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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 39 No. 3MAY/JUNE 2019 VOLUME 39, NUMBER 3 A- A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities J LA q �s rubella: The City of Oppoituuity, the Coeutuukity of Choice Public Safety Plan update: the earth is moving! If you've driven by the site of the new Justice Center, you've most certainly noticed changes on Tukwila International Boulevard. On April 1 the City broke ground on the new facility that will house the Tukwila Police Department, Municipal Court and Emergency Operations Center. Workers have cleared the site, installed storm drainage on the north lot, excavated soils on the south lot, and are starting to install the drainage system on the southern property. The next big milestone: pouring the concrete for the building's footings, which will begin in mid -June. Work is underway at the site of the new Justice Center. Fire stations - Also underway is the construction of Fire Station 51 at the intersection of Southcenter Parkway and South 180th Street. The site has been graded, forms are being constructed for the footings, and concrete will begin being poured in mid -June. Fire Station 51 will no longer be the City's headquarters station; that function will move to the new Fire Station 52 on the City Hall Campus. Sitework on that project is scheduled to begin in July of this year. Combined Public Works shops - The project team is developing a multi -step master plan for the new combined Public Works facility, phased over time to ensure seamless operations of Public Works throughout the transition. The site is just north of the Duwamish River, south of South 112th Street, in between East Marginal Way and Tukwila International Boulevard. The City's website contains a lot of information on the Public Safety Plan, including renderings of the buildings and presentations on the public art that will be installed in the buildings. Soon it will also include construction camera feeds from the active projects. Find more information atTukwilaWA.gov/PublicSafetyPlan Tukwila's recent Police hires honor men and women of our armed forces In our ongoing effort to provide professional services to this community, the Tukwila Police Department recently added six new officers. We are especially proud that over the past year we have extended job offers to eight veterans (accounting for over half of the officers hired). We welcome these new hires to the City! Officer Etheridge (U.S. Marines) Officer Arjona (U.S. Army) Officer Armstrong Officer Rainey (U.S. Army) (U.S. Marines) Officer Greenhill Officer Zwicky (U.S. Navy) Inside Tukwila's office of Human Services Since 1991 the Office of Human Services has provided direct services to Tukwila residents who need assistance. Staff responds to telephone calls, walk-in requests and referrals from a wide range of internal and external partners. Referrals come from other City departments (Fire, Police, Code Enforcement, Recreation, Finance), Tukwila School District, agencies working with Tukwila residents, and leaders in our spiritual community. Human Services staff - Program Coordinator Stacy Hansen and Specialist Hodo Hussein - provide social service information and referrals. They match up residents to a variety of relevant internal and external resources. They also provide some short-term advocacy until the resident is adequately connected within the social service system that can best meet their needs. The Office of Human Services contracts with a broad range of providers to assist with the basic needs of Tukwila residents. Those needs include resources related to achieving: ► Wellness (physical, dental, behavioral health) ► Housing (eviction prevention, shelter/transitional housing, outreach to those experiencing homelessness) ► Food Security (ensuring access to meet basic food needs) ► Independence support (employment related, training/ classes, navigation/case management, transportation) You can see a complete list of the City's current contracted non-profit agencies at TukwilaWA.gov/providers. Human Services staff also manages the Minor Home Repair Program to assist eligible, low/moderate income qualified homeowners with health and safety -related repairs for owner -occupied homes. If you or another resident you know has any questions or needs a referral, please contact Human Services today. Office Hours: Monday -Friday, 8:30AM-5:OOPM Stacy: 206-433-7180 Stacy.Hansen@TukwilaWA.gov Hodo: 206-433-7181 Hodo.Hussein@TukwilaWA.gov green Tukwila: tlorneschool Stewardship Squad Over the past couple of years, the Green Tukwila Program has been busy working with local park stewards. Their objective is to improve and restore parks and open space to their native habitat throughout Tukwila. One site that has seen significant attention is a donated parcel located on 128th Street South. Parks Commissioner Heidi Watters learned that the Parks and Recreation Department would be