HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 40 No. 1F1FS��, M 1/LIAL R GAR15En
Special edition:
City of Tukwila
Annual Report
A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities
JANUARY/FEBRUARY2020
UOCUME 40, NUMBER 1
tyre Cot ,4iutrity of Choice
Mayor's Mew
I'm pleased to share in this most recent
edition of the Hazelnut the City of Tukwila's
2019 accomplishments. I am proud of the
work done throughout the City, from the
amazing activities and events undertaken by
community members to the hard work I see
daily among City employees.
In 2020 we will achieve significant milestones as a part of the
Public Safety Plan. The new Fire Station 51 at Southcenter
Parkway and South 180th Street will open this summer. Later
in the year we'll cut the ribbon at the new Justice Center
on Tukwila International Boulevard. Both projects were
supported by Tukwila voters, and we are thrilled to present
these new facilities to the community.
Significant private development is coming into the city. Two
new hotels are under construction along with a brand-new
assisted -living facility - all in the central business district.
Housing in our residential areas has also increased. New
business investments are abundant throughout both the
Southcenter area and in our neighborhood business districts,
like Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB). TIB will see
upcoming zoning updates, Council consideration of changes to
the roadway, and whether to allow parking on the Boulevard.
2020 will certainly be busy with events, including our very
successful See You in the Park series this summer. In April we'll
celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day at our Duwamish
Alive event. In May the Backyard Wildlife Festival will celebrate
its 20th birthday. Other annual events such as Touch -a -Truck
and Harvest Festival will entertain young and old. Browse your
copy of the Parks and Recreation activities guide, or find it
online at TukwilaWA.gov.
Southcenter District growth, events and activities, new justice
center and fire stations, - there's a lot to watch for this year. I'm
excited for 2020 and hope that you are as well.
01--Ze0
Mayor, City of Tukwila
The 2020 application is now available for
Tukwila's City of Opportunity Scholarship
In 2014, the City created a scholarship program for
high school students living in Tukwila. Its purpose:
providing financial assistance and opportunity to
deserving students for continuing their education
beyond high school. We are taking applications from
those enrolled for undergraduate study in community
colleges, colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Selection criteria include, but are not limited to,
academic accomplishments, community service,
references, financial need, and personal essay. To see
the complete list of criteria for eligibility and student
requirements, and to download the application, go to
TukwilaWA.gov/scholarship.
The deadline to submit scholarship applications is
March 31, 2020 - no exceptions. For more information,
contact Executive Assistant Cheryl Thompson in the
Mayor's Office at CherylThompson@TukwilaWA.gov
or 206-433-1850.
A change is coming:
Tukwila's new plastic
bag requirements
go into effect this fall
Tukwila has joined over 30 other Washington State
jurisdictions to adopt a plastic bag ordinance that will
help reduce litter and protect our wildlife.
Beginning September 1, 2020, stores in Tukwila will
no longer be giving out thin plastic bags at the register,
and will be charging a minimum of 8 cents for paper or
thick plastic bags.
Shoppers: Do your part and bring your own bag -
start the habit NOW!
Mayor's Office
Economic Development:
Received Governor's Smart Communities Award in
category of Smart Partnerships for Tukwila Village.
Completed final phase land sale for Tukwila Village, and
facilitated plans for Food Innovation Network to open
mini -food hall in apartment building (under construction).
Led assistance for businesses relocating for Public Safety
Plan.
Issued City's first multi -family property tax exemption
certificate for AirMark Apartments, as incentive for
Southcenter District to attract multi -family housing.
Sponsored Museum of Flight's 50th anniversary
celebration of Apollo 11 lunar landing, Seattle Sounders
Rave Green Run, two food truck rallies, job fair, and two
international rugby matches at Starfire in cooperation
with Seawolves, using lodging tax funds.
Assisted in creation of KentValleyWA.com, a website
focused on attracting aerospace and technology
businesses to cities in the Kent Valley, including Tukwila.
