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Home My WebLink About2022-04 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 42 No. 2Tu(wif'a: Me Cit of D oi'tuait , tyre Cowrzruait of Choice Tukwila's next solid waste collection contract: rates likely to go up Since 2012, Tukwila's Solid Waste collection services have been provided by Waste Management Northwest. The City's contract with them is due to expire on October 31, 2023. To ensure a smooth transition to the next contractor, Tukwila is currently undergoing a Request -for -Proposals (RFP) process for selecting our next solid waste collection provider. The current long-term contract helped keep costs down for Tukwila's residential customers. Observing regional trends, however, the City expects rates to increase substantially with the next contract due to rising inflation, concerns over recyclable markets, and supply chain uncertainty. A recent rate analysis revealed that Tukwila rates are by far the lowest residential rates in the area. The City is confident that the next contract will continue to offer reliable service at competitive prices. 32-GALLON CONTAINER/MONTHLY Seattle Burien $27.57 Renton $24.71 Des Moines $24.52 Auburn $23.00 Federal Way $22.75 SeaTac pr $21.86 Covington $21.44 Kent $20.50 Maple Valley $16.82 Tukwila $14.03 $42.15 0 SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL CITY AVERAGE: $23.58 So how does an RFP process work? It can be a multi -year process with reviews and evaluations . It includes multiple touchpoints with potential haulers, as well as opportunities for residents to give their feedback on priorities that matter to them. Responses from a resident survey offered City staff valuable insight into priorities that were reflected in the RFP, including: • Enhanced language around operational reliability • A cost estimate for weekly recycling • Performance measures for customer service The City wants your feedback on resident priorities for the next Solid Waste contract. If you haven't taken the opportunity to answer the survey yet, please do so now! SurveyHero.com/c/hjghvjsq Final proposals will be due on April 18, at which point City staff will score the submitted proposals on the basis of both cost and qualitative aspects. A recommendation to the City Council for approval is anticipated by early summer 2022. There will be further updates as this process continues. In -person Services - Current hours for City Hall, Permit Center, Human Services: Monday & Wednesday, 8:30AM-4:OOPM Mayor's Message As we move into - what we all hope is - the beginning of the end for the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to share with you our City's response over these past two years. Tukwila's most consequential effort was initiating an increase to our rental and utility assistance program. For many years the City has provided this assistance to qualified residents; COVID impacts required us to react quickly... and we did just that. In the spring of 2020, we redirected some new funding derived from the State portion of the sales tax toward rental assistance, and increased the lifetime assistance cap for residents. As part of the 2021/2022 budget, the City Council allocated an additional $250,000 toward rental and utility assistance, brought in part-time staff to help distribute the funds, and increased funding for specific non -profits serving this community. Last year, the Council voted to devote part of the City's allocation of Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to additional COVID-related rental and utility assistance in 2022. Reviewing our time with Covid-19 In 2020, the City distributed $171,400 in rental and utility assistance, the vast majority to residents impacted by COVID. In 2021, that assistance was $278,075. This year we will distribute ARPA funds to community members who continue to be impacted by COVID. The City also implemented a weekly COVID report that was provided to the City Council at each meeting and available to the Tukwila community. This report provided up-to-date information on City services, human services, business outreach, COVID testing and Tukwila -specific COVID outbreak information. A key part of the report was information on testing and vaccination, including where and when residents could access vaccination opportunities. While most City staff reported to work in the City to perform their duties, many pivoted to working remotely in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. This resulted in many innovations and improvements to our work, helping to ensure that all our services are available remotely. The Permit Center completely changed its process to online, allowing customers the ability to apply for permits 24/7. We have heard from many customers appreciating the greater flexibility of applying for permits online. I would be remiss if I didn't highlight the great work of the Tukwila Fire Department. From helping set up the COVID testing site at the Church by the Side of the Road, to implementing the Mobile Vaccination Team (MVT) - our firefighters have actively responded to this pandemic in our community. The MVT partnered with senior living facilities and the school district to get vaccinations out into our community, including going to residences to vaccinate home -bound individuals. Another departmental highlight would be the work of the City's Economic Development staff, connecting local businesses with State and federal relief programs. Over these past two years I have observed this community coming together to provide help for neighbors impacted by COVID. I am proud of all the work done by supportive individuals, nonprofit agencies and City staff. Yet, as we move into this new phase, it is important that we remain vigilant and continue the collaboration to keep our