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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 41 No. 5f A ,ity of Tuk*ilublication for our r Sidential arhd bness com?unities ME 41, NUMBER 5 Tu/wi/a: The City of OOhoFtukity, the Coirirukity of Choice Community members shared their choices for the look of the new 42nd Avenue South bridge Tukwila is moving forward with the replacement of Tukwila's 42nd Avenue South bridge. The City invited community members to have their say on design elements of the new bridge's appearance. They were asked to indicate their preference of details about railing design, paint color, lighting, landscaping and more. Two ways for the public to share its thoughts were offered. On September 15, a Gallery of Design Options was held in the Social Hall at Tukwila's Community Center, where community members could drop by to view displays of the choices and select their favorite details. Staff was available to answer any questions and explain the need for replacement of the 42nd Avenue bridge. The same Gallery of Design Options was also accessible for participants to make selections online through September 30, and was available in multiple languages. This collected in -person and online information will become part of the official Type, Size and Location Report - the first step in designing the new bridge. The top choices will enable us to design a bridge with its users in mind, applying the community's preferences for what the new bridge should look like. School zone camera enforcement has begun in Tukwila To encourage safe driving in school zones, the City of Tukwila began its automated photo enforcement program aimed at curbing speeding in the school zones around Showalter and Foster High School. With two cameras in the 4500 block of South 144th Street, photo enforcement of speeding in school zones began on September 1, with a one -month warning period. This warning period was intended to give motorists time to change their driving habits before actual payable citations begin. As of October 1, 2021, violators began receiving fee -based citations rather than written warnings. Activated on September 1, the cameras captured about 70 violations per day during September. "Photo Enforced" signs have been clearly posted in the school zone and are monitored while school beacons are flashing during the school day. With advanced photo enforcement technology, the monitoring system captures photos and videos of vehicles that speed above 20 mph in the school zone. PHOTO ENFORCED Please watch your speeds and stay alert when traversing through school zones during school hours. Appreciation for a caring community that stepped up to help In August a heartbreaking tragedy struck our community when - due to the Maple Crest Apartment fire - a family of three was killed and 31 other households were displaced. We collectively mourn the loss of life and the difficult road ahead for our neighbors who are forced to start over with nothing. The generous support from neighbors in Tukwila and throughout the region demonstrates that these families are not forgotten. They will be well-equipped to begin rebuilding their lives with generous donations of clothes, kitchen supplies, bedding, food, monetary support and much more. Filled with donated items, the sanctuary at Riverton Park United Methodist Church was set up like a marketplace, where fire victims could browse and select items to suit their needs. So many amazing stories of generosity have come from this tragedy - from the family that bought and delivered 31 sets of pots and pans, to the homeless individuals living on the Church property who spent hours and days volunteering to sort, stack and assist with the donations. Of course, there are countless other stories in the outpouring of support from the Tukwila community to its neighbors in need. All of this is just another reminder of the power of our mighty city. Thank you to our community. I also want to highlight the work of your City staff, many of whom spent hours and days behind the scenes to make things happen. The immediate response of Tukwila Firefighters and Police officers was amazing, and we are so thankful to all of our first responders serving this community. Public Works - also key first responders in the City - stepped up to close roads, deal with the landslide, and support Police and Fire in countless ways. Our Emergency Management office performed a lot of behind -the -scenes work and coordination. Human Services immediately jumped into action, activating their provider networks to identify resources and permanent housing opportunities for the fire victims. Their work with the Fire victims continues today. With open arms, the Parks Department welcomed our residents affected by the fire and subsequent evacuation, establishing a temporary shelter for the American Red Cross to provide disaster assistance. I know that other City departments stepped up to perform a myriad of different functions - many of which went unseen but were powerful nonetheless. Thank you to our City employees. Again, thanks to all who contribute daily to support our neighbors and better our community. 1 am so proud of Tukwila! 