HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
Hybrid Meeting (On -site and Virtual) May 13, 2024 - 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Acting Council President Quinn called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present at the meeting were Acting Council President De'Sean Quinn (on -site); Councilmembers Tosh
Sharp (on -site), Armen Papyan (on -site), Jovita McConnell (on -site), Dennis Martinez (on -site), and
Hannah Hedrick (on -site).
Council President Abdi was not in attendance.
CITY OFFICIALS
Thomas McLeod, Mayor; Marty Wine, Interim City Administrator; Pete Mayer, Deputy City
Administrator/Parks and Recreation Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director; Derek
Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director; Tony Cullerton, Deputy
Finance Director; Brandon Miles, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations; Eric Dreyer,
Police Chief; Eric Lund, Deputy Police Chief; Hari Ponnekanti, Public Works Director; Joel Bush, Chief
Technology Officer; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst; Andy Youn, City Clerk.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Mayor 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 respects to their
elders past, present and emerging."
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Daniel Assefa requested the Council allow a change to the current zoning for his parcel located at
4113 Boeing Access Road for commercial parking.
2. Dave Puki referenced the time limit for public comments and indicated a desire for more public
engagement opportunities such as town halls.
3. Greg Sherlock expressed concern regarding the City's budget and offered suggestions on a
balanced budget and revenue opportunities.
4. Abdirahman Hamary asked for assistance in finding a new location for his business, which
provides work -source training for immigrants.
PRESENTATIONS
A proclamation for Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
Mayor McLeod proclaimed May 15, 2024 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
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May 13, 2024 Page 2 of 3
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An ordinance adopting a Franchise Agreement with Astound Broadband.
Eric Compton, Franchise Analyst, provided an overview of a 5-year franchise agreement with Astound
Broadband, a local internet service provider.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING CONSENT
AGENDA.
b. A resolution adopting Financial Policies.
Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst, presented housekeeping updates to the City's Financial Policies.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
c. A resolution adopting a Purchasing and Contracting Policy.
Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst, highlighted several amendments to the City's Purchasing Policy,
including changes to capital projects, updating the signing authority, contract provisions, and threshold for
cost negotiation.
The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and offered comments regarding accountability to the
public, due diligence, financial oversight, and the benefits of streamlining processes.
CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING TO INCLUDE
AMENDED CONTRACTS TO THE QUARTERLY CONTRACT REPORT.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor McLeod referenced there will be a ceremony at the flagpole in front of City Hall on May 15 in
observance of Peace Officer Memorial Day. He shared Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director, has accepted
another position and her last day will be May 15, 2024. The City has reached out to recruiters to begin a
national recruitment process for an interim and permanent Finance Director.
b. City Council
Councilmember Papyan shared he is available for any questions or concerns from residents.
Councilmember McConnell participated in a Puget Sound Fire Governance Board meeting, a Sound
Cities Association meeting, and a ribbon -cutting ceremony for Imperial Palace Casino at the Ramada Inn.
She offered a reminder regarding the upcoming Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by Puget Sound Fire.
c. Staff
Marty Wine, Interim City Administrator, thanked Vicky for 12 years of service to the City and indicated
they will continue keeping the Council informed regarding the recruitment process for the Finance
Director.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember McConnell shared she had a large turnout from a recent Coffee Chat that she had
hosted. She stated she is always open to hearing from residents.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 13, 2024 Page 3 of 3
Councilmember Martinez emphasized the importance of finding a Finance Director with experience in
priority -based budgeting.
Councilmember Quinn shared the Council has held many town halls in the past for topics such as the
budget. Council meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and do not have a set end time.
ADJOURNMENT
8:17 P.M. ACTING COUNCIL PRESIDENT QUINN DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED.
De'Sean d i n, Acting Council President
Andy Youn, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 5/20/24
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE: 5/21/24