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Home My WebLink About2006-11 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 27 No. 5411 04140. f 45•x. ri o � r you are Invited to attend ng on thePubl2001 budget to be held Monday' December 4,206 at 7 'umbers at in Council ou Tukwila City Hall T information, For more inf se call ..44 206-433-1835 THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 27, NUMBER 5 NOVEMBER 2006 2007 TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET General Fund $48,214,324 Capital & Gen Gov't Funds 37,647,558 Enterprise Funds (water, sewer, surface water, go/0 24,729,927 Internal Srvc & Reserve Funds 14,786,219 Debt Service Funds 3,153,953 TOTAL $128,531,981 2007 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET, BY DEPARTMENT Administration $9,483,810 Council, Mayor, Personnel, Finance, Community Development, Attorney, Human Services, Municipal Court, etc. Parks & Recreation 4,150,386 Police 11,993,986 Fire 9,708,858 Public Works 6,047,600 Engineering, Street Maintenance, Facility Maintenance Other Fund balance & transfers 6,829,684 TOTAL $48,214,324 (Continued on back page) Tukwila's 2007 Preliminary Budget and Capital Plan go to Council The Proposed 2007 Annual Budget and 2007-2012 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program were presented to the City Council on October 2. This begins another yearly process of Council review and deliberation, with final adoption of these documents slated for mid-December. Over the last few years our primary concerns have centered on maintaining es- sential services while dealing with declining revenues bought about by a recession and multiple voter -approved initiatives. We've weathered the storm and retail sales activity appears to have rebounded. Tables summarizing the budget are included on the front and back pages of this publication. In a nutshell, Tukwila remains in good financial health. Over the past few years, we have been very careful to ensure that fairly constant, dependable revenues pay for increases in service growth. We are, however, at the mercy of the regional prosperity. Over 90% of our revenues come from businesses and business custom- ers. Most of those workers and customers drive here from outside Tukwila, and the competition for their dollars is increasing every day. As our roads become more and more congested, people will have a greater tendency to shop locally rather than regionally. While it is important that the City maintain its retail market share, we are dedicated to protecting neighborhoods and finding the revenues for making improvements to infrastructure throughout the City. Council discussions on the 2007 Budget and the 2007-2012 Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program began at the Council Committee level on October 9, 2006. These documents are scheduled for adoption on December 11, 2006. Questions regarding the budget, the budget process, and Council delib- erations may be directed to Finance Director Kevin Fuhrer at 206-433-1835. AA, VVl t&9Suk— Steve Mullet, Mayor • • • Tukwila City Council Actions: August -October 2006 AUGUST Held a public hearing on and approved a development agreement and land ex- change for a mixed-use development near the commuter rail station with Pacific Commercial Properties. Held a public hearing on and approved sign code changes, to allow changing message signs at public facilities. Approved an ordinance amending the City's Ethics Code to provide Council notification of complaints against elect- ed officials. Approved a contract with Lakeside In- dustries for street repairs and overlay on parts of South 144th Street, South - center Boulevard, Macadam Road, and South 130th Street. Approved an ordinance granting a non- exclusive franchise to AT&T for a fiber optic system. Authorized the Mayor to obtain a gov- ernment channel from Comcast. Approved a contract supplement for construction management with KBA, Inc, for the 2006 Overlay & Repair Project. Authorized the transfer of funds for construction of the Fort Dent Park sewer project. ••••••••••••••••••••••• • For Your Information • Tukwila City offices are closed on these upcoming dates: • Friday, November 10 • Thursday, November 23 • Friday, November 24 • Monday, December 25 • Monday, January 1, 2007 2 SEPTEMBER Approved the issuance of a fireworks permit for the grand opening of the Riverside Casino. Approved a contract with Adolfson & Associates, for assistance in prepara- tion of the Shoreline Master Program Update. Help a public hearing on an approved a resolution for a development agree- ment for Southcenter Square with Wig Properties LLC -SS. Approved a resolution rejecting all bids for the Boeing Access Road and East Marginal Way Intersection Project. Approved a resolution expressing sup- port of the King County Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) program levy. Approved a motion affirming an in- crease in the City's utility tax from 5% to 6%, effictive in 2007. Approved a motion affirming an in- crease in the payment associated with the Seattle City Light Agreement from 5% to 6%, effective in 2007. Approved amendments to five Fire Code ordinances. Approved an interlocal agreement with the Valley Cities group for a regional WiFi feasibility study with CBG