01---Zeo Mayor, City of Tukwila 2 THE HAZELNUT Council Corner Talking vaccines, volunteers and visitors by Kate Kruller, 2021 Council President As we turn the corner toward Autumn, I want to thank everyone for doing all they can to stem the persistent conditions of the global pandemic and the additional burdens placed upon each of us. It is disappointing that previously -lifted safety measures have been re-established, but to save lives we must slow the rate of transmission. Your City Council was preparing to return to in -person meetings by now. Yet we must find the right balance between public safety, employee safety, and providing you with City services you need. The good news: vaccines are much more available now than at the beginning of the year, and Tukwila still has one of the best testing sites in King County. Please keep using a mask, washing your hands as much as you can, and separating yourself from others when in public. We can do this together! I also want to recognize the inspiring efforts of our community who united again to assist victims of the Maple Crest Apartment fire. The response was immediate and made a significant difference to those who were impacted. Support through donations and volunteering was impressive - and literally created a huge inventory of items that was named "Mount Community" at the donation site! The good in our community is exponential - and it far exceeds any challenge we will ever encounter. Thank you all for that. I'd like to share a little about an interesting and lesser -known aspect of City Council business. It's the "Lodging Tax," established in Washington State law as a 1%charge on most overnight hotel stays. The purpose of this revenue source is to help build a strong visitor economy. It specifically funds events, activities and marketing initiatives to increase day or night tourism here in Tukwila. As Council President, I chair the monthly Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) meetings where funding requests are considered with a recommendation to the City Council. Some examples of how these funds have been used this year in Tukwila are: • New website for Spice Bridge (Tukwila's Food Business Incubator on Tukwila International Boulevard) • Experience Tukwila website and social media marketing • SouthcenterArts Initiative (installing art on sidewalks, inside roadwaysk and on the trail) to create a better visitor experience • The National Rugby 7's Tournament in August, which brought 43 teams from across the country for a weekend and promoted local businesses with discounts • Development of the draft Master Plan for Tukwila Pond State law specifies that only governmental entities and non- profit organizations can request lodging tax funds directly through applications to LTAC. For -profit entities should contact the City's Economic Development division if they have an event or activity idea. In August, City Councilmembers enjoyed a brief opportunity to get out into Tukwila's neighborhoods for the National Night Out event. Thank you to all who hosted parties and to those who attended! It was the first in over a year and it was great to see everyone in person. We continue to appreciate you, and we're listening to your suggestions and ideas. We hope to reach out and continue to meet with you in the community - using whatever methods we can - with the goal of working to build our community up together! City Council Actions Highlights ■ Approved lodging tax funds for the Rave Green Run on September 19, 2021 ■ Accepted grant funding from the Association of Washington Cities for Summer Experiences & Enrichment for Kids (SEEK) ■ Ratified 2021 update to Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed, Water Resource Inventory Area Salmon Habitat Plan, "Making our Watershed Fit for a King" (Res. 2027) ■ Authorized restoration of Before and After School Programs at Tukwila Community Center ■ Added exemption to Fire, Parks and Transportation impact fees for early learning facilities (Ords. 2655, 2656, 2657) CONFIRMATIONS In August, the Council confirmed Thanipa Suwanchote to the City's Arts Commission. Tukwila appreciates your volunteer service to our community. 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. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 3 Art explosion in Tukwila! Parks and Recreation staff have been busy working with artists and arts organizations to coordinate art installations throughout the City of Tukwila. Three initiatives were launched this past summer: Arts in the Parks Parks staff worked with Urban Artworks to this mural program that improves visual vibrancy, connection, and interest to Tukwila's beautiful parks. Artists were selected through a community voting process. Several well- known artists were selected along with several up-and-coming local artists. For information about the locations, the art and the artists, visit TukwilaWA.gov/arts-in-the-parks. Vtilitti Box Art Prosram Nine utility boxes throughout Tukwila were recently wrapped. Each colorful wrap features a reflection about what makes Tukwila unique and special. Nine different artists were selected by a jury who reviewed 29 artist applications. This project was funded through Tukwila's Municipal Art Program. Another open call for utility box artists is expected in 2022. intersection Art "Convergence" a thermoplastic intersection mural was installed at Baker Boulevard and Christensen Road in early September. Part of Phase 2 of art installation along Baker Boulevard, the artwork project was designed by artist Elizabeth Gahan and funded by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Parks maintenance staff installed the artwork over the course of two days. The colorful mural - measuring approximately 52 x 37 feet - has been a hot topic amongst some of the City's newest residents at the Marvel. Tukwila offers FREE Youth Programs Youth programs are FREE to Tukwila students and residents through 2022, in support of families as we recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan. Registration is required to reserve space. For more information, please visit us at TukwilaWA.gov/signup. Tukwila's Youth programs include: * Creative Crafting - Sewing & More * Double Dutch Jump Roping Club * Skyhawks Soccer Camp * Skyhawks Basketball * Skyhawks Flag Football Camp Be sure to check back at TukwilaWA.gov/signup as new classes are being added! 