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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 18 No. 2A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community New Allentown fire station opens Tukwila has a new Fire Station that replaces the old Duwamish Allentown Station. The new Fire Station 53, located at the corner of 42nd Avenue South and South 115th Street, began serving the community on February 8, 1997. The old station had several structural and safety problems and could not be refurbished to meet the demands of a modern fire station. The new 6,000 -square foot station was designed by Merritt + Pardini, Architects and built by John Daniels Construction. And you're invited to attend... A formal dedication and open house will be held at the new station on Saturday March 22, 1997 from l 0:00AM to 2:00PM. Tukwila Mayor John Rants will dedicate the new station with the unveiling of a plaque honoring John Sweeney, the first fire chief of King County Fire District No. 1, at 10:30AM. Tukwila Fire Explorers will be there to take blood pressures, and the public is welcome to tour the new facility. Look inside for: • "Tukwila Community Cares" • City park storm dean -up • Human Services programs • Board / Commission vacandes • Street crews versus winter blast • Symphony performance at Foster Tukwila's annual Spring Clean-up coming in April Special Recycling Day Saturday, April 19 The annual Spring Clean-up Recycling Event will take place at Foster High School on Saturday, April 19, 1997. As in years past, residents will be able to drop off appliances, yard waste, house- hold goods, and other items for recy- cling. For more information, see page 7. Free disposal pass for City residents Transfer station passes will be available at Tukwila City Hall, April 14 through April 25, from 8:30AM to 5:OOPM Mon- day through Friday. Residents may claim one pass per household with proof of residence plus the coupon from the back page of this newsletter. Take your non -recyclable items to the Bow Lake Transfer Station at South 188th and 1-5, from April 18 through 27 between the hours of 8:OOAM and 5:OOPM. Watch your mailbox for more informa- tion about these great events. ri\P(1.1 $inerts/ fveKt% 01 s at the ttUitWi(6 4 looter. Litimiiies Thursday, March 20 Bubble Blast! 3:30PM-Tukwila Elementary Gym Thursday, April 17 Wildlife Encounters— Come pet your favorite wild animal! 3:30PM - Tukwila Library Sunday, April 20 Mark Thompson — Ventriloquist & Puppet Friends Amaze & Entertain You! 2:OOPM - Foster Library CALL FOR DETAILS! Tukwila Library to hold used book sale Lots of Books! Media! 33-1/3 records! Come to the Tukwila Friends of the Library Big Used Book Sale on Friday, March 28th, from 10:OOAM to 3:OOPM. Don't miss this opportunity to stock up on summer reading materials at bargain prices. This sale of donated items takes place at the Tukwila Library, 14475- 59th Avenue S. For more informa- tion, call 244-5140. TUKWILA LIBRARY 14475 - 59th A venue S. — 244-5140 Monday & Wednesday 1:00 to 8:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday ... 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday 1:00 to 5:00 PM Closed Friday & Sunday FOSTER LIBRARY 4060 S. 142nd Street — 242-1640 Monday—Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM Closed Saturday Community at the Crossroads M' Ka,. F. Rciiwn: Book offers look at Tukwila's rich history "Tukwila - Community at the Crossroads", the City's own history book, offers hundreds of pages of interesting reading, generously illustrated, cover- ing the area's first Duwamish Valley settlers to our current position as a crossroads of com- merce. This softcover book is available for sale at Larry's Market or at Tukwila City Hall. Call 433- 1800 for more information. Tukwila Community Cares project to assist volunteers Over the past several years, volunteer advisory boards and community groups like the High- way 99 Action Committee have become an important force in our City. These groups make important contributions to the stability, safety, and quality of life in Tukwila. Recognizing the value of the work done by volunteers and volunteer -driven organizations, the City recently secured a grant from the South King County Community Network for the "Tukwila Com- munity Cares" project, an intensive six-month effort designed to enhance volunteer efforts in the community. The "Tukwila Community Cares" project, an outgrowth of the August 1996 Community Summit, is guided by an oversight committee which includes but is not limited to representa- tives from the South Central School District, the City of Tukwila, Highline Hospital, and the Youth Violence Prevention Committee. This_ project is another important step in a long -ter' community effort intended to: 46 Increase youth involvement in the com- munity and improve