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Home My WebLink About2011-01 Halzenut Newsletter - Volume 32 No. 1THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 32, NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2011 Preparing for Winter... and beyond It's not even officially winter and al- ready we've had a major snow event and record-breaking rain. Along with these familiar winter weather issues, you and your family are encouraged to take a look at all potential hazards — personal and regional — so you can be ready for winter and beyond. Tukwila is a unique city with a little bit of everything — major roads, rivers, railways, elevated light rail, airports, major mall, heavy industry, and an extremely mobile population! Each of these presents a unique set of chal- lenges to our first responders. We also share the common risks that threaten our region, such as earthquakes, win- ter storms and wind storms. Among our community's potential hazards: • Earthquakes and volcano hazards •Winter storms (snow, ice, related power outages) • Extreme weather conditions (wind storms, heat, cold) • Chemical releases • Major industrial incidents •Terrorism and crime • Transportation -related events A first few steps to help you prepare: HAVE A PLAN i Learn the hazards. Determine your needs. Create your plan. Practice your plan. HAVE SUPPLIES 3 -day supply: home, car & work Water and food Medicine/first aid Warmth/comfort items i GET INVOLVED Get training (CPR, First Aid). Know your neighbors. Spread the word. Volunteer some time. i People whose business is public safety train constantly to prepare themselves for whatever could arise when re- sponding to emergencies. They know that in the face of a crisis they will act according to that training. That benefit from preparation works for everyone. Get ready and stay ready for anything! New fees, service reductions help balance City budget Businesses in Tukwila will see an increase in license fees for 2011. Business license renewal requests mailed to Tukwila businesses in early December include a new Revenue Gen- erating Regulatory License (RGRL) fee based on the business' number of employees. The RGRL also applies to rental properties under the new Residential Rental Housing program which calls for the licensing and inspection of rental units. Funding generated through this fee will help support essential City services re- quired by our business community. Get valuable emergency information to help you prepare and to tell you what's going on during an emergency: Tukwila's Website www tukwilawa.gov Tukwila TV: Channel 21 (Comcast cable only) Tukwila Radio AM 1640 King County Website www kingcounty.gov/ sa fety/prepare. aspx Regional Public Information Network www rpin.org/ Take Winter By Storm wwwgovlink.org/storm/ 3 Days, 3 Ways wwwgovlink.org/3days3ways/ My State USA www mystateusa.com/ Multi-lingual Flood Preparedness Information www kingcounty.gov/environment/ waterandland/flooding/flood- sa fety-multilingual-videos. aspx If you have questions regarding emer- gency preparedness, call the Tukwila Fire Department at 206-575-4404. The new fee was established as part of a broader program to fill a multi-million dollar budget gap for 2011 and future years. Most of the budget gap was filled through City work- er wage freezes and reductions in a broad range of City ser- vices and programs. These service reductions resulted in the elimination of 24 City jobs. For more information about the City's licensing fees and budget reduction, visit us online at wwwtukwilawa.gov. If you have questions regarding the new fees, please call 206- 431-3680, or send an email to licensing@tukwilawa.gov. ICITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 September Approved ordinance regarding vesting of concurrency standards and transpor- tation impact fees. Authorized purchase of Voice Over IP (VoIP) telephone system from Mitel. Authorized the purchase of Microsoft Enterprise Licensing. Authorized purchase of hardware and software to implement the Information Technology component of Tukwila Bond Ordinance No. 2296. Approved ordinance adopting by refer- ence King County Code Title 11, Animal Care and Control Regulations, creating TMC 7.16, "Dangerous Dogs" & TMC 7.20, "Dogs at Large and Leashes." Held public hearing and passed ordi- nance renewing moratorium on filing of development permit applications for food/drink establishments conducting social card game gambling activities. Held public hearing and passed ordi- nance relative to 2010 Comprehensive Plan amendments. Accepted Award of Recognition for Tukwila's Walk and Roll Plan from the Planning Association of Washington. Passed resolution relating to preser- vation, protection and use of