HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 44 No. 6WHAT'S INSIDE:
• Biennial Budget for 2025-26
• Utility rate changes
• 2025 Minimum Wage rates
• Opportunities to serve
your community
...and more!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
VOLUME 44, NUMBER 6
EMERGENCY!
This unique storm is a good
reminder to evaluate YOUR
preparedness. In a future event,
Tukwila may experience more
significant impacts. As a result,
City crews and first responders
may not be able to immediately
respond or provide assistance.
Tukwila Emergency Management
encourages all households and
community members to prepare
their homes and families. Build an
emergency kit, have a family plan,
and be informed about hazards
in our community and where to
go for reliable information. Above
all, get involved by attending a
free emergency planning and
preparedness class provided by
the Emergency Management team.
For information about
preparedness, please visit
TukwilaWA.gov/departments/
emergency -management.
TukwilaWA.gov
A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities
"Bomb cyclone" kept residents and Tukwila's Public Works crews busy
On November 19, the Puget Sound
region was severely impacted by a highly
unusual, rapidly intensifying low-pressure
storm system ("bomb cyclone").
These strong winds brought regional
impacts that included the loss of power
to 500,000 people throughout the Puget
Sound region, downed trees, downed
power lines and poles, as well as damage
to critical power substations
Overall, Tukwila experienced relatively
few storm impacts. Impacts were
limited to power outages in Tukwila, specifically
in the Allentown (including the Tukwila
Community Center), Duwamish, and Ryan Hill
neighborhoods. Additionally, several fences
around City pump stations were damaged.
Our Public Works crews worked closely with
Police and Fire to cut and clear trees from
roadways during the storm, and then return in
the daylight to clean up the debris. Following
the storm, Parks Maintenance crews assessed
damages across the city and began working
to clear debris and downed trees from the
parks and trails. Once power was restored to
the Community Center, staff quickly adjusted
operations to accommodate people, serving as
a warming shelter, providing a hot shower and a
place to charge devices.
Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, The Community of Choice
MAYOR'S
MESSAGE
Adopted 2025-26 budget:
collaboration, new initiatives,
and financial sustainability
On November 25 the Tukwila City Council adopted the 2025-
2026 budget for the City. Washington State law requires
the City Council to pass a balanced budget by the end of
the year. While I have had significant experience working
on budgets as a Councilmember, this represents the first
budget I prepared and presented to the City Council and our
community as your mayor.
The two-year City budget for all funds totals $176M in
planned spending to provide all of your City services: streets,
police, parks and recreation, community development,
utilities, technology, courts, emergency management,
finance, communications and human services. Most of the
funding we receive is dedicated to a specific use or service.
True to our previous estimates - with the City's full
annexation to Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority in 2025
- we were able to return $6 million in property taxes to
Tukwila voters. In addition, the upcoming budget makes
modest investments in public safety and City maintenance.
I am proud of the collaborative, inclusive process and
public engagement we accomplished as part of the budget
development process. Through conversations at community
events and working with community advocates, we
collected input about community priorities and values, a
crucial part of shaping our work. Through this outreach
we heard that basic needs and affordable housing are
community concerns.
I also want to extend my appreciation to the City
Councilmembers for the thoughtful questions they asked
throughout budget deliberations. This collaboration and
partnership helped to deliver a budget that serves the needs
of our community.
Cities in Washington State have been struggling with a
systematic imbalance between revenues growing more
slowly than our costs grow. This needs to be fixed in the
long term.
Last year, the City convened a Financial Sustainability
Committee, made up of community members who gave
suggestions for the City's long-term financial policies. The
Committee had three broad recommendations with specific
ideas for finding efficiencies:
1. Be good stewards of public resources.
2. Invest in the Tukwila community's highest priorities.
3. Invest in Tukwila's future.
The adopted budget reflects these recommendations. I'd like to
share with you some of the highlights.
