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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 24 No. 6You are invited to attend a Public Hearing on the 2004 budget t to be held Monday, 2000 November at 7:00PM, in Council Chambers ll at Tukwila City For more information, please call 206-43 THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 24, NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER 2003 2004 TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET General Fund $39,962,000 Capital & Gen Gov't Funds 27,262,224 Enterprise Funds (water; sewer, surface water, golf) 28,712,191 Internal Service and Reserve Funds 11,744,000 Debt Service Funds 2.810.667 TOTAL $110,491,082 2004 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET BY DEPARTMENT Administration $ 8,051,396 Council, Mayor, Personnel, Finance, Community Development, Attorney, Human Services, Municipal Court, etc. Parks and Recreation 3,193,877 Police 10,116,298 Fire 7,897,499 Public Works 4,571,323 Engineering, Facility Maintenance, Street Maintenance Other Fund balance & transfers .. 6.131.607 TOTAL $39,962,000 Tukwila's 2004 Preliminary Budget and Capital Plan presented to Council As Mayor, I have presented the Preliminary 2004 Budget to the Tukwila City Council. Also, I have submitted a companion document, The 2004-2009 Financial Plan- ning Model and Capital Improvement Plan. The Planning Model projects the revenues and expenditures, including capital, over a six-year period. This docu- ment then becomes the basis for our 2004 Preliminary Budget Proposal. The efforts made during the 2003 budget preparation process have had a positive effect on our long-term financial stability. Reductions in personnel and programs along with the addition of a Utility Tax put the City in a much better position to face the long economic downturn. Included in this proposed budget is a 4% inflation limit on departmental expendi- ture growth. It is imperative we maintain a 4% or lower growth rate over the next few years to keep operating expenses from escalating faster than revenue. This action, along with early planning and on-going strategy meetings with the Council, have allowed us to maintain service levels while limiting expenditure increases. The most significant aspect 'of the submittals is that we are balanced through the entire period of 2004-2009. Although there is a decline in ending fund balance during this period, we have a positive fund balance each year. There are no new revenues included in the model. Essentially, we could slow or reverse the annual fund balance decline by any one of several strategies: • An increase in revenue due to overall economic improvements in Tukwila. • Increase revenues available to the City (i.e., taxes, fees for services, impact fees and/or increased marketing). • Reduce expenditures through further efficiencies, contractual negotiations, or reductions of services/programs. • Reduce the amount available for the Capital Improvement Program. We are working on the above alternatives concurrently with the City Council. The sales tax revenues for the past four months have been significantly higher than estimates, which could provide some long-range relief if they continue to climb. Another aspect that will ultimately bring increased economic activity and resultant revenues are several probable developments in Tukwila. These include: • Westfield Shoppingtown Southcenter mall expansion. • J.C. Penney's warehouse property redevelopment • Segale annexation and redevelopment • Tukwila Village project. (More on back page) Steve Mullet, Mayor "The Pacific Northwest Starts Here" campaign brings top honors Tukwila and SeaTac's Seattle Southside Visitor Services was nationally recognized recently with the prestigious SAVVY Award by the City -County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) for its Vacation Planner. SSVS was also given an Award of Excellence for its newly -designed website. At the ceremony held in Anaheim, Cali- fornia, the judges commented that SSVS' Vacation Planner contained "out- standing photography, compelling copy, and was highly informative," and the website's "functional- ity, searchability and eye -appeal provided an excellent tool to both visitors and residents." The Savvy Awards, sponsored by 3CMA, recognize outstand- ing local government achievements in communications, public sector marketing, and citizen -government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county and agency professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations. Savvy Awards are given in 11 overall categories. Over 700 entries were submitted from across the country this year. Tukwila City Council Actions: August/September 2003 August 2003 Approved a contract for participation in the King County Regional Disaster Plan. Approved a resolution ratifying seven amendments to the County -wide Plan- ning Policies. The amendments support planning for future water supplies, es- tablishing new housing and employ- ment targets for cities, establishing a new Urban Separator in Renton, desig- nating