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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-03 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 8 No. 1HAZfl%CT Volume 8 Number 1 GARY VAN DUSEN, MAYOR March 1986 MAYOR'S MESSAGE In my annual State of the City Address, I stated that the City of Tukwila was fi- nancially sound. The City in recent years has had excellent financial growth and consequently, it has been able to provide an exceptional level of services to our citi- zens. The services we provide to our pri- vate and corporate population is, in my personal opinion, beyond compare to any other City in the state and probably the country. Tukwila relies heavily on the sales tax and assessed valuation to provide a large portion of our revenue. Approximately 90% of our budget revenue comes from shoppers and business property owners. se services we provide to our business mmunity takes many dollars, but the spillover" effect of having so many po- licemen, firemen, public works and other City staff, allows the 4,700 people in our residential areas to reap benefits beyond the capacity of larger cities. We have been able to devote more dol- lars now, and hopefully into the future, to our Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP includes streets, water, sewer, and other infrastructure improvements. Many cities are now struggling to meet the funding demands for maintenance and other existing infrastructure, to say nothing of replacement and building new structures. The very existence of Tukwila in the future will depend on how well we handle these and other crucial funding items. The size of our City staff is also very important. At the present, we have a per- sonnel force that is capable of function- ing and providing the service requirements to our community in a per- sonal and professional manner. This size still allows all the individual attention that you may require, without having the governmental bureaucracy of other agen- cies that make you wonder who is serving -whom? Larger surrounding governmental tities appear to be incapable of deliver- .ig this type of service. There are several things that may effect the service level to our citizens and as - Continued on back page MESSAGE FROM THE CITY COUNCIL: As the City Council's 1986 President, I want to take the time to say thanks to the daytime citizens, residential citizens, businesses, apartment and condominium dwellers, and others for attending our Open House on February 10. For those of you who did not get a chance to meet us, there will be another forum on May 12th, so put it on your calendar. These get-togethers are a chance to meet each other and talk about our concerns. Remember, the Council works for the City and the City works for you. In order for our City to continue to grow, we all must work together to improve commun- ication between citizens and the leader- ship which the City Council and Mayor provide. I want to remind you, our doors are open, and we are always glad to hear your views. Remember Council committees are meeting to talk about City issues - your issues. Transportation Committee Mae Harris Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m. Utilities Committee Marilyn Stoknes Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m. Public Safety & Health Wendy Morgan Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 5:15 p.m. Finance & Personnel Ed Bauch Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 5:45 p.m. Community Affairs Charles Simpson Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m. Parks and Recreation Doris Phelps Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays, 5:45 p.m. Again, thanks for coming, and hope we see you again! - Joe Duffie, Council President SPRING CLEAN-UP April 18 -April 27 MAYOR AND COUNCIL REVIEW 1985 1985 was a busy and productive year. The city was able to accomplish a lot for the community in setting policy, provid- ing municipal services, and undertaking capital improvements. A great deal of time was also spent in planning, coordi- nating and responding to a variety of im- portant issues and projects. 1985 was also the last year for Senior Councilman Bud Bohrer (top right) who chaired the Community Affairs commit- tee. Mr.Bohrer did not seek a third term for office. Marilyn Stokeness was elected to fill his seat. Tukwila City Council members. Top left to right: 1985 Council President Ed Bauch, Charlie Simpson, Mayor Gary VanDusen, 1986 Council President Joe Duffie, and retir- ing councilman Bud Bohrer. Seated left to right: Mae Harris, Wendy Morgan and Doris Phelps. 