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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 16 No. 4A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 SEPTEMBER 1995 City of Tukwila puts action behind the words "Neighborhood Revitalization" The April and July issues of the Hazelnut featured articles about Tukwila's emphasis on Neighborhood Revitalization. This topic will continue to be a central theme as we work to bring new vitality and improved livability to this city. Mayor Rants and Councilman Jim Haggerton wield the big scissors at the recent Minkler Boulevard ribbon -cutting ceremony. This extended street provides a new access route between Southcenter Parkway and Andover Park West. Crime concerns In the last issue we focused on crime and the programs the City has initiated to deal with this critical concern in our commu- nity. Since that time: • We have signed a lease agreement for locating a police storefront at the corner of South 148th and Highway 99. The Police Department plans to open the storefront in mid- to late September (see related article on page 4). • Two new officers were sworn in and are presently attend- ing the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Acad- emy. The Police Department expects to deploy these officers in support of the Highway 99 crime enforcement effort within the next three months. • The first in a series of partnership meetings between the Police Department and business and property owners along the Highway 99 corridor was held in early August. Through this partnership we expect to have a major impact on illegal and undesirable activities along 99. Community enhancement A number of other activities have been recently completed, or are progressing, that directly affect the quality of our commu- nity. • Plans are on schedule for the construction of the new community center at the corner of 42nd Avenue South and South 124th Street. It is anticipated the facility will be completed during the summer of 1996. • Construction should begin on a new fire station (replacing the old Fire District #1 station) at the corner of 42nd Avenue South and South 115th Street. • A ribbon cutting was held for the completion of Phase I of the 42nd Avenue South street project. Curb, gutter, sidewalks, underground utilities and new pavement were installed from South 144th to South 154th. • Minkler Boulevard was opened and now connects Andover Park East and West with Southcenter Parkway, eliminat- ing what once was called the "superblock". • The Highway 99 Task Force is working towards design recommendations for the highway itself and land use guidelines that will eventually lead to the revitalization of the corridor. (continued on back page) Look inside for: • Comprehensive Plan hearing • New Police neighborhood office • Rainier Symphony in Tukwila • Human Services brochures BlockWatch helps keep an eye on your community If you would like to make a positive difference in your neighborhood, you could start a neighborhood Block Watch. A Block Watch is an organized group of neighbors that meet every few months to get to know each other and work to improve the quality of life in their neigh- borhood. You CAN make a difference! Neighborhoods and apartment com- plexes that have started Block Watch programs have noticed these benefits: • Reduced crime • Less damage to property • A safer, more relaxed atmosphere • A positive reputation • Lower turnover Starting a Block Watch promotes a sense of community in your neighborhood. As neighbors get to know each other, a sense of belonging develops. Neighbors are then more willing to do what is needed to keep a neighborhood healthy. You can get more information and assis- tance in starting a Block Watch by call- ing the Tukwila Police Community Re- source Center at 242-8084. Tukwila Police bringing service closer to the community A lease agreement has been signed that will give Tukwila Police a highly visible office on Pacific Highway. The location is the former site of Autos Unlimited at the intersection of South 148th and Pacific High- way. Patrol Officers assigned to the area will begin using the center as a location for interviewing, report writing, and other patrol -related activities. This center will be more than just a police storefront office. It will become a neighborhood resource center. The office will initially be staffed by Crime Prevention Officer Ted Rutt and Tukwila Teen Outreach Coordinators Kym Fischl and Bob Gulling. An active core of neighborhood volunteers is being recruited to answer the center's phones, help with crime prevention and community policing projects, and coordinate local community activities. Remodeling work will begin this fall and will include new paint, carpet, and handicap accessibility. Please call Officer Ted Rutt at 242-8084 if you would like to volunteer some time at this new neighborhood resource center. Reporting crime to police is always a good idea A question occasionally asked by citizens is, "Is it worth bothering the Police Department to report minor crime? And the answer is "Yes" for several reasons. We will respond to about 40,000 incidents this year, most of which are minor crimes. The minor offenses won't grab headlines and, to be honest, won't receive a lot of investigative time, but they are important. We know from experience a great many