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Home My WebLink About1999-05 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 20 No. 3A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 20, NUMBER 3 MAY 1999 Tukwila Police form "Community Teams" to provide closer ties with citizens they serve To further advance community policing in Tukwila, we have developed a new concept — "community teams". The entire Police Department has been divided into five community teams, which include administrators, supervisors, detectives, patrol officers, bike officers, traffic officers, records clerks, and others. Each team is assigned to one of five geographic sections of our City. April is the "kick off" month for your Police Department's new community teams. The plan is to develop more partnerships with our community and work together to solve community 'ime problems. Many of us are excited about what we hope our community teams will bring us, including: 1. Increased communication and teamwork across divisions of the Police Department. 2. Working in close partnership with our community and connecting with the people we serve. 3. Geographic (neighborhood) focus for service delivery. 4. Problem -oriented policing: trying to solve the long-term underlying problems that increase Police workload. 5. More decision-making authority given to front-line per- sonnel. 6. Reducing crime and the fear of crime. 7. Increased citizen satisfaction and support for Police. 8. Improved coordination with other public and private organizations. 9. Reducing the number of repeat calls to the same address. Tukwila Police employees who make up Community Team #5 get together for their program kick-off meeting. 10. Getting our citizens more involved in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. We'll still be there when you call 911. Our community teams won't change our duty to respond to your calls and investigate crime. Our focus is changing, however, toward working with you to reduce crime, or preventing it from happening at all. If you'd like to know more about our new community teams concept, please give us a call at 206-433-1804. Look inside for information about: > Spring library programs > Opportunities to help • Illegal business signs > Weed and feed issues > Recognition of volunteers for • Senior programs • Youth/Teen basketball league • Teen programs > Tukwila Days reminder > Literacy Program special guests > Earlier Tukwila Garage Sale > The stormwater of winter Storytime Series Continues STORYTIMES For children ages 2-6 and their families. Join us for stories, songs, games, fingerplays, puppets, flannelboard stories, crafts and cre- ative dramatics. Foster Library - Pajama Storytime - 7::OOPM - Mondays thru May 24 Tukwila Library - Preschool Storytime - 10:30AM - Tuesdays thru May 25 (25th is musical guest storyteller Nancy Stewart) FOSTER LIBRARY MONDAY, MAY 10 - 3:OOPM Native American Tales of the Animal People Tom Dailey, storyteller, puppeteer Two entrancing tales of the Animal People, accompanied by drumming, song and magic. For school age WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 - 10:OOAM Watercolor - Painting Washington Wildflowers Molly Hashimoto, author, illustrator Unleash your creative talent and paint an original watercolor inspired by the natural beauty of the wildflowers found in Washing- ton. No previous art experience necessary. All supplies provided. For older adults. Registration limited - please call the library to register. Storytimes and more... come see what your libraries have for your family WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23 - 7:OOPM Discover Washington with Kids Rosanne Cohn, author Explore the hidden treasures and familiar landmarks of Washington State. Outdoor adventures, indoor activities, kid -friendly din- ing, as well as cultural, ethnic and educational activities, with info for the physically chal- lenged. For families TUKWILA LIBRARY WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 - 7:OOPM Your Hidden Treasures "Roadshow" Bette Bell, certified appraiser of personal property That junk in the attic or basement may be a little treasure. Learn the questions to con- sider before throwing out these items. Bring one or two items you've been curious about but never took the time to investigate and get an estimate of its value. For older adults MONDAY, JUNE 28 - 7:OOPM Avalanche Circus: Up for Grabs Rhys Thomas, juggling, comedy and acrobatic performer Rhys has an avalanche of best tricks from past shows, a slurry of new stunts, and a mountain of inspiration for summertime read- ing adventures. For families FOSTER LIBRARY 4060 S. 144th Street - 206-242-1640 Monday—Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 PM TUKWILA LIBRARY 14475 - 59th Avenue S. - 206-244-5140 Monday & Wednesday 1:00 - 8:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday... 