former Tukwila Grade School/Tukwila City Hall building for heritage and culture. Passed resolution authorizing cancel- lation of outstanding General Fund claims and payroll checks, Municipal Court checks, and Foster Golf gift cards. Second Saturday of each month 1O:OOAM to 12:OONooN NEW LOCATION! FRIENDZ CAFE 12930 E Marginal Way S (Phone 206-246-2401) October Authorized purchase of Incident Com- mand Vehicle from Farber Specialty Vehicles. Authorized purchase of three ITS traf- fic control cabinets from Western Sys- tems of Everett for the Annual Traffic Signal Program. Reappointed Terra Straight and ap- pointed Nina Williams to the Human Services Advisory Board. Reappointed Brenna Arnesen and Caro- lyn Barge, and appointed Mary Hulvey, Mellody Mathes and Aaron Dragonov to Equity and Diversity Commission. Reappointed Abdisamad Egan, Mike West, and Jeffrey Baker, and appointed Jerry Thornton Sr. to the Community Policing Citizens' Advisory Board. Reappointed Marie Parrish and Linda McLeod to Library Advisory Board. Appointed Kelly McMeckin to Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Reappointed Sean Albert to the Parks Commission. Reappointed Margaret Bratcher and George Malina to Planning Commis- sion. Authorized agreement with King Con- servation District to receive grant fund- ing for Duwamish Gardens site. Authorized agreement with CH2M Hill, Inc., for Surface Water Compre- hensive Plan. Approved resolution expressing City Council's collective position opposing Washington State Initiatives 1100 and 1105, scheduled for November ballot. For up-to-date information about Council meetings, agendas and activities, visit tukwilawa.gov November Authorized grant agreement with Washington State Department of Ecol- ogy for the National Pollutant Dis- charge Elimination System (NPDES). Authorized contract with KPG, Inc. for 2011 Overlay Program design services. Authorized contract with U.S. Bank for banking services. Authorized acceptance of grant fund- ing from U.S. Department of Justice for "Secure our Schools" project. Approved ordinances relating to up- dating and expanding the regulations relating to water rates and backflow prevention assemblies, and sewer rates and discharge within the City. Approved resolution adopting new Public Works fee schedule. Approved ordinance amending TMC 5.04 regarding business licenses and regulations. Held public hearing on and approved ordinance increasing regular property tax levy one percent from previous year commencing January 1, 2011. Awarded contract to Atkinson Con- struction for Tukwila Urban Center Access (Klickitat) Project December Held public hearing & adopted Devel- opment Agreement between City and WEA Southcenter LLC regarding traf- fic impact fees for development and re- development of Southcenter Mall. Held public hearing & adopted annual budget of the City of Tukwila for the 2011-2012 biennium. Held public hearing & adopted 2011- 2016 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program for gen- eral government and City's enterprise funds. I2 THE HAZELNUT COUNCIL CORNER Reflections and Suggestions By Dennis Robertson, 2010 Council President The approach of the year's end often leads to thinking about the future and new opportunities. Among the many oppor- tunities out there for your consideration is running for a po- litical office, from President of the United States to Tukwila Councilmember. I have no advice to offer for presidential hopefuls but — as a four -time winner in the Councilmember contest — I can speak with some authority on that subject. Why in the world would you want to be a Tukwila Council - member? Not on your radar screen? Question seems pre- mature with elections a year away? Power, glory, fame, financial success — well, these are NOT the motivations for serving your local government. But those inclined toward public service WILL have (besides a chance to write crazy Hazelnut articles) the ability to act on their sense of Commitment. As possible motivations go, Commitment is the big one, and the best part is that you define what it's commitment to. For instance, it could be your commitment to the very nature 97( ,; 9foiage It is traditional as one year ends to recall its trials and tri- umphs, and to look toward the future with a sense of renew- al and optimism. 