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Home My WebLink About2011-04 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 32 No. 1V THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 32, NUMBER 1 APRIL 2011 Project road closures will affect those who work or shop in Tukwila During the last week of March, work began on the City of Tukwila's South - center Access Project, which affects two major intersections: Southcenter Parkway at Klickitat Drive and South - center Parkway at Strander Boulevard. The construction will also affect the adjacent off -ramps from northbound I-5. Portions of Southcenter Parkway, Klickitat Drive and the I-5 off -ramps will have long-term road closures, al- lowing crews to safely and efficiently reconfigure Southcenter Parkway. Roads are scheduled to reopen by No- vember, in time for the 2011 holiday shopping season. Southcenter-area businesses will remain open for busi- ness throughout the road closure. The Southcenter Access Project is a major reconstruction of Southcenter Parkway. This project will improve safety and traffic flow, as well as reduce congestion at the Strander Boulevard/ Southcenter Parkway and Klickitat Drive/Southcenter Parkway intersec- tions and I-5 off -ramps. Some traffic delays are to be expected during the road closures, so — if you're driving in and around the Southcenter area — you should plan for extra travel time to reach your destination. For more information about the project, road closures, detour routes and con- struction updates, see the information at right. ,51 ,SQUrNc . fid 6(fr6 Southbound lanes closed 62ND AVE S 0, w Crystal Springs Park Northbound open to traffic Westfield Southeenter Mall Road Closed Road Closed Northbound Southcenter Parkway off -ramp open S 166TH ST SOUTHC STRANGER BLVD Southbound Southcenter Parkway off -ramp closed s yL N TUKWILA PKWY ANDOVER PARK W e SOUTHCENTER ACCESS PROJECT FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION: Website: View detour route maps, project information, road closure updates and more at www.southcenteraccess.com Email Notifications: Subscribe to receive emails about changes in road closures and major construction updates, also at www.southcenteraccess.com TO CONTACT US: Email: southcenteraccesstukwilawa.gov Project Message Line: 206-431-2444 MAJOR ROAD IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION SOUTHCENTER PARKWAY closed both directions between Strander Boulevard and the west mall entrance (Nordstrom side) KLICKITAT DRIVE closed both directions between Southcenter Pkwy and 1-5 southbound on-ramp (other side of 1-5) NORTHBOUND OFF -RAMP closed to southbound Southcenter Pkwy SOUTHCENTER PARKWAY southbound lane closed between north mall entrance and west mall entrance (curve around NW corner) Closures are long-term, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. See website for other road and lane closure updates as information becomes available ICity Council Actions: December/January/February 2011 I December 2010 Held public hearing & adopted Devel- opment Agreement between City and WEA Southcenter LLC regarding traf- fic impact fees for development and redevelopment of Southcenter Mall. Held public hearing and amended City's 2009-10 Biennial Budget. Held public hearing and adopted City's 2011-2012 Biennial Budget. Held public hearing and adopted 2011- 2016 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for general government and City's en- terprise funds.. Authorized contract with Western Sys- tems of Everett, WA for ITS traffic sig- nal control cabinets for Tukwila Urban Center Access (Klickitat) project and the Southcenter Extension project. Authorized formation of Joint Ad -Hoc Committee with representatives from City of Tukwila and Kent Regional Fire Authority to explore opportunities for joint fire service consolidation. Approved contract with CH2M Hill for construction management support for Tukwila Urban Center Access project. Authorized phone service agreements with Integra Telecom for 2011-2012. MayorHaggerton presents award to Bob Noble and Richard Garrett January 2011 Elected Allan Ekberg as Council Presi- dent. Adopted legislative agenda and priori- ties for use in 2011 Washington State Legislative Session. Held public hearing and adopted ordi- nance renewing 6 -month moratorium on acceptance of applications for and issuance of land use, building, and de- velopment permits, business licenses and/or approvals for any change in use for certain non -industrial uses within Manufacturing Industrial Center zone. Awarded 2010 Recycler of the Year to Grainger — Branch 753. Appointed Kathleen Gantz to City's Equity & Diversity Commission. Held public hearing on ordinance re- pealing Tukwila Municipal Code Chap- ter 5.20 regarding social card rooms. February 2011 Authorized Human Services contracts for various services during 2011-12. Approved resolution adopting Tukwila Hazard Mitigation Plan. Authorized establishment of Central Treasury Fund for City Held public hearing and passed ordi- nance regarding electric vehicle infra- structure code amendments. Approved ordinance prohibiting social card rooms conducted as commercial stimulant effective January 1, 2016. Authorized an Interagency Agreement with the State of Washington Depart- ment of General Administration for the use of grant funds for energy and light- ing upgrades to City facilities. Authorized agreement with KPG, Inc. for 2011 Annual Small Drainage Pro- gram. Grainger honored as Tukwila Business Recycler of 2010 The City of Tukwila recognized Grainger for its outstanding recycling and waste prevention successes by naming it "2010 Tukwila Business Recycler of the Year." Grainger is an international supplier of facilities maintenance, safety and other in- dustrial products serving businesses and institutions. Located at 6725 South Todd Boulevard, Grainger Tukwila employs approximately 50 people. Some highlights of Grainger's environmental program: • A 51% recycling rate • Operating an increasingly paperless environment with electronic invoice options and other paperwork reduction practices • Green housekeeping policies • Using air hand dryers in bathrooms to reduce paper towels • Water reduction with metered faucets and low -flow water closets and urinals • Point -of -use hot water heaters • Energy savings with occupancy sensors in offices and common areas • Programmable thermostats • Adjusting employee shift times to allow the building to "sleep" and go unoc- cupied Congratulations to Grainger Tukwila for its outstanding recycling program! I2 THE HAZELNUT Council Corner Council Coffee Chats: Democracy in Action Some community members have at- tended one of our Chats; many have not. So what is a council coffee chat? Simply, it's a way to sit down once a month with a Tukwila City Council member and shoot the breeze over cof- fee in a local coffee establishment. It's also an opportunity to dig deeper into a topic of contention, like gaming which has been discussed most recently. Held on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00AM to noon, Coun- cil Chats are one forum that Tukwila sponsors for open government. Coun- cil member Joe Duffie attended the January chat, followed by myself in February and Verna Seal in March. The future lineup schedule: • April 9 — Joan Hernandez • May 14 — De'Sean Quinn • June 11 — Kathy Hougardy • July 9 — Joan Hernandez • August 13 — Joe Duffle • September 10 — Kathy Hougardy • October 8 — Verna Seal • November 12 — De'Sean Quinn • December 10 — Dennis Robertson The Coffee Chat location is confirmed through June at: Friendz Cafe 12930 E Marginal Way South (Corner of EMarginal Way S & S 130th St) Friendz provides great coffee with a nice room and conference table that seats a dozen folks easily. Recent get-togethers have been host to discussions about gaming, street im- provements, crime, code enforcement, Tukwila Village, converting Tukwila's swimming pool into a self-funded park district, and animal control, to name just a few. Any topic on your mind is most welcome. Following the Coffee Chat, each Council member gener- You may be eligible for 2010 utility tax rebates In 2003 the City of Tukwila imposed a Utility Tax and added surcharge to Se- attle 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-in- come seniors (62 or older) or disabled residents who may be eligible for elec- tric 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, 2011): • Must complete application and notarized supplemental affidavit at the Finance Department in Tukwila City Hall. • Must provide copy of their 2010 Income Tax Return. • Provide their Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light Account number. PAYMENT PROCESS: Those applicants determined to be eli- gible will receive a rebate check from the City based on the actual taxes and surcharges paid for 2010. For addition- al information, please call Lily Jue at 206-433-7190. By Allan Ekberg, 2011 Council President ally reports what was talked about on that Saturday morning to fellow Coun- cil members (either in writing or at a Council meeting). If a citizen brings up a topic requiring response, the Coun- cilmember forwards the issue to the appropriate City staff. Staff will follow up, providing information/answers directly to both the requesting citizen and the Council member, ensuring the issue is handled. As you likely know, citizen comments are welcomed at each and every Coun- cil