HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole
Meeting
On-site and Virtual Meeting April 10, 2023 — 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
mis mecting was conducted both onsite 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 W-IOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Delostrinos Johnson called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and
Ied the audience in the Piedge ofAllegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present at the meeting were Council President Delostrinos Johnson (on-site); Councilmernbers Kathy
Hougardy (on-site), Ue'Sean Quinn (on-site), Kate Kruller (on-site), Thomas McLeod (on-site), Mohamed
Abdi (on-site), Tosh Sharp (on-site).
CITY OFFICIALS
Allan Ekberg, Mayor; Rachel 8ianchi, Deputy City Adrninistrator; Nora Giedoff, Community Development
Director; Derek Spenk, Economic Development Administrator; Vicky Cadsen, Finance Director; Tony
Cullerton, Deputy Finance Director; Pete Mayer, Parks and Recreation Director; Eric Dreyer, Police Chief;
Eric Lund, Deputy Police Chief; Hari Ponnekanti, PublicWorks Director; Josh Hartley, PubicWorks Deputy
Director of Transportation; Seong Kim, Public Works Deputy Director of Utilities; Joel Bush, Chief
Technology Officer; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember Quinn stated "The City ofTukwila is Iocated on the ancestral lands ofthe 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
1. Christine Neuffer urged the Council not to place the proposed Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
(PSRFA) annexation on the August ballot and cited lower voter participation during the summer
months. She emphasized the need for greater transparency and investigation of how the annexation
may affect taxpayers, She expressed concern that Tukwila residents will have a diluted voice with the
PSRFA.
2. Joe Duffie thanked the City for cleaning up the encampmenon Interurban Avenue South near Jack
in the Box He relayed the City is now enforcing violations for parking the wrong way on one-way
streets.
3. David Puki expressed concern regarding the proposed PSRFA annexation bailot measure and
indicated the Public Safety Bond and Tukwila Fire Department's recurring issue of being overbudget
is an example of poor fiscal management by the City Administration. He stated he does not have
enough information as a taxpayer to vote on the proposal.
4. Robert Neuffer expressed concern regarding the proposed PSRFA annexation and taking assets
away from Tukwila prior to seeing if the partnership with PSRFA works for the City. He stated there
needs to be greater accountability from the Mayor and City Administrator and cited the examples of
the Justice Center being closed to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and heatwave events, as
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minute
April 10, 2023
Page 2 of 4
5. Greg Sherlock noted financial accountability is crucial to good governance and stated he is
concerned about joining the PSRFA as it will be burdensome for the City's vulnerable residents. He
does not support the proposed PSRFA annexation ballot measure.
6. Dennis Martinez shared the Tukwila Fire Departmenhas been consistently overbudget due to
overtime. He stated although his wife was a long-term employee of the Tukwila Fire Department, the
PSRFA did not return her inquiries. He is concerned taxpayers will be similarly disregarded by the
PSRFA. He urged the Council to find a path forward that will be acceptable for all residents.
7. James Booth is the Vice President of the Fireflghters Union. He indicated when he started with the
City in 2009. the Tukwila Fire Department responded to approximately 4,000 calls for senrioe that
year. As of the 1st quarter of this year, they have already responded to over 9,000 calls for service
with Iess firefighters on duty than in 2009. The Fire Department has soughtto to be sustainable while
providing service levels that could keep pace with the needs of a growing community. Since
contracting with the PRSFA, all stations are now fully staffed, and the Fire Department has the
resources to serve the Tukwila community beyond previous capabilities. He urged the Council to vote
for the annexation to the PSRFA.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1995 §1 (part), as codified in Tukwila Municipal Code
(TMC) Section 11.04.040, "Definitions"; Repealing Ordinance No. 1995 §1 (part), as codified in
TMC Chapter 11.28; Reenacting TMC Chapter 11.28, "Undergrounding of Utilities," to update
definitions and adopt new regulations related to undergrounding of utilities.
7:35 p.m. CnunoUmembeSharp recused himself per RCW 42.23.040 fronn item 4a (Ordinance
reenacting TMC Chapter 11.28) as he has a remote interest as an employee of Seattle City Light and
exited the Council Chambers.
7:39 p,m, Councilmember Sharp returned to the Council Chambers.