2010 will be remembered as a very chal- lenging year by Tukwila families and businesses which have struggled to cope with the most difficult economy many of us have ever faced. Your City government has struggled as well; we have had to tighten our belts and, like you, look for more economical ways of doing things plus identify those things we can no longer do. In good economic times, the entire community benefits from the jobs and income generated by our strong commercial base. During a downturn as in recent years, sales taxes and other revenue generated by our commercial base drops dra- matically — one of several factors requiring the City to take important steps this year to significantly reduce expenses now and into the future. I am proud of the way your City Council and City staff have worked over the past year to close a multi-million dollar budget gap. The decisions we made together were difficult but absolutely necessary for putting the City back on a solid financial footing. I am equally proud to be part of a community whose mem- bers reach out to their neighbors, even as they themselves may be facing economic challenges. Dozens of people vol- unteer at the Tukwila Food Pantry or with faith communities of Tukwila — keeping things the same to maintain its small town atmosphere or, conversely, seeing that Tukwila grows in business base, jobs, regional impact and importance — whatever you think would benefit the City. Alternatively, your motivation could be a commitment to a particular segment of the City's population that you believe is not being represented adequately, or a desire to direct the City toward more environmental responsibility. But, for most Council Members, the commitment ends up as just doing the best job possible. We do try to have long-range vi- sions for the City, but honestly spend most of our time deal- ing with issues, opportunities and challenges as they arise — the same as anyone else trying to do something well. So, if you'd like to turn your commitment into action, it's really not too early to start thinking about running for office next year... and maybe get the chance to write (and have people read) articles like this. I enjoyed writing this year's Council Corner articles, just like I've enjoyed being your Tukwila Council President for the past year. A Solid Foundation to bring food and clothing to the less fortunate. Every day we have citizen volunteers who help students in after-school programs or seniors with activities of daily living. During this past year the Friends of the Duwamish group has worked tirelessly for the restoration of Duwamish Hill Preserve to provide a cultural and environmental legacy for future generations. The Tukwila International Boulevard Ac- tion Committee has steadfastly worked to improve the neigh- borhood around that busy street. Individuals and groups got their hands dirty working hard to clean up and improve the habitat for Tukwila Pond and the Duwamish River. Our Sis- ter Cities Committee continues to provide opportunities to our high school students for cultural exchange. This year the Tukwila Historical Society took on the momentous task of opening a new Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center at the former Tukwila City Hall. These and many other volunteer efforts help make Tukwila the great community it truly is. I am deeply impressed with the spirit and commitment of our citizens. Continuing to work for and with each other will provide a solid foundation for a better future. _ Jim Ha ton, Mayor 1 JANUARY2011 3 We have a winner! Supaluk Rittikaidachar was the winner of the City of Tukwila's Online Utility Bill Payment contest and will receive a $100 credit to her water/sewer account. At the December 6, 2010 Council meeting, Council President Robertson drew Supaluk's name from among 71 other Tukwila water/sewer customers who qualified for the drawing. To be eligible, the July, August and September water/sewer bills had to be paid online, on time and in full. The contest was held to encourage custom- ers to use the web -based, online payment sys- tem. This system saves the City processing time and also benefits the customer through added convenience, cost savings (on checks, stamps or gas) and possible credit card perks. Since the inception of the contest, the number of online payments made each month has in- creased 61%, achieving our intended results of increased usage. The City of Tukwila encourages its utility cus- tomers to begin using or to continue using the online utility bill payment system! Utility rate increases for 2011 To keep pace with the City's water and sewer utility costs, a rate increase has been approved by the City Council for 2011. The expenses to oper- ate and maintain the City's infrastructure have increased each year due to aging pipe, pump facilities, and Cascade Water Alliance's wholesale water charges. Effective January 2011, the minimum water charge for residential customers will increase from $8.00 to $10.00 per month. Flat residential sewer rates will increase from $13.39 to $16.06. Commer- cial rates will increase from $23.43 to $28.12 per 750 cubic feet of water consumption. Monthly sewer bills