1985 HIGHLIGHTS Ordinances and Resolution: - Annexed 4 areas into Tukwila, including 850 new citizens - Updated City's Traffic Code and Crimi- nal Code - Adopted 1986-1991 Capital Improve- ment Plan (CIP) - Adopted Towing Ordinance - Adopted 6 year Transportation Im- provement Plan - Enacted ordinance to assure payment of LID assessments - Amended State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) ordinance - Adopted Mutual Aid Standard Form Agreement for Countywide use - Continued on back page CITY RECEIVES AWARD On January 7, 1986, the City of Tuk- wila was presented a Certification of Ap- preciation from the Chief of the Washington State Patrol in behalf of the Citizens of Washington State in recogni- tion of the city's work in preventing haz- ardous materials incidents. The Tukwila Fire Department, under the direction of Fire Chief Hubert H. Crawley, developed the first hazardous materials response unit in the State. Oper- ating since 1978, the unit responds to ap- proximately two incidents per month involving chemicals that are spilled, burn- ing, or leaking. During the time the unit has been in operation, Chief Crawley has served as a Technical Advisor to the Wash- ington State Patrol as well as other units of local, state and, federal governments. 1985 COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS In 1985 the City mailed a community attitude survey to every household and business. From the 450 plus surveys re- turned,the city was able to get a fairly good sampling of Tukwila attitudes and opinions about 72 different community issues and services. Listed below is a summary of the high- est and lowest rated services according to the survey. HIGHEST RATED CATEGORIES & SERVICES (in order of rating): 1. Good shopping facilities 2. Appearance of public buildings, grounds and parks 3. Local banking services 4. Appearance of business district 5. Adequate water pressure 6. Cleanliness of community 7. Overall law enforcement 8. Fire Protection 9. Police patrol 10. Availability of local and regional parks 11. Water quality and pollution control 12. Street signage and striping 13. Effectiveness of brochures and city mailings 14. Street maintenance 15. Good and attractive public facilities 16. Aid Unit 17. Public Transit (METRO) LOWEST RATED CATEGORIES & SERVICES (in order of rating): 1. Appearance of street shoulders and rights-of-way 2. Homeowners maintaining and beau- tifying their homes 3. Quality of Postal Services 4. Improvement of vacant lots and inner -blocks 5. Animal Control 6. Street sweeping 7. Involvement of citizens in commu- nity planning 8. Street and highway maintenance 9. Quality of regional planning 10. Snow removal and sanding Although on any list there is a high and a low (top and bottom), fortunately those categories and services rated only fair or poor in the survey were not generally "poor" ratings, but the bottom end of "good" ratings. Those services and cate- gories that received the highest percent- age of poor ratings include: 1. Improvement of vacant lots and inner -blocks - 20.1% poor rating 2. Appearance of street shoulders and ROWs - 15.3% poor rating 3. Animal Control Efforts - 13.2% poor rating 4. Postal Services - 12.5% poor rating The survey also asked a number of is- sue questions. It is apparent from the re- sponses that many people don't know enough about the issue to have formed an opinion. Thus, we see high percentages of "no opinion" responses throughout the opinion questions. The first set dealt with capital improvements that may re- quire bond issues to construct. When asked if they would be willing to support a bond issue for those projects, the re- sponses were as follows: Issue 1. Construct curbs and gutters on unim- proved streets 2. Reconstruct substandard streets 3. Develop new parks 4. Improve storm drainage 5. Build sidewalks 6. Construct new community center 7. Build new Foster Golf Club House The following concerns were ad- dressed in the survey by asking citizens if they were generally for or against an is- sue,without any specific mention of the financial costs of addressing those issues. Issue 1. Annexing Fire District #1 2. Annexing more of McMicken & Foster 3. Locating METRO Transit Transfer Cen- ter near Southcenter 4. Constructing new community center 5. Stricter zoning and building regulation 6. More emphasis on animal control & leash law enforcement 7. Developing South 180th Connector NEW PARK - NEW NAME! "CRYSTAL SPRINGS PARK" In the last issue of the Hazelnut, tho City Council and Mayor announce, community contest to name the Cii, newest park located in the southwest area of town. The Park Naming Committee re- ceived 27 entries to review. After all was said and done the Committee was unani- mous in selecting a name to recommend to the City Council. It was Crystal Springs Park. On February 18 the Council unani- mously agreed with the proposed name and officially authorized its use. The entry was suggested by Helen Nel- son because the site of the park property is where crystal clear springs fed a water system operated by her family. The Inde- pendent Water Company, partly owned by the Nelsons, had storage tanks on the hill west of Tukwila which were fed by the springs. In the second phase of park develop- ment it is hoped the spring waters will be utilized in ponds and water falls within the park area. First phase construction will be completed this spring with second phase construction of 8 acres scheduled for 1988. The Mayor and Council will be revie- ing this information in view of fut budget needs and current operational t, cus. Plans are being made to