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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 43 No. 1rdrrn..`''4it+ i� Jtyb ,Tukwit publication or -our si. ent aI a �J business t i► 'hflotu Tu(wifa: Me City of Opportunity, the Community of Choice Mayor's Message The City passed its two-year 2023/2024 budget in December. Asa part of that effort, City staff conducted extensive outreach in our community, both online (via survey and budget tool) and at various Tukwila events (e.g., See You in the Park and the Farmer's Market). Through engagement with the community - in multiple languages - we heard the community's top budget priorities. Fortunately the City Council's adopted budget includes funding for all six of the top priorities for which I am thankful. Among the top priorities heard from all corners of our community was the importance of investments in public safety. Here's how we'll be doing that over these next two years: ► Fire and EMS Services As of January 1, 2023 the City started contracting with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) for fire, EMS and fire marshal services. Searching for sustainable Fire and Emer- gency Services options for Tukwila, the City Council created a Fire/EMS Community Advisory Committee to investigate. In May 2022, the Committee presented to the Council their final recommendation, which was to seek annexation into the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) starting with a short-term contract for services. In June the City Council concurred with this recommendation. On October 3, 2022, the Council approved a two-year contract with PSRFA that includes enhanced services - a change that has already resulted in a higher level of service being offered to our community. Their FDCARES (Fire Department Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services) program allows a nurse and social worker to respond to low -urgency calls to assist community members with an issue before it becomes an emergency. This service keeps firefighters available for emergency calls, and aids our residents in getting the actual help they need. The PSRFA contract also includes a proposed date for annexation no later than April 2024, subject to voter approval. Public Safety - An Important Investment ► Tukwila Police Department Staffing Like many of our neighboring jurisdictions, the Police Department has been short-staffed, effecting a reduction of service in the community. I am happy that the 2023/2024 budget brings their staffing back up to pre - pandemic levels. Last year, Chief Dreyer began including community members in the interview and hiring process. This has been a great enhancement in our effort to ensure Tukwila Police candidates meet the values and high standards we have for our community. This public safety investment in getting the Police Department to fully staffed is a very positive step forward in this biennium budget. ► Public Works Shops Phase 2 Public Works remains a critical component of public safety - just ask any police officer or firefighter who often rely on support from Public Works staff in response to emergencies. Providing safe, modern, and efficient facilities for this frontline staff to do their work is essential for their service to our community. Currently the City's Public Works functions are spread out around the City in more than five locations, creating significant inadequacies. While I commend our staff for the many workarounds they've managed through the years, it is critical to our public safety effort that we provide them the correct tools to do their work, including accommodations that provide them with adequate space and safe, effective facilities to be successful. I am proud that the community's priorities are being addressed in this adopted biennial budget. Our investments in enhanced public safety efforts in Tukwila can provide all residents with a greater sense of security as we live and thrive in this community. ZI-Ze") Mayor, City of Tukwila Community Policing is visible public safety in action The Tukwila Police Department's Community Police Team (CPT) provides emphasis patrols in the City in hot spots where there is an increase in crime and safety concerns from the public. CPT worked closely with Sound Transit to provide emphasis patrols at the transit station following a spike in 911 calls and a demand for law enforcement presence. Officers on the CPT team were awarded a challenge coin from Sound Transit as a thank -you for their work in reducing crime and creating a safer space at the transit station. L SOkil f NSIT Fe,_ CSafety Emergency Management: Be ready, Tukwila As the newest division to the Police Department, Emergency Management (EM) is tasked with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and emergencies that happen within the City of Tukwila. Preparing City staff Following an emergency or disaster, City staff may be called to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to help with the City's response. EM conducted a drill, teaching staff how to get the EOC set up and running shortly