of our minor crimes are committed by those who are also responsible for the more serious offenses; a life of crime typically begins with minor offenses. And most importantly — while a minor crime may seem insignificant to most — if you're the victim, it's a big deal. If it's important to you, it's important to us. If we get good information in a timely manner, we have some probability of solving the crime and recovering property. Sometimes a series of minor crimes in fact demonstrates a pattern that can lead to an apprehension on the next offense. A pattern may identify known sus- pects, time, place, and potential targets. And lastly, just knowing about minor offenses enables us to identify trends and problems by neighborhood, helping us to focus our patr and investigative resources, and assess "crime'' in our community. If you're a victim or have knowledge of a crime, please call "9-1-1." Information for a specific officer can be directed to his or her voice mail at 433-1808. 2 THE HAZELNUT Tukwila Police Auction Saturday, September 23, 1995 Preview — 9:00 AM Bidding starts — 10:00 AM TO BE HELD AT THE Tukwila Community Center 4101 South 131st Street Tukwila Police hold annual auction So tell me, have you got the blues? Perhaps you need new power tools... Or maybe you would really like A helmet for your motorbike. )w about some kitchen dishes? What we have might fill your wishes. Would jewelry complete your new outfit? It could be yours (if you're not outbid). Mo admission to pay, no lines to fight, All at a price you're bound to like. The Police Auction is September twenty- third. wenty- third. You'll find thing which are practical as well as the absurd. With the preview starting at 9:00 AM and bidding at 10:00, There will be something there for all women, children and men. We'II auction unclaimed property and City surplus — s, the Super Mall's got nothing on us. If you have questions along the way, Call 433-1820 and ask for Susan 1-loladay. City Council to hold hearing on new draft Comprehensive Plan The Tukwila City Council will hold a public hearing on their draft Comprehensive Plan in October. Prior to the hearing, City staff will hold an "Open House„ to give residents and business owners an opportunity to ask questions about the Plan. What is the Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan is the "blueprint" for Tukwila's future growth. The Plan starts with a description of the community's long-term vision, and then sets out over 400 goals and policies to help achieve that vision. it includes a land use map that shows where certain land uses and development will be located. Together, the Plan's policies and land use map will shape the physical form and the character of the community. How has the community been involved? The Comprehensive Plan is the product of many months of work and participation from residents, businesses, and property owners. It has been created in phases, first by the Tukwila Tomorrow Committee in 1994, with a second draft completed by the Planning Commission in May 1995. Using the Planning Commission's draft as a foundation, the Council has prepared a third draft of the Plan. The first public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan was held by the Planning Commission last September. Over 140 comments were received. The Council reviewed additional public comments at its first hearing in June 1995. When can you comment again on the Plan? The Council's hearing in October will give you a third opportunity to provide input on the Plan. At that time, Council will accept comments only on Council's proposed changes to the plan or significant new information. In addition, you can attend the staff's Open House to review the Comprehensive Plan, and to take a close look at proposed land use designations on the map. Comment forms will be available for you to write down your comments, to be forwarded to the Council. If you cannot attend the Open House or public hearing, you may mail a comment letter to the Council. The key dates and times for comment opportunities are noted below. OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION MEETING WRITTEN COMMENTS DEADLINE PUBLIC FEARING City Council Chambers 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Must be received in City Clerk's Office 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 City Council Chambers 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tuesday October 10, 1995 6:00 - 8:00 PM Monday October 16, 1995 by 5:00 PM Monday October 16, 1995 7:00 - 9:00 PM After reviewing your final comments, the Comprehensive Plan in Early November 19 If you would like further information on the to call Ann Siegenthaler, Associate Planner, Council expects to adopt the new 95. Comprehensive Plan, please feel free at 431-3685. SEPTEMBER 1995 3 Second annual Tukwila Community Garage Sale is a big hit Smart shoppers found bargains at over 140 sites which held sales dur- ing the second Tukwila Commu- nity Garage Sale, held August 12th and 13th. The event was a big success, and was a fun way to en- courage people to clean out their homes and keep items out of the landfill. Let's do it again next year! King County recycles, in living color (green) If you drive or walk along the sidewalk of 160th Street by Crystal Springs Park, you can see hundreds of sword ferns growing there. These