HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 42 No. 6IO NOVEMB,ER
4 O VOLUME 42,.Na
905
A City of Tukwila publicatio
residential and business co unities;
uhr a........ e City of Oppoptutriry, the Cotimivaity of Choice
A welcome to
our public safety
partnership
3
k.
MOM
Matthew L. Morris
Fire Chief, PSRFA
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) is proud to be a regional
partner in building safe and healthy communities. This is a goal that
everyone can support, and is only possible through shared resources and
collaborative partnerships.
I am excited to announce that the City of Tukwila has entered into a
contract with the PSRFA to provide all Fire Department -related services
effective January 1, 2023. This partnership creates efficiencies through
cost savings and expanded services to the residents and visitors of the City.
All members of the Tukwila Fire Department will be joining the ranks of the
PSRFA and will continue to provide the exceptional services that the City
has always recognized. All service levels will be maintained and will benefit
from the additional staffing and resources available through the PSRFA.
In addition, expanded services will be provided to the City. As part of its
Community Risk Reduction efforts, PSRFA provides the Fire Department
Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services ("FDCARES")
program - a non -emergency response and referral system with registered
nurse and social worker staffing. This program can assist in navigating
the social service network, or advocate for community members with
insurance providers and other health care professionals. Other beneficial
Community Risk Reduction services include fire prevention, public
education, and emergency management.
The PSRFA is humbled to be selected to provide care and support to the
residents and visitors of the City of Tukwila. We pride ourselves in our
shared purpose of "Professionally and compassionately taking care of
people." The PSRFA will always take exceptional care of people and serve
with integrity, innovation and inclusion. We are truly excited and feel
privileged to serve the City of Tukwila. We look forward to the future of
building safe and healthy communities together.
Look inside for information about: • Tu kwi la's Economic
Development Strategy (page 3)
• New solid waste contract (page 4)
• Free carpool parking permit at
Link Light Rail station (page5)
• Snow and ice priority routes
for winter travel (page 7)
Mayor's Message
We asked for your input.
You told us what was important to you.
We listened.
The City's infrastructure matters.
As we wrap up 2022, I want to take this opportunity to
thank you for your support of our city, our neighbors and
our future. Throughout this year's biennial budget process,
we consistently heard from residents who shared their
priorities for the future and desires for our community.
You conveyed the importance of maintaining and enhancing
City services, supporting our public safety professionals,
preserving our infrastructure, and maintaining the safety
net for the most vulnerable in our community through our
human services program
This year's budget process has been difficult - with hard
decisions needed - dealing with a fiscal imbalance due to
expenses rising faster than revenues. Yet, turning toward
2023, I do look forward to what lies ahead. During budget -
related community engagement earlier this year, staff
repeatedly heard about the importance of public safety, as
well as maintaining and enhancing infrastructure in Tukwila.
Addressing that issue, there are some exciting infrastructure
projects in the coming biennium that I'd like to highlight.
Allentown Area
The 42nd Avenue Bridge replacement project is on track
to complete design and begin construction this coming
biennium. Other projects in Allentown include the Truck
Reroute Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will get
fully underway in 2023. Also proposed is a raised crosswalk
on 42nd Avenue at the South 119th pedestrian bridge that
will include rapid flashing beacons for further safety. While
the latter project is grant -dependent, we have been notified
that we are on the short list and are optimistic the grant will
be received in the first half of 2023.
Safe Routes to School
The City has two of these projects planned in the coming
biennium. The first is to install curb, gutter and sidewalks
on both sides of South 152nd Street between Tukwila
International Boulevard and 42nd Avenue South. This
project is finishing up design, and construction will begin
next year, grants permitting. The second Safe Routes to
School project installs a raised crosswalk with pedestrian -
activated flashing beacons across South 144th Street at
46th Avenue South by Showalter Middle School. Staff plans
to apply for grant funding to begin design for this project.
Parks and Trails Improvements
There are a number of projects coming online over these
next two years to enhance Tukwila's parks and trails. While
some of the planning for these efforts will be further refined
in the first half of 2023, highlights include improvements
to the Green River Trail near the Southcenter Pedestrian
Bridge, a variety of City parks improvements to increase
usage, and addressing deferred maintenance by replacing,
renovating, adding or improving amenities.