after a disaster. EM also made preparedness presentations to several City departments. EM participated in this year's Cascadia Rising, a regional exercise designed to help all levels of government practice their plans and problem -solve several likely scenarios. Together with the Parks & Recreation Department, EM conducted an inventory of all sheltering supplies as a first step in developing a community sheltering plan. Preparing community members Until help can arrive, community members must often need the necessary skills to be their own first responders. This year EM revived its Community Emergency Response Training After public safety concerns at Westfield Southcenter and the Transit Center, CPT provided emphasis patrols to reduce crime and provide a safe space for all. Extra patrols at the mall significantly impacted calls during the busy shopping month of December. There was a decrease in various calls from shoplifting, vehicle prowls, organized retail thefts, and narcotic use. These collaborative efforts between the Tukwila Police Department, Westfield Southcenter, and Sound Transit are examples of response according to community needs. (CERT). Taught in partnership with Burien and Des Moines, individuals learned how to extinguish fires, turn off utilities (gas/water), provide basic first aid, and conduct search and rescue. CERT 2022 graduated a class of 20 people. Even the youngest community members need to know what to do if an emergency or disaster happens. In partnership with our Tukwila Community Center Preschool, EM developed a preschool -friendly preparedness program. The curriculum included fire safety, water safety, how and when to call 911, earthquake preparedness, flood awareness and more. Building relationships Raising awareness of emergency management's role in Tukwila, EM met many community members during National Night Out. A partnership between Emergency Management, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and Pastor Jan Bolerjack facilitated the relationships necessary to open a cold weather shelter at Riverton Park United Methodist Church. Get Involved in the Allentown Truck Reroute Project Community input is needed as the City prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate alternatives to reroute existing BNSF truck traffic in Allentown. An EIS is a process to evaluate potential effects that a proposed project may have on the built and natural environment. The first step in the EIS is called scoping. Scoping is where we ask you to share your input on what issues and what alternatives should be considered. The formal EIS scoping comment period will be from February 14 through March 15. During this time, please leave a comment on our website using the QR code at left or email us at AllentownTruckReRoute@TukwilaWA.gov. Happy Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit! In Chinese culture, the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity, and / 2023 is predicted to be a year of HOPE, which inspired this ; message. `Jd ea01c�, s cQe �. You are also invited to an Open House to learn more about EIS and to provide your comments. OPEN HOUSE Allentown Truck Reroute Project EIS DATE: Tuesday, February 28 TIME: 5:30 to 7:OOPM LOCATION: Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South You know your community best, and we need your help to better understand your neighborhood and the surrounding environment! First, I find HOPE in being back together, in person, in community. Being present with each other and in the public is an important part of being a Councilmember. I invite all of you to attend our meetings this year, Mondays at City Hall or online at 7:00PM. I also look forward to seeing you at more community events in 2023. Next, I find HOPE in what is to come. Last year we passed a budget that will support and guide the work of the City in 2023 and 2024, including investments in parks and recreation, human services, small businesses, and public safety. We dealt with the challenge of record -high inflation but found a way to balance the budget by implementing a Business and Occupation Tax to offset some of the cost of public safety. We also plan to revisit the City's financial health and stability in this new year. Lastly, I find HOPE in leadership and participation in our government. I am happy to serve as your City Council President for this 2023 year, and am proud and humbled to be the first woman of color to ever serve in this role. I work with a great group of passionate leaders who truly love our City and all of the people and businesses that make Tukwila the best city in the region. This will be my last year on Council, as I have chosen to not run again this year. I encourage you to think about service as a City Councilmember. I believe more than ever that our democracy is made better when the decision makers reflect the diversity of thought, perspective and experience that exists within the community. If you love Tukwila and have ideas that will help improve our city for all, this may be the job for you! Council Corner by Cynthia Delostrinos-Johnson, 2023 Council President You don't have to run for office to be involved. We have several open positions on our City's boards and commissions, and we are always in need of your feedback on important initiatives. We have several non-profit organizations that need volunteers, like StillWaters that provides food for students in need, and the Tukwila Pantry that serves as a food bank and home to our newest tiny home village. My HOPE for you is that you find ways to connect with and participate in our City. Together we can make Tukwila the best place to live, work and thrive! 