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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 14 No. 5A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community City enjoys record turnout for "Vision 99" meeting Mayor Wally Rants and the Tukwila City Council extend their thanks to those who attended the special Vision Tukwila Highway 99 meeting in Sep- tember. According to Mayor Rants, "Citizen input is vital to the kinds of things we want to do up on 'the high - ray', and your participation shows that you are ready and willing to help with the tough decisions facing City officials." At nearly 200, attendance was the best for any Vision Tukwila meetingyet, and we are incorporating your comments into our planning efforts. Comments from the September meet- ing have been mailed to those who requested them. Please contact Rhonda Berry at 433-1851 to have comments mailed to you, or if you have questions about "Vision 99". Come to a Public Meeting to discuss a new TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER Weds., Nov. 17th — 7 PM 4101 South 131st Mon., Nov. 22nd — 6 PM Tukwila City Hall Please read more about this issue on page 6 inside NOVEMBER 1993 City of Tukwila 1994 budget message presented by Mayor Rants Citizens of Tukwila and City Council: The 1994 Proposed Budget was submitted to the City Council for their review on October 18. The General Fund, which provides for the basic services, is proposed at $20,260,000 for 1994. The chart below indicates the percentages allocated for each respective department. Where the money goes... Distribution of Tukwila's General Fund* - $20,260,000 * Does not include water, sewer or golf course operations funds Parks & Recreation 6% General Administration 11% Streets 7% Public Works Admin. 6% Community Development 7% Fire 24% Clerk/Court/ Personnel 7% Police 32% General Fund Allocation As with the 1993 budget, I established several objectives which provide a long term guide for the direction both the Council and the Mayor's Office have agreed upon to ensure fiscal responsibility: > Maintain a constant level of quality service from year to year. This is challenging in that our current levels of both routine and programmatic services are very high. • Remove as much discretionary spending from the budget as possible without jeopardizing program effectiveness. > Balance the budget without increasing taxes or forcing realignment of revenues identified for needed capital improvements. In the budget document you will see no staff growth. This does not mean that requests to expand staffing were not received. These requests were considered carefully. It was concluded that now is not the time to be increasing our payroll, nor is it the time to assume responsibility for adding programs or enhancing service levels. Cost of living (COLA), step increases in our various pay plans, and the inflationary costs of benefit plans accounted for most of the changes between the 1993 Adopted and the Proposed 1994 Budget. (Continued on back page) Tukwila Tomorrow Tukwila Tomorrow Committee sets the stage for zoning After preparing general policies to guide the overall growth of the city, the Tukwila Tomorrow Committee is getting down to the basics of setting land uses for properties. The map of these land use selections will eventually guide preparation of the new zoning map. Therefore, Tukwila Tomorrow is now taking specific requests from property owners for consideration. The Committee is striving to enhance existing single family neighbor- hoods. For example, it was recommended that in Allentown the Union Tank Works and Burlington Northern Railroad switching yard be redesignated to single-family use if their present use is ever vacated. Union Tank Works is to be allowed to redevelop should a catastrophe occur. Other changes are also envisioned to allow a wider range of uses in neighborhoods while encouraging slower traffic and more people inter- action. All of these changes are available at the Department of Community Development for review. And the Tukwila Tomorrow Committee meetings are open as well. Consideration of requests for land use changes must be submitted in writing and will occur near the end of the year, a change from the last Hazelnut. Please call Moira Carr Bradshaw at 431-3651 to submit your requests and get the current schedule. 2 PLANNING COMMISSION Council Chambers, Tukwila City Hall — 8:00 PM = November 18th Blue Star Motel Applicant: Eddco Development Description: Design Review for proposed 34-unitwood frame/3-story motel Site Address: 14400 Pacific Highway S. Becker Transfer Applicant: Pac-Tech Engineering, Inc. Description: Petition for Conditional Use Permit to construct a parking lot for semi -truck trailer and employee parking Site Address: SW corner of S 128th/E Marginal inter- section = December 16th Plato's Pocket Applicant: Heath Signs Description: Special permission to increase sign area by 50% because of doubling of required building setback per TMC 19.32.140 Site Address: 17740 Southcenter Parkway McConkey Development Applicant: Turner and Associates Description: Extensive site renovation and interior remodeling to change warehouse with minor office use into 68,000 sq.ft. retail/ office/showroom facility. Site Address: 223 Andover Park East For further information on