Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 33 No. 2I 29oa City begins ins process of creating a Strategic Plan THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 33, NUMBER 2 APRIL/MAY 2012 to help set the course for Tukwila's future Tukwila is about to embark on a very important journey that will involve participants from all walks of life in the City. The City has been working very hard to lay the groundwork for its first-ever Strategic Plan — putting forth its agreed-upon concept of community, and providing guidelines for proceed- ing to make that concept a reality. Twenty years ago, after going through multiple annexations that tripled its population and geographic area, the City car- ried out a similar process called "Vision Tukwila", designed to assess neighborhood needs and integrate them into an orchestrated City-wide plan. Since then the City has gone through many changes. The unprecedented economic conditions of the past few years demonstrate more than ever the importance of having our needs, expenditures and capital investments prioritized with an eye to the future. Identifying long-term and short- term priorities for serving Tukwila's citizens will help us al- locate the City's resources to best meet their needs. This fresh look will help Tukwila evaluate who we are and where we are headed, and then adjust its course if needed. A Strategic Plan will help us establish a common understand- ing throughout the community of what we want to achieve in the next 5-10 years, and determine a path to get there. Berk Consulting has been selected to furnish their services for this project. Their 20 years of expertise in Strategic Plan- ning and related processes will provide the City with the guidance and tools needed for tackling this project. This work will be done in phases. To ensure a plan that will meet the needs of Tukwila's current and future citizens, the City will need input and participation from everyone: resi- dential community, business community, property owners, COUNCIL CHAT On the second Saturday of each month, from 10:00AM to 12:00PM Come join the talk at FOSTER GOLF LINKS CLUBHOUSE 13500 Interurban Avenue S Council Chat is a chance to stop by and informally talk with one of your Tukwila City Councilmembers about anything on your mind re- garding your community. NEXT CHAT: MAY 12 its seniors and its youth, schools, neighborhood block watch groups, elected City officials and administration, City staff and others. There will be various opportunities for you to participate and share your ideas. Phase 1 will involve a community assessment consisting of public meetings, community open houses, stakeholder group discussions, focus -group sessions, surveys and other outreach forums. Additionally, information on the City will be gathered and analyzed, evaluating the community's re- sources, strengths and assets. Phase 2 will outline an overall strategic plan with an imple- mentation schedule. This work will include public involve- ment that engages the community in the strategic planning process designed to focus and align participants, fostering a sense of cohesion as to Tukwila's direction. The City's goal is to have the first draft of our Strategic Plan by the end of July, and a final document by the end of Octo- ber. The timeline is tight, but the work is critically important in helping set direction for the City in the years ahead. The final Plan will be a guide to help keep the City on track toward accomplishing its vision and aligning our resources with the needs of the community. Watch the City's website — www.TukwilaWA.gov — for the many ways you can participate and for more informa- tion regarding the Strategic Plan project in the weeks and months ahead. You can also contact Project Manager i � ' 44.44.1:1 Joyce Trantina at 206-433-1850 or StrategicPlanning@ ■ +• TukwilaWa.gov for more information. www.TukwilaWA.gov iirr Y� 1, NN %NZ* \,�'�1J �.\�Li1� �f�/1Z' CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 November 2011 Authorized agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation for the Commute Trip Reduction Program. Held public hearing & approved ordinance increasing regular property tax levy 1% from previous year commencing 01/01/12. Authorized sponsorship agreement with Competitors Group for 2012 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon, on behalf of Seattle Southside Visitor Services. Approved funding to include hiring three full-time Police officers during 2012 in year-end 2011-2012 budget amendment. Approved $175,000 funding for permit tracking system to be included in year-end 2011-2012 budget amendment. Accepted grant funding for Washington DOT RideShareOnline.com project. Approved contract with KPG, Inc., for the 2012 Overlay and Repair Program. Passed resolution setting green fees for Tukwila's Foster Golf Links. Passed resolution adopting financial pro- tocols for the Golf Course Fund. Authorized amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Tukwila