Records Governance Office/City Clerk
Records: Continued adding high -retrieval records
to online, free access Digital Records Center; filled
155 Public Records Requests by reviewing 125,594
documents; processed 485 contracts/amendments;
recorded 173 documents and made available online.
Council Meetings: Support for 45 Council meetings;
agenda packets for 115 Council Committee/Council
meetings; review/analysis of 49 ordinances/resolutions.
Community Service: Key partners/contributors, raising
$2,000 for SnackPack Program, plus Spirit of Giving, high
school summer interns, and meals for Tent City 3.
Historical Preservation: Began first phase of adding the
Tukwila community's historical facts, photos and events
to Digital Records Center.
Central
Services:
Issued 203
pet licenses;
processed
69 Claims for
Damages/
Litigation/
Appeals.
THE, rijKL INUT
by,, the City, or Talwila
OLUMEO NUERI GAR Y VAN DU
ARCH'ios.B
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
This year ar is the commemorative DGmond jubilee
Year. a where any of a us will reflecton the ys year
history of Tukwila. W have a unique C y in history,
population, topograpM1y, business and future. This will
be r of in Tukwila.
for all the citizens that work,
live, and play in Tukwila.
Reflection on the past should not make us low sight of
the future. This can also be a year of thoughtful goal
setting and planning for the neat 75 years. All indicators
point to the realNattn that Tukwila will continue
g and probably grow past the horizon we might
on plan and its subsequent funding that allows grow-
ing numbers to move safely, efficiently and effec-
tively.
The level of services provided by City personnel is
always a problem,especially when specific w es
suggested or reduction. A viablec gill always have
chgovernmental services, but only y n let us
know if the evelbeing provided meet the needs of the
public.
Each day, m items or problems pass through your
governmentcity any
warrant im ut by you, the
rens. Your inquiry for informatin or input on items
or problems are alwayz welcome at City Hall.
Administrative Services
Community Engagement:
• Participated in/facilitated meetings including Equity and
Social Justice Commission, Equity Policy Implementation
Committee, Regional Equity and Inclusion group, and
presentation on the 2020 Census overview.
• Partnered and coordinated with Human Resources for
High School Internship program.
• Outreach and community partnership planning for the
upcoming 2020 Census.
Human Resources:
• Successfully negotiated nine labor contracts.
• Completed non -represented employee market study.
• Completed a change in health care broker.
• Completed 101 recruitments.
• Instituted pilot telecommuting policy.
• Created digital accident/injury reporting form.
Human Services:
• Successful grant award ($107,000) from King County
Community Development Block Grant funds for Minor
Home Repair consortium (Tukwila, Covington, Des
Moines, SeaTac) for 2020.
• In 2019, 21 health/safety related repairs for owner -
occupied, low- to moderate -income Tukwila
homeowners.
• Provided information and/or assistance to 2,824 Tukwila
residents, a 23% increase from 2018.
• Served 224 walk-ins, a 71% increase from 2018.
• Provided 278 hours of case management.
• Participated in/facilitated meetings/trainings including
TPD/HS Homeless Task Force, Tukwila School District
Providers, Refugee Forum, King County Homelessness
Action Committee, International Visitors and SeaTac-
Burien-Tukwila Joint Providers.
• Participated in King County Regional RFP review team,
made program funding recommendations to King
County for 2020 Community Development Block Grant
funds.
2
THE HAZELNUT
Council President Kathy Hougardy, Councilmembers
Robertson, Seal, Quinn, Kruller, McLeod and Idan completed
another year of collaborative hard work in 2019. Last
year Councilmembers tackled tough policy matters over
the course of 21 Regular, 20 Committee of the Whole, 10
Special, and 79 Committee meetings. Councilmembers also
represented Tukwila's interests on 27 regional boards.
Highlights from the year include:
• Authorized joining other regional cities and King County
in the South King Housing & Homelessness Partnership.
• Authorized traffic cameras to prevent speeding in school
zones.
• Established penalties for the crime of exposing minor
children to domestic violence.