acquiring the donation. She instantly recognized an opportunity for her Homeschool Stewardship Squad. Who is this Homeschool Stewardship Squad? The Squad is a group of families that volunteer throughout Puget Sound. The squad has adopted the 128th Street parcel and hosts regular work parties at the site. When they first started working at the site, it was impossible to walk into the parcel due to invasive blackberry and morning glory growth. Throughout the past two years the Stewardship Squad has been experiencing hands-on learning about native habitat and how native plants work as a community to create healthy habitat. Now, it is easy to walk into the site and even access Riverton Creek. At a recent work party a young volunteer found a dragonfly larvae in the creek while watering. Conversations ran wild as the youth processed the idea of something that flies starting life by swimming. Tukwila Parks and Recreation supports work parties by providing tools, educational resources, and funding to support invasive knotweed removal. The Tukwila Parks Commission also supports these efforts by providing supplies such as native plants and gator bags to support restoration. Learn more about the HomeSchool Stewardship Squad: HeidiRoseWatters.com/stewardship/ Green Tukwila Program: TukwilaWA.gov/GreenTukwila 2 THE HAZELNUT Providing services that meet the needs of senior community members Tukwila's adopted Strategic Plan set forth five goals address- ing issues that we consider most important in providing our residents with the best City services possible. Our second goal - "A Solid Foundation for All Tukwila Residents" - calls for personal growth opportunities and equitable access to these opportunities and services. As a city, we try to work hard to ensure our services are available to all. As we all know, Tukwila is a city of diversity. Not only is our city home to people from a wide range of nationalities, speaking many dozens of languages, but it is also home to all age groups, from Generation Z to Boomers and beyond. A recent effort focused on our senior community members, Tukwila's Parks and Recreation Department recently contracted for an Older Adult Recreation Services Needs Assessment. BERK Consulting reviewed the current City - provided services, and recommended improvements for access to programs that build community, support health and wellness, and provide enrichment activities for older adults. What did the assessment show? The assessment showed that Tukwila's Parks and Recreation Department provides a wide selection of recreational programs and services that meet resident needs. However, the study found a variety of barriers prevent older adults from participating in our City's programs. The barriers include lack of transportation, language and culture barriers, awareness of programs, physical and cognitive impairments, work and household obligations, and the inability to meet basic needs such as housing and nutrition. What steps have been identified to address these barriers? Improved community connections: This goal aims for social and physical connectivity for older adults through the reduction of social isolation and improved access and awareness of services. It specifically addresses the community building function of recreation programming. Inclusive and equitable access to recreational programs: This goal focuses on equity, access to service, and partnerships by facilitating connections and building trust with all members of the community. Recreational programming that supports health and wellbeing: This goal is meant to sustain and improve upon the existing recreation services and programs Parks and Recreation offers to older adults. Armed with the findings from this assessment, our Parks and Recreation Department is applying for grant funding to shape future recreation programming and services for Tukwila's senior community members. Funding for the assessment itself came from a grant through the King County Department of Community Services, with oversight of the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy passed by voters in 2017. I am especially thankful for when our efforts to help make the lives of our residents better result in clear direction and goals that the City's Parks and Recreation staff can utilize to provide improved service. It's one more reason I'm proud of Tukwila. ZI-Ze0 Allan Ekberg, Mayor City seeks volunteers to serve on boards and commissions Volunteers are a vital part of government's existence and are deeply appreciated. Advisory bodies provide guidance to decision -makers and bring public participation into the process of government. Ideally, the members represent the diverse viewpoints of the community, and offer comprehensive recommendations to the City Council. Current openings are: Arts Commission: Position #7, Resident Community -Oriented Policing Citizen Advisory Board: Student Representative Equity & Social Justice Commission: Position #9, Community Representative