any of the above agenda items, call the Dept. of Community Development at 431-3670 TUKWILA TOMORROW Draft Comprehensive Plan Committee Meetings held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Minolta Bldg., (next to City Hall), Suite 100, 6300 Southcenter Blvd. Upcoming areas of discussion (topics are subject to change; call Moira CarrBradshawat4313651 for latest information): Nov. 18 Interurban/Southcenter South Dec. 2 Transportation Dec. 9 Transportation Dec. 16 Urban Center Jan. 6 Manufacturing/Industrial/Annexation Jan. 13 Capital Facilities Jan. 20 Community Participation/Review of properties at owners' requests THE HAZELNUT Tukwila helps homeless families ind their Way Back Inn A unique collaboration between the City and a grass-roots organiza- tion will help provide temporary housing for families in transition. The Way Back Inn (WBI) is a non-profit corporation which renovates substandard housing, furnishes these homes, and then provides them temporarily to homeless families with young children. To date, 20 families have moved into various Way Back Inn residences located around South King County. The YWCA works to select appropriate families to live in the houses for up to three months at no cost. Those three months allow some "breathing room" to save enough money for rent and deposit so that these families can then move into housing of their choice. As further help, they are allowed to take all of the household items along with them. A win-win scenario In partnership with the City of Tukwila, Way Back Inn and community volunteers are rehabilitating a City -owned property at 15421- 42nd Ave. S. In exchange for the rehab, the City has given WBI a 5 -year lease on that property, with the potential of making a second *property available in the near future. This agreement will provide "ielter for families in transition, as well as saving the City money on the demolition of run-down houses. "We tried and tried to no avail to get bidders to relocate these homes," stated City Administrator John McFarland. "This way everyone wins." "Our motto is restoring dignity to humans," says WBI president Larry Kennedy, "and we do that by helping to give them a voice in their own destiny." And you can help, too... Handy with a hammer? Good with a paint brush? Need a place to donate your furniture? Tukwila and WBI need your assistance. If you have time and heart to lend a hand, or want to know more about the project house, stop by (15421 - 42nd S.) on a weekend. Or give Larry Kennedy a call at 226-1937 or 954-6850 if you're interested in volunteering labor, materials, household items or money to WBI. Getting into the ghoulish spirit... Trick -or -treaters, beware... this web is large enough to catch low-flying aircraft! Jack -o -lanterns, ghosts, and remarkably oversized spiders abounded this year at the home of Tim Ruddock and Rose Wolf on 40th Ave. S. Council Corner by Steve Lawrence, Council President 'Ute Couueit Wets to leas kw you! Over the past year, the City Council has adopted water, sewer, and surface water comprehensive plans, a Park and Open Space Plan, and an interim Tree Preservation Program. The budget that we're reviewing now will direct where we save and where we spend money next year on issues such as an adult entertainment ordinance, an updated comprehensive plan, and a new community center. You can have an impact on what the City Council decides. We welcome your input in several ways: - Citizen comments are welcome at all Council meet- ings, held on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. a+' Council agendas are mailed to libraries, and are available at City Hall. mr City Council committees will discuss budget issues; call 433-1834 for times and agendas. You can get a recording of upcoming Council agenda items by calling 431-3656. or Citizen committees are valuable Council influences. Look into committees such as the Highway 99 planning committee, City boards and commissions, and meetings such as the upcoming community center meetings on November 17th and 22nd. ar Call any elected official with your comments. Re- member, we're here to listen to — and represent — YOU. It's our job! Our phone numbers are listed on the back page of this Hazelnut. Give us a call and tell us what's on your mind. NOVEMBER 1993 3 1994 business licenses will be available December 15th Attention, Tukwila business owner! Your current business license expires on December 31, 1993. All businesses currently licensed in the City will be receiving business license renewal forms in mid-December. The Tukwila Municipal Code requires all business enterprises to renew their licenses annually no later than January 31st of each year. Penalty fees go into effect on February 1, 1994, for all busi- nesses that have not submitted their renewal form and fee to the City Clerk's Office. 