community safe. 01--Ze0 Mayor, City of Tukwila CONFIRMATIONS Congratulations to the following community members who were confirmed to a Board, Commission, or Committee since last November. Tukwila thanks you for your volunteer service to our community! Arts Commission: Shawn Belyea, Kai Curry Community Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board: Katrina Dohn, Roger Arnold Equity & Social Justice Commission: Kathy Hougardy, Eileen English, Aaron Draganov, Will Ragin, Perri Doll Human Services Advisory Board: Eileen English, Jan Bolerjak Library Advisory Board: Marie Parrish, Cynthia Chesak Park Commission: Nathalie Summ, Earnest Young, Teo Hunter SeaTac Airport Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable: Brandon Miles, Peter Schilling Planning Commission: Alexandria Teague Lodging Tax Advisory Committee: Miesa Berry, Jim Davis, Ben Oliver, Jean Thompson, Mike West, Brian Jones .mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmf COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM CERT Training Fall 2022 Come learn about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact your area. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates and trains people to provide basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. By using the training learned in the classroom and through exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders might not be immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. TAKE SURVEY Tukwila, Des Moines and Burien - cities partnering to bring CERT Training to YOUR community! TYY mom. Burien GET INVOLVED IN CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) WHAT CAN CERT DO? RESIDENTIAL & COMMUNITY CHECKS Make sure family members ; and neighbors are safe and well following disasters ; 1 EMERGENCY OPS O11 CENTER STAFFING Staff emergency operations centers to help organize and complete response effort TRAFFIC & CROWD MANAGEMENT Control flow ofpeople during small power outages or large- scale concert/sporting events PUBLIC INFORMATION Inform communities how to prepare, and explain resources available to help in case of emergency Interested in taking the CERT training? Please take our quick 2-minute survey about CERT Training - Fall 2022! Through this questionnaire you will help us determine the number of interested participants, the location and the size of classroom needed! wuestions? Contact 206-870-6562 or CERT@DesMoinesVvM.guv MARCH/APRIL 2022 3 Tukwila l«( geggegg{ggegge/( /G4eM M{< {( eggegge{geggeg/( /G4ggeggea , Return of the City's popular tool for reporting community issues The City of Tukwila has relaunched Tukwila Works, a portal for community members to report issues to the City. Users can report non - emergency issues (potholes, streetlight outages, code violations, etc.) and add the location and pictures to help the City respond quickly. Users can track the status of their reports, as well as those submitted by other community members. You have the option of reporting issues anonymously or providing contact information for further follow-up. To access Tukwila Works online, go to TukwilaWA.gov/TukwilaWorks. Issues can be reported directly on this page. Alternatively, the smartphone app for mobile devices is available for download at the Apple and Android stores for free. This free app is designed to enhance how the City of Tukwila delivers services to the community. Search for the "SeeClickFix" app to download. When you first open the app, you will need to search for Tukwila, WA in the "Place" tab. It will then remember Tukwila as your city. The app is available in multiple languages by changing the language within the app settings. The app also offers information and links to the City calendar, news, City services, and much more! Please note: If you have the previous Tukwila Works app (from before March 2020) on your smartphone, you will need to delete that app and download the new SeeClickFix app in its place. Do you have questions? Please email TukwilaWorks@TukwilaWA.gov. • Call to Artists: 2022 City of Tukwila Utility Box Art Program The City of Tukwila is kicking off its 2022 Utility Box Art Program, which provides vitality and attractiveness to the City, along with supporting the work of local artists. We are seeking contributors to create artwork for this year's program. The deadline -�/— for applications is Friday, April 22 at 5:OOPM. Learn more about the application process at bit.ly/UtilityBoxArt2022. O SCAN ME Seasonal Jobs: Parks & Recreation is hiring! Now is the time to apply for a seasonal job with Tukwila Parks and Recreation! There are positions to fill in the areas of parks maintenance, summer recreation programs, and Foster Golf Links. Learn more about these jobs at TukwilaWA.gov/SeasonalJobs. 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. See what's available now at GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/TukwilaWA The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer. Preparing the budget: A story The following is a satirical story meant to represent the constant challenges City Councils face in balancing budgets for competing needs. Tukwila has 10 neighborhoods. The City Council convened before a crowded chamber with every neighborhood present, speaking to their own interests. The gavel landed and public comments began. First up, Single Family Residence seeking more security and preservation of their quaint neighborhood. SFR had no sooner sat down when Multi -Family Residential stepped to the mic with a request of their own for much needed public recreational space. Next to speak was the Parks Neighborhood with their request for all new playground equipment, and walking right behind Parks to the podium came the School -Side neighborhood articulating an urgent need for sidewalks and crosswalks. Tension