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Home My WebLink About2025-03 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 45 No. 2WHAT'S INSIDE: • Get a Heat Pump from King County Energize Program • Mayor's Message: Inclusivity • Tukwila's Minimum Wage Law • Councilmembers' Service & Recent Council actions ...and more! MARCH 2025 VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 Mark your calendar! Tukwila Recycling Drop-off Event Saturday, March 22 10:OOAM TO 2:00PM at Tukwila Community Center (more information on page 4) Mayor's State of the City Address Wednesday, Apri12 at Foster High School Performing Arts Center (More information on page 3) Spring Scramble Egg Hunt Saturday, Apri15 Starts at 10:OOAM at Tukwila Community Center Centennial Celebration 100 years of Foster Golf Links A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities Automated photo enforcement program now helps bring safe speeds to Allentown In September of 2021, the City of Tukwila began using fixed cameras to enforce the 20 MPH school zone speed limit at Showalter Middle School and Foster High School. This year, an additional camera was installed in the vicinity of Codiga Park for full-time speed enforcement. This stretch of 50th Place South has routinely seen speed -related issues. Vehicles that gather speed coming down the hill from Skyway oftentimes do not slow to a safe speed before entering the residential area of Allentown. Photo enforcement of the school zone speed limit and other areas impacted by speeding vehicles addresses this problem on Tukwila streets and improves safety for everyone. Tukwila officers respond every year to multiple avoidable collisions caused by speeding in our city. Pedestrian safety is a priority. A pedestrian hit at 20 MPH has a 90% chance of survival, dropping to 50% at 30 MPH, and a 10% survival rate at 40 MPH. Driving at or below 20 MPH gives both people driving and pedestrians more time to see each other and react. The goal is to keep our residents, students, and school staff safe. In Allentown, the camera activation will correspond to the open hours of Codiga Park. At Showalter and Foster, the speed cameras operate only during normal school hours when students and staff are coming and going from the area. If the school zone flashing beacons are activated, then the cameras are operating. Photo -enforced zone Camera area Foster High and Showalter Middle Schools S 144th Street @ 46th Avenue S Codiga Park 12500 block of 50th Place S TukwilaWA.gov Tukwila: The City of Opportunity, The Community of Choice MAYOR'S MESSAGE Tukwila remains committed to - and inclusive of - all our community members It's difficult to watch the news these days and see the stories coming out of Washington DC. I am concerned as to how the new Federal administration's policies and practices will impact the City of Tukwila and our community. In doing so, I want to reaffirm that Tukwila has and always will be a welcoming place for all community members. I take great pride in the diversity of our community and see it as one of our greatest attributes. We remain committed to upholding a city government that values diversity, promotes equity and fair access to opportunities, creates a culture of inclusion, and condemns hate. As a Councilmember In 2019, I joined with the entire City Council to adopt Tukwila Resolution #1970. The Resolution states Tukwila's commitment to being diverse, tolerant, and inclusive. Let us be clear: the City of Tukwila does not tolerate bias, harassment, or discrimination based on race, religion, ancestry, national origin, immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or housing status with regard to public assistance. The City of Tukwila's Police Department is committed to protecting and serving all community members, regardless of immigration status. With limited exception, Washington State law prohibits police from asking for immigration status, and local police do not enforce immigration related laws or otherwise participate in immigration -related enforcement. We encourage people to call 911 when needed and not be afraid to seek our services due to immigration status. In keeping with established laws, it is the policy of the Tukwila Municipal Court that civil arrest warrants of individuals based on their immigration status shall not be executed within the Tukwila Justice Center Court, unless it is directly ordered by the Presiding Judge. This policy does not prohibit law enforcement from executing warrants when public safety is at immediate risk or pursuant to a court order authorizing arrest. Prior to any civil arrest, the Presiding Judge reviews the court order authorizing arrest to ensure compliance with the law. Over the last 60 years the American dream for so many immigrant families has started in Tukwila. Families fleeing war -torn