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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 30 No. 5THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 30, NUMBER 5 NOVEMBER 2009 2,0e mPt&yeaPetectay-' FLOOD IPA TH VALLEY Since our last Hazelnut there have been many developments in the area of City of Tukwila emergency preparedness and the po- tential Green/Duwamish River flooding caused by some prob- lems at the Howard Hanson Dam. The most frequently asked question is how likely is it that the City will experience flooding in the coming rainy season(s). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has responsibility for the Howard Hanson Dam, has discovered weaknesses in the Dam's right abutment — an earthen area of great concern due to signs of water seepage at an accelerated rate. In response, the Corps plans to retain less water behind the dam than they have in years past, resulting in the release of considerably more water down - river during heavy rain events. The release of more water in the quantities mentioned by the Corps of Engineers will result in a high probability of flooding in the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila along the Green/Duwamish River watershed. Being aware of these facts, the City of Tukwila's Emergency Man- agement Director is working extremely hard on the potential flooding issues. We have organized an Emergency Management Council consisting of the City's Mayor, City Administrator, Emer- gency Management Director and Department Heads. We have identified six major areas to address: mitigation and protective measures, flood response, continuity of operations, short-term recovery, long-term recovery, and project accounting. Specific responsibilities have been assigned to each department. Directing our attention to you, the residents and businesses of Tukwila: What can YOU do? BE PREPARED. If you live or conduct business in any vulnerable area along the river, you should plan now for any possibility that you may be impacted by flooding. The City of Tukwila has and will continue to communicate with you via the following: ✓ The City's website — www.ci.tukwila.wa.us — is loaded with ongoing and up-to-the-minute data and links regarding the Howard Hanson Dam and Green/Duwamish River situation. ✓ For those who subscribe to Comcast, the City's Public TV Channel 21 has considerable information, and we are now running videos of public meetings and press conferences relating to the flooding preparations. ✓ Tukwila Radio Station AM1640—which can be heard in most all areas around town — broadcasts City information, particularly updates and critical information during times of emergency. ✓ Go to these information sources for announcements of up- coming community meetings, and opportunities to volunteer should you be willing and able to assist in this effort! The Boeing Company has generously provided a facility for the staging and distribution of sandbags and other materials we need to place along our river levee system in order to allow more water flow than normal. Shipments arranged by the Corps of Engineers started arriving at this facility the first week of October. Several businesses have volunteered property and equipment for staging and actual work areas along the river to accomplish our tasks. We sincerely thank all of you. Of course I hope that we will not be faced with a flood event, but we can't afford to take any chances. We must take all precau- tions and BE PREPARED. Mayor Jim Haggerton Look inside for more flood information What's wrong with the dam? Earthen dams naturally let water soak through at a certain rate — this normal activity is called seepage. This is not usually a problem, but after a heavy storm last January, it was found that the natural seepage rate at the How- ard Hanson Dam is now much greater than normal. This is an indicator that some internal erosion is occurring in the natural portion of the dam (not the engineered, man-made structure). The super -fast seepage is occurring when water is held behind the dam above a certain level. In order to avoid aggra- vating this problem, less water will be allowed to pool behind the dam until a permanent fix can be installed. For more information about the dam, go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seattle District website at www.nws.usace.army.mil What does the problem mean to communities along the river? Restricted flood storage capacity means increased flood risk to the Green/Duwamish River Valley below the dam. Should a major flood event occur with the temporary restrictions on pool elevation, it is possible that levees in the lower valley could be overtopped. Will there be flooding every time it rains? No. Even with the current restrictions on pool capacity, there is still room to store flood water behind the dam, especially for small to moderate rain events. It is during the less frequent, large rain events that there would be a higher risk for dam releases that may exceed the channel capacity downstream. What is being done about the problem? USACE is working hard to provide both temporary and long-term solutions to the problem. For more specific information on what is being done at the dam, visit the USACE Seattle District website at www.nws.usace.army.mil Can't they just empty the reservoir slowly/ keep the reservoir empty so we won't flood? For all intents and purposes, during the winter months the reservoir is kept empty so that the dam can be used for flood control. Whenever "extra" water is going to hit the Green/ Duwamish River basin for whatever reason (such as a heavy rain event), the Corps of Engineers tries to calcu- late how much water to hold behind the dam to prevent the river from flooding downstream. When the event passes, they can slowly