1994 License Fees Number of Employees Fee 0-5 $ 50 6-100 $100 101 & above $200 Additional licenses are required if your business has live music/entertainment, tow trucks, amusement devices, solici- tors/peddlers, or adult entertainment. The Tukwila Municipal Code requires all businesses operatingwithin the City, including home occupations, to obtain a license. New enterprises must obtain a license prior to their opening date of business. Applications are available at the City Clerk's Office during regular business hours, 8:30 to 5:00 Mon -Fri. If you have questions regarding licens- ing procedures, call 433-1800. Remember - to avoid a penalty fee, renew byJanuary 31, 1994. ✓ Domestic violence ✓ Counseling ✓ Housing ✓ Chore services ✓ Advocacy ✓ Homelessness ✓ Healthcare l 1,„ • • •, ✓ Transportation Spotlight on Tukwila's Boards and Commissions uman Services Advisory Board ✓ Food banks ✓ Employment help ✓ Child care These are just some of the social and health issues facing City's Office of Human Services on a daily basis. To help make decisions on how to address these problems, the City created an advisory board, which plays a critical role in the City's human services program. This seven -member group representing citizens, businesses, school district, health, and religious organizations started meeting in 1992 to review activities and advise City staff on policy and the direction of the HS program. A primary task of the advisory board is the review of applications made to the City by non-profit agencies who hope to receive funds and provide their services to Tukwila residents. This process starts in the spring and ends in the late fall, after City Council discussion and finalization of the City's budget. Board member spend many hours reading and discussing proposals for funding, then make recommendations to the Mayor's Office and City Council. Throughout the year Board members exchange their perspectives on what social and health needs exist in the community, discussing available resources and those which are missing. They can then provide this information to City staff and groups they represent. Board members also gain greater understanding of human service programs by attending meetings of Tukwila's contracted agencies, where these service providers discuss their programs' challenges, changes and successes. Each Human Services Advisory Board member brings a special set of skills and experiences helpful in seeing the "whole picture" of social and health services. Our three resident representatives also help us view the program from the consumer's perspective. If you have a questions about the Board, please call Evelyn in the Office of Human Services at 241-7144. i;-:41 • ♦ i Sl , •/ •e ••• ., ♦./ ♦7 . .aI This Christmas, give something of the past... Are you in need of a good gift idea, for a current or former resident of the City? "Tukwila — Community at the Crossroads", the City's own history book, is available for purchase. It's almost 300 pages of interesting reading, generously illustrated, covering the area's history — from the first Duwamish Valley settlers to our current position as a crossroads of commerce. Both softcover and a very limited number of the special edition hardbound books are available. The price is $3 7.87 for the hardbound books, and $19.48 for the softcover books. To see (or buy) a copy, come to the City Clerk's office at Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Boulevard, from 8:30 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. For more information, call 433-1800. THE HAZELNUT Fire Department's Community Outreach program helps less fortunate kwila's annual Community Outreach program, in its 10th to buy more food items to provide well-rounded meals for the year, provides a happier holiday for City residents in need, recipients. Your generosity is most appreciated by everyone through your generous donations involved. Every year the Tukwila Fire Department collects donated non- perishable food, new toys and books, clothing for children and adults, and cold weather Items (coats, gloves, scarves, blankets) for local families who otherwise might not be able to celebrate the holidays. Cash contributions will be accepted Collection boxes have been distributed to all City facilities. We would appreciate having your contributions in the col- lection boxes by Monday, December 20th. Your donated items will then be distributed to families based on the number of household residents. Holiday happenings at the Tukwila Library Looking for something different to do around the holidays? Sponsored by the Tukwila Friends of the Library, these workshops will help you get into the right spirit! Register for these events (except as noted) by calling the Tuk- wila Library at 244-5140. Holiday Hair Affair Wednesday, November 17, 1993 :00 p.m. —Ages 12 and up Learn festive ways to do your hair up for the holidays. Hair Masters design team will teach braiding techniques and more. Mothers are invited too! CeleBEARate Thanksgiving Thursday, November 18, 1993 10:30 a. m. — Ages 3 to 6 Be thankful for bears! Join us for a story workshop for 3-6 year olds and their parents. Create a very special Ruby Bear to take home for the Thanksgiving table. (No registration required.) Oodles of Noodles Ornaments Wednesday, December 1, 1993 4:00 p.m. — Ages S to 12 We'll take every shape of noodle pos- sible to make stars, snowflakes, bells and wreaths to hang from the tree or window to celebrate the holidays. TZorny Turkeys ivednesday, November 17, 1993 3:45 p.m. — Ages 10 and up Have fun making komy turkey treats for all the gobblers at your Thanksgiving dinner table. Nibbling is allowed! One- hour program will be loads of fun. NOVEMBER 1993 George D. Long Maintenance Facility dedicated On September 14th, George