Investing in public safety. Two new police officers will focus
on Southcenter Mall to create a safe experience for the
nearly 16 million people who visit the mall each year. Also,
we will fund a park ranger to increase safety in the City's
parks and trails.
Funding to prepare Tukwila to welcome the world for the
FIFA World Cup in 2026.
In partnership with Highline College and the Tukwila School
District, the creation of the Tukwila Promise, a program that
will provide up to two years at Highline College for eligible
Foster High School graduating seniors.
Providing additional technology and security resources
to protect the City from cyber-attacks like those recently
experienced at the Port of Seattle, Highline Schools, and
other institutions.
In the coming months I will be highlighting these investments in
more detail.
We still have work to do to implement all the recommendations
of the Financial Sustainability Committee. In 2025 the City will
be embarking on an effort to examine ways to be more efficient
and to find ways to do more with less. Controlling costs is
essential as we chart our path forward to financial sustainability.
I look forward to working with the City Council and communit
in this effort.
Mayor, City of Tukwila
2
THE HAZELNUT
Yes, Tukwila crews are ready for winter weather
Tukwila's Emergency Management offers a fun and informative
an .YouTube video report. It highlights work done
ir
..j' by the City to prepare for winter weather and
. -. — more importantly - provides you with some
winter weather preparedness tips and City
contact information. Please take a look!
Christmas Tree recycling/pick-up
For customers already subscribed to food & yard
waste collection, Recology will collect your unflocked,
undecorated natural holiday tree on your regular food &
yard waste service day. For customers not subscribed to
food & yard waste services, please call Recology's customer
service team at 206-944-3900 to schedule a free pickup of
your holiday tree.
Please be sure that:
All decorations are removed
from your tree.
Yourtree is no longer than
6 feet in length.
Yourtree is out on your
scheduled day of service.
X • ,.1.
Remove all lights
•`� and decorations
�� recycling.
•
• •
•
•
Utility rate changes for 2025 and 2026
Starting January 1, 2025, utility rates for water, sewer and
surface water services will increase as part of the City's
commitment to maintaining reliable infrastructure and
meeting service demands.
What's changing?
Water Rates: A 9% increase in 2025 and 2026.
Average additional cost: $5.55/month.
Sewer Rates: A $1.00/month increase for the City portion of
sewer rates in 2025.
Note: King County will also increase its wastewater
treatment charge by $3.17/month in 2025.
Surface Water Rates: Increase from $226 to $234 in 2025,
transitioning to a new ERU-based rate of $278.53 in 2026.
Average additional cost: $0.66/month in 2025 and $3.71/
month in 2026.
Why are rates increasing?
These adjustments ensure the City can:
Maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure.
Address rising costs for materials, services, and
regulatory compliance.
Support long-term sustainability and green initiatives.
How does Tukwila compare?
Even with these changes, Tukwila's rates remain competitive
with neighboring cities, offering some of the most affordable
services in the region.
Emerging leaders learn
how City government works
The second year of the Tukwila Community Leadership
Initiative is underway. The seven -week program brings
community members and City leadership together to
exchange information. Through an application process, a
cohort was selected based on their connection to Tukwila
and interest in making positive changes. Participants learn
how local government works, share their experiences, and
develop skills for community involvement. This is the first
year the program is bilingual - offered in English with Spanish
interpretation. "I have so much fun hearing the concerns of
everyone here. I like that its inclusive."
Program workshops have included basic civics lessons, a
meeting with the Mayor, and discussions about housing and
public safety. One participant stated, "I like the opportunity
to be able to raise our voice and be heard, as well as meet
very important people." Another added, "It shows that
authorities are humans like us, available and working for the
community." The program is funded through the American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a federal grant.
NOV/ DEC 2024
3
COUNCIL CORNER
The end of 2024 is approaching and with that, my term as
Council President is concluding. This has been a year of
growth, learning and opportunity, and I appreciate my fellow
Councilmembers for electing me to serve in this role this year.