also include the King County Metro sewage treatment charge which will increase from $31.90 to $36.10 per month for 2011. King County Council has also increased the sewer capacity charge in 2011. The current charge of $49.07 per month (set up as a payment plan for 15 years) will increase to $50.45 per month in 2011. The sewer capac- ity charge only affects new sewer hookups from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Surface Water fees will also increase in 2011. The current rate for single- family parcels will increase from $85.00 per year to $93.00 (still one of the lowest rates in the area for surface water fees). For more information about any of Tukwila's utilities, please contact Tuk- wila's Department of Public Works at 206-433-0179, or send an email to tukpweng@ci.tukwila.wa.us. Industrial Land Use Advisory Committee seeks members The City of Tukwila is reviewing policies and permitted uses for its main industrial area, the Manufacturing/Industrial Center (MIC). Over 14,000 jobs are based in Tukwila's MIC, which covers approximately 966 acres along the Duwamish River and East Marginal Way South. The intent of the MIC is to preserve and enhance industrial and manufacturing activities and the land where they operate. The City is seeking business and residential representatives for a short-term, focused advisory group to work with Tukwila staff, reviewing issues that affect industrial businesses and land in the MIC, and to consider whether changes in zoning, permitted uses or City policies are required to support existing and future indus- trial activity. Business representatives on the committee should either work or own a business in the MIC. Residential representatives should live within one-half mile of the MIC. The plan is to convene two or three meetings, each lasting about two hours. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating or learning more about the Industrial Land Use Advisory Com- mittee, please contact Rebecca Fox at 206-431-3683 or email her at rfox@tukwilawa.gov. Your dog could be famous... As part of Tukwila's Surface Water Management Program (SWMP), Public Works is emBARKing on a public educa- tion and awareness campaign regarding the impacts of pet waste disposal. Pet waste is a pollutant full of bacte- ria which is a health risk to people, especially children. Not scooping up and properly disposing of the waste left behind by dogs allows it to enter the stormwater system. Tukwila's Public Works Department will produce and make available informational brochures addressing mea- sures pet owners can take to improve water quality and reduce the burden on water treat- ment... and the Depart- ment would like to fea- ture the pictures of local pets! If you'd like to share your thoughts on how to promote this campaign or submit your dog's picture for the bro- chure, email npdes@tukwilawa.gov. Further information about the SWMP can be found on the City's web page at www.tukwilawa. gov/pubwks/np de s .html. 1 4 THE HAZELNUT I January at Tukwila Parks & Recreation Parents' Night Out Attention, parents! Let us give YOU a rest! While you take the night off, we will treat your children to pizza, swim- ming, movies and other activities, all for much, much less than you would pay a babysitter! Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Space is limited; sign up today! For children in Grades K-6 Date: Friday, January 7 Time: 6:00-10:OOPM Location: TCC Enrollment: Min. 10, max. 26 Fee: $19; $15 for Tukwila resident Free Family Movie Night Bring the whole family to watch a movie everyone can enjoy on our big screen at the Tukwila Community Center! Just bring sleeping bags or blankets for set- ting up your own area in the TCC gym. Call 206-768-2822 for the movie title. Date: Saturday, January 8 Movie time: 6:30PM Location: TCC Fee: FREE January Senior Trips Tulalip Casino Take a trip up north to one of the most beautiful casinos in the Northwest. Maybe this will be your lucky day! Lunch on your own. Date: Wednesday, January 12 Departure time from TCC: 8:30AM Fee: $13; $10 for Tukwila resident Dinner Out Enjoy an evening of Chinese cuisine at Pleasant Garden in Kent, WA. Cost of dinner is not included in trip fee. Date: Wednesday, January 19 Departure time from TCC: 4:30PM Fee: $7; $5 for Tukwila resident Any questions? CaII 206-768-2822 Skagit Eagle Watch Nature's splendor as few have seen it! Each winter, up to 300 Bald Eagles con- gregate in the Skagit Preserve. These magnificent and endangered birds are accustomed to seeing only the occasion- al riverboat in their protected habitat, so sightings are frequent. You'll float calmly and comfortably with other enthusiasts in astoundingly beautiful scenery, watching our National Symbol feeding