and Student Representative Library Advisory Board: Position #7, Resident and Student Representative Park Commission: Position #4, Community Representative and Student Representative More information plus the Application for Appointment can be found atTukwilaWA.gov/boards. MAY/JUNE 2019 3 Council Corner by Kathy Hougardy, 2019 Council President As the days grow longer and the weather improves, we find that we spend more time outdoors. We are lucky to live in a community like Tukwila with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, including all the many beautiful parks and trails to explore. You may have noticed a system of trails all over the city- ranging from short mid -block segments to multi -mile stretches of the regional Green River and Interurban Trails. In fact, one of my favorite quirky features in this city are the pass -through trails marked by wooden numbered signs all around Tukwila. These trails were developed long ago for easier walking access through long blocks, but not much is known by current City staff about when they were placed or how the numbering system was devised. If you are reading this and have some additional information, please contact me at Kathy.Hougardy@TukwilaWA. gov, as I'd love to know more! The trails include: Trails 1, 2 and 3 go from the top of Tukwila Hill down to Interurban Avenue South. The trails are steep and go through a wooded area. Trail 4 is a two -block path which goes over a wooded hill and a foot bridge, between South 151st and 153rd Streets. Trail 9 follows Klickitat Drive from 53rd to the Southcenter area. Trail 13 is located between South 148th and 150th streets, allowing a pedestrian pass -through which can avoid walking around some very long blocks. If - while out walking your neighborhood - you see one of these numbered posts, you will find they will connect you to another part of your neighborhood. Happy exploring! City Council Actions - Highlights from March and April 2019 ■ Accepted grant funding from King County for the Waste Reduction/Recycling Program ■ Approved lodging tax funds to support the tournament schedule at Starfire Sports ■ Amended the Development Agreement with AirmarkApartments to allow additional signage for a term of five years (Ord. 2603) ■ Approved the Maximum Allowable Construction Cost for construction to proceed on Fire Station 51 ■ Contracted with Steve Amento for Project Neutral Services on the Public Safety Plan ■ Approved a Maximum Allowable Construction Cost for initial construction to proceed on the Justice Center ■ Authorized a consultant contract for the Tukwila International Boulevard Channelization Study ■ Authorized a Development Agreement with Homestead Land Trust for the proposed Riverton Cascade project (Ord. 2604) ■ Approved the purchase of a vehicle for the Police K9 unit For additional information about any of these actions, please call 206-433-8993 APPOINTMENTS Congratulations to the following community members who were confirmed to Boards and Commissions in March and April. Tukwila thanks you for your volunteer service to our community! • Pinky Estell, Arts Commission • JoAnne Fabian, Community Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board • Randy Coplen, Sean Goode, Jessica Jerwa, Public Safety Bond Financial Oversight Committee DON'T FORGET... • City offices are closed on Thursday, July 4 • No Family Fourth al the Fort event this year 4 THE HAZELNUT City is updating regulations for land near river To reflect changes in other laws, plans or circumstances, Tukwila periodically updates its Shoreline regulations - for example, changes to levee and flood wall design, and increased allowable building height. With approximately 13 miles of the Green/Duwamish River in Tukwila, we work to balance economic and residential development with enhancement and stewardship of the river's ecology. The Planning Commission presented their recommended changes for the City's regulations ("Shoreline Master Program") to the City Council. The City has completed its environmental review of the regulation changes. The next steps: • The Department of Ecology reviews the Commission's recommendation. • The City Council will hold a final public hearing in June. Proposed amendments to the City's shoreline plan are available for review at TukwilaWA.gov/shoreline, and in our office at the Department of Community Development. If you'd like to send comments or be added to our email interest group, contact us at Shoreline@TukwilaWA.gov. More info is a subscription away Want a little more Tukwila news? The City offers the E-Hazelnut- delivered monthly to your inbox with updates and helpful information. This newsletter is our opportunity to share timely information, promote upcoming events and initiatives, and encourage two-way communications with Tukwila's residents, businesses and guests. Go to TukwilaWA.gov, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the "Sign Up" button. Tukwila's 26th Annual Community Garage Sale