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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 25 No. 1HE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 25, NUMBER 1 FEBRUARY 2004 Fire Department to host CPR, First Aid courses Tukwila's Fire Department is pleased to announce that they will be offering CPR and First Aid courses to the public in 2004. During the first quarter of the year, courses will be offered on Wednesday, February 25 and Saturday, Feb- ruary 28. The complete CPR/First Aid course will start at 9:00AM and finish at 5:30PM. Each full course lasts one day only. Participants will have the opportunity to attend the CPR portion of the training only, from 9:00Am to 1:00PM. The only cost to participants is for materials and certification cards; the combined CPR/First Aid course will cost $15.00 per student. For those who attend only the CPR portion of the training, the cost is $5.00. You must submit payment in the form of cash, check or money order made out to the City of Tukwila by Friday, February 20 in order to maintain your phone reservation. The courses are limited to individual citi- zens who live or work in the City of Tukwila. You can reserve a space in the course by calling the Tukwila Fire Department at 206-575-4404, or just stop by Depart- ment Headquarters at 444 Andover Park East. (Please do ei- ther of these between the hours of 8:00AM and 6:00PM.) The courses will take place at Department Headquarters as well. Large, private or business groups can arrange for non -Depart- ment sponsored courses with the instructors. Openings that occur after February 6, 2004 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. CPR saves lives! Sign up for a course soon. Dates for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2004 will be announced later. Technical revisions coming to Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan During 2004, Tukwila will prepare technical revisions to its Comprehensive Plan to ensure that it is up to date with changes made to Statewide planning regulations. Primary issues will include updating policies and development codes for environmentally sensitive steep slopes, wetlands and streams, as well as adopting new household and employ- ment growth targets. Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document or "blueprint" for how Tukwila will manage future growth and development for the next twenty years. The Comprehen- sive Plan was adopted in 1995, with opportunities for amend- ments each year. The Comprehensive Plan's four main objectives — in priority order — are: • To improve and sustain residential neighborhood quality and livability. • To redevelop and reinvigorate the Pacific Highway corridor. • To redevelop and reinvigorate the industrial uses along East Marginal Way. • To develop a thriving Urban Center as a true regional concentration of employment, housing, shopping, and recreational opportunities. The Comprehensive Plan provides a flexible framework for adapting to real conditions over time. The building blocks of the Comprehensive Plan include the following "elements": land use, transportation, housing, neighborhoods, economic development capital facilities, utilities and the environment. Information on this process will be posted on the City of Tukwila's web site and printed in "The Hazelnut." Resi- dents and businesses will have additional opportunities to comment on Comprehensive Plan technical revisions at open houses, Planning Commission hearings and City Council hearings in 2004. Questions? Contact Rebecca Fox of the Tukwila Depart- ment of Community Development at 206-431-3683 or via email at rfox@ci.tukwila.wa.us. Tukwila City Council Actions: October -December 2003 October 2003 Approved ordinance granting non-exclu- sive franchise to install wireless facili- ties within City's right-of-way and pri- vate properties to VoiceStream PCS III. Approved agreement for Foster Golf Course restaurant services with Gordy's of Tukwila, Inc. Approved lease agreements for two City - owned properties used by Way Back Inn for transitional housing. Awarded contract for two pumps for the Sewer Lift Station #12 upgrade project to PACO Pumps, Inc. Adopted ordinance refunding 1994 Bonds (Community Center & Fire Sta- tion #53), and replacing them with lower interest bonds to save $373,000. Adopted ordinance amending 2003 Budget, to match actual expenditures. Adopted resolution increasing Munici- pal Court's Petty Cash Fund for witness fees to $500. Adopted resolution increasing number of members on the Lodging Tax Advi- sory Committee from seven to nine. Approved agreement with WSDOT for $50,000 of State funding for construc- tion of West Valley Hwy./Strander Blvd. Intersection Improvements project. Approved signing Regional Affordable Housing Program agreement with King County. Approved resolutions canceling uncol- lectible accounts and uncashed checks and gift certificates. For up-to-date information about Council meetings/agendas/activities, visit our website: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us November 2003 Appointed Falicia Green and Tracy Salas to Equity and Diversity Commission, and Tom Dezutter and Mark Winward to Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Approved contract for purchase of an automated permit management system from Selectron Technologies, Inc., which allows permit holders to commu- nicate with inspectors at any time Approved contract with Charles River Associates for technical review, analy- sis, and advice regarding parking de- mand and transportation impacts related to proposed Link Light Rail System. Approved contract with