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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 16 No. 11995 will see the culmination of an important project that began in 1992, with the creation of a new Comprehen- sive Plan for Tukwila. A "Comp" Plan is a detailed document that spells out goals and policies for the orderly and coordinated future growth of a city, anticipating changes and providing spe- cific decision guidelines for the next 20 hears. ukwila's Planning Commission held a hearing in September 1994 to take pub- lic comments on the draft Comp Plan. The community has been very involved and interested in the Comp Plan review, as demonstrated by the large numbers who attended the Commission's hear- ing. Over 100 residents and business owners gave testimony and submitted written comments. A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1 JANUARY 1995 Tukwila Planning Commission begins its review of City's draft Comprehensive Plan The Planning Commission now begins its Comp Plan deliberations with workshops tentatively scheduled for each week during February and March. Although the public comment period is closed, the last ten minutes of each workshop will be reserved for public comments related to the current work- shop topic. Once the Planning Commission com- pletes deliberations, its recommenda- tions will be forwarded to the City Council. The draft Comp Plan is not considered "final" until adopted by the City Council, who will begin its Plan review later this year. If you would like to know more about Tukwila's draft Comp Plan, please call Associate Planner Ann Siegenthaler at 431-3670. Upcoming Planning Commission COMP PLAN WORKSHOPS Thursday, February 9 6:00-9:00 PM Thursday, February 16 6:00-9:00 PM All workshops will be held in the Council Chambers atTukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Boulevard. Please note that the schedule is tentative and subject to change. To confirm the most current schedule of dates, times and top- ics for these Comp Plan work- shops, please call the Tukwila Department of Community De- velopment at 431-3670. Look inside for: • February meetings to discuss plans for new Community Center • Police Department accomplishments • Dedication ceremony at Duwamish Park Council Corner 7e%o(oe to let iiu'o 'leb! byJoyce Craft, Council President As 1995 gets under way, the City Council again urges Tukwila citizens to get actively involved in their community. We councilmembers are elected to represent you, and always ready and willing to hear what you have to say. I believe that often people have an interest in government affairs but are just too busy with other things to actively participate. If that's your case, I suggest calling the Council agenda phone line at 431-3656 on Fridays to hear what's on the agenda for the next Monday night's meeting. If you have a question or comment, call one of your representatives. Our phone numbers are printed on the back page of the Hazelnut. Let us know what you think. If you prefer, you can leave your comment — or complaint — on my personal voice mail line at 243-4163 (or fax to the same number) 24 hours day. Please let me know your thoughts. The Tukwila City Council has chosen residential neighborhood revitalization as one of its highest priorities for 1995. We'll be discussing what the City can do to ensure that its neighborhoods are places you'll want to stay in. Among the things we'll talk about are more police presence, providingwater and sewer for areas without adequate levels of those services, improving the streets with sidewalks and trees, and funding more teen programs. Any ideas? Another important way to have a voice in your local community is to become familiar with the Comprehensive Planning process. This plan will guide how Tukwila develops over the next 20 years, and it's vital that citizens know and approve of what's in it. How might the plan affect your neighborhood? Through zoning changes, for example — the number of houses that can be built per acre, or the types of housing (duplex/triplex/fourplex/apartment developments) permitted in residential neighborhoods or around business districts. Take note of the upcoming Planning Commission hearings on the Comprehensive Plan, as well as the City Council hearings later this year. You'll learn a lot about the shape of Tukwila's tomorrow. I hope that 1995 will be a year in which each of you will take even more ownership of your government. We work for you! City gateways taking shape Work is progressing on Tukwila's gateway project, which will establish recognizable identification entrances to the City. At the entrance gateway located on Ryan Way, a brick monument providing signage and art has been installed. Moist brick was carved, glazed and then baked to provide this long- lasting artwork. Shown are two close-up pictures of the carved brick, an image of a raccoon and a cluster of hazelnuts which are part of the seal of Tulp wila. "Tukwila" in regional native America, dialect means "land where hazelnuts grow". 