Con- sulting, Inc. Appointed firefighter Lieutenant La- vern Petersen to the Equity and Diver- sity Commission. Held a public hearing on and approved an ordinance adopting certain findings of fact in support of specific zoning for adult entertainment businesses. Approved a contract for construction of a women's restroom and shower at Fire Station #52. OCTOBER Held a public hearing on and approved a resolution opposing Initiative 933 concerning property rights. Awarded contracts for construction, construction management services, and construction support services to Valley Electric Co. of Mt. Vernon, Inc., Jacobs Civil, Inc., and Siemens ITS, for a project to provide interconnection of traffic signals in the Tukwila Urban Center. Appointed Ken Heikkila and reappoint- ed Gary Vanderhoff to the Human Ser- vices Advisory Board. Held a public hearing on and approved an ordinance to regulate the siting of wireless communication facilities. Approved a resolution joining the Na- tional League of Cities' "Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Com- munities." Approved the WRIA 9 interlocal agree- ment for the Green River, Duwamish, and Central Puget Sound Watersheds to improve salmon habitat. Approved a resolution supporting the Transit NOW ballot measure. Approved a resolution canceling out- standing claims/checks issued prior to July 2005 and gift certificates issued prior to July 2004. Approved a resolution canceling past - due accounts and returned check write-offs from 2003-2005. The debts are still subject to collection and can- not cause denial of a business license. For up-to-date information about Council meetings/agendas/activities, visit our website: http://www. ci. tukwila. wa. us THE HAZELNUT Council Corner Apartments in Tukwila: Renter expectations, owner responsibilities by Dennis Robertson, Council President In the last Hazelnut we discussed the City's Code Enforcement program which works to ensure livability in our residential neighborhoods; this includes making sure that apartment complexes provide quality housing for their tenants. An example of the program's work involves recent action at one Tukwila property. Responding to tenant complaints dating back many years, the City of Tukwila inspected an apartment complex near Tukwila International Boulevard, and found multiple code violations that rendered 28 out of 32 apartment units deplorable, unsafe and unfit for human habitation. Based on those substandard living conditions, the City issued a No- tice and Order of Violation and a nui- sance complaint with the Court. Moreover, based on the hazardous na- ture of these code violations, the City declared most of the units unsafe and unfit for human occupancy, requiring tenants to vacate the premises. The order to vacate triggered the City's re- location assistance law, which requires the landlord to provide each displaced tenant with $2,000 or three times the monthly rent, whichever is greater. How did this come about? June 8, 2006 — During the process of a special investigation raid by Feder- al, State and local law enforcement agencies, Tukwila's Code Enforce- ment Officers were able to inspect several apartment units located in the complex, finding deplorable liv- ing conditions. Based on that inspection, coupled with multiple tenant complaints, the City compiled a team of inspec- tors to further investigate the condi- tions at the complex. July 13, 2006 — Members of Tukwila's Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement Departments — along with an inter- preter and private building, plumb- ing and electrical inspectors — con- ducted inspections of the complex's perimeter, common areas, storage rooms, and the interior of 14 apart- ment units with tenant approval. The July inspections revealed many code violations. August 19 & 21, 2006—With the agree- ment of the property owner, the City again assembled an inspection team of third -party experts to thoroughly examine all apartments at the com- plex; they evaluated each unit for livability and compiled a unit -by -unit list of remedial work required to bring each apartment into compli- ance with applicable health, safety and building codes. The August in- spections revealed the following: • Substantial moisture damage and mold in the majority of units, posing serious health risks to tenants. • Severe cockroach and related pest infestation. • Inoperable baseboard heaters that provided tenants no source of heat. • Defective plumbing that exacerbated moisture problems and affected the tenants' health and safety. • Faulty pressure safety valve drain pipes for hot water tanks which could cause serious injury or death. • Rotting decks that could collapse. • Floors buckling from water damage that could cause decay and result in collapse if not corrected. • Defective electrical outlets which constituted fire hazards as well as electrocution risks. • Missing or inoperable smoke detec- tors which constituted life safety issues in case of a fire. • Missing/ inoperable kitchen applianc- es, decreasing apartment livability. Based on these August inspections, the City issued orders requiring the ten- ants to vacate 28 of the 32 apartment units. Although Tukwila had no desire to force families to relocate from their homes, after thorough inspections of all the common