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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-17 RegularCouncil �� Tukwila City������«««�«« On-site and Virtual Meeting Regular « « xwvee«x»vg MINUTES REGULAR MEETING This meeting conducted both on-site at Tukwila City Hall and virtuallia Microsoft TEAMS. The phone number for public participation that was provided via the agenda distribution process was: 1-253-292-9750, access code 670077847# to include a link to join the Teams Meeting. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGtANCE/ROLL CALL Mayor Ekberg (virtual) 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. Andy Voun, Deputy City Clerk, called the roll ot the Council. Present at the meeting were Counoi|membera Kathy Hougardy (on'site). De'Sean Quinn (on-site); Kate Kruller (on+sito). Thomas McLeod (on-site), Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson (on'site)' MnhamedAbdi (on-site); Tosh Sharp (on-site). CITY OFFICIALS Allan Ekberg, Mayor (virtual); David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Bianchi, Deputy City Administra or; Kari Sand, City Attorney; Eric Dreyer, Police Chief; Eric Lund, Deputy Police Chief; Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director; Tony Cullerton, Deputy Finance Director; Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director; Nancy Eklund, Long Range Planning Supervisor; Joel Bush, Chief Technology Officer; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk; Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT — Councilmember Quinn 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 respects to their elders past, present and emerging." PUBLIC COMMENTS Those wishing to providepobKuoommem1hadtheopponunity!osignupviaemai|by580p.m. today to read comments verbaily at the meeting. Mayor Ekberg asked those who had sined up to proceed with their public comments. Toni Troutner stated she is a resident in the City of Kent and is on the PSRFA (Puget Sound Regional Council) Board. She is speaking in support of the annexation plan for Tukwi|a, to include placing a proposition on the primary bailot for August 1, 2023. Annexation 5 not new to the PSRFA, and they have had many successes and provide high quality fire services. Robert Neuffer expressed the importance of giving the people of Tukwila what they are payinghxaoh relates to the PSRFA and not rushing to put this on the ballot. He suggested slowing this down and proving to the Tukwlla community that they will be well served. Mr. Neuffer also thanked Tukwila Potice Chief Eric Dreyer for wearing an Autism Patch as it is invaluable in times of interaction between Police Officers and those individuals on the autism spectrum. Christine Neuffer asked that the ballot measure regarding annexation to the PSRFA be moveto the General Election in November 2023. In doing this, it will ensure the greatest amount of public participation, giving Tukwila voters an opportunity to study the pros and cons. Peggy McCarthy conveyed that annexation to the PSRFA is not in the best interest of City taxpayers and is motivated by financial concerns, as opposed to operational issues. In her view, this would free up funds so City administration has more money to spend and is not about securing enhanced fire services through the PSRFA. If annexation oncura, it is permanent and i/revooab|e, and the PSRFA would have the authority to tax Tukwila property owners each year without a vote. Ms. McCarthy referenced tires that Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 Page 2 of 6 have occurred in the pasand noted that the PSRFA wants to close one of the fire stations, which could endanger the lives of Tukwila residents. The City has other options for increased revenues such as a levy lid |ift, use of B&O tax fundo, and savings from the Fire Department recently moving to the PSRFA. David Puki expressed the importance of sound fiscal management and concern about City leadership living within their means. The Fire Department budget has been out ot control since 2011. From his perspective putting a ballot measure before the voters in August 2023 to annex into the PSRFA is the wrong thing to do. Tukwila community members will be taxed at an additional rate, and in his viewpoint, the money will be used to subsidize other City services such as Public Works. While the PSRFA Board will have 3 Tukwila Councilmembers, ultimately, there should be elected positions for 6 -year terms similar to the Tukwila Pool. Dennis Robertson was a member of the Citizens Committee that studied the RFA over the course of 12 meetings. There are currently 2 critical issues. The first one is annexation to the P8RFA, which in his view is an easy, straightforward decision; there will be better tire support for the community at the same cost. The second criUcal issue is a signiticant budget deficit, It is the Council that votes on the budget, and this will next occur in 2024. The City faced a similar situation when he was on the Council in 2008- 2009. At that time, a balanced 3 -legged stool approach was applied to the budget process by looking at (1) increasing revenues; (2) reducing services; and (3) decreasing and stretching out some capital budgets. Tonight is about annexation, and the budget will be worked through in 2024. Allan Barrie is an elected Fire Commissioner with the PSRFA. He lives in King County Fire District 37, which was one of the original entities to form the PSRFA. The Board of the PSRFA unanimously approved the Tukwila plan for annexation. The people who work at the PSRFA demonstrate innovation and cost savings in times