grew in the Chamber as competing needs were elevated before the Council. Settling into the awkwardness, the Retail Neighborhood came forward expressing their need for greater public safety, emphasizing their role in creating revenue. But not to be outdone, the Industrial Neighborhood came right behind and clamored for permitting considerations and development agreements, touting their own contributions to the budget. The Hillside Neighborhood spoke to their need for added utilities, while the Valley Neighborhood continued to plead for budget allocations to help with aging infrastructure. Valid as all requests were, the Council knew their budget could never accommodate them all. Nearing the end of Public Comments, Council asked for any additional comments to be heard, and soon County and State officials came forward to remind Council of legal responsibilities in dealing with Growth Management, Comprehensive Plans, and Shoreline Management. Public Safety stood and offered more services if budget could be found. The Administration spoke to technology needs following the pandemic, and a reminder of capital projects that have been sitting on hold. Council prepared to close the Public Comments when Affordable Housing finally stood to shed a bright light on their own crises in begging for budget considerations. Words that created a podium shadow throughout the city, the neighborhood expression was a hesitant "Yes, but not in my backyard." Sensing the end to a tense night, the Council prepared to close public comments when Budget walked in the back and slowly strolled to the podium. Looking somewhat depleted and stressed from a two-year Pandemic struggle, the following words were whispered to the City Council; "Build a budget that will reflect your values." And with that, the Council gavel tapped, and public comments were closed. This year, Council is entering Budget Deliberations. It is the heartfelt intent of this City Council to reflect our shared values in the budget we build. We welcome your input on a budget for ALL. Council Corner by Thomas McLeod, 2022 Council President City Council Actions Highlights -11/21 to 3/22 ■ Amended the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget (Ord. 2664) ■ Awarded bid to Road Construction NW, Inc., for West Valley Highway/Longacres Way Project ■ Re-established Multifamily Residential Property Tax Exemption Program in Tukwila Urban Center Zone's Transit -Oriented Development District (Ord. 2665) ■ Adopted 2022 State Legislative Agenda (Res. 2033) ■ Adopted updated Investment Policy (Res. 2034) ■ Honored legacy of former Mayor Jim Haggerton (Res. 2035) ■ Recognized new statewide protections for residential tenants impacted byCOVID-19 pandemic (Res. 2036) ■ Expressed appreciation of service to Councilmember Zak Idan (Res. 2037) ■ Expressed appreciation of service to Councilmember Verna Seal (Res. 2038) ■ Elected Thomas McLeod as 2022 Council President ■ Established standing committees for 2022 (Res. 2040) ■ Declared emergency in response to damage caused to 42nd Avenue South Bridge (Res. 2041) ■ Approved lodging tax funds for Copa Cup, Experience Tukwila, Seattle Seawolves ■ Awarded bid to Laser Underground & Earthworks, Inc., for Macadam Road South Water Upgrade and Sidewalk Improvements Project ■ Adopted 2022 Tukwila Pond Master Plan (Res. 2045) The complete text of all legislative items is available online in the Digital Records Center at TukwilaWA.gov. For additional information about any of these actions, please call 206-433-8993. MARCH /APRIL 2022 • Tukwila Public; Works I)epartrnent CONE %ONE UPD Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Traffic conditions on residential streets greatly affect neighborhood livability. Speeding and unnecessary through -traffic on residential streets can create safety hazards or be generally undesirable to the people who live in the neighborhood. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP) was developed to guide City staff and inform residents about the procedures for implementing traffic calming on residential streets. Traffic calming is defined as the application of measures which can be taken to reduce negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non - motorized street users. The NTCP only applies to streets in primarily residential areas which are classified as either a local street or a collector arterial. The NTCP does not apply to any streets in commercial areas or to principal or minor arterials, even if they are in residential areas. There are different treatment options that can be considered because each street and each neighborhood have unique conditions, needs and goals. Any resident or association (such as a Homeowner's Association) is eligible to enroll a street in the NTCP. Visit TukwilaWA.gov/NTCP. IVIacacIa n Road South water upgrades ancl sidewalk improvements Construction on the project along Macadam Road South from Southcenter Boulevard to S 144th Street started in February. This project will upsize and loop the undersized and dead-end water main along Macadam Road to improve capacity, fire flow, and redundancy. The looped water main will reduce maintenance needs. The project also includes 1,200 feet of sidewalk on the east side, bridging the current gap. A full width overlay (complete paving and striping of all lanes) is part of the project. Project completion is expected this summer. West Valley liighway/I_ongacres Way Project On Monday, March 7, construction began on West Valley Highway between I-405/S 156th Street and Strander Boulevard. The project adds a third northbound lane from Strander to S 156th Street; builds sidewalks (where none exist today) along the project's entire length on the east side of the road; and adds a new pedestrian HAWK signal at the Pedestrian Bridge. The City's first ever