nations such as Vietnam, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Somalia, and many other countries began to grow their American roots in Tukwila. This is something as a community we should take great pride in. It is a portal to parts of the world. While it might seem like other communities and even our nation are closing its doors to those in need, Tukwila's doors will remain open for the "...tired, poor, and huddled masses yearning to breathe free." I take great pride in serving a diverse community. City staff is working on new and creative ways to engage with our Tukwila community and to build trust with our immigrant population. I encourage you to come and hear from me directly about my vision for the City and how we can build a better Tukwila. On April 2 at 6:00PM, I will be delivering my State of the City speech at the Foster Performing Arts Center. City staff and community partners will be on site to answer questions and to identify resources for community members. I hope to seeyou nYV§-mg/(Ac Mayor, City of Tukwila THE HAZELNUT 2025 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS BY MAYOR THOMAS MCLEOD 2025 STATE OF THE CITY Wednesday, April 2 SCHEDULE 5:30PM - Doors open 6:OOPM - Presentation 7:OOPM - Reception All participants are welcome. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, request. Please call/text 206-433-1850 or email Mayor@TukwilaWA.gov. at least seven days before the event. TukwilaWA.gov/StateofCity I would like to invite you to join me for my annual State of the City address to be held on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:OOPM at the Foster High School Performing Arts Center, located at 4242 South 144th Street. This is an opportunity to hear about what the City of Tukwila has accomplished in the past year and highlights about the vision for 2025. The event will include informational tables, providing you with opportunities to meet City staff and community partners. Learn more about services and programs available to members of the Tukwila community. Light refreshments will be served. I am looking forward to this event and I hope you can join me. Sincerely,4 Thomas McLeod, Mayor CHOICE OF DATES/TIMES Monday, April 28th - 6:00 to 8:00PM Tuesday, April 29th - 1:30 to 3:30PM LOCATION: Tukwila Community Center MARCH 2025 Cooking to Prevent Food Waste According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans waste approximately 70 MILLION tons of food annually. Besides the environmental and social impacts, individuals can feel food waste in their wallets. The average family of four throws away about $1,500 each year on wasted food. Join us at TCC to learn how to make the most of your groceries! We will make and taste together some surprising treats that are yummy, nutritious and reduce food waste! Meal planning, proper food storage, and using all parts of the food that we buy - these all play a real part in saving our landfills while saving us money! This event is made possible in part by support from the Washington State Department of Ecology and the King County Solid Waste Division. Instructor: Trish Jones 3 FREE! Tukwila Recycling Drop -Off Event Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Saturday, March 22 10:OOAM - 2:OOPM FREE event for Tukwila residents only WHAT'S ACCEPTED ELECTRONICS and computer equipment, cell phones and laptops APPLIANCES Refrigerated and non -refrigerated (limit of two refrigerated appliances) STYROFOAM Clean and dry foam only, with tape and labels removed TELEVISIONS Please, NO rear projection TVs or CRT TVs SMALL APPLIANCES DTC el41 1Green Planet This event is made possible in part by support from the Washington State Department of Ecology, King County Solid Waste Division, and the Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County. For more details about this event and the items accepted, please visit TukwilaWA.gov/ GarbageAndRecycling NOT ACCEPTED NO paint, liquids, or hazardous waste THE HAZELNUT COUNCIL CORNER On February3, the City Council thanked De'Sean Quinn for his seventeen years of service on the Tukwila City Council. First appointed in 2008, De'Sean went on to be elected and re- elected to four consecutive four-year terms with broad public support. On January 28, 2025, De'Sean was appointed to serve as the District 5 representative on the Metropolitan King County Council, and he had to submit his resignation from the Tukwila City Council that same day. We are proud of De'Sean and know he will continue to represent Tukwila well on matters before the County Council. His knowledge and experience will be missed. This resignation from the City Council means we have to embark on our second appointment process in less than two years. The position was posted on February 6 and closed February 21. We look forward to reviewing the applications and expect to