4 Board works to ensure library quality The Tukwila Library Advisory Board is currently developing goals to improve its effectiveness in facilitating communica- tion between the City of Tukwila, its two libraries, the citizens of Tukwila, and the King County Library system. The five -member Board is comprised of four adults and one student. Current Board members are Richard Simpson, Mac MacDonald, Trish Ekberg, and Chairperson David Kistler. Members are proposed by the Mayor from citizen volunteers at large, and approved by the City Council . Board meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM, odd - numbered months at Tukwila Library and even -numbered months at Foster Library. These meetings are open, and public 2 participation is encouraged. The Board is developing an annual report and working to improve communication to the Mayor and City Council. Helping maintain the excellence of the Tukwila Library while getting a new Foster Library constructed gives the Board many opportunities to develop 1995 goals and work towards their realization. Opportunities for interested citizens are: mr- Participating in the Friends of the Tukwila Library growl. mr- The Student position on the Board is open. mr- The Foster Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, February 5, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call David Kistler at 248-0480. THE HAZELNUT Major 42nd Avenue South street s no secret to those familiar with 42nd Avenue South that street improvement construction is in full swing. Most notable to local residents is the closure of 42nd Avenue South to through traffic. This is necessary for work to proceed, and will likely remain that way until much later this spring. Once completed, this project will provide sidewalks for pedes- trians and school children on 42nd Avenue South, along with curbs, gutters, and improved storm drainage. In addition, the current overhead utilities will be removed from the existing poles and placed underground in conduits and vaults. A traffic signal will replace the four-way stop at South 154th and 42nd Avenue South to improve safety and the flow of vehicles through the intersection. The work currently underway is the installation of underground utility vaults and conduits which will host the utilities currently serving the area on above ground poles. In addition, significant work efforts are being devoted to the installation of storm water pipes and storm water detention facilities. The project will be constructed from South 154th to ' uth 144th in four phases. Each phase will start with installation of underground utilities, followed by con- struction of roadside curbs and gutters. Once the curbs are in place, crews will follow up with drive- ways, sidewalks, temporary paving and surface resto- ration. The final phase will be paving of the entire street and installation of pavement markings. Entranco Engineers is providing construction manage- ment and inspection services during the project. Be - improvements under way sides their involvement with the utility companies and the contractor, Entranco is also responsible for addressing the concerns of residents. The contact person(s) for project - related complaints is Marshall Dick at 431-9361. Tukwila also has a Construction Engineer who supervises all active construction projects being completed by the City. If you cannot get your concerns addressed through Entranco, please contact Bob Giberson at 433-0179. The entire project is expected to be complete by mid-July. .If you need additional information regarding the project, please contact the Public Works Department at 433-0179. Underground utility installation at work — pipes are conduit for electrical, phone, and television (looking south on 42nd Ave. S. just north of 154th) Tukwila and Foster Libraries Winter Programs PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIMES Stories, fingerplays, crafts 30-45 minutes Ages 3+ Foster Library Tuesdays 2:00 PM Jan. 31 — Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 — March 7, 14, 21, 28 Tukwila Library Thursdays 10:30 AM Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 — March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Special Programs SHE SINGS SEA SONGS Tukwila Library Thursday, Feb. 16 10:30 AM "ancy Stewart leads a special sing -along concert celebrating erything from squid to geoducks. For ages 3+. Foster Library 242-1640 4205 S. 142nd Tukwila Library 244-5140 14475 -59th Avenue S. UNDER THE SEA AND OVER THE WAVES Tukwila Library Wed., March 22 4:00 PM Karen Haas — storyteller, musician, zoo educator, and marine mammal keepers aid —will provide a wonderful, watery