meeting. However, the very nature of a Coffee Chat can lend itself to an open dialogue and in-depth discussion between a Council member and fellow community members. Often an addi- tional Council member will show up for a cup of coffee, and listen and par- ticipate in the discussion. Please join your City Council representatives at one of the next coffee chats; I person- ally look forward to dropping by and seeing you there. und Second Saturday of each month 10:OOAM to 12:OONooN Come join us at FRIENDZ CAFE 12930 E Marginal Way S (Phone 206-246-2401) Council Coffee Chat is an opportunity to stop by and informally talk with a Tukwila City Council member about anything on your mind regarding your community. 1 APRIL 2011 3 City of Tukwila Manufacturing/Industrial Center (MIC) PUBLIC WORKSHOP & OPEN HOUSE Thursday, April 14 — 4:30 to 6:30Pm Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South We are looking for answers to these questions: How can the City of Tukwila help grow the economy in its Manufacturing/Industrial Center? How do existing Comprehensive Plan policies, zoning regulations and area boundaries protect or discourage industrial activity? What changes, if any, are needed? Interested? This is an opportunity to discuss these issues with property owners, businesses and residents in the East Marginal Way South vicinity, and to provide City staff with your ideas and feedback. We've done a preliminary investigation and will share what we've found. Visit our web page at www ci.tukwila.wa.us/dcd/micstudy.html, and take a few minutes to share your ideas and comm If you'd like more information, please email rfox@ci.tukwila.wa.us. ents. contact Rebecca Fox at 206-431-3683, or Tukwila's Code Enforcement Office deals with numerous issues When notified by citizens about particular concerns in their neighborhood, Tukwila's Code Enforcement Officers investi- gate the complaints. Some common code violations report- ed in our community are about: A RESIDENTIAL PARKING — All vehicles must be parked on either asphalt, concrete or compacted gravel on private residential property. This includes recreational vehicles (mo- torhomes, trailers or boats), and all passenger cars, trucks or vans. Recreational vehicles, when parked in the front yard, MUST be parked on the regular driveway. A COMMERCIAL VEHICLES — Commercial vehicles, such as semi -trucks, delivery trucks, limousines, etc., are prohib- ited from parking on our residential streets unless actively loading or unloading commodities. The owner/operator of a commercial vehicle is permitted to park one commercial vehicle on the driveway of his residence. A JUNK VEHICLES — You may not store a junk vehicle (in- operable, unlicensed, missing major components) or vehicle parts outside of a garage or carport. A DEBRIS OR GARBAGE — Garbage must be stored in lid- ded containers until it is disposed of at the landfill. Curbside garbage collection is available. A GRAFFITI — It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove or paint over graffiti on their buildings or struc- tures. A WEEDS, OVERGROWTH — Any weeds or uncultivated plants over 24" in height are considered a nuisance. encourage everyone be a good neighbor and keep weeds and black- berry bushes trimmed back from the property lines. We A BUSINESS LICENSING — All businesses are required to have a business license issued by the Finance Department. Home occupations are permitted. They also require a busi- ness license and must meet additional requirements estab- lished by the zoning code. A RESIDENTIAL RENTAL BUSINESS LICENSES are re- quired for all rental properties. Inspections of each unit are required every fifth year. Application forms are available on the City's website. For more information, contact Kathy Stetson at 206-431-3682. A ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU) — Sometimes referred to as "mother-in-law" apartments, ADUs are per- mitted in the single-family zone. City regulations state that ADUs may not be established in a detached structure; must obtain a building permit; must meet size restrictions off- street parking must be provided; and the owner must oc- cupy one of the units. Additional information is available from the Department of Community Development. A BUILDING PERMITS — Many construction projects need building permits. If you feel there is work being done without a valid permit, or have a questions on construction in your area, call Tukwila's Permit Center at 206-431-3670. A SIGN PERMITS — Temporary and permanent signs need permits. Tukwila's Sign Code information is online at: vvvvvv.tukwilawa.gov/dcd/signcodereg.html Code Enforcement makes a positive community impact, by improving the City's appearance and ensuring that only permitted activities take place in Tukwila's neighborhoods. For more information, visit us online at www tukwilawa.gov, or call the Code En- forcement Office at 206-431-3676. 