increase the output of the dam until the reservoir is once again "empty". Their efforts over the last 40+ years have prevented the Green/Duwamish River from flooding; before the dam was built, the Green/Duwamish River flooded every year! How deep will it be here? Unfortunately, we don't have an exact answer to that question. Although many models have been created to study the potential impacts, none of them can be completely accurate. Different situations are going to create different problems. In some scenarios an area might stay completely dry, but change the scenario a little bit and that same area could be under water. Even a very small amount of flood water in your home or business could make it uninhabitable. In that sense, it doesn't really matter how deep it's going to get, just whether there will be flooding at all. To try to see whether your "here" is at greater relative risk, consider your immediate surroundings. Look at a contour map to see if you are higher or lower in elevation than the sur- rounding area. In the past when there has been a heavy rain, did water tend to pool and sit for a long time before it drained? Do you have any other waterways besides the main river channel in your vicinity? What obstacles in your area would be likely to keep water out or prevent it from draining away? What can 1 do to help? Get involved! You can become a vol- unteer for local organizations, or take a lead role in helping your neighbors. See Flood Safety Tip #5 on page 4 for more information. Where can 1 find information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)? The best place to find information about the NFIP is on their website at www.floodsmart.gov. Why are you still telling us to buy insurance when the news says that no one will cover us? Although there are some insurance underwriters that are no longer approving policies for additional comprehensive coverage in the area, there are some that are. For those that are still offering added coverage, a policy with the NFIP is usually a basic requirement to qualify for that addi- tional coverage. See Flood Safety Tip #4 on page 4 for more information. 2 For more information, call 206-433-0179 THE HAZELNUT ueshons How will l know if 1 should evacuate or not? When an event necessitates an evacuation, information will be broad- cast over the radio (AM 1640), televi- sion (Comcast Cable Channel 21), and perhaps even the AHAB loud- speaker to let you know which areas should evacuate. If you have signed up for the City's notification system, you can also be notified by telephone, SMS text message, or e-mail. Please note that some events may require only a small portion of the city to evacuate, and this will be specified in the notification. If you are not in an area asked to evacuate, please stay off the roads! If there is a huge flood, how much time will l have to evacuate? The Corps communicates frequently with county and city officials and emergency managers. The Corps urges Green/Duwamish River valley residents to be in contact with those agencies to ensure preparedness for any contingency. Any emergency messages regarding evacuation will come from those entities. For pre- paredness information for your com- munity, you may want to begin with King County's portal to local emer- gency management organizations: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/ prepare/Links.aspx or their preparedness website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/ prepare/residents-business.aspx Where will the shelters be? Although Emergency Management has identified potential locations for shelters, the final decision on where to put a shelter is not made until an event occurs. If we identify a shelter ahead of time and when the event occurs that location is (for whatever reason) unavailable, it could result in a lot of confusion for people who badly need assistance. When an event occurs that requires a shelter or evacuation center to be es- tablished, information will be released over the radio (AM 1640), television (Comcast Cable Channel 21), and perhaps even by loudspeaker telling you where to go for shelter or provide further information. If you've signed up for the City's notification system, you can also be notified by telephone, SMS text message, or e-mail. If there is an evacuation, how long will it be until l can come back? There is no magic number for how long it takes flood waters to recede, or for the resulting health hazards to be contained. Listen for updates on our radio and television channels or via the City's notification system. After an evacuation, how will l know when it is safe to return? Once it has been determined that the danger has passed, an All -Clear message will be transmitted via the same methods used to sound the original evacuation — radio, television, and the City's notification system. What's being done to prevent problems with the levees? The levees are being closely scruti- nized in an attempt to identify any potential problem areas before they become an issue. Once the water in the river begins to rise, the cities (and citizens) will patrol the levee system to watch for developing problems and place secondary containment struc- tures where necessary. Access to the levees is also being cleared in those areas where trees and overgrowth may hide unseen problems. This access is also need- ed in order to place materials for strengthening, raising, or providing additional support to the levees. Why does Kent get to raise their levees and we don't? Actually, Kent doesn't get to raise their levees — King County does. The entire levee system on the Green/Duwamish River is under the control and author- ity of the King County Flood Control District. None of the valley cities have the authority to raise their own