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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-08 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 7 No. 3THE HAZELNUT Volume 7 Number 3 GARY VAN DUSEN, MAYOR August 1985 MAYOR'S MESSAGE I sincerely hope each and every one of you are enjoying this wonderful summer that we are having. One more thing that I would like to see all the citizens of Tukwila enjoy is our week long celebration of Tukwila Days. I am personally inviting every citizen and visitor to partake in Tukwila Days.The week long event does not compare to Mardi Gras of even Seattle Sea Fair, but it's our very own little way of celebrating. We have several events planned, but my personal favorite is the kids parade. All kids of any age(sister, brother, father, mother, grandma, and even grandpas) are encouraged to participate. I must warn each entry that they parade a long four block length through the residential streets of Tukwila. The crowds along the street make the parade even more exciting. The Police and Fire Departments will assit in the event to make everything run smoothly but just as exciting as any parade you would want to see or participate in. The same day as the parade, we have the community festi- val at the Tukwila Grade School. A pancake breakfast is availa- ble beginning at 7:00 a.m. Several community booths will also be open for information and fun. Many organizations will be involved in the events and your involvement and participation will make their efforts worth- while. The Tukwila Elementary School will be the host site for these events. Tukwila Days may be small time to many, but others who work and live in our City will thoroughly enjoy the flavor of the events. These events may be small to some, but I assure you the fun and excitement will not. Therefore, join with your coworkers or neighbors and help us celebrate Tukwila Days. There is a little bit of fun in it for everyone. YOUR MAYOR Gary Van Dusen SUMMER BANNERS Tukwila's summer is being brightened with the addition of our new summer banners. Like the winter holiday banners, these are another way of perking up the Tukwila look for the season and of saying we are proud of our city. Designed by High Flying Banners, the banners of Mount Rainier, Canadian geese and the City logo are scattered throughout Tukwila. MAYOR TO PRESENT 1986-1991 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN TO COUNCIL A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a six-year schedule of anticipated improvements to major public facilities. Capital pro- jects typically include new or improved streets, parks and sewer and water but can include any project over $25,000. The capital improvement planning process is a continual one. Many meetings and reviews have already occurred. The Mayor will present his recommened 1986-1991 CIP at the August 12th City Council meeting. Additional discussion and public meetings will ensue prior to Council adoption of a final plan. The City of Tukwila welcomes oral and written comments from individuals, community and business groups. Citizens are urged to participate in the CIP process. For more information, call the Planning Department at 433-1848. GREEN RIVER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT Local officials met July 17 to sign the Green River Manage- ment Agreement which establishes a cooperative program to provide drainage and prevent flooding in the Green River Val- ley. From left to right: Renton Mayor, Barbara Shinpoch; Auburn City Clerk, Coralee McConnehey; Auburn Mayor, Robert Roegner; King County Executive, Randy Revelle; Tukwila Mayor, Gary Van Dusen; Tukwila City Clerk, Maxine Anderson; Kent City Clerk, Marie Jensen; and King County Council Chair- man, Gary Grant. RESIDENTIAL STREET IMPROVEMENT Street work in Tukwila takes a lot of ROCKS—approximately 360 tons of large rock will be used in the rockery retaining walls to complete the street improvement project on 55th and 140th this year. The project is being constructed by Ford Construction Co. at a cost of $288,421. REDUCED RATES FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS OR DISABLED The maximum limit on income necessary for senior citizens (one must be age 62) or disabled persons to qualify for reduced water and sewer rates went into effect on July 13th. The limit was raised to $12,000 income per year per household. If you think you qualify for these lower rates, please contact the Fi- nance Department at 433-1835 or the City Clerk at 433-1800 for more information. CRIME PREVENTION TIPS Every year during the Spring and Summer a number of our residents fall victim to the home improvement fraud. This is usually carried out by one or more professional "looking" males who claim to be in the neighborhood on a major repair job and as long as they are here they will accommodate some additional homeowners at a reduced price. Home repairs and improvements can be costly, so be suspi- cious of someone who offers to do an expensive job for an un- usally low price. Beware of the phony "repairman" or "engineer" who offers to check your chimney, furnace, or catch basin. He is likely to recommend expensive repairs. Some companies will offer to do the work on the spot, leaving you with a large bill, faulty repairs, and a worthless guarantee. Also be suspicious of the person who says he has com- pleted a job in your area and has just enough materials left to do your roof, tar your driveway, or spread topsoil on your lawn. They will do the job for a very low price if you pay them right away in cash. They may even complete the job before they dis- appear with your money --when you find out the tar was black oil or the topsoil was sawdust. **TO AVOID HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR FRAUDS, TRY THE FOLLOWING* — Always get several estimates for every job, and compare prices and terms. Check to see if the firm charges for esti- mates. — Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, or ask the firm for references and then check them. — Check the identification of all inspectors. HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: The Tukwila Crime Prevention Program is in dire need of a few volunteers, particularly some people with graphic art and other such writing skills. I can't promise any salary, but the rewards are great. Call Pat Lowery, 433-1822, for further information. TUKWILA DAYS ABOUT TO BEGIN Tukwila's annual community celebration "Tukwila Days" begins August 2nd and continues to August 11th. The Parks and Recreation Department is working with local volunteers and many organizations to make this year's activities even more fun and interesting than the year past. A list of events is printed below and includes two new activities. A high school dance has been added and will take place at the Community Center on August 9th. On Sunday, the 11th, a musical group, "Prosperity String Band", will provide music at Tukwila Park from 2 to 3 p.m. For additional information about the Tukwila Days activities, call the Community Center during weekday hours. Please join the fun and follow this year's theme -Celebrate Tukwila! Tennis Tournament August 2-19 Foster High School/Tukwila City Park Kids Field Day Wednesday, August 7 Foster High School Stadium Middle School Dance Thursday, August 8 Tukwila Community Center High School Dance Friday, August 9 Tukwila Community Center Pancake Breakfast Saturday, August 10 Tukwila Elementary Community Parade Saturday, August 10 Tukwila Elementary Judging begins at 8:30 a.m. 6-8 p.m. 7-10 p.m. 8-11 p.m. 7-10 a.m. 10-11 a.m. Community Festival Saturday, August 10 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tukwila Elementary Adult Dance Saturday, August 10 9 p.m. -1 a.m. Tukwila Community Center 10K/3K Run Sunday, August 11 9 a.m. Christensen Greenbelt Park Golf Tournament Sunday, August 11 9 a.m. Foster Golf Links Pre -register by August 9th at Tukwila Community Center. Pool Party Sunday, August 11 3:30-5:30 p.m. Foster Pool Music in the Park Sunday, August 11 2-3 p.m. Tukwila City Park Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast BUTTONS AND STRIPES A small number of residential arterials or collector streets have been selected for placement of buttons. These include: (1) 144th Street from 58th Avenue to the bridge; (2) the 65th, 62nd, 58th Avenue Connector; (3) 160th Street from 53rd to 42nd Street; (4) 51st Street from 160th to City Limits (168th); and (5) 53rd Street from 166th to 170th. Buttons have been demonstrated to promote highway safety by providing reflectors in darkness and alerting motorists who cross over the median, etc. They also reduce street mainte- nance. Our snow plow blade bottoms are equipped with the standard hard rubber runner which provide give in such situa- tions. It is estimated that few buttons will be popped by snow plow blades. Eventually, the Public Works Department would like to place buttons on all the remaining unbuttoned commercial streets in our CBD. Button placement will not replace a striping program. It will, however, reduce the the need for an expensive roller to a much more modest priced one which also can be used on medians, curbs, etc. SAFETY IN UNDERGROUND SEWERS Utility Maintenance Crew Member, Larry Nees, prepares to enter Sewer Lift Station #2 wet well. Larry is wearing protective clothing, a safety harness, attached to the man -hoisting appa- ratus in preparation to carry out a regular wet well inspection and cleaning with the high pressure hydro -jet equipment. Fresh air is supplied to the operator through a face mask to safeguard against dangerous sewer gasses. NEW FOSTER POINT BRIDGE It takes lots of wood and reinforcing steel to build a concrete bridge. This prestressed, box girder concrete bridge is being constructed by the Peter Kiewit Construction Co. at a cost of $ 647,000. The bridge is a joint project between the City of Tukwila and King County. NEW PARK UNDER CONSTRUCTION Concrete is being poured for a stairway as part of the new park in southwest Tukwila. The stairway leads from So. 160th St. & 51st Ave. So. to the park 150 feet below. JOINT MEETING Tukwila City Council and South Central School District Board Members met to discuss issues of mutual concern. The City Council and School Board recently agreed to a new City lease of the Foster Park property. Drainage and parking improvements are about to get underway on the park site. TUKWILA FIRE EXPLORERS The Tukwila Fire Explorers, Post #51, have undertaken a summer project which involves servicing and painting the City's fire hydrants. This provides summer work for the mem- bers of the post and is getting a much needed service accom- plished for the City. This is an ambitious summer project involving literally hun- dreds of hydrants from one end of town to the other. Take a moment as you drive around the City and you'll notice the clean, freshly painted hydrants. 1985 PARK PROJECTS This summer brings much activity to our city, including the development of or improvement to four Tukwila parks. Starting in August, Foster Park's athletic field will be rehabil- itated to improve the drainage. Robertson Landscaping of Mon- roe on July 22nd was awarded a $59,868 contract to remove the clay soil, install drain lines, install new soil and grass. Be- cause the grass will not mature until springtime, the field will be closed to public use this fall and winter. In the southwest part of Tukwila, the first phase of a park at 53rd Avenue South and South 158th Street has begun. Golf Landscaping, Inc. from Auburn has begun to clear brush and trees to develope the 3 acre park. When completed the park will include picnic tables, parking area, children's play area, one lighted tennis court, one lighted multi-purpose play court, and trails. Construction costs will be approximately $250,000 and work should be completed this fall. Christensen Greenbelt Park is one of the City's most popu- lar parks and is scheduled to be lengthened this summer. On July 22nd the Council authorized Mayor Van Dusen to sign a contract with C & R Construction Company to pave the trail from South 180th Street to the Kent City Limit line to the south. Over 8,000 feet of trail will be added which will be 10 feet wide. Benches, 50 trees and signs will be added to the trail. Costs for the improvements plus some dike construction will be approxi- mately $114,000. One of the major "links" of Christensen Greenbelt Park is a new undercrossing at South 180th Street along the Green River. A concrete retainer wall and sidewalk path are near com- pletion by C & R Construction from Tumwater at a cost of $89,000. The undercrossing will provide a safe route for trail users between the existing trail and the new section soon to be completed. For information about any of these projects, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 433-1943 or Public Works Department at 433-1850. MASTER KEY SYSTEM FOR BUSINESS OWNERS As a result of some recent fire code changes and by request from several business owners within the City, the Tukwila Fire Prevention Bureau is making available to all building owner/ operators a security master key system for rapid emergency entrance. The Tukwila Fire Department desires to minimize damage and costly repairs when immediate building access is essen- tial. Keys provide a way to gain entry into buildings in the event of an emergency without breaking down doors or windows, (al- though that could still happen depending on the situation). The destruction of a door far exceeds the cost of a security box. This suggested system only requires the Fire Division to carry one key per truck. The security key box is exclusively for the Tukwila Fire Department, with keys only available to our authorized personnel. In closing, the Tukwila Fire Department is not an advocate of being custodian of a lot of keys and this security box system is only an alternative to that problem. The decision is yours if you want to buy into the program. Many other cities are currently using this security system. If you care to take part just advise this office so that we may send you a SUPRA order blank. Please feel free to contact this office if you have any questions. CHRISTENSEN GREENBELT TRAIL IMPROVEMENT Concrete is pumped into forms to construct the retaining wall which will serve as the dike for the Christensen Greenbelt Trail undercrossing of South 180th Street. The trail will be un- der the Frank Zepp Bridge and is being constructed by C & R Construction, Inc. at a cost of $89,222.51. HAZELNUT "HAZELELNIJT PURI (SHED OUARTERI Y B3' the Citi' o f Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, Washington 98188 Written by (:it} Employees BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUKWILA, WA. PERMIT NO. 12698 SUPPORT SISTER CITIES EXCHANGE During the Tukwila Days Festivities, the Sister Cities Com- mittee will be hosting a booth serving beef shishkababs and fresh corn on the cob. Stop by and enjoy the great food and support the Sister Cities Exchange. In the Spring of 1986 the Sister Cities Committee will mark the fifth anniversary of its first large group visit to the city of lkawa, Japan, Tukwila's Sister City. Another group visit is planned during March or April of 1986 to this picturesque mountain village, and a group of Ikawa citizens will return this visit in the Fall of 1986. These exchange activities are made possible through volun- teers who generously host Japanese guests, work with fun- draising to assist students taking part in the exchange and who provide help with gifts for the Japanese visitors and hosts. All citizens of Tukwila and Tukwila's business community are welcome to join the tour to Japan, with Middle School students being the focus of the exchange. Please call Tukwila City Hall, 433-1800, for more information regarding this trip or how you can help. FIRST AID TRAINING Tukwila Firefighter and First Aid Trainer, David Ray, recently pre- sented first aid certificates to Assistant Engineer, Pat Brodin and Court Clerk, Maria Barker. City Administrator, Don Morrison, gets a sample of the students' work. The City encourages first aid training to assist public servants and citizens to better aid the public. NEW BUILDING OFFICIAL TOM HILL The City of Tukwila has a new Building Official. Thomas Hill was selected to fill that position in May, and he has been fulfilling his duties here since June 30. A native of Vir- ginia, Tom went to college in California and began his Inspector Career there, spending 8 years as the Senior Engineer for the County of Mono, California. Prior to that he worked with the Boise Cascade Corp. in wholesale lumber sales as well as building custom homes. He is excited to be here and is looking forward to working with the construction community in developing a working team within Tukwila. He welcomes individual calls regarding ques- tions involving remodels, new construction, building use changes and the various building codes. REGISTER TO VOTE REGISTER TO VOTE Tukwila City Hall Weekdays, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM prior to August 17, 1985 to be eligible to vote in the primary. Tukwila City Hall Weekdays, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM prior to August 17, 1985 be eligible to vote in the primary.