4 THE HAZELNUT Are you a Recycling Expert? It's a good time to review the current requirements about recycling. Visit WMnorthwest.com/tukwila/recycling.html. Do not bag or box recyclables - put them loose into your recycling cart or recycling dumpster (along with your empty paper bags and boxes). Recyclables in bags or boxes may be mistaken for garbage at the sorting center. Loose items can be easily identified and sorted. Most recent changes for where items should go: shredded paper belongs in the garbage (too difficult to sort from other recyclables); plastic clam shell/salad bar/cookie containers belong in the garbage; and plastic bags belong in the garbage. Plastic bags can be recycled at some local stores; visit PlasticFilmRecycling.org to find a convenient location. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Although no collection events in Tukwila are currently scheduled, you can take advantage of your household hazardous waste disposal in Auburn at the Outlet Collection (formerly SuperMall). Located in northwest corner near Nordstrom Rack, this weekly Wastemobile operates each Saturday and Sunday of the month from 10:OOAM to 5:OOPM. To know what is collected, see the lists of what to bring and what not to bring at KingCountyHazWasteWa.gov/households. Because we're worth it! • � SPFe-�( et �`cen5e oxsi PE County P oUr contact \;2 Keep y Q nforohapion current 1eYs, bedding informs collars, carr opener Q Leashes' bo„vls, can ater, ood, '/� first aid Kit cat litter, limier bags, Ter box,, Q het cleaning infor �atn�edicatlOns Q Contact records, Y more eet9a `o^ \s\t. pre; ed essth gh ot9 Make, CONSERVATION by the City of Tukwila's Recycling Program CORNER 206-433-7141 King County "What Do 1 Do With" Database Have something you don't know what to do with? This is an excellent resource for finding businesses and organizations that will accept your unwanted materials for reuse, recycling or disposal. Categories include batteries, paint, fluorescent lights and much more. Look up information based on what materials you have, and find the nearest recycling option. Take a look: Info.KingCounty.gov/services/recycling-garbage/ solid-waste/what-do-i-do-with/ Medicine Disposal Expired medicine or medicine that is not needed should not be flushed. Safely dispose of unwanted medicines at a Secure Medicine Return drop -box, located throughout King County at participating pharmacies and law enforcement offices. Mail - back services are available for residents who are homebound or have limited mobility. There is no cost for residents to use drop -box or mailback services. For more information, visit KingCountySecureMedicineReturn.org. Prepare for the unexpected. King County pet license benefits: • Faster return of lost pets • Lost pets found by an Animal Control Officer delivered to your home for free the first time • Supports the care and adoption of local shelter animals • Helps protect people and pets in your community License online at: Kingcounty.gov/licensemypet Or, call 206-296-2712 INTERPRETER SERVICE AVAILABLE Regional Animal Services of a �1 King County We're Social! ,i),0 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 5 • Tukwila Public; Works I)epartrnent e Riverton Creel( Flapgate Removal Project Over the summer, culverts and a flapgate that were used to control the flows between Riverton Creek and the Duwamish River were removed. Now the creek and the river are once again connected, opening nearly a quarter mile of habitat to threatened Chinook salmon and other aquatic species. A new bridge connects the Green River trail over the creek, providing an opportunity for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy this urban creek that they may not have known existed. Artist Sarah Kavage and her team have been working on a suite of public art pieces, including a multilingual wall mural and a wood piece that provides both habitat value and beautiful artistic expression. If you have any questions, please contact Project Manager Mike Perfetti at Mike.Perfetti@TukwilaWA.gov. NE #NE t/PDiiTEf 531c1 Avenue South two-way traffic update To address safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians, the City decided on some directional street changes in 2020. 