HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 40 No. 6A City of Tukwila publication for our
residential and business communities
Tuhwi/a: Me City of Oppo,tutr ty, the Comriruaity of Choice
Upcoming budget addresses City priorities
At their Monday, December 7 regular meeting, the Tukwila
City Council adopted the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget. Every
two years the City works to make decisions for the upcoming
budget cycle.
The 2021/2022 budget process has been one of the most
difficult in recent memory. Ongoing effects of the coronavirus
pandemic and associated reduction in revenues to the City will
continue to impact City operations in the coming biennium.
Public safety and public health remain the City's priorities.
Financial starting point
Due to early action by the Council, plus substantial financial
sacrifice by our non -represented staff and most of our labor
partners through furloughs or layoffs, the City approaches the
coming biennium in a better fiscal position than forecasted
earlier this year. Because of this diligence, the 2021/2022
budget does not use any contingency funds, since the financial
outfall of COVID-19 may affect us further.
Increase in service levels
The 2021/2022 budget restores some services that were
reduced earlier this year. Returning additional staff to
streets and parks maintenance will improve services such
as vegetation control, parks maintenance and litter pick-up.
The budget also contains some new, innovative ways of doing
business in Tukwila. For the Tukwila Police Department, it
includes 2021 funding for a pilot program of one mental health
professional to assist officers responding to people in crisis.
The City anticipates hiring a second mental health professional
in 2022, assuming the success of next year's pilot program.
2021 focus on human services
With leadership from the Council, the City has substantially
increased funding for human services in 2021. This is building on
the additional funds made available to the City in 2020 through
a redistribution of the State's portion of sales tax generated in
Tukwila. In response to the pandemic and associated job loss
by many Tukwila residents, this year the community received
approximately $100,000 in additional rental assistance funds.
The 2021 budget includes additional funding to support families,
and to assist in helping to mitigate an anticipated wave of
evictions following the lifting of the Governor's moratorium.
City offices still closed
Although some services will continue to be reduced in the
coming biennium, the City will prioritize the restoration of
services as revenues return to pre -pandemic levels. In -person
City operations remain affected by the pandemic, and City
facilities remain closed to the public. However, Tukwila City
staff regularly pursues innovation to provide services to the
community, such as a contactless permit process and delivery
of meals to seniors in our community.
This year's budget process, though difficult, was a great
collaboration between the Council, Administration and
community. During the budget listening session and budget
survey, Tukwila community members provided valuable input
to help identify priorities. The City is grateful for community
participation, including the continued resolve to mask up and
social distance, working to defeat the spread of the coronavirus
for a safer new year.
Mayor's Message
Spotlight on community needs
Although gathering together physically
is still restricted, we all do share a
particular vantage point: unwanted front
row seats to witness Covid's impact on
our world. We have seen the magnitude
of its effects on the daily lives of our
neighbors. For some in our community, the consequences have
been overwhelming.
Tukwila's Human Services program provides assistance to
Tukwila residents in several areas: Wellness, Food security,
Support for independence, Navigating social resources and
more through contracted partners. Housing assistance -
stability, eviction prevention, and housing repair - is a major
component of the program. However, because of Covid's
impact, the Housing segment has been inundated with requests
for assistance. City staff has distributed an unprecedented
amount of rental assistance to prevent wide -spread evictions,
and they continue to leverage other non -City funding sources to
further serve our low-income residents.
This year, when the State returned sales tax funds to Tukwila,
Council and Administration agreed that temporarily- during the
COVID Crisis - 90% of those funds could be used exclusively for
rental assistance. With the impact of coronavirus expanding,
Human Services started putting these funds to use in May.
Good work, all -
Tukwila's numbers
went up!
United States
Census
2020
Nand
d 11111
The funds going out can only be used for rental assistance
to low-income renters. A Human Services measure as to
the depth of the need: Since May of 2020, Tukwila helped 91
households that have not received assistance in the past.
Those requesting assistance include couples, singles and
families of all ages, all financially fragile.
Based on the need of 2020, the Council has decided to
increase the Human Services budget for 2021. Besides
the extra funds to help with rent and utilities, additional
funding will be provided to our partner agencies that support
housing, wellness and food security, and a temporary
part-time staffer will be hired to help handle the increased
workload.