areas and apartment units at the complex following months of tenants' pleas for help, the City felt it had no other choice to protect the health, safety and welfare of these Tukwila citizens. The current status is that the owner of the complex is contesting the City's actions in court while inquiring about building permits; the City is vigorously defending its actions. This important Code Enforcement activity has taken place because the City of Tukwila believes the property owner did not meet his responsibil- ity to provide a safe, clean, habitable place for his tenants. And, it happened because the City takes its citizen's ex- pectations and requests for a safe and healthy place to live seriously, and will utilize all of the tools available to en- sure they have such a place. NOVEMBER 2006 3 Ding-dong, the Citrus-Ionghorned In August 2001, three Citrus Longhorned Beetles were cap- tured in a nursery in Tukwila. Approximately five of the destructive, tree -killing beetles were determined to have escaped into the environment. This event triggered Wash- ington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to impose a 3/4 -mile quarantine around the nursery. The wood -boring, tree -killing beetle is one of the worst for- eign pests to ever enter the U.S. The impact on Washington could have been "catastrophic" if the beetle had become es- tablished. No pesticide or other means of eradicating the beetle -- other than tree removal -- exists to deal with in- fested trees. After the removal of over 1,000 trees in 2002 and an ex- tensive survey and monitoring program during the past four years, Dr. Brad White, WSDA's Pest Program Manager in- formed the Tukwila City Council that WSDA has found no evidence of beetle activity for the past four years and believes that the Citrus Longhorned Beetle has been eradicated. As a result, the State has begun the public process to repeal the quarantine. 4 Beetle is dead... now what? Barring discovery of infestation by the Survey Teams, WSDA expects to lift the quarantine later this year or early 2007. Until the quarantine is officially lifted, Tukwila residents can expect the following events: • Free "Chipper Days" will continue at Foster High School on the 3rd Saturday of the month. • WSDA Survey Teams will continue to perform monitor- ing and investigative work in the quarantine zone. Tukwila property owners who received tree replacement vouchers will have until August 31, 2007 to redeem the vouchers. If property owners wait until the quarantine is lifted to redeem vouchers, they can purchase any tree they wish. If they redeem vouchers before the quarantine is lift- ed, only non -host trees can be purchased. If you have questions regarding the Citrus Longhorned Bee- tle Program, please call the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-443-6684 or Frank Iriarte at 206-431- 2445. THE HAZELNUT R11(141 Tukwila knows how to Wili( o Did you know that Washington State requires that the City plan for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and physical activity? Seem a little nitpicky? Think again. Obesity is an epidemic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — the Federal agen- cy that works to prevent infectious and chronic disease in the U.S. — is actually very concerned and wants to eradicate obesity. The CDC reports that 30% of U.S. adults and 16% of school age chil- dren are considered obese. In Tukwila that means that 3,384 adults and 747 children could be carrying extra weight with them at all times. How does this affect Tukwila? When Federal and State levels of government are concerned about an issue, it can mean that they will give the City mon- ey to make improvements. The first step to spending money is to come up with a plan to show that you've given the matter some thought, figure out where there are problems, develop a list of projects to address those prob- lems, and decide which projects should be done first. To that end, we'd like to know if you've ever thought about "the miss- ing link?" What keeps you from walk- ing or rolling where you'd like to go? We've come up with a handy survey for you to fill out, to help you give us feedback about missing pedestrian and bicycle connections and facilities in your neighborhood, the places where you shop, or where you work. This survey is available for you to fill out on the City's website at www ci.tukwila. wa.us OR you can pick up the survey at the following locations: Foster Li- brary, Tukwila Library, and the Tukwila Community Center. Walk and Roll Fair Wednesday, December 6 6:30 to 8:OOPM The Commons at Showalter Middle School 4628 South 144th Street, Tukwila The Walk and Roll Fair will be the first public meeting related to the Walk and Roll Plan. We are asking residents to provide us with information about where they would like to see the City make improvements for walking and bicycling, and we're inviting local clubs and organizations related to bicycling and walking, as well as departments at the City of Tukwila including Parks and Recreation, Fire and Police to pro- vide information about bicycle safety, events, and opportunities. If you have any questions, or want to know other ways you can be involved in development of Tukwila's Walk and Roll plan, please contact Jaimie Rea- vis: Dept. of