Annual Street Improvements
Next year will also see our ongoing critical investments
in our streets and neighborhoods infrastructure. This
includes the annual overlay program on critical arterials;
the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, which
invests $400,000 annually in improving the safety of
our neighborhood streets; investments in accessibility
to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
ongoing signal repair, bridge and other infrastructure
investments.
I am pleased to share these highlights, illustrating how
we intend to meet the Tukwila community's expressed
needs in this area. Thank you again for taking the time to
convey your desired budget priorities and services. Have a
wonderful New Year.
01--Ze0
Mayor, City of Tukwila
2 THE HAZELNUT
OPEN HOUSE
JUSTAHEAD
Public Works Open House
You are invited to come and learn more about
Tukwila's Public Works operations, and about
the City's plans to build a new facility to
support these activities.
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Drop by anytime between 5:30-7:OOPM
Please join us in Meeting Room A at the
Tukwila Community Center
12424 - 42nd Avenue South
Public Works staff provide critical public
services such as emergency response,
road maintenance, snow removal, vehicle
maintenance, streetlights, and fire hydrant
repair, just to name a few.
We appreciate your interest in what our
teams do for this community.
Helping families overcome food insecurities
• Still Waters has been providing weekend "snack packs"
throughout the school year since 2016. They have done this
alongside Tukwila community volunteers, community groups
and leaders. With nearly 80% of Tukwila School District students
eligible for free and/or reduced lunch, the Tukwila Weekend Snack
Pack program is an important food resource for families when
school meals are not available.
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Currently, Still Waters has food/funds to provide weekend snack
packs to 154 students for only a few more months. Without the
support of generous community members and the assistance of
volunteers, this program will cease in March or April 2023. There
• are several ways to help the organization meet its needs. Please
visit their website at https://stillwaters.services
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COME WORK WITH US!
The City of Tukwila provides an engaging, productive
and safe work environment. We are proud to offer
excellent benefits and competitive salaries.
You can search our listing of current employment
opportunities, with job descriptions, qualifications,
salary and other information about the open positions.
Check regularly to see what's available at
GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/TukwilaWA
The City of Tukwila is
an equal opportunity employer.
Help us plavu for Tukwila's future economy
N Economic
Development
N Strategy
The City is developing an Economic Development
Strategy. Can we improve Tukwila to better support
our businesses and attract new jobs to this area?
Are there certain types of businesses you'd like to
see more/less of? Do you have detailed feedback
about doing business in the City? Whether you're
a resident, a recent arrival, own a business, or
work in Tukwila, we want to hear your ideas as
we create this strategy for the City. We'll explore
Tukwila's current role in the regional economy and
trends affecting the region. Your input can help us
strengthen Tukwila's economic future.
A successful Economic Development Strategy will:
• Ensure our retail and entertainment center remains
strong and growing
• Maintain a diverse variety of businesses that will provide
sustainable tax revenue
• Help our community business districts develop into
great neighborhoods.
Want to know more? Visit our web page to view the overall
project schedule: TukwilaWA.gov/EDP. Have ideas for a
business or service or insights about a
particular corner of the City? The web page
has an interactive map to pinpoint your
thoughts. Want to share your ideas? Take our
online survey: TukwilaWA.gov/EDsurvey.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact
Derek Speck at Derek.Speck@TukwilaWA.gov.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022
3
City selects new solid waste contractor
to start later next year
On September 19, Tukwila's City Council accepted
staff's recommendation and voted to award the City's
next solid waste contract to Recology King County.
The new contract will be effective November 1, 2023,
and the City will provide updates as the transition date
nears.
The City's Request for Proposals process saw two
proposals submitted with Recology scoring the
highest rating. Using the resident feedback previously
discussed in the Hazelnut, staff prioritized reliability,
cost and customer service in the next provider.
The next contract offers enhanced services at
residential prices roughly 15% lower than the current
regional average.
Here are a few other contract highlights:
Extended call center hours, open seven days per
week until 7:00PM.