and Bonnie Long and over 75 friends, family, former employees, and current employees were on hand as Mayor Wally Rants officially dedicated the George Long Maintenance Facility. Mr. Long was one of the first full- time City employees who worked on streets, sewers, water and parks. He was also a volunteer firefighter. When the City purchased the old Volvo White building, it was decided to name it after Mr. Long for his dedicated service to the City from 1959 to 1971. Mayor Rants read several statements about Mr. Long and why the facility should carry his name, including, "George thought giving an honest eight hours on the job as only the beginning of his responsibility to the City... he made Tukwila a better place to live". Public Works Director Ross Earnst pre- sented Mr. Long with pic- tures from the Council Meeting when the facility was officially named. t George Long (seated) attended the dedication of the new Public Works Shops on Interurban named after him. Tukwila is proud to honor Mr. Long's service to the City, an example of their motto "Excellence in Action" County offers rental rehab program If you are a property owner that needs help in repairing your rental unit(s) there's a program that may be able to help. The King County Rental Rehab loan program can provide a loan of up to $14,500 per unit with zero -percent interest and no monthly payments. Owners must rent to low-income tenants and there are rent ceilings (includes utilities) for five years. For example, a 2 -bedroom apartment including utilities cannot exceed $623 a month. Income levels for tenants are: Household Size: 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people Max. Monthly Income: $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 The program assists with structural and mechanical repairs, weatherization, build- ing preservation and general improvements. For more information call James Impett, Rental Rehab Loan Officer, at 296-8639. 5 Citizens urged to attend meetings about new Community Center plans In August of 1978, the City Recreation Staff moved into the former Southgate Elementary School building that had closed as an edu- cational facility. The original building was built in 1949 with a library section added in the early 1970's. Since 1986, the Admin- istration and Council have addressed the possibility of replacing this small, aging facility several times. During 1992, an analysis was performed by consultants to provide information about rehabilitat- ing the existing center and for building a new facility. More information available This summer the City Council determined that a new center is the most cost-effective option. Information and drawings will be presented at a meeting to educate citizens about new center construction costs, site selection, and funding for the project. NEW COMMUNITY CENTER November 17th — 7:00 PM In the social hall of the existing Center at 4101 S. 131st Street Site selection is an issue that must be determined regardless of which choice is made about a new building. Many locations have been considered during the past years. In 1992, the Council determined the location of a new building would be either at the existing site or at a City -owned 12 -acre site in Allentown at 42nd Avenue by the Duwamish River. The site is presently known as the Pea Patch garden facility. The same information will be presented again: NEW COMMUNITY CENTER November 22nd —6:00 to 7:00 PM at Tukwila City Hall 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Following the presentation and discussion, the City Council will discuss plans for a new facility and try to decide on which site to locate the building. Citizens are encouraged to voice their opinions at the Council meeting. Things will start to happen next year It is the desire of Mayor Rants and the Council to design the center in 1994 and construct the building in 1995. Citizens are invited to learn more about what has been studied and ask questions about the report and potential plans. If you have questions about the two informational meetings, please contact Don Williams, Parks and Recreation Director, at 433-1843. 6 Graffiti at Foster Park is just one of the forms of vandalism that costs everyone. Rewards offered as vandalism in City parks increases During the past three years, the City developed two new parks and completed improvements to several others. At nearly every site the vandals have struck and struck often, This is not a problem in any one area or park — it is happening City-wide. Spray painting, breaking restroom fixtures, cutting u' picnic table tops, breaking play equipment and damaging plants are the most common forms of vandalism. Thus far in 1993, City staff has spent thousands of dollars worth of labor and materials in making repairs. City parks are not the only targets. Street signs and other properties have been damaged also. Rewards may help solve crimes Police vandalism reports are always filed, however it has been difficult to catch vandals in the act. In an effort to encourage citizen support to apprehend the bad guys, a reward fund has been established. If a citizen tip leads directly to the arrest and conviction of person(s) com- mitting vandalism to City property, a reward of up to $100.00 can be awarded to the citizen providing the information. If a person has knowledge of or has observed the act of vandalism, please pass along the information by calling 911 and a Police Department representative will contact you. Your name will be kept confidential. Ifyou want more information about the reward program, call Don Williams, Parks/Recreation Director, at 43? 1843. Helping to protect parks and trails is everyone's respon- sibility, and can be accomplished only if all citizens help. THE HAZELNUT Tukwila 13a44 a* `fec.eatiop Depa.twelit iI.ee%, Two, 4ctMtee%,.. Tukwila Arts Commission's Musical Sundaes Burt Barr's Uptown, Lowdown Jazzband presents "Jingle Jazz" Sunday, December 5, 1993 — 2:00 PM Foster High School Performing Arts Center - 42nd Avenue S. & S. 144th Admission: One non-perishable food item for local food bank Volunteer Spotlight Freda Todd has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels since 1979. She started volunteering at the Tukwila Commu- nity Center. Since she likes the idea of helping people, she figured this is one good way to do it. Besides taking Meals on Wheels phone calls, she does garden- ing, crocheting, and is very active in her church. Freda just turned 90 years old and knows what keeps her going — she believes in the supreme power, reach- ing out to people who need help, and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. For information about any of our programs, please call the TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 243-5198 Wanted: A Few Good Volunteers Do you have an elderly parent, relative, neighbor, or friend who is homebound and has trouble preparing meals? The City of Tukwila has several such resi- dents who are served by our Meals on Wheels program. The City of Tukwila's Meals on Wheels program is rapidly growing, and so is the need for volunteers to deliver meals. It is the philosophy of the National Meals on Wheels that this service be provided on the most part by volunteer help. Needed — permanent and stand-by driv- ers to deliver meals every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Drivers must use their own vehicle and will be paid for mileage. If you are interested in serving your community, please call Claudette at 243- 5198. This holiday season the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring a contest for the best holiday light displays throughout the community. There will be several catego- ries — private residences, apartments, trailers and businesses. Enter today by calling 243-5198 and give us your name, address and category. The winners of the contest will be announced on Tuesday, December 14, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. during a tree lighting ceremony at Tukwila City Hall. Come and join us for lights, music and treats! ;94 91,teb, s2 93A, Get into the holiday spirit this year with your friends and neighbors from Tukwila. On December 14th at 7:00 p.m., there will be atree lighting at Tukwila City Hall (6200 Southcenter Blvd.), followed by a bell choir concert, holiday light display awards, and goodies. • NOVEMBER 1993 7 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 14044 DisatteF pleepoebgeo% auestiows Please take time to see if everyone in your family (those old enough to do so) can answer these questions. 1. Do you believe your community is relatively well prepared for disaster? 2. Do you think your family is rela- tively well prepared? 3. Have you discussed disaster pre- paredness with your family? 4. Do you have 72 -hour minimum di- saster supplies on hand? 5. Do you have a 72 -hour family disas- ter supplies kit? 6. Do you have a disaster supplies kit for each family car? 7. Are you and all family members current in first aid and CPR (CPR in the last 12 months)? 8. Do you have operational smoke detectors on every level of your residence? Outside bedrooms? Tested and cleaned periodically? (Dust on the sensing element will disable the detector; it must be peri- odically eriodically vacuumed or it cannot be considered as operational). 9. Do you have a charged ABC fire extinguisher? Does everyone know how to use it? (If you've never actu- ally fired a similar type extinguisher, you do not know how to use it.) 10. Does everyone in the family know how to turn off all utilities? 11. Have you safeguarded your most important family records from fire and water? 12. Has your family discussed where to meet outside the home: if there is a fire, or if you can't return home following a wide scale disaster? 13. Has your family practiced a fire drill within the past year? 14. Do you have an out -of -area disaster phone contact? 15. Do you have a local disaster buddy? 