2023 Council Committees lst & 3rd Mondays - 5:30PM Transportation & Infrastructure Services Tosh Sharp, Chair Kate Kruller Mohammed Abdi 2nd & 4th Mondays - 5:30PM Finance & Governance Kate Kruller, Chair Kathy Hougardy De'Sean Quinn Planning & Community Development Kathy Hougardy, Chair De'Sean Quinn Thomas McLeod Community Services & Safety Mohammed Abdi, Chair Thomas McLeod Tosh Sharp JANUARY/ FEBRUARY2023 3 Community Development Dept. helps shape a healthy community Transportation Demand Management In 2022, staff continued to conduct outreach to those living or working in Tukwila and South King County. The team encouraged the community to try sustainable transportation modes by walking/rolling, carpooling, or taking transit. Staff engaged at events at the Tukwila Community Center, Tukwila Farmers Market, Foster High School and in Tukwila Parks. Free trees! Tukwila Recycling Program The Recycling program had a busy year with a Recycling Event that properly disposed of more than 10,000 pounds in various hard -to -recycle materials, 5,300 pounds of organic waste, and almost 200 pounds of household hazardous waste. Funding awards were also provided to the Somali Health Board, the Food Innovation Network/ Spice Bridge and to winners of a youth recycling -focused art competition. For20 years Tukwila has been a part of Tree City USA (ArborDay.org], which recognizes our commitment to the environment. In support of our canopy coverage goals, the City created a pilot program where Tukwila residents can apply to receive free trees. The inaugural Tukwila Tree Giveaway provided 108 free trees to Tukwila property owners, helping to grow our urban forest. The program aims to recur annually, with sign-ups happening in the summer and distribution in the fall. 4 THE HAZELNUT New in 2023 - A tax credit for working families! The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a new program that will provide payments up to $1,200 for low -to -moderate income Washington individuals and families. The amounts are based on income level and the number of qualifying children (if any). The WFTC purpose is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity, and support the financial stability and well-being of Washing- ton residents and their families. The Department of Revenue (DOR) is promoting this new program, especially to communities that expe- rience barriers to accessing critical information and services due to language, disability status, poverty, homelessness and other factors. Roughly 400,000 households will qualify; apply now through December 31, 2023. For more information or to see if you qualify, check out the DOR website: WorkingFamiliesCredit.WA.gov. Free tax assistance available United Way of King County is offering free assistance with preparing and submitting your taxes. The deadline for filing this year is Tuesday, April 18. For information about setting up in - person appointments in Tukwila (at Southcenter Mall), scheduling virtual appointments, and filing taxes independently for free, go to UWKC.org/need-help/tax-help/. Tukwila Human Services offers assistance to residents In 2022, City Council allotted ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to the Human Services program. These rent and utility assistance funds were distributed to landlords and utility providers, enabling the stabiliza- tion of 97 qualifying households. The Human Services Advisory Board made recommendations for 2023-2024 funding of 37 non- profit programs that meet the social service needs of low-income residents. Programs fall into priority categories of Wellness (physical, dental, mental), Housing (rent/utility assistance, shelter, transitional housing), Food Security (food pantry, elder food delivery), and Support for Independence (employment/training, medical equipment, navigation of assistance programs). While many of our community members are still recovering financially from COVID, in 2022 the Human Services team responded to 2,709 calls for assistance. Some were still being impacted by COVID-related wage loss, while others were struggling with inflation and the rising costs of rent, utilities, gas and food. A very busy City Clerk's Office Through a grant application submittal to the Washington State Archives, the City Clerk's Office was awarded $7,934.21 for use in digitizing As -Built Drawings - a collaboration with the Technology and Innovation Services and Public Works Departments. The digital images will be available through use of