levees. King County, in concurrence with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has de- cided to raise the height of the entire levee system to a uniform capacity. Kent just happened to receive their materials first, which gives the illusion that they are raising their levees when no one else is. You can currently see work being done on Tukwila's levees as well, and that work will increase over the next several weeks. Will the tidal effect in the Duwamish cause more problems in the north end of town? One of the interesting characteristics of the Duwamish River is that when it is running at higher levels, the pres- sure from the increased water flowing down the river and the pressure from the incoming tide tend to cancel each other out. So, no, we don't expect the tidal effect to cause additional prob- lems for the north end of the City. Public safety remains our number one priority. We encourage City residents and businesses to contact local emergency managers and work with them to determine the best path for being prepared for any contingency. NOVEMBER 2009 Visit our website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us 3 www.floodsmart.gov 5=51GC As Tukwila prepares for possible flooding this winter, all residents and businesses are advised that they need to: 1. BE AWARE Find out whether you live in an area expected to be impacted by possible flooding, and know the different ways that the river can flood. Check the Flood Evacuation Routes map on the City's website. Familiarize yourself with the assigned route for your area and several ways to reach that route from where you are. Get the latest complete information at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html 2. BE PREPARED Whether you work, live or travel through the valley, it's important that you are ready for the potential impacts of flooding. ✓ Make a plan and practice it with your family. ✓ Put together a "go -kit" with essential items that you can grab in a hurry if asked to evacuate. (see article at right) ✓ Check to see what emergency and disaster plans are in place at work and become familiar with them. If there are no plans in place, see if you can help to create one. ✓ Use the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties as a resource for material and training. Visit their website at www.seattleredcross.orq, or call their office at 206-323-2345. Ask for Kelly Kasper for workplace preparedness, or David Shannon for personal & family preparedness. ✓ Take steps now to reduce the amount of hazardous materials that surround you — even household cleaners can be a danger if they mix with flood waters that contain other chemicals. 3. STAY INFORMED ✓ Sign up for Tukwila's notification and warning system on the City's website at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html. Joining the "Flood Watch eList" will allow us to contact you by cell phone, telephone land line, SMS text message or email with updates and emergency information to help keep you safe if conditions change on the Green/Duwamish River. Don't have access to the Internet? Call Tukwila's Public Works Department at 206-433-0179 to be mailed a paper copy of the sign- up. Live in Tukwila but work in another valley city (or work in Tukwila but live in another valley city)? Find links on our web- site to sign up for that city's notification and warning system. ✓ Tune in to broadcasts on Tukwila Comcast Cable Channel 21 or Tukwila radio (AM 1640). ✓ Listen for the All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) siren that will be installed in the Southcenter area. This is a very loud siren that will be followed by an audio message explaining the alert. The same audio message will also be heard on AM 1640 and other notification channels, so If you hear the siren, turn on your radio or television for further instructions. ✓ Get a NOM weather radio so that you will receive alerts in real time — these radios stay on and are silent unless an alert for your area is issued. Some are programmable so that you can turn off test alerts or others that you are less involved with. 4. TAKE ACTION ✓ If you haven't done so already, look into flood insurance. It is controlled by a national program, and coverage will not increase or be denied just because there's a known problem with the dam. The average residential flood insurance policy is about $500 per year as reported by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Many properties qualify for a rate that is significantly lower. Rates are determined by where your property is located and the Base Flood Elevation of that location. Be aware that after you purchase a policy, IT DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT FOR 30 DAYS! For more information on the NFIP, visit and/or talk to your insurance agent today. Also ask your agent about whether your homeowner's or rent- er's policy specifically covers sanitary sewer backup — if not, ask for a rider for sanitary sewer backup. Tukwila residents report low prices to obtain a rider for their current policies. ✓ When flooding is imminent, PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUC- TIONS OF EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. If you are asked to evacuate, do so in a timely fashion. If you are not in an area asked to evacuate, STAY OFF THE ROADS. Leave the streets free for those in an impacted area to get out of harm's way. 5. GET INVOLVED ✓ Sign up as a volunteer for the City, American Red Cross Serv- ing King & Kitsap Counties (206-323-2345), United Way of King County (206-461-3655), or other organization active in the Tukwila area. If you'd like to volunteer for the City, please contact Tracy Gallaway at the Tukwila Community Center at 206-768-2822 or via e-mail at volunteer(a)ci.tukwila.wa.us. ✓ Organize your residential or business community using a pro- gram like "Map Your Neighborhood" (MYN). The MYN pro- gram helps to identify individuals and groups around you with skill sets and equipment that would be useful in responding to disasters. It also helps to identify those who may need ad- ditional assistance in a disaster. For more information on the MYN program, go to the website: www.emd.wa.gov/myn 4 For more information, call 206-433-0179 THE HAZELNUT New Opportunities co Volunteer Tukwila Emergency Management and the City of Tukwila Volunteer Program are finding innovative ways to overcome chal- lenges in the areas of community outreach and preparedness by creating several new volunteer teams and positions. Volunteers will not be tasked with response activities, but will be very active in the preparedness and possibly the recovery phases. Some of the new positions include: Disaster Outreach Team (DOT) Member – identify those who more vulnerable to disaster due to language barriers, mobility, transportation issues or other extra challenges, and assist them to create personal safety networks to overcome those challenges. Pet Disaster Outreach Team (PDOT) Member – help pet owners create safety networks for the protection of their pets. Map Your Neighborhood Program Facil- itator – help neighborhoods utilize the "Map Your Neighborhood" Program. Workplace Preparedness Advocate – assist businesses with preparedness programs for their employees. Personal Preparedness Advocate - assist neighborhoods and even families with preparedness planning. Both before and after an emergency or natural disaster occurs, community volun- teers with a variety of skills are needed to help support City of Tukwila staff to assist our citizens and business owners. If you are interested in any of the listed positions or activities, or if you are just generally interested in serving on our Emergency Support Team (EST), please contact the Volunteer Program office and get registered as an EST team member. Please call 206-768-2822 or send an email to volunteer(a)ci.tukwila.wa.us Put to • ether Gathering together the necessities now means you won't be running around when there's no time. At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy -to -carry emergency prepared- ness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. a "Go Kit" Water (one gallon per person per day) (3 -day supply for evacuation, 2 -week supply for home) Food—non-perishable,easy-to- prepare items (3 -day supply for evacuation, 2 -week supply for home) Flashlight Battery -powered or hand -crank radio (NOAH Weather Radio, if possible) Extra batteries First aid kit Medications (7 -day supply) and medical items Multipurpose tool Sanitation & personal hygiene items Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) Cell phone with chargers Family/emergency contact information Extra cash Emergency blanket Map(s) of the area Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are: • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane) • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers) • Games and activities for children • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) • Two-way radios • Extra set of car keys and house keys • Manual can opener Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area: Whistle N95 or other surgical masks Matches Rain gear Towels Work gloves Tools/supplies for securing your home Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes Plastic sheeting Duct tape Scissors Household liquid bleach Entertainment items Blankets or sleeping bags There will be many other opportunities to get involved with: © Animal Services 0 Equipment © Organizing donations © Communications © Construction tools and materials © Counseling/mental health (licensed practitioners only) © Door-to-door outreach © Employment assistance © Food/food prep skills/kitchen © Information and referral © Interpreter/language assistance © Skilled labor © Shelter staffing © Telephone bank © Volunteer organizing NOVEMBER 2009 Visit our website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us 5 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2009 AUGUST 2009 Appointed Sean Albert to Parks Commission. Authorized renewal of 6 -month moratorium on acceptance of applications for Sign, Development, and Electrical Permits for certain types of signage. Approved Transfer of Funds in amount of $958,158.00, from departmental budgets to ending fund balance in Gen- eral Fund, to implement 3% budget reduction. Authorized reclaimed water service and use area agreement with Starfire Sports and King County. Authorized Interlocal Agreement with cities of Auburn, Fed- eral Way, Kent, Renton and Port of Seattle to form Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET). Approved settlement agreement between King County Wa- ter District No. 125, Valley View Sewer District and the City of Tukwila. Awarded contract to Ro-Con Equipment Specialist, Inc., for Storm Lift Station No. 18 Improvements. SEPTEMBER 2009 Authorized execution of amended and restated Interlocal Agreement relating to South Correctional Entity Facility. Approved resolution declaring local emergency due to flood control capabilities of Howard Hanson Dam. Awarded contract to Reed Trucking and Excavating, Inc., for Gilliam Creek Basin Stormwater Overflow project. Council Coffee Chat On the second Saturday of each month, this is a chance for an informal visit to meet your Councilmembers. Tell them what's on your mind about Tukwila! Time: 10:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Starbucks at 13038 Interurban Avenue eS. Date: eSaturdays, November 14, December 12 For more information, call 206-433-1834 NOVEMBER 16-21 + Benefitting the Tukwila Food Pantry "a Please drop off your