53rd Avenue South between South 137th and 52nd Avenue South became a one-way northbound street. The parallel 52nd Place South was modified to be a one-way south bound street. Widening and sidewalk installation on 53rd Avenue had been projected for 2022 or 2023, depending on future funding. But City staff worked with Miles Resources - the contractor doing Tukwila's Annual Overlay Program - to incorporate those changes into the 2021 program. Miles Resources included the widening/sidewalk work at a cost significantly lower than a stand-alone project, thereby saving the City money. I3oeing Access Road 13riclge over Airport Way The Boeing Access Road (BAR) Bridge over Airport Way was the last remaining structure on the BAR corridor that was not seismically upgraded. Razz Construction, Inc., was contracted for the construction, which began in mid -October 2020 and was completed in July 2021. Construction crews will be on -site randomly to restore the equipment storage area at the southeast corner of the bridge back to its original condition. The City received 100%federal funding for the construction from WSDOT's Local Bridge Program. If you have any questions, please contact Project Manager Adam Cox at 206-431-2446 or Ad a m.Cox@Tu kwi laWA.gov. 6 THE HAZELNUT King County Metro's Via to Transit service expands to the Tukwila Community Center Metro has expanded their Via to Transit van shuttle service to provide better connections to frequent transit service and community hubs. Riders can affordably connect around Tukwila seven days a week, with greatly expanded Tukwila service hours. Now you can book rides from your phone to travel to/from the Tukwila Community Center and Tukwila International Boulevard Station. The cost for Via to Transit is the same as riding the bus and there is no extra cost to transfer between your bus or light rail, and Via. You can pay using your ORCA card, a Transit GO Ticket, and in the Via app/call center Accommodations can be made for riders with disabilities, and bike racks are available by request. On October 2, the Northgate Link light rail extension officially opened. Riders can now take light rail trains to the new University District, Roosevelt and Northgate Link stations! Travel around Tukwila for the same cost as the bus. Via to Transit is public transportation that comes to you. Book rides straight from your phone, get picked up steps from your front door, and travel to/from the following places without needing a car: • Tukwila Community Center • Tukwila International Blvd Link Light Rail Station Service hours: Monday - Saturday 5 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday 6 a.m. - 12 a.m. 9 _ )NITY, 141 King County METRO Connect to hubs: O Tukwila Community Center © Tukwila International Blvd Link Light Rail Station Download the Via app or call (206) 258-7739 to get started. App Store GET IT ON Google Play kingcounty.gov/metro/via Informese mas en: kingcounty.gov/metro/via/es MirnLAM Interpreter - 206-258-7739 Interpretes Turjubaan flepeaoaumr flepeKnaaay *Z'AF P*F. M+[2^q AMA Th6ng Dich Man t a,azd SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 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. Roadways near schools require additional attention by drivers. • Watch for designated school zones. • Slow down! Obey the posted speed limit. • Put down the phone! Pay attention. • Look out for young pedestrians at street crossings, on sidewalks, and between cars. Remember, pedestrian safety is important wherever people and cars are together. Jidadka u dhow dugsiyada waxay u baahan yihiin wacyigelin dheeraad ah oo wadayaasha. • Ka digtoonow aagagga dugsi ee loo cayimay. • Si tartiib ah u wad! Adeec xadka xawaaraha. • Ha isticmaalin taleefankaaga! Feejignow. • Ka digtoonow dadka dhallinyarada ah ee isgoysyada waddooyinka, meelaha lugeynaya, iyo inta u dhexeysa baabuurta. Xusuusnow, dadka lugaynaya waa in la ilaaliyaa nabadgelyo markasta oo dadka iyo gawaaridu ay wada joogtaan. Mot con diking gan mot triiang h9c dal hoi sit chi. y b6 sung cua ngLiai lai xe. • • • Coi chifng cac khu vitc truing hoc ditdc chi dinh. • Lai xe chasm! Tuan theo gidi han toc do. • Khong s1t dung dien thoai cua ban! Van canh giac. • Nhin ra cho ngitdi di bo tre d nga tit ditong oho, tren via he, vas giifa nhang chic xe. Hay nhd rang an town cho ngtidi di bo ra"t quan tr9ng ba"t cif khi nao ngtldi vas xe di sung nhau. Una calle cerca de una escuela requiere atencion adicional por los conductores. • Mira para las zonas escolares designadas. • iConducir lentamente! Siga el limite de velocidad publicado. • iNo uses to telefono! Mantengase alerta. • Este atento a los peatones jovenes en las intersecciones, en las aceras y entre los automoviles. Recuerde, la seguridad peatonal es importante cada vez que las personas y los autos estan juntas. TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday-Friday,8:30Am-5:00Pm Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 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 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Administrative Services Rachel Bianchi, Dep. CityAdm206-454-7566 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, EmergencyMgr206-971-8750 Public Works Department Hari Ponnekanti, Director 206-433-0179 Emergency - Fire, Police 911 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 Kate Kruller, President 206-678-7885 Ka te. Krull er@Tukwil waWA.go v Verna Seal 206-293-3274 Verna.Seal @TukwilaWA.gov Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 Ka thy. Ho ugard y@Tuk wi l aWA. go v De'Sean Quinn, President 206-331-5939 Desean.Quinn@Tukwil aWA.gov Thomas McLeod 206-492-4821 Thom as. Mcl eod @Tukwil aWAgov Zak Idan Zak.ld an @Tukwil aWA.gov Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson 206-595-5469 C.DelostrinosJohnson@TukwilaWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil @Tukwil aWA.gov Laurel Humphrey, Analyst 206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00Pm in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole 2nd/4th Mondays