Saturday, August 17, 2019 -ONE DAY ONLY! Want to sell? Sign up to hold a sale at the same time as your neighbors. Get free publicity, a yellow sign, and how-to information about yard sales and donating. Want to shop? Pick up a list of all the addresses that are holding sales, then get out there and bargain hunt! Register NOW! Online: TukwilaWA.gov/yardsale Email: recycle@TukwilaWA.gov Phone: 206-433-7178 Tukwila Community Connectors Celebrates - Foster High School Student Rinny Tun: In 2013 Tukwila's Community Connectors program began as a pilot program in partnership with Global to Local, a non-profit located in South King County. The Connectors goal is continued outreach to engage Tukwila's diverse communities in the civic process and decisions that impact their community. By building stronger relationships with a broad range of communities, the City continues toward its vision of ensuring that all residents have equitable access to opportunities and services. Community Connectors learn and provide: • City 101 training and department processes. • Expertise on community concerns and on barriers to City processes. • Community conversations that parallel larger City - hosted meetings. Rinny Tun, a Community Connector and Foster High School senior, graduates in June. Serving as our youth connector for more than two years, he will be entering his freshman year at the University of Washington. Rinny - who started out as a shy and quiet student - has now found his voice. He has participated in the Healthy King County Coalition Leadership Training program, building upon his advocacy work and leadership abilities. In partnership with Global to Local, he made his first presentation this year in front of City Council. We applaud Rinny Tun's successes and his commitment to the City of Tukwila's Community Connectors. MAY/JUNE 2019 5 Tukwila Public Works I)epartrnent 42nd Avenue South Phase 111 (Southcenter Boulevard (South 154th St) to South 160th St) The 42nd Avenue South Phase III Project added sidewalks and buffer zones, undergrounded all aerial utilities. Installation of the underground electrical and communications facilities continues. Contact: Peter Lau at 206-431-2454 orPeter.Lau@TukwilaWA.gov 53rdAvenue South The 53rd Avenue South residential street improvement project from South 137th Street to South 144th Street includes a new drainage system, sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, illumination, utility upgrades, and undergrounding of overhead utilities. Construction began in April 2018 and final overlay paving was completed on May 3, 2019. Work on the utility cutover from overhead to underground is still underway with the duration determined by the utilities. Contact: Peter Lau at 206-431-2454 orPeter.Lau@TukwilaWA.gov Boeing Access Road (BAR) bridges The Boeing Access Road bridge over the Burlington Northern railroad track has completed construction and all travel lanes are open. The bridge over Airport Way is the only remaining structure on the BAR corridor that has not been seismically upgraded. The currently schedule is to design and construct the seismic improvements by 2020 to receive 100% funding from the federal Bridge Replacement Advisory Council. The current design shows that the construction impact will only affect the bridge pillars, with no impact to the travel lanes above. Contact: Hari Ponnekanti at 206-431-2455 or Hari.Ponnekanti@TukwilaWA.gov South 196th/200th Street Bridge Repair The preferred design option has been chosen and we are currently working with the consultant to develop plans and specifications so that the project can be advertised for construction in the second half of 2019. We hope to have the project under construction and substantially complete by the end of 2019. Contact: Mike Ronda at 206-433-7194 or Mike.Ronda@TukwilaWA.gov 2019 Street Overlay & Repair We are currently awarding construction bids for the 2019 Overlay and Repair program. This year seven locations were chosen for overlay and repair work: South 124th St • South 128th St • South 137th St 52nd Ave South • South 200th St • Andover Park East Parts of the Fort Dent Park parking lot The work is scheduled to begin late May and be completed by October 2019 or sooner, depending on weather. Contact: Scott Bates at 206-431-2193 orScott.Bates@TukwilaWA.gov. 2019 Small Drainage Program We are currently working with a design consultant to design eight projects for construction in 2019. The projects include repairs at three locations to address safety issues, and the lining of five different drainage pipes to maintain the drainage system. The eight projects are located at: Gilliam Creek and South 154th Street 14800 block of 42nd Avenue South Gilliam Creek Control Structure Southcenter Boulevard and 61st Avenue South South 140th Street and 38th Avenue South South 152nd Street and 42nd Avenue South South 130th Street and 33rd Place South 40th Avenue South and Southcenter Boulevard Contact: Ryan Larson