Metropolitan Park District for support services, with a new expiration date of January 15, 2013. Held public hearing regarding amending the 2011-12 Biennial Budget. Held a public hearing regarding the 2010- 2015 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program (CIP). December 2011 Adopted an ordinance amending the 2011-12 Biennial Budget. Adopted 2012-2017 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program. Authorized agreement with KPG, Inc., for the 2012 Annual Small Drainage Program. Adopted new Public Works fee schedule. Adopted ordinance establishing new regu- lations related to panhandling. Repealed Section 2 of Ordinance #2323 relating to prohibition against social card rooms as a commercial stimulant. Accepted funds from Federal CMAQ grant & State Transportation Enhancement grant for Urban Center Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge. Authorized Supplement No. 9 with KPFF Consulting Engineers for Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge. Authorized Supp. No. 13 with IBI Group for Tukwila Transit Center and Andover Park West Street & Water Improvements. Adopted ordinance authorizing & provid- ing for acquisition of interests in land for purpose of completing Tukwila Transit Cen- ter project, providing for condemnation, appropriation, taking of land and property rights necessary, providing for payment. Confirmed appointment of Charlie Penor to Equity and Diversity Commission Confirmed the reappointment of Ronald Johnston to Civil Service Commission. Confirmed the reappointment of Marie Parrish to Library Advisory Board. Confirmed the reappointment of Linda McLeod to Library Advisory Board. Adopted resolution expressing sincere gratitude to Joan Hernandez for service as Councilmember. January 2012 Elected Verna Seal as Council President. Authorize an interlocal agreement for the Joint Minor Home Repair Program with funding provided through Community Development Block Grant funds. Approved contract with J. A. Brennan for design of Duwamish Gardens project. Accepted additional grant funds from Washington State Recreation and Conser- vation Office for Duwamish Gardens. Adopted resolution establishing legislative priorities for 2012 legislative session. February 2012 Authorized Supplement No. 2 with KBA, Inc. for construction management services for the Southcenter Parkway project. Authorized a contract for the 42nd Avenue South Phase III residential street improve- ment project and Gilliam Creek 42nd Av- enue South Culvert with CH2M Hill, Inc. Accepted grant from WA State Transporta- tion Improvement Board for Andover Park West street improvements project. Authorized interlocal agreement with King County Solid Waste Division to accept grant funds for Tukwila Recycling Program. Authorized interlocal agreement for fiber optic project construction/management with Community Connectivity Consortium. Authorized agreement with Waste Man- agement of Washington, Inc., for 2012- 2019 comprehensive solid waste, recycling and compostables collection. March 2012 Award a contract to Custom Security Sys- tems for a fire alarm system upgrade to the 6300 Building. Confirmed the appointment of Jennafer Price Cargill to Position #3 on the Human Services Advisory Board. Confirmed the reappointment of Lynn Churchill to Position #7 on the Commu- nity Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board (COPCAB). Held public hearing regarding develop- ment agreement between City of Tukwila and Riverton Development, for property at 12909 East Marginal Way South. 2 THE HAZELNUT Pcttard Ciwdot e FESTIVAL ww,5Aztydzf eFa,zreor9 AY 112„ 20II2 li .J35P�1�, Located. at 41,e Tu12,wiea CottCelitte t 12422 42(d. 4 e S Tu2wiea °8168 • educat coma e,Aibltons tou7t i4 tote, ant necyceed ant sows -X atts amd e,tat)-ts 0&a31,i2etpeace educatio0.01e wondLops cY quieted bind tout 12ids qaMteR loatty Rative pQafrtt saes i l3Aeal26'ast aid eulkC L onsite 0 y: TUKWILA You may be eligible for 2011 utility tax rebates In 2003 the City of Tukwila imposed a Utility Tax and added surcharge to Seattle City Light customers as a contract fee. A policy has been established by the City to rebate the additional taxes and contract surcharge fees to low-income seniors (62 or older) or disabled residents who may be eligible for electric and natural gas utility rebates. Criteria for eligibility: • Must be at least 62 years of age or disabled. • Must have combined income of less than $31,150 or less than $27,250 if single. • Must be a Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light customer. Required information (due by June 30, 2012): • Must complete application and notarized supplemental affidavit at the Finance Department in Tukwila City Hall. • Must provide copy of their 2011 Income Tax Return. • Provide copy of their Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light 12/31/11 billing statement as verification of customer account status. Payment process: Those applicants