of adversity similar to those that occurred in 2008 during an economic downturn. The various agencies that have come to make up the PSRFA have worked together for a long time and are very good at taking care of people. Greg Sherlock said that compromise may not beabad thing aaitrelates toj ining the PSRFA. However, it will hurt him in the pocketbook, as it will others in the City. We do need to reestablish that we must be financially responsible first. There are a great deal of high ticket items being considered such as $84 million for a place to store City trucks, $50 million for a teen and senior center, and a new cistern to store City water. He requested that the annexation vote be pushed out to a later date, and that the financial issues be considered in 2024. Joeeta Smith expressed concern abouan area in Tukwila that has become a City dump. Trash is being thrown over a hill off of Macadam Road near an apartment complex. There is a pond in the woods, and the trash bags and bikes have been thrown down the hill. In her view, the situation is quite extreme, and she hopes the Gity can look into this matter. Dennis Martinez is speaking about the PSRFA and referenced three facts: (1) Tukwila will still have fire services at the same level that existed before the proposed annexation; (2) The firefighters are in the Fire PSRFA union and will be even if the City does not approve the annexation; (3) This seems like a thinly veiled attempt to keep taxpayer money by City administration. Hereferenced mSeattle Times article regarding the importance of accountability as it relates to good government and City officials. In his view, this annexation is destined to fail, and it will be the administration's fault. Rushing to have an August vote is a concern to him, and he feels we should wait for the new Council to determine when it goes to the voters. There are many low-income residents in the City of Tukwila who cannot afford this. CONSENT AGENDA a. ApprovalofVounher #00402839-00402943 in the amount of $1,468,182.59 b. An ordinance granting Highline Water District a non-exclusive franchise to construct, maintain, opnnah», replace and repair a water system within public rights-of-way of the City of Tukwila, and fixing a time when the same shall become eftective. ORDINANCE NO. 2700 [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent bvthe Committee ofthe Whole on47/0/23./ Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 Page of 6 c. Accept as complete the East Marginal Way Stormwater Outfalls Project (Contract #20-118) with Marshbank Construction; authorize release of retainage, subject to the standard claim and lien procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $1,429,895.21). [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee on 4/3/23.] d. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with KPG, Inc. for on-call engineering and design services for the 2023 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee on 4/3/23.] e. Accept as complete the 2022 Annual Small Drainage Program (Contract #22-070) with Titan Earthwork, LLC; authorize release of retainage, subject to the standard claim and lien procedures (final cost of project, including retainage: $452,790.06). [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee on 4/3/23.] f. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Flock Group, Inc. for license plate readers in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00. [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Services and Safety Committee on 4/10/23.] g. A resolution approving an Interlocal Agreement with National Purchasing Partners (NPPGov). [Reviewed and forwarded to Consent by the Community Services and Safety Committee on 4/10/23.] RESOLUTION NO. 2068 MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) annexation. (1) A resolution approving the annexation of the City into the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and approving the amendments to the 2023 Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Plan. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk, read the proposed resolution by title only. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF THE CITY INTO THE PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY AND APPROVING THE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2023 PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY PLAN. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY MCLEOD THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ.* The Councilmembers exchanged comments as follows: The current situation is not sustainable, and the voters can make the decision; No one will be harmed if the vote is delayed, and when it comes to votes, speed is not a good thing; This decision was not arrived at quickly with over a decade of meetings, and a recommendation from a Task Force in favor of annexation; This annexation is an opportunity to have the level of Fire service the City deserves, and the steps to get here did not involve rushing. *MOTION CARRIED 6-1, WITH SHARP VOTING NO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2069. (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. MOVED BY KRULLER, SECONDED BY MCLEOD THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 Page 4 of 6 Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk, read the proposed resolution by title only. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, 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. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY KRULLER THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED AS READ.