at206-431-2456orRyan.Larson@TukwilaWA.gov Maintenance access stairs at Gilliam Creek 6 THE HAZELNUT Strander Boulevard Extension Phase 3 The City of Renton completed Phases 1 and 2 of the Strander Boulevard Extension Project, from Oaksdale Avenue to the Sounder Commuter Rail Station parking lot. Led by the City of Tukwila, Phase 3 will connect Strander Boulevard under the railroad tracks from Renton to West Valley Highway. The design consultant is currently working towards a 30% submittal to the City - a major milestone. Once this milestone is reached, we will be able to submit an update to the approved environmental documents (NEPA) and continue to move forward. Staff is working with the design consultant, incorporating value engineering results to reduce construction costs. Contact: Hari Ponnekanti at 206 431-2455 or Hari.Ponnekanti@TukwilaWA.gov West Valley Highway (1-405 to Strander) City Council awarded a $2.4 million grant from the State of Washington's Transportation Improvement Board and $628,000 from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant for road and non -motorized improvements to West Valley Highway. This project will design and construct the missing northbound through -lane, improve/complete sidewalks, and - pending WSDOT approval - potentially install a pedestrian -activated signal across West Valley Highway. This will improve the pedestrian and bicycle connection from the Tukwila Station (Sounder Commuter Rail) to the new Southcenter Pedestrian Bridge and on to the Tukwila Transit Center next to Southcenter Mall. Contact: Cyndy Knighton at 206-431-2450 or Cyndy.Knighton@TukwilaWA.gov East Marginal Way South Storm water Outfall and Water Quality Improvements The City is working with a design consultant to design drainage upgrades to a portion of East Marginal Way South near Jorgensen Forge. The improvements will include rerouting stormwater from a closed private outfall and direct it to a City -owned outfall to the north. The project will include a small pump station, water quality improvements, and lining a portion of the existing outfall. 75 percent of the project design and construction funding is provided through a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Construction is anticipated in the summer of 2020. Contact: Ryan Larson at206-431-2456orRyan.Larson@TukwilaWA.gov Green tk6 Green As part of the Habitat Program's Green the Green program effort, the City of Tukwila is underway with shoreline restoration work. This is the pilot project for what is hoped to be a long-term public/private collaboration to restore native vegetation along the Green/Duwamish River. The project entails the removal of invasive species such as Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy. The planting of native trees and shrubs provides much -needed shade and food sources for juvenile salmon born in the creeks and upper reaches of our watershed every year. The City is partnering with JSH Properties, Inc, representing Schneider & Schneider, LLC, to restore 1,000 feet of shoreline at River Mile (RM) 11.5 adjacent to 14900 Interurban Avenue. We are also partnering with the Harnish Group, Inc., to restore nearly 750 linear feet at RM 13.6, adjacent to NC Machinery, 17025 West Valley Highway. This grant -funded project helps in the watershed -wide and regional effort to restore endangered Chinook salmon and steelhead populations. Chinook salmon are the primary food source for endangered Southern Resident Orca whales. The project sites can be seen from the Green River Trail, where they may be enjoyed for years to come. Tukwila W RKS Potholes? Illegal parking? Flooding? Dumped garbage? The City's reporting tool Tukwila Works allows users to report and track progress on non -emergency issues using the City's website or via a smartphone app. To report an issue or download the app, go to: TukwilaWA.gov/TukwilaWorks MAY/JUNE 2019 7 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 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 ca11206-454-7573. Scenes fumn this Bacitywidttritifife 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, CityAdministrator 206-433-1851 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Administrative Services Rachel Bianchi, Dep. CityAdm. 206-454-7566 Human Resources - Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Human Services 206-433-7181 Community Engagement 206-454-7564 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 Kathy Hougardy, President 206-571-0007 kathy.hougardy@TukwilaWA.gov Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373 dennis.robertson@TukwilaWA.gov Verna Seal. 206-492-4819 verna.seal@TukwilaWA.gov De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939 desean.quinn@TukwilaWAgov Kate Kruller 206-678-7885 kate.kruller@TukwilwaWAgov Thomas McLeod 206-492-4821 thomas.mcleod@TukwilaWA.gov Zak !clan 206-889-0743 zak.idan@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 Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays