Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-11 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 8 No. 3L908 % HAZELVT Volume 8 Number 3 GARY VAN DUSEN, MAYOR November 1986 PROPOSED 1987 TUKWILA CITY BUDGET WHERE IT COMES FROM 45.7% ❑ SALES TAXES si PROPERTY/OTHER ® SERVICES INTERGOVT'L REV ;, ALL OTHER r.oy �.:? 6.3`,0 ,� 20.1% / 18 I � 9.3% 6% PROPOSED BUDGET 1987 The proposed 1987 budget was pre- sented to the city council on October 20. The budget proposal was completed after a thorough and exhaustive administrative budget development and review process. As Mayor, I am confident that only neces- sary programs and initiatives are included in this proposal. I feel the product is within our fiscal capability and is a most responsible budget. Through the years we have developed several comprehensive plans to deal with development, growth, future costs and revenues. Therefore, the budget closely follows five-year Capital Improvement and Financial plans. These two plans en- able us to know what large projects are anticipated and how they are to be fi- nanced. We will no longer look one year ahead for budget planning, but several years. All of our comprehensive city plans are multi-year and require updating every year as circumstances change. The total net increase for the current fund budget is only $185,307 or 2.7% . The total current fund proposed for 1987 Continued, Page 2 PROPOSED 1987 TUKWILA CITY BUDGET WHERE IT GOES 41.5% El STREETS ® WATER 14.5% li ®SEWER 1 NN :.: 0 FIRE O.;,•r/ � '''''•f • � 14.3% POLICE 10.7% NCO PARKS & REC 4.0% 7.9% 7.1% :: ALL OTHER COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW MEMBER On October 6, Council interviewed the nine well-qualified Tukwila citizens that applied for the vacant Council posi- tion. After lengthy consideration, they ap- pointed James J. McKenna to fill the va- cancy. Mr. McKenna lives in the Tukwila section of McMicken Heights with his wife, Cynthia, and two children, Erik and Brienne. He has been employed by Peo- ples Bancorporation since 1985. He has been working in the financial/banking community since 1974. Mr. McKenna was interested in becom- ing a Council Member to see that the high level of responsiveness of the Council to the needs of the people continues. As a resident and as one who has worked in Tukwila, he knows some of the problems facing the City. He willingly accepts the responsibility to serve the City and see that its excellent quality of life is main- tained. WORD FROM YOUR COUNCIL PRESIDENT As we begin to think about heading into the holiday season and winding up this year's work, I'd like to take time out to express my appreciation to all of you who have helped make Tukwila a better place to live. During this year as City Council President, I've tried to make sure all of our citizens know we have an open door policy so they could express their concerns. Last January I set as my goal for the Council and Administration to work to- gether as one for our citizens and for the City. I think we've done that pretty well. I've really enjoyed hearing from you and encourage all of you to keep on calling to let us know what you're thinking. In the next two months, we'll be work- ing hard to pass a budget that's fair to you and good for Tukwila. We'll keep work- ing on better communication and out- reach. What we don't get done this year, we'll be sure to work on next year! JOE DUFFIE Council President CALL YOUR MAYOR The Major is the presiding offi- cer of the City Council as well as the chief administrative officer of the City. If you have a concern re- garding City policies, services, staff or just want to make a comment, I urge you to call me at these tele- phone numbers. City Hall 433-1805 Home 243-6743 I will make every effort to re- spond to your inquiry or comment. Gary Van Dusen Mayor Continued from Page 1 is $6,979,802. The current fund is the ad- ministrative and operating fund for the City. It includes the offices of the Mayor, City Council, Boards, and departments that include Police, Fire, Planning, Recre- ation and part of Public Works. Many new employee positions were re- quested by the departments. I have pro- posed that only three additional positions be included. 1. One special operations police offi- cer to increase narcotics enforce- ment and other special operations. 2. One utility worker in the water de- partment to catch up on deferred system maintenance and provide support for new water system im- provements. 3. A building inspector to address util- ity inspections and enable coordi- nation and efficiency in the overall permit process. As Mayor, I have attempted to control the increasing cost of our government, while at the same time maintaining or im- proving levels of service. We have in- creased the efficiency and productivity of staff and we must continue this effort through skill development and by provid- ing the tools employees need to accom- plish their work. I urge every citizen to stop by City Hall and review the budget. Ask your ques- tions of me or the staff. If we can't imme- diately answer your question we will make every effort to get the answer for you as soon as possible. The City Council is now reviewing the proposed budget in their committees and will hold a public hearing on December 1, 1986. You can make your concerns known at that time. Call a member of the City Council or call me. I will make sure the Council gets your opinion during the budget process. The budget is the most important and all-encompassing policy document of the City. The programs, projects and services provided therein will continue to im- prove the quality of life in Tukwila not only for 1987, but in the years to come. Gary L. VanDusen