* The Councilmembers exchanged comments as follows: We want the voters to be able to weigh in without the topic being cluttered with the General Election items; Having this matter formalized and making it final with an August 2023 vote will remove uncertainty; Appreciation that so many community members are involved in the dialogue regarding this important matter. *MOTION CARRIED 6-1, WITH SHARP VOTING NO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2070. b. Authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Makers Architecture and Urban Design, LLP, for the periodic update of the Comprehensive Plan, in an amount not to exceed $125,000.00. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY ABDI TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH MAKERS ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN, LLP, FOR THE PERIODIC UPDATE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $125,000.00. MOTION CARRED 7-0. 8:00 p.m. Councilmember Sharp recused himself per RCW 42.23.040 from item 5c as he has a remote interest as an employee of Seattle City Light. c. 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. MOVED BY KRULLER, SECONDED BY ABDI THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, WITH SHARP RECUSED. Andy Youn, Deputy City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, 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; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY ABDI, SECONDED BY DELOSTRINOS JOHNSON THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 6-0, WITH SHARP RECUSED, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2701. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Ekberg reviewed 7 scholarship applications that will be brought to the next Council meeting for discussion and approval. Tukwila CiCouncil Regular Meetng Minutes April 17,2023 Page 5 of 6 b. City Council Councilmember Hougardy attended the recent Equity and Social Jusflce Commission meeting, where they reviewed the process for appointing Boards and Commissioners. Additionally, at the PCD (Planning and Community Development) Committee Meeting, there was discussion on adopting State Building Codes and changes to the Fire Codes. There was also discussion on a Multi -Family Property Tax Exemption that will be applied in a Iimited scope to the Tukwila South area. 8:03 p.m. Councilmember Abdi left the Council Chambers. 8:07 p.m. Councilmember Abdi returned to the Council Chambers. Council President Delostrinos Johnson also participated in the review of the scholarship applications that will be coming forward next week. Qmncihnemb rKmUerattendedthmmnent^RetumofthoFhondnof the Tukwila Library" meeting. There was a situation involving Tukwila Village management and not allowing use of the Pavilion for a book sale. She would like more information regarding this ssue and would like to see Gity administration get involved in this matter. She also attended the SCA (Sound Cities Association) meeting and the Transportation Policy Board Meeting. This past Sunday, she was invited to the Buddhist faith community for the biggest celebration of the year. This body of followers are Cambodian, and it was the end of the Cambodian New Year. It was a beautiful ceremony that included dancing and ornate clothing, once reserved for royalty. She was honored to be there to celebrate part of Tukwila's rich culture. Today she joined the NLC (National League of Cities) focus group on the Transportation Rail Safety Act. This meeting involved 100 attendees to include Senator Cantwell. During the SCA meeting, there was new legistative momentum to consider a 3% tax increase for Iocal jurisdictions instead of the 1 % increase. We need to reach out to representatives and our senator to try to get this adopted. Councilmember McLeod said that tomorrow is tax day and the end of his tax season. Comnci|memb r Abdi reported that he attended a Mustim community iftar at MAYF (the Muslim American Youth Foundation) in Burien this past Sunday. Cnunoiknombmr8harp reported on the T&I (Transportation and Infrastructure Services) Committee meeting which involved a contract for the Small Drainage Program; a purchase agreement for large water meter replacement; and an update on the Water Reservoir sites. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the CA (City Administratorreport and the 20231st Quarter Work Plan update and offered to answer any questions. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hougardy said that a Foster High School senior has won the AWC (Association of Washington Cities) Scholarship again. If you will be attending the AWC Conference, please try to spend some time with those students. Councitmember Kruller said that for membersof SCA, she picked picked up their newly published books and Ieft them on the table for those who are interested. Additionally, she has been corresponding with a citizen who is part of the Journey Project which is off of Tukwila International Blvd. She also communicated with Administration and Code Officers regarding this issue. There is a very large encampment that can be seen via Google satellite. The member of the Journey Pject would like to see if the City can look into Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 Page 6 of 6 ADJOURNMENT 8:21 p.m. UNANIMOUS CONSENSUS EXISTED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING. AIIan Ekberg, Mayor O5OflGdva Soaml,..C.a.Corn eittat9Oglaieett,ey Christy O'Flaherty, Records Governance Manager/City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 5/1/23 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 5/2/23