non-perishable food items to the Community Center during this week. We want to help families have AWkii a great Thanksgiving! )� Adopted 6 -month moratorium on establishing such uses and on acceptance and/or processing of applications relating to diversion facilities and diversion interim service facilities for treatment of mentally ill and chemically -dependent adults in crisis. Held public hearing regarding resolution declaring intent to consider formation of Local Improvement District, to be known as Local Improvement District No. 33, for purpose of improving urban access for the Southcenter Area, and set- ting public hearing date to consider formation of the LID. Approved resolution declaring intent of City Council to con- sider formation of Local Improvement District No. 33. Approved ordinance adopting 2006 State Building Code and Washington Cities Electrical Code, and establishing author- ity for hearing -related appeals. Authorized acceptance of United States Department of Jus- tice COPS grant in the amount of $928,308.00, to include City contribution of $1,014,444.00, over next 4 years. Declared City property located at 5829 South 140th Street in Tukwila as surplus. Approved ordinance establishing new regulations regarding solid waste utility tax. Approved relocation of Seattle Southside Visitor Information Services office to 3100 South 176th Street in SeaTac. For up-to-date information about Council meetings, agendas, and activities, visit http://www, ci. tukwila. wa. us 6 THE HAZELNUT ■II COUNCIL CORNER "Thanks to all" by Joan Hernandez, Council President Looking back at 2009 is like gaz- ing into the rear-view mirror and wondering if the road ahead is going to be as rough as the road behind us. I don't recall a time during my 22 years as a Council Member when the work- load was as heavy as this past year. Serving as the 2009 Council President has been rewarding: we celebrated our centennial, moved forward with major decisions on the Tukwila Village property, completed the Tukwila South annexation, and accomplished the requirements of reviewing a massive Shoreline Master Plan. I thank each and every Councilmem- ber for the commitment and dedication required to read lengthy agendas and attend many additional work sessions and community meetings beyond our routine schedule. Much has been ex- pected of your Council in meeting all of the challenges placed before them, and much has been given in terms of their time and energy. The Council - members truly deserve this commu- nity's appreciation for their determina- tion to accomplish this year's tasks. We'll end this year with additional budget worksessions to address the Honor for Tukwila K9 team In July 2009, Tukwila Police Department Canine Of- ficer Jamie Sturgill and his canine partner Gino were named Officers of the Month, on the Q13 Fox TV show "Western Washington's Most Wanted". This TV program televises and attempts to capture Puget Sound area wanted criminals, and also honors law enforcement officers and their exceptional work and service to the community. Officer Sturgill and his German Shepherd partner were honored for their actions during a June 15 incident when, while attempting to catch a robbery suspect, the suspect stabbed Gino in the neck with a knife. The canine was critically wounded during the capture of the suspect, but has since recovered from his injuries. Officer Sturgill and Gino were honored at an awards ceremony at the Q13 Fox studios, which was taped and later broadcast. Sturgill's family and other mem- bers of the Tukwila Police Department present met news anchor Maria Arcega-Dunn and weatherman Walter Kelly, and got a tour of the news studio. Officer Sturgill and Gino received a plaque, and their names were added to a plaque displayed at the studio. Read about Officer Sturgill and Gino — and other honored law enforcement — online at www.catchwmw.com economic dilemma of diminishing rev- enues. These revenues are required to maintain our City -provided services. More challenges lie ahead as we seek funding sources for emergency pre- paredness, potential flood disasters and infrastructure improvements. Thanks go to everyone who has vol- unteered to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance at Council meetings. Your participation has been most welcome and appreciated by all. Thanks also to the Mayor, City Administrator and staff who provide the professional support we need to do our job. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as Council President, and I now look for- ward to handing over this responsibil- ity, which traditionally rotates to the next most senior member of the Coun- cil for the coming year. Fall 2009 Citizen's Police Academy On October 21, students participating in the third Tukwila Citi- zen's Police Academy graduated. These seven dedicated students gave up every Monday and Wednesday evening — in addition to one Saturday — for six weeks in September and October to learn about policing in the City of Tukwila. Topics included emergen- cy driving, firearms, SWAT, interrogation techniques and what it takes to be a Tukwila Police Officer. This was the first class to use a portable simulator testing their judgment in "shooting" situations. The next Tukwila Citizen's Police Academy will be held on Thurs- day evenings, beginning in January 2010. For the exact dates and an application form, check the Crime Prevention section of the City of Tukwila web page (http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/police/ pdcrimep.html) or contact Community Policing Coordinator, Chris Partman at tukpdcop@ci.tukwila.wa.us or 206-431-2197. NOVEMBER 2009 Now available... submit your utility payments online! Earlier this year, the City of Tukwila's Finance Department began to accept