Community Development 6300 Southcenter Blvd., Suite 100 Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: 206-431-3659 Email: jreavis@ci.tukwila.wa.us Business license renewals for 2007 arrive in December All 2006 business licenses expire on December 31. Business license renew- al forms will be mailed at the beginning of December to all currently licensed Tukwila businesses. By law, all businesses operating within the City (including home occupations) must renew their licenses annually no later than January 31 of each year. Penalty fees will go into effect on Feb- ruary 1, 2007, for businesses that have not submitted their renewal form and fee to the City Clerk's office. Businesses new to Tukwila in 2007 are required to obtain a license prior to opening. In addition, specialty li- censes are required for businesses with live music/entertainment, tow trucks, amusement devices, solicitors/ped- dlers, or adult entertainment. Application forms are available from the City Clerk's office during regular business hours, 8:30AM to 5:OOPM, Monday thru Friday. Business license applications may also be printed from the City of Tukwila website at http:// www. ci.tukwila.wa.us. If you have any questions regarding licensing procedures, please call 206- 433-1854. Number of Employees License Fee O to 5 $50 6 to 100 $100 101 and above $200 NOVEMBER 2006 5 ?O ' UC CAtO DQT0= OE VOn High bids force Foster Point sidewalk delays At the neighborhood Open House in April 2006, Foster Point resi- dents were asked to vote on having sidewalks installed: Want sidewalks? Which side of 56th Ave. S? Which side of S 133rd St? Yes —28 North — 15 West — 11 No — 1 South — 11 East — 1 In May, Tukwila prepared draft plans that included sidewalks on the north side of 56th Avenue South and the west side of South 133rd Street. These plans were forwarded to our contractor, with a request for a change order proposal. The change order price proposal came back at $150,000 (significantly higher than our independent cost estimate of $85,000), apparently due to concrete contractors being extremely busy at that time and inflating their estimates. The Tukwila City Council Utility Committee unanimously agreed to postpone sidewalks in Foster Point at this time. City Council asked Public Works staff to re -package the sidewalk plans and seek sepa- rate bids this winter for planned construction next summer. They anticipate bids will be submitted that are within the project budget. S 144th Street Improvements and Tukwila International Boulevard Phase I Public Works is working with Seattle City Light, Qwest and Comcast to get the overhead lines and utility poles removed on South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard (S 144th to S 154th Streets) such that the final paving and sidewalk/ driveways can be patched and completed. We an- ticipate the utility companies completing their work by the end of the year. Tukwila Urban Center Traffic Signal Interconnect Project Bid Award The contract for interconnecting the traffic signals in the Tukwila Urban Center/Commercial Business District was awarded to Valley Electric on Monday, October 2, 2006. Construction is expected to start in November and extend into Spring 2007. Con- struction work will not block lanes of traffic between Thanksgiving and New Years. Klickitat Drive/Southcenter Parkway Urban Access Improvement Project The project team is currently completing the final design of the project, along with envi- ronmental approvals and de- veloping construction staging and phasing plans. The final design effort will result in a construction bid package. Construction is projected to begin in January 2007 if the necessary funding can be se- cured. In June the project was awarded a $3 million federal grant from the Puget Sound Re- gional Council's Countywide competition. A request for $5 million from the State's Trans- portation Improvement Board (TIB) annual funding program was submitted in August. Re- sults of the TIB process will be made public in November. For more information, visit the project website: 6 www.southcenteraccess.com THE HAZELNUT Summer sidewalk construction in Tukwila Sanitary Sewer Improvements on Interurban Avenue South near Fort Dent Park The City of Tukwila will be constructing upgrades to the sanitary sewers near Fort Dent Park. The scope of the project includes the installation of a new gravity sewer line along Interurban Avenue South from the Town and Country Motel to the Green River Bridge at I-405. Construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2007. Please expect minor traffic delays during construction on In- terurban Avenue South and Fort Dent Way. Any questions should be directed to Mike Cusick in the Public Works De- partment at 206-431-2441. Homeowners and renters need to insure against winter flooding As fall approaches, Washington hom- eowners and renters need to act now to insure their property against flood- ing for two important reasons. First, flood insurance policies do not take ef- fect until 30 days after purchase. And, second, Federal disaster assistance is available in less than 10 percent of all weather emergencies. "River flooding, storm runoff and high water table ponding are all typical re- sults of Washington's winter weather, and homeowner's policies do not