KPG, Inc., for design of drainage improvements in Cas- cade View neighborhood Held Public Hearing on proposed 2004 Budget and Financial Planning Model. Approved resolution authorizing Parks and Recreation Director to set Recre- ation and Pool fees with annual review by Parks Commission and Council's Community Affairs & Parks Committee. Approved renewing Commute Trip Re- duction Implementation Contract for 2003-2005 with WSDOT, in order to receive State funding for the Commute Trip Reduction Program. Approved renewing Commute Trip Re- duction Implementation Agreement for 2003-2005 with King County Metro for data collection & promotional activities. December 2003 Appointed Alice Russell to the Parks Commission. Awarded a contract to design upgrades for the Fort Dent sewer pump station with Penhallegon Associates Consulting Engineers (PACE), Inc. 2 THE HAZELNUT Approved contract amendment for de- sign and construction work related to Allentown water and sewer improve- ment project with Gray & Osborne, Inc. Approved contract amendment for de- sign of Foster Point neighborhood revi- talization project with AHBL, Inc. Accepted new sidewalks at new KFC/ Taco Bell, and storm drainage system at Olive Garden Restaurant. Awarded contract to Penhallegon Asso- ciates Consulting Engineers (PACE), Inc., for design of new stormwater pipes and pump station along Strander Blvd. Approved changing name of 96th Place to Museum of Flight Place. Approved resolution supporting State adoption of streamlined sales tax agree- ment (long -impacted cities, like Tuk- wila, would be compensated for losses). Approved transfer of funds for golf course water feature from course im- provement to clubhouse construction budget (requiring no additional money). Approved contract amendment for Key Customer assessment of process with businesses and analysis of Tukwila Vil- lage development costs with Rob Larsen of ClearPath. Reappointed Mac McDonald, Sue King, Steve Schneider to Library Advisory Bd.; Bill Gorjance to Arts Commission. Adopted 2004-2009 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Plan (documents which outline future bud- gets and planned capital projects). Adopted the 2004 budget. Approved design contract for 2004 pro- gram to overlay parts of 57th Ave S, Ryan Way, Olympic Dr, 43rd Ave S, Strander Blvd, 16th Ave S, S 124th St. Authorized purchase of Grandmother's Hill property, including up to $20,000 in City Funds, with balance from grants and donations. COUNCIL CORNER Reviewing Our Accomplishments by Pam Carter, Council President — 2003 It's that time again, when we reflect on the accomplishments of last year and look ahead to our plans for the coming year. There were many successes in 2003 to celebrate, but a few stand out in my mind. The Council is especially proud of the new South 180t Street underpass which improves traffic flow and safety. While it was a Tukwila project, it involved the cooperation and finan- cial contributions of many other agencies. When we agreed to assume the swimming pool, we believed we could operate it more efficiently and better serve our citi- zens. Thanks to the hard work of our excellent staff, the Tuk- wila Pool has been a resounding success. We know that people enjoy having the pool open more hours with more programs and classes — revenues have been greater than expected. Assuming Fort Dent Park from King County was a big step for Tukwila, but I think you'll agree that Starfire Sports has transformed the park. While their building is still under con- struction, the soccer fields are being well -used by local sports Citizen Involvement is a Priority First, let me express my sincere gratitude to my fellow Councilmembers for electing me Council President for 2004. We have a great deal of work to accomplish this year, and I will ensure our subcommittees are appointed and ready to start work earlier in January than we have in past years. My granddaughter is a 12 -year-old 7th grader at Seattle Chris- tian School. Her class was recently given the opportunity to write a theme about any subject they chose. Her choice was somewhat different from her classmates in that she chose "Where Have All The Voters Gone?" I am so proud that some of our young people are concerned about the rights we enjoy in these United States which many countries of the world simply do not have. Looking back at the November 4th General Election, Tuk- wila had an overall voter turnout of just 30.97% of the regis- tered voters. Some of our major precincts reported the fol- lowing: one precinct at 15.9%, one precinct at 19.4% and one precinct at 20.6%. Precincts with 45.4% and 40.9% were the highest we could manage in Tukwila, with the exception of one very small precinct where 4 of 5 voted. I know we can do better than this! FEBRUARY 2004 teams. This is a real improvement over last year when the entire park was closed for the winter. After many years of planning, we were excited that construc- tion was finally begun on a new Foster Golf Clubhouse and on Tukwila International Boulevard. After tasting samples of Gordy's mouth-watering BBQ, we can't wait until the restau- rant opens later this year! On the highway, the new street lights and handsome brick walls give us a glimpse and prom- ise of how beautiful the street will be. The new Cascade View Community Park is open but still awaits some finishing touches. We are pleased that the art- work reflects the international heritage of our citizens, and know it will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. These are but a few of the many accomplishments of the past year. And we readily acknowledge that while the Council