on the banks, soaring above or perched only a few yards away. Guides are experienced eagle watchers. All raft- ing equipment is included. Join us! For ages 6 and up Dates: Sunday, January 23, or Saturday, January 29 Time: 11:OOAM-2:30PM Instructor/Location: Wildwater River Tours Fee: $87; $75 for Tukwila residents No -School Day Camp No school? No problem! Join us for an exciting day jam-packed with fun activi- ties, including great games, awesome arts & crafts, and much, much more! Children need to bring a sack lunch and a smile. We'll take care of everything else, including breakfast (served from 7:30-7:45AJv1) and a light snack (served at 3:OOPM). For children in Grades K-6 Date: Friday, January 28 Time: 6:30AM-6:OOPM Location: TCC Fee: $42; $35 for Tukwila residents Teen Dodgeball Tournament Are you up for it? We play some real INTENSE 4 -on -4 dodgeball in the rac- quetball courts. Come to the tourney with a team or by yourself and be placed on a team. (Each team requires four players, but can have a total of five players.) You and your team better be ready for the Tukwila teen version of dodgeball!! For students in Grades 6-12 Date: Friday, January 28 Time: 9:00-11:OOPM (register by 8:30PM) Location: TCC Fee: $2 Getting ready for wet winter weather Prepare now to help keep your fam- ily and property safe from localized flooding during this rainy season. • Make an emergency plan and as- semble an emergency kit for your home and car. • If you are in a flood -prone area, buy flood insurance for your home and belongings. It takes 30 days for a policy to take effect. A standard property insurance policy does not cover flood damages. • Look around your property and evaluate if short-term flood protec- tion measures (such as sandbags and plastic sheeting) may be appropriate and have these materials on hand. Tukwila Public Works Department offers sand and burlap bags on a self - serve basis at 14000 Interurban Av- enue S. Pick them up Monday thru Friday between 7:OOalvl and 3:OOPM. To minimize flood damage: • Check to see that stormwater drains are free of leaves and other debris. Clean storm drains help prevent lo- calized flooding. Busy City crews appreciate your help! • Don't remove the grate from a storm drain opening; this doesn't unclog the system and creates a hazard. • Do not rake or blow leaves/debris from your property into the street. Dispose of leaves and yard debris in your yard waste container or com- post bin. • Keep hazardous chemicals out of the reach of floodwaters. • Store or move valuables, electronics and furniture above possible flood levels. For more information about urban flooding issues, please call Tukwila's Public Works Department at 206-433-1860. JANUARY 2011 5 I What's ew (s in Human New Human Services Programs in 2011 Elder Adult Day Services: Adult Day Health Located in Burien at the Wesley Homes campus, Elder Adult Day Services (EADS) provides relief to caregivers of frail seniors and younger adults with developmental disabilities. The EADS programming is offered during the day. It is a nationally accredited program that provides medically supervised health monitoring, reha- bilitative programs and social activities for adults with physical or chronic health needs. Call 206-592-1211 for additional information. r Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 tukhsery@ci.tukwila.wa.us Emergency Feeding Program: Food Bags New Hope Health Center and Fellowship Bible Church (located at 15880 Military Road S.) has teamed up with the Emergency Feeding Program to provide food for people who are in crisis. The Emergency Feeding Program is not a food bank; these food bags are provided to people in immediate hunger crisis with no food available to them from other sources. Each bag contains high-quality, nutritious food which should provide sustenance for one to two days. Distribution of these emergency food bags takes place during clinic hours on Saturdays between 8:30 and 11:OOAM. Call 206-453-1868 for more information/food bag availability. The City funds a variety of programs and organizations that provide services to meet the needs of Tukwila citizens. For information about any of our Human Services programs, please call 206-433-7180 or 206-433- 7181. Auburn Youth Resources: Street Outreach Auburn Youth Resources (AYR) street outreach focuses on homeless youth in Tukwila. The Street Outreach team works on building relationships with home- less teens, getting youth connected to needed services such as housing, physical and mental health services and other tangible supplies like food, clothing and hy- giene kits. If you'd like more information about the AYR Street Outreach Program, go online to wwwAYR4kids.org or call 253-939-2202. Services available