1 4 THE HAZELNUT Tukwila debuts Digital Records Center At the March 14, 2011 Tukwila City Council meeting, City Clerk Christy O'Flaherty gave a presentation on the City's Records Management Pro- gram and introduced the new Digital Records Center. Tukwila's Records Management Program was initiated in 1991, and the Digital Records Center is the newest component of the program. The program utilizes Laserfiche Imaging Technol- ogy to make official City records searchable by a keyword and accessible to all through a web browser. The site includes a customized Laserfiche Guide to help users navigate the system. Among the records available in the Digital Records Center: • Audio Recordings of the Council Meetings • Council Agenda Packets • City Council Minutes from 1908 to current • Council Committee Packets and Minutes • Ordinances and Resolutions • Contracts and Agreements • Interlocal Agreements • Legal / Public Notices • Tukwila Municipal Code The Clerk's Office will continue to add records to the system. Additionally, citizens can now sign up to receive a weekly email with a link to that week's Council agenda packets. To sign up for electronic agenda packets and to explore the Digital Records Center, please visit the City Clerk's section of the website at www.tukwilawa.gov/clerk/cc.html. Tukwila's 11" Annual 5,etckgecro( Saturday, may 14 9:OOAM TO 3:OOPM at tukwila community center 7110 15`h Annual Tukwila Days Art Show and 4th Annual Recycled Art Show For more information, ca11206-767-2342 Solid waste/recycling rate adjustment Effective April 1, 2011, residential, multi -family and commercial solid waste and recycling rates will increase slightly. This year's increase (capped at 1.17%) will af- fect only the service fee portion of the total garbage bill. Rate changes are shown below. Service Description Current Rate New Rate RESIDENTIAL 10 -Gallon Mini Can $ 7.53 $ 7.60 20 -Gallon Mini Can 8.85 8.92 32 -Gallon Can/Toter 11.95 12.03 64 -Gallon Toter 17.12 17.21 90 -Gallon Toter 24.71 24.84 MULTI -FAMILY 1 -Yard Container 13.53 13.62 2 -Yard Container 24.16 24.30 4 -Yard Container 45.44 45.69 6 -Yard Container 63.60 63.93 10 -Yard Container 105.77 107.01 COMMERCIAL 1 -Yard Container 12.35 12.42 2 -Yard Container 21.65 21.76 4 -Yard Container 41.07 41.26 6 -Yard Container 57.31 57.54 10 -Yard Container 105.77 107.01 If you have any problems with your bills or solid waste/ recycling services, or have questions regarding the rate increase, please call Frank Iriarte in the Public Works Department at 206-431-2445, or email him at firiarte@ ci.tukwila.wa.us. A FREE, all -day family event to educate and inspire people to welcome wildlife - such as birds and butterflies - into their backyards, gardens and communities Keynote speaker: Ciscoe Morris Arts & Crafts Marketplace Educational Booths Sister Cities' Pancake Breakfast Native Plant Sale Guided Bird Tour along Duwamish River Certified Backyard Habitat Garden Tour Special Presentations Kids Garden Party - special activities: • Hands-on Arts & Crafts • Educational Passport Fun • Healthy Cooking Demos • Shelly the Snail's Birthday Party • Story Time with Ranger Rick • REI's "Leave No Trace" Program • The Bubbleman TO LEARN MORE, Visit us online at www.backyardwildlifefair.org 1 APRIL 2011 5 I What's New(s) in Human CSC is recruiting Board members Community Schools Collaboration (CSC) provides an integrat- ed system of academics, youth development, health and social services, family support and community development. They are currently seeking members for their Board of Directors. CSC Board members have the opportunity to positively influ- ence the lives of young people and families in our community. Their award-winning work in Tukwila, along with current expansion efforts in neighboring Highline, is receiving local, national and international attention. CSC offers the opportunity for community leaders with skills in business, accounting, law, marketing or strong organization- al skills — plus a desire — to make a difference. Enthusiasm and a vision of a positive future for our students and communities are qualities found in all our Board members. If you want more information, wish to get involved, or know community leaders that care about the CSC mission and can provide the guidance and leadership required of all great board members, call 206-901-2503 or email info@cscwa.org. Cell phone service for qualified applicants SafeLink Wireless is a nationwide program — sustained by con- tributions from telecommunication companies — that