Finally, in closing, I also want to highlight the great work
people are doing to keep themselves, their families and
neighbors safe. Wearing a mask is so critical not only to
your ongoing health, but to everyone in your family and
community. Staying socially distanced, only leaving your
home for critical trips, and regular hand-washing/sanitation
are also key activities to prevent contracting the virus. Please
continue these safety measures to stay healthy.
Mayor, City of Tukwi'
The 2020 US Census Bureau wrapped up its enumeration
process on October 15, 2020. The City of Tukwila successfully
ended the 2020 Census with an increase of 4.2% from 2010,
with a final count at 68.2%. Overall, I{ing County's self -
response rate ended at 76.4%, with an increase of 6.1% from
2010, and the US national average ended at 67%.
Congratulations, Tukwila, on the increase. Of course, in
ten years you will be tasked once again to self -respond to
the 2030 Census. The City's goal: to surpass this year's
number. We have a long stretch of time to continue working
on our partnerships with neighbors, businesses, community
members, youth and faith -based organizations, to ensure the
City fully benefits from this important civic exercise.
2020: The year of resiliency
As this year draws to a close, there is much to reflect on. We
could not have foreseen the challenges of 2020. There is
no one person who hasn't been impacted by COVID-19 in
some way: physical and mental health, financial insecurity,
interrupted education, isolation from friends, and countless
other interruptions to normalcy. We've been through so much
and the journey is not done.
I am extremely proud of the resilience that our community has
shown. Seeing people taking care of one another in ways both
large and small on a daily basis helps me feel hopeful for the
future. Tukwila's own City employees stepped up to the true
challenge of public service, and I recognize and thank them.
When our world changed, City staff immediately shifted their
focus to emerging needs, from helping our businesses forge
a path to recovery, to providing activity kits to children at the
parks, to providing meals to families and seniors. To be in
public service means to be nimble, adjusting to the needs of
the community, and stepping in where there is a role to fill.
Community resiliency became the unplanned but welcomed
theme of our budget deliberations for 2021-2022. We have
been focused on the budget for months, specifically on how
to plan for the future in a world of uncertainty. We have
Council Corner
by De'Sean Quinn,
2020 Council President
been challenged to build a budget in
a way that protects the community's
investments and secures future
opportunities. Our strength IS our
community. Our budget reflects this
community spirit and care for our
neighbors with investments in youth, elders, safe and clean
streets, and neighborhoods. Although we faced significant
financial challenges from the loss of revenues due to the
pandemic, the Council wisely kept its focus on protecting our
quality of life. We were asked to do so by those who provided
feedback via listening sessions, the online budget survey, and
other avenues of communication. I appreciate all who made
their voices heard.
Effective government is a partnership, and each one us has
a role. The public has the responsibility to communicate its
needs. We have the responsibility of developing a budget that
is responsive, informed, and designed with solutions along
with fiscally -responsible decisions to protect our future.
With that, it has been my great honor to serve as Council
President this year. I wish all of you a joyful, safe and healthy
new year.
City Council Actions - Highlights from September -November 2020
■ Adopted a fee for fingerprint services (Res. 1997)
■ Authorized grant funding application for the Duwamish
Neighborhood Trail Park Project (Res. 1999)
■ Authorized an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for
implementation of the Puget Sound Emergency Radio
Network System approved by voters
■ Supported approval for King County Proposition
No. 1: Harborview Medical Center Health and Safety
Improvement Bonds (Res. 2003)
■ Extended the suspension of past -due and late
penalties on City utility accounts as part of coronavirus
community assistance
■ Accepted grant funding for the Gilliam Creek Fish Barrier
Removal, Green the Green, and Riverton Creek Flap Gate
Removal Projects
■ Adopted the 2020-2021 South King Housing and
Homelessness Partners Work Plan (Res. 2005)
■ Accepted grant funding from Sound Transit for the South
152nd Street Safe Routes to School Project
■ Approved lodging tax funds for promotion of meetings
and other tourism marketing
■ Authorized an agreement for 30% design for the 42nd
Avenue South Bridge Replacement Project.
