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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-07 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 8 No. 2HAZELVT Volume 8 Number 2 GARY VAN DUSEN, MAYOR July 1986 MAYOR'S MESSAGE Tukwila Days are once again upon us and this year's events should be more fun and exciting than before. This celebration is for our citizens and I ask each and ev- eryone of you to participate in the festivi- ties on August 8, 9, and 10. We do not commercialize or hype the summer events because we want to keep this a lo- cal affair. This is a time for all local orga- nizations to celebrate with our community. Citizens of all ages from babes in arms to grandparents are wel- come to come join us and have some fun during Tukwila Days. Sincerely, Gary L.VanDusen Mayor OUTDOOR MUSIC AT DOUBLETREE PLAZA The City of Tukwila Arts Commission, Savings Bank of Puget Sound and the Doubletree Plaza present Lunchtime Mu- sic. The concerts will take place from 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. on the Doubletree Plaza lawn. Friday, August 8th — Uptown, Low- down Jazz Band Friday, August 15th — Threshold Friday, August 22nd — Emerald City Brass Ensemble Friday, August 29th — Collier Duet The series was put together by Lynn De- voir, city staff; Leslie Campbell, Arts Commission Chairman, Ron Fissel, Sav- ings Bank of Puget Sound and Patrick Mc- Shane of the Doubletree Plaza. The committee would like to invite residents and workers from Tukwila to enjoy their lunch hour with music. TUKWILA DAYS AUGUST 8, 9 & 10, 1986 Mayor VanDusen is pleased to an- nounce that Tukwila Days 1986 will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 8, 9, and 10th. Activities for this year include: Friday, August 8th 8th — 12th Grade Dance — The cost is $2.00 Saturday, August 9th Pancake Breakfast — 7-10:00 a.m. Served by the Kiwanis club. Enjoy pan- cakes, sausage, juice and coffee for only $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. Tukwila Day Parade — 10:00 a.m. Citizens for all ages are invited to march in the parade. Prizes will be awarded for different categories. Carolyn Elfstrom is Chairperson. Tukwila Days Community Festival — 11-3:00 p.m. Join friends and neighbors for food, fun and entertainment. Children will be treated to Tickle Tune Typhoon from 11-12, and adults will enjoy the Up - Town, Lowdown Jazz Band from 1-3:00 p.m. The groups are being sponsored by the Tukwila Arts Commission. Other ac- tivities include old fashion games for fam- ilies. Adult Dance — 9-12 midnight. Dance your socks off for only $ 5.00 at the Tuk- wila Days Dance. Open to everyone 21 and over. Sunday, August 10th Tukwila River Run — 10K and 3K. Run beings at 9:00 a.m. Run along the Green River. Entrants receive a T-shirt. cost is $6.00 pre -registration and $7.00 day of race. This event is sponsored by the Tukwila Kiwanis Club. Tukwila Open Golf — 10:00 a.m. The Tukwila Open, is open to golfers of all skill levels. Scoring is done with the Cal- loway Handicap System. Shirts or golf balls will be awarded to all golfers who participate. Cost is $6.00 Family Swim — 2-4:00 p.m. In coop- eration with the South Central Pool and King County Parks, a free family swim will be offered to end Tukwila Days. The Mayor looks forward to seeing you and your Family at the events. If you want further information, please contact the Tukwila Parks and Recreation at 243-5198. "TUK-WILLY" makes hit with youn- ger set. Two Tukwila shopping centers have donated a $3,000 fire hydrant to the Tuk- wila Fire Department. And they think they got a good deal. So does Doug Gibbs, fire marshal for the city department. That hydrant won't douse a single fire, Gibbs says. But it may prevent scores of blazes. That's because the hydrant donated by Southcenter and the Pavillion Outlet Cen- ter is a robot — a walking, talking fire plug designed to teach kids fire prevention. Gibbs says the remote -control fire plug is an effective tool for drilling children on the dangers of fire. "It's amazing how many kids will talk to a fire hydrant," Gibbs says. The walking, talking marvel was named "Tuk-Willy" by Kimberly Mo- tonaga, student of Valley View Elemen- tary School in the Highline School District. Byron Sne.a, Public Works Director, visits E.T.S. Project Site at 42nd Ave. So. 96" Diameter pipe for Metro Ef- fluent Force Main shown in back- ground. METRO ETS PIPELINE PROJECT The Tri-State Construction Company has installed an 8 foot diameter effluent pipeline along Interurban Avenue on the frontage of Foster Golf Course and is now proceeding with installing the pipeline under the Duwamish River. This project will continue for the remainder of the year, completing the crossing of the river, the back five of the golf course and under the railroad tracks to connect with the pipeline coming from the Renton Treat- ment Plant. The Frank Coluccio Con- struction Company has installed the 8 foot diameter pipeline along Interurban Avenue from 1133rd street to approxi- mately 42nd Avenue where they have had a difficult time with some of the very deep sections of the pipeline. This sec- tion of pipeline is expected to be com- pleted and out of the city within two weeks. The Frank Coluccio Construction Company also has a contract to tunnel the section from in front of the golf course northward underneath I-5 to 133rd Street. The portal has been excavated and Willie Kraus, City Inspector on the Metro E.T.S. Project checks backfill at deep section near 42nd Ave. So. the tunneling mole machine has been set in place and the