16. For those of you with school age children, do you know if their school or day care center has a disaster plan and what it is? 17. Is there a good reason why you should not take action on the firFe sixteen questions? Additional background to selected questions 4: The minimums are: 72 hours of food for each person, 1 / 2 gallon water per person per day, battery-operated flash- lights, battery operated radio, extra batteries, first aid kit. 5: A family disaster supplies kit is for when a fire, flash flood, or hazardous materials accident forces the family to evacuate the home quickly; the family does not have the time to retrieve the materials covered in #4 if these items are spread all over the house. A family disaster supplies kit should be all the other items noted above, plus some additional items, and should be all together in one place near an exit door from the home. Other items: Change of clothes for each person ♦ Sturdy shoes for each person ♦ Blanket or sleeping bag for each 15: person ♦ Sanitary and hygiene items ♦ Utensils for food ♦ Car keys • Cash/credit card 6: In addition to the items in questions 4 and 5, a car kit should contain afire extinguisher, highway flares or a road marker. have lost their lives unnecessarily by going back into a burning residence looking for someone who was sepa- rated from other family members. The family needs to discuss beforehand where they will meet in case of fire. 14: What would you do if you were separated during a disaster and couldn't all meet back home quickly, because of flooding or earthquake damage, for example. Local phone lines are prone to go out of service in community wide disaster situations. Long distance lines tend to fare better. If you have established an out -of -area phone contact, and everyone commits that number to memory, it is a way of getting back in touch quickly, finding out that everyone is alive and well, and deciding how to get back together. A disaster buddy is someone who, in a disaster situation, will be personally responsible for checking on you and your family, to see if you are in need of assistance; and whom you are responsible for checking on in case of emergency. It's also a good idea to extend this concept tr those in your neighborhood who may need special assL tance, such as frail elderly or disabled individuals. 16: Will the school keep children on premises under supervi- sion or release them to go home on their own? Is it their policy to release a child only to someone pre -identified? 9: Many ABC fire extinguishers have to be recharged every one to three years. 12: Too many firefighters, family members and neighbors 8 THE HAZELNUT Southcenter Boulevard/ Grady Way Construction Anyone driving by the Interurban Ave./ Southcenter Blvd./I-405 interchange has seen the construction that is underway. This joint Tukwila/WSDOT project will: - realign Southcenter Blvd. so it meets Grady Way at Interurban. a realign the I-405 southbound off- and on-ramp to where the Southcenter Blvd./Interurban intersection is presently located. a add an HOV/bus lane to the I-405 southbound on-ramp. a connect the Green River trail from Christensen Road along the river's north side to the trail east of Interurban. Strander Boulevard & Southcenter Parkway Construction that will reduce congestion at this intersection is nearing completion. A third lane should be open by mid-November for westbound traffic on Strander — there will be two westbound left turn lanes and a right turn lane. Sidewalks are being added on the south side for pedestrian jaffic; property owners dedicated the land for the sYdewalk easements. The work has been prima- rily at night to minimize the effect on traffic. Federal grants were awarded to partially fund the safety and capacity improvements. NOVEMBER 1993 There will be new bridges across the river for Southcenter Boulevard and the I-405 ramps. Work to date includes pier work for the new bridges, a huge fill area, and utility reloca- tions. Construction is planned for a late 1994 completion. South 160th Street (42nd Ave S to 51st Ave S) Construction is complete on this street. New curb, gutter, and sidewalk has been constructed. A vertical curve was lowered at 42nd Ave. S. to improve sight distance where the hill allows only limited visibility. New street lights have been installed and the overhead utilities placed underground. The under- ground work has been a little more involved on this project, as City Light provides power on the north side of the street and Puget Power provides power on the south side. 9 l'iIIs4t s Jiew (%) is JNNs4$ Sewrices Do you know your rights regarding fair housing? You have a right to live where you want to live. This statement characterizes the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal for anyone to refuse to rent, sell or make a housing loan based on a person's race, color, religion, familial status, sex or national origin. (Housing need not be made available to a person who is a direct threat to the health or safety of others or who currently uses illegal drugs.) This federal law, supported by all Washington cities, was implemented in 1989 amending part of the 1968 Civil Rights to prevent discrimination. How do you know if you are being discriminated against? The following are only some examples of common violations of the Federal Fair Housing Law: • A lending company that refuses to give you a mortgage to purchase a home, although you qualify, • A real estate firm that treats you differently than other people, • Being steered to or away from a neighborhood which is primarily composed of one racial or ethnic group, • Being told that an apartment has been rented when it actually hasn't. You have additional protections if you have a disability. Landlords may not refuse to let you make reasonable modifications to your dwelling, at your expense, if necessary for you to use the housing. Landlords must also make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for a person with a disability to use the housing. One