academic success; + Support families and build better relation- ships; + Strengthen neighborhoods and promote community spirit; + Improve communication between citizens and local government; + Create a more stable and safer community. The City has hired Michael Rossotto to coordi- nate the Tukwila Community Cares Project. Mr. Rossotto brings a long history of commu- nity service to the project, having worked as a grassroots organizer, lobbyist, fund-raiser, ex- ecutive director, organizational consultant and attorney on behalf of non-profit organizations. Michael will focus the next few weeks on identifying and contacting volunteer groups and activities in the community. For mc, information about the project, its goals, anti" expected outcomes, Michael can be reached at the Office of Human Services at 768-0434. Watch the next Hazelnut for a progress report on the "Tukwila Community Cares" project. 2 THE HAZELNUT City crews fight nature's fury Beginning on Dec. 26th, the City of Tukwila, like many Puget Sound communities, experienced what has been cited as one of the most dam- aging winter storms on record. City streets were clogged by snows, and crews worked plowing and sanding through the days and nights of the 26th and 27th to remove accumulations of 6- 8 inches. Most of the roads in the City were cleared by the morning of Satur- day the 28th only to have the snows give way to ice storms later that day. On the morning of Sunday the 29th, trees began to topple throughout the City, blocking many roadways and bringing with them many power lines. City crews maintained vigilant pursuit pother nature — first with snow plows uif6 sanders and then with chain saws and chippers - to remove the aftermath of the storm from local streets. By Monday morning, crews had cleared catch basins and drained the snow melt and drenching rains to reopen streets throughout the City. Although racking up countless hours on the job during the worst of weather conditions with little sleep between shifts, City crews did not give up. And due to their perseverance and dedication, the impacts to the Tukwila commu- nity were kept to a minimum. Cleanup of the public streets, how- ever, continued throughout most ofJanu- ary and into early February with a total of over 1,830 hours of crew time dedi- cated to the storm response. Along with public right-of-way cleanup, the City also sponsored a cleanup collec- tion event for City residents. On the weekend of January 18 & 19, four large dumpsters were placed at the Foster High School parking lot to collect storm debris. City crews were on hand to off- load limbs and other materials; over 23 tons were hauled to a regional recycling facility during the two-day event. J Setting a course for '97 I accepted the position as your City Council President for 1997 with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm. We are fortunate to have a group of Councilmembers who work hard together and compliment each others' strengths to accomplish our goals and objec- tives. That doesn't mean we always agree on every issue, but we work through our concerns in a professional manner to attain results that will benefit all those living and doing business in Tukwila. At our annual retreat to plan and organize 1997's goals and objectives, we adopted the proposition to establish two overall objectives for the City, and make certain that all our specific goals work toward achieving one or both of the major objectives. My stated general objectives are: 1) Continue to improve the quality of life for every indi- vidual living in Tukwila; and 2) Improve the business environment however we can, to encourage and attract quality businesses and to retain those quality businesses we currently enjoy. This Council has stated — in the form of our Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes — that we want to protect our existing During the same weekend, crews drove throughout neighborhoods to collect and/or "chip" materi- als for residents who were un- able to bring their limbs and trees to the Foster collection site. Although the City spent consid- erable amounts of the mainte- nance operating budget to clear streets due to the unexpected event, it is possible that a portion of these funds will be reimbursed to the City. As a result of the damages suffered in the region, President Clinton declared the area a "federal disaster", thus mak- ing the Cities throughout King County eligible for federal disaster assistance. COUNCIL CORNER by Jim Haggerton, Council President residential neighborhoods and encourage the development of quality individual residences wherever possible. We also need a strong and vibrant business economy for the financial stability of the City. Tukwila's good mix of healthy residen- tial areas and thriving business climate makes us the envy of many other cities. And