tunneling excavation will begin in a few days and is expected to continue on a two shift per day schedule for the next several months. In conjunction with the METRO work the contractors are providing and will provide mitigation projects for the City and some of that work, including the storm sewer work now being installed along Interurban Avenue, will continue with curb and gutter and sidewalk and trail improvements. Construction work will continue on into 1987. PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS UNDERWAY A 3 foot diameter reinforced concrete structure 40 feet deep has been put in place by a unique construction method on the corner of Andover Park West and Minkler Boulevard. The contractor con- structed a reinforced concrete, concrete cylinder on top of the ground and then excavated from the inside of it and under- neath to the edges of the cylinder to cause the structure to sink into the ground to its final position. The structure will house the pumping equipment and controls for replacement of the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station #2. The Sollitt Construction Com- pany of Seattle is doing the work under a $457,539 contract for the City. The improvement of the West Valley Highway South of I-405 to South 180th, has been expanded from a highway resur- facing project to a multi -lane widening and sidewalk construction project in sev- eral areas in cooperation with the devel- opment of new NC Machinery headquarters building; the development of the Tukwila II Shopping Center; the Tukwila West Development and Resi- dence Inn; and Nendels Motel. The pro- ject has also incorporated sewer main, water main extensions and storm drain- age improvements along with a contract for traffic signals at the corner of West Valley Highway and South 158th (Long - acres Way). The residential street projects on 55th and 140th are in the final stages of com- pletion by the Ford Construction Com- pany. Delays in the construction completion occurred due to some faulty construction needing replacement and delays in Seattle City Light underground- ing and restoration of power connections. Despite the delays, it is a fine residential street improvement for the neighbor- hood. The residential street program on 57th Avenue South is proceeding on schedule with completion of all underground work for electric power, water, sewer and drainage, the reconstruction and con- struction of all the new retaining wall rockeries, and the installation of curb and gutter and driveway openings. The re- maining work of sidewalks, driveway sur- facing, and street surfacing should be completed within six weeks. The work is being constructed by Select Ventures of Federal Way at a contract cost of $212,363. Construction contracts are expected to be advertised soon for the construction of a 2 million gallon water tank on the 57th Avenue hill and the installation of a new transmission water main from Mac- adam Road to the reservoir. TUKWILA CUTS COSTS BUYING FIRE TRUCKS from Record Chronicle, July 9, 1986 The Tukwila Fire Department is saving the city more than $30,000 by acting as its own contractor in the acquisition of new fire trucks. When it came time recently to replace two older fire trucks, instead of ordering new ones directly from a single manufac- turer, as the city has done in the past, the fire department ordered new rigs literally piece by piece. As a result, the city is sav- ing itself overhead and other costs associ- ated with one manufacturer building the vehicles. LaVern Peterson, a fire department spokesman, said the new process is cut- ting 15 percent, or between $30,000 and $40,000, off the total cost of the new fire trucks. Peterson said fire department officials ordered radios, water pumps and other equipment from individual suppliers. two chassis were bought from Husky Interna- tional in Tukwila and then driven to a Cal- ifornia custom fire truck builder, where bodies will be added and equipment in- stalled. The complete trucks, carrying a com- bined price tag of $241,000, will be de- livered in three months, which is sooner than usually expected when buying fire trucks from a single manufacturer, Peter- son said. "We're looking for ways to improve service and save money for Tukwila's resi- dents," he said. The new fire trucks will replace two rigs that are both 11 years old. One of the older vehicles probably will be surplussed and the other may be kept as a reserve. The fire department also is awaiting the delivery in 90 days of a new emer- gency medical aid car. The new $55,000 vehicle will replace one that is 12 years old. Another new addition to the fire de- partment is a $19,000 van that is being outfitted as a hazardous materials acci- dent response vehicle and command post. The van will carry various equip- ment, a radio system and a mobile tele- phone. Vehicles aren't all that's new at the fire department. Five newly hired firefighters are now on duty, expanding the ranks of firefighters to 32. HOME BURGLARIES by Gary Van Dusen, Mayor Several burglaries have taken place in our residential neighborhoods this past spring and summer. This number in a very short period has many of us asking if a crime wave is upon Tukwila. I can assure everyone that there is no substantial in- crease in our overall burglary rate. We are significantly aware because many of our neighbors have been victimized The po- lice are actively investigating each occur- rence and do have suspects. With continued police work and assistance from watchful neighbors, we should shortly apprehend the people