■ Convened a series of Special Work Sessions for review
and deliberation of the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget
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.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
Park improvement
projects underway
Between 2019 and 2020, the Parks
and Recreation Department worked
with MIG Consulting to gather
community input and feedback
about Tukwila's parks. This March,
the City adopted the 2020 Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space plan
(PROS plan). This valuable guiding
document provides the City with
recommendations for improvements,
and supports decision -making
regarding planning and expenditures
for capital improvements. The Plan
also provides the details necessary for
the Department to seek grant funding
through state and federal agencies.
A new pickleball court and half
basketball court have been installed
at Lee Phillips/Foster Memorial
Park, located at 13919 - 53rd Ave S.
Walking path improvements were also
completed, including the upgrade of
existing gravel paths to asphalt paths.
Crestview Park received a new shelter
in the dog park, providing cover to pet
owners from the weather. New agility
toys, paved entrances, and a walking
path were also placed in the dog play
areas. A bicycle training safety course
will be incorporated into the park in
early 2021. The course will create a
place for new riders to learn the rules
of road. Improvements are expected
to be complete in early spring 2021.
Crestview Park is located in Tukwila
at 16200 - 42nd Avenue South.
PARK N' PLAY
Tukwila Parks and Recreation is delivering
.•.LHL:a, snacks, activity kits, a other essentials!
January 11 - April 1
Learn More: TukwilaWa.gov/parks
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
9:15 - 10am
Impact Public
Schools
3438 S 148th St
Visit Us
10 - 10:45am
11 - 11:45am
Cascade View Elementary
13601 32" Ave. S
Tukwila Elementary Thorndyke Elementary
5939 S 149th S:. 4415 S. 1501h St.
Showalter Middle School
4328 S 14411' St.
12:15 - 1:15pm
Crestview Park
16400 42"h Ave. South
Cascade View Community Park
14211 37th Ave S.
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42" h Ave. S.
Pick up free activity kits at school lunch sites. Visit Parks and Recreation staff
from 12:15 - 1:15pm for free lunches, snack packs, and activity kits.
TU1CW I
To learn more about projects and review the PROS plan,
please visit TukwilaWA.gov/PROS.
0 .TUKWILAPARKS
PARK 'N' PLAY
From October through December,
Youth & Teen Recreation staff visited several
schools and parks to distribute meals,
snacks, and recreation activity kits.
They delivered nearly 5,000 recreation activity kits,
2,500 meals, and 3,700 snacks
(approximately one meal for every minute
the program was in session)!
THE HAZELNUT
Connect with Virtual Senior Fitness Programs
On November 2, Tukwila Parks and Recreation Wellness staff
kicked off a new FREE Virtual Senior Adult Fitness Class.
Classes are held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays, from
11:00-11:50AM. The sessions include 30 minutes of movement,
followed by 20 minutes of social time for participants.
Attendees can request to have a fitness pack delivered to their
door. Available on loan for as long as the program is offered
virtually, the pack includes small hand weights, ankle weights,
an exercise ball and exercise band. For more information,
email sports@TukwilaWA.gov or call 206-767-2822.
Spirit of Giving:
We all helped make
a HUGE difference
this year!
With your generous support, we raised
$30,000 and we served 153 families and
388 children. Each family received
• art kits
• home essentials & grocery gift cards
• hygiene kits
• STEM toys
• toys that promote movement
• winter coats for all kids
A drive-thru style event was held in mid -
December to distribute items. Families
were delighted & appreciative.
Thank you for helping to ease financial
stress and create a time of joy for Tukwila
families!
Operation Senior Meal Drop
When Covid-19 restrictions were first implemented in March,
the Senior Program with Parks and Recreation started
offering meal delivery to seniors. The goal was to support
isolated seniors with weekly check -in calls and healthy
meals to help limit their need to potential exposure. As of
December 10, this program has delivered 14,821 meals to
Tukwila residents. Funding for this program was provided by
the King County Veteran's Senior and Human Service Levy
funding and the City of Tukwila.