for homeless young people Catholic Community Services offers in- dividualized, youth -driven, team -based case management services for home- less youth ages 16-22. The program — called The Groundwork Project — ad- dresses some of the challenges facing homeless youth, including lack of safe and stable housing, limited sources of natural support, history of abuse and neglect, mental health issues, chemical dependency, and disjointed services and plans. The wraparound services provided by the Groundwork Project offer guidance toward: • Supportive steps to enter housing • Crisis prevention & safety planning • Mental health and chemical dependency counseling • Problem solving and planning • Ways to address family support and reconciliation. Youth can self -refer or providers can contact staff at Groundwork by calling 206-327-2474. r Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 1-866-427-4747 www.crisisclinic.org Eagle Scout project benefits the public and the Tukwila Pond wetland buffer Tylor Curry —a Scout with Troop 360, Aquila Unit of the Chief Seattle Coun- cil — recently carried out an Eagle Scout project in coordination with the City of Tukwila. This work will benefit Tukwila residents, visitors and the hab- itat of the buffer along the southeast side of the Tukwila Pond Park wetland area (Andover Park West). On November 6, Tylor enlisted the help of other scouts and parents at a work party to complete and improve a woodland trail, plant 160 additional native shrubs and trees, remove black- berries, pick up trash, and install a bench (that he designed and built) at the wetland overlook. Supported by many dedicated volun- teers, enhancement of this wetland buffer has been underway since 2008 to improve habitat and public access. 1 6 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILR TOP 11 FOR 2011 Happy New Year! January is a great time to change our practices and try new things. We didn't want to stop at ten, so here's a list of eleven actions that can really make a positive difference in re- source conservation and sustainability in 2011 and beyond. Try them, and they can become habits that help the environment! 1 Drive less. Walk, bike and take public transportation when possible instead of driving. r 2 Turn off computers. 3 Unplug chargers. Computers in sleep mode and laptops closed but plugged in still use power. Those little plastic transformer boxes that charge cell phones, cameras and other elec- tronics use electricity in your home, even when they are not attached to equipment. 4 Turn out the lights. 5 Take shorter showers. Simply turning out the lights in empty rooms can save significant amounts of energy. r 6 Adjust your thermostat. 7 Eat less meat. Showers account for two-thirds of all water heating costs. Save, on average, 350 pounds of carbon dioxide and $99 in energy costs by shortening the length of your showers or turning down the water temperature. Dress for the season and take it easy on the thermostat. Turn down the heat when you leave the room for a long time. Livestock are a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing the quantity of meat in your diet can signifi- cantly decrease your own GHG footprint. 8 Eat more fruits & vegetables. Your mother was right. And eating locally - grown produce can further lessen your GHG footprint. 9 Wash clothes in cold water. 10 Ditch the plastic. 11 Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Up to 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes toward heating the water. Avoid disposable water bottles and use refillable containers. RETHINK' For more information, please contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox — Phone: 206-431-3683 Email: recycle@tukwilawa.us Clean and green home cleaning "recipes" Stain Remover for Red Wine Try this less toxic "recipe" to reduce red wine stains. Ingredients: water, club soda If wine is still wet, blot first to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Saturate the stain with water or club soda. Rub lightly and blot dry. Repeat if necessary. Launder according to label directions. Toxic chemicals avoided: petroleum distillates, chlorinated hydrocarbons Window Cleaner Try this instead of that blue liquid! Ingredients: white vinegar, water Mix two tablespoons white vinegar, and one pint of water in a spray bottle. Spray on. Rub with a lint -free rag or some newspaper (not paper towels). For outdoor windows, use a sponge and warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Rinse well and squeegee dry. Toxic chemicals avoided: glycol ethers, alcohol, ammonia Aluminum recycling facts • A used aluminum can is recycled — and back on the grocery shelf as a new can — in as little as 60 days. That's closed-loop recycling at