determined to be eligible will receive a rebate check from the City based on the actual taxes and surcharges paid for 2011. For additional information, please call Lily Jue, Fiscal Coordinator at 206-433-7190. Enjoy local library programs during May FOSTER LIBRARY — 206-242-1640 4060 SOUTH 144TH STREET, TUKWILA Alphabet Adventures Story Times — Tuesdays at 7:OOPM Wednesday Wiggles Story Times — Wednesdays at 10:15AM Play & Learn — Fridays at 10:30AM Spanish Story Times — Mondays at 7:OOPM Teen Zone — Wednesdays at 3:OOPM Study Zone — Mondays 6:00-8:OOPM, Tuesdays 3:00-5:OOPM Job Seeking Workshop — Saturday, May 19 at 11:OOAM Game On! — Wednesday, May 23 at 12:00 noon One -on -One Computer Assistance — Saturdays 10:00-11:OOAM LIBRARY CONNECTION @ SOUTHCENTER — 206-242-6044 1386 SOUTHCENTER MALL, TUKWILA Cozy Cove Story Times — Wednesdays at 10:30AM eBooks 101: eReaders and Digital Downloads Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 3:30PM Learn how to download KCLS eBooks to your eReader or computer during this Digital Downloads demonstration. Drop in to look at popular eReaders, OverDrive and Adobe Digital Editions software and ask questions. Call the libraries for details about the programs or age group category 1 APRIL/MAY 2012 3 IIIk ToucLi4ruck toSafety &Emergency Preparedness Fair A Tukwila Days Summertime Series Event Saturday, June 23 11 AM - 3 PM All types of Big Rigs for all ages! ® TUKWILA Foster High School '" fi""" 4242 S 144th, Tukwila Mark your calendar for Tukwila's Garage Sale August 18 & 19 Tukwila's 19th annual Community Garage Sale will allow residents to take advantage of free advertising and multiple locations to draw shoppers to their neighborhood. Sign up and you will also receive a yard sale kit with a small sign, "how-to" tips for a successful sale, and donation locations for useable items left over after your sale. On June 1, registration will be available online, by phone, via email or postal mail. Go to www.TukwilaWA.gov/yardsale.html, or call 206-433-7178 for more information. GARAG: SAE RIGHT HERE IN TUKWILA!! TUKWILA PARKS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES / Youth Sports Camps: Registration is open! Space is limited so sign up early! Tukwila Sports Sampler June 25-29 Sports for Shorts July 16-20 Best Effort Basketball Camp July 23-25 Youth Soccer Camp August 6-10 Elite Basketball Skills Camp August 6-9 & August 13-16 Tennis Camp August 13-17 Southside Academy Hoops Camp August 21-23 Personal Training TCC has just added an additional Per- sonal Trainer! Kerry James special- izes in helping participants meet their fitness and weight loss goals. He is currently pursuing his degree in Exer- cise Science and is looking forward to working with the Tukwila community. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering as a youth/teen basketball coach! To schedule a complimentary assess- ment, please email Personal.Trainer@ TukwilaWA.gov. Clients who pur- chase a 12 -session package will receive a FREE 1 -month fitness pass! Zumba Join us for Zumba — the fun activity everyone is talking about — at TCC on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 8:15PM. New instructor Mi- chelle Fuller brings her great enthu- siasm to the party; she is bilingual in English/Spanish as well as a certified Sign Language interpreter! Wenatchee Whitewater Rafting Try something new and exhilarating! The sunny side of the Cascades is a definite splash. Roller coaster action and sunny weather makes this snow - filled river a favorite for river -runners. Participants will paddle self -bailing rafts with an experienced guide. All rafting equipment is included. You must provide your own transportation to the starting point. The date of the next run is May 19; check our Recre- ation Brochure for future dates! Indoor Tennis Lessons Tennis is an easy sport to learn when it is taught in an understandable manner. Join us in learning or brushing up on this wonderful sport that you can play for a lifetime. Coach Eric Clayton is a PTR certified instructor who has over 20 years of tennis teaching experience as well as passion for helping all ages learn the game! The next six-week session begins Thursday, May 10. For class fees and more Spring activity information, see our Recreation Brochure or call the Community Center at 206-768-2822 1 4 THE HAZELNUT Get a pet license to protect your pet! All cats and dogs are required by law to be licensed per King County and its partner cities (including Tukwila) under the Regional Animal Services of King County. Are your pets protected? Licensing your pet is the best insurance policy you can buy to ensure your pet is re- turned if it should get out or wander away. It's easy to get a license — • Apply online at www.KingCounty.gov/pets, or • Purchase in person at the City Clerk's office, Tukwila City Hall If you are the manager of a multi -family complex (apartments, etc.) and would like to learn more about incentives to encourage pet licensing in your facility, please contact the City Clerk's office at 206-433-1800. Got questions? Check out the King County website, or call 206-296-2712. You can also contact the City of Tukwila City Clerk's Office at 206-433-1800 or Tukwila@TukwilaWa.gov. RAS Reg iona8 Animal Services of kg King County Volunteer wanted for City Arts Commission Are you interested in volunteering to help your local government? The City is seeking a Tukwila citizen to fill a vacant position on the Tukwila Arts Commission. The Tukwila Arts Commission is an advisory body representing the City's interest in art matters within the City. The Commission provides advice and recommendations to the Mayor, City Council or other commissions or boards of the City on matters related to arts, cultural projects and related activities. Commissioners also render assistance to the City in any other ar- tistic activities, and often review and make recommendations on works of art acquired by the City. Additionally, Commissioners explore ways and methods of obtaining private, local, State and Federal funds to promote art projects within the community. The Commission is a central body to whom art organizations, artists and anyone interested in cultural advancement of the community may come for information or assistance. Overall, the Commission coordinates and strengthens existing organizations in the field of art, and encourages and aids programs for cultural enrichment of Tukwila citizens. If you'd like more information and/or an application, please email Stephanie. Gardner@TukwilaWA.gov, or call 206-767-2342. Tukwila City employees honored for service At the April 16 City Council meeting, awards were presented to sev- eral employees for outstanding performance in 2011. Employees are nominated by other employees for department level recognition, and across all City department staffs for Customer Service, Community Service and Excellence in Action. A Mayor's Award is also presented to one employee who exemplifies all of the above qualities. 2011 Department Award winners (left to right): Scott Kirby, IT, Dan Lindstrom, Police Dept.; Crystal Sweet, Julie Tran, Mindy Breiner, Valerie Marino & Amy Bell, Municipal Court; Karen Fricke, Finance; Barbara Saxton, Mayor's Office; Joanna Spencer, Public Works; Teshome Edesa, Parks & Rec; Rich Rees, Fire Dept., Mayor Haggerton Mayor Haggerton; Kim Gilman, Human Resources — Mayor's Award; Matt Hickey, Fire Dept. — Outstand- ing Community Service; Crystal Sweet, Municipal Court — Outstanding Customer Service; Nate Robin- son, Parks & Rec. — Excellence in Action. Departmental award winners not present at the meeting were Maria Morehouse, Amy Miller and Kerry Carlson of the Municipal Court, and Jim Ben- ner from the Dept. of Community Development. The City congratulates these employees and thanks them all for outstanding service to Tukwila's citizens. 1 APRIL/MAY2012 5 Tuition funding available King County's Community and Technical Colleges ad- minister programs that provide free or reduced tuition in workforce training programs to low-income individuals, veterans and dislocated workers who are looking for ca- reer training and need financial assistance. Workforce Ed- ucation's various tuition assistance programs help individ- uals access the education needed to achieve both personal and professional goals. Those who qualify may receive funding for tuition and fees, and additionally may be eli- gible for help with textbooks, required supplies, and other support services. Among the funding programs available: The Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) pro- gram assists with tuition, books and fees for college to King County residents who receive food stamps. Opportunity Grant funds tuition, fees and books for low-income students enrolled in specific State -approved career paths who meet the income eligibility guidelines. WorkFirst program pays for tuition, books and fees for parents in need who are currently receiving a cash grant from the Department of Social and Human Services, upon approval from their DSHS case manager. Worker Retraining helps with training expenses for unemployed individuals, veterans with an honorable dis- charge, and displaced homemakers, providing the skills and certification needed for today's job market. Start your search at wwwsbctc.ctc.edu. Click the "Col- leges" link for more information about specific eligibility requirements and other funding opportunities at the King County Community or Technical College of your choice. r Human Services Office Evie - 206-433-7180 Stacy - 206-433-7181 HumanServices@TukwilaWA.gov New Urgent Care Clinic open in Tukwila On March 1, HealthPoint opened its new Urgent Care Clinic, located in the former emergency room space of Highline Medi- cal Center's Specialty Campus at 12844 Military Road South in Tukwila. For more than 40 years, HealthPoint has been pro- viding affordable health care services to those who might not otherwise receive care. Urgent care