The Council President does not have any more voting rights
over the other members, but I did have a few additional duties:
presiding over Committee of the Whole meetings and work
sessions, signing legislation, approving agendas, assigning
committee members, chairing the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee, and creating a productive Council Retreat to set
the tone for the year.
It has also been a privilege to have the use of this Council
Corner space to communicate about our activities and
concerns. This has been an incredibly busy year that kicked off
with a Council vacancy process and continued on with review
of the Comprehensive Plan, updating the Rules of Procedure,
various policy proposals, budget appropriations, and - an
issue very important to me - helping our asylum -seeking
neighbors arriving at the Riverton Park United Methodist
Church. I am proud to live in a community that has stepped up
to help the most vulnerable and I will continue to advocate for
more funding and resources at all levels of government.
One of the most important responsibilities of the City Council
is to pass a balanced budget, and as I write this we are working
hard to accomplish it, often meeting late into the night. Like
all Washington cities, Tukwila has an ongoing challenge with
Council of 2024 has
worked together to
address important
City issues
by Mohamed Abdi,
2024 Council President
declining revenues and increased costs for services. Our
community consistently expresses a desire not to cut services,
so we work closely with the Mayor on how to adequately fund
them.
We support our residents with parks and street maintenance,
youth, adult and senior activities, building and fire safety,
police and mental health response, and so much more. It is
by far the biggest responsibility and the biggest challenge of
being on Council. State law requires passage of a final budget
by December 31 so that the City can operate on January 1 of
the new year.
To close, I'd like to thank my Council colleagues for your hard
work and collaboration - De'Sean Quinn, Tosh Sharp, Armen
Papyan, Jovita McConnell, Dennis Martinez, and Hannah
Hedrick. I'd like to thank Mayor McLeod; the first year of your
term has been very productive. I'd also like to thank the
hardworking City staff, those visible to the community and
those behind the scenes. Your dedication to our community
is noticed and appreciated. To all the members of the
community, I wish you peace and joy for the new year.
We wish you 365 days of
abundant joy,
nurturing love, and
unforgettable moments.
State law dictates zoning change
On November 21, 2024, the City Council adopted an ordinance rezoning property at
6250 South 151st Street from Low -Density Residential to Medium -Density Residential.
This action was taken following public hearing testimony from neighbors concerned
about community impacts and asking the Council to not approve the change.
As clarification, in November 2023 the Council denied the rezone application.
However, a King County Superior Court order declared that "substantial evidence...
does not support denial of the rezone" per our Municipal Code, and that the denial
was therefore not compliant with State law. The order also required the Tukwila City
Council to hold another hearing and issue a new decision based on the evidence in
the record. Ordinance 2744 was subsequently adopted by the City Council.
In 2025 Tukwila will be consolidating the low and medium density residential zones
into a new middle housing zone to comply with new statewide requirements.
THE HAZELNUT
RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS
■ Confirmed appointment of Aaron BeMiller as Finance Director
■ Amended Fire and Parks Impact Fee Schedules (Ords. 2734 &
2735)
■ Awarded bid to Iron Horse, LLC for 2023 Central Business
District Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 4B Project
■ Accepted grant funding from Washington State Recreation
& Conservation Office for Crystal Springs Park Lighting
Replacement Project
■ Amended purpose of Library Advisory Board (Ord. 2737)
■ Accepted grant funding from Washington State Department of
Ecology for Stormwater Quality Retrofit Program Part 2
■ Implemented provisions of Washington State Senate Bill 5290
(Ords. 2738 thru 2743)
■ Rezoned property on South 151st Street to Medium Density
Residential (Ord. 2744)
■ Updated Land Use Fee Schedule (Res. 2103)
■ Authorized Memorandum of Understanding expressing
support to establish Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing
Roundtable
■ Established health and safety standards for temporary
encampments at religious institutions (Ord. 2745)
■ Accepted WSDOT grant funding for final design and
construction of 42nd Avenue South Bridge replacement
■ Approved lodging tax funding for the 2025-2026 Seawolves
Partnership
CONFIRMATIONS
Congratulations to following community members who were
confirmed to a City Commission and Board. Tukwila thanks
you for your volunteer service to our community!