time. For ages 6+. SHARKS! TERROR OF THE SEAS Foster Library Sunday, February 5 2:00 PM Brian Hosey explores what a shark is, what types of real dangers they pose to humans, and the types of sharks we find in Puget Sound. Examine shark teeth! For ages 6+. Also celebrate Foster Library's SOth anniversary! YO HO ME HEARTYS! THAR SHE BLOWS! Foster Library Tuesday, March 14 6:30 PM Join Melinda Pleshe as real sea captains enthrall us with first- hand yarns of saving whales and life at sea. All landlubber questions answered as you work on your own take-home marine mobile. For all ages. JANUARY 1995 3 Lultwit4eAl¢s tee,!ecke4t�K /Dept. tee%, 4ctiiitee. , . Duwamish Park additions dedicated A cold, rainy morning didn't dampen the interest of those attending the dedication event at Duwamish Park on Saturday, December 10th. Mayor Wally Rants — along with members of the Tukwila City Council, Parks and Arts Commissions, City staff, Tukwila Historical Society, Duwamish Improvement Club, and Tukwila citizens — turned out to get a look at the newest park additions. Park improvements (funded jointly by the City and the King County Community Development Block Grant program) included new accessible playground equipment, a paved walkway, drinking fountain, picnic shelter and barbeque. Also dedicated was Duwamish Park's new brick paver maze. An old English garden maze provided inspiration to Bill Gorjance, Arts Commission Chairman and maze researcher/designer. Park visitors who follow the maze to its finish will come to the site of a historical marker, a joint project between the City and the Tukwila Historical Society. The plaque indicates the location of Duwamish Grade School (forerunner to the South Central School District), built in 1911. It also recognizes Delia Merkle, an early settler who helped form the new school district, and the members of the original school board and faculty. Special guests attending the dedication included the family of Delia Merkle and several community residents who attended Du- wamish School. Unveiling the new historical marker in the center of the maze at the dedication ceremony. Power walkers, take note... Interurban Trail work to begin Soon after the first of the year, the first phase of construction for this trail will begin. In December, Tydico, Inc. was awarded the $440,373 construction contract to build the recreational asphalt trail from South 180th Street to Strander Boulevard. The trail utilizes an easement from Puget Power that follows the route of the old Interurban Railway, about 500 feet east of Interurban Avenue in Tukwila. Three additional phases in 1995-96 will connect the trail to Fort Dent Park. Funding for design and construction of phases I, II and part of phase III is provided by a King County 1989 Open Space Bond Issue. Funding for part of phase III and all of phase N is provided by Federal Transportation Funds. The Public Works Department, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, will complete the 3 -mile section of trail. Call 433-1858 for more information. Holiday D'Lites delighted all In December, Tukwila Parks and Recr ation Department sponsored the second annual Holiday D'Lites contest. The 1994 winners are: Private Residence 1st — Peggy & Michael Anderson 14412 - 51st Avenue S. 2nd — Mandi Popejoy 4811 S. 146th Street 3rd — Juanita Fawcett 4457 S. 156th Street Mobile Home 1st — John Hyde 14005 - 42nd Avenue S. 2nd — Dave Foyer 13743 - 44th Avenue S. Apartment 1st — Charlotte Bartley 15728 - 39th Place S. 2nd — Sandra Fiala 14891 Interurban Avenue S. Business 1st — Country Vittles 14212 Pacific Highway S. 2nd — Hair Designs & Tanning 325 Tukwila Parkway The City of Tukwila thanks all of you who entered and look forward to your participation again in 1995. We will be considering different criteria and cat- egories for next year, so if you have any suggestions, please call Sheri McCon- naughey at 243-5198. Volunteer banquet planned On Wednesday, March 22nd the City of Tukwila will honor over 20 citizens who have volunteered with the Parks and Recreation Department's Senior Adult Program. One honoree will also receive the Volunteer of the Year Award. Entertainment begins at 11:00 Am, and lunch will be served at noon in tho Senior Adult area at the Tukwila Co, munity Center. The cost for lunch is $4.00, and reservations are required. Please call 243-5198 or 433-1857 to reserve your place. 