• Met jointly with the Tukwila School District Board of
Directors to discuss issues of mutual importance.
• Restated the commitment to being diverse, tolerant and
inclusive, and denouncing language expressing hate.
• Passed legislation that will prevent retailers from giving
out single use plastic bags, which harm wildlife, create
litter, and clog storm drain and recycling equipment.
• Adopted formal performance policy, standards and
objectives for the Tukwila Fire Department.
In December the City of
Tukwila bid farewell to
Dennis Robertson, who
retired from the City
Council after 24 years of
public service. Dennis
served on the City Council
from 1988-1995 and
again from 2004 to 2019.
He will be missed for his
thoughtful leadership and
diligence on budget and
financial matters.
Collaborated with Tukwila TIS department to procure
mobile video equipment for improving and expanding
remote language interpretation capabilities.
Participated in planning and design of new Tukwila
Justice Center.
Established
structure,
processes and
partnerships in
preparation for
the opening of Tukwila Court's Community Connections
Center. With its debut at the new Justice Center, this
program will involve housing, clothing, food, benefits,
transportation assistance, treatment providers,
relicensing, VA representatives, and civil legal aid.
Attended state training with Tukwila Parks and
Recreation staff, along with local student and school
leadership, to plan for a future student traffic court.
Presented and hosted numerous civics education
sessions and mock trials for several local schools and
associations in support of our Court for Kids program.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY2020 3
Continued implementation of Priority -Based Budgeting
(PBB) efforts with departments drafting performance
measures that will be incorporated into 2021-2022
budget process. PBB aids City in allocating funds to
programs determined to be most critical to community.
Implemented new cashiering system that has chipped
credit card reader capabilities. The new cashiering
system also has faster transaction processing and better
reporting capabilities.
• Successfullytransitioned City's business license function
to State, enabling businesses operating in multiple cities
to obtain a single endorsement rather than obtaining a
separate license from each city where they do business.
• Installed computer kiosk at City Hall where walk-in
residents and businesses can do City business online.
Finance staff assistance is available for utility payments,
business license renewal or application, or checking on
the status of a permit.
Issued $25 million limited tax general obligation bonds
and $41 million in unlimited tax general obligation
bonds, to fund construction for Public Safety Plan
projects, including the Justice Center, two fire stations,
and Public Works shops facility.
In conjunction with issuing Public Safety Plan bonds,
Tukwila received upgrade to its long-term bond rating,
increasing from AA to AA+. The increased rating reflects
a very good strength in economy, management with
effective financial policies and practices, budgetary
performance and flexibility, and liquidity.
Community Development
Worked with the community members to accomplish
making State -mandated updates to Tukwila's shoreline
and environmental regulations.
• Organized annual yard sale, and continued our state -
funded assistance for residential and business recycling.
• Reviewed and issued 1,799 building, mechanical,
electrical and plumbing permits for new or remodeled
buildings. The estimated cost of all the construction
approved in 2019 was $248,832,537, up 62%from 2018.
Provided timely permit review and construction
inspections of multiple large private development
projects; reviewed public projects including school
expansions and Tukwila's Justice Center and Fire
Station projects. Maintained 24-hour building
inspection turnaround time - 5,391 total inspections.
Interurban Trail:
Before
Interurban Trail:
After
Opened 278 code enforcement cases and closed 165,
improving living conditions (demolition of unfit building,
clean-up of property along Interurban Trail, and more).
Continued to refine rental housing inspection program.
Received $100,000 grant from State to create Housing
Action Plan; made new regulations for Accessory
Dwelling Units, allowing backyard cottages and offering
amnesty program through June of 2019.
f Engaged with Sound Transit on 1-405 bus rapid transit
improvements to increase potential for transit -oriented
development around the Tukwila International Blvd
Station. Applied for grants to get approximately $2
million for improving access to stations in Tukwila.
Continued transportation outreach with information
and incentives to individuals who live or work in Tukwila
and South King County, encouraging walking, biking,
transit and carpooling.