cover flooding," said John Vollmer, human services program manager, Washing- ton Emergency Management Division. "The best way for renters and home- owners to insure against such property losses is with flood insurance." Generally, flood insurance can be pur- chased through the National Flood In- surance Program (NFIP). A new threat for some hom- eowners will be possible ero- sion and flash flooding in areas stricken by wildfire this summer, Vollmer said. Also, some Washington property owners may be particularly at risk because their State -purchased group flood insurance may ex- pire this winter. One example is a group of Skagit County ho- meowners and renters for whom the State purchased NFIP coverage as part of the disaster assistance they received for flooding in 2003. That group cov- erage will expire in early 2007, after which homeowners will not get Fed- eral assistance for any flood insurable item unless they maintain their own policy. Policies purchased in a similar fashion for victims of earlier disasters may have already expired. Vollmer said flood insurance will cover eligible losses regardless of whether federal assistance is available or not. "We often see flooding situations where stream or urban runoff only im- pacts a few homes and therefore does not qualify for any government disaster aid. Especially in those situations, NFIP can save a homeowner or renter some massive financial losses." Statistics reveal that about 25 per- cent of all claims paid by NFIP are for homes and apartments that are in areas of minimal flood risk, he added. "As a homeowner, you can insure your home up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000. If you're a renter, you can cover your belongings up to $100,000. As a non-residential property owner, you can insure your buildings and its contents up to $500,000." NFIP policies can provide household contents coverage for as little as $39 per year and building plus contents coverage for just over $121 a year, ac- cording to the NFIP. More information on the National Flood Insurance Program can be found at http://www.floodsmart. gov/floodsmart/pages/index.jsp. Af- ter clicking on the "What's Your Flood Risk?" link in the upper right corner of the page, people can check their flood risk by entering their home address. Answers to frequently asked questions about disaster assistance can be found at http://www.emd. wa.gov/6-mrr/mit-rec/hs/ faq-disaster-assistance.htm. For further information on NFIP or Federal disaster aid programs, contact John Vollmer, human services man- ager, Washington Emergency Management Division, at 1- 800-562-6108, ext. 7076. NOVEMBER 2006 7 pi n r aT'iih r to t l r 111111. Y _a16 nforciiiiiirji kxci,.1111n " Think Holiday Safety Fa -la -la -la -la.... it's that time of year again. Shopping for holiday gifts, trips to social gatherings, visits to friends and family — these are on many peo- ple's agenda at this time of year. This is also a high-risk season for vehicle theft. Just by using a little planning and some good common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided. Common-sense protective measures are the key to thwarting car thieves. Park in well -lit areas, don't leave holi- day gifts in plain view, lock the doors and take the keys. These steps will go a long way toward protecting your car. If you make several purchases and de- cide to put them in your car and go back to shopping, lock the packages in your trunk and move your car to an- other parking location, preferably on the other side of the mall as you never know who is watching you. 4 Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car. 4 Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. 4 Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door. 4 Be aware of your surroundings ap- proaching and leaving your vehicle. 4 Don't approach your car alone if suspicious people are in the area. 4 Ask mall or store security for an es- cort before leaving your shopping location. 4 Don't let yourself get so burdened with packages that you become a tempting target. Walk with author- ity; don't look like a victim! 8 4 If you use an ATM machine, try to go during daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well -lighted and visible to passing traffic or one inside a gro- cery or convenience store. If any- one is hanging around the machine, pass it up and find another. 4 Be aware that thieves and pickpock- ets do some of their biggest "busi- ness" around the holiday season. Ladies, don't dangle your purse from your shoulder. Keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm, or better yet, don't even carry a purse. Separate your cash, credit cards and checkbook and carry them in small- er packets in your front pockets. After the holidays, don't advertise your new and expensive purchases by leaving the boxes at the curb for garbage pick-up. Break the boxes down and put them in trash or re- cycle bins where they can't be seen so easily. Christmas presents displayed around your tree can be a pretty sight, but it's also a tempting sight for burglars. If you really want your tree lights visible from the outside, then it's best to scatter your wrapped pres- ents around the house (in closets or cupboards) where they can't be seen. Otherwise, leave your drapes closed so your presents