two-way cycle track will also be built between the Tukwila Station (Sounder) and West Valley Highway. Lighting will also be added along Longacres Way, which will help pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The plan is to start working on the north end of the project and work south, including the work on Longacres Way to the east. There will be lane closures as needed to allow the contractor to work, including some survey work. Sewer Lift Station 2 and forcemain improvements project Started in January, the months -long construction closure of the Andover Park West/Minkler Blvd intersection is coming to an end. Lift Station 2 - Tukwila's largest- had a leaky forcemain under the intersection. Ignoring the problem would have led to a large and costly sinkhole. The existing forcemain, pumps, generator, panels, vault, wiring and transformer will be upsized to meet current and future demand. Project completion is expected this summer. Levee Improvements Tukwila is working toward levee improvements to increase and manage flood protection for residents and businesses. The City is also dedicated to preserving and restoring natural habitat for fish and wildlife, and to promoting a sustainable and vibrant local economy. Tukwila is coordinating design with King County and the Army Corps of Engineers for several locations along the Green River. The goal is to be able to withstand a 500-year storm event - or 18,800 cubic feet per second (cfs). For reference, the recent March 1, 2022 storm event produced 9,700 cfs flow. A new, safe bridge -100% state and federal grant -funded! Working toward the necessary replacement of the 42nd Avenue South bridge, two potential alignments were identified in the design phase. The options considered were 42nd Avenue South or South 124th Street, both in the same corridor as the current bridge. Based on Council direction and community feedback, it was determined that the bridge will be replaced in its existing location at 42nd Avenue South. The City of Tukwila is pleased to announce that the bridge project will move forward with full project funding. The City actively applied for local, state and federal funding to support this project, estimated to cost $26 million. • In June 2021, the City was awarded $1.5 million in federal contingency funding from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) to be applied toward the design phase. • In July 2021, the Local Bridge Program awarded $12 million for the design and construction phases of the 42nd Ave S Bridge Replacement Project. • In March 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed the $17 billion Move Ahead WA transportation package, which included $17 million for the 42nd Avenue Bridge replacement. • At the same time, Senator Patty Murray's Office allocated $1.62 million in Congressional Directed Spending for the project. All of these resources will fully fund the 42nd Avenue South Bridge replacement. To learn more about this project - and to sign up for email updates - visit TukwilaWA.gov/42nd. Questions? Contact Project Manager Adam Cox at Adam.Cox@TukwilaWA.gov or 206-431-2446. Renderings developed by TranTech Engineering Hih School S A!liilir Assist the City this summer with various projects & programs. Learn about working in City government. Earn $14.49/hour, work up to 30 hours/week. APPLY NOW! er Internships Want more information? Visit: TukwilaWA.gov/internships Contact: Niesha.Fort-Brooks@TukwilaWA.gov 206-406-6692 or Jessica.Schauberger@TukwilaWA.gov 206-433-1831 MARCH/APRIL 2022 7 THE HAZELNUT City ofTukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 7 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. April is the month to focus on ending sexual violence Tukwila - along with the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to KCSARC, in King County last year more than 9,000 people of all ages received help from organizations that serve sexual assault victims. But because many survivors don't feel they will be believed or supported if they speak out, only about one in four actually do report. We can change this - and ensure survivors get the support they need - by ending the silence surrounding sexual assault. Help is available for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or needs information about sexual assault. The nonprofit KCSARC offers a 24-hour Resource Line and many online resources to help prevent sexual violence. Harassment is no less harmful because it happens online. #SAAM2022 24-hour help line: 1-888-998-6423 Online: KCSARC.org We're here for you and it's never too late. For help or information, call our 24-hour Resource Line: 1.888.998.6423 alKing County Sexual Assault Resource Center Sexual harassment, assault and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. Harassment, cyberbullying, sexual abuse and exploitation have come to be expected as typical and unavoidable behaviors online for too long. Building safe online spaces together is possible when we practice digital consent, intervene when we see harmful content and behaviors, and promote online communities that value respect, inclusion and safety. TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday-Friday,8:30AM-5:00PM 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 - Personnel 206-433-1831 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 Tracy Gallaway, 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.Mcleod@TukwilaWAgov Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 Ka thy. Ho ugard y@Tu k wi l aWA. go v De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939 Desean.Quinn@Tukwil aWA.gov Kate Kruller 206-678-7885 Kate.Kruller@TukwilwaWA.goy Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson 206-595-5469 C.DelostrinosJohnson@TukwilaWA.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