HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
Hybrid Meeting (On -site and Virtual) January 13, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Sharp 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 Council President Tosh Sharp (on -site); Councilmembers De'Sean Quinn
(remote), Mohammed Abdi (on -site), Armen Papyan (on -site), Jovita McConnell (on -site), Dennis
Martinez (on -site) and Hannah Hedrick (on -site).
CITY OFFICIALS
Thomas McLeod, Mayor; Marty Wine, City Administrator; Pete Mayer, Deputy City Administrator/Acting
Public Works Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Brandon Miles, Director of
Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Director; Aaron
BeMiller, Finance Director; Tony Cullerton, Deputy Finance Director; Eric Dreyer, Police Chief; Eric Lund,
Deputy Police Chief; Joel Bush, Technology & Innovation Services Director; Griffin Lerner, Public Works
Analyst; Laurel Humphrey, Legislative Analyst; Andy Youn, City Clerk; Jennifer Marshall, Deputy City
Clerk.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Councilmember Abdi 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
Sharon Mann spoke in support of the proposed Newporter Property sale, which she believes will increase
livability along the Tukwila International Boulevard.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. Federal Advocacy update and briefing.
David Hodges, Partner/Public Affairs; Joel Ruben, Partner/Federal Affairs (remote); and Kamron Brant,
Associate/ Federal Affairs from CFM Advocates introduced themselves and their work histories; they also
overviewed general current federal issues and upcoming advocacy opportunities.
Councilmembers asked clarifying questions regarding immigration, potential infrastructure funding, public
health, and housing.
7:49 p.m.
7:54 p.m.
Councilmember Abdi exited the Council Chambers
Councilmember Abdi returned to the Council Chambers
b. Automated traffic safety cameras equity analysis
Eric Lund, Deputy Chief of Police, reviewed the Speed Camera Equity Analysis as required per RCW
46.63.220(3) for the three proposed locations for speed cameras (near Codiga Park, Foster High School,
and Thorndyke Elementary School).
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 13, 2025 Page 2 of 3
Councilmembers expressed support for these locations and asked questions regarding the timing of their
installation, the potential for speed cameras at all schools within the city, and the financial impact of this
program.
c. Update on sale of Newporter Parcel
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, reviewed the preliminary proposal for the sale of the
Newporter Parcel located at 14840 Tukwila International Boulevard. He requested feedback related to
Council's interest in adjusting the height limitations along Tukwila International Boulevard, decreasing
parking requirements, and expanding the Multi -Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program to this area. It
was noted Council could direct staff to negotiate this offer, continue marketing the site, or leave site alone
for now.
Councilmembers expressed interest in continuing the negotiations and potentially allowing modifications
to the height and parking restrictions as well as expanding the MFTE to this area.
8:51 p.m.
8:54 p.m.
8:55 p.m.
8:59 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
9:04 p.m.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Councilmember McConnell exited the Council Chambers
Councilmember McConnell returned to Council Chambers
Councilmember Abdi exited the Council Chambers
Councilmember Abdi returned to Council Chambers
Councilmember Martinez exited the Council Chambers
Councilmember Martinez returned to Council Chambers
Mayor McLeod will be in Washington D.C. beginning January 14th for the Mayors Innovation Project
followed by the United States Conference of Mayors.
b. City Council
Councilmember Quinn noted he is not in physical attendance as he is recovering from a surgery and
plans to be in -person at the next meeting.
Councilmember Papyan attended the memorial service for King County Metro Transit Operator Shawn
Yim. He referenced the current fires in California and the importance of investing money in resilient
infrastructure.
Councilmember McConnell attended Sound Cities Association and noted the need for increased diversity
on the boards and committees. She also attended Mr. Yim's service and expressed her desire to
advocate for additional responder protections. She attended the 2025 Charity Cup hockey game between
South Sound Police and Puget Sound Fire (PSF).
Councilmember Martinez attended meetings centering on public safety during the past week including
with Cascade Water Alliance, Amalgamated Transit Union 587, and labor officials. He also attended Mr.
Yim's memorial.
Councilmember Hedrick also attended Mr. Yim's memorial and the 2025 Charity Cup. She shared the
behavior and mental health issues need to be addressed in addition to putting up additional protections.
c. Staff
There was no report.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 13, 2025 Page 3 of 3
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Papyan shared his desire to have a holiday event for the City of Tukwila, similar to
Snowflake Lane in Bellevue or Renton's Holiday Light Show. He asked regarding Council interest to
pursue this idea. Consensus existed to refer this item to a Committee for further discussion.
Councilmember McConnell expressed appreciation for the Police Department and their unwavering
commitment to keeping the community safe.
Councilmember Martinez emphasized the importance of proper preparations for inclement weather
including monitoring tire pressure as the cold weather can cause a decrease in the pressure.
ADJOURNMENT
9:31 P.M. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SHARP DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
ADJOURNED.
osh Sharp, Councile id n
shall, Deputi City Clerk
AF"P OVED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT: 01/27/25
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE:
01/28/25