may make the decisions, the successes are due to the hard work of a very professional and dedicated staff. by Jim Haggerton, Council President — 2004 I take this as a personal challenge for the future direction of your City Councilmembers. We absolutely have to find some way to involve our citizens (to the degree that they want to be) in the political process. I heard repeatedly that some citi- zens don't feel comfortable coming to Council meetings to address the Council in a more formal setting. We have tried neighborhood vision meetings with some success. Many citi- zens that I visited have excellent ideas that should be shared with the policymakers of the City; we'll find a way to make this happen. If you felt like the Council was not listening to you in the past, please give us another opportunity. I feel our current Council is interested in your input, listens, and turns talk into action after considering both sides of any issue. Please contact City Councilmembers with your ideas and/or concerns. The City's website has a City Council bio link that gives you the email address of most all Council members. The Hazelnut lists phone numbers of all Councilmembers, or you can submit written material to the attention of Councilmembers at City Hall. My very high priority for 2004 is to improve communication between City government and our citizens so that all citizens feel they are a valuable part of our decision-making process. 3 Sensitive Areas Ordinance revisions under review The City is currently reviewing its Comprehensive Land Use Plan and implement- ing regulations, as required by the Growth Management Act. As part of this effort, the City will review the policies and regulations affecting sensitive areas in the City. Sensitive areas are defined as wetlands, watercourses, areas of potential geo- logic instability, abandoned coal mine areas, and important geological or archaeo- logical sites (TMC 18.06.720). Zoning regulations establish buffers for wetlands and watercourses, permitted uses in the buffer areas, and permitted alterations to sensitive areas; they also require studies of geologic hazards prior to development on slopes of 20% or greater and other studies of sensitive areas prepared by quali- fied professionals. The City's original policies and regulations applying to sensitive areas were adopted in 1995 when the current Comprehensive Plan was adopted. Changes in State law require that policies and regulations that apply to sensitive areas be based on "best available science." Best available science is defined as using advice or infor- mation prepared by a qualified scientific expert or team of qualified experts who determine the best available science and assess to what extent this science applies to the sensitive areas in Tukwila. The original policies and regulations were based on scientific information; however, the new rules require a more rigorous review of the scientific literature and documentation of this review as part of the compre- hensive plan update. One of the goals of the review of the sensitive areas regulations is to make the ordinance clearer and easier to understand and use. New field inventory work has been undertaken and the information from the inventory will be used to update the City's sensitive areas maps. There will be opportunities for public review and comment on any proposed changes next year at public workshops and at public hearings before the Planning Commis- sion and City Council. If you want to be on the mailing list to receive information about any changes to the City's sensitive area regulations and policies, please: Write to: Department of Community Development 6300 Southcenter Blvd., Suite 100 Tukwila, WA, 98188 Call: Carol Lumb at 206-431-3661, or Email: clumb@ci.tukwila.wa.us Tukwila Sister City Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction Friday, February 6 — 5:00 to 8:OOPM Tukwila Community Center, 12424 - 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila Tickets: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 10 & under For tickets, contact Kathy Znak at 206-242-3138 or Lucy Lauterbach at 206-433-1834 ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SUPPORT THE TUKWILA SISTER CITY PROGRAM Emergency Preparedness: Water Heater Secure your water heater to minimize damage during a disaster: • Mark your water heater at the front center, about one-third of the way down from the top and approxi- mately one-third of the way up from the bottom. • Ensure that the bottom mark is at least 4 inches above the water con- trols. • Secure the water heater with a 16 - to 20 -gauge, pre -drilled steel strap. • If you place the water heater on a pedestal, you must secure the pedes- tal to the wall or floor to keep it from moving out from under the water heater during an earthquake. • For more information on securing your water heater, please contact the Tukwila Public Works Department at 206-433-0179. Getting water from a water heater: • The water heater, if strapped prop- erly, can be used as a backup source of drinking water in addition to the water you have already stored for emergencies. • To get water out of your water heater when the water is turned off, you will need to turn off the gas or electric supply to the heater. • Open a faucet located in the highest point of your home and then open the faucet at the bottom of the water heater. This allows the water to grav- ity -fed from the tank. • The water that first comes from the tank may be full of rust and other deposits. This is normal for a water heater that has been in a home for a few years. Discard the discolored wa- ter. When the