Mayor SAFETY CITY was again a huge success during Fire Prevention Week at Southcenter Shopping Center. During the week of Oct. 15, Tukwila Fire and Police Personnel, with the aid of the Police and Fire Explorers, assisted 1,000 school age children through Safety City. This is a miniature town designed to show children everyday hazards they could face and, if they do, what to do in the particular situation. Lieutenant Mike Alderson explains pedestrian crossings to an interested group. Fire Fighter Pete Taylor conducts a tour for children through Safety City. Mayor Van Dusen, City of Tukwila, and Mayor Shinpoch, City of Renton, sign inter local agreement. TUKWILA-RENTON BOUNDARY EXCHANGE On August 11, 1986, Mayor Gary Van Dusen and Mayor Barbara Shinpoch of Renton signed an important interlocal agreement authorizing the mutual ex- change of 216 acres between Tukwila and Renton. The exchange straightens the ir- regular common boundary between the two jurisdictions by adopting the eastern edge of the Burlington Northern right-of-way as the new boundary be- tween the two cities. Both cities will benefit from the boundary adjustment which will resolve several long-term problems associated with the irregular border. 1. Water and sewer service and main- tenance will be improved. 2. Realignment of the boundaries will simplify access to several proper- ties for improved police and fire service. 3. Businesses located in one city but identified by name or zip code with another city will move to the ap- propriate city. The most obvious example is Andy's Tukwila Station, presently located in Renton; the ad- justment will place the restaurant in Tukwila. Tukwila will acquire approximately 102 acres of land and give up 114 acres of private land. Approximately 60% of the land is railroad right-of-way. Approxi- mately 99 acres of the total 114 is located in a highly developable site owned by Burlington Northern Railroad. As part of the exchange, Tukwila will acquire approximately $14.4 million in assessed valuation and will give up ap- proximately $2.9 million. Elected officials and staffs of both cit- ies worked together over a period of months to develop this innovative solu- tion to a year-old problem. In September, the application for the boundary ex- change was submitted to the King County Review Board for consideration. We hope that the Boundary Review Board will rule favorably for the boundary exchange and expect that the land will become part of Tukwila in late December 1986 or early January 1987. DOGS: FRIEND OR FOE? Dogs can be friendly, provide compan- ionship, or stand guard over your safety or property. Dogs are a truly versatile ani- mal coming in all shapes, sizes and dispo- sitions. Canines have always been "man's best friend" and probably will be far into the future. However, the one thing each dog owner must remember is that their dog may not be so highly valued by their neighbors. We receive many complaints at City Hall and increasing numbers may in- dicate a real problem with dogs. Being awakened in the middle of the night by a neighbor's barking dog can ultimately raise the "killer instinct" in the most gen- tle of people. Many dogs seem to prefer their neighbor's yard for purposes of re- lieving themselves. And a growling, snarl- ing dog may only be protecting his master's property, but a passerby with small children can become quite fright- ened. The dog question is perennially the most difficult for local officials to ad- dress. Traditionally, the City has con- tracted with King County Animal Control to enforce the City's Animal Control Ordi- nance. Following are some important points to remember: 1. All dogs over 4 months old must have a King County license. 2. It is unlawful for any dog to tres- pass on public or private property so as to destroy or damage prop- erty. 3. Dogs cannot run at large; they must be on a leash when off the owner's premises. 4. A dog which habitually howls, yelps, whines or barks constitutes a nuisance under the law. 5. It is unlawful for any dog to snap, growl, snarl, jump upon or other- wise threaten persons lawfully us- ing the public right-of-way. The City will shortly coordinate an emphasis patrol in the residential area and the City parks, but it is the responsibility of each pet owner to observe these rules and make sure they and their dog are in compliance. Any violations to this ordinance should be reported directly to King County Animal Control by calling 344-3935. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Gary VanDusen Mayor CRYSTAL SPRINGS PARK DEDICATED On a rainy Saturday morning over a dozen hearty residents met to celebrate the opening of the City's newest facility, Crystal Springs Park. At 10:00 a.m. on October 25 a ceremonial ribbon was cut by Park Commission Chairman Cindy McKenna and Mayor Gary Van Dusen. Helping to hold the ribbon in the picture are (from L to R) Sharon Mann; Kathy Roberts; Carl Stixrood, Project Ar- chitect/CH2M Hill; Jim McKenna, Councilman; Don Morrison, City Ad- ministrator; Cindy McKenna; Mayor Gary L. Van Dusen; Clarence Moriwaki; Dr. Michael Silver, Superintendent, South Central School District; Leslie Campbell; and Tom Tiegen. The park includes picnic facilities, horseshoe pits, play equipment, lighted tennis and basketball courts, and an inter- esting tiled map and historical informa- tion about Tukwila's early days as a city. Park and street construction costs totalled $268,878. CALLS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE During normal weekday office hours any request for City services can be called in to 433-1800. You will be transferred to the proper de- partment. What do you do or who do you call when trees are blown down, streets