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Friday & Sunday 2 The Tukwila Arts Commission presents the 1 1 Our Annual Pops Concert Sunday, May 16 — 3:OOPM Foster High School Performing Arts Center 4242 S. 144th Street, Tukwila 'AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" Sandra Glover, soprano, Laird Thornton, baritone Copland: "Hoedown" from Rodeo Old American Songs Jones: Listen Now My Children Sousa: Stars and Stripes Forever Favorite traditional American songs: America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and others Vocal selections from great American musicals, including Showboat and South Pacific GENERAL ADMISSION - $12 STUDENTS a SENIORS - $8 FOR TICKETS, CALL 206-781-5618 1 A special afternoon children's concert Saturday, June 5 — 3:OOPM 1 Performed at the Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South in Tukwila PETER AND THE WOLF" and other children's favorites Narrated by KOMO News 4's Keith Eldridge Admission is $5.00, plus a non-perishable food donation for local food banks RAINIER THE HAZELNUT Bringing business signs in line with new law Thn November 23, 1998, the City of Tukwila passed an Ordinance (Ord.1857) requiring any business with an illegal sign to remove the sign by June 30, 1999. Illegal signs are typically signs that are erected without a sign permit. Illegal signs can also be signs that were given a sign permit but were altered without obtaining a required permit. All signs, including permanent wall signs or freestanding signs, require a permit. Permanent wall signs are signs that are erected to an exterior building wall. Permanent freestanding signs are mounted onto a pole or monument and are set in the ground on the building premises. In addition, all temporary signs need permits. Temporary signs are signs that are erected for no more than one month and are on banners or rigid materials. If you think that you may have an illegal sign, please contact the Department of Community Development at 206-431-3670. We can also be reached at our email address: tukplan@ci.tukwila.wa.us. DCD staff will provide you with a copy of the Tukwila Sign Code, all applicable permit applications, and any assistance that you may need to make your sign conform to City codes. Community -Oriented Policing (COP) Annual Awards This year, it was decided by the COP Board and Chief Haines to establish an nnual award to be given out to two individuals on a yearly basis. One would go to a Tukwila Police Officer and one to a private citizen, both of whom have demonstrated a commit- ment to Community -Oriented Polic- ing. The first Police Officer to receive this award is Officer Lisa Mills. She has been working with the children in the Tukwila School District through the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs and Crime Free Futures with at -risk chil- dren. She is also the Showalter School liaison and is working on the Foster Library project. Roy Stienauer is the first citizen recipi- ent of the award. Roy has been on the Citizen Patrol from its inception. He has been very active in recruiting and getting the volunteers out to do their ' ally patrols on Wednesday and Friday iiights, rain or shine, in the heat or the cold. He is also a citizen volunteer at the Neighborhood Resource Center on Friday afternoons. Funds available for Housing Repair Program Help us spend our housing repair money! Tukwila low- and moderate -income single- family homeowners can take advantage of emergency grants (up to $1,500 to finance necessary repairs that threaten life), mobile home grants (up to $2,700), and deferred payment loans (up to $13,500). Interest subsidy bank loans (where the homeowner can borrow up to $33,500 at a rate subsidized by King County to 3%) are available. Eligibility is determined by the gross an- nual income of all household members. Other eligibilityrequirements include one year residency, owner -occupied, assetlimi- tations, and sufficient home equity. Nec- essary health and safety repairs are priori- tized. No -interest loans do not have to be paid back until the home is sold or the title is transferred. Funds are used for major repair items. This can include repairing heating systems, roof replacements, fail- ing septic systems, updating electrical ser- vice and more. Tukwila residents are encouraged to ap- ply for funds as soon as possible. For further information, or to start the appli- cation process, call the King County Hous- ing Hotline at 296-7640. Volunteer... because our community needs you! Have some spare time? Want to learn more about city government or the school district? We want to hear from you. Please contact: Roberta Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator City of Tukwila 206-768-0434, and Tim Mason, Volunteer Coordinator Tukwila School District 206-901-7926. Volunteer opportunities with the City currently include a wide array of projects in the Parks and Recreation Department and the Police Department. You can: • help with community referrals and monitor the security cameras at the Neighborhood Resource Center on Highway 99, • assist with the delivery of Meals on Wheels, • teach seniors computer skills, and • keep parks and trails clean. Call Roberta today. Or volunteer with the School District. You can: • tutor a child, • help teachers in the classroom, and • assist with special activities, such as Heritage Week and coaching talent shows, school plays, and other school functions. Call Tim today. Volunteer! Our community needs you! MAY 1999 3 i Parks, Golf and Recreation Happenings tA�L The success of many Paras and Recreation programs is due to our ►'" [� n5e, r(l)► dedicated citizen and business volunteers who give vafua6Ce time, �1 (�"" n� til• skills and generous contributions for our community. Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department would like to say 2f�1�7( p you, for Helping promote quality leisure programs in Tukwila. Volunteers honored for Senior services On Wednesday, March 31st, 25 volun- teers were honored at the Tukwila Com- munity Center for their service to the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Departments Senior Adult Program. Sheri McConnaughey, Senior Recreation Coordinator, and Claudette Nussbaum, Senior Nutrition Specialist, hosted the appreciation banquet which included, entertainment, lunch, and the award- ing of volunteer certificates. Mary Rollins was named "Volunteer of the Year" for her daily service to many programs offered at the Center. She received an engraved plaque, and her name will be displayed on a perpetual plaque at the community center. Lily Belle Mallow and Bridget Allen received dedication awards and gift cer- tificates to a Tukwila restaurant. A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who help make Tukwila Senior Pro- grams such a big success! AP Bridget Allen r Earl Barnard AP Marg Bates r Sam Besel A► Dave Charleson v Diane Core AP Betty Coyne r Audrey Davis A► Kathleen Davis -Wright AP Martin Dominguez AP Verna Grele M Keith Hankel AP Arvin Koopman r Narda Lemert r Vera Locker Kay Madden AP Carl McDaniel r Babe McGuire A► Mr. & Mrs. McManus A► Doris Reed A► Maggie Reed AP Mary Rollins r Virginia Farias AP Addy Ryals r Delores Simpson AP Lona Sweeney v Harlen Ward 4 Teen Program offers its appreciation to donors The Tukwila Parks and Recreation De- partment extends a large Thank You to the following Tukwila businesses for their donations to our Teen programs: * Applebees Grill and Bar * Cineplex Odeon Theatres * Domino's Pizza Game Town Family Fun Center * Larry's Market * Pizza Hut * Pizza Source * Red Robin - Southcenter * Shasta Beverages * Target - Southcenter * Wendy's International First plant exchange draws many Tukwila gardeners On April 3rd, the First Annual Tukwila Plant Exchange was held at the Tukwila Community Center. Over 150 garden- ers participated in this free community event. Special thanks go to local garden- ing expert June Cappeto Brandner who volunteered countless hours to bring this plant exchange to Tukwila. Ms. Brandner shared her vast knowledge and experience with other gardeners throughout the day, and over 35 door prizes were given away at the friendly exchange. Many thanks go to the vari- ous local businesses that donated spe- cial prizes. Stay tuned for information about the next Tukwila Plant Exchange. Coaches give their time to youth/teen basketball league The City of Tukwila Parks and Recre- ation Department thanks and acknowl- edges the following coaches from the 1998-99 Youth & Teen Baskeball League. Their leadership and generosity has been immeasurable: Charles Aluis Ted Bakke Don Behrend Jim Bekkala Gary Bell Vivian Bell Bob Codd Charlie Combs Vince Deloney Felicia Doty Thomas Doty Jackie Duffy Chris Glenn James Gonzales Neil Grevious Tony Gutierrez Cindy Hourie Felicia Jackson Dale Jenkins Ruthetta Lee Jeff Lindgren Gaelyn Martin Theo Martin Will McClain Ken Monson John Munns Steve Parsons David Alonzo Patton David Charles Patton Chris Peterson Ron Phelps Darryl Rabb Lamont Richardson Tom Rios Dan Rollins Wayne Severson Mike Shimek Pete Sluys Ken Smith Richard Smith Diana Sousa Brian Staudt Brad Sterling Sue Thomas Keith Thompson Raynard Tindall Anthony Trahan Theresa Tyson Malcom Williams Anthony Willis In addition, we would like to sincerely thank the following business sponsors which supported our league: ❖ Dave's Diner ❖ Doubletree ❖ '40' Rentals ❖ Tukwila Deli THE HAZELNUT Tukwila Days '99 is coming Tukwila Days is scheduled for the week of July 10-17. The Community Festival on July 10th starts off the week of fun festivities. There are some new events this year, so reserve this week on your calendar and enjoy the activities. Vendors are still being accepted for our Arts and Crafts Fair on July 10th. Con- tact Al Frank at the Tukwila Commu- nity Center for registration or additional . formation at 768-2822. Activities: July 9/10 Art Show July 10 Community Festival/ Pancake Breakfast/Parade July 10/12 3-0n-3 Youth/ Teen Basketball Tournament July 14 Teen Dance July 14 Senior Adult Picnic July 14 Benefit Basketball Game - Hoop It Up For Hunger July 15 Family Swim At South Central Pool July16 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater July 16/17 C.A.S.T.T. Performance -Foster Performing Arts Center July 17 D.A.R.E. Dash - Green River/Duwamish