Arts Commission:
Kamla Kakaria, Angeline Peralta
Human Services Advisory Board:
Marilyn Westman, Crystal Lyons
In 2025, minimum wage rates go up!
On January 1, 2025, increased minimum wage hourly rates
will go into effect. Certain employers are required to pay
certain employees the 2025 minimum hourly rate of $21.10
(large employers) or $20.10 (mid -size employers). Updated
rates were published on the City's Labor Standards web
page in October [TukwilaWA.gov/MinimumWage].
Tukwila employers, employees and community groups
need to be aware of the change. Employers with even one
hourly employee in Tukwila may actually be considered
a Large or Mid -Size Employer. "Covered" employers are
required to pay Tukwila minimum wage rates, and also
must offer qualified part-time employees additional hours
of work before hiring new employees, subcontractors or
staffing agencies.
The City's web page TukwilaWA.gov/MinimumWage
outlines the law's requirements.
You'll find downloadable resources to
determine if an employer is "covered".
Required Notice to Employee forms,
Labor Standards FAQs, and employee
Complaint Forms are there as well.
To get the word out, Minimum Wage
Program Manager Julie Hatley hosts an informational
table at community events. She can also be invited to
host a Q&A, explaining the program and providing
handouts for the attendees.
Questions? Please contact Julie directly at
206-552-6873, or email MinimumWage@TukwilaWA.gov.
City Council meeting minutes and the complete text of all legislative items
are available online in the Digital Records Center at TukwilaWA.gov.
For additional information about the work of the City Council, please call 206-433-8993.
NOV/ DEC 2024
5
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS
Safety in Tukwila School District
Safety remains a top priority across the Tukwila School District.
We are proud to share how we've partnered with the City of
Tukwila to strengthen safety in our schools and community.
School Safety - Last year, the School Board approved the
return of School Resource Officers (SROs) to our district. We
extend our thanks to Chief Dreyer and the City of Tukwila for
their collaboration and support in securing funding for this
initiative. This fall, our two officers Marc Schutt at Showalter
Middle School and Joe Tran at Foster High School began working
in our schools, contributing to a positive start to the school
year. In addition, we continue to closely monitor national and
local security concerns. We follow our safety protocols to assess
when lockdowns or shelter -in -place actions are necessary,
working hand -in -hand with City emergency responders, school
staff, and district administrators to ensure our procedures are
up-to-date, well -communicated, and regularly reviewed.
Cyber Safety - In light of recent cyber security incidents in
nearby districts, Tukwila School District has been proactive in
safeguarding our digital systems. For the past several years, we
have partnered with a third -party cybersecurity team to conduct
monthly system analytics. We are committed to maintaining
the highest level of cyber protection, and are continuously
learning from other districts and experts to improve our security
measures.
Student Safety - Our Superintendent's Student Advisory
Board has been instrumental in guiding district priorities,
including student safety. This dedicated group of students
meets regularly to discuss critical issues, with safety being a key
focus. They have identified three priority areas: physical safety,
social -emotional safety, and social media safety. Together, we
are developing strategies and action plans to address these
concerns. It's incredibly powerful to hear from our students and
implement changes that reflect their experiences and insights.
We are grateful for the continued partnership with the City of
Tukwila as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being
of our students and community. If you have any questions,
please contact the Tukwila School District at communications@
tukwila.wednet.edu or 206-901-8006.
Dr. Concie Pedroza
Superintendent,
Tukwila School District
Are you eligible for a property tax reduction?