our intent is to continue improving on the existing situation. In addition to this City's excellent full-time employees, Tukwila's strength comes from the volunteers who dedicate so much of their time and effort to make our community a better place to live and work. This Council sincerely appreciates all those serving on boards, commissions and action committees who contribute toward improving the quality of life we seek. Please contact the Mayor's office at 433-1850 if you have a desire to participate in any of our volunteer groups. We also encourage you to attend committee and/or Council meetings to voice your opinion on those matters that affect or concern you. We — your elected City Council — are here to represent you! MARCH 1997 -- 3 Tukwila's Boards and Commissions need you! Did you ever wonder how the Mayor and City Council stay current on so many issues? How they gain expertise in a wide range of topics? How they gather all the information they need in order to make important decisions? The answer: advisory boards and commissions. Human Services Advisory Board The Human Services Advisory Board is looking for both a business representative and a health care representative to help the Mayor's Office on human service issues. Board members review requests for funding, help select organizations to be funded, review evaluation of human service programs, and more. As a business representative, you would serve as an informal liaison with other businesses, helping to raise the questions/issues that businesses would have with regards to human services provided through City of Tukwila resources. The healthcare representative would bring perspectives on health care issues. Board members meet on a monthly basis, and more frequently every two years to review funding re- quests from human service agencies. For more info, call Evelyn at 768-0402. Sister City Committee The Sister City committee, formed to further the relationship between Tukwila and Ikawa, Japan, is also in need of members. During their 4 year term, committee members help to plan cultural exchanges, recruit host families for Japanese guests, and may even travel to Ikawa as part of a Tukwila delegation. The committee meets on an as -needed basis. One of the group's highlights is the annual fundraiser— grilling up breakfasts and lunches to order for hungry Tukwila Days attendees. This committee seats seven members and currently has three vacancies. For more information about, or for an application for appointment to, these or any other board or com- mission, please contact the Tukwila Mayor's Office at 433-1851. Look for more advisory group profiles in coming editions of The Hazelnut. 4 Many attend "New Friends and Families" event held at Foster The New Friends & Families event on March 4 at Foster High School was a spectacular success – a colorful international bazaar with more than 250 people in attendance, many in their native costumes.To help them feel at home, the City of Tukwila, the South Central School District and the Tukwila Rotary Club invited new Tukwila residents to gather for a free spaghetti dinner and information fair. The event featured presentations and open discussions with South Central Schools. Tukwila Mayor John "Wally" Rants, City Administrator John McFarland, and several members of the City's staff welcomed residents, offering information about City services. Information booths from a wide variety of Tukwila area human services providers offered additional information about individual and family support services available in the community. South Central Schools Superintendent Michael Silver greeted partici- pants in several languages, and principals from each of the District's five schools – Foster High School, Showalter Middle School, Cascade View Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary and Tukwila Elementary – spoke in language -based break-out sessions to explain District and school policies and expectations. ,.r The evening included plenty of opportunities to meet, talk and as1_ questions. Translators, including Foster High School ESOL students, were on hand to assist with translation into – and from – a variety of world languages, which earned the gratitude of many. An estimated 10 languages were spoken during the evening. "To hear one's own language spoken – this is important," said Ethiopian - American participant Janet Yirga. "That man who speaks my language, I heard him clear down the stairs," Yirga said. "It makes me feel good." It is also important, Yirga said, "to know where you are, to know what is there." For new residents of the United States and Tukwila, she said, the New Friends and Families event "was a very good thing to do." This second annual New Friends and Families event was made possible by the generous financial support of the Tukwila Rotary