debit/credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only) for payment of utility bills, in person and over the phone. Although customers appreciated the new option of "paying with plastic," many were still wondering when they'd be able to pay their bills online. The City's Information Tech- nology Department implement- ed the solution provided by our financial software vendor, making web payments possible through the City's website. If you currently pay water and sewer and/or storm water bills to the City of Tukwila, you now have the option to submit your utility payment online. To set up your online account, go to the City's website at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us and click on the link to the utility bill- ing page, then follow the instructions provided there. Using a recent bill for reference, you'll enter your account informa- tion and set up a user name and password for access. After access is established, you can make utility payments, as well as be able to view your account history, usage chart and ac- count summary. If you have any questions about accessing the website or setting up an online account, please call 206-433-1835. We hope you'll find this new option useful. 2010 license renewals Business license renewal forms will be mailed the first week of December to all currently licensed Tukwila busi- nesses. 2009 City business licenses expire on December 31 and by law must be renewed no later than January 31. Non renewal penalty fees will be assessed beginning February 1, 2010. Specialty licenses are also required for live music/entertainment, tow trucks, amusement devices, adult entertain- ment, or soliciting/peddling activities. Businesses new to Tukwila are re- quired to obtain a license prior to open- ing. Application forms are available from the City Clerk's office during reg- ular business hours (8:30AM to 5:OOPM, Monday through Friday). Business li- cense applications may also be printed from the City of Tukwila website at http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us. FEE SCHEDULE Number of Employees License Fee 0 to 20 employees $100.00 21 to 50 employees $150.00 51 to 100 employees $200.00 101 employees and up $300.00 Home occupation $ 50.00 (pursuant to TMC 5.04.010) If you have any questions regarding the fee schedule or licensing procedures, please call 206-433-1854. Tukwila Pond enhancements take shape Hardworking volunteers spent the summer and fall completing work at the Wetland Buffer Enhancement Project at Tukwila Pond, resulting in an attractive, densely planted diverse buffer that will improve habitat for urban wildlife and provide an urban nature experience for people. Fund- ed in part by a "WaterWorks" grant from King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the buf- fer restoration has been a community effort since the fall in 2008. Over 1,000 plants have been placed in the ground, including native trees, shrubs and groundcover; blackberries were controlled; logs were placed as habitat features; and wood chip mulch was put in. A winding wood- land trail through the buffer and a new viewpoint overlooking the re- stored wetland were added. There will be a few more things to finish up this winter in anticipation of a grand opening celebration in the spring. Long-term maintenance of the buffer will be coordinated by the City. Volunteers will still be needed from time to time to weed and mulch the plantings. If you'd like to receive information on future work parties please contact Tukwila's Volunteer Co- ordinator Tracy Gallaway at 206-768- 2822, or you can send her an email at volunteer@ci.tukwila.wa.us. The following volunteer groups have contributed their time on this project: Macy's Logistics and Operations, Partners in Time Program (the City's main project partner) Tukwila residents • Rotary Club of Tukwila Girl Scouts of Western WA Service Unit 35 Mt. Rainier High School Environmental Club Showalter Middle School New Enchantment (Novo Encanto) DCD & Police Department staff and friends Group Health Project Management Office ATT • Providence • Work Tank • Earth Corps Many thanks to these groups and the fol- lowing local businesses for their support: Starbucks (Andover Park West and Strander Blvd stores) Prosser Piano (donating cardboard for sheet mulching) KGM Assemblers, Kent (donating cardboard for sheet mulching) Asplund, Davey Tree, NW Landscaping, Fred Meyer Maintenance (donations of wood chips) 8 THE HAZELNUT CITY OF TUKWILA FALL COLLECTION & RECYCLING EVENT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 - 9:OOAM to 3:OOPM LOCATION: TUKWILA VILLAGE SITE Corner of South 144th Street and 41st Avenue South (1 block west of Foster High School) TIME: 9:OOAM TO 3:OOPM (Must be in line by 2:30 to ensure participation in event) This annual drop box collection event, sponsored by the City of Tukwila and Allied Waste, is open to all Tukwila res- idents. Please bring identification and proof of residency. Large, bulky items including stoves, washing machines, dryers, mattresses, furniture and electronic equipment will be accepted. Please note that there are quantity limits on electronic equipment and pick-up restrictions on certain items such as hazardous waste, construction and demolition materials, and other restricted items. PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to refuse oversize, commercial, contamin- ated, excessive or unacceptable loads. TUKWILA PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. 