Josh Hartley, Public Works Deputy Director of Transportation, explained this draft ordinance updates the
Tukwila Municipal Code (TK8C)Section 11.04.D40.^Oefinitions.^and TMC Chapter 11.28.
"Undergrounding of Utilities," to provide clarity regarding undergnounding of telecommunication utilities.
The proposed updates requires that all new facilities be undergrounded, includes requirements relating to
overlashing and upgrade services, and outlines when deviations or exemptions are allowed.
7:50 p.m. Councilmember Abdi exited the Council Chambers.
The Councilrnembers asked clarifying questions regarding the proposed regulations; Foflowing a question
from Cmunoi|memberOuinn regarding how this ordinance impacts the City's initiative to provide student
intemet access, Mr. Hartley confirmed he would follow up with more information.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. An ordinance granting Highline Water District a non-exclusive franchise to construct,
maintain, operate, replace and repair a water system within public rights-of-way of the City of
Tukwila, and fixing a time when the same shall be effective.
Seong Kim, Public Works Deputy Director of Utilities, presented an overview of a franchise agreement
with the City of Tukwila and the Highline Water District. The agreement will provide mitigation for the
City's permit process and allow for "Blanket Activities" for efficient operations and maintenance activities.
Sharp: similar type of agreements with other franchisees, Increases efficiency.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING CONSENT
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
April 10, 2023 Page 3 of 4
c. Puget Sound RegionaFire Authority (PSRFA) Annexation:
(1) Aresolution approving the annexation wfthe City into the Puget Sound Regional Fire
Authority and approving the amendments to the 2023 Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
Plan.
(2) A resolution calling for King County Elections to place a proposition on the primary election
ballot on August 1, 2023, concerning annexation of the City of Tukwila into the Puget Sound
Regional Fire Authority to maintain current fire and EMS service levels.
8:17 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy exited the Council Chambers.
8;19 p.m. Councilmember Hougardy returned to the Council Chambers.
Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administrator, explained the PSRFA Board adopted the 2023 PSR FA plan
onApril 5.2O23,The next step in the annexation process is for the City to: 1) adopt the Annexation PIan
and approve the amendments to the 2023 PSRFA Plan; and 2) place the Annexation Plan before voters
on August 1, 2023 via a resolution calling for King County Elections to place a proposition on the ballot.
Staff is seeking direction from the Council on the proposed Annexation P1an, the ballot timeline, and the
language ofthe proposed resolutions.
8:32 p.m. Councilmember Abdi returned to the Council Chambers.
The Councilmembers discussed the Annexation Plan, timeline for placing the annexation before the
voters, and the proposed resolutions, with majority consensus to proceed.
Counciknembev Sharp indicated he is not in support of the proposed annexation as the proposal burdens
Tukwila taxpayers.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Ekberg shared Association of Washington Cities has awarded a scholarship to Alexandra Perez of
Foster High School, The City is also reviewing 9 applications for the 2023 Tukwila City of Opportunity
Scholarship that will be considered at an upcoming Council meeting for approval,
b. City Council
Councilmember Hougardy attended the GreaTukwila Easter Egg Huntthat was held at Foster Tukwila
Presbyterian Church in partnership wfth 3 Iocal churches. She thanked PSRFA for having a fire truck at
the event.
Councilm ember Quinn expressed appreciation for the Tukwila Police Department for their work and
responsiveness, and gave kudosto all City services during a time when there are financial constraints.
Councilm ember Kruller filled in for Councilmember McLeod at a recent PSRFA Advisory Board meeting.
She thanked Councilm ember Abdi for inviting her to join the annual community Ramadan Mar Dinner at
the Burien Community Center. The Council received copies of over 140 signatures from community
members advocating for rental protections.
Councilm ember McLeod thanked the Council for making tough decisions, and former Councilm embers
who helped make those decisions happen.
Councilm ember Abdi expressed appreciation for all those residents who spoke under public comments,
his fellow Councilmembers, and City staff. He spoke with students at a Black Student Union Summit held
at a local high school. He thanked' Councilmember Hougardy and Councilmember Kruller for participating
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
April 10, 2023 Page 4 of 4
in the annual community Ramadan Iftar Dinner. He shared the community recently lost activist Elijah
Lewis due to injuries he sustained from gunfire in Capitol Hill.
c. Staff
There was no report.
ADJOURNMENT
9:23 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF
THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Cynthia $Jstrinos Johnson, Council President
Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 4/24/23
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 4/25/23