responsi- ble. The police are increasing patrols but they cannot be everywhere and watch each and every house in the city. We are lucky to have a police department that can respond immediately to criminal ac- tivity if they are made aware. Therefore, the citizens must take an active part and report any unusual activity taking place in their neighborhood. We not only must follow the tips provided by Pat Lowery in his articles on crime prevention, but also be active in a neighborhood crime watch program. I ask you to contact the police when you see or hear unusual activity in your neighborhood. Thanks for your con- tinued cooperation and support in mak- ing Tukwila such a great place to live. WHY ME??? by Pat Lowery, CCP One of the fastest growing crime prob- lems locally, as well as on the national level, is burglary. Burglary is usually a crime of opportunity. A door that is easily opened, or an open window are opportu- nities to burglars. The more difficult it is to enter your home or business, the less attractive it is to the burglar. Our current problem with burglary is not the typical television series episode. There are few thieves who pick a lock and stealthily enter a dark home as everyone sleeps. Our residents who become vic- tims of burglary are nearly always away at work or shopping when the thief enters their home. The techniques of the burglar are generally simple. Rarely do they have the finesse of their television counter- part. The method is generally wrenching off the key -in -knob lock, prying the slid- ing glass door or simply finding the bath- room window which the resident neglected to close before he or she left home. A key -in -knob or spring latch lock af- fords the householder minimal to no se- curity value. The lock that does offer a good degree of security is a deadbolt, but only if the lock has a one -inch throw. If it's shorter a jimmy or pry bar can push the frame far enough away to disengage the bolt from the strike plate or receiver. You may have the best lock available but if the door or the door frame are weak or of poor construction the lock alone will not provide the level of security needed to defeat the opportunist burglar. Doors should be solid core construction, about one and three quarters inch thick and hung on a well fitted jamb. Regard- less of how strong the door is, how good the lock is, if the frame surrounding the door is loose fitting, it can be pried open. Sliding glass doors and windows may be secured by placing a wooden dowel in the track, using a track lock or charley bar, or by pinning. All of these alterna- tives while inexpensive tell the burglar you have taken some precautions and he/she had better look elsewhere. Locks are only one step in a home/business security program. When evaluating your security needs, stand on the outside of you residence and ask yourself ... if I was the burglar where would I attack first? You know your home better than anyone else . you know it's weaknesses, after you identify them to yourself, and take into consideration; doors, windows, porches, glass, lighting, shrubbery, materials close at hand that might be of help to an intruder, visibility of your residence from all sides, and on and on, set a list of priorities. What needs to be done, what you can afford to do and than contact the crime prevention prac- tictioneer for some expert assistance and guidance. Electric engravers are available to those who wish to engrave their valuables, and block watch programs will be initiated where there is an interest. Contact the Crime Prevention Program at 433-1822. "CHAMBER" MUSIC SERIES ANNOUNCED The City of Tukwila Arts Commission have announced their Fall "Chamber" Music Series. All performances will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Blvd. September 30th - Walt Wagoner October 21st - Emerald City Brass Ensemble December 2nd - Northwoods Wind Quintet - * Family Concert * All concerts are free and open to the community. Join the commissioners after the performances and meet our musi- cians. For additional information please contact Lynn Devoir, 243-5198. TUKWILA 2000 by Gary Van Dusen, Mayor The future of the City of Tukwila has been a subject of discussion since incor- poration. It is a necessary part of the po- litical process. Everyone involved with the City is concerned with its future, and rightly so. The discussion is usually like discussing the weather but nothing really can be done about it. Therefore we have made an attempt to change this circle of discussion and do something more tangi- ble about the City's future. Last year a task force was formed called the Tukwila 2000 Task Force. It is chaired by the Major and includes the council, citizens, business representatives and the chamber of commerce. The basic goal was to find what the City can be and how to make that happen. With the capable assistance of staff, task force members and an economics consultant, the Task Force has drafted goals, objectives and implementation strategies for this vision of Tukwila for the year 2000. The Task Force quickly realized that Tukwila competes in the regional market- place. The success of Tukwila and its abil- ity to provide services to all our citizens is directly related to the success of our cen- tral business district. The City must main- tain the health of our business community if we are to survive in the de- velopment of the region. We cannot af- ford to let the better development pass us by and we become an area of lessor qual- ity. Tukwila has all the advantages that are favorable for doing