improve those areas that were not highly rated, while striving to maintain the high satis- faction ratings of the other categories. Yes % No % No Opinion 35.3 28.9 35.9 47.4 18.4 28.1 41.5 30.5 33.9 47.1 25.4 27.5 49.3 25.0 25.7 32.5 36.4 31.3 15.0 55.8 29.2 For Against No Opinion 28.2 18.2 53.0 48.0 23.7 28.3 52.2 20.8 27.0 38.8 26.8 34.4 27.8 33.4 38.8 50.9 16.7 32.4 51.3 14.3 43.4 Jackie Duffie, Dorothy Lindberg, Freda Todd, June Shaw & Major VanDusen SENIOR VOLUNTEERS HONORED The City of Tukwila Senior Adult Pro- gram honored over 42 volunteers at the Second Annual Volunteer banquet in Jan- uary. Each volunteer was given a certificate and Karen Patton, Senior Adult Specialist, gave a short talk on each one's contribu- tion to the center. Mayor VanDusen and City Administrator Don Morrison at- tended the banquet and presented the awards. Ozzie & Rita Kraus of the Foster Golf Restaurant catered the lunch and mem- bers of the Recreation Department served the attendees. ZECREATION SERVICES IN TUKWILA The City is going to be listening to what you have to tell us about the kinds of park and recreation programs you would like to see in Tukwila. Administra- tion and Parks and Recreation Committee have begun to develop a comprehensive plan for recreation services. A telephone survey will be taken in late spring to find out what kinds of classes, programs, sports, workshops, community center, and other programs or facilities you are most interested in, and what your opin- ion is on how to fund these things. Be prepared to answer the telephone survey! It's easy! After all, this is a simple and ef- fective way to have influence on planning for your city's — and your — future. it ICU ir 1r McGruN• The Crime Deg MC GRUFF HOUSE - SAFE HOUSE PROGRAM A TUKWILA/KING COUNTY CRIME PREVENTION PROJECT On 21 February 1986, through a joint effort by the parent service organizations and teaching staffs of the South Central School District Elementary Schools, Tukwila/King County Police Agencies, the Southland Corporation and the Southcen- ter Rotary Club of Tukwila, a "McGruff House" — Safe Home Program was inti- tiated. The program, already in operation in North King County as well as several cit- ies and rural districts in eastern Washing- ton, will identify a place of safety for youngsters as they move about the area. While its primary target will be to provide a safety net during those hours when chil- dren are moving between home and school, it may be utilized at anytime a youngster feels threatened or in the need of adult assistance. Who can be designated a McGruff Safe House? A McGruff Safe House sign will be issued to a person designated a safe neigh- bor who fulfills the following criteria: is responsible and of good moral character; 21 years of age or older; not convicted of any violations of law except for minor traffic offenses; voluntarily submits to a law enforcement record check conduced by the Tukwila/King County Police de- partments. What will a safe house provide? The safe neighbor will be a safe contact with an adult for a child in an emergency situa- tion and should be available to children during the hours they are coming to and going home from school. They are ex- pected to call the child's school, parents or 911 immediately if any of the follow- ing situations occur: • a child is molested • a child is frightened or approached by a stranger • a child is the subject of an indecent ex- posure • a child is lost • a child is bitten by an animal "McGruff House" safe houses will be identified by the Mcgruff Crime Fighting Figure, a trench coated hound dog, em- blazoned on a placard shaped like a house with the legend ... Mcgruff House. If you have any questions about the pro- gram or would like additional informa- tion, please contact Pat Lowery, Tukwila Police Department, Crime Prevention Program ... 433-1822. The Tukwila Library recently re- ceived a facelift which included his- toric restoration, paint and additional landscaping. Library hours are: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Saturday: 1:OOpm-8:30pm 10:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 8:30 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm A new copy machine has been in- stalled and may be used at 100 per page. COUNCIL RETREAT The City Council met for a retreat over President's Day weekend and stated their mission for the year in terms of represent- ing Tukwila citizens. Council's goals this year will be to develop a sense of commu- nity, encourage economic vitality and im- prove the quality of life in Tukwila. To do this they will exercise legislative leader- ship with citizen involvement. Among specific action goals for the year were holding three open Citizen -Council forums to meet with and hear from citizens, creating citizen advi- sory committees and encouraging repre- sentation at intergovernmental meetings. The general tone of the retreat focused on positive ways of working with citizens and the administration, and on beginning to develop an image of what kind of City Tukwila should be and what it should strive for in the future. Council