Club. Sharing information on available programs was an important part of the "New Friends and Families" event. THE HAZELNUT PAtetto esb 7ecIe6tioK Po TUKWILA DAYS '97 iri,;74etz,• 4 Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 29th 10:OOAM — Fort Dent Park The Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with King County's Natural Resources and Parks Division, will be holding its annual egg hunt at Fort Dent Park. Arrive early with a goodie bag to pick up your prized eggs. The Easter Bunny will be there to get the festivities going. This event is held rain or shine, 4,1 and is for children 1-1/2 thru 12 years of age. ***4111%.,h ..211/111110494,81.1m101001°1111111 Tukwila Days is scheduled for July 12 through July 19 so mark your calendars because we don't want you to miss this year's event! If you would like to partici- pate in this year's Arts and Crafts festi- val, please contact Al Frank at the Tuk- wila Community Center, 768-2822. This year's event will be at the new Tukwila Community Center located at 12424 -42nd Avenue S., Tukwila, WA. > Parade > C.A.S.T.T. Performances > Art Show > Basketball Tournament > DARE Dash > Hoop it up for Hunger > Kids Events > Tukwila Days Plunge > Golf Tournament > Softball Tournament > Pancake Breakfast > Community Festival > Senior Adult Picnic > Tennis Tournament ' Downed trees increase park clean-up efforts The Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department thanks the citizens of Tukwila for their patience and understanding during park and trail closures after the "winter blast" we experienced in December. The majority of the clean-up has been completed and, during that time, we received numerous requests for firewood from fallen trees and branches. When major tree damage occurs, the Park Maintenance personnel will usually stack the free wood at the park or trail entrance for interested citizens to pick up for their own personal use. For safety reasons, please do not enter the park to cut wood or pick up wood. If you have any questions, please call our Parks Maintenance office at 433-1869, Monday thru Friday from 8:30AM to 5:OOPM. Spring Break Day Camp "Brain Boggling Science" \April7--11 South Central School District April 14-18 Highline School District "le have planned an exciting week of events for both school ::istricts. Boys and girls, grades K-6, will have an adventurous week of activities including a field trip to the Pacific Science Center and Imax Theater. Regular and Extended hours/rates are available. A special flyer will be sent out in March. For more information, call the Community Center at 768-2822. MARCH 1997 Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt Friday, March 28th For: Grades 6-12 Cost $1.00 Hours: 8:00-9:OOPM Location: Foster Park, lower field All students in grades 6 thru 12 are invited to participate in the second an- nual Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt. Bring your flashlight (check the batteries first!) and a goodie bag. Candy &prizes will be hidden in the grass by the Tukwila Parks and Recreation Easter Bunny. The event takes place rain or shine... well, moon- light actually... so come try your luck! .• •••• •• •1 • • lo • f Make tracks for the NEW 0. .• .• •, •. •, se 768-2822 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER located at 12424 -42nd Avenue S. I•�•�qb. "b.IV de �• • 5 144t s hew(s) is h1ss6K Seavices Office of Human Services 768-0402 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 461-3222 Tukwila offers new Human Services programs The City of Tukwila is offering several new programs through the Office of Human Services. These programs were recommended by the Human Services Advisory Board, the Mayor's Office, and the City Council. The intent of these programs is to help address some of the unmet needs experienced by Tukwila residents. The programs include: The Emergency Feeding Program— Since 1977, this program has worked with non-profit agencies, governments and churches, providing nutritionally balanced food to meet the emergency hunger needs of a broad range of people. Food packets are available for individuals and families, and can help meet needs of homeless individuals or families that are in an urgent situation. Funds will be used to support the development of an emergency food distribution site within the City of Tukwila. The Emergency Feeding Program's office number is 723-0647. SelfEsteem forSurvivors of Violence— This program, made available to Tukwila residents in 1996, is offered through Highline West Seattle Mental Health Center. The program is a 10 -week educational group that helps survivors address how to change negative beliefs to positive ones, how to gain support, and the connection between self esteem and fear and depression. Childcare is made available to residents who need it. For further