6300 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: 206-433-0179 AALLIED WASTE ALLIED WASTE SERVICES 22010 76th Avenue South Kent, WA 98032 Phone: 206-682-9735 ITEMS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED • ELECTRONICS *** — computer monitor and tower*** — printer/scanner* * * — desktop copier*** — television/stereo * * — VCR — radio — cellular phone * * * Electronics collection Is limited to one of each *** item • SCRAP METAL (less than 2' in any direction and less than 35 lbs. in weight per item; no wood, rubber, plastic or other contaminants) • WHITE GOODS (for safety concerns, you MUST take the door off all appliances to prevent children from getting trapped inside) — Stove — Washing machine — Dryer • FURNITURE — Mattress & box springs (all sizes) — Chair (Lounge, rocking, dining) — Loveseat or sofa (no sofa beds) — Large furniture — Chest of drawers — Desk • CARDBOARD BOXES — Flattened boxes only — No plastic coating X ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED • AUTOMOTIVE WASTE (includes all fluids, batteries, running gears, automotive body parts) • CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION (includes concrete, asphalt, dry wall, masonry, roofing, siding, insulation, structural metal, brush, sand, rocks, dirt, windows, doors/ door frames, vinyl flooring, fencing) • HOUSEHOLD RECYCLABLE MATERIALS (includes magazines, newspapers, paper, glass, and aluminum cans) • GARBAGE (no household trash will be collected as part of drop box collection event) • HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (products on which labels contain "caustic", "flammable", "warning", "danger", "poison" or "pesticides") • PRODUCTS CONTAINING MERCURY (including thermometers, thermo- stats, fluorescent bulbs, mercury added batteries and switches) • HOT TUBS • FREEZERS • FURNACES • REFRIGERATORS • AIR CONDITIONERS • HOT WATER HEATERS • WOOD (treated and untreated) NOVEMBER 2009 9 &at sy WeloCs Help with Heating Bills Puget Sound Energy Natural Gas/ Electric Services offers a winter discon- nection moratorium from November 15 to March 15, allowing customers to avoid disconnection by setting up a bill payment plan. Customers must provide written notice of inability to pay within five business days of receiv- ing a late notice and follow a detailed application process. Customers with a verified medical emergency, including dependency on a life-support system, may apply for a 30 -day extension of current electric or natural gas bill. Minor Home Repair Program This year the Tukwila Minor Home Re- pair Program replaced hot water tanks, repaired toilets, unplugged sinks, installed grab bars, repaired stairs and breaker boxes, stopped plumb- ing leaks, fixed windows, etc. Over 32 unique jobs were completed with these Community Development Block Grant funds. Indicators look good for continuation of the program in 2010. Clients are enrolled using proof of low - to -moderate income as one eligibility criteria. Jobs are prioritized for safety and health reasons. Limits are estab- lished for dollar value of jobs. Call 206-433-7180 to see if you qualify. Semea Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 tukhserv@ci.tukwila.wa.us Conserve energy — save money Many residents may be experiencing sticker shock with their utility bills this win- ter. Here are some reminders of how to minimize costs on your utility bill. O Try to keep your thermostat at steady numbers; constantly changing your ther- mostat uses more energy because your heater works harder. An automatic thermostat can control the heat use for you. Consider setting the thermostat to 65-68 degrees in the winter when you're at home; you can save up to 3% on heating costs for every degree your thermostat is lowered. If you wear warm clothes, you may be able to set the thermostat lower. Remember that small children and older people have a more difficult time maintaining body heat. Q Keep furnace filters clean, and change them according to your furnace type. 0 Make sure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use. A fireplace screen or metal sheeting or other inflammable material can help keep heat in as well. Q Close drapes at night and on cold, cloudy days. Make sure to open these win- dow coverings on warmer, sunny days. O If you have a ceiling fan that performs a reverse motion, you can use it to push the warm air down from the ceiling. Q Fix your leaky faucets. One drop of hot water per second can waste 2,300 gal- lons of water per year plus the energy to heat it. Installing energy-saving faucet aerators on your showers and sinks can reduce water flow by about 50%. Q Install weather-stripping around doorjambs and windows to seal cracks. Caulk around windows and doorframes. Install storm windows on both sides of single -pane windows. Q Fluorescent lights use 1/4 of the electricity to produce the same amount of light. Q Use cold water to operate the waste disposal and rinse dishes in cold water be- fore using the dishwasher. Run your washer, dryer and dishwasher only with full loads. 1 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 1-866-427-4747 Q Don't heat rooms that are not in use. Close them off from the living areas where you spend most of your time and heat only those areas. HomeSight promotes affordable home ownership HomeSight — a non-profit 501 (c)3 community development corporation — serves the Puget Sound region, promoting af- fordable ffordable home ownership opportunities through homebuyer education and financial counseling, low-cost home loans, and affordable new home construction. HomeSight received a $1,000,000 capital grant award from the Department of Treasury's Community Development Fi- nancial Institutions (CDH) Fund. HomeSight was one of 62 organizations selected from around the country through a highly competitive grant process. HomeSight will use these funds to make mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers; they can provide up to $45,000 down -payment assistance for qualified homebuyers in Tukwila. For more information, please call 206-723-4355 or their toll- free