water becomes clear, it should be safe to drink. • If there is any question as to the water's quality, purify it. 4 THE HAZELNUT Cascade View Drainage and Roadway Improvements The City of Tukwila has hired an engineering firm, KPG Inc., to design drainage and roadway improvements to a portion of the Cascade View Neighborhood. Im- provements are planned for the area bounded by 32nd Avenue South, Tukwila International Boulevard, South 140th Street, and South 135th Street. Planned im- provements to this area include a subsurface drainage system and reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks and roadways. The design is expected to be completed in Septem- ber 2004. Two open houses are planned to solicit public input on the proposed design. The first Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th 6:00 to 8:O0Pm — Cascade View Elementary School Representatives from the City and KPG will be available to gain input from resi- dents and discuss the project goals, design, construction schedule, etc. All funding for the project design and construction have been secured through a combination of City funds, grants, and low-interest loans. Construction is antici- pated to begin in late 2004. For more information, please contact Ryan Larson, Senior Surface Water Engineer, at 206-431-2456. , Heavy rains in October and November create drainage issues The record rainfalls in October and November 2003 caused isolated drainage prob- lems throughout the City. Problems were encountered at the intersection of Strander Boulevard and Andover Park East, at the 4200 block of Macadam Road, and at the intersection of South 112th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. Improvements to the intersection of Strander Blvd and Andover Park East are cur- rently under design, with construction scheduled to begin this summer. Improve- ments include a larger storm drainage pipe to handle the volume in the area as well as a new pump station that will allow the area to drain even if the river is high. Emergency repairs have been completed at the 4200 block of Macadam Road. During the recent rain events, a large amount of material was transported down- stream from the steep banks at Foster High School, threatening the roadway and residences below. Tukwila maintenance personnel built a temporary berm and used equipment to divert storm flows from causing significant property damage. A new larger cross culvert has been installed and the Tukwila School District has con- structed interim improvements to protect the steep slopes from erosion. Perma- nent repairs should be completed in 2004. Maintenance and Engineering staff are investigating the flooding that occurred at the intersection of South 112th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. The existing pipe systems will be reviewed to determine the cause and find a solution to this problem. For more information concerning Surface Water issues, please contact Ryan Larson, Senior Surface Water Engineer, at 206-431-2456. Be a tourist in your own hometown Ever seen Mt. Rainier at sunset from the top of the Space Needle? Sure, you drink Starbucks everyday, but have you had a cup from the original Starbucks? Have you actually seen the fish ladder at the locks? And what do you know about Seattle's sordid past? Here's a simple and inexpensive way to be a tourist in your own hometown. Just hop on the Seattle Southside Ex- press. For $12 round-trip per person, Seattle Southside Express will pick you up at Westfield Shoppingtown South - center and drop you off in front of the Hammering Man statue, one block from Pike Place Market. The Metro buses in the downtown area are free... getting around to the Market, the Underground Tour, the Locks, and the Space Needle is super easy. Seattle Southside Express runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:OOAM, Noon, 2:OOPM, 400PM, 600PM and 7:1OPM. You'll be downtown in just 20 minutes. The mall shuttle stop is located on the north side of the mall at the main en- trance, between Bon -Macy's and Mervyn's. Just call 206-241-5800 to make a reservation. Summer sewer project info Please join Tukwila Public Works for an Open House Thursday, February 12 7:00 to 9:OOPM Tukwila Community Center Main Topic: • Allentown Revitalization Phase 2 • Foster Point Revitalization You are invited for an overview of the sewer projects that are planned for construction this summer. Need more information? Call the Tukwila Department of Public Works at 206-433-0179. FEBRUARY 2004 5 Adult Fitness Classes TUKWILA PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS • RECREATION • GOLF • AQUATICS Tukwila Parks and Recreation is now offering a wide variety of fitness classes throughout the day and evening. Call 206-768-2822 for days, times and fees. YOUTH AND TEEN BASKETBALL FREE Local Hot Spot Competition 6:3OPM Wednesday, February 11 The Hot Spot program is a basketball skills competition which involves shoot- ing from five "Hot Spots" marked on half of a basketball court. The competi- tion tests the young athlete's all-around basketball skills within a series of one - minute periods. Three 1 -minute rounds at the local level and two 1 -minute rounds at the State level constitute the duration of play. The youth with the highest accumulated number of points is declared winner and will advance to the State competition. This event is open to all boys and girls ages 7-14. This competition will be held at the Tukwila Community Center, and is sponsored by the Washington Recre- ation and Parks Association. FREE Local Hoop Shoot S:OOPM Wednesday, February 11 Start practicing your free throws