its finest! • Used beverage cans are the most recycled item in the U.S., but other types of aluminum such as siding, gutters, car components, storm window frames and lawn furniture can also be recycled. • Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours — or the equiv- alent of a half a gallon of gasoline. • More aluminum goes into beverage cans than any other product. • Because so many of them are recycled, alumi- num cans account for less than 1% of the total U.S. waste stream, according to EPA estimates. • An aluminum can that is thrown away will still be a can 500 years from now! • There is no limit to the amount of times an alu- minum can be recycled. JANUARY 2011 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30aM-5:00PM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: http://wwwci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Dennis Robertson, Pres. 206-242-6373 Joe Duffle (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Joan Hernandez 206-248-0260 Allan Ekberg 206-241-6904 Verna Seal 206-293-3274 Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 De'Sean Quinn 206-241-0225 Kimberly Mate), Analyst 206-433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00PM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings 1st/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor's Office Jim Haggerton, Mayor 206-433-1805 Steve Lancaster, City Admin206-433-1851 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 Shawn Hunstock, Director 206-433-1835 Fire Department 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 David Haynes, 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 five 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. 'rHE -HAZELNUT uilTiMda pub...Four .aoverws¢ez nraid ll,:.e�w M graai;w cur ��mlniontietmeMmhm� �aarie,hf o oaeedeyarraw«m h Piet flooding by ✓ rgaraari°..na.mmm dyo Theo a C+ce^l ! mime com' Me Maimed Boon Dam Is Sam Ude Co mil mmonence Paneling, h; , a.i , dm semem,IiM• 1`.✓ s xa ° a s rP 0.4 �1 m fa, iimeemho pad loos. me�u .ni Amir -3 ayp;ma �,wlef95 oied roiw Maarc "die"'" Maar dmie yip �° tl �d�dry wage„ mage . Ars.. am„a,,ke�te�TM _d bmr�m,.aed.�a�emm Warmed rsurasn- d�aaaminand� � �1 �mm°h1 . Emimeme inset, .nm ✓Mese mft.. moso,amm ��nmunMmeelinB6�'�n Mn��. °tyYenle�P1 aawld lwMw+llinB nada aUO adlM alnaa2rejerc ha.e.em�'d. a,d„s comaam has 9w'° aaar�Mmtiaanaa+rcU �° Mdyrasd�.e�ro�,�v � �y �re�mrc°°uaeawsm'+Daae flWd' diiwesp eho+e G Mm Mseo eme CEL peray,+nnaee'^em drcoar��d ni�rd 1 fl`,`�wass. wer.�iW d or�.d'"' saed�i iecaary, ba2>Rnn �emvgl'. a �roM h deWilniunl. d;, rAn W ehw. '71°r e 0. oC'. 14 tyoq morbe•nPxiadMflwd�w. Look inside for more flood information meed �aIsd my too* is etr+i�°� wee .Kek• One year later, the threat from winter river flooding is greatly reduced Last year the Howard Hanson Dam made news when the Army Corp of Engineers discovered that when the reservoir was close to capacity, water was percolating through the soil next to the dam at an unac- ceptable rate. As they worked around the clock to improve the "right abutment", the Corp in- formed everyone in the Green River Basin that they would be forced to release more water during large rain events. We all yam all vim^ prepared for possible flooding but — fortunately — none came. This was because of last year's relatively mild winter. This year brings significant improvements to the dam's right abutment and the levees along the river. A grout curtain was completed ahead of schedule. This curtain was created by pumping grout deep into the rocks and soil to fill gaps and consolidate the hillside. Further, a drainage system is in place that channels water away from the hillside and drains it safely into the river channel. Although work will continue, the Corp of Engineers say the dam is ready to hold back almost as much water as before the problems were found. It would take a "60 -year" rain event to force a release of water that could cause a flood. The levees have been re- inforced in several places and the sandbags on top of them have been maintained and will stay for another year. In summary, the system can safely handle a lot more water than last year. That's good timing because La Nina is visiting this year. The National Weather Service is predicting a 70% chance of lower temperatures and increased precipitation. Even with these increased chances, they say that there is no direct correlation between La Nina and the huge storms that can flood our river. Even though no one can be sure, the prediction is that we'll have a long, cold, wet winter; however, the threat of river flooding is much lower than last year. (You can find last year's valuable emergency preparedness information online at www.tukwilawa. /floodprep.d1