Totem Lakes as a Kirkland Ur- ban Center, and addressing the gover- nance of Agricultural Protection Dis- tricts. Authorized applying to the Federal gov- ernment for Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Funds. Reappointed Joan Hernandez and Jonathan Joseph to the Equity and Di- versity Commission. Approved new rates for patrol services provided by King County Animal Con- trol. Approved the equal distribution of drug seizure funds to the six police depart- ments of the Valley Narcotic Enforce- ment Team (V -NET). Held a public hearing on the proposed use of federal funds from the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant to reduce crime and improve public safety. Approved a resolution extending medi- cal, dental and vision benefits to depen- dents of employees called to active duty in the US Military. Held a public hearing and approved the extension of a temporary moratorium on certain land divisions and land uses within the area designated for transit - oriented development (TOD) around the commuter rail/Amtrak station at Longacres. Approved a variance to the City's Flood Ordinance to allow wet-floodproofing of the Starfire Sports' Maintenance/Con- cession Facility Authorized support of the Cascade Wa- ter Alliance's 50 -year water supply con- tract with the City of Seattle. Authorized a contract amendment for connectivity services with Asset Analytics, Inc. September 2003 Appointed Terry Williams to the Com- munity -Oriented Policing Citizens' Ad- visory Board, and Elda Mercado to the Human Services Advisory Board. Approved a transfer of funds from the Foster Golf Clubhouse project to the Foster Golf Course Improvement project. This involved no net change in the total cost of the two projects. li Held a public hearing regarding three amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Denied the rezone of a property from residential to office zoning. De- ferred action on the revision of Sensi- tive Areas policies until further guidance is available from the State. Approved an amendment to allow office as a stand- alone use in certain portions of MIC/H zone. Approved a $2.00 per month increase in sewer rates collected by the City for the operation and maintenance of the sewer infrastructure. Approved increasing the position of pool operator from a half-time to full-time position. Appointed Steve Miller to the Library Advisory Board. Awarded a contract for purchase of a diesel generator for Sewer Lift Station #12 to NC Power Systems of Tukwila. Held a public hearing and approved pro- posed 2004 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Projects. 2 THE HAZELNUT Take note, business owners: your license renewals will be arriving next month All 2004 business licenses expire on the 31st of December. Busi- ness license renewal forms will be mailed at the beginning of De- cember to all currently licensed businesses in the City. By law, all businesses operating within the City (including home occupations) must renew their licenses annually no later than January 31 of each year. Penalty fees will go into effect on February 1, 2004, for businesses that have not submitted their renewal form and fee to the City Clerk's office. Businesses new to Tukwila in 2004 are required to acquire a license prior to opening. Additional specialty licenses are re- quired for live music/entertainment, tow trucks, amusement devices, solicitors/peddlers, or adult entertainment. Application forms are available from the City Clerk's office during regular business hours, 8:30iM to 5:OOPM, Monday thru Friday. Business license applications are also available for download from the City of Tukwila website at http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us If you have questions regarding licensing procedures, please call 206-433-1800. Number of Employees License Fee O to 5 $50 6 to 100 $100 101 and above $200 Tukwila Sister Cities Committee wants you! Tukwila has a special relationship with our sister city of Ikawa, Japan, located on the small island of Shikoku. Our numerous exchanges have built relationships that run deep, pulling us toward the residents of that island town. If you've ever enjoyed our visit(s) here or there, or if you're interested in planning for another visit, the Sister City Committee invites you to join them. The purpose of the committee is to encourage understanding and cultural exchanges, as well as to host Ikawa citizens when they visit, and to organize us when we go visit them. Come join a fun group that gets its tasks done with smiles. Call Lucy Lauterbach at 206-433-1834 to join a meeting where you'll see what it's all about. Don't put it off until later; the committee's calling you now! NOVEMBER 2003 COUNCIL CORNER by Pam Carter, Council President Volunteers give of themselves, making a community better for all I know that Tukwila is "the City With a Heart" because so many of our citizens choose to contribute valuable hours to a variety of worthy causes. Many of you can be found helping out at schools, with religious groups, non -profits, local