now to prepare for our Local Valley Hoop Shoot Contest scheduled for Wednes- day, February 25 at the Tukwila Com- munity Center. The contest is open to boys and girls ages 5-14. The top two finishers in each age division advance to the Hoop Shoot Finals to be held here in Tukwila on Saturday, March 27! Sound Transit schedules open houses Sound Transit has announced three more Open House events for the Tukwila segment of its Link light rail project. Latest plans will be shown for the light rail trackway, as well as for the 154th Street station and Park -and -Ride lot at Southcenter Boulevard and International Boulevard. You're invited to come learn more about the Tukwila seg- ment of Link light rail, as the engineering and architectural design moves from 60% to 90% and 100% completion. Sound Transit — Link Light Rail Tukwila Project Design Open Houses Wednesdays: February 11, March 24, and May 12, 2004 All events will be held: 6:00 to 8:OOPM Foster High School 4242 S. 144th Street, Tukwila Come to one or more of these events and get your ques- tions answered by Sound Transit engineers and project de- signers. Tell us any issues you have regarding light rail con- struction and its impacts on the Tukwila community. The design of this segment is being completed in the spring of 2004. Property acquisition is already underway along the route of the tracks. The format of these events is open house; you can drop in at any time between 6:00-8:00PM. For more information, please contact Sound Transit's Tuk- wila community outreach team: Sue Comis — 206-398-5143 (comiss@soundtransit.org), or Roger Pence — 206-398-5465 (pencer@soundtransit.org). Non-English translation services and materials in alterna- tive formats can be arranged with sufficient notice by call- ing 206-398-5000, or 206-398-5410 TTY. You can also visit our website at www.soundtransit.org. 6 THE HAZELNUT SPONSOR ALL-STARS Tukwila Parks and Recreation would like to thank and recognize the following local businesses and organizations that are sponsoring the 2004 Youth/Teen Basketball League. * Cold Stone Creamery * Computer Sonics * Dollar Rent-A-Car * Hometask.com * Land of Frost * Liberty Mutual * NW Emergency Training * Park & Fly * Seattle Escrow * Seattle Mortgage * Seattle Savings Bank * Tukwila Children's Foundation * Tukwila Fire Fighters Local #2088 * Tukwila Self -Storage * Tukwila SuperPawn * Tukwila Rotary * US Healthworks * Washington Cars, Inc. This year, there are close to 500 kids participating in the league. Sponsorships support our scholarship program and help to keep the participation fees affordable. It also helps pay for training and certification for the 50+ coaches who volunteer their time each year. If you are interested in sponsoring a Tukwila Parks and Recreation program or special event, or would like to make a contribution to our youth scholarship program, please contact Tracy Thomas at 206-768-2822. HOLIDAY MIRACLES Made possible by local citizens and businesses Each year the Tukwila Community Center coordinates a Holiday Giving Program in which local children and fami- lies are "adopted" for the holidays. These families receive gifts, meals, and a lot of hope through this program. We would like to thank and recognize the following businesses and organizations for their generosity in helping make this program possible: * Advent Print Resources * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * City of Tukwila's Dept. of Community Development Claim Jumpers Restaurant Exel Transportation Fatigue Technology Tukwila Fire Fighters Local 2088 Foster High School Grainger Group Health Cooperative Insurance Professionals of South King County Larson Juhl National Park Service Regence Blue Shield RTS Packaging Seattle Mailing Bureau Sound Community Bank Therapeutic Associates Tukwila Parks and Recreation Staff In addition to these businesses and organizations, we would like to thank the following community members who also helped make it all possible through the spirit of giving: * Anne Nogaki * Bill and Glenda Super * Dennis and Karen Robinson * Jeff and Stefanie Keyes * John and Joyce Groen * The Adanti Family * The Bennett Family * The Beslow Family * The Holmgren Family * The Ives Family * The Larson Family * The Rediman Family * The Richardson Family Because of your generous contributions we were able to help over 90 local children have a wonderful Christmas! FEBRUARY 2004 LIVE PERFORMANCES IN TUKWILA! Brown Box Productions and the City of Tukwila Arts Commission present SLACK 'CO car ROMS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2004 - 7:30PM Foster Performing Arts Center at Foster High School 4242 S. 144th Street, Tukwila Don't miss this contemporary African-American theater piece dealing with black women and their relationship with their tresses. A show about black hair? Yes, but hair as a metaphor for life. "Doesn't matter whether it's happily nappy, kinky -curly or silky straight, Black Ameri- can, and more specifically African American women, have had a unique relationship with their tresses. Here we share some of the stories behind black hair — tales of love and laughter, tales of pride and pain — and ultimately tales of acceptance." Produced/directed: Tyrone D. Brown Authors: Reneschia Brown and Kathya Alexander 1D Recipient of the Fringe First Award at the 2002 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2004 - 7:OOPM Foster Performing Arts Center at Foster High School 4242 S. 144th Street, Tukwila From "Agamemnon" by Garrett Fisher • Masks by Louise McCagg • Choreography by Christy Fisher • Used by permission of 16 Visions, LLC • Dancer: Theresa Mathern