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Home My WebLink About2021-04 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 41 No. 2MARCH7APkIL021 1/OLUME 41, It►UMBER 2 A C►ty o Tukw►la publicat►"nfor our rekideritial arrtl business- i rin-unities- PIPY So 'lo➢ ks i� 9 Tu/wifa: The City of Ohhoitutrity, the Comellukity of Choice Bringing vaccine to those without access The City of Tukwila Mobile Vaccination Team (MVT) officially launched on March 1, 2021, with the support of the Mayor, City Council, City Administration and the Fire Chief. The MVT is staffed primarily by Tukwila firefighters/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). King County Health provides the Moderna vaccine to the team each morning for distribution in the community. The focus on the senior community is paying off as most senior housing sites have been vaccinated. The MVT also wants to identify Tukwila's homebound population unable to access a mass vaccination site. Because this community is very diverse with differing needs, the MVT is working to identify groups that will benefit from a visit from our team. If you have questions or suggestions? Please contact MVT coordinator Deputy Chief Norm Golden via email at Norm.Golden@TukwilaWA.gov. New electric vehicle chargers in Tukwila Seattle City Light has installed five new utility -owned electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the city, located at 13050 Interurban Avenue South. Tukwila is home to the first public EV charging station site the utility has opened outside of Seattle city limits. The site includes four EV fast chargers and one Level 2 charger. Each fast charger can provide up to 150 kilowatts (kW) and has both CHAdeMO and CCS1 charge plugs compatible with most fast -charge EVs. The station also includes a 16.8 kW Level 2 charger that works for all EVs, including those not equipped with a quick -charge port. Charging fees will vary depending on the time of day and charger type. Customers will be charged 35( or 21( per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at a Tukwila EV charger. To learn more about City Light's EV programs and initiatives, visit their website at Seattle.gov/city-light/residential-services/ home-energy-solutions/electric-vehicles Park n' Plag through Mag Park n' Play staff have been rolling around Tukwila for the past several months distributing meals, snacks, masks, and popular recreation activity kits. From April 20 through May 27, the Park n' Play delivery schedule will change. Visit Parks and Recreation staff each Tuesday and Thursday at one of the following locations: 10:15-11:15AM Crestview Park 16200 - 42nd Avenue South 11:30AM-12:30PM Cascade View Community Park 14211- 37th Avenue South 12:45-1:45PM Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South In -person fitness at the Communitg Center Appointments to attend in -person group fitness classes or to use the fitness room at the Tukwila Community Center are available for Monday -Saturday. Get back in the groove and move with motivating instructors in a safe environment. Learn more about classes and Covid safety protocols by visiting TukwilaWA.gov/wellness. Seniors, get the Scoop! Older adults in Tukwila have a new resource for learning about recreation and wellness activities, community resources and more. Sign up to receive the Tukwila Senior Scoop by visiting TinyURL.com/TukwilaScoop or emailing ParksRec@TukwilaWA.gov. Picnic shelter reservations - now OPEN Reserve a picnic shelter for small summer gatherings. Please call 206-768-2822 or visit TukwilaWA.gov/parks. Responding to Tukwila's senior housing need Mayors and Councils over the years have been concerned about the lack of senior housing in Tukwila. We have readily recognized that the City's demographics can support senior housing. As part of my MBA program back in 2002, I wrote a marketing paper on the need for senior housing in Tukwila. I'm happy to say my thesis - 'the time is right to launch senior housing' - is coming to fruition because the market has recognized that need. Tukwila is not the only city in King County to have a large population base of aging seniors. I'm excited about the recent senior housing developments here in Tukwila. Allow me to share them. Our first housing to be recognized is by SHAG (Sustainable Housing for Ageless Generations), a Washington -based affordable senior housing nonprofit. The Tukwila Village Senior Living community is a located at the corner of South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. In the summer of 2018, SHAG opened - and quickly filled - their Phase 1 and Phase 2 buildings for residents age 61 and older. This year we will see Phases 3 and 4 opening their doors. Expanded opportunities for independent and active senior lifestyles include theater, craft and game rooms, fitness center, outdoor areas including a roof -top pea patch, and proximity to a variety of retail sites. Next up is Marvelle at Southcenter on Andover Park West, a 