number at 888-749-4663. You can also visit their web- site at www.homesightwa.org. _ 10 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA 32 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE YOUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT Interested in reducing your carbon footprint on the planet? Check these out: SAVE ENERGY 1 Adjust your thermostat 2 Use compact fluorescent bulbs 3 Air dry your clothes 4 Insulate your water heater 5 Switch to a tankless water heater 6 Replace your old appliances 7 Unplug unused electronics 8 Turn off your computer — and prevent 9 Check your water heater unnecessary heat loss 10 Switch to double -pane windows 11 Weatherize your home 12 Insulate your home 13 Change your air conditioner 14 Put on a sweater and maintain comfortable temperatures indoors SAVE WATER AND THE ENERGY USED TO HEAT IT 15 Fill the dishwasher 16 Take shorter showers 17 Install low -flow showerhead CONSERVE RESOURCES — and reduce waste bound for landfills 18 Bring cloth bags to the market 19 Use recycled paper 20 Avoid disposable plastic bottles 21 Buy minimally packaged goods 22 Reduce garbage CONSERVE PETROLEUM — and reduce emissions — and lessen noise, plus get more exercise — and boost local economy — and get better gas mileage 23 Buy a fuel-efficient car 24 Carpool when you can 25 Don't idle your car 26 Buy a hybrid car 27 Use a push mower 28 Buy products locally 29 Inflate your car's tires 30 Change your air filter REDUCE PETROLEUM- BASED FERTILIZER USAGE 31 Buy organic food REDUCE POLLUTION G. 32 Plant a tree PROVIDE SUMMER SHADE How many more ways can YOU think of? Are you average? Every year the average American: • Recycles 408.8 pounds • Composts 138.7 pounds • Disposes of 1131.5 pounds A I Are you above average? Recycling @ work Nearly 30% of the typical business's garbage is made up of recyclable paper. You're in the habit of recycling at home, but how well do you do at work? Here are a few tips to reduce waste in the workplace: • Place recycling containers under your desk to make recycling convenient • Pair up garbage and recycling containers side - by side so that you and your co -works have a choice when throwing things away • Set your printers' default to double -sided print- ing to cut down on paper waste. Green up your cleaning! Try this healthier, home-made cleaning recipe for cleaning windows and mirrors. • For indoor windows and mirrors, use 1 cup vin- egar mixed with 3 cups water • For outdoor windows, use a sponge and wash with warm water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap. Rinse well and "squeegee" dry. For more information, please contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox — Phone: 206-431-3683 Email: recycle@ci.tukwila.wa.us NOVEMBER 2009 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.ci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Joan Hernandez, Pres. 206-248-0260 Joe Duffle (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Pamela Linder 206-439-2473 Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373 Verna Griffin 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 Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor's Office Jim Haggerton, Mayor 206-433-1805 Rhonda Berry, City Admin 206-433-1851 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Services 206-433-7180 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Community Development Dept. Jack Pace, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department 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 Bruce Fletcher, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department David Haynes, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Bob Giberson, Acting Dir 206-433-0179 Emergency Fire, Police 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2323 TUKWILA CITY POOL 4414 S. 144th Street 206-267-2350 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 THE HAZELNUT newsletter is published five times a year by the City of Tukwila, and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris 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. Sign up for City's notification system In an effort to keep interested Tukwila citizens up-to-date with the most current information regarding the Howard Hanson Dam, the City is of- fering a notification system. After you're signed up on our eList, you'll be able to be notified in your preferred manner about situation updates or status changes, or when new information becomes available. Follow the link to the online sign-up section from our Howard Hanson Dam Flood Watch Information page: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html or call: 206-433-0179 Listen for Tukwila's new AHAB siren! 4 AHAB stands for "All Hazard Alert Broadcast" — a siren of this type is being installed at Fire Station #51 in the Southcenter area. If you hear this si- ren (and you will hear it!), listen for the instruc- tions that will follow. The instructions will also be repeated on the Emergency Alert System so if you hear the siren but can't hear the instructions well enough, tune to AM1640 on your radio or Chan- nel Tukwila 21 on your Comcast cable television, to hear the full text of the alert. Then, please — FOLLOW THOSE INSTRUCTIONS. Tukwila's Emergency Flood Information Line: 206-431-2186 RADIO TV WEB City's emergency station, AM 1640 Radio stations (KOMO /000AM, KIRO 97.3 FM) Tukwila TV, Comcast Channel 21 Broadcast TV channels (KOMO 4, KING 5, KIRO 7) Go to the special information section on the City's website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html for links to: + Flood warning website (King County government) + Howard Hanson Dam information (Corps of Engineers) + Northwest weather forecast (NOAA) + Green River Basin data summary (Corps of Engineers) MIW