The Fisher Ensemble presents Dream of Zeus, a full-length operatic work by composer Garrett Fisher. This work, presented oratorio - style, is a meditation on contemporary themes of justice, revenge and forgiveness, and includes such instruments as Taiko percussion, Indian harmonium and oboe d'amore. First presented as Agamemnon in 1997 at On the Boards' Northwest New Works Festival, and again in 1998 at the Nippon Kan Theatre, Fisher has added a second act to the opera to create Dream of Zeus, his largest and most dramatic work to date. The story, set in Ancient Greece just after the controversial Trojan War, explores a society's nostalgia, desire for revenge and struggle to forgive past atrocities. The score combines soaring vocal lines of five vocalists and the temple sound of Taiko percussion, as well as the core members of the Fisher Ensemble Foundation, Ltd. Brought to you by the King County Cultural Development Authority, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Tukwila Arts Commission "The focus and beauty of the work stunned me." — The Seattle Weekly "Spectacularly eerie... infused with beautiful desperation." — The New Music Box Ticket prices: $5 for adults, FREE for children 13 and under No advance ticket sales — tickets will go on sale one-half hour prior to performance For further information, call 206-767-2342 Brought to you by the King County Cultural Development Authority, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Tukwila Arts Commission CL.ItUI'8 r.r.ar opmrnt,, ,,'',;,o .,. 8 THE HAZELNUT Tukwila Municipal Court Relicensing Support Program If you have outstanding fines or fines in collections for traffic tickets or criminal traffic cases from the City of Tukwila that are preventing you from getting a valid driver's license, you may benefit from participating in the Relicensing Support Program or "RSP". The Relicensing Support Program may help you by: 1. Reducing the amount you owe on traffic tickets you have received from the City of Tukwila; 2. Establishing a payment plan; 3. Finding alternative ways to pay for your tickets (work crews, community service, etc.); and, most importantly, 4. Release the City of Tukwila "holds" you have on your license. Eligibility requirements: In order to participate in this program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: 1. The only matters heard are those from the City of Tukwila. Our court cannot hear matters from other cit- ies or from counties. 2. The court will hear cases involving outstanding fines, fines in collections, or FTA's (Failure to Appear) for traf- fic or criminal traffic matters only. The court will not address issues in non -traffic cases. 3. You must not have a warrant for your arrest — from any jurisdiction. Here's how it works: 1. Personally appear at the Tukwila Municipal Court office counter and sign up for the RSP calendar. 2. The staff will determine your eligi- bility, put you on the court calendar, and gather all your Tukwila matters to be heard by the judge. 3. The RSP calendar is heard every Fri- day from 9:OOAM to noon. You must sign up at least one week in advance of your hearing (before close of busi- ness the Friday before your hearing). You must appear at your scheduled court hearing. If you fail to appear without providing notice to the court, you may jeopardize your eligibility. 4. On the date of your hearing, the court will consider your financial circum- stances, your efforts to obtain your license, your driving record, and any other relevant information in deter- mining a plan for you to pay your fines and release any "holds" the City has on your license. What could my "plan" include or involve? The judge, after considering all your cir- cumstances, may include the following provisions in your personalized plan: 1. To release the "hold", you will be given a deadline to enter into a pay- ment plan with the collection agency. Upon receipt of your first payment, the "hold" or "FTA" will be removed and the ticket will not be preventing you from getting your license. 2. If you maintain the payment plan for six consecutive months, the Court may do one or all of the following: — A reduction in the total fine(s) owed; — Community service, work crew, or other means as a payment alterna- tive; — A reduction in the interest owed on the collection of the ticket. Successful completion of the six-month program may result in a drastic reduc- tion in the amount you owe. What will happen if 1 fail to keep up with the program? This program is designed to help you take control of the problems you are facing in your efforts to obtain a valid license. We understand just how im- portant your ability to legally drive a vehicle may be. With that, we will do whatever we can to help you succeed; however, the responsibility to follow through with your program plan lies entirely with you. If you fail to keep up with your plan or default on your pay- ments, the court may remove you from the program permanently. This could result in the suspension of your license. We will do our best to work with you. Where do 1 go for more information? You can contact the Court by phone or appear in person. Our address is 6200 Southcenter Blvd., Tukwila, WA 98188, and our phone number is 206-433- 1840. If you know your case number(s), please have it/them available, as this will help us assist you. You can also check out the City of Tukwila website at http://wwwtukwila.wa.us. Police volunteer opportunities The Tukwila Police Department is cur- rently seeking volunteers to assist with: • Pawn data entry for the Investigation division in morning/early afternoon; • Clerical and filing duties for Police Administration during regular busi- ness hours and/or evening hours; • Traffic volunteer duties, including tagging abandoned vehicles, citing handicap parking violators, etc.; • Answer phones and greet the public at the Police Resource Centers. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Marja Murray, Police Department Ad- ministrative Secretary, at 206-433-7175. FEBRUARY 2004 9 WHAT'S NEW (S) IN HUMAN SERVICES Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 City has new chaplain The City of Tukwila welcomes Al Patterson as the new Chap- lain for the Tukwila Police and Fire Departments. Al has been a familiar face in the community for many years: volunteer- ing at the City's Neighborhood Resource Center, attending a variety of human service meetings, and working with local Tukwila Pastors through his previous work with a clearing- house for local churches. Al also participated in the Tukwila Children's Foundation, the Tukwila Food Pantry, and the City's Domestic Violence Task Force. Al says that throughout his life he's had an affinity with Po- lice and Fire personnel. After serving as a Volunteer Firefighter in Taos, New Mexico, he could relate to the need even more. Al has enjoyed getting acquainted with Police and Fire per- sonnel through "ride-alongs" and visits to the stations. He has accompanied Police to situations where a death has oc- curred, to comfort family and help with logistical decisions. He recently received training in Critical Incident Stress Man- agement. Al and his wife Sallie live in Tukwila. Food Banks The Des Moines Area Food Bank, located 2225 - 9th Ave. S., serves individuals and families from Tukwila having a hard time making ends meet. They receive surplus commodities and donations from local markets, farmers, airlines, restau- rants, businesses and individuals. Their services are open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:OOAM to Noon. Call 206-878-2660 The Georgetown Food Bank (at St. Vincent de Paul), lo- cated at 5970 - 4th Avenue S., is open Monday through Fri- day from 9:30AM to 2:30PM, and will serve Tukwila residents. The food bank relies on donations from local business and individuals. For more information about the food bank and other services provided by the Georgetown Service Center, please call 206-767-7888. The Tukwila Food Pantry, available to Tukwila residents, is located in the basement of the Riverton Park United Method- ist Church, 3118 S. 140th Street. It is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:OOPM. Phone: 206-431-8293. Meals Are you a senior or disabled resident who has difficulty shop- ping and preparing meals for yourself? Meals On Wheels delivers balanced, nutritional meals to seniors and persons with disabilities. The meals are delivered weekly through the Senior Program at Tukwila Community Center. Call 206- 768-2822 to apply. Energy Assistance Program The Multi Service Center Energy Assistance program can pro- vide one-time financial assistance and energy conservation education to eligible low-income households. The program serves Tukwila clients who own or rent. Payments are made directly to utilities/vendors on behalf of customers. Please call 253-874-4328 or 1-800-422-1384 and let them know you are a Tukwila resident. Due to high demand, the phone is often busy. Please be persistent and continue calling! Low-income energy bill moratorium From November 15 thru March 15, a moratorium - which is an emergency measure that enables low-income individuals who have exhausted all other alternatives to keep their heat on - is in place. If payment arrangements under this pro- gram are not kept, the company can disconnect a customer's electricity and refuse to reconnect until the entire balance owed to the utility is paid. To qualify for the moratorium, a customer must: • Notify the utility within five days after receiving a discon- nect notice that the customer is unable to pay the bill. • Apply for energy assistance and low-income weatheriza- tion programs. Ask the utility services for representatives for the nearest energy assistance agency, or call the WUTC toll-free at 1-800-562-6150. • Provide the utility company with a statement proving that household's monthly average income is within eligibility limits (125% of the federal poverty guidelines). Literacy 1/1 Literacy services and English as a Second Language instruc- tion is available to adults in Tukwila. Volunteers (desperately needed!) are recruited and trained to serve as individual and group tutors. Classes are held on Wednesdays at Foster High School. Student registration takes place in class at 6:15PM. For information about class times, please call 206-901-8002. Crisis Clinic Call 206-461-3222 - 24 -hours -a -day - for food, shelter, health care, counseling assistance and referral information. The Crisis Clinic also provides a teen telephone line to assist teens with issues related to family, friends, dating, mental health and suicide. The teen line number is 206-461-4922. 