provides a free cell phone and 60 free monthly minutes for income - eligible customers. In Washington State, the Lifeline Service program enables qualifying customers to receive free cellular service and a free SafeLink Wireless cell phone with no bills and no contracts. Eligibility for the phone and free 60 monthly minutes varies, based on the potential customer's zip code, their participation in an eligibility program, and a household income that is at or below the level of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Potential customers must be participating in one or more of the following programs: • Federal Public Housing Assistance/Section 8 • Food Stamps • Medicaid • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • National School Lunch (free program only) • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) For more information about program requirements, income eligibility and how to apply, please call 1-800-SAFELINK, or go to wwwsafelinkwireless.com. Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 tukhsery@ci.tukwila.wa.us Elder and Adult Day Services offers a free break for those who care for a loved one If you're providing 24-hour care for your spouse or loved one due to Alzheimer's, stroke or other physical or cog- nitive disability, you know the demands that are placed on you. Often caregivers focus on those demands to the extent that they no longer give themselves the rest they need. When you don't allow yourself a break, it wears you down physically and emotionally to the point where you can no longer be at your best to care for your loved one. That's where Elder and Adult Day Services (EADS) comes in. As Washington's only nationally accredited day health services provider, EADS offers Monday-thru-Friday fee- based day health programs that provide activities, social- ization, health and rehabilitative services to your loved one, while providing you the break you need. Thanks to a grant from United Way of King County, EADS is now offering free respite services for your loved one — from 10:OOAM-1:OOPM on one Saturday a month — through its innovative travel -themed program called Destinations. The program offers activities, arts, games, music and food — all designed for seniors or adults with disabilities. EADS' professional health staff will care for your loved one, so you can have that valuable time to run errands, reconnect with others, or take time just for you. Upcoming themes: Saturday, April 23 — Destinations: Mexico Saturday, May 21 — Destinations: Japan Destinations is held at EADS' Wesley Campus Facility in Des Moines, 816 S. 216th Street, Suite #1. To reserve a space, call Chris Plyman, EADS' Center Director, at 206- 859-5731. EADS is a private, not-for-profit agency with other loca- tions in Bellevue and Bainbridge Island. Our fee-based programs work with Medicaid, State Respite, and other funding sources. Other no -cost programs provided under the United Way grant include Powerful Tools for Care- givers: a six-week course in optimizing your abilities as a caregiver, and Stay Active and Independent for Life: an exercise program for seniors focused on fall prevention. Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 1-866-427-4747 www.crisisclinic.orq 6 THE HAZELNUT TU KW I LA RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING COLLECTION EVENT Saturday, May 21 - 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 from residents 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; some user fees apply) Bulky yard waste (no rocks, brush, leaves or sod) • Scrap wood (untreated, unpainted wood only) • Scrap metal (ferrous and non-ferrous) ❖ Used clothing ❖ Reusable household goods • Cardboard (please flatten; no wax -coated cardboard) Electronic equipment (cell phones, printers, keyboards, fax machines, scanners, VCRs, CD/DVD players and stereos) 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; $5 charge) Refrigerators/air conditioners/ freezers ($25 charge per unit) • • • .•. .•. DO NOT BRING: K Hazardous waste K Garbage K Window glass K Concrete K Paint of any kind K Furniture K Plastics K Computers/Monitors RAIN BARREL SALE Where: Tukwila Village Site When: May 21, 2011 9:OOAM-3:OOPM or while limited supplies last What: High quality recycled plastic rain barrels. One per family! Supplies very limited! Cost: $20 — Cash only You'll receive a mailing with additional information on which materials to bring and which to leave at home. NOTE: ALL USER FEES MUST BE PAID BY CASH ONLY 18th Annual Tukwila Community Garage Sale Earlier dates! July 23 & 24 Start planning now for your summer weekend of clean-up, recycling and bargains — along with your neighbors all across Tukwila — by holding a yard/ garage sale at your own home! FREE PUBLICITY FOR YOUR SALE! The City will publish sale locations in the July 20 Tukwila Reporter and the July 22 Renton Reporter newspapers. We'll put a map on the City of Tukwila website, and info on Craigslist, You'll a Yard Sale Kit with a small sign and information with tips on holding a sale. REGISTER BY JUNE 30 to hold a sale at your home. Provide your: 1) name; 2) address of garage sale with zip code; 3) mailing address with zip code (if different than the yardsale address); 4) phone number; and 5) e-mail address. HOW TO SIGN UP: • Online: tukwilawa.gov/yardsale.html • Email: rfox@ci.tukwila.wa.us • Phone: 206-433-7178 • Mail: Rebecca Fox City of Tukwila 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 WANT TO SHOP? Where's the sales? • Starting July 21, view a map and list of sale locations on the City's web- site at www.tukwilawa.gov, or pick up a map and list of sale locations dur- ing regular operating hours at Tukwila City Hall, Tukwila Community Center, Tukwila Pool, Foster Golf Course Club- house, and Foster Library. • Look for the sale sites list in the July Tukwila and Renton Reporters. • On July 23 and 24, drive around Tukwila looking for the bright yellow signs that identify sale locations. IAPRIL 2011 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: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Allan Ekberg, Pres. 206-241-6904 Joe Duffie (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Joan Hernandez 206-248-0260 Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373 Verna Seal 206-293-3274 Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 De'Sean Quinn 206-241-0225 Kimberly Matej, Analyst 206-433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings 1st/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays 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 three times a year by the City of Tukwila, and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris, IT Dept. THE HAZELNUT Ciry 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. One year ago, my Hazelnut article com- mented on the very nice, warm weath- er we had just experienced in January. What a difference a year makes! The weather during the first two months of 2011 presented more cold and snow than I can remember in recent years. Our City employees have responded very well in addressing weather condi- tions that impact our streets. Prior to the recent storm, Public Works street crews applied salt to the dry pavement, which was very effective in preventing the streets from freezing so hard under- neath the snow. Widespread compli- ments were received for both the good work preparing the City in advance of the snow, and the sanding and plowing which followed the storm. On the subject of streets, I want to bring you up-to-date on some of our in- frastructure activity. Everyone should be aware that we are well into the con- struction of our Southcenter Parkway Extension Project which will result in a new five -lane road between South 180th Street and South 200th Street. Atkinson Construction has now start- ed work on the Southcenter Access Project — also known as the Klickitat Project — which will impact access into the central business district until completion, currently scheduled for November. It is unfortunate that both major projects will be underway simul- taneously, but the timing couldn't be avoided. Some funding sources dic- tated the scheduling of these projects, and we had to move them forward to preserve all of those funds. Alternate routes shown on detour maps provided by the City plus a considerable amount of signage should help minimize the inconvenience. The good news is that this major project will be completed in one construction season and will fa- cilitate much better traffic flow in time for 2011 holiday shopping. Find more info at www SouthcenterAccess.com. Tukwila has demonstrated its skills in minimizing street closure impacts on its residents, businesses and visitors. This past month the failure of sewer and water lines on Andover Park West affected traffic flow and resulted in the complete closure of that major arterial. Public Works handled the emergency extremely well, getting a contractor on site to perform the excavation, repairs and restoration of full services to that area in a reasonably short timeframe. Streets and infrastructure are a high priority in Tukwila, and I'm aware we need to give attention to several major arterials and many residential streets throughout our neighborhoods. Our Capital Improvement Plan addresses these issues, and our hope is that the economy will continue to improve, allowing us to do much of this work sooner rather than later. Jim Haggerton, Mayor