information, call Chris Peterson at 439-2538. International CounselingService— Supported through Lutheran Social Services, International Counseling provides mental health counseling to refugees and immi- grants from Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. The objectives of the project are to improve early detection and prevention of mental health problems due to the stress of resettlement, increase parenting knowledge and skills, decrease isolation, and strengthen partnerships with providers that serve the refugee population. The program's phone number is 672-6009. For more information about these and other programs, call Evelyn at the Office of Human Services - 768-0402. Special TV series on talking with teens offeredrillill1111, Don't miss the new four-part television series called Parent Alert: Talk with Your Teens about Sex, sponsored by the Washington State Department of Health. Many parents report that discussing sexuality with their teenagers is one of the most difficult tasks they have ever had to face. In fact, research shows that only 20% of parents actually initiate conversations about sexuality. The series features a group of high school youth who candidly share their experiences and offer advice to the parents of those in middle school. The series also highlights ideas and advice from parents who have "been there". Parent Alert: Talk with Your Teens about Sex will air beginning March 22 on KCTS Channel 9. It will be continue to be televised throughout the month of April and into early May on stations throughout the state. King County offers Rental Rehab program Since 1993, over $400,000 from the King County Rental Rehab program has been loaned to four Tukwila apartment owners for rehabilitation purposes. At the same time, the City gained more affordable rental units for low-income residents. Loan funds may be available, on a first-come, first-served basis to prop- erty owners that need help in repairing their units. Loans — up to $14,500 a unit — are available with zero -percent inter- est and no monthly payments. Owners must rent to low-income tenants, and there are rent ceilings imposed (includ- ing utilities) for five years. Loans are available for structural and mechanical repairs, weatherizatiort building preservation and general im provements. Call Jim Impett, Rental Rehab Loan Officer, at 296-8639. YWCA employment services assist Tukwila residents The YWCA of Seattle/King County/ Snohomish County provides employ- ment programs and information for Tuk- wila residents. Workshops are offered each quarter on topics such as applica- tions, resumes, cover letters, job search resources (including the Internet), suc- cessful self -marketing, interviewing, and salary negotiations. YWCA employment staff are available at community events to answer questions and provide infor- mation on programs available for both adults and youth (ages 16-21). Staff also provide referrals to community resources that provide emergency and transitional housing, counseling, and assistance i' dealing with other situations that affect an individual's ability to work. Watch for information on specific YWCA employment programs in upcoming is- sues of The Hazelnut. 6 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA Mil RECYCLING REPORTER Special Residential Recycling Collection will be held April 19 at Foster High School The City of Tukwila will hold its annual Special Recycling Collection Day for residents on Saturday, April 19 only from 9:OOAM to 3:OOPM at Foster High School, located at South 144th Street and 42nd Avenue South. City residents may drop off hard -to -recycle items, including: V Vehicle batteries ✓ Tires ✓ Uncontaminated petroleum-based products ✓ Uncontaminated antifreeze V Refrigerators/freezers ($15 will be charged for each freezer/refrigerator, $20 for each air conditioner brought to the event. Cash only.) V Appliances and scrap metal ($5 charged for each water heater with insulation. Cash only.) 4( Household goods and reusable clothing Clean yard debris — grass, leaves (Separate this from bulky yard debris) V Clean scrap wood and bulky yard debris (Untreated, unpainted wood only. No rocks, stumps, brush, leaves, sod.) The following materials are not acceptable: X Concrete X Solvents, thinners X Paint X Pesticides X Garbage X Painted wood X Window glass X Household chemicals X Cleaning products X Plastic pools, hoses, toys, etc. The May 18th Special Recycling event will not accept the following items categorized as hazardous waste: X Pesticides X Latex paint X Used motor oil X Aerosols X Antifreeze X Hobby chemicals X Oil-based paints X Glues and adhesives X Thinners and solvents X Toxic cleaning products )ie South Transfer Station Haz Shed accepts these wastes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Call the King County Solid Waste Division