Trail July 17 Golf Tournament -Foster Golf Links Celebrating success at the Youth and Teen Basketball Awards Banquet Tukwila citizens wander among the displays at last year's Tukwila Days festival, held at the Tukwila Community Center. Calling all musicians... Your musical talents are requested to make "The Company Band" even bigger and better as it leads the Tukwila Days Parade this year. Please call Sheri McConnaughey at 768-2822. "Tee Time" At Foster Golf Links The staff at Foster Golf is happy to announce: It's Spring!! Just the time for a day of fun at our Parks and Recreation golf course. Play 9 holes, 18 holes or visit our Pro Shop and Restaurant. Call and ask about the Tukwila Residential Discount at 206- 242-4221. The golf course hours are 6:3OAM to 8:OOPM. Location: 13500 Interurban Avenue South. Look at our programs! Tukwila Parks and Recreation's Spring/ Summer Recreation Brochure is now available. For a complete guide to all recreation activities for the whole fam- ily, call 768-2822. Pick up a copy now! Three reasons not to use weed and feed (and six better ideas) • It can harm your lawn. Weed and feed can kill earthworms and insects that are important for healthy soil and a healthy lawn. • It can harm your health. Several studies have found a higher incidence of cancer in children of families that use lawn and garden pesticides, includingweedandfeed. • It can harm water quality and the environment. When washed offyour lawn by rain or too much water from your sprinkler, the fertilizers and pesticides in weed and feed prod- ucts drain directly to streams, rivers, lakes and Puget Sound, harming salmon and other organisms. Steps to a naturally healthy lawn • Avoid weed and feed products, other pesticides and quick -release fertiliz- ers because they damage soil health. • Fertilize in the fall with organic, natu- ral or slow-release fertilizer, to build nutrient reserves. • Mow higher, mow often, and leave the clippings. • Water deeply to moisten the root zone, no more than an inch per week, and let the soil dry between waterings. • Improve old lawns with aeration, overseeding and topdressing with a thin layer of compost. • Consider alternatives to grass for steep slopes, shady areas or near streams, rivers, and lakes. When it comes to your lawn, act natu- rally. Call 1 -888 -860 -LAWN for more information on natural lawn care or visit the Seattle Public Utilities website: www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/util MAY 1999 5 Office of Crisis Clinic 144)Ilat g t tian Wtt() %n Scr'vicc(' Human Services (24-hour linei206-768-0402 206 -461 -3222, -- Firefighters visit Adult Literacy Program On Wednesday April 21, the Adult Literacy Program at Tukwila School District was delighted to receive a presentation by Lieutenant Dave Ewing, Brain Lucano and Jim Brooks of Fire Station #54. The firefighters spoke to the ESL class, consisting of over 89 adults representing 25 different countries. Lt. Ewing introduced his partners and gave the class information all about smoke alarms. He pointed out where they should be located, how they work, and how important it is to keep fresh batteries installed. Brian Lucano demonstrated what firefighters wear by donning the 80+ pounds of equipment. He turned on the oxygen mask to give the full "Darth Vader" effect. His head -to foot protective gear looked frightening, but his explanations to our English as a Second Language adults were most interesting. Jim Brooks showed the class how heart monitors work. Jim took a volunteer from the audience to demonstrate what the little squiggles in the machine mean. This information was valuable to students and staff as well. The presentation was suddenly interrupted by an emergency call, as the firefighters were called to duty. All three literally ran out of the room, jumped into the fire engine and raced away with sirens howling. The class was stunned, but accepted the situation as a real learning opportunity to see how responsive, dedicated and esteemed our firefighters are. Tips on keeping your home during difficult times Sometimes events happen in life that place homeowners in a difficult situation where they are unable to keep up with their mortgage payments. There are some thing homeowners can do in order to avoid foreclosure, the results of a legal action that can cause a lending agent to repossess your home. It is important not to ignore the letters from your lending agent. If you are having problems making your payments, call or write your lender without delay and explain your situation. Be prepared to provide them with financial information. Contact a housing counseling program to help you with information on service programs offered by Government agencies. One such program is at the Fremont Public Association (206-694-6767). There are special options which may help you meet your financial needs without risk of losing your home. Options may include arranging a repayment plan based upon your financial situation. It may even provide for a temporary reduction or suspension of your payments. There might