orga- nizations, and the City of Tukwila government. When you volunteer, the benefits extend far into the greater community. Our community is stronger, people feel valued, and new links are forged. These are things that money sim- ply cannot buy. You may not have thought deeply about the societal benefits when you stepped in to help. You just saw something that needed to be done, or maybe you were looking to fill some empty hours. It really doesn't matter; your contributions are valued by all of us. Perhaps the best kept secret about volunteering is that you often end up reaping benefits you never expected. Looking back at my volunteer activities, I can see that I've certainly gotten as much as I've given. I know I've made new friends, learned lots, and become more knowledgeable about my com- munity and the people who live here. If you're thinking that you'd like to help but don't have any special skills to contribute, then I have good news for you! Although some groups are looking for volunteers with par- ticular abilities, there are many opportunities requiring noth- ing more than an open heart. Schools are always looking for people to just spend some time listening to a child read. Vol- unteers at Tukwila's Neighborhood Resource Center make phone calls to remind people of court dates. For more information about volunteer opportunities in Tuk- wila, you can find an informative brochure on the City's website. You may also contact the Mayor's Office at 433-1850 or tukmayorci.tukwila.wa.us. And a special thanks to all of you who have given so much to Tukwila. I know I speak for the entire City Council when I say we can't thank you enough. Council email address: tukcounc@ci. tukwila. wa. us Message Line: 206-431-3652 Agenda Info Line: 206-431-3656 Check out the "Volunteer, Tukwila!" section on our website! http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us 3 City will use new South King County community access facility Tukwila — together with the Cities of Auburn, Burien, Kent, Renton and SeaTac — will soon have a new community television studio. Up until this time, community access television services and channel capacity have been provided through Seattle Community Access Network (SCAN). The new studio is located at 22412 - 72nd Avenue South (approximately 6 miles from Tukwila City Hall); it will be operated by Puget Sound Access (PSA), a nonprofit organization. PSA's goal is to provide programming to cable viewers that reflects the interests of the South King County community. PSA is ready to assist all residents, non-profit organizations, and schools within South King County in the production of their programs. The PSA facility will include two studios, a master control center for playback operations, dedicated space for meetings and workshops, camera packs for check- out, and edit bays for post -production. Productions from the PSA television facility will be televised on the Comcast cable system and will be seen in South King County. This channel will reach approximately 65,000 households and potentially serve over 200,000 people. PSA is currently recruiting Tukwila residents for the PSA Board. If you are inter- ested or have any questions, please call Keri Stokstad at 253-315-0156, or Frank Iriarte at 206-431-2445. Additional information about PSA is available at www.pugetsoundaccess.com. Yes, there is a Miss Tukwila Vanessa Georgiadis is Miss Tukwila USA for 2003. The 20 - year old has lived in Tukwila for 12 years and considers it her hometown. She is currently a pre -nursing student at Bellevue Community College, with a goal to get her masters in Neo- natal care for working with premature babies. She currently works as a Nurse's Aide at The Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent, a facility taking care of drug -affected babies. Vanessa feels her job experiences — feeding, changing, holding and providing theraputic handling to the babies — is greatly re- warding. The upcoming Miss Washington USA pageant (December 5- 7) will provide Vanessa a character -building opportunity and a venue to make friends with other contestants from around the state, as well as a chance for scholarships. It also en- ables her to work with great organizations such as DARE, PAX, MADD, SHINE, the Anti-drug campaign, and the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Re- search Fund. Vanessa can be reached by email at supervcam@hotmail.com. 4 Think history! Tukwila's Historical Society is looking for people who are interested in Tukwila's history and would like to join others who enjoy making history come alive. This group focuses on the past of this area, alive from the earliest time as the center of commerce in the northwest's development. Take the first step and join the march toward uncov- ering Tukwila's history (from the com- fort of here and now). If you're interested or would like more information, please contact the current chair Gina Vail, who can be reached at 206-318-8570. Gina's email address is tukwilahistoricalsociety@earthlink.net. A great resource and holiday gift! Trkwila's history book: 'Tukwila: Community at the Crossroads" is available for $10 plus tax at Tukwila City Hall Sewer rates going up in 2004 In order to adequately finance the City's sewer utility and improvements, a rate increase has been approved by City Council. The expenses to operate and maintain the City's sewer system has increased each year due to aging pipe and pump facilities, growth of infrastructure, and the rising costs of electricity. Tukwila last adjusted its sewer rates in January of 1997, increasing the City's residential portion from $4.00 to $5.00 monthly. Effective January 2004, the flat residen- tial sewer rate will increase from $5.00 to $7.00. Commer- cial rates will increase from $10.00 to $12.00 per 750 cubic feet of water consumption. The sewer penalty fee was increased to $5.00 per month. Sewer bills are mailed on the last day of the month and are due on the 10th of the month following. A customer then receives an additional 30 days. After these 40 days, a sewer bill will incur a $5.00 penalty fee and a late notice is mailed. Monthly sewer bills also include the King County Metro sew- age treatment charge of $23.40 and that will remain the same for 2004. Also, water rates will not increase in 2004. Cus- tomers with questions or comments about rates are encour- aged to contact either the Finance Department at 206-433- 1835, or Public Works at 206-433-0179. THE HAZELNUT Public Works Trust Fund loans will help neighborhood project construction The Allentown Phase II and Foster Point Sewer, Water and Drainage Neighborhood Revitalization Project received pre- liminary approval for a construction loan from the State Pub- lic Works Board. Final approval by the State Legislature is anticipated to occur next spring. Construction is planned to begin during the summer of 2004. The Cascade View Drainage Project also received prelimi- nary approval for a construction loan, with final approval to occur in spring 2004. Design of the project is scheduled to start this month; public meetings will be held this spring re- garding street and drainage improvements. Construction of the drainage and street improvement project is anticipated to begin in fall 2004. Local retailer helps Tukwila's kids At the October 6 City Council meeting, Mervyn's Corpora- tion presented the Tukwila Police Department Crime Pre- vention Unit a check in the amount of $950.00. Assets Pro- tection Team Leader Agneta Karlman presented the check to Tukwila Mayor Steve Mullet. Child identification kits were purchased with the money donated. On October 25, Mervyn's corporation partnered with the Tukwila Police Crime Prevention Unit and Tukwila's Police Explorers to distribute 244 Child Identification kits. Chil- dren were given safety games, puzzles, and coloring books to take home, and parents were given safety information to share with their children. Trick or treat bags with safety tips printed on them were also handed out in time to use for Halloween. According to Karlman, Mervyn's Corporation donates two million dollars a week to no -profit organizations around the world. The commitment that Mervyn's have shown to the Tukwila community and safety for children is deeply appreci- ated. Mervyn's and other generous local businesses have taken a lead that hopefully more will follow. NOVEMBER 2003 Cascade View Community Park dedication Under sunny skies, Mayor Mullet and members of the City Council cut the ribbon on Tukwila's newest park during the park dedication ceremony on October 29. Cascade View Com- munity Park is located at the corner of 37th Avenue South and South 144th. This park provides two acres of green space with play equipment, gazebo, picnic areas and walking paths. Through a cooperative effort, the City Council, the Depart- ments of Planning, Public Works and Parks & Recreation, and the neighborhood residents were involved in many park de- sign meetings. "I believe the neighborhood has helped de- sign a park that they will be able to use for many years to come," said Mayor Mullet. A park in this area has been a concern of the neighborhood and City Council since it was incorporated into the City of Tukwila in 1989. "We wanted to have unique features that included the neighborhoods di- verse population. You will be able to see various ethnic pat- terns in artwork on many of the features in the park," the Mayor added. The City was successful in obtaining a $96,000 grant from Washington State Interagency for Outdoor Recreation to as- sist in acquiring a portion of the park land. Members of the Southgate Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Marker to honor all men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. Local neigh- borhood residents Jack and Sue Hendricks donated a bench in memory of their son who passed away this past summer. Architects who planned the park and street improvements are the Cosmopolitan Engineering Group and KPG, Inc. 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' o b.c •• o d d R '' a F- N 00' � P. . a) • o .e c0 W 44 r' o OC SC4IJ yb.