Washington state has a program to help seniors remain in the
homes they love by easing their property tax burden. Even
better, the King County Assessor and others worked with the
legislature to update that program by raising the income limit.
The annual income limit for this program is now $84,000.
This new income limit keeps up with inflation and provides tax
relief for tens of thousands more King County residents. The
exemption can reduce property tax by 30% to 90%, depending
on income level, property value and taxing district. And on
top of that, our office has worked to dramatically reduce the
time it takes to process applications.
This relief is available to applicants who meet the following
criteria:
Age/Disability
• Born in 1962 or earlier, or
• Disabled and unable to work in 2023 or earlier, or
• Veteran of United States armed forces, with service -
connected evaluation of 80%, or entitled to and receiving
compensation from U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs at
the 100% rate because you are unemployable due to service -
connected disability.
Income (earned in 2022)
• Annual household income under the threshold of $84,000,
including Social Security and other sources (RCW 84.36.383(5))
Ownership/Occupancy
• Own your residence as of 12/31/2023, and
• Occupy as a primary residence during six months of 2024
With information from your 2024 tax documents, you can
apply online at TaxRelief.KingCounty.gov. To get more
information, or assistance with the online application, please
call 206-296-3920, or email Exemptions.Assessments@
KingCounty.gov.
I want every senior to get the property tax relief they are
entitled to. Please contact us if you think
you might be eligible.
John Wilson,
King County Assessor
6
THE HAZELNUT
Wetlands, trees, shoreline, streams & slopes -
so much environment!
INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, January 8
6:30 to 8:00PM
at the
Tukwila Community Center
Tukwila is home to many wetlands, streams, shorelines,
springs and steep slopes. If you have any questions or need
help, specialized Community Development staff
will be on hand with answers.
Learn about critical area regulations, resources available and
stewardship techniques. Please drop in to find out more!
Seniors: Start 2025 with some free drop -in Fitness classes!
Functional Strength Training
8:05 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Learn how to move your muscles to improve posture,
balance, core strength, coordination, and range of motion.
This class aims to increase energy and strength to perform
daily activities with minimal pain and injury. Participants
can expect standing and floor exercises. Instructor: Jocelyn
Shelby.
Silver Sneakers Program for
Muscle Strength and Range of Movement
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Thursdays 8:05 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement,
and improve activities for daily living. Low -impact training
suitable for all fitness levels, a chair may be used for seated
exercises and standing support. Class can be modified
depending on fitness levels. Instructor: Suzanne Simmons.
Fitness Drumming
Mondays, 11 a.m. - Noon
March to the beat of your own drum with one of the latest
and most fun fitness trends! Drum Fitness can be done sitting
or standing and takes a simple movement - drumming - and
turns it into a full -body workout that will leave you smiling,
sweating, and feeling great. It brings together drumsticks,
an exercise ball, and a stand to create one of the most fun
workouts you'll ever do. Using the exercise ball as your drum,
and mixing in fun moves, drum fitness turns keeping a rhythm
into a workout you won't want to stop. All fitness levels are
welcome! Instructor: Suzanne Simmons.
Beginning Line Dancing
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
This is a great form of low impact exercise where participants
will learn repeated dance steps that follow a pattern to fun
music. Line dancing will increase balance and flexibility as
well as improve strength, muscle function, and cardiovascular
heart heath. Dances may include the Electric Slide, Cupid
Shuffle, Macarena and more! Instructor: Suzanne Simmons.
Soul Line Dance Party
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
You will have a chance to showcase all of your favorite dances
and show off all you have learned. Even if you don't know the
dances, come and enjoy an afternoon of fun and friendship.
Newbies are welcome to join the party! Line dancing is a
great form of low impact exercise where participants will
learn repeated dance steps that follow a pattern to fun music.
Line Dancing will increase balance and flexibility as well as
improve strength, muscle function, and cardiovascular heart
heath. Dances may include the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle,
Macarena and more!
