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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 41 No. 4A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities - July/August' 2o2 VOLUME 41,4NVMBER 4 T i wf/u: Me City of Opportunity, the Cotzrtzruority of Cfioice Police Department to begin incorporating mental health professionals 41 SOU ND Beginning in 2019 with former Chief of Police Bruce Linton, The forefront of healthcare the Tukwila Police Department began exploring ways to incorporate mental health professionals in a support role to assist the department with providing resources and services to our community's most vulnerable populations. We are pleased to announce that as of this July, we have partnered with Sound to bring onboard a full-time mental health professional (MHP) to assist officers with responding to calls involving persons in mental crisis, substance abuse and our unsheltered population. The department's contracted MHP will be part of a one-year pilot program which will be evaluated at the completion of the one-year period. This model MHP program was established after reviewing a number of MHP service models nationwide. The cost of our MHP pilot program is being paid for via seizure funds. The purpose of this partnership is to attempt to decrease recidivism rates amongst those who would be better served with receiving treatment options and resources rather than continuing a cycle of incarcerations, hospitalizations and continued criminal and or dangerous behavior. This program however is not a "get out of jail free card" or something to imply that those committing crimes will be given a free pass to continue to do so. While we strive to provide resources and assistance to those willing to accept it and build relations, there are times when that is not going to be an option or appropriate depending on the circumstances of each contact. Oftentimes, it takes multiple contacts for those in need to build a level of trust to where they are willing to accept resources. By having a regular MHP that those in need can meet with and receive assistance from, there is more likely to be an ongoing level of trust and understanding which in turn leads to more positive outcomes in the long run. Our department's contracted MHP will begin by riding with officers to get a picture of what resources we currently offer, what our training and response to mental health and substance abuse calls currently consists of and to get to know our officers and Tukwila community as a whole. Alongside our MHP, the Tukwila Police Department will continue to utilize the King County Mobile Crisis Team as needed and has partnered with other Valley agencies to provide mental health and substance abuse resources to those in need via a Valley -wide team of MHP's. In addition to the MHP services, we also have implemented other resources to assist victims of crimes in the form of our newly hired Victim Advocate. Prior to 2021, we had an exceptional Domestic Violence Advocate who was tasked with focusing on advocating for victims of domestic violence. The newly created Victim Advocate position was created to provide those same resources but also to expand assistance to be more inclusive of victims of multiple forms crime. Schedule an appointment with our Permit Center on the City website With the soft opening of the Permit Center that launched on July 6th for in person services, there is now an option available on our website to schedule an appointment to talk to one of our staff. We are utilizing a program called Microsoft Bookings that links directly to staff's Outlook calendar to schedule appointments. We have the ability to link all staff in our division for both in person and virtual meetings, based on each individuals availability. With the virtual meetings the customers and staff have the ability to share screens to walk through any questions or issues that have come up. Make your appointment at TukwilaWA.gov/Permits. Permit Center In -person and remote City services now available I want to start by acknowledging that these past seventeen months of the pandemic have been hard for many of our families. Too many people have been sick, some have passed away and so many have been negatively economically impacted by shutdowns, furloughs, and other activities. Our students and teachers embarked on uncharted remote learning and while some thrived, many did not. Most certainly our community - like so many around the world - will take time to rebuild but I am confident we will come out stronger. While some City services were reduced because of pandemic - related budget cuts, our staff has continued to provide high - quality City services across all departments. Our Police, Fire and Public Works staff have provided in -person critical services, literally standing at the front lines in our community. Many office staff provided remote services for our community, some of which spawned innovations that will continue with us throughout the future of the City. Municipal Court has provided remote services - including hearings, probation check ins and counseling - and earned an award because of the innovative nature of these changes that increased access to court services for their clients. The Department of Community Development instituted online permitting so customers don't have to come to City Hall campus to file and receive permits. Our Human Services staff have distributed an unprecedented amount of rental and utility assistance - largely to families impacted by COVID - all while working remotely to ensure the safety of their families and our community. These are only a small number of examples I could share of ways City staff found to continue serving the Tukwila community in these unprecedented times. COME WORK WITH C!S! 