business. The prob- lem facing Tukwila is the ability to market these favorable advantages. The "imag- ing" of Tukwila has been identified as a problem and the city must correct these misconceptions. Without a marketing strategy plan and implementation, the city will lose its competitive edge to sur- rounding cities. This marketing plan can no longer be left to any one group in the community because of the complex interrelationships that exists and affects all aspects of life in the city. The city, citizens and businesses must become more involved collectively, if we are to survive in this new era of competition in the region. The Marketing Plan will be a dynamic tool to better understand our position in the marketplace with implementation stra- tegies to guide our course of action. The nature of the plan is to be active and changing each year as the year 2000 gets closer and circumstances change. The basic purpose is to give foresight instead of hindsight to the development of our community with a community pulling together to make Tukwila the best place to live, shop, work and play. IRE 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 TUKWILA DELEGATION STRENGTHENS BONDS OF WARM INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS For five wonderful days, 35 members of the Tukwila-Ikawa Sister City Commit- tee enjoyed the warm hospitality of the citizens and the City of Ikawa, Japan. Highlights of their stay in Ikawa last April 2 through 6 included a walking tour of the City, a visit to the local winery, a pic- nic on a hillside overlooking a breathtak- ing view of the city, tours of Oboke and Koboke canyons with a visit to the mu- seum and vine bridge high in the moun- tains of the Island of Shokoku, a boat trip down the river and lunch at the boat landing. A day's bus tour into Tokushima included a stop at a pottery factory and lunch at a large department store. Mayor Gary VanDusen and City Council Member Mae Harris were guests at the Tokushima Prefecture offices of the Governor of To- kushima. Students in the group were honored at a special meeting of Ikawa Junior High School Student Council where there was an exchange of gifts and the students learned a little origami paper folding. Showalter Middle School Assistant Princi- pal Kate Ostrom presented the school principal with a large photo album of school life at Showalter from South Cen- tral School District. Ikawa natives were surprised and pleased that members of the Tukwila group were interested in watching the fi- nal playoffs for national high school base- ball championships on the TV screen in the tour bus. Next door neighbors in Ikeda won that championship and Tuk- wila people cheered them to victory! While in Ikawa the Tukwila citizens stayed in the homes of Ikawa people and enjoyed the opportunity to see Japanese homelife and, in most cases, to live a little like a native. Most households took he- roic steps to make westerners comfort- able in eastern style homes. Many host families had general "open house" during the Sister City visit and arranged parties at all hours, to allow as many of the Ikawa people as possible to meet and visit with the Americans. The last full day in Ikawa the group at- tended a special meeting of the Ikawa City Council and took part in ceremonies and presentations. Mayor VanDusen pre- sented four of the colorful banners which currently decorate Tukwila streets and a 360° photo of Tukwila City Hall like the one which now hangs in the City Hall lobby. He also presented special com- memorative medals to each of the princi- ple Ikawa officials. Mrs. Ostrom presented a gavel made by shop classes as a gift from South Central District to the Ikawa School Superintendent. In the beautiful classroom in Ikawa City Hall, a demonstration was given in flower arranging and in the tea ceremony, followed by a colorful outside event — the rice beating. Some members of the Tuk- wila group were able to join in on this tra- ditional New Year's preparation of rice cakes, both beating the rice batter with wooden mallets and rolling the resultant doughy mixture into pretty round cakes. The banquet in the reception hall fea- tured Japanese dancing and music as well as speeches and lots of traditional Japa- nese food and drink. Beckie Larson, Fos- ter High School student, sang for all of the group. The finale was the native dance, the awa adori and Tukwila and Ikawa people all joined in. The sad departure the final day was ex- tended by the fact that several of the Ikawa people traveled with the group, as far as Tokushima and some even took the ferry to Osaka and were very helpful in transferring luggage and seeing everyone successfully off. Most of the Sister City groups toured parts of Japan for the six days prior to the Ikawa visit. Serving as tour leader, Doug Gibbs, Assistant Fire Chief of Tukwila, made friends everywhere as he distrib- uted balloons to the children. The Tuk- wila group left behind many good friends and also many gifts from America, but Doug Gibbs also left behind the faded blue cowboy hat he had worn throughout the trip. He placed it on the head of Ikawa City Representative, Taki, as the ferry de- parted to take Taki back to Ikawa. It is difficult to write a short report on a visit to Ikawa; it is such a fabulous expe- rience. Each visitor brought back vivid memories, pictures, and gifts galore. Some of those items will be on display at the very American style hamburger booth sponsored by the Sister Cities Committee at Tukwila Days. The people there will gladly share their memories of the trip to Ikawa.