10 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA RESOURCE •0�.r.. +• COD T 5 . ots% REPOR TER Swap meet meets the 21st Century What is a materials exchange? A materials exchange is a system for people to exchange goods. The best- known is probably eBay. While some paper-based exchanges have been set up around re -use and recycling programs, they have often proved inconve- nient to use. However, the internet provides more efficient and cheaper opportunities for exchanging goods between people. Items that are un- wanted by one person can be highly desired by another. In other words, one person's trash is another person's treasure. And it's the environment that benefits when goods are exchanged and reused, rather than being col- lected and sent to the landfill. Building materials exchange: www.2good2toss.com www.2good2toss.com is a new exchange which focuses on reusing building materials. www.2good2toss.com replaces the old Reusable Building Materi- als Exchange. Once they have registered, users can post items or materials they wish to get rid of. Anyone can browse postings. Each contains a description of the materials along with a name and telephone number, and any cost or delivery information. The actual exchange transactions are car- ried out directly between interested parties. Give it a try if you want to exchange small or large quantities of used or surplus building materials and large household items. Post -holiday glut? Do you have used media—books, CDs, DVDs or videos—to donate? Con- tact Eco Encore at 206-547-1517 or www.ecoencore.org, to learn how to turn your used media into a financial contribution that supports a range of local, non-profit environmental groups. Want more information about recycling or composting in Tukwila? Contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox at 206-431-3683, or send an email to rfox@ci.tukwila.wa.us Ask the Roving Recycler Dear RR, I need to get rid of my old television set and computer monitor. I know they can't go into the garbage. Do you know where I can take them to be recycled? Signed, Monitored in Tukwila Dear Monitored, Yes, you're right. Monitors and TVs can no longer go into the garbage. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) inside the units can contain between three and eight pounds of lead. Computer monitors and electronic equipment are not the largest source of lead in the waste stream. Fortunately, there are numerous recycling and donation options for TVs and monitors for Tukwila residents. The Computer Recovery Project's web site - http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/where.shtml - lists local disposal options. In addition, RE - PC right here in Tukwila (see below) accepts non -working TVs, as well as a range of com- puters and peripherals. Check it out! RE -PC Recycled Computers and Peripherals 510 Andover Park West Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: 206-575-8737 Website: www.REPC.com Email: REPC@REPC.com, or onlinestore@REPC.com Hours: Mon-Sat:10:00AM-7:OOPM Services: Retail reseller of used computers and peri- pherals accepts working a non -working computer systems, laptops, monitors, peripherals, printers, scanners, fax machines, UPS batteries, peripherals, a TVs. Accepts some cell phones a PDAs. Some restrictions and fees apply. Call first for information. FEBRUARY 2004 11 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:300A4-5::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 Jim Haggerton, Pres. 206-244-7846 Pam Carter 206-244-0558 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Dave Fenton 206-246-4980 Joan Hernandez 206-248-0260 Pamela Linder 206-439-2473 Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst 206-433-1834 Council Message Line 206-431-3652 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPm in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor Steve Mullet 206-433-1805 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Human Services 206-433-7180 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Dir206-433-1838 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Fire Department Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. 206-431-3671 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Parks/Recreation Department Bruce Fletcher, Dir 206-767-2342 Police Department Keith Haines, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Jim Morrow, Dir 206-433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services Viki Jessop, Dir 206-433-1831 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 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 Restaurant 206-241-5784 THE HAZELNUT is a bimonthly newsletter published by the City of Tukwila and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris Code Enforcement - Our Most "Popular" Complaints It is the job of the City of Tukwila Code Enforcement Officer to ensure compliance with City codes relating to zoning, housing, signs and other nuisances. Tukwila's Municipal Code defines a nuisance as any condition, act or omission which either: • Annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of others; • Offends decency; • Is offensive to the senses; • Obstructs or makes dangerous for passage any stream, public park, parkway, square, sidewalk, street or highway in the City; • Makes other persons insecure in life or the use of property; or • Obstructs the free use of property so as to essentially interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property. Of the 350+ code complaints received by the City each year, the majority involve junk cars, trash and debris, and general nuisance conditions in our residential neigh- borhoods. We all want to feel good about the areas in which we live. We all want to look up and down our streets and see nice yards, well -kept homes and peaceful neighbor- hoods. We all want to be able to realize the full value in our homes when the time comes to sell them. The City Code Enforcement Office encourages you to do what you can to make your neighborhood a source of pride for all those who live in it. TYPES OF CODE VIOLATIONS 2003 Signs 16°x° Land Use 8% Housing Pio Noise /° Bldg w/o Permits 18% Trash 25% Landscape Overgrowth Cars 12% 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.