a GIS mapping tool that directs users to digital images related to the map area selected, greatly improving staff efficiency and providing protection for these records. In anticipation of the transfer of Fire services to the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, the City Clerk's Office digitized Fire records that have long-term retention requirements and are frequently requested. There were 141 boxes of Fire Permits and Plans, plus eight boxes of HazMat and Storage Tank records. An electronic repository was created and designed to maximize the ability to search for these records. Supporting the City's professionalism in government, the Clerk's Office staff provided training to Tukwila's elected officials, covering records management and disposition, the Public Records Act, and the Open Public Meetings Act. After four years of work experience and specialized education, Deputy City Clerk Andy Youn attained her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) certification through the Institute of International Municipal Clerks. Seeing the future of Technology and Innovation Services In 2022 City of Tukwila staff encouraged the develop- ment of TIS Interns. Two interns are in the UW Science Program. Their applica- tions to that highly competitive program were much stronger due to their projects in support of the Tukwila community. Ryan Matthew is wrapping up his senior year and has landed an internship in the financial technology sector, conceivably leading to a full-time job. The enrichment experience provided by Tukwila's Intern- ship program enables interns to see first- hand that the government work they do is extremely impactful, possibly prompting their eventual return to a career in civil service. Residential garbage pickup schedule changing! If you receive residential garbage service, Waste Management is shifting to servicing different areas of Tukwila Monday -Friday. For more info, watch for a notice, call 1-855-885-9452, or visit WMnorthwest.com/tukwila/. 2022 Annual Small Drainage Program Construction projects for 2022 were drainage improvements on 37th Avenue S, 48th Avenue S and 49th Avenue S. A total of 26 new drain inlets and catch basins and 1,702 lineal feet of drainpipes were installed, extending the stormwater drainage system to sections of these three roadways. Work included traffic control, site preparation, erosion and sediment control, utility coordination and protection, and property restoration including paving and lawn restoration. The Bridges of Tukwila To maintain the longevity of City infrastructure, each bridge in Tukwila undergoes routine federally -mandated inspections, ensuring they are safe for use and that any needed repairs are identified early. The City inspected 10 vehicle and pedestrian bridges in 2022. In 2022 the City added a new pedestrian bridge to its inventory along the Green River Trail due to the Riverton Flapgate project. The new structure is located just east of the Tukwila International Bridge. 'Tukwila Public; \()TICS New Public Works Shops Fleet & Facilities Building Tukwila's Public Works Department recently moved its Fleet and Facilities divisions from their old building on Interurban Avenue into a newly remodeled facility located on Tukwila International Boulevard. The new facility provides many efficiencies to allow staff to better perform their jobs, resulting in better service to the Tukwila community. (A video about this new facility is available at YouTube.com/watch?v=2VRUXzcWVPo) Macadam Road South gets water upgrades and sidewalk improvements Construction of Macadam Road from 144th St to Southcenter Blvd was completed in 2022, which combined two priority projects - a watermain upgrade and sidewalk improvements - to ensure that the roadway would not need to be torn up twice. The water main improvements resulted in improved water capacity, fire flow, and redundancy. The sidewalk improvements added 1,200 feet of new sidewalk on the east side, bridging the current gap, and creating a safe connection for pedestrians. A full width overlay, which included complete paving and striping of all lanes, was also completed along the full length of the project. 6 THE HAZELNUT Tukwila Parks 6. Recreation Department Brightening our community, supporting artists Supported by the Parks & Recreation Department, the Public Art Program continues to support and sustain the community art scene through grants and projects for local artists and art organizations. The Department continued its Utility Box Art Program for a second year. These common elements of the urban landscape are transformed into displays of artwork and neighborhood identity by having them covered in digitally designed vinyl wraps. Foster Golf Links: Almost a century! Just two years away from its 100-year anniversary, Foster Golf Links continues to be a fixture in the community. 