example of this is that a building with a 'no pets' policy must allow a visually impaired tenant to keep a guide dog. If you think your rights have been violated, you can call the local Housing and Urban Development Office at 220-5170, TDD 220-5185, or the Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-669-9777, a 24-hour number. Help with the energy bill is available to qualified households Oh, the weather outside is frightful... or it will be soon. At his time of year many people start thinking about how they will be able to pay their energy bills throughout the winter. Three programs that help assist people in this area are: Seattle City Light - If you are a customer of Seattle City Light, you may qualify for a special utility rate that can help you save 50% on your light bill. You must meet their income guidelines (no more than $726 mo./1 in household, $982 mo./2 in household, $1239 mo./3 in household, etc.) For more information call 684-0268. King County Housing Authority - Free weatherization is available to low income homeowners and renters. A family of four, for example, may earn up to $1816 in gross monthly income. Apartment buildings with 50% low income tenants are eligible. The program includes insulation, weather-stripping, door repair, furnace repair and possibly improved windows. For more information, call 244-0119. South King County Multi -Service Center -Income eligible residents can receive one- time cash assistance to be applied to their heating bills. 98188 and 98168 zip code residents — call 874-4328; applications can be made after December 13. Residents who live in 98178 — call Central Area Motivation Program at 328-2356. 10 Block grantfunds provide home repair help There is good news for low/moderate income Tukwila homeowners who need to make home repairs but have difficulty affording them. This past fall, the City Council approved the 1994 Community Development Block Grant Program, part of which contin- ues to provide funds to the King County Home Repair Program. Homeowners who are income eligible can receive no -interest, no -monthly - payment loans that are repaid when the home is sold or title is transferred. Loans can be used for structural and mechanical repairs as well as general improvements. Since this is a program with high demand, homeowners are encouraged to apply for funds as soon as possible. To start the application process or foj further information, call the Kit County Housing Hotline at 296-7640. Volunteer tutors needed This year's Tukwila Days festival fo- cused on the many "Faces ofTukwila". Tukwila is a city of diverse peoples with diverse needs. Efforts to reach out and connect with the community include City support for limited -English speaking residents and residents who cannot read and write. The South Central Literacy Program assists individuals and families by matching students with tutors who help them become more independent. Volunteer tutors are always needed to help out. If you would like to assist this program, please call Patty Worthington at South Central - 248- 7597. Tukwila Office of Human Services 241-7144 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 461-3222 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA 1-1 RE CYCLING REPOR TER Recycling spotlighted at King County's fall collection event in Tukwila Tukwila, Burien and Normandy Park residents recycled over 58 tons of scrap metal, petroleum products, bulky yard waste, untreated wood, household goods and other items at Foster High School on September 18, 1993. King County Public Works sponsored the event, and reported that is was perhaps the smoothest recycling collection event to date with successful partici- pation and good traffic flow. Tires, scrap met- als, wood waste and motor oil were the most popular items brought in. Comments from citizens were generally very positive and ap- 'reciative. The most <'bquent request was for easier collection methods for hazardous waste, including paint. South -end residents brim their hard -to -recycle items to King County's fall clean-up event, held at Foster High School. Wastemobile comes to Tukwila in November and December Getting rid of dangerous chemicals is a major concern to Tukwila residents. Keep your home and environment safe. Bring old and unwanted household hazardous waste products to King County's mobile collection site in Tukwila. Bring:: Pesticides • Cleaning products • Oil -base paints ♦ Motor oil (or call 296-4692) ♦ Thinners and Solvents ♦ Latex paint (try to use it up, give it away, or dry it out instead) • Hobby chemicals Don't bring: Wastes from business (call 296-3976 for business information) • Explosives (call Bomb Squad, 911, as soon as possible to arrange disposal). Location: Penney's Distribution Center, 17200 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila Times: November 18, 19, 20; and December 2, 3, 4 and 9; Thursdays & Fridays: Noon to 7PM; Saturdays: 1 OAM to 5PM Keep products in original containers or label all products not in original containers. Store them so they won't tip over or leak during transportation. Keep away from ')ildren, pets, and passenger compartment of vehicle. Separate paint from other fiiaterials. Handling hazardous materials requires care and time. To avoid delays, come during weekday hours if possible. NOVEMBER 1993 Environment awareness grows; Green Cleaning Kits were a hit Tukwila residents purchased over 60 Green Cleaning Kits in early October. These Tukwila households are now on their way toward being a bit healthier, and environmentally -friendly. Don't worry if you missed your chance to buy a kit. You can still make your own environmentally safe cleaning products with common household sup- plies by following our simple recipes. If you want free recipe cards for safe al- ternatives to toxic household cleaners, just send your name and address to: Green Cleaning Recipes Tukwila Recycling Program 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188. New study shows it's cheaper to recycle The Clean Washington Center, a state agency, recently studied garbage and recycling costs in Bellingham, Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver. The results in all four cities show that recycling costs less to collect and process than garbage. So keep on recycling and saving money! Colder weather brings "comfort food" recycling tip With winter coming, you may be eating more canned soup. Remember tin cans are recyclable! All you need to do is rinse them, remove labels, and flatten the cans. The labels can go right into your recycling bin along with the mixed paper, etc. ...and, by the way, did you know that... Some of the recycled tin removed from those tin cans is used in making stan- nous fluoride toothpaste! Stannum is the Latin word for tin. 11 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Phone: (206) 433-1800 Hours: Mon. thru Fn:, 8::30Au-5::OOPM TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Steve Lawrence, President243-9266 Allan Ekberg 241-6904 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #)994-7229 Joan Hernandez 248-0260 Steve Mullet 241-6454 Dennis Robertson 242-6373 Charles Simpson 439-8857 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Regular Mtgs I st/3rd Mondays Work Mtgs 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Information Line.... 431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor John "Wally"Rants 433-1805 City Administrator John McFarland 433-1832 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Director 433-1835 Fire Department Tom Keefe, Chief 575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Rick Beeler, Director 431-3680 Parks/Recreation Department Don Williams, Director 433-1843 Police Department Ron Waldner, Chief 433-1808 Public Works Department Ross Eamst, Director 433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services Viki Witschger, Director433-1831 City Clerk's Office 433-1800 Municipal Court 433-1840 Personnel 433-1831 City Job Line 433-1828 Emergency Fire, Police, Aid Car 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 4101 South 131st Street Recreation Division 243-5198 Senior Center/Services433-1857 Human Services 241-7144 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 242-4221 Restaurant 241-5784 THE HAZELNUT is a community newsletter published by the City of Tukwila and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacla Norris Printed on recycled/recyclable paper 1994 Budget Message (Continued from page 1) Capital budget There are several major capital construction projects scheduled for 1994. These are the cumulative effort of the Capital Improvement Program Six -Year Plans. Some of the major construction efforts planned for 1994 include: East Marginal Way; State Route 181 and South 180th (bridge); Pacific Hwy. South & South 130th & 132nd signals; Minkler Boulevard extension; a portion of the 40th -42nd residen- tial street project; and several bridge repair/painting projects. Community programs As with 1993, I am proposing that we continue our efforts at increasing our partnership with the community. I fully anticipate that Vision Tukwila meetings will again be scheduled on a neighborhood level, and our Vision 99 Task Force will be up and running. Additionally, I expect that our citizen -based Economic Develop- ment Advisory Board will also be in full operation in 1994. One of our more aggressive public involvement initiatives is Community -Oriented Policing. We are now beginningwork to build the broad-based public involvement coalition necessary for the success of this program. I am confident that this budget provides the resources to meet the challenge of our mission statement. As with every year, the opportunities and identified needs far outstrip our abilities. As a Council and Administration, we believe we have continued the proper perspective on generation and expenditure of public funds At this writing, the City Council has begun their review process. Adoption ib tentatively scheduled for December 13, 1993. There will be a public hearing prior to adoption. Also, citizens are welcome to attend Council budget review sessions. Copies of the proposed budget are available at City Hall. r John W. Rants, Mayor You are welcome to attend a public hearing on the CITY OF TUKWILA'S PROPOSED 1994 BUDGET November 22, 1993 — 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at Tukwila City Hall 6200 Southcenter Boulevard THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 POSTMASTER: I/ named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUKWILA, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 433-1800.