Access to in -person customer service at the four
Recology Stores in King County, where customers
can also drop off hard -to -recycle items free of
charge (such as batteries, light bulbs, e-waste,
etc.).
A full-time Waste Zero Specialist to help customers
implement improved recycling and composting
programs, reducing waste sent to landfill.
One year of free composting collection service for
eligible commercial customers who participate in
training.
Residential collection trucks will service the city
at least four days per week as opposed to the
current one day a week, enabling better response
to customer requests.
Commercial collection services will continue seven
days per week, meeting the needs of Tukwila
businesses.
Tukwila residents can request one free annual
bulky item pickup of up to 2 yards of additional
garbage and up to 4 non -appliance bulky items
(such as couches or large chairs).
Curbside holiday tree collection, following
the holiday season each year, for residential
customers.
City staff will continue to communicate with residents
about solid waste priorities, and keep them informed
on what to expect as we near the next contract.
City Council Actions
Highlights: October -November, 2022
■ Approved an interlocal agreement for the Puget
Sound Auto Theft Task Force
Approved an agreement with Recology King
County, Inc., for 2023-2033 comprehensive garbage,
recyclables and compostables collection
■ Accepted Department of Ecology grant funding for
the Stormwater Management Action Plan and the
Stormwater Quality Retrofit Project
■ Authorized an interlocal agreement with the Puget
Sound Regional Fire Authority for Fire/EMS services
■ Adopted a policy for naming or renaming City
property (Res. 2052)
■ Convened labor -focused Budget Town Hall and
multiple Budget Work Sessions
■ Granted a non-exclusive franchise to King County
Water District No. 125 (Ord. 2681)
■ Accepted Washington State Department of
Commerce funding to study Missing Middle housing
as part of the Comprehensive Plan update
■ Adopted the 2023 South King Housing &
Homelessness Partners Work Plan and Operating
budget (Res. 2055)
■ Adopted a new Public Works fee schedule
(Res. 2056)
■ Awarded a contact with HDR, Inc. for the Allentown
truck reroute Environmental Impact Study
CONFIRMATION
Congratulations to community member Bao Dennis
Nguyen who was confirmed to the Equity and Social
Justice Commission. Tukwila thanks you for your
volunteer service to our community!
City Council meeting minutes and the
complete text of all legislative items are
available online in the Digital Records Center at
TukwilaWA.gov.
For additional information about any of these
actions, please call 206-433-8993.
4 THE HAZELNUT
Council Corner
A busy year in terms of financial challenges,
and a proud year of accomplishments
in service to our community
The year is quickly coming to a close, and the Council
has approved a balanced budget for the City covering
Biennium 2023-2024. It wasn't easy; revenue streams
change over time with new state laws, economic
conditions and overall business climate. The Mayor's
proposed budget introduced a new B&O Tax - revenues
that would be directed towards public safety and funding
for seven positions currently frozen in the Tukwila Police
Department. The Council approved this with some
additional accountability measures and opportunity for
stakeholder involvement in implementation.
We deliberated on how best to fund City services, with
deep dives into taxation and public safety, which is at
the center of this budget cycle. This 2023-2024 biennium
budget is identified as a "bridge budget," with many
changes coming into focus for the next biennium budget
of 2025-2026. As a Council, we not only serve this budget
cycle but set up future councils to give budget oversight
for the City. What tools will they have to build a budget?
The consideration of a B&O Tax is to replace revenue
streams that State law has changed or are declining in
a new economy. Over the past several years, revenue
streams have not kept pace with City expenses, which
leaves us to find new revenue or cut back on services.
Future considerations are the budget implications of
annexing Tukwila Fire into the Puget Sound Regional Fire
Authority. Is our financial health and our City's business
i
by Thomas McLeod,
2022 Council President
model fiscally sustainable? Council has already approved
funding to study this topic in 2023. And currently, a post -
pandemic Economic Development Plan is being prepared
that should be available in 2023 for a future council to
work with. It is an ever -changing landscape.
While one eye is on the future, the other eye looks to the
past year and some great work by the 2022 City Council.