services can include sore throat or fever; sprained ankles or rashes; or access to a doctor in the evening without an appointment or lengthy wait time for medical care. (Emergen- cies will continue to be referred to Highline Medical Center, if necessary.) The clinic also provides primary medical care for adults, seniors and children, as well as Well Child checkups, adult physicals and screenings. Among the many languages spoken by staff are Spanish, Pun- jabi, Somali and Hindi. Patients who need interpretation with other languages are helped via a state-of-the-art webcam con- nected directly to an interpreter. HealthPoint has staff onsite at all times to help patients apply for insurance. Most major insurances are accepted including Med- icaid and Medicare, and sliding scale discounts are available for those without insurance. HealthPoint is one of the service providers funded by Tukwila's Of- fice of Human Services. Technology used to boost English literacy skills The Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA) sponsors a family support program, which provides vital services that help a family make a successful transition into their adoptive country. ReWA recently partnered with the Global to Local Initiative creating a weekly Text Messaging class in the SeaTac office. Part of the agency's English as a Sec- ond Language (ESL) program, the goal is to promote English literacy for new refugees and to extend student learn- ing through technology beyond the During a recent open house, Mayor Haggerton observes video interpretation for limited -English speaking citizens. classroom and into their daily lives. For new refugees, becoming knowl- edgeable about emergent technologies is essential in today's society. In the text messaging class, about 85% of the students had been farmers in their na- tive countries; some had never before picked up a cell phone. The first day was spent distributing phones. Stu- dents began immediately exchanging phone numbers and calling each other. ReWA's vision for the text messaging class was to create an interactive, dy- namic learning platform in which the teacher and students could reach each other outside of school hours. In every text messaging class, a grammar lesson is taught. Throughout the week, stu- dents receive texts from a teacher to verify that they understood the lesson, helping them learn English through technology outside of school hours. Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA) 206-957-2029 Online: www.ReWA.org _mil 1 6 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILRR TER SPECIAL RECYCLING COLLECTION EVENT Saturday, May 19 - 9:OOAm to 3:OOPm Location: Tukwila Village site, corner of 5 144th Street & 41st Avenue 5 (one block west of Foster High School) Only these materials will be collected and recycled: • Anti -freeze • Motor oil and filters • Lead acid batteries • Alkaline batteries (AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B, C & D cell batteries only) • Tires (6 per load; no rims, no heavy truck or backhoe tires; user fees apply for extra tires and tires on rims) • Bulky yard waste (no rocks, brush, leaves, sod or grass) • Scrap wood (untreated, unpainted wood only) • Scrap metal (ferrous & non-ferrous) • Used clothing • Reusable small household goods • Cardboard (please flatten; no wax -coated cardboard) • Electronic equipment (cell phones, printers, keyboards, fax machines, scanners, VCRs, CD/DVD players and stereos. NO computer moni- tors, laptop computers, or TV sets.) • Residential propane tanks ($5 charge) • Appliances ($5 charge for each water heater with insulation) • Porcelain toilets and sinks (remove toilet seats, hardware and base wax rings; $10 charge) • Refrigerators/air conditioners/ freezers ($25 charge per unit) • Clean white styrofoam blocks (expanded polystyrene only — look for a #6 or EPS inside the recycling symbol. No urethane foam cushions, polypropylene, or foam insulation. Material must be dry. You can also drop this material at Styro Recycle, 800 SW 43rd Street in Renton. Visit styrorecycle.com, or call 253-838-9555.) • Mattresses/box springs/futons (any size; $10 fee per mattress, box spring, or futon. Vendor reserves the right to refuse any item it cannot recycle. No furniture or frames. No wet or soiled items.) NOTE: ALL USER FEES MUST BE PAID BY CASH ONLY Please do not bring: It Hazardous waste It Garbage It Window glass It Concrete It Paint of any kind It Furniture Watch for our recycling event special mailing, with additional information on which materials to bring and which to leave at home. Tukwila residents will have the opportunity to purchase recycled plastic rain barrels during the Spe- cial Recycling Collection Event at the Tukwila Village site (see article at left). These high-quality recycled plastic barrels will be sold for the reduced price of $20, cash only. Supplies are very limited; first come, first served! Rain barrel purchase is limited to one per household; proof of your Tukwila