2022 was a banner year with a record number of rounds played. The course supported youth by hosting the First Tee of Seattle's Tournament of Champions - a program enabling kids to build a strength of character that can help guide their lives. Partnerships supporting our community The work of Tukwila Parks & Recreation would not be possible without its many community partners. One standout partnership program delivered in the fall of 2022 was the "You Got Next" Basketball Festival. The event hosted 450 participants who took part in games, tournaments and free play. The festival was made possible through support by the King County Play Equity Coalition and the Seattle Sports Commission. Parks are essential green spaces Residents enjoy Tukwila's 150 acres of open space thanks to hard work by our maintenance crews who visit them daily, making sure they are ready for visitors. Maintenance staff contributed to the success of our See You in the Park summer event series. They readied Tukwila's parks for the hundreds of visitors to enjoy food, music, movies and games throughout the summer. Park improvements in 2022 included replacing the gazebo at Tukwila Park and installing new shelter roofs at Foster, Riverton and Duwamish Parks. Creating a sustainable future The Green Tukwila Partnership continued the important work of protecting and restoring green spaces, parks, and the Duwamish River through volunteer events, education, and partnerships in Tukwila. Notable new partnerships took root this year. Among them, the Youth Ecology & Restoration Steward pilot summer program was launched, offering job training skills and environmental education, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The program was led by Partner in Employment and the Bhutanese Community Resource Center. JANUARY/ FEBRUARY2023 7 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 I PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 206-454-7573. r —11 SIT 1 1 Renting in Tukwila All rental units in Tukwila are required to be licensed and inspected. To check the status of your rental unit or unit that you are interested in renting; or to request a courtesy rental inspection, please contact the Rental Housing Program at RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov or 206-431-3674. r Ngaii thud nhd d Tukwila Tat ca cac dcin vi cho thud d Tukwila au phai clitdc cap phep va kiem tra. De kiem tra tinh trang cua dcin vi cho thud hoc dcin vi ma ban muon thud; hoc cle yeu cau kiem tra nha cho thud lick sit, vui long lien he voi Ch cing trinh Nha cho thud tai RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov hoc 206-431-3674. 1,1 Kiraystayaasha Tukwila Dhammaan guryaha kirada ah ee Tukwila waxa looga baahan yahay inay haystaan shati iyo kormeer. Si aad u hubiso xaalada gurigaaga ijaarka ama guriga aad xiisaynayso inaad kiraysato; ama si aad u codsato kormeer kiro 00 xushmad leh, kala xidhiidh Barnaamijka Guryaha Kirada ee RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov ama 206-431-3674. w Alquilar en Tukwila Todas las unidades de alquiler en Tukwila deben tener licencia e inspeccion. Para consultar el estado de su unidad de alquiler o unidad que le interesa alquilar; o para solicitar una inspeccion de alquiler de cortesia, comuniquese con el Programa de viviendas de alquiler en RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov o 206-431-3674. 1 TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard City Hall campus in -person hours: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday, 8:30AM-4:OOPM Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax: 206-433-1833 E-mail: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov Website: TukwilaWA.gov MAYOR Allan Ekberg 206-433-1850 Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 David Cline, CityAdministrator206-433-1851 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Administrative Services Rachel Bianchi, Dep. CityAdm206-396-0341 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Human Resources - Personnel206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Human Services 206-433-7181 Community Engagement 206-454-7564 Technology Services 206-454-7575 Community Development Dept. Nora Gierloff, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Vicky Carlsen, Director 206-433-1835 Parks/Recreation Department Pete Mayer, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 M i n d i Mattson, Emergency Mgr206-971-8750 Public Works Department Hari Ponnekanti, Director 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 206-767-2323 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 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson, Pres 206-595-5469 C.DelostrinosJohnson@TukwilaWA.gov Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 Kathy.Hougardy@TukwilaWA.gov De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939 Desean.Quinn@TukwilaWA.gov Kate Kruller 206-678-7885 Kate.Kruller@TukwilaWA.gov Thomas McLeod, President 206-492-4821 Thomas.Mcleod@TukwilaWAgov Mohamed Abdi 206-798-4872 Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWAgov Tosh Sharp 206 507-6440 Tosh.Sharp@TukwilaWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov Laurel Humph rey, Analyst 206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole 2nd/4th Mondays