4 THE HAZELNUT
Parks and Recreation
• Selected two artists
for City's first Artist in
Residence program;
variety of programs,
workshops, events
and art engagement
activities were offered
throughout year.
• Prepared update to Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Plan - guiding document that outlines Department's key
goals and priorities - for adoption in early 2020.
• Completed Older Adult Recreation Services Needs
Assessment, used to guide application for King County
grant; one-time $90,000 grant was awarded.
• Foster Golf Links staff focused on creating stronger
social media presence; the number of rounds increased
to over 50,000 in 2019 for first time since 2015. Signifi-
cant maintenance projects included irrigation changes
and reshaping fairways and bunkers.
• Volunteers and crews removed 22,300 square feet of
invasive plants and planted 814 native trees and shrubs
as part of Green Tukwila Stewardship Program.
Technology & Innovation
Partnered with Telecom and Tukwila Departments
to develop a Master License Agreement, and design
standards for 5G infrastructure that matched Tukwila's
technology vision.
Implemented online form and signature solution that is
being leveraged to process online permit applications.
Provided project leadership in implementation of new
software solutions for performance management, fire
staffing, digital signatures, City of Tukwila public Wi-Fi,
permitting, and asset management.
Continued development of accurate Geographic
Information System (GIS) as -built drawings of the City's
water, sewer, and surface water infrastructure. Enabled
staff to log assets into City's GIS database.
JAN UARY/FEB R UARY 2020
• Popular community connection series See You in the
Park - with music, art, food and unique event themes -
featured twice as many events as year before.
• Recreation program participants totaled 174,880 sign-
ups; facility changes at Community Center included
addition of music room and enhancing Fireside Lounge.
• Parks staff developed new composting site at Gully
Gardens. Created new plant propagation area for
significant cost savings in parks' vegetative materials.
• Developed Tukwila portion of Lake to Sound Trail
beginning in June 2019; ribbon cutting is scheduled for
February 26, 2020.
• Installed play structures
for dogs at Crestview Park
and new swings at
Cascade View
Community Park.
Su pported
enrichment activities
for Foster High School
technology interns.
Provided education and advice to City staff for
awareness of cyber-attacks and phishing scandals, to
further secure City's computer network and data.
Modernized City's network infrastructure by replacing
aged and out -of -support hardware (Le., network
backbone and remote facility connections).
Provided guidance in Technology Council and
Technology Team to ensure collaboration with staff in
assessment of technology needs and purchases.
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Constructed two new pedestrian crosswalks with
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and curb ramps
south of South 140th Street and Tukwila International
Boulevard, to increase visibility of pedestrians crossing.
Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program addresses
safety concerns in residential areas by introducing
treatments to reduce speeds, improve lighting, increase
visibility of pedestrians/bicycles and more. Installed
new pedestrian crossings, speed cushions, and flashing
crosswalk and stop signs plus radar speed signs.
• Worked toward goal of full staffing, including emphasis
on retention, leadership development, sensible and
affordable incentives, provision of peer support and
necessary tools to do jobs safely.
• Held Community
Police Academy,
open to people
who live, work
or volunteer
in Tukwila.
Weekly sessions
included
presentations
and training from
subject matter
experts in all of the various units in the department.
• Collaborated with community and other city partners
to implement crime -fighting technology, such as
surveillance cameras in our
parks to deter problems,
securing enjoyment and safety
of community members.
• Continued to work with
City resources in regards
to homeless outreach.
Provided resources to those
experiencing homelessness
throughout year, while
balancing safety and security
of our community members
Cleaned up homeless camps.
• Provided high security mailboxes at cost to Tukwila
residents who have no neighborhood cluster mailboxes.
Responding to a promise to problem -solve and present
solutions to the mail theft problem, this mailbox
program was a much -appreciated, significant success.
• Continued engagements at schools through assigned
School Resource Officers. Held first ever Bulldog
Bullyproof Training workshop to provide students
with basic non-violent techniques to counter common
assaultive behavior displayed by bullies.