Hazards Line at 296-4692 for more information. (See accompanying article for information on the Wastemobile.) MARCH 1997 Compost bins offered at April 19 Recycling Event The Recycling Program will be offering Tukwila residents sturdy, recycled plas- tic compost bins at the April 19 Recy- cling Day event at Foster High School. A great buy for only $10.00! (Cash only, please.) We have a limited number of bins, so first come, first served. Environmentally -safe buying guide available Want to learn more about buying house- hold products that are less toxic? An informative brochure — "Buy Smart, Buy Safe" — featuring over 350 brand name ratings is available by calling the Tuk- wila Recycling Program at 431-3683. Renton is site of Household Hazardous Wastemobile Just in time for spring cleaning, King County's Household Hazardous Waste - mobile will be in Renton: April 10, 11, 12 & Apri117, 18, 19. It will be at the Safeway, located just east of the Greenwood Cemetery at the intersection of NE 4th Street and Union Avenue NE. The Wastemobile operates: Thur & Fri — 12:00 NOON to 7 OOPM Saturdays—10:00AM to S::OOPM Want more /7 -information about recycling or compacting in Tukwila? Call Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox at 431-3683 _,,/ 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8:304ni-5:00PM Telephone: (206) 433-1800 Fax number: (206) 433-1833 TTY number: (206) 248-2933 Website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail:: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Jim Haggerton, President244-7846 Pam Carter 244-0558 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #) 994-7229 Allan Ekberg 241-6904 Joan Hemandez 248-0260 Pamela Linder 439-2473 Steve Mullet 244-7553 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Regular Mtgs.... 1 st/3rd Mondays Work Mtgs 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Information Line... 431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor John "Wally"Rants 433-1805 City Administrator John McFarland 433-1832 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Dir 433-1835 Fire Department Tom Keefe, Chief 575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. . 431-3680 Parks/Recreation Department Don Williams, Director 433-1843 Police Department Ron Waldner, Chief 433-1808 Public Works Department Ross Eamst, Director433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services Viki Witschger, Director433-1831 City Clerk's Office 433-1800 Municipal Court 433-1840 Personnel 433-1831 City Job Line 433-1828 Emergency Fire, Police, Aid Car 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 4101 South 131st Street Recreation Division 768-2822 Senior Center/Services 768-2822 Human Services 768-0402 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 242-4221 Restaurant 241-5784 Ike gak«Rila o'lrta eom nieaian preaente. the • nier Dvorak, Debussy', anb Dance! THE HAZELNUT is a community newsletter published by the City of Tukwila and written by City staff Editing/production: Stacia Norris Printed on recycled/ recyclable paper using soy -based inks Saima :1, (*oil 51lz - 8:00 p.m. Dvorak is always a winner, and you'll double your winnings with two by Dvorak. His "Symphony No. 6" is majestic genius, and his "Romance for Violin" (with our Concertmaster Nancy Poppe) will touch your heart. Also, dancers from the Cornish College of the Arts will be our guests in Debussy's lovely gem, the "Petite Suite." ?atter 7tigh Selmal (eriorsning Girt,. Center, 4242 S. 144111. giekPi (I:Fiew didu/ie/$10.00, Seniors. & Ltua[enh/$6.00 Home repair loans available through King County Housing This year Tukwila is once again supporting the King County Housing Repair Program. This year about $100,000 in loans is available to low- and moderate - income home owners. After an income screening, homeowners can receive no -interest, no monthly payment loans that can be paid back when the home is sold or the title is transferred. Loans can be used for structural and mechanical repairs as well as general improvements. The maximum loan that can be applied for is $13,500. Mobile homes with real estate are eligible. Homeowners are responsible for finding their own contractors, but the work must be approved by King County Home Repair staff. This popular program often gets more requests than can be met, so homeowners are encouraged to apply for funds as soon as possible. To see if you qualify, call the King County Housing Hotline at 296-7640. COUPON Bring this coupon — with mailing label intact — to City Hall for your FREE transfer station pass. This offer is for our RESIDENTIAL community only. (See story on page 1) THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 POSTMASTER: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUKWILA, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 433-1800.