GIVING
•
Tukwila Public Works
I)epartrnent
CONE BONE UPDATEJ
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Riverton Creek flapgate removal
This habitat restoration project has completed construction
for this year, and will resume next summer. The contractor,
R.L. Alia, completed the upland structural elements of the
project, including reinforcing the existing sheet pile wall
adjacent to the Tukwila International Boulevard bridge over
the Duwamish River, a new retaining wall adjacent to the
Gateway North Office Park, and bridge abutments and wing
walls that will support the new future trail bridge. In the
summer of 2021, work will focus on stream realignment,
culvert removal, and installation of habitat features.
At the same time, AtWork! Commercial Enterprises has tackled
the invasive vegetation along the stream banks and in the
upper wetland area. Restoration planting is scheduled to
begin in early spring 2021.
Contact: Habitat Project Manager Mike Perfetti at 206-433-7192,
or Mike.Perfetti@TukwilaWA.gov
Boeing Access Road bridge over Airport Way:
The Boeing Access Road (BAR) bridge over Airport Way is the
last remaining structure on the BAR corridor that has not
been seismically upgraded. Razz Construction, Inc., has been
contracted to perform the construction and work commenced
in mid -October 2020. There will be multiple stages, with
traffic revisions and lane closures on both BAR and Airport
Way during construction. The bridge is currently restricted to
one lane in each direction during construction on the topside
of the bridge. The project will then relocate to Airport Way
and have a minimal lane shift when working under the bridge.
Completion is scheduled for March 2021. The City received
100%funding for the construction from the Federal Bridge
Replacement Advisory Council.
Contact: Project Manager Adam Cox at 206-431-2446,
orAdam.Cox@TukwilaWA.gov
53rd Avenue South & 42nd Avenue South Phase 111 Project
2020 was the official year of completion for two major neighborhood roadway
improvements, 42nd Avenue South Phase III and 53rd Avenue South. Both
projects included significant streetscape improvements including sidewalks,
planter strips and, on 42nd, a shared bike lane. The projects also made significant
improvements to the major utilities of storm water, potable water and sanitary
sewer, as well as underground conversion of power and communication lines
throughout the project limits. The 42nd Avenue South project also upgraded an
existing storm system at Gilliam Creek with a new arch culvert to provide better
protection from storm damage. While completion of the projects were both
dependent on local power and telecommunications utilities completing their
underground scope, these improvements have been completed and the City
looks forward to closing out both construction contracts by the end of the year
as the contractors complete minor punchlist items.
14;i me "lri tt
_1
Green the Green
The installation phase of the public -private partnership to
restore native riparian vegetation has concluded. The real
work now begins to maintain the hundreds of plants installed
at two lower Green River sites - Southcenter Plaza and NC
Machinery. Applied Ecology, LLC completed the installation
and first year of maintenance, installing a temporary irrigation
system and controlling invading non-native vegetation. The
first three years will be particularly important in helping the
native trees and shrubs become established. The City received
a grant from WRIA 9 to support two years of maintenance.
Contact: Habitat Project Manager Mike Perfetti at 206-433-7192,
or Mike.Perfetti@TukwilaWA.gov
East Marginal Way South Storm water Outfalls
This surface water project will reconstruct drainage
infrastructure along the northern portion of East Marginal
Way South near the north City limits. The project will provide
the City with a new drainage connection to the Duwamish
River, and prevent stormwater from being discharged into
neighboring properties' drainage systems. To accomplish
this, the City will construct a small pump station and pump
stormwater north to a City -owned outfall through Boeing
property. The improvements also include constructing
water quality improvements to treat stormwater prior to its
release into the Duwamish River, and lining a portion of the
City's outfall pipe to prevent the potential for contaminated
groundwater from entering the pipe and flowing to the
Duwamish River. The project is anticipated to begin in early
January and be completed by May 2021. The City received 75%
of the project funding for design and construction from the
Washington State Department of Ecology.
Contact: Project Manager Ryan Larson at 206-431-2456,
or Ryan.Larson@TukwilaWA.gov
Additional payment option
added at City Hall
Asa result of the relocation of the Police Department
to the City's new Justice Center, the payment drop box
located in the Police lobby was removed. For safety and
convenience, residents can submit payments through
a new 24-hour mail slot drop box located at the front
doors of City Hall. Tukwila continues to accept payments
for services over the phone, online and via mail.
Teen Link is here for you
Teen Link runs a peer -to -peer helpline for young people
who need someone to talk to. Teen volunteers respond to
calls, texts and chats, on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 6:00-10:OOPM (adult response all other times).
No issue is too big or too small. They provide support around
relationship issues, bullying, loneliness, school stress, and
mental health issues. Teen Link has translation services for
over 200 languages, and offers coaching around substance use.
Call 1-866-TEEN LI N K (833-6546), or visit TeenLink.org.
HeI.I.D Stk eikts!
M
We're checking in on you! While many things may seem
uncertain at the moment, please know that you do not
have to face it alone. If you're feeling isolated and need
someone to talk to, you can call, chat, or text us. Teen Link
is here for you.
Our phone line is free to call, we have translation services
available, and our team is here to provide you with
compassionate support every day from 6pm-10pm.
We also offer free professional Substance Use
consultations via our Teen Link Substance Use Prevention
Line that teens can call for information about drug use
education, prevention, and treatment options.
It's normal to be feeling off with everything going on right
now. We're just a phone call away and would love to hear
from you! No issue is too big or too small.
Partially funded by
fi'iHealth
Washington State -
Health Care 'uthority
1-866-TEENLINK (833-6546)
www.teenlink.org
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
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.
The COVID-19 vaccine provides hope
A safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 is a major
break -through. But vaccine alone won't end the pandemic
right away.
Continue to keep yourself and your family safe: wear a
mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others, limit activities
away from home, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.
Tallaalka COVID-19 wuxuu bixiyaa rajo
Tallaalka badbaadada leh ee wax ku oolka ah ee ka hortagga
COVID-19 waa horumar. Laakiin tallaalada keligood Isla
markiiba ma joojin doonaan faafida.
Sii wad inaad ilaaliso naftaada iyo qoyskaaga mid amaan
ah: xiro maaskaro, ugu yaraan ka fogow 6 fuudh dadka kale,
xaddid dhaqdhaqaaqyada ka baxsan guriga, ka fogow dadka
badan oo dhaq gacmaha badanaa.
Vac xin COVID-19 mang lai by von.
Vac xin an toan va hieu qua chong lai COVID-19 la mot butdc
clot pha. NhLtng chi rieng vac xin se khong cham ditt dai dich
ngay lap tt7c.
Tip tyc giif an toan cho ban than va gia dinh: deo khgu
trang, cach xa ngitdi khac it nhat 6 butdc chan, han the hoat
dong xa nha, tranh dong ngitdi va rita tay thitdng xuyen.
La vacuna COVID-19 brinda esperanza
La vacuna segura y eficaz contra COVID-19 es un gran
avance. Pero las vacunas por si sofas no acabaran
inmediatamente con la pandemia.
Continue protegiendose a usted y a su familia: use una
mascara, mantengase al menos a 6 pies de distancia de los
demas, limite la actividad fuera de casa, evite las multitudes
y lavese las manos con frecuencia.
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
The Hazelnut newsletter is published
six times a year by the City of Tukwila
Community Development Dept.
Jack Pace, 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
Jason Konieczka, Emerg Mgmt206-971-8740
Parks/Recreation Department
Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342
Police Department
Eric Dreyer, Interim Chief 206-433-7175
Public Works Department
Hari Ponnekanti, Interim Director206-433-0179
Technology Services Department
Joel Bush 206-454-7575
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
De'Sean Quinn, President 206-331-5939
Desean.Quinn@Tukwil aWA.gov
Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007
Ka thy. Ho ugard y@Tuk wi l aWA. go v
Verna Seal 206-492-4819
Verna.Seal @TukwilaWA.gov
Kate Kruller 206-678-7885
Ka te. Krull er@Tukwil waWA.go v
Thomas McLeod 206-492-4821
Thom as. Mcl eod @Tukwil aWAgov
Zak Idan 206-889-0743
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:OOPM in Council Chambers
Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays
Committee of the Whole 2nd/4th Mondays