blocked/washed out, or storm drains become plugged during evening hours and on week- ends? The fastest response is to call the Police Department at 433-1808. Our police officers are authorized to investigate and call out the nec- essary City'crews. Do not hesitate to all if you see a problem developing or even if you just have a concern. Also, a reminder that you should call 911 in any other emergency sit- uation that immediately threatens life or property and requires a po- lice or fire response. Tukwila Police Explorer Kim Wilson finger- prints a local child during a recent public service program at Southcenter. McGruff meets Mayor Van Dusen "OFFICER MC GRUFF" Just another pretty face? Not true! The Tukwila Police Department's newest "re- cruit" has turned the heads of hundreds of excited school children. The Police De- partment has enlisted the services of "Of- ficer" McGruff, a six-foot crime fighting dog to talk to students and adults about safety and crime prevention. McGruff is a nationally known symbol of crime pre- vention. McGruff made his Tukwila debut at the Tukwila Days Parade. He was present on the first day of school, greeting students on arrival. He has been involved in school assemblies and small group appearances. In addition to the bigger -than -life Mc - Gruff, the Police Department and local Rotary Club have placed McGruff puppets in primary classrooms in the South Central School District. The puppets are used by the teachers with a prepared cassette tape that contains a dozen different messages lasting three or four minutes. The pro- gram has been well received. The Police Department's long range goal is to pro- vide a puppet for each classroom K through 5. If you would like additional informa- tion about the McGruff program or would like to find out about scheduling, please call Pat Lowery at the Tukwila Police De- partment at 433-1808. HE HAZELNUT PUBLISHED QUARTERLY By the City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUKWILA, WA. PERMIT NO. 12698 Rick Beeler has been appointed as the new Planning Director for the City by Mayor Van Dusen. He is a University of Washington graduate in Architecture and Urban Planning and has been working for the City as the Associate Planner for the past three years. His latest project has been the coordination of the Tukwila 2000 Committee. He has served as a hear- ing examiner for the City of Bellevue and as a private consultant in land use mat- ters. Rick was selected for his expertise in planning and land use matters but, more importantly, for his ability to work with all segments of the public. His goals in- clude a more expeditous permit process, better relationships between residents, businesses and staff, and implementation of Tukwila 2000. He is excited about the importance of Tukwila in regional issues and how we impact those decisions. Rick and his wife, Linda, have been married for twenty years. They have three children, Holli (16), Traci (12) and Joshua (8). He and his wife have been foster par- ents several times to unwed mothers. They are active in their church and Rick likes to paint with water colors. Several of his paintings have been purchased by the Arts Commission and are on display at City Hall. HOT MEAL PROGRAM You are cordially invited to at- tend the opening day festivities, as we bring a New Hot Meal Pro- gram to the Tukwila Community Center. join us Tuesday, December 2, 1986, at 11:00-3:00 for our kick off! Cost: $1.75 for adults 55 years of age and older. Make reservations by Wednes- day, November 26, 1986. Call 243-5198 between 8:30 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. Program will include: • Facility Tour • Hot Lunch • Special Entertainment The Hot Meal program will con- tinue each Tuesday and Wednesday. The staff and participants of the City of Tukwila Parks and Recrea- tion Department welcome you to join us and look forward to meeting each of you. FIRE DISTRICT #1 SERVICE CONTRACT The City of Tukwila and the Commis- sioners of King County Fire District #1 (Allentown and Duwamish) are in the fi- nal phase of negotiating a contract for the City to provide fire and emergency medi- cal services. The contract will soon be presented to the City Council for their ratification. A public hearing should be announced soon and all interested citi- zens should attend and express their opinion. Otherwise, you should let your views be known to the Mayor or the mem- bers of the City Council The contract will basically provide for all Fire District firefighters to become Tukwila employees and the Fire District will contract for fire and emergency med- ical services from the City of Tukwila. The Fire District will pay for services on a cost basis and the district will maintain its own capital equipment and improvement fund. TUKWILA APPOINTS NEW BUILDING OFFICIAL Mayor Gary Van Dusen is pleased to announce the appointment of Duane Griffin as the new Building Official for the City of Tukwila. As Building Official, Mr. Griffin will be in charge of building and related code permits for construction activities occur- ring in Tukwila and will supervise the Building Division. Mr. Griffin worked with the Kent Building Department for the past 9 years as a combination building/mechanical/ plumbing inspector and most recently as the code enforcement administrative as- sistant. He is certified as a Building In- spector by the International Conference of Building Officials. Before working at the City of Kent, Mr. Griffin completed 20 years of service with the Air Force and retired in 1977. Duane is from Minnesota originally and is married with two grown children. Tukwila Fire Fighters transfer supplies to new aid unit placed into service Oct. 18th.