has begun their new work agenda with renewed enthusiasm. Their retreat was a success, and Council mem- bers are looking toward working with cit- izens to make their ideas a reality in 1986 and beyond. HE HAZELNUT PUBLISHED QUARTERLY By the City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUKWILA, W, PERMIT NO. 12u Written by City Employees - Continued your Mayor I feel I have the responsibility of making you aware of at least some of them. Many cities now fear Federal cuts through legislation recently passed in Congress. These cuts will also affect Tuk- wila but less directly, because the funds are distributed based on population. Tuk- wila has a fairly small resident population (4,700). More importantly, the City of Tukwila must always be on guard for any changes by our own state legislature, es- pecially those which may affect the sales tax. The sales tax is the principal method by which we are able to fund services to our large visitor and employment popula- tion. Another concern is annexation of large areas without addressing the full fiscal impacts of capital infrastructure costs and additional staffing requirements which could have the effect of reducing services and benefits to our present population. Legislative pressures that may increase or create City social services traditionally provided by state and federal programs are also of concern. Finally, the possibil- ity of creating unwarranted development constraints in our central business district could also impact us by forcing businesses to relocate or build elsewhere. These and many other items and issues could and may affect future services to all our citi- zens. As your Mayor, I have concentrated on developing a City staff at all levels, which will provide excellent service to our com- munity. You have elected me to preside over the City Council and execute the af- fairs of the City. I want to represent you and keep you informed as best I can. I have raised these issues as "Food for Thought" because the City is striving to have more public input into City affairs. Good government must not work in an isolated vacuum. You elect us and we are ultimately responsible to you for how this City functions. Please continue to let me know your needs and interests. Gary L.VanDusen Mayor - Continued Projects: - Computerized business license opera- tion - Developed computer masterplan for the city - Installed computerized Court Informa- tion System - Initiated Urban development/Tukwila 2000 planning effort - Completed management review of po- lice department and implemented 72 rec- ommendations for improvement - Developed loss manual to protect city from unforseen losses - Constructed grass tees on golf course holes Nos. 3, 11 & 17 - Tukwila Library (the old school) was historically rehabilitated - Phase III of the Christensen Green Belt Trail was completed - Initiated construction of "Crystal Springs Park" - Initiated Foster Park drainage construc- tion - Completed 55th -140th residential street project - Completed new Foster bridge with King County Agreements, Miscellaneous: - Approved Interlocal Agreement for Val- ley Cities Affirmative Action Program - Approved Effluent Transfer System agreement with METRO - Initiated Comprehensive Transporta- tion Policy Plan Study - Initiated drainage studies for Fostoria and Gilliam Creek basins. WANTED:VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS (male or female) The Tukwila Fire Department is seek- ing qualified individuals to help in pro- tecting their community. The department offers the following benefits: • $2.50 per hour ($5.00 minimum) per call or drill • Joint participation in a pension plan • Medical coverage • Education—first aid—CPR—fire fighting • Opportunity to serve your commu- nity • Opportunity to serve as a role model for our young adults All applicants will have to pass a depart- ment paid physical, prior to training. We make the training hours flexible to meet the requirements of all interested individ- uals. Persons interested should contact the Tukwila Fire Department at 575-4404 be- tween the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Since we're open 24 hours a day stop by for a visit. You're always wel- come. Hubert H. Crawley, Fire Chief PHILADELPHIA STRING QUARTET TO PERFORM The Tukwila Arts Commission is pleased to announce their first "Chamber Music" event featuring the Philadelphia String Quartet. The program will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Tukwila City Hall. The Quartet will perform for approxi- mately 45 minutes and will be followed by a short reception. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the Quartet and view items of art that have been pur- chased by the Tukwila Arts Commission. Members of the Commission would like to thank Cheryl Collier for her help in securing the Philadelphia String Quar- tet. She and her husband will be featured in the next Chamber Music performance in October. All Arts Commission Events are open to all members of the community. PleaF join us for Chamber Music! For further information Contact Lynn Devoir - 433-5198