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. On July 6, 2021 the City began the transition back to in -person services on the City Hall campus and at the Justice Center. Most of these services are still being offered in -person on a limited basis as we continue to comply with public health recommendations and work to keep our community and employees safe. All services are still offered remotely. We expect to continue to offer limited in -person services through the summer, with the goal of opening more fully later this fall. Of course, all of this is dependent on the pandemic and the recommendations of public health experts. On that note, I do want to echo the recommendation of the Seattle King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Duchin and encourage you to wear a mask when in public spaces, regardless of vaccination status and to get vaccinated if you haven't already. Because we expect the hours of in -person services to change over the coming weeks and months, we recommend that you check the City's website - TukwilaWa.gov - for up-to-date hours associated with the in -person services you seek. You can also call (206) 433-1800 for this information - press 1 to be connected with a staff member. I know that many of you have supported neighbors and friends adversely impacted by the pandemic, and I have seen amazing acts of kindness and generosity throughout our community. I am so proud of the way our community has come together in service to one another. As we start to transition back to in -person gatherings and services, I look forward to seeing each one of youus out and about more in the near future. 01--Ze0 Mayor, City of Tukwila Vaccinate WACi 0 English For COVID-19 Information Hotline, dial 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available. Find COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Find appointments Free appointments available now! Visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov or call 1-800-525-0127 for more info. 2 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila Commemorates Juneteenth with Virtual Event The CITY OF TUKWILA Presents Continued Learning -The History of Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future of African American History Pre-recorded event will begin June 19 at 11:00 a.m. on ExperienceTukwila.com. In 2020 the Council adopted Resolution 1992, declaring that Juneteenth will be recognized every year in Tukwila. It's a celebration of emancipation and an opportunity to honor African Americans in our community through continued learning and understanding of the impacts of slavery. This year the City of Tukwila hosted their first Juneteenth Commemoration, "Continued Learning - The History of Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future of African American history." Due to the pandemic the City's commemoration this year was virtual. You can review the commemoration be visiting http://experiencetukwila.com/blog (Experience Tukwila website). Church by the Side of the Road Choir "Lift Every Voice and Sing" The City's goal is to grow the Juneteenth Commemoration over time into an annual Tukwila community -wide event. We hope to see you next year for our first in person Juneteenth Event! If you are interested in participating on the City of Tukwila's Juneteenth Taskforce late this fall, please contact: Niesha Fort -Brooks, Community Engagement Manager for more information: 206-406-6692 or email Niesha.Fort- Brooks@Tukwilawa.gov Free Fitness Classes for 55+ through 2021 INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL WITH MARLUS Tuesdays: 1:30 -2:30 - begins July 13th Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US because it is a great activity for all ages and abilities, and it is easy to learn. Learn the basics of Pickleball: scoring, serving, etiquette and strategies. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to four people per class. SILVER SNEAKERS WITH SUZANNE Tuesdays: 10:00 - 11:00am - begins July 6th Designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement, and improve activities for daily living. Low Impact training suitable for all fitness levels, a chair may be used for seated exercises and standing support. Class can be modified depending on fitness levels. FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING WITH JOCELYN Wednesdays: 8:00 - 9:00am - begins July 7th Movements designed to strengthen and tighten all your muscles improving your posture, balance, core strength, coordination, and range of motion. This class aims to increase your energy and strength to perform daily activities with minimal pain and injury. Participants can expect standing and floor exercises. TAI CHI WITH JOHN Thursdays: 1:00 - 2:00pm - begins July 8th The class will introduce you to the basic movements of Tai Chi. The focus will be designed to increase balance, strength, relaxation, flexibility, and improve breathing through gentle movement. Suitable for all fitness levels. YOGA & STRETCHING A free & fun weekly 1-hour Virtual yoga practice for LGBTQIA+ older adults, and their family, loved ones, allies, or caregivers. Previous experience with yoga or stretching is not required. Come join us and move a little while having a whole lot of fun! Mondays at 11:00am, Wednesday & Fridays at 3:30pm. Pre - register for the class here: http://genpri.de/yoga JULY/AUGUST 2021 3 Council Corner Being Community Centered by Kate Kruller, 2021 Council President In June, your City Council convened its first in -person meeting in over a year to hold the annual retreat at the Tukwila Community Center. The logistics involved strictly following the state requirements for safety and public access before we reached 70 percent vaccination levels, but we did it! The theme of this year's retreat was "Being Community Centered," and a variety of special guests joined the City Council to discuss related topics. Friday night focused on aspects of the past that make up what our community is today. Duwamish Tribe Chairwoman Cecile Hansen joined Councilmembers to share her valuable perspective on current events regarding the Tribe, including their quest for Federal recognition. Council had an opportunity to read the book Chief Seattle and the Town that Took His Name in preparation for this discussion. We were honored to meet with this leader of four decades, representing people who have lived here for over 10-thousand years. Merna Ann Hecht, Co -Director and Editor on the Refugee & Immigrant Youth Voices Poetry Project, met us fora discussion about the project and a deeper understanding of the past traumatic experiences carried by a significant number of our residents who sought refuge in our community. Council had an opportunity to read the seventh publication by this project, We Are the Future: Poems with a Voice for Peace - Stories of Arrival, featuring poetry from Tukwila students in preparation for this discussion. I highly recommend this powerful book. The next morning, we convened again at our Community Center to embark on a full day of teamwork and learning. Greg Taylor of Community Connection Consulting facilitated a workshop on Reimagining Racial Inclusion through Community Centered Policymaking. This involved examining how local government is structured and functions, its historical roots and governmental injustices, learning ways to communicate differently, along with examining, rethinking, and transforming policy that prevents marginalized residents from full access to and receiving the services they deserve from their local government. Next, Eleuthera Lisch and Fahima Mohamed from Public Health - Seattle & King County, Zero Youth Detention joined us to discuss the Regional Community Safety & Well Being Plan. This is an initiative near to my heart which takes a public health approach toward reducing and eliminating gun violence, and factors in education, workforce development, juvenile justice, community safety, and health & human services as focus areas. Learn more about this effort at zeroyouthdetention.com Following that was a presentation by a City Attorney regarding the Council's authority and role in City personnel, organizational structure and budgeting. It is always very informative to discuss amongst ourselves the distinct authorities and relationships between our branch of government (legislative) and others. We concluded the 2021 Retreat with a very engaged discussion on matters specific to our work, including community outreach, strategic planning, meeting procedures and practices, the Teen & Senior Center Project directed by the Council in our last budget deliberations, and finally, how to get back to meeting in -person for all our committee and Council meetings. We are all interested in moving forward with that as soon as we have the logistics fully worked out. I am greatly appreciative of my colleagues in carving out personal time to make this retreat possible. I know we are looking forward to resuming all of our meetings in person as soon as we can and working directly with everyone in our Tukwila community again. City Council Actions ■ Extended emergency rules to allow tents in parking lots and allow temporary signage to help businesses operate under COVID-19 restrictions. ■ Authorized a contract for tennis court repairs and improvements at Tukwila and Crystal Springs Parks ■ Accepted grant funding for the Tukwila Station Non - Motorized Connectivity & Safety Project ■ Ordinance 2654 issued LTGO bonds to finance Public Works facilities capital improvements ■ Authorized an agreement for Emergency Police Communication Services with Valley Communications Center ■ Accepted funding from the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (Continued on next page) 4 THE HAZELNUT ■ Awarded a bid to Miles Resources, LLC for the 2021 Overlay & Repair Program ■ Approved lodging tax funding for the 2021 USA Rugby 7s Championship and artwork along Baker Boulevard ■ Resolution 2024 adopted a Transportation Improvement Program for 2022-2027 ■ Resolution 2025 to become a signatory to the Regional Coordination Framework for Disasters and Planned Events ■ Accepted grant funding from the Puget Sound Regional Council for design of the 42nd Avenue South Bridge Replacement ■ Authorized a contract for security cameras in Codiga, Crystal Springs, & Tukwila Pond Parks, and the Community Center CONFIRMATIONS The following community members were confirmed as Board members between January and March. Tukwila thanks these volunteers for their service to our community! Kathleen Gantz, Parks Commission 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, call 206-433-8993. COUNTS 2020 City Launches Visitor Website and Social Media Everyday nearly 150,000 people come to Tukwila to shop, play, dine, work, and stay. With Westfield Southcenter, Museum of Flight, Starfire Sports, miles of trails, and nearly 200 restaurants, the City offers a range of fun activities for families across the Puget Sound region. To better highlight and promoteTukwila, the City launched Experience Tukwila last year. Experience Tukwila is the City's brand to promote Tukwila within the region, to bring more people to Tukwila and to improve our image. Experience Tukwila includes a new website, ExperienceTukwila.com and related social media accounts. You can help us show off Tukwila! First, like or follower us on social media: Facebook Twitter I nstagra m Linkedln @ExperienceTukwila @ExpTu kwi la @experiencetukwila @experience-tukwila And next, tag us in your posts and photos about the city! Maybe we will share your photos on our accounts to help show how great Tukwila is! (Experience Tukwila is funded by the City's hotel/motel tax and no general fund dollars are used.) 2020 Census in Review Last year the City of Tukwila successfully increased its residential self -response rate by 4.2%, from a response rate of 64% in 2010 to last year's rate of 68%. The City of Tukwila would like to thank all residents and City staff who took the time to self -respond online, phone or by paper last year. The 2020 Census released its data showing the U.S. resident population of 331,449,281. As of July 1, 2019, the City of Tukwila's population is 20,347. On August 16, the U.S. Census Bureau will release the demographics statistics of the 2020 Census, which will include a new population count. The demographic statistics is based on: • Race and ethnicity • Voting -age population • Occupied and vacant housing units • People living in group quarters like nursing homes, prisons, military barracks, and college dorms. • Including, data will be used to redraw legislative voting districts Next month the City will learn the population count of its residents and as a nation. Keep a look out for next month's update on the demographic data on the 2020 Census. In later months, the Census Bureau will continue to release additional information gained from the 2020 Census, including employment, economic, language, and housing data, just to list a few. To learn more about what the U.S Census is doing you can visit the website at Census.gov. JULY/AUGUST 2021 5 Tukwila Public; Works I)epartrnent e NE 'NE t/PD TES . • • — • — • • • • — • — • • • • — • — • • — • — • Allentown 1-ruck Reroute/Alternative Access Stucly Project The City is working with the Allentown community on a Truck Reroute/Alternative Access Study Project, with the common goal of rerouting the truck traffic to improve pedestrian safety in the residential areas of the neighborhood. Currently, 3,000 trucks use the existing route daily. The City will be completing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Alternative Access Study to examine four alternative routes for freight traffic - 1) Airport Way S., 2) The north leg of Gateway Drive, 3) S. 112th Street, and 4) 48th Ave. S.- as compared to the status quo / "no action" route (S. 124th St. and 42nd Ave. S. bridge). An EIS is intended to be an impartial tool to identify and analyze probable adverse environmental impacts, reasonable alternatives, and possible mitigation for the impacts. An EIS typically takes 18-24 months to complete and the City anticipates the EIS for the Alternative Access Study will begin in early 2022 and be completed by the end of 2023. Regular updates and monthly communications with the Allentown community will begin in the fourth quarter of 2021. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Hari Ponnekanti, Director of Public Works, at 206-431-2455 or Hari.Ponnekanti@TukwilaWA.gov. 442nc1 Ave S Bridge Replacement Project The 42nd Ave S. Bridge is an important arterial that crosses the Duwamish River and provides access to the Allentown neighborhood and the Tukwila Community Center. In April 2017, the bridge received a sufficiency rating of 7.56 out of 100 and is considered structurally and seismically deficient. This has resulted in vehicle load restrictions, reduced speed limits of 15 miles per hour, and limited passage of one truck at a time; regulations that were implemented to reduce structural impacts and increase safety until the bridge can be replaced. The City has been actively applying for local, state, and federal funding to support this project and has recently been awarded $13.5 million in grant funding for the 42nd Ave S Bridge Replacement Project - $1.5 million in federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) to complete 100%design, and $12 million in federal AO Local Bridge Program funding from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the construction phase of �11 the project. This project is also being considered for funding as part of the 2022 Infrastructure Package via Congressman Adam Smith and Senator Patty Murray. To learn more about the project and sign up for e-mail updates, visit TukwilaWA.gov/42nd. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Cox, Project Manager, at 206-431-2446 or Adam.Cox@TukwilaWA.gov. 6 THE HAZELNUT 2021 Central Business District Sanitary Sewer Rehab - Phase 4 The concrete sewer main in the Central Business District is approximately 45 years old and was becoming soft. This sewer project reinforced the pipe strength with slip lining - along Strander Blvd from Southcenter Parkway to Bicentennial Park, and along Andover Park West from Strander Blvd to Minkler Blvd - to prevent pipe collapse with little impact the roadways and minimal excavation. The construction took place during the night hours to avoid inconveniencing routine City traffic. Construction began June 2021 and will conclude in August 2021. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Adib Altallal, Project Manager, at 206-240-0633 or Adib.Altallal@TukwilaWA.gov. Riverton Creek Flapgate Removal Project The Riverton Creek Flapgate Removal Project will improve fish access to Riverton Creek from the Duwamish River and enhance the salmon rearing and resting area. Construction resumed on July 15th, following an overwinter shutdown period. The contractor, R.L. Alia, has created a temporary stream bypass system that will enable them to regrade and realign the creek channel, as well as place rock armoring, boulders, stream gravels and large wood. The final phase of in -stream work will include removal of the culverts, flapgates and fill material and creation of a log/boulder step-down at the outlet to reconnect Riverton Creek with the Duwamish River. The Green River Trail is being detoured to accommodate construction. The detour is anticipated to be in effect through September. Please visit TukwilaWA.gov/TrailClosures for updates. 2021 Annual Overlay and Repair Program The Annual Overlay and Repair Program preserves and maintains the city's street structure in a safe and useable condition. This year's construction included pavement repairs and asphalt overlays at seven locations citywide. Site 1: S.200th St from Southcenter parkway to the Green River Bridge received pavement repairs, ADA ramp replacements and a full width asphalt overlay. Site 2: Minkler Blvd from Andover Park East to Industry Dr received a curb/gutter replacement, pavement repairs and a full width asphalt overlay. Site 3: S.150th St from 46th Ave S to east end received a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon school crossing with ADA ramps, streetlighting and a full width asphalt overlay. Site 4: 44th Ave S from S.140th to south end received a full width asphalt overlay. Site 5: S.126th from East Marginal Way S to 37th received new ADA ramps and a full width asphalt overlay. Site 6: S.109 from 47th Ave S east to/and including 48th Ave S received pavement repairs and a full width asphalt overlay. Site 7: New sidewalks were added to S.137th and to 53rd Ave S., completing the sidewalk connection for pedestrians. 53rd Ave S will also be widened to accommodate two-way traffic again and both roads will receive a full width asphalt overlay. Miles Resources LLC was awarded this year's contract, which is estimated to be completed by August 1st, 2021. If you have any project questions, please contact Scott Bates, Traffic Project Manager, at 206-431-2193 or Scott.Bates@TukwilaWA.gov. ULY/AUGUST 202 11 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 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. TUKWILA PARKS & RECREATION GOOD HEALTHY FUN See You the Park Hazelnut Park 14475 59th Ave. S., Tukwila August 11, 2021 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Join friends and neighbors on August iith to reconnect with good music, free food, and fun! While we are together, let's reimagine Hazelnut Park. Fire station 52 will be open and city staff will be available to answer questions about the building and future of the property. Give your input about what you would like to see and experience at the park. Masks are optional for those that are fully vaccinated, all others are requested to wear a mask. FREE Music, Food, & Fun! 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 Ca risen, Director 206-433-1835 Fire Department Jay Wittwer, Chief 206-575-4404 Parks/Recreation Department Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 M i nd i Mattson, Emergency Mgr206-971-8750 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 Kate. Kruller@TukwilwaWA.gov Verna Seal 206-293-3274 Verna.Seal@TukwilaWA.gov Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 Kathy.Hougardy@TukwilaWA.gov De'Sean Quinn, President 206-331-5939 Desean.Quinn@TukwilaWA.gov Thomas McLeod 206-492-4821 Thomas.Mcleod@TukwilaWAgov Zak Idan Zak.idan@TukwilaWA.gov Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson 206-595-5469 C.DelostrinosJohnson@TukwilaWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.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