HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-07-29 Special Minutesa
July 29, 1968
A special meeting of the Council was called to order by:the Mayor, Stan D. Minkler
at 8:00 p.m, in the Council Chambers. Council members present were: R. Bowen,
D. Gardner, R. Anderson, H. Nelsen, T. Forsythe, L. Crostick and. L. Popejoy.
The purpose of the meeting was to hold the Public Hearing in regard to a request for
railroad crossings on South 180th and Southcenter Parkway.
Mayor Minkler first introduced Mr. Hansen and Mr. Johnson from the Southcenter
publicity staff. Mr. Johnson, Advertising and Promotional Manager for the Center,
spoke to the Council regarding the omission of the mention of Tukwila in their advertisin,
material and stated this matter will be corrected in forthcoming news releases.
The Public Hearing on the Rail crossings was opened.
Mr. Charles 0. Baker, P. 0. Box 356, Tukwila presented a map to the Council and
pointed out the four requested crossings and briefly stated the reasons for said requests
Mr. Ken Fujiki, City Engineer, reported, he had checked with the State Highway
Department regarding future proposed crossings on the West Valley Highway and none were
planned at present. He further reported he had contacted the Urban Arterial Board in
regard to their attitude on crossings in the vicinity of the junction of Southcenter
Parkway, South 180th and South 178th. After investigation by Urban Arterial Board
personel they have stated they would have no part in either crossing at so close a
proximity to the intersection. hr. Fujiki presented a map to the council and recommendec
approval only of crossing f 1 (Rivers Bend Area), crossing 2 (Segale area) and
crossing 3. (Minkler Blvd. area).
lir. Alvin Harrison, Chairman of the Planning Commission, raised the question of
removing the crooks in the river and suggested a conditional franchise be granted so
if, in the future, the course of the river is straightened one crossing on South 180th
could be eliminated.
iir. Malcolm McLeod, Attorney for Frank Todd, questioned if so many crossings are
needed, why not get together and build an overpass. He further stated four crossings
on an arterial street was unsafe and the area would be a switching yard.
Mr. Baker defended the requests for crossings and suggested there could be
restrictions imposed as to the hours of switching over heavily traveled streets. He
questioned if service comes into only one area what provisions would be made to insure
extension of the service to adjacent areas if ouch areas were ready to develop first.
He stated the crossings are esential to the development of the property.
MLr. Crostick questioned as toy the approval of the crossings by the Architectural
Control Committee and if so many crossings would destroy the aesthetic value of the
property.
Mr. Russel Seigler, of the Milwaukee Railroad stated the railroads were interested
in serving every square inch of property with industrial potential. They are very
concerned with the development of the land South of South 180th and that a rni mi m„m
of property should be consumed with lead tracks relying on spurs to serve adjacent
areas. He prevented a plan to the council showing three crossings (two on South 180th
and one on Southcenter Parkway), which he felt would be sufficient to serve all property
The question was raised as to the possibility of a crossing at the boundary of the
Shoenbachler and Segale properties.
Mr. Bruce McCann of Southcenter Industrial Park spoke. He pointed out at present
there is no legal doccument that the railroad can represent that they have the right
to cross private property. In order to extend the track South from the Penney
warehouse to cross South 180th a ramp would be necessary due to the grade separation.
Said ramp would have to come across a private road and no such permission has been
granted. He further stated he has no intention of cutting off service to the Segale
property which he felt could be served by an extension to the proposed crossing into
the Shoenbachler property.
Mr. Baker suggested perhaps a joint crossing could serve both properties.
The question was raised as to the size of the parcels of land being discussed.
Segale 40 acres Shoenbachler 5 acres. Total of 45 acres of industrial land.
Mr. Forsythe requested Mr. Fujiki to obtain a written decision from the Urban
Arterial Board on their opinion of the safety factor of the various requested crossings.
Mr. Anderson requested the three proposed plans for development of railroad
crossings be submitted on the same scale maps along with any further pertinent
information.
Mr. Baker questioned if there were any objections to the crossing. at the
River Bend area on South 180th and the crossing of Southcenter Parkway in the area
of Mi nkler Blvd.
After further discussion, Mr. Forsythe made a motion the Public Hearing be
closed. Motion seconded by ilr. Anderson and carried.
Mr. Forsythe made a motion that on August 5th in regular meeting the council
consider information for proposed franchise regarding the railroad crossings of
South 180th and Southcenter Parkway as indicated on the City Engineer's map. Notion
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried.
Mr. Forsythe urged all interested parties to present suggested franchise
wording to the council. This information to be charted by the City Attorney for
Council consideration. Said information to be presented to the Clerks office at
the City Hall as soon as possible and prior to the August 5th Council meeting.
ATTEST:
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P. M.
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July 29, 1968
Special fleeting
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MAYOR