed to prepare for these weather events. He thanked Public Works staff for
ensuring streets are accessible and safe for residents and emergency services.
The Counoi|membes exchanged oommanta, asked clarifying queedono, and thanked Cody and Public
Works staff for their prompt response during the winter storm and the presentation highlighting their
services.
7:3GCoumci|mmmberSharp left the Council Chamber .
7:38 Councilnnember Sharp returned to the Council Chambers.
b. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Seattle Rugby, LLC, for the 2023'2024 Seattle
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2023 Page 3 of 4
Brandon Mileo, Business Relations Manager, provided a brief overview of the small changes that were
made to the contract with Seattle Rugby. LLC, which were vetted by the City Attorney's Office.
Councilmember Kruller commented on the free parking for Tukwila residents at Starfire Sports.
Brandon K4i|oa, Business Relations PNanmger, corroborated that Tukwila residents with a valid Tukwila
address on their ID will get free parking.
MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR
TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH SEATTLE RUGBy, LLC, FOR THE 2023-2024 SEATTLE SEAWOLVES
PARTNERSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $15¢,¢¢0'¢¢. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg reported that federal funds were identified and received to keep Still Waters in operation
for 18 months and sustain the Weekend Snack Pack Prngnem, that provides meals to elementary
school youth in need. The School District is willing to allow one of their portable units to be used as a
location for Still Waters.
b. City Council
Councilmember Hougardy attended the Allentown meoing. Highline forum, and Equity and Social Justice
Committee meeting. She reported on the Planning and Community Development Committee meeting
(PCD) and shared that Habitat for Humanity and Mercy Housing Northwest will receive funding from the
South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP), which will be going to the February 13
Consent Agenda. Additionally, a grant agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce
for the Growth Management Act Periodic Update will also be on the February 13, 2023, Consent Agenda.
She commended City staff and the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority for the video presentation to
celebrate Black History Month and encouraged folks to check it out.
Councilmember Quinn commended staff and acknowledged their time and consideration for making the
video presentation to celebrate Black History Month and said he is very proud of that effort.
Council President Oedoohinoa Johnson thanked staff for the time they took to honor Black History Month
and hopes the video can be uploaded on the City's website to be shared with the community. She
thanked Mayor Ekberg for the work he has done to support Still Waters.
Councilmember Kruller acknowledged the staff involved in making the video presentation honoring Black
History Month. She hopes the video gets uploaded on the City's website. She touched on the rental
issues that were brought up to Council at a previous Council meeting and the possible ways to address
tenant/landlord issues associated with rent increases, eviction practices, and fees imposed by landlords.
She suggested the Council look at what other cities have been modeling to address these issues and
protect tenants and whether it makes sense for residents in Tukwila.
Councilmember McLeod attended the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) Governance Board
meeting. He reported Fire Station 51 has become their model station in the reginn, and they will make
future stations based on what the Qty did on Fire Station 51. He shared about the formal process the
PSRFA has in place to appeal fire benefit charges.
Councilmember Abdi wished everyone a happy Black History Month and gave his respect to those who
came before him, those that are present now and in the future. The impact and contributions from Black
African Americans should always be acknowledged and celebrated.
Councilmember Sharp reported on the Tranportation and Infrastructure Services (T1S) Committee
meeting and noted that funding for the Transportation Demand Management program will continue for the
next couple of years. Several grant applications were also approved in hopes of securing funding for the
Nelsen Site Channel and Green the Green projects.
Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2023 Page 4 of 4
a. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, reported that development of the 2023 work plan is underway and will be
provided to the Council in the first quarter of 2023.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Sharp commented on the Still Waters organization and encouraged folks to support the
program as it benefits children in the community that are in need. He shared his thoughts about the Youth
Voices for Justice protest and stressed the importance of City representatives being available to the
community and responding to their concerns. With regard to the public safety concems brought forward
by Westfield Southcenter yWaU, he would like to know why the center is not considered high priority.
Eric Dreyer, Chief of Police, addressed Counoi|memborSharp'n question and explained the process in
identifying hot spots that require additional efforts and properly balancing resources forthe entire City.
The Tukwila Police Department has been in discussions with Westfield Southoontor[WmU regarding their
requests for additional police presence and has expressed interest in the proposed initiatives when the
staffing levels allow to fill the two positions being requested.
Council President Delootrinos Johnson shared that the City Council was invited to present to the Foster
High School Civics classes and extended the invitation to Cuunoi|membem that are avaiiabie to attend.
She shared that after hearing the concerns from the Youth Voices for Justice group and the kiliing of Tyre
Nichols in Memphis, she was motivated to want to write a statement from the Council to the community to
inform them of what the City is doing to be proactive in addressing issues associated with systemic
racism, what the City stands for and doesn't stand for, and encourage the public to bring their concerns to
the Council. She proposed the Counoi|membora take a look at the statement and provide their comments
and edits to finalize it as a joint statement from the Council, Mayor, Chief of Police and City
Ad ministration.
ADJOURNMENT
8:24 p.m. UNANIMOUS CONSENUS EXISTED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING.
Felip
,Ayala, Administrative Support Coordinator
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE:
2/27/2023