SAIL (Staying Active and Independent for Life)
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
SAIL is an evidence -based fall prevention fitness program
for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve
strength, balance and flexibility is the single most important
activity adults can do to stay active and reduce their
chances of falling. The entire class curriculum of activities
and education in the Stay Active and independent for Life
program has proven to help improve strength and balance, if
done regularly. Instructors: Trish Jones, Madison Sivonen.
Stay connected! Subscribe to
the Senior Scoop newsletter
NOV/ DEC 2024
7
THE HAZELNUT
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident.
PRESORT STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SEATTLE, WA
PERMIT NO. 12698
Opportunities for you to get involved in the Tukwila community
The City of Tukwila is assisted in its operations in
several areas by the volunteers who serve on our
Boards, Commissions and Committees. These
advisory bodies provide guidance to decision -
makers and represent the diverse viewpoints of
the community, bringing public participation into
government. Volunteers serve a vital function by
offering their time and expertise as members.
The following advisory bodies have vacant positions or positions with
terms ending March 31, 2025:
ADVISORY BODY
REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED
Arts Commission
Resident positions
Equity and Social Justice
Commission
Community positions
Human Services
Advisory Board
Resident, business and
faith -based positions
Library Advisory Board
Resident positions
Park Commission
Community positions
Are you interested in serving on one of these advisory bodies? Please
submit a completed Boards, Commissions and Committees Application for
Appointment to the Mayor's Office by 5:00PM on February 14, 2025. You
can find the application - as well as additional information about all of the
City's the boards, commissions and committees - on the City's website at
TukwilaWA.gov/boards. For more information, please call 206-433-1850.
TUKWILA CITY HALL
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
City Hall campus in -person hours:
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday, 8:30AM-4:00PM
Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax: 206-433-1833
Email: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov
Website: TukwilaWA.gov
MAYOR Thomas McLeod 206-433-1850
Mayor's Office
Administration Offices 206-433-1850
Marty Wine, City Administrator....206-433-1851
Brandon Miles, Dir,Stratlnit/GovRe1206-431-3684
City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800
Community Engagement 206-454-7564
Economic Development 206-433-1832
Human Resources - Personnel ...206-433-1831
Human Services 206-433-7181
Emergency Management 206-971-8750
Technology Services 206-454-7575
Community Development Dept.
Nora Gierloff, Director 206-431-3670
Code Enforcement 206-431-3682
Finance Department
Aaron BeMiller, Director 206-433-1835
Parks/Recreation Department
Kris Kelly, Interim Director 206-767-2342
Police Department
Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175
Public Works Department
Pete Mayer, Int Dir/Dep CityAdm. 206-433-0179
Emergency - Fire, Police 911
MUNICIPAL COURT
15005 Tukwila International Blvd 206-433-1840
TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER
12424-42nd Avenue South
Recreation Division 206-768-2822
Senior Center/Services 206-767-2321
Facility Rentals 206-767-2323
FOSTER GOLF LINKS
13500 Interurban Avenue South
Pro Shop 206-242-4221
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
All fire -related services 253-856-4300
PugetSoundFire.org
2024 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
Mohamed Abdi, Council President
2023 Council President 206-798-4872
Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWAgov
De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939
Desean.Quinn@TukwilaWA.gov
Tosh Sharp 206 507-6440
Tosh.Sharp@TukwilaWA.gov
Armen Papyan 206-888-3380
Armen.Papyan@TukwilaWA.gov
Jovita McConnell 206-600-3533
Jovita.Mcconnell@TukwilaWA.gov
Dennis Martinez 206-960-1607
Dennis. Martinez@TukwilaWAgov
Hannah Hedrick 206-580-8123
Hannah.Hedrick@TukwilaWA.gov
To email the entire Council at once:
CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov
Laurel Humphrey, Analyst 206-433-8993
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
7:00PM in Council Chambers
Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays
Committee of the Whole 2nd/4th Mondays