also be the possibility to refinance the debt and/or extend the term of your mortgage loan. There might also be the option of obtaining an interest free loan from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to bring your mortgage current. Your housing counseling agency can help you determine which, if any, of these options may meet your needs. Remember, don't lose your home and damage your credit history if you can help it. Call or write your mortgage lender immediately. Explore every alternative. Beware of scams that sound too simple or too good to be true. They probably are. 6 REACH continues Paint Your Heart Out! program Summer of 1999 will mark the second annual Paint Your Heart Out effort spon- sored by REACH — Regional Efforts to Achieve Community Housing. REACH represents a partnership between the City of Tukwila and King County to help address affordable housing. Paint Your Heart Out! will assist low-income eld- erly, disabled and single -parent families. Volunteer teams of individuals, com- munity groups, City employees, civic organizations and church groups made the program a success. The volunteers worked together one day a week for two weeks to paint 8 houses last August. This year REACH plans to increase the number of homes painted and to pro- vide the opportunity for more volu r- teers to make a difference in their neighborhoods. To obtain an application to have your home painted or to volunteer to paint, please call 425-226-3111. Low-cost counseling available City University has a new service that provides south Puget Sound residents with low-cost mental health counseling assistance. Certified Mental Health Counselor Karen Langer directs the train- ing clinic at the City University site in Renton. The Center helps local resi- dents in need of treatment while also providing students with experience and training under supervision. The Center treats patients on a sliding fee scale, based on their income level. For mc information on the Community Coun- seling Center, please call 1-800-426- 5596 ext. 3934. The Counseling Cen- ter is located on the first floor of 1107 SW Grady Way in Renton. THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA RECYCLING REPOR TER Reducing waste every day: a seasonal reminder When it comes to reducing waste, Spring is king! Between the house, lawn and garden, there are plenty of ways to cut down on time, money and materials. Here are some ideas. Start with an overall plan that examines the flow of materials in your garden. Look at your yard's "waste stream" and think about ways to turn it into "food" for other processes. For example, grass clippings, leaves, etc., can be mulched and/or composted to create fertilizer, mulch and soil conditioners. This will keep many, many pounds out of the landfill, and will also reduce the need to purchase fertilizer and similar products. Plant shade trees as a way to make the yard prettier, help absorb greenhouse gases, and provide natural air conditioning. Trees can keep your home cool by reducing the amount of direct sunlight that hits the siding or windows. Insider ground cover rather than grass in high - ,ii; ade areas. It's easier to maintain, needs less water ing and doesn't require cutting or fertilizing. Perform a water audit on all hoses, couplings and timers. Leaky faucets can waste hundreds of gallons of water or more. Make sure that timers turn the water on only during low -sun periods (early morning and evening), and that the water is only turned on as long as is necessary to get the job done. Try sharing yard implements with your neighbors. Does each of you really need his or her own lawn mower, trimmer, hedge clipper, rake, shovel, etc.? Sharing the cost is a great way to save money while reducing the amount of stuff in the neighborhood. Do a little spring cleaning on your appliances. Replace filters as necessary on air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Clean the dust and lint off the coils on the fridge, freezer, air conditioner, and dehumidi- fier. Doing so will reduce energy use and maintenance costs will increase appliance life. Don't forget about outdoor appliances. Lawn mowers will run better and cleaner with a new filter, a new spark plug and clean oil. (Please dispose of used oil properly.) How about using an old- fashioned push mower? You'll reduce negative effects on the environment and give yourself a good workout! Get the car in shape, too. Perform a thorough washing to remove salt and expose dings and scratches that need attention prior to rusting. Have your emissions system checked, along with engine timing, spark plugs, tire pressure, etc. MAY 1999 Earlier date targeted for 6th Annual Tukwila Community Garage Sale Saturday, July 17 H Sunday, July 18 The sixth Annual Tukwila Garage Sale will be held during Tukwila Days this year on July 17 and 18. This is always a fun way to recycle and reuse items, meet neighbors and clean out your base- ment or attic. Nearly 150 households participated in last year's Community Garage Sale and made it a great success. Advertising a large