aren't in plain view from the outside. Tukwila Police support Washington Special Olympics The 2006 fund-raising year for Special Olympics Washington was another success! The Police Department raised over $22,000 through the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign. Our most recent event was an annual Tip -a -Cop at Red Robin. Participants included Police Department and Community Center employees, the Keystone Kops from the local chapter of the International Footprinters Association, Police Explorers, active duty Air Force personnel, and of course "Red" from Red Robin! This great event raised over $4,500 at our location— among the highest amounts raised state-wide! Other events this year included the Tip -a -Cop at Claim Jumper and The World's Largest Truck Convoy. Washington State's participation in the convoy included 135 trucks and traveled 75 miles on I-5. The Police Depart- ment is proud to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Washington. THE HAZELNUT New Blockwatch Groups Tukwila has added three neighbor- hoods to its Neighborhood Blockwatch Network! Each group is committed to maintaining the basic principles of "neighbors watching out for each oth- er", keeping their neighborhoods safe, clean, fun and desirable places to live. Residents in each neighborhood have met with Tukwila Police Department representatives in the last year, to dis- cuss issues like speeding, area light- ing, vandalism, noise disturbances and street corner loitering. Together, they brainstormed to find solutions to re- duce or eliminate those problems. The power of community works! These Blockwatch groups are neigh- bors around S. 150th/57th Ave S., organized by Kathy Hougardy and Louise Strander; S. 133rd/37th Ave. S., organized by Bryan Nelson; and S. 144th/46th Ave. S., organized by Ka- trina Dohn. Congratulations to our newly -formed Blockwatch neighbors. If you'd like to host a Blockwatch meeting in your neighborhood, con- tact Robbie Burns, Community Polic- ing Coordinator, at 206-431-2197, or e-mail her at rburns@ci.tukwila.wa.us for more information. Tukwila Officer Honored by Governor Officer Alan Baalaer received the presti- gious Governor's Lifesaving Award on September 27, 2006, at the 55th Annual Governor's Safety and Health Conference in Spo- kane. Alan was one of 25 Lifesav- ing Award winners. He received the award for saving the life of a fleeing suspect who jumped in the Duwamish River and nearly drowned in February of 2006. Thank you, Officer Baalaer, for your courageous effort. DISASTER PRIEDDAMED� POWER OUTAGES Before A Power Outage Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company. Consider buying a generator. When in- stalling a generator, follow the instruc- tions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels — it's dangerous! Have a corded telephone available. A cordless phone will not work when the power is out. Have an alternative heat source and supply of food. If your own an electric garage door, know how to open the door without power. DuringA Power Outage Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Even if it is dark, turn light switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the "off" position. Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from pos- sible surges when power is restored. Leave one lamp on, so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored be- fore turning on other appliances. Conserve water. Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbe- cues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating — they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation. Using kerosene heaters, gas lanterns or campingn stoves inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes. Candles can cause a fire. It is far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting. Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs Keep Food Safe Use and store food carefully to prevent food -borne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable. Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed. Your refrigerator's freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day. A separate fully loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days. Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator foods. Use caution if storing food outside dur- ing winter to keep it cold. The outside temperature varies, especially in the sun. Frozen food may thaw and refrig- erator food may become warm enough to grow bacteria. Food stored outside must be secured from contamination by animals. If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that do not feel cold. Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness -causing bacteria may be present. For more information about emer- gency preparedness, send an email to sblake@ci.tukwia.wa.us, or call the Fire Department at 206-575-4404. NOVEMBER 2006 9 064 Meted k &gm INF Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 Openings on Human Services Advisory Board Do you have a background in health care, or are you a resi- dent who would like to get involved in social services? We are seeking two representatives for our Human Services Ad- visory Board, one to fill a healthcare position and one to fill a resident position. The Advisory Board is made up of seven members that repre- sent the health, education, business and faith communities, and the residents at large. The Board helps make recom- mendations on how City dollars should be spent to serve the Tukwila community. Members also receive and education on a variety of human service topics and have a chance to meet various agency staff. Board meetings are held every other month, from 10:OOAM to 12:00 NOON, and more often during proposal review time. For more information, please call 206-433-7180. Online resource for Senior Housing options A new, free online information resource for locating avail- able senior housing — www.snapforseniors.com — was cre- ated through an exclusive partnership with SNAPforSeniors and Senior Services of Seattle/King County. This partner- ship will allow Senior Services to quickly assist seniors and those advocating for seniors to identify the best elder hous- ing options for their needs. The website offers a comprehensive and objective senior housing search of Washington's estimated 3,400 housing providers, and regularly updates the database with licensed facilities and independent living communities. The service is free, easy to use, and available 24 hours a day. For more information, call 1-888-SNAP4SR (762-7477), or email info@snapforseniors.com. Meals on Wheels Program needs volunteers Tukwila's Meals on Wheels Program is experiencing growing numbers of clients and meal deliveries in the Tukwila area. Thanks to community outreach, more Tukwila residents know about the program and are now utilizing its services. To keep up with the growing need, the Meals on Wheels program is looking for one or two more volunteers to help with the meal delivery. If you are available to help on Thurs- day mornings at 9:00 for an hour or two, please call Jamie King at 206-767-2324 for more information. 10 /Mr Tit Together. Free Home Repairs for Qualified Homeowners Rebuilding Together Seattle is a non-profit organization that repairs and restores the homes of less -advantaged homeown- ers from Tukwila, SeaTac, Seattle and Everett. To qualify, homeowners must occupy their homes and show financial, physical or medical limitations that prevent them from car- rying out the work themselves. Tukwila homeowners are encouraged to apply. Rebuilding Together Seattle is currently seeking applications from homeowners for their Annual Rebuilding Day in April. Since 1989, Rebuilding Together Seattle has rehabilitated 500 homes and non-profit facilities thanks to the help of over 16,500 volunteers and the financial support of our corpo- rate sponsors and community donors. Volunteers complete projects such as: building new steps, replacing broken doors, installing hand rails, fixing gutters and downspout, replacing broken appliances, hauling trash and debris, painting rooms and exteriors and cleaning up yards. For an application and more information, visit their website at www.rtseattle.org, or call 206-682-1231. Senior Services Transportation Program seeks Volunteer Drivers Having given up driving three years ago due to diminishing eyesight, Lyle worried about how that choice would impact his life. Yet, he doesn't have to worry about getting to his weekly physical therapy appointments, or his dentist ap- pointments, or his check-ups, or a visit to the clinic for his flu shot, thanks to Senior Services volunteer transportation. Senior Services is currently seeking reliable, caring individu- als to drive and escort seniors in Tukwila to their medical ap- pointments. They offer flexible hours, supplemental insur- ance, and mileage and parking reimbursement. Volunteers drive their own vehicles, and perform no lifting or bearing of weight. Interested? Call 206-448-5740 or 800-282-5815, or apply online at www.seniorservices.org/vts/vts.htm. Senior Services • rnmusirei nolkiaiv cm' odder THE HAZELNUT Lessons in baking, sewing or another hobby r TUKWILA ESOURCE REPORTER Reduce Holiday Waste: Think Outside the (Wrapped) Box! The holiday season – a prime time for consumption – begins soon. Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holi- day period than any other time of year. The added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons adds up to an additional 1 mil- lion tons a week into the nation's waste stream. If you find yourself becoming "holidazed," consider simplifying your gift -giving and reducing the amount of waste that you produce. Give an Experience A gift, minus all the wrapping... con- sider giving an experience! A "volun- teer coupon", gift certificate or chari- table donation might be the perfect gift for someone who would like to see a special show or cultural event, begin a new hobby, or who could use some extra help around the house. Fam- ily and friends can welcome receiving experiences, rather than merchandise, and it is easier on the environment. Waste -Free Holidays Program Beginning November 15, King County makes it easy for residents to purchase and give "experience" holiday gifts at a 15-50% discount with the Waste -Free Holidays Program. These "experience gifts" include gift certificates and mem- berships, tickets for concerts, plays and sporting events, museum visits, restaurant meals, spa treatments and more. The 2006 Waste -Free Holidays program runs through December 31. Sponsored by King