beautiful ferns were planted late last spring and were made possible through the generous contribu- tion of the King County Surface Water Management Division Native Plant Salvage Program (NPSP). The NPSP is set up to protect water quality and help stabilize streambanks, thereby preventing erosion. These plants keep water temperatures in streams cool for fish, and provide improved habitat for fish and wildlife in our streams, wetlands and lakes. The County's source of plants is their properties that are preconstruction sites for schools, libraries and other public structures. With King County's permission, the City of Tukwila Parks Department removed hundreds of native plants that otherwise would have been destroyed. This has not only enhanced the beauty and well-being of our parks but has also saved hundreds of tax dollars as well. If you would like more information on the King County Surface Water Management Division NPSP, please call Eric at 296-8024 or Betsy at 296-8034. The NPSP enables people to save county resources, recycle valu- able native plants, and build cooperation in our commu- nities by working towards clean and healthy streams. lakes and wetlands. The City of Tukwila is grateful to Kin County for their assistance with this important program. Tiled wall mural will convey message of nonviolence Community members are invited to the inauguration of a Tukwila mural with the theme "Stop the Violence" On Saturday, September 1 6th at 9:00 MA at Bicentennial Park, Tukwila Mayor John Rants will place the first tile on the mural which carries a message of peace. The design of this mural was selected from a contest of Tukwila school students who gave their vision of a society without violence. The contest winner was Ian Campos, at that time a Tukwila Elementary student. Worth mentioning is the support received from Richard Fain, principal of Tukwila Elementary School, who made it possible for his students to work on their drawings after school under direction and supervision of a Tukwila Jaycee. Art students from Highline Community College are transferring the winning drawing to the mural wall in larger scale. Everyone in the community is invited to help put the mural together on Satur- Ian Campos, winner of the drawing contest, works after school on his design. day, September 16th. This will be done by breaking tiles into chips and gluing the tile chips to match the colors of the drawing. It's so easy even kids can do it — and that is the purpose of this event: to bring our community together working on the creation of a landmark for the City which reminds us of the impor- tance of living in a violence -free society. This project was created and directed by the Tukwila Jaycees. The location of the mural, which is at Bicentennial Park, is a wall under the Strander Boulevard Bridge donated by the City of Tukwila. Other sponsors of this event were First Interstate Bank, Tukwila and Burie branches, which each donated a $50 face value U.S. Savings Bond for the winner and runner up, and Godfathers Pizza, which donated pizza gift certifi- cates for all contest participants. 4 THE HAZELNUT • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The gukusila. dlete. (�o sznusdion pFelenb the rkainier Symphony autumn 63-tteert o uluefa,: gateph, Pollard White cSa#urdacl, Oetaber 21, 1995 — 8:00 pm (latter 7irJk Sekaal Veriforminq eirt.t Peltier 4242 S. 1441k Street glare! treieea: cldulta - $10.00 (Senior ajIuI!t/thu enta. - $6.00 Many contribute to success of annual Tukwila Days celebration Yowza... Awesome... Spectacular... all these words describe Tukwila Days 1995. We're already planning ahead to Tukwila Days '96! (Early birds, mark your calendars: July 13th thru 20th, 1996.) A variety of Tukwila businesses contributed to our success this year, 1 we'd like to thank them for providing prizes/funding iur the different events. Boeing Credit Union • Boeing Museum of Flight Coca-Cola • Country Vittles • Courtyard by Marriott Embassy Suites • Fascination Graphics Finesse Fine Foods • Godfather's Pizza Hardy's Shoes • ITT Technical Institute Koll Business Center • Moonrise Motel National Bank of Tukwila • Pro Golf Discount Residence Inn/Marriott • Riverside Inn Silver Cloud Inns • South Central School District Thank you, participating business and community mem- bers, for a successful Tukwila Days event! SEPTEMBER 1995 Ooneert Program (Vaughn 'W lliam.t: "Onerture to the TOa ea" rpoouak: 8ryntpltoiuf Ott 9 "r7he Weal Vele d" Xia ubt: &jm hon j Tin 104 "..& sulon &ymphoruj" • •• New Community Center Tile Sale Make a lasting impression and be a part of history in Tukwila. Purchase a personalized tile paver to be installed at the entrance of Tukwila's new community center. Buy one (or more) for your business or yourself, or give a lasting gift to a loved one or friend. They'll make great Christmas gifts, and a "gift certificate" will be available. Tiles will be offered for sale to the community later this fall. If you would like to receive additional information on how to purchase, please complete and return the form at the bottom of this article. An order form will be mailed to you shortly. The tile pavers will be 8" by 8", and up to three lines will be available for text inscription, with 20 characters per line. The cost per tile is estimated to be about $30. Exact costs will be