residence/address is required. COMPOST INFO Get a FREE compost booklet! It's time to work in the garden. Interested in improving plant growth and health? Learn all about using compost with a free "Users Guide to Compost." Request a copy via email Recycle@TukwilaWA.gov, or leave a phone message at 206-431-3683. For more information about Tukwila recycling programs, please contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox — Phone: 206-431-3683 Email: Recycle@TukwilaWA.gov 1 APRIL/MAY 2012 7 I CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30MM-5:00PM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: www.TukwilaWA.gov E-mail: tukwila@TukwilaWAgov MAYOR Jim Haggerton 206-433-1805 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Verna Seal, Pres 206-293-3274 Joe Duffie 206-478-0089 Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373 Allan Ekberg 206-241-6904 Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 De'Sean Quinn 206-241-0225 Kate Kruller 206-853-9330 Kimberly Matej, Analyst 206-433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings Ist/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays CITY OFFICES Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 David Cline, City Admin 206-433-1851 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Services 206-433-7180 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Community Development Dept. Jack Pace, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Peggy McCarthy, Director 206-433-1835 Fire Department, Emergency Management Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Human Resources Department Stephanie Brown, Director 206-433-1831 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Information Technology Department Mary Miotke, Director 206-433-7150 Parks/Recreation Department Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department Mike Villa, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Bob Giberson, 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 TUKWILA CITY POOL 4414 S. 144th Street 206-267-2350 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 THE HAZELNUT newsletter is published three times a year by the City of Tukwila, and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris, IT Dept. THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 206-433-1800. City adopts emergency notification system As part of the City's Emergency Man- agement program, Tukwila has recently contracted with Emergency Communi- cations Networks to license CodeRED, a high-speed telephone emergency notification system. This new system will be officially implemented later this spring and will provide City officials the ability to quickly deliver impor- tant messages, either throughout the entire city or to targeted areas only. CodeRED can be used in the event of severe weather, hazardous materials spills, flood or other emergencies that can affect people's health and safety. CodeRED begins with an existing da- tabase of telephone numbers; however, citizens should not assume their phone numbers are automatically included. Once operational, some citizens will need to sign up, including: > All businesses > Residents with unlisted phone numbers > Residents who have changed their phone number or address within the last year > Residents who use a cellular phone as their primary phone > Residents who have recently moved, but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number > Residents who wish to receive text and/or email messages in addition to telephone calls > Residents who receive phone ser- vice by internet, including VOIP When you sign up for CodeRED, the requested information includes first and last name, street address (physical address—no PO boxes), city, state, zip code, primary and secondary phone numbers, and email address (optional). Residents and businesses may also opt to receive text or email messages about emergencies in addition to phone calls. CodeRED is designed to leave a mes- sage if voicemail or an answering ma- chine picks up. Your caller ID will dis- play the phone number 866-419-5000, which you can call back to have the message repeated. For easier identifi- cation, you can also pre-program this number into cell phones. Although the system works well for most phones, the use of special downloaded call tones on cell phones, or automated telephone systems that require the caller to press a key, will prevent a CodeRED call from getting through. CodeRED is used only for emergency notification purposes, and provides a safe and secure method to receive emergency alerts while keeping infor- mation confidential. Residents and businesses may also opt out of the sys- tem entirely if they so choose. The City of Tukwila's Emergency Man- agement Office was able to purchase the contract with CodeRED through a grant received in 2011. Stay tuned for more information later this spring about ensuring you are part of this im- portant, free service provided to you by the City of Tukwila.