complete this process by mid -March. The applications will be published online and available for the public to review at TukwilaWA.gov. In addition to our own meetings, City Councilmembers serve on a variety of regional, statewide and national boards and committees. The list is too long to print here, but I would like to congratulate the following for these specific leadership positions this year: Recognizing Councilmembers' service to the community by Tosh Sharp, 2025 Council President Armen Papyan is co-chair of Highline Forum Jovita McConnell is co-chair of the City of Tukwila Equity and Social Justice Commission, and co-chair of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance Board. Dennis Martinez is vice -chair of the South County Area Transportation Board. It is more important than ever that you make your voice heard in city government. Contact us anytime at CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov or at the emails and phone numbers on the back of this newsletter. Our meetings are open to the public and accessible online. To receive email notifications of all City Council meeting agendas, sign up at TukwilaWA.gov/AgendaPacket. RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS ■ Elected Tosh Sharp as 2025 Council President ■ Established standing committees and work sessions for 2025 (Res.2107) ■ Authorized collective bargaining agreements with Police Sergeants and Police Officers ■ Accepted Transportation Improvement Board grant fund- ing for South 124th St/50th Place Reconfiguration project ■ Accepted Washington State Department of Ecology grant funding for South 131st St Drainage Improvements Project ■ Granted nonexclusive franchise for telecommunications network to Intermountain Infrastructure Group (Ord. 2749) ■ Expressed sincere gratitude to De'Sean Quinn for his 17 years of service as a Councilmember (Res. 2108) ■ Designated Tosh Sharp to serve along with Jovita McConnell and Dennis Martinez on the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance Board CONFIRMATION Congratulations to Hamdi Diriye who was appointed to the City's Equity and Social Justice Commission. Tukwila thanks you for your volunteer service to our community! City Council meeting minutes and the complete text of all legislative items are available online in the Digital Records Center at TukwilaWA.gov. For additional information about the work of the City Council, please call 206-433-8993. MARCH 2025 5 You might qualify for a free or discounted heating and cooling system from King County. Register for more information. Program open to both homeowners and home renters. KingCounty.govlenergize Waxa laga yaabaa inaad u galanto nidaamka kulaylinta iyo gaboojinta bilaashka ah ee degmada King, iska diwaangeli macluumaad dheeraad ah. KingCounty.govienergize Quy vi co the du dieu kien dddc Quan King cap he thong sal va dieu boa khong khi mien phi, vui long ghi danh de biet them chi tiet, Chang trinh danh cho ca chu so hat nha va ngddi thue nha. KingCounty.gov/energize Puede optar por un sistema de calefaccion y afire acondicionado gratuito del condado de King, inscribase para obtener mas informacion. Programa abierto tanto parapropietarios como para inquilinos. KingCounty.govlenergize ENERGIZE KING COUNTY Get a heat pump from King County's Energize Program! Tukwila single-family homeowners and renters may qualify for a free or discounted heat pump or other home improvements. Family home child cares and adult family homes may also qualify. King County is expanding its Energize heat pump program in Skyway -West Hill, North Highline/ White Center, and parts of Tukwila. The Energize Program installs heat pumps and other clean technology in low- and moderate -income homes in King County. Income -qualified residents may qualify for 100% cost -coverage. Heat pumps provide efficient electrical heating and cooling that save energy and can save on energy bills. ulllllle f„r i�llllpll�lllllllllll�� i111111111111111111�111111p1111�111�11 � � y� 'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII11111W '�aol�Illlllllllllllllllllll�m�' 1111net 111111�11 Visit KingCounty.gov/energize to: • Learn more about the program • Verify income eligibility • Verify whether your address is in a qualified area • Submit an application The King County Energize Heat Pump Program is supported with funding from Washington's Climate CommitmentAct. The CCA supports Washington's climate action efforts by putting cap -and -invest dollars to work, reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at Climate. wa.gov. THE HAZELNUT Tukwila's law: Minimum Wage and Fair Access to Additional Hours of Work In 2022, Tukwila voters approved a citizen -led initiative - Minimum Wage & Fair Access to Additional Hours of Work - that became law on July 1, 2023. The City's Finance Department manages the law by: • Calculating and publishing annual minimum wage rate • Updating documents including annual Notice to Employees • Tracking covered employer annual compliance. MOST Tukwila employers are subject to the requirements of this law. They must annually certify compliance to Tukwila's Labor Standards for Certain Employees, as codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 5.63. ATTENTION, EMPLOYERS Have you sent the City your HR Compliance Certification form, as required by Tukwila Municipal Code 5.63 - Labor Standards for Certain Employees, for 2024? The deadline was January 31. If not, PLEASE CERTIFY NOW. You can avoid possible enforcement measures, plus save our taxpayers the cost of additional efforts to enforce compliance. STEPS TO CERTIFY COMPLIANCE 1. Visit our main web page at TukwilaWA.gov/ MinimumWage and review the .Clarify your legal responsibilities 2. Determine if your are a Mid -Size or Large Employer (based on total worldwide number of employees, not locally in Tukwila). 3. Click Tukwila Labor Standards (FAQs & Examples) to see a detailed reference guide. 4. On the main web page near the top, click on Certificate of Compliance (for employers). 5. Complete the form and submit IMMEDIATELY. Mail it to: Or email to: Finance Department City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd Tukwila, WA 98188 MinimumWage@TukwilaWA.gov QUESTIONS? Please contact Julie at MinimumWage@TukwilaWA.gov or 206-552-6873. City Hall in -person appointments with Julie are available by pre -arrangement. MINIMUM WAGE CALENDAR January 1 January 31 June 1 July l 2025 minimum wage rates effective (Official 2025 Notices on web page) Mid -Size Employer - $20.10 Large Employer - $21.10 Annual Compliance Certification due for prior year (2024) NOW OVERDUE Mid -Size Employers: Notify covered employees of required rate increase to the Large Employer rate of $21.10, effective July 1, 2025 (Official2025 Notices on web page) Mid -Size Employer hourly rate increases to match Large Employer rate of $21.10. (Single rate moving forward.) MARCH 2025 7 THE HAZELNUT City ofTukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. Keeping Tukwila flowing: Sewer system repairs underway Over the past few weeks, crews have been restoring nearly 8,000 feet of existing sewer main using an ultraviolet- cured -in -place pipe method. This method requires no digging, which helps minimize impacts to businesses and residents throughout the City. There are nine project sites, including a connection into King County's main sewer line. Throughout the city, several large King County sewer pipes collect and carry our wastewater to a nearby county treatment plant. You never see them, but sewer pipes work hard underground every day, keeping our city clean and running smoothly! TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard City Hall campus in -person hours: Monday —Thursday, 8:30AM-4:0OPM Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax: 206-433-1833 Email: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov Website: TukwilaWA.gov MAYOR Thomas McLeod 206-433-1850 Mayor's Office Administration Offices 206-433-1850 Marty Wine, CityAdministrator....206-433-1851 Brandon Miles, Dir,Stratlnit/GovRe1206-431-3684 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Community Engagement 206-454-7564 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Resources - Personnel ...206-433-1831 Human Services 206-433-7181 Emergency Management 206-971-8750 Technology Services 206-454-7575 Community Development Dept. Nora Gierloff, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Aaron BeMiller, Director 206-433-1835 Parks/Recreation Department Kris Kelly, Interim Director 206-767-2342 Police Department Eric Dreyer, Chief 206-433-7175 Public Works Department Pete Mayer, lntDir/Dep CityAdm. 206-433-0179 Emergency - Fire, Police 911 MUNICIPAL COURT 15005 Tukwila International Blvd 206-433-1840 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2321 Facility Rentals 206-767-2323 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY All fire -related services 253-856-4300 PugetSoundFire.org 2025 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Tosh Sharp, Council President 206 507-6440 Tosh.Sharp@TukwilaWA.gov Mohamed Abdi 206-798-4872 Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWA.gov De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939 Desean.Quinn@TukwilaWA.gov Armen Papyan 206-888-3380 Armen.Papyan@TukwilaWA.gov Jovita McConnell 206-600-3533 Jovita.Mcconnell@TukwilaWA.gov Dennis Martinez 206-960-1607 Dennis.Martinez@TukwilaWAgov Hannah Hedrick 206-580-8123 Hannah.Hedrick@TukwilaWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov Laurel Humphrey, Analyst 206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:0OPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole 2nd/4th Mondays