determined by November. -4-e"-r YOUR NAME YOUR COMPANY Please send me a personalized tile order form: 1 1 Name Address City/State/Zip Phone Clip out and send to: Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188 5 J4*6t s jew(%) iliusat4 Seavices "Night Out Against Crime" a 3 -day success To involve more people in its events, the City of Tukwila expanded this year's Night Out Against Crime to three days. On Sunday, July 30, over 250 community members came together for "The Light Against Crime", a unified worship and musical service organized by local religious groups. The crowd was entertained by a youth leader band, a choral group from Jesus Is Alive Fellowship, as well as a Christian hip hop group called "42 Deep". Canned food was collected for Church By The Side of the Road's food bank. Special thanks goes to Linda Kagley from Jesus Is Alive Fellowship for her leadership role in planning this event. "Family Fun Night and BBQ", Monday July 31, was fun for all. More than 350 people enjoyed food donated by Tukwila businesses, received crime prevention information from Police officers and Police Explorers, dunked volunteers in the Teen Council sponsored dunk tank, and cheered on police officers and firefighters in the bucket brigade competition. Kids enjoyed the smoke tunnel set up by the Fire Explorers, face painting done by Foster Dance Squad, and balloons. At 9:00 PM, 150 people gathered with glow sticks for a safe streets candlelight vigil led by the D.A.R.E. van and Teen Council members. Special thanks go to the South Central School District, Tukwila's Parks and Recreation Department, and Tukwila busi- nesses whose donations made the BBQ possible: Allentown Superette • Associated Grocers • B&B Espresso • Bernie & Boys • Burger King • Denny's • Doubletree Inn • Gai's Bakery • Island BBQ • Jack In The Box • Larry's Markets • McDonald's • Pizza Hut • Shasta. On August 1, the National Night Out Against Crime, 16 neighborhoods throughout the City of Tukwila came together to take a stand against crime in their area. These block parties were visited by the Mayor, Councilmembers and City representatives who shared information with residents over potluck hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and desserts. The overwhelming response to these parties illustrates the success of the block watch program. For information on how to start a block watch in your neighborhood, call the Tukwila Police Community Resource Center at 242-8084. Summer lunch program feeds Tukwila kids Playgrounds, summer school, day camps... and lots of hungry kids. Thanks to a federal grant, the City of Tukwila again sponsored the Summer Sack Lunch Program to provide free, nutritionally - balanced lunches and milk to children this summer. 6 This year the program was expanded to nine sites throughout the City. Kids participating in the Parks and Recre- ation Department's playground program, daycamp, Pride Pak, and South Central School District's summer school received free lunches daily. So did over 100 kids who participated in the "Soccer in the Streets" soccer camp, and about 20 kids who dropped in for lunch and story- telling by the King County librarian on the lawn at the Church by the Side of the Road every Friday. Resource and reference information available The Office of Human Services has pre- pared updated brochures detailing vari- ous social and health services available to Tukwila citizens. The seven bro- chures provide information and referral on the following topics: • Services for victims of sexual and domestic violence • Services for senior adults and persons with disabilities • Employment and job training programs • Medical, dental and substance abuse and treatment services • Crisis and emergency services • Child, youth and family services • Housing Brochures can be found at various loca- tions throughout the City including th' Community Center, City Hall and Mu- nicipal Court, and through the South Central School District. Apartment man- agers can request brochures for their tenants, and businesses may also re- quest small quantities of brochures for their customers and/or employees. Call 241-7144 or 241-7199 for more information. Office of Human Services 241-7144 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 461-3222 Over 7,300 lunches were served throughout the summer, and an addi- tional 1,300 were delivered by Tukwila Police officers to children who couldn't get to the feeding sites. This is an example of our community policing e fort to have police officers and children interact in a positive manner. The parents of the children who partici- pated expressed their support and ap- preciation to the City for this program. THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA Th RECYCLING Compost bins make last sale appearance this year "Bin" there, done that? If not, Tukwila's Recycling Program will sell its high quality, recycled plastic compost bins one day only on September 30th — in time for the fall leaf season. Only 93 bins available — come early to be sure you get one. A Master Recycler/Composter will be on hand (9-11 AM) to answer all your questions. WHAT: Buy a compost bin for $10 cash (a $56 value)! WHEN: Saturday, September 30 — 9 AM to 2 PM WHERE: Tukwila Compost Demonstration Garden 42nd Avenue South and South 124th (by the Pea -Patch) Residential curbside