number of yard sales in the same community on the same date is bound to draw the maximum number of shoppers to your sale! Here's what you will do: Plan to have a garage sale on July 17 and 18 at your home. Tell the City before July 2 that you'll be holding a yard sale on these days. Hold your sale - make money - and have fun! Here's what the City will do: Compile a list of all households par- ticipating in the Garage Sale event Sponsor an ad in a local newspaper listing the locations of the sales Give you a special "Tukwila Com- munity Garage Sale" sign to identify your home. To be a part of this event, give us your name, address of garage sale and tele- phone number by July 2: • Call 206-431-3670, or • Email rfox@ci.tukwila.wa.us, or • Mail a note to Rebecca Fox, City of Tukwila, 6300 Southcenter Boule- vard, Tukwila 98188. Would you like more information about recycling or composting in Tukwila? Call Reojding Coordinator Rebecca Fox at 206-431-3683. 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8:30AM-5::00PM Telephone.: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: www.eLtukwila.wa.us Email: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Dave Fenton, President206-246-4980 Pam Carter 206-244-0558 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Jim Haggerton 206-244-7846 Joan Hernandez 206-248-0260 Pamela Linder 206-439-2473 Steve Mullet 206-244-7553 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst 206-433-1834 Council Message Line 206-431-3652 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Mtgs 1 st/3rd Mondays Work Mtgs 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor John `Wally" Rants ... 206-433-1805 City Administrator John McFarland 206-433-1832 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Dir206-433-1835 Fire Department Tom Keefe, Chief 206-575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. 206-431-3680 Parks/Recreation Department Don Williams, Dir 206-433-1843 Police Department Keith Haines, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Jim Morrow, Dir 206-433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services Viki Witschger, Dir . 206-433-1831 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Emergency Fire, Police, Aid Car 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division .... 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-768-2822 Human Services 206-768-0402 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 242-4221 Restaurant 241-5784 THE HAZELNUT is a bimonthly 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 Where did all the rain go afterwards? This past winter has been pretty wet, with rains frequently exceeding 1 inch in a :1- hour period and a few days of rain that exceeded the 2 -inch mark. Most notable was November 25th when we had 2.3 inches in a 24-hour period. That was a busy day for John Howat and the rest of the Sewer and Surface Water crew as they worked on plugged catch basins and culverts blocked by debris, and responded to calls for assistance from residents and businesses. When they had a chance to catch their breath after the storm, we discussed what happened and compared problems in the most recent storms to those in past storms. The last large storm in Tukwila was on January 9, 1990, which also had 2.3 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. It's not hard for Public Works staff to remember the 1990 storm. As John recollects, "We had major damage from collapsed 24 -inch pipes to overflowing ditches which were causing property damage... [the storm] set back scheduled maintenance work... and we had to play catch up..." Why this winter was better The damage experienced in Tukwila during this last rainy season has been far less than in previous years. A major part of the reason is that, after the 1990 rainy season, the City implemented a program called Small Drainage Projects managed by Phil Fraser, a Senior Engineer in the Public Works Department. The City has been steadily investing $300,000 to $400,000 per year to correct problems in the drainage system that were outside of the budget and staff capabilities of Public Works' Sewer and Surface Water Crews. In fact, the Sewer and Surface Water Department was created in 1989 just eigi.. months before the big storm of January 1990. The large capital effort has been matched by a diligent effort by John's crew in maintaining ditches, culverts, catch basins, trash racks, river outfalls and the 150 miles of pipe that are used to control surface water runoff. The effort and investment made in improving the City's sewer and surface water systems has resulted in a dem- onstrated decrease in problems for the public during intense storms. There are still many improvements that can and will be made to further improve services provided to Tukwila residents and busi- nesses. If you have drainage problems, please give us a call at 206-433-1860 so that we can ensure that you are getting the best possible service from your Public Works Department. 4 4 1 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 206-433-1800.