County Solid Waste Division and Seattle Public Utilities, the award-winning Waste Free Holi- days program rewards the public for re- ducing waste, and supports local busi- nesses. Check it out at www.metrokc. gov/dnrp/swd/wastefreeholidays. NOVEMBER 2006 "Volunteer Coupons": Gift -giving ideas for all We all enjoy giving gifts, but limited budgets often make purchases difficult, especially for children. It's useful to re- call that gifts don't have to come from stores—time and good will are even more important. These ideas can be great for both children and adults. Coupon ideas: Walking the dog after school for a period of time J Cooking some meals or helping to clean up Watching a younger sibling. Preparing a scrapbook or family tree Special candle -lit dinner Making a book of family recipes L Doing extra chores (lawn mowing, cleaning house "Eco -Friendly" Gifts If you'd like to give a useful gift that's easy on the planet and something you can prepare without too much fuss, consider the following: • Fishing and hunting licenses: www.fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ • Washington State Park Campsite reservations: call 1-888-CAMPOUT or www.parks.wa.gov/reserve • Bus tickets • Seeds and pots for a window -box herb garden • Fruit baskets • Bird feeder and seeds • Reusable cloth shopping bags Christmas Treecycling Tukwila residents have choices in recy- cling their holiday trees. Whichever op- tion you choose, be sure to remove all decorations before recycling. Please, no flocked or synthetic trees. Curbside Pickup Tukwila customers of SeaTac Disposal (Allied Waste) residential waste col- lection services can place trees on the curb for collection free of charge to be picked up with the regular yard waste. The collection will occur in late De- cember/early January. Check directly with SeaTac disposal for specific collec- tion dates and instructions. SeaTac Disposal (Allied Waste) Phone: 206-682-9735 www.rabanco.com/collectionitukwila/ Private Companies Several private yard waste facilities will accept Christmas trees for recycling. The most convenient is Pacific Topsoils located in Tukwila. Contact Pacific Topsoils for hours and charges. Pacific Topsoils 6000 S. 129th St., Tukwila 206-772-3091 or 800-884-7645 Website: www.pacifictopsoils.com 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 11 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://www.citukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@citukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Joe H. Duffle (beeper #J 206-994-7229 Joan Hernandez 206-248-0260 Pam Carter 206-244-0558 Jim Haggerton 206-244-7846 Pamela Linder 206-439-2473 Dennis Robertson, Pres 206-242-6373 Verna Gruen 206-901-9251 Diane Jenkins, Admin Asst206-433-1834 Council Message Line 206-431-3652 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings 1st/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor Steve Mullet 206-433-1805 Rhonda Berry, City Admin 206-433-1851 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Human Services 206-433-7180 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Finance Department Kevin Fuhrer, Director 206-433-1838 Fire Department Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Director206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Parks/Recreation Department Bruce Fletcher, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department David Haynes, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Jim Morrow, Director 206-433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services VkiJessop, Director 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 206-267-7427 THE HAZELNUT newsletter is published five times a year by the City of Tukwila, and written by City staff Editing/production: Stacia Norris Summary of 2007-2012 Proposed Financial Planning Model and Capital Plan REVENUES Sales Tax $119,250,000 Property Tax 70,546,000 Other Revenues 102,486,000 (Taxes, charges for services, grants, interest, transfers, etc.) Capital grants and mitigations 29,698,000 Total 2006-2011 Revenues $321,980,000 EXPENDITURES Operations and Maintenance ...$275,189,000 CAPITAL: Residential Streets Parks and Trails 1,788,000 Bridges 985,000 Commercial Streets 16,827,000 General Government 4,000,000 Debt Service 12,402,000 Administration/Engineering 7,330,000 Projected Ending Balance 3,459,000 Total Expenditures $321,980,000 ENTERPRISE FUNDS Totals for the Enterprise Funds for the 2007- 2012 period are shown below: Water $30,527,000 Sewer 34,954,000 Surface Water 20,845,000 Foster Golf Course 13,542,000 TOTAL $99,868,000 SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS, ALL FUNDS, FOR 2007 • Annual Overlay Program • Completion of Allentown/Foster Point Sewer • Tukwila Urban Center (Klickitat Underpass) Improvement • Completion of Tukwila International Boulevard Improvements Further information Copies of the preliminary 2007 Budget and Proposed 2007-2012 Financial Plan- ning Model and Capital Improvement Program are available at the City Clerk's of- fice at Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Boulevard. For more information con- cerning the details of either document, please contact the Kevin Fuhrer, Tukwila Finance Director, at 206-433-1835. 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.