4 THE HAZELNUT You're invited! Meetings scheduled in February to review .nd discuss plans for new Tukwila Community Center Tukwila's new Community Center is on its way! Plans are being drawn up to transform the Allentown pea -patch site (42nd Avenue S. & S. 124th Street) into a new 45,000 -square foot community center. Those plans will be reviewed by the Tukwila Planning Commission/ Board of Architectural Review at a pub- lic hearing on February 23, 1995. But before approval of the design, you're invited to comment. What's in the new Community Center? Throughout the early stages of design, involved citizens helped determine the types of activities to be offered at the Community Center. The Center will include facilities for a variety of indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, and 2tivities for children, teens and seniors. To take advantage of its location next to the river, the Community Center will provide a waterfront trail and river views. Plans also include a 350 -car parking lot, sidewalks and landscaping. What will the Community Center look like? The community has already decided on the types of facilities for the new Center. Site of Tukwila's new Community Center (view from 42nd Ave. bridge ,oking northeast) The next step is to determine how the Community Center will look and feel. This involves careful consideration of the outside appearance — building exte- rior, colors and materials, landscaping, and location of features throughout the site — which help provide a high quality design. These issues will be considered at the Planning Commission's public hearing. How can you add your ideas to the Community Center design? Tukwila's new Community Center will be an important focal point for the com- munity. It's important that it be a facility that you're proud of. Does the Community Center look and feel "right"? There are several ways you can help answer this question. Come to the Open House in February. The architect and City staff will be available then to showyou the Community Center draw- ings, and answer any questions you may have. You can also write down or mail in your ideas, which will be forwarded to the Planning Commission before their final decision. Or, you can give the Planning Commission your comments at the February Public hearing. This is your opportunity to let the Planning Commission know what you think. Tukwila Community Center OPEN HOUSE City Hall Council Chambers Wednesday — February 1, 1995 6200 Southcenter Blvd. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tukwila Community Center PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission/Board of Architectural Review City Hall Council Chambers Thursday — February 23, 1995 6200 Southcenter Blvd. 7:00 p.m. If you can't attend the open house or public hearing, you can review draft Community Center drawings and plans at Tukwila's Department of Commu- nity Development, 6300 Southcenter Boulevard. If you have any questions or suggestions on the Community Center design, feel free to contact Ann Siegenthaler, DCD, at 431-3670. JANUARY 1995 5 Pkat 4 11ew() *mos Services Human Services programs funded for 1995/96 January begins the fifth year of funding human service programs to benefit City residents. After much discussion from the Human Services Advisory Board, and support from the Mayor's Office and City Council, 27 programs were awarded contracts for the years 1995 and 1996. Much thanks goes to the Advisory Board members who spent many hours reading, reviewing and recommending proposals. The programs address a broad range of needs experienced by the Tukwila Commu- nity. Categories of programs that were recommended for funding include emergency services, victim assistance services, health care, support for seniors, information and referral for youth and family, and employment. This is the first year that two-year contracts were awarded. These will decrease the administrative time needed to conduct the request for application cycle, as well as reduce the administrative burden on the non-profit agencies. Some of the new programs funded include: Counseling services, Catholic Community Services — This non -denomina- tional program will provide subsidized counseling services for adults in Tukwila. Refugee Health Advocacy Program, Central Seattle Community Health Center— Bilingual case management and support will be available to refugees living in Tukwila. Efforts will focus on access and appropriate use of health care services. Way Back Inn — This program will help pay the operating costs of the Tukwila - owned houses that are "loaned" to the organization to help homeless families. New Advisory Board members appointed Two new Human Services Advisory Board members were recently appointed. Their duties are to advise and assist the Mayor's office and City Council on human service issues. Lillian Woolbert, a long-time Tukwila resident, will serve as a representative of residents. Lillian is actively involved with St. Thomas Church, her grandchildren, and enjoys traveling. K. C. Dever, also a resident representative, is well known for her involvement in Tukwila City activities. In addition to her duties as apartment manager for Normandy Court apartments, K.C. is an active leader in the Tukwila Apartment Manager's Network, serves on the Community -oriented Policing Board, and has implemented substance abuse prevention programs targeted for young children in local apartment complexes. K.C. will also represent Tukwila residents. Other Human Service Advisory Board members include Julie Crassweller, repre- senting health issues; Katy Lynch, representing religious communities; Sue Lerner representing school districts; Barbie Seifert, representing residents; and Sarah Skoglund, chair of the Board, representing the busi- ness community. The Board meets on a monthly basis. Office of Human Services 241-7144 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 461-3222 Public Health and Safety Networks established Last year, Washington state established a law that called for a major restructuring of family services as part of many efforts to reduce youth violence. The idea is to use a public health approach, focusing child and family services on reducing the number of at -risk children and youth, and to carry out that focus at the "com- munity level." Part of the new legislation, known as the "crime bill" required counties to establish 23 -member community public health and safety networks. South King County became recognized as a public health and safety network. From the fall of 1994 through January 1995 many people worked on how to develop a process so that South King County communities — including school dis- tricts, law enforcement, private and public social services, etc. — could l prepared to design and deliver social and health services according to Family Policy principles. These services should be: • Preventive • Creative and flexible • Coordinated • Culturally relevant • Family focused • Consumer -driven • Outcome -based • Locally planned The community networks are expected to achieve measurable reductions in what is being defined as at -risk behav- iors/conditions. Each network will re- ceive some funds for planning, as well as direct services. Recently, South King County residents interested in these networks met to recommend individuals to fill the 23 positions. One new member recom- mended is a Tukwila parent. Con- gratulations to Laurie Ridenour, who will help represent Tukwila childre and families. All members, locally ap- pointed, will have to be approved by the State Family Policy Council. Stay tuned for more information on public health and safety networks. 6 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA RECYCLING REPORTER Putting packaging on a diet With the holidays behind us, we can turn our attention to the packaging which surrounds the products we buy all year. Reducing the amount of pack- aging we use and throw away can make a huge difference in our ability to cut trash. For reference, about 500 pounds of packaging material is discarded an- nually per person in America, or about 10 pounds per week. If we each cut our packaging consump- tion by 10%, we'd reduce the total amount of trash created by 6.3 million tons, or 12.5 billion pounds every year! What to look for ere are three simple things you can do the next time you go shopping (as you'll see, they're all inter -related). Concentrate Most powdered and liquid laundry de- tergents now come in concentrated form. You get more washes, less packaging, and usually save some money as well. Another concentrated product that can save packaging and money is fruit juice. While most people are familiar with frozen concentrate, Ocean Spray, for example, has come outwith concentrate in a juice box. The box saves energy since it doesn't need to be kept cold. Buy refills Refills reduce waste for three reasons: First, they're usually larger than the original packages and contain more "duct per ounce of package. Second, Jy're often made of thinner, more source -reduced material than the origi- nal container, since they're only in- tended to hold product, not dispense it. Finally, they're stripped down, so you don't end up with (or pay for) extra spray tops, pour spouts, etc. Many products now come in refills, including liquid soap, window cleaners, hand lotion and laundry detergents. Better yet, many of the refills contain concentrates, and the containers are made with recycled materials. Be flexible Flexible packaging is just like regular packaging, but much thinner, lighter and less bulky. The great advantage of flexible packaging is that you get much more product per a given amount of package. Good examples include coffee, nuts and snacks that come in foil "brick packs" and pouches rather than in cans or jars; juice sold in boxes or pouches rather than in rigid containers; and household cleaner refills that come in thin pouches rather than in plastic or glass bottles. It's interesting to note that while many of these flexible packages are not re- cycled or currently recyclable, they are still a good environmental choice because they're so thin and efficient when