Completed final paving of 53rd Ave South construction
project which includes street improvements, sidewalks
and in -progress undergrounding. A ribbon cutting was
held on August 9 at Joseph Foster Memorial Park.
Council approved Phase 1 of consolidated Public
Works shops plan. SHKS Architects has started design
of the tenant improvements to Public Works Fleet and
Facilities Building at the former Heiser site.
Replaced west bridge approach slab on the South 196th/
200th Street Bridge, using bridge maintenance funding.
Bridge required 3-week closure right before 2019 holiday
season. Project completed within the tight timeline;
Identified four alternatives - from minimal changes to
lane removal - to create walkable "main street" area
for Tukwila International Boulevard; studied potential
significant impacts to surrounding neighborhoods
• Took delivery
of two new
engines and a
ladder truck.
• Emergency Management has updated the Hazard
Mitigation Plan and submitted to King County.
• Department implemented social media outreach.
• Total of 5,979 Incidents (Aid, Fire, HazMat, other)
• The construction of the new Stations 51 and 52
has been going well. Station 51 is scheduled to be
complete in June 2020; Station 52 in January of 2021.
Fire Marshal's Office:
• Plan Reviews -
Construction permits (development, Public Works,
mechanical, and single-family residential):
Construction permit, fire protection:
427
265
Various permit types: Design review, land, SEPA,
planned residential, and wireless facility: 113
Special Event Permits Reviewed: 22
• Inspections -
Construction permits (development, Public Works,
mechanical, and single-family residential): 258
Construction permit, fire protection: 352
• Fire investigator requests:
54
THE HAZELNUT
City ofTukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
1- 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.
Council Corner
by De'Sean Quinn,
2020 Council President
Becoming a Council member
means you're ready to work
for your community
It's an honor to serve as Council President, and I look for-
ward to the important work of the year ahead. I am very
glad to welcome Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson to the City
Council. When I say work, I mean it - we have a lot in store.
This is the year we will deliberate and adopt the City's bud-
get for 2021-2022. In the City of Tukwila, the Council uses
the Priority -Based Budgeting process. It helps us identify
the City services that offer the highest value, and those that
may not be as useful. It's methodical and transparent, and
ensures that the City's focus is on what's most important to
the community we serve. The Biennial Budget process, is
a significant undertaking, requiring special, engaged work
sessions in addition to our usual meetings.
One area of focus is empowering Councilmembers to
effectively contribute to the City through their work in the
four standing committees. Policy decisions made as a
Council are first discussed in the applicable committees,
requiring hard work, dedication and preparation. This year
the Council adopted a new committee structure:
► Transportation & Infrastructure - Cynthia Delostrinos
Johnson, Chair; Verna Seal, Kate Kruller
► Planning & Economic Development - Thomas McLeod,
Chair; Kathy Hougardy, Zak Idan
► Community Services & Safety - Kate Kruller, Chair;
Thomas McLeod, Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson
► Finance - Verna Seal, Chair; Kathy Hougardy, Zak Idan
Finally, I would like to announce that the City Council
plans to engage further with the community in the form
of Town Hall meetings. These will provide us with a great
opportunity to hear from you on the issues we all face.
Stay tuned for details as we firm up the schedule.
For more information about our work, please visit
TukwilaWA.gov/council, or feel free to contact any
Councilmember - you can find our phone numbers right
below this article.
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
Bruce Linton, Chief 206-433-7175
Public Works Department
Henry Hash, Director 206-433-0179
Technology Services Department
Joseph Todd, Director 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@TukwilaWA.gov
Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007
Kathy.Hougardy@TukwilaWA.gov
Verna Seal 206-492-4819
Verna.Seal@TukwilaWA.gov
Kate Kruller 206-678-7885
Kate.Kruller@TukwilwaWA.gov
Thomas McLeod 206-492-4821
Thomas.Mcleod@TukwilaWAgov
Zak Idan 206-889-0743
Zak.ldan@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