55-and-older market -based residential apartment living complex. Opening in early 2020, it is located in Tukwila's \✓ \/11// o'ib/ y� Tukwila Housing ?Action;Plan (y/N7 Virtual Con)n)ul)ity Opel) House O / Wed nesday, Mayi 1„2; 2°02L 4:30 to,6:00,PM c \ e sgS central business district, next to Hotel Interurban. Floorplans range from studios to one- and two -bedroom apartment homes. They provide access to fitness, lounge/bistro, courtyard with fire pit, spa, and arts & craft rooms, among other amenities. Even with COVID-19 unfolding as Marvelle opened, they have had success in housing senior residents in Tukwila near the Westfield Southcenter retail core. Opening in June of this year, Holden Southcenter - located at 112 Andover Park East (across from Lowes) - will be the newest senior housing facility. Sitting adjacent to the Green River trail with some views of Mount Rainier, it will be Tukwila's first Assisted Living and Memory Care facility. Holden Southcenter will offer 107 apartment homes and 27 more in Memory Care. Its common areas will offer residents all -day dining with chef - prepared meals in the full -service dining room, along with a bistro/bar, fitness center, theater, and a rooftop courtyard with fire pits, gardens and outdoor seating. The facility will offer studio, one- and two -bedroom apartment homes. We welcome Holden Southcenter to Tukwila. The vision of attaining senior housing in Tukwila as I wrote about in my MBA paper has taken much time and has had some false starts. Yet, it has kept the interest of Tukwila's Mayors, Council and residents for nearly two decades. I believe we are all thankful to have senior housing here in Tukwila and look forward to seeing more. The City of Tukwila is hosting a virtual Community Open House to discuss the draft results of Tukwila's first Housing Action Plan. This plan details the opportunities and barriers for housing development around the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Light Rail Station. Join us to learn more about the City's housing needs, and proposed strategies and actions to build more housing for all of Tukwila's residents. City staff will present an overview of the plan, followed by an opportunity for feedback in small group discussions. 01--Ze0 Mayor, City of Tukwila To learn more about the Housing Action Plan and register to attend the open house, please visit the project website at TukwilaWA.gov/HousingAction. If you are unable to attend and would like to provide comments, please send your comments via email to HousingActionPlan@TukwilaWA.gov. There will be more opportunities to learn about the Housing Action Plan, and to provide public comment during the virtual Planning Commission meeting on May 27, 2021 at 6:30PM. 2 THE HAZELNUT PS TO MINIMIZE K OF In response to Public Health direction, take these steps: Stay home and avoid unnecessary contact with others. sy Limit trips LEI for groceries, gas, and other 1 household needs. ` 0 Do not use common areas. �-, Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others. rOnly allow visitors J providing essential services that can't wait and can't be done over the phone or online. E 6 feet K,I Clean and disinfect household surfaces frequently. Public Health L4I Seattle & King County MARCH/APRIL 2021 Council Corner How Tukwila makes its voice heard by Kate Kruller, 2021 Council President Strong regional partnership is a key component of public service at the local level. Your Council has long prioritized robust participation on regional boards to ensure Tukwila's voice is counted in important policy matters. We accomplish this by either independently joining regional committees or by partnering with other cities through associations. As you may know by hearing our reports during Council meetings, the Mayor and Councilmembers put in a lot of time serving on these regional groups. This allows Tukwila to have a seat at the table, representing YOU, while discussing important regional issues. I'd like to share a little bit about some of the organizations with which we work. The Association of Washington Cities represents cities and towns before the State legislature, providing advocacy work, training, resources, and member -pooling programs. Councilmember Hougardy sits on the Board of Directors, Educational Advisory Committee, Equity Workgroup, and Nominating Committee. Councilmember Kruller sits on the Federal Legislative Priorities Committee. Representing 38 King County cities, Sound Cities Association provides a voice to over a million people through advocacy, education, leadership, mutual support and networking. Councilmember Quinn serves on the Board of Directors, Councilmember Kruller serves on the Public Issues Committee, and Councilmember Delostrinos Johnson serves on the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet. The Puget Sound Regional Council develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. Its members come from counties, cities, ports, transportation agencies and Tribal Fee increase for false alarms As of January 1, 2021, a new assessment fee applies for excessive false alarms: First alarm $0 Second& subsequent alarms $250 each A false alarm is a signal from an alarm system that results in a response by Tukwila Police and/or Fire staff when no actual emergency requiring immediate response exists. governments. Councilmember Kruller serves on PSRC's Transportation Policy Board and Regional Transit -Oriented Development Advisory Committee. The National League of Cities is another organization that represents cities and towns to influence policy at the federal level. NLC also offers training and networking to share innovative ideas and solutions from leaders across the country. Councilmember Kruller serves on the Transportation & Infrastructure Services Federal Advocacy Committee, and Councilmember Seal serves on the Youth, Education and Families Council. Besides these regional organizations, your Councilmembers represent you in a variety of other ways as well. • Councilmember McLeod works with other cities and King County on the South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership and the Growth Management Planning Council. • Councilmember Hougardy works in regional economic development and transportation via the Soundside Alliance for Economic Development Board, South County Area Transportation Board, Highline Forum, and Greater Seattle Partners Executive Council. • Serving on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Councilmember Quinn had a key role in the development of new rules to implement the Law Enforcement Training & Community Safety Act that came out of Initiative 1-940. • Councilmember Idan works on community issues by way of his relationships with organizations like OneAmerica, Tukwila Children's Foundation, and the Abu-Bakr Islamic Center. To learn more about any of these efforts and our work with regional organizations, please reach out by phone or email. Contact information for each Councilmember is located on the back page of this newsletter. Your Council is proud of how our commitment to regional partnerships benefits the Tukwila community. Generally caused by human error or equipment malfunction, false alarms are costly to the City and can misdirect valuable police and fire resources from a legitimate call. Responding to false alarms also has the potential to jeopardize the safety of police officers, fire fighters and community members alike If false alarms happen frequently at the same location, this can cause neighbors to ignore the alarm, making the alarm less reliable and credible should a true emergency occur. City Council Actions Interested in running for local office? Highlights from January -March 2021 • Adopted updated State Building Codes (Ord. 2648) • Updated processes relating to subdivision projects (Ord. 2649) • Updated the Fire Code (Ord. 2650) • Approved lodging tax funds for Global to Local, for the Spice Bridge International Food Hall • Accepted King County Flood Control District funding for South 131st Place Drainage Improvement Project • Authorized contract for design of the Macadam Road South Water Upgrade Project. • Extended interim policies to aid City water and sewer ratepayers by discontinuing water shutoffs, waiving late fees, and allowing payment plans through the end of the emergency order. • Updated the Animal Code related to appeals of animal control authority (Ord. 2651) • Amended the charter of the Public Safety Bond Financial Oversight Committee (Res. 2020) • Awarded a bid for demolition of vacant structures on South 116th Street. CONFIRMATIONS The following community members were confirmed as Board members between January and March. Tukwila thanks these volunteers for their service to our community! Jay Stark, Community -Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board Katrina Dohn, Community -Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board 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. You can help prevent false alarms: • Securely close and lock all protected doors and windows before leaving. • Keep pets, fans, helium -filled balloons, curtains and other loose items away from motion sensor areas. • Anyone who has a key to your home or business must know how to operate your security system. For more information about false alarms, their fees, or for advice on preventing false alarms, please ca11206-433-1808. There are many reasons why residents choose to become involved in Tukwila government. Having a big picture vision of what our city can be, looking to effect positive change, helping bring the community together - all can be inspiration for candidates to roll up their sleeves. The strongest communities thrive in a spirit of collaboration, working toward shared objectives and finding innovative yet attainable solutions. This year's election offers four opportunities to collaborate as a member of Tukwila's City Council. The Council is the policy -making body of the City, serving as the link between the residents of Tukwila and their municipal government. They are responsible for enacting and amending City laws, adopting the Biennial Budget, appointing citizen boards, committees and commissions, and providing guidance and direction for actions which affect the quality of life in Tukwila. ELECTION PRIMARY ELECTION August3, 2021 DATES GENERAL ELECTION November2, 2021 AVAILABLE COUNCIL POSITIONS All are full -term positions (4 years) Position #1 #3 #5 #7 Currently held by Verna Seal Thomas McLeod Zakldan De'Sean Quinn TERM OF OFFICE January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025 2021 CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINES BY MAIL Monday, May3 through Friday, May21, due by 4:30PM, regardless of postmark IN PERSON Monday, May 17 from 8:30AM through Friday, May 21 at 4:30PM To help slow the spread of COVID-19, in -person filing may be available by appointment only. Planca chock niit iniahcita fnr Iiprintac ONLINE Monday, May 17 from 9:OOAM through Friday, May 21 at 4:OOPM DEADLINE TO Monday, May24 at4:30PM WITHDRAW CANDIDACY TUKWILACOUNCIL POSITION FILING FEE: $150.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION Complete election regulations / requirements for candidates ONLINE KingCounty.gov/elections.aspx BY PHONE 206-296-1565 BY EMAIL Election.Services@KingCounty.gov Tukwila City Council duties and responsibilities TukwilaWA.gov/election MARCH/APRIL 2021 5 Resources available to assist Tukwila residents Staying Healthy King County has entered Phase 2 under the State's Safe Start Plan phased reopening of business, recreational and social activities. Learn more at: KingCounty.gov/depts/health/ covid-19/safe-start.aspx Mask Mandate As of Friday, June 26, everyone statewide is legally required to wear a facial covering when unable to physically distance from others in a public space, both indoor and outdoor. Learn more at: Governor.WA.gov/news-media/ inslee-announces-statewide-mask-mandate Economic Impact Payment If you haven't received this help for taxpayers affected by COVID-19, find answers to your questions at: IRS.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment Calling 9-1-1 The Tukwila Police and Fire Departments respond to all life-threating emergencies. If you feel you have life -threatening coronavirus symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing), don't be afraid to call Our Police and Fire will help you get the care you need. Be transparent with the 9-1-1 dispatcher about the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are minor, continue to consult with your primary care physician. UTILITIES Many major utility companies have announced programs to help rate payers with utility bills during the pandemic, including suspension of shutoff for non-payment. City of Tukwila Water/Sewer Service will not be shut off for non-payment during this time. Call the Finance Department for more information and to make payment arrangements. Phone: 206-433-1835 Seattle City Light Discount Program Effective immediately, all SCL customers whose financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19 can set up deferred payment plans. Utility service will stay on as their deferred payment plans are developed and imple- mented. Up to 60% off for income -qualified customers. Phone: 206-684-0268 Low -Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) If your main source of heat is electricity, gas, or heating oil, and you need help paying your utility bill during the winter season, schedule: Phone: 253-517-2263 Puget Sound Energy PSE will not disconnect customers for non-payment during this time. To learn more, call during business hours (Monday -Friday, 7:30AM-6:30PM) Phone: 1-888-225-5773 Online: PSE.com Vac-xin Covid-19 ctangtrd nen co san nhieu hdn. Hay chac chan de cttJdc tiem phong! La vacuna COVID-19 se esta volviendo mas disponible. iAsegurate de ser vacunado! Talaalki Covid-19 waa diyaar daad badanna waa xaali kaaraan. Fadlan hubi inaad hesho talaalka. KingCounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution.aspx Quan King ctangcungcap mot chiidng trinh cho thue de giup cac ho gia cfiinh bi anh Wong tai chinh bdi Covid-19. Nhan thong tin: El Condado King esta proporciona- ndo un programa de alquiler para ayudar a los hogares afectados financieramente por el COVID-19. Obtenga informacion aqui: King County waxay kaa caawinaysaa kiroda daadka Covid-19 uu dakhligii lumay. Ogoow haddii aad u galanto programka Ki ngCou nty.gov/depts/comm u n ity-h u ma n-services/COVI D/evi cti on-p reventi on-rent-assista nce.aspx 206-263-3481 THE HAZELNUT Information about TUKWILA'S NEWLY -FUNDED AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS FOR 2021-2022 These are some of the City's newly -funded human services programs for 2021-2022, with information about each agency and their respective program to assist our residents. After -School All -Star Academies Tutoring & Mentoring ASAS provides free school -based programming tailored for Showalter Middle school students. ASAS provides students with comprehensive programs in areas of Academic Readiness, Career Exploration, STEM, Wellness, and the Arts through Academic Tutoring and Mentorship. Contact Libby Gutschenritter, Program Manager. Phone: 253-246-7665 African Community Housing & Development ACHD provides housing supportive services to help end homelessness through case management and information referral. Phone: 206-257-1166 Email: info@ACHDO.org El Centro de la Raza - Systems Navigation El Centro de la Raza provides system navigation for individuals and families in need of social services, as well as private and public benefit programs. Navigation staff work 1-on-1 with clients to identify available and applicable programs, determine eligibility, assist in enrollment, and provide referrals. Phone: 206-957-4634 International Rescue Committee - Youth School Success IRC Seattle's Youth School Success program provides critical K-12 afterschool programming for refugee and immigrant students to help increase English language acquisition, improve academic outcomes, and build positive community connections for newcomer youth. In -school referral only Mary's Place Mary's Place offers respite, nutrition, safety, and shelter to women, children and families experiencing homelessness. The program helps support families to move rapidly from homelessness into housing through diversion services and flexible direct client assistance. Office phone: 206-621-8474 Shelter Line: 206-245-1026 other resources The Covid-19 vaccine is becoming available to more people. Be sure to get vaccinated! Tukwila Human Services COVID19 Rent/Utility Assistance Program To qualify for this program, you: • Must be a Tukwila Resident • Must be experiencing a loss of income, unemployment, or illness due to COVID19 Please contact the Human Services office to be screened for eligibility. Phone: 206-433-7182 or 206-433-7181 RENTALS COVID Rental Assistance King County is expanding and re -launching the Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP) in April 2021 to help households economically impacted by COVID-19. This program will help people who are at risk or may become at risk for eviction from being unable to meet rent obligations. This includes folks experiencing COVID illness, loss of income, or unemployment. If you are would like to receive information on the program, please submit an EPRAP Interest Form. KingCounty.gov/depts/community-human-services/ COVI D/eviction-prevention-rent-assistance.aspx Tenant's Rights Housing Justice Project - for eviction disputes Monday -Friday, 8:OOAM-12:OOPM Phone: 253-234-420 ", Spanish: 206-267-7090 Email: HJPstaff@KCBA.org Tenant's Union Tenants' Rights Hotline: 206-723-0500 Hours: Mon -Wed: 10:OOAM-12:30PM and 1:30-4:OOPM Thursday: 10:OOAM-12:30PM Saturday: 11:OOAM-3:OOPM The City of Tukwila has a regularly -updated web page providing information and links relating to City activities, events and operations. Visit: TukwilaWA.gov/COVID City of Tukwila - 206-433-1800 MARCH/APRIL 2021 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. We Are the Future: Poems with a Voice for Peace April is National Poetry Month, a celebration that was introduced in 1996 and spearheaded by the Academy of American Poets. The Academy of American Poets goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the U.S. The City of Tukwila would like to honor and celebrate Tukwila youth poets from the Foster High School Stories of Arrival Refugee and Immigrant Youth Voices Poetry Project. This project has been ongoing for the past eight years co -directed by Foster High School English Language Learner teacher Carrie Stradley, and Project Founder and Teaching Artist Merna Ann Hecht. We Are the Future: Poems with a Voice for Peace is a full color anthology of visual poems and self-portraits by immigrant and refugee youth from fifteen different countries. Each self- portrait and visual poem highlights the experiences of young people who have had to leave their homeland and the courage it takes to cross borders with aspirations to dream of a brighter future. These poems are reminders to all of us to dispel stereotypes, grow in our cultural awareness and broaden our compassion for others. The youth voices in this collection express the longing for a more peaceful and equitable world. Limited editions with proceeds going directly to the project are available for purchase by contacting the project founder and co -director Merna Ann Hecht at: mernaanna@yahoo.com .� We Are the; .uure .. Poems With a Voice. four Feace • -Stories Of Arrival Kefu9ec `ar lmmi9rant'Youth Voices Poetry Project ' Bditcd by Merna Ann Hccht Introduud by Merna Ann Hccbt 6 Carrie Stradlcy with a foreword by Claudia Castro Luna . 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 Emergency Management 206-971-8740 Parks/Recreation Department Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 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