This year we completed funding towards the Allentown
Bridge on 42nd, approved the location of the bridge,
funded the Environmental Impact Study on the truck
re-route project in Allentown, authorized two Tiny Home
Villages, approved the first steps for annexation into
the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, updated our
fireworks regulations, allowed Council meetings to be
attended virtually, opened our Fleet & Facilities building,
and held our first -ever Budget Town Hall with labor
unions supporting many Tukwila employees.
It's been a busy year as your Council President. I
have appreciated the many good contributions from
all the Councilmembers, but I do want to highlight
Councilmembers Quinn and Hougardy for their senior
leadership, and Councilmember Delostrinos-Johnson for
her thoughtful collaborations. It made a difference. Next
year, we will vote in a new Council President. It's been a
privilege to serve in this capacity, and wherever my City
service goes next year and beyond, it's with heartfelt
gratitude I get the opportunity to serve Tukwila.
Free carpool parking permit for
Tukwila's Link Rail Station
Free carpool parking permits are available now
for transit riders who arrive together at Tukwila
International Boulevard Station. Permits give you
access to priority parking spots on weekdays before
10:OOAM. With the park -and -ride reaching full capacity
by 9:OOAM, a carpool parking permit can alleviate the
rush to find a spot. Learn more and apply for a free
permit at SoundTransit.org/ride-with-us/parking.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 5
•
Tukwila Public; Works
I)epartrnent
eowE YOMF (/PD,4TEJ
(green River Trail repair
The westbound lane of the Green River Trail, beneath the
Tukwila International Boulevard Bridge, is currently closed.
This section of the trail has no structural protection and
has slowly eroded and washed out over time. This project
will address the bank erosion and restore the trail. A
interim repair will protect the trail from further loss while a
permanent repair is planned.
Stormwater Quality Retrofit Program
Created to improve the water quality of stormwater
discharges to the Green-Duwamish River from City, this
project will retrofit two City street discharge points. One
is located on Tukwila International Boulevard near its
intersection with SR 599, discharging to Riverton Creek and
then on to the Duwamish River. The second is on Interurban
Avenue South at South 141st Street, and it discharges
directly to the Duwamish River. A Washington State
Department of Ecology grant will reimburse the City for the
design, construction and construction management costs.
Experience gained from these projects will help to develop a
cost-effective model for future retrofits.
442nc1 Avenue South I3riclge replacement
The bridge replacement design continues. The first milestone of
the construction document phase ("30%") lays out the major de-
sign elements of the project and establishes a baseline schedule,
budget and cost estimate. Once the 30% design plans are submit-
ted to the City in early 2023, application can begin for the multiple
required permits. The King County Sewer Division is providing
project staff with information about the sewer line that runs under
the Duwamish River parallel to the current bridge alignment. Staff
will be coordinating with King County Parks - owners of the Green
River Trail - because the trail will need to be adjusted during and
after construction. The trail will ultimately tie into the new bridge
that will feature a 10-foot wide pedestrian path on its east side.
111I(Wlla Parkway emergency repair
Earlier this year, at the southeast corner of the Tukwila Parkway/
Andover Park West intersection, the City's 10" cast iron water
main failed. The failure caused extensive damage to a portion
of the street and the sidewalk. The water crew has repaired the
main and work has begun to repair the intersection. Pavement
restoration has been completed and all lanes are open to traffic.
Remaining work includes signal pole replacement and sidewalk
restoration. Because lane closures are not allowed in the central
business district/Southcenter area during the holidays, all
remaining work will be placed on hold until after January 1, 2023.
West Valley Highway improvements
The work on West Valley Highway and Longacres Way is complete
for this construction season. Paving, sidewalks, and storm
drainage improvements are complete. In early 2023, new
streetlights will be installed on Longacres Way - an improvement
that has been requested for several years. 2023 will also see the
installation of a new pedestrian signal across West Valley Highway
at the Pedestrian Bridge. The High -intensity Activated crossWalK
(known as a HAWK signal) will be the first of its kind in Tukwila.
6
THE HAZELNUT
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City crews prepare for inclement weather ahead
Tukwila's Public Works Department recently held a Winter Operations staff
meeting, to train and familiarize employees with equipment and procedures.