compared to more typical rigid containers. Source: The ULS Report Vol 1 #2 Want more information about recycling or composting in Tukwila? Call Rebecca Fox, Recycling Coordinator, at 431-3683. Top waste prevention tips for 1995 • Find ways to reduce paper usage at home and work. • Compost everything you can. • Buy products in large sizes, con- centrated form, flexible packages and reusable containers. • Walk, take public transportation, ride your bike. • Turn off the lights and turn down the heat (and put on a sweater). Composting's the thing in 1995 Tukwila's Compost Demonstration Garden, located at the Allentown Pea Patch at 42nd Avenue South and South 124th, has helped focus attention on composting. During 1995, we plan to offer compost bins at reduced cost to Tukwila residents! Check this space for more details. "Green" cleaning product recipe cards available Hazardous household cleaning products can turn your home into a toxic storage site. The solution to finding safe, non- toxic cleaning alternatives can be found in "Green Cleaning Recipe Cards", avail- able free of charge to Tukwila residents. The cards show how to make your own environmentally -safe cleaning solutions from common household items. By preparing and using the cleaning recipes on the cards, you'll not only keep your home safe from toxic cleaning products, you'll save yourself money too! To receive your free recipe cards, please contact Rebecca Fox at 431-3683. JANUARY 1995 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Phone: (206) 433-1800 Hours: Mon. thru Fri, 8:30Au -5:00nti TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Joyce Craft, President 242-9508 Craft voice mail/fax # 243-4163 Steve Mullet 241-6454 Dorothy De Rodas 767-3549 Joe H. Duffie (beeper #) 994-7229 Allan Ekberg 241-6904 Joan Hernandez 248-0260 Dennis Robertson 242-6373 LucyLauterbach, 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 McFariand 433-1832 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Director 433-1835 Fire Department Tom Keefe, Chief 575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. 431-3680 Parks/Recreation Department Don Williams, Director 433-1843 Police Department Ron Waldner, Chief 433-1808 Public Works Department Ross Earnst, Director 433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services Viki Witschger, Director433-1831 City Clerk's Office 433-1800 Municipal Court 433-1840 Personnel 433-1831 CityJob Line 433-1828 Emergency Fire, Police, Aid Car 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 4101 South 131st Street Recreation Division 243-5198 Senior Center/Services 433-1857 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: Stacia Norris Tukwila Police gain new office space at Southcenter On December 12, 1994 the new Tukwila Police Community Resource Cente opened at 641 Southcenter Mall, in space donated and refurbished by Southcenter Mall. The center has office space for our two Crime Prevention officers, Tom Kilburg and Ted Rutt, plus a large meeting/training room and interviewing areas for police officers taking reports or conducting follow-ups. Several crime prevention seminars for mall stores have already been conducted and more are scheduled. The Office of Human Services has provided the center with informa- tion on services available in our community. The center has limited hours while we work with volunteers to staff the front desk. The new phone number is 242-8084, and the fax number is 242-8410. The center is located on the south side of Southcenter Mall, next to Mail Boxes Etc. 411. COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Th9ethet ;rake A new sign announces the Center's presence. Tukwila Police Department earns distinction On November 17th, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs awarded the Tukwila Police Department status as an accredited law enforcement agency. Tukwila Police achieved this recognition after thorough inspections, which found that the Department satisfied the State's highest standards. The 210 standards met involve every aspect of police operations including training, evidence, planning, recruitment, crime analysis, juvenile operations, and community relations. Tukwila's accreditation was a two-year long project lasted which brought about many positive changes which strengthened overall Police Department effectiveness. This significant accomplishment ensures police policies and practices consistent with current professional standards, as well as fair and equitable police recruitment, selection and promotion procedures. THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 POSTMASTER: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUKWILA, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 Printed on recycled/recyclable paper using soy -based inks To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 433-1800.