service tips: A reminder SeaTac Disposal provides now provides the only residential solid waste collection in Tukwila. This is a good opportunity to remind residents of the steps involved in `° paring recycling for collection. The success of this program depends on YOU! .ase place only acceptable materials in your recycling container and toters. RECYCLE THESE MATERIALS ONLY (in blue 34 -gallon commingle container): ALUMINUM CANS— Beer, juice, pop (empty and rinsed -out) CARDBOARD — Flatten boxes to maximize container volume. PAPER— Brochures, cancelled checks, junk mail, magazines, newspaper, phone books, used envelopes, writing/typing and computer paper. PLASTICS— Liquor, soft drink 1 & 2 liter containers, distilled water, juice, milk containers. Remove lids, rinse and flatten. TIN CANS— Food or beverage only. Remove labels, rinse and flatten. GLASS (place in blue 16 -gallon glass bin only) - Green/brown/clear glass; rinse and remove labels. DO NOT RECYCLE THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS: CARDBOARD - Boxes with styrofoam or bonded foam lining, food saturated boxes (pizza), waxed boxes. PAPER- Books, carbon paper, diapers, fax paper, ice cream cartons, facial tissue, milk cartons, paper plates, pizza boxes, post -it notes, sanitary napkins, takeout food boxes/cups, waxed paper, wrapping/tissue paper. PLASTIC - Bags, buckets, containers, toys. STYROFOAM- Coffee cups, egg cartons, packing material/peanuts. If you have questions about your recycling or garbage preparation, collection, rates or service, please call SeaTac Disposal Customer Service directly at 682-9730. For any other recycling/solid waste issues, please contact Rebecca Fox, Tukwila Recycling Coordinator, at 431-3683. Citizens west of Highway 99 change solid waste service Tukwila residents living west of High- way 99 recently changed garbage and recycling haulers when SeaTac Disposal took over the territory formerly served by Nick Raffo, Inc. This change reflects a business agreement between Raffo and SeaTac Disposal to trade territories: Raffo gave up its territory in Tukwila and, in exchange, SeaTac Disposal gave up certain territory in Federal Way. This agreement was made independently by the companies; the City of Tukwila was not a party to the agreement. The City of Tukwila does not directly con- tract with any garbage or recycling hauler to collect solid waste within the city limits. The State of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) licenses the haulers to operate in Tukwila and monitors their service. The WUTC also directly sets the rates which garbage and recycling companies can charge their customers in Tukwila. To date, having the State and the indi- vidual haulers control the system has worked well for the City's residents and businesses. However, at some future time the City of Tukwila may want to administer solid waste collection more directly. In the coming months, City staff will study the pros and cons of continuing with a system run by the state versus taking a greater role in the garbage and recycling service. Want more information about recycling or composting in Tukwila? Call Rebecca Fox, Recycling Coordinator, at 431-3683. SEPTEMBER 1995 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Telephone: (206) 433-1800 Fax number: (206) 433-1833 Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8:30Am-5::OOPM TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Allan Ekberg, President 241-6904 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #) 994-7229 Joan Hemandez 248-0260 Dennis Robertson 242-6373 Steve Mullet 241-6454 Pam Carter 244-0558 Jim Haggerton 244-7846 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Regular Mtgs 1st/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 Steven Lancaster, Dir431-3680 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, Director. 433-1831 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/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 (Continued from front page) And, there's more to come... The most significant activity is the up- coming hearing on the new Comprehen- sive Land Use Plan. After countless hours of staff work, two years of citizen input, review by the Planning Commission, and careful consideration by the City Coun- cil, we are now preparing for final public hearings (see related story page 3). It is anticipated that the new plan will be in place by the end of November. The document contains a number of policies goals and strategies that are aimed at enhancing and protecting the quality of life in our city neighbor- hoods. It is important that the plan reflect the community's vision. That is why the involvement of the citizen -based Tukwila Tomorrow Committee and Planning Commission have been particularly important in this process, and why your participation on the public hearing process will be equally as important. The business of City government is building strong communities. This cannot be done without the commitment and collaboration of the community itself. The Council, Staff and I invite your comments and ideas as we move toward making Neighborhood Revitalization a reality. John W. Rants, Mayor Completion of Phase 1 of the 42nd Avenue South Street Improvement project is marked by the traditional ribbon cutting. 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.