The Department has created this City map showing the snow and ice priority
routes to assist with your plans for venturing out. You can view it in more detail at
TukwilaWA.gov/wp-content/uploads/snow-and-ice-routes-map.pdf
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 7
THE HAZELNUT
City ofTukwila
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.
Stay healthy this winter
The flu is a viral illness that mainly affects the respiratory
tract and lungs. The disease is easily spread from one person
to another. Compared to previous seasons, flu activity has
increased earlier than usual locally, and health officials are
warning that it is more severe. The best way to prevent the flu
is to get a flu shot every year. The flu shot is recommended for
everyone, including children 6 months of age and older.
If appropriate, it is safe to get the flu shot and a
COVID shot at the same time.
khoe trong mua clang nay
Cum (cum) la mot benh do vi-rut gay ra, chu yeu anh Wong
Glen &tong ha hap va phoi. Benh rat de lay lan tit ngitoi nay
sang ngitoi khac. So voi cac mua tritoc, hoat clang cum tai clia
phiiong tang som hon thiting le va cac quan chic y to canh
bao rang no nghiem trong hon. Cach tot nhat de ngan ngifa
cum la tiem phong moi nam. Tat ca moi ngitoi
nen tiem phong cum, ke ca tre em tip 6 thang tuoi
tro len. Neu thich hop, hay tiem phong cum va
vac-xin COVID cung mot luc. An toan roi.
KingCounty.gov/infl - nz
Caafimaad qabojiilaalkan
Hargabku waa jirro fayras ah oo inta badan saameeya habka
neefsashada iyo sambabada. Cudurku wuxuu si fudud ugu
gudbiyaa qof kale. Marka la barbardhigo xilliyadii hore,
dhaqdhaqaaqa hargabku wuxuu kordhay ka hor intii caadiga
ahayd ee gudaha, iyo saraakiisha caafimaadku waxay ka
digayaan inuu aad u daran yahay. Sida ugu wanaagsan ee
looga hortagi karo hargabka waa in la qaato tallaalka hargabka
sannad kasta. Tallaalka hargabka ayaa lagula talinayaa qof
kasta, oo ay ku jiraan carruurta da'doodu tahay 6 bilood iyo
ka weyn. Haddii ay habboon tahay, waa badbaado in la qaato
tallaalka hargabka iyo tallaalka COVID isku mar.
Mantente saludable este invierno
La influenza (gripe) es una enfermedad viral que
afecta principalmente lasvias respiratoriasy los pulmones.
La enfermedad se propaga facilmente de persona a persona.
En comparacion con temporadas pasadas, la actividad
local de la gripe esta aumentando antes de to habitual y los
funcionarios de salud advierten que es mas grave. La mejor
manera de prevenir la gripe es vacunarse contra la gripe todos
los anos. Se recomienda la vacunacion contra la influenza para
todos, incluidos los ninos a partir de los 6 meses de edad. Si es
debido, es seguro recibir las vacunas contra la gripe y la COVID
al mismo tiempo.
TUKWILA CITY HALL
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
City Hall campus in -person hours:
Monday & Wednesday, 8:30Am to 4:00Pm
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, City Administrator206-433-1851
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
Fire Department
Jay Wittwer, Chief 206-575-4404
Parks/Recreation Department
Pete Mayer, Director 206-767-2342
Police Department
Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175
Mindi 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
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
Thomas McLeod, President 206-492-4821
Thomas. Mcl eod @TukwilaWAgov
Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007
Ka thy. Ho ugard y@Tukwil aWA.go v
De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939
Desean.Quinn@TukwilaWA.gov
Kate Kruller 206-678-7885
Kate. Kruller@TukwilaWA.gov
Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson 206-595-5469
C. DelostrinosJohnson@Tukwil aWA.gov
Mohamed Abdi 206-798-4872
Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWAgov
Tosh Sharp 206 507-6440
Tosh. Sharp @Tukwil aWA.gov
To email the entire Council at once:
CityCouncil @Tukwil aWA.gov
Laurel Humphrey, Analyst 206-433-8993
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
7:OOPm in Council Chambers
Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays
Committee of the Whole 2nd/4th Mondays