�� d a o d7 N • -• 5 Am El• ; �ao� c.mo Ed 0. d g0 4d Lo i ' . bD ti L E o l'' E 4 u u ro NA O 0 • 00 o ' 5 i-- > v� 0 4 0 NOVEMBER 2003 THE HAZELNUT Neighbors assist in closing two area drug houses The annual Night Out Against Crime (Tuesday, August 5) proved to be more than a party night for residents of one Tukwila neighborhood. An impromptu Block Watch meeting sprung up that evening in the living room of the hosts. A drug investigation resulted from that meeting and, on Au- gust 29, two search warrants were served at nearby houses. Neighbors suspected drug dealing because they noticed the number of short visits by people in cars to those houses, and that the traffic lasted all night long. The conditions outside and around the homes deteriorated as docu- mented by several Tukwila Code Enforcement citations. The neighbors complained that traffic blocked their driveways and mailboxes. The search warrants were served by Tukwila Police Department, which received support from the Fire Department, Code Enforcement, the Valley Special Response Team and Animal Control, as well as the gas, electric and telephone companies. Five different types of drugs were confiscated from inside the house; firearms and money were also seized. Three people ar- rested that morning were charged with felony drug violations. That particular neighborhood's Block Watch group succeeded in cleaning up their portion of Tukwila. They were determined not to let the drug dealers ruin their neighborhood or make it an undesirable place to live. Block Watch groups can make a difference! Neighbors care about one another and work to keep their area of Tukwila a safe and fun place to live. Block Watches can help determine what kind of neighborhood you live in. Call the Neighborhood Resource Center at 206-243-6506, or the Commu- nity Resource Center at 206-242-8084, for more information about form- ing a Block Watch in your neighborhood. To the neighbors in that particular Block Watch, THANK YOU for caring enough to make a positive change in Tukwila. You know who you are! ger Board member needed The Community -Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board (COPCAB) is currently seeking a residential member. The applicant needs to be a cur- rent resident of the City of Tukwila and will start board membership as of winter 2003. The COPCAB is an official City board consisting of nine members which include residents, business people, a school representative, and a student. The Board meets monthly with the Chief of Police, making recommenda- tions on issues of public safety and promoting community policing. If you are interested in applying or have questions, contact Marja Murray, Tukwila Police Department Administrative Secretary, at 206-433-7175. City's holiday closures ahead City offices will be dosed on these dates: Tuesday, November 11 Thursday, November 27 Friday, November 28 Thursday, December 25 Thursday, January 1 Your Fire Department asks: Can we find you if we need to? Winter is just right around the corner, approach- ing with dark stormy nights and gray rainy days. Now is a good time to make sure that your house is easy to find in the event of an emer- gency. Do you have your address number clearly marked either on the front of your house or at the street? Is your street name or number clearly visible from each cross street? Here's how to make sure that — if you need us — we'll be able to find you quickly. • House numbers should be clearly visible from the street. If your house is set back from the street, make sure that your address numbers are also posted at the curb or near the end of your driveway. Should several houses be located down a long driveway, consider post- ing all the addresses on a marker post. • Numbers should be at least 4 inches high. • Numbers should be in a color contrasting to their background. It's also a good idea if they are reflective. • Numbers should be posted on the front of your house and not obstructed by trees, bushes, flags, etc. • Address numbers should be clearly visible at night from the street. • If you have a unit number or letter attached to your address, make sure that it is also posted with the numbers. • DON'T rely on the address posted on your mailbox. Remember that we want to find you quickly. With your address posted clearly from the street, we will be able to better assist you. If you have any questions, please call the Tukwila Fire De- partment Fire Prevention Office at 206-575- 4407. 8 THE HAZELNUT The Great Debate - Landlord versus Tenant The City's Code Enforcement Depart- ment receives many calls each year from tenants and landlords regarding trash and debris, illegal use of dumpsters, dumping behind apartment buildings, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, in- sects, and housing issues. Who is re- ally responsible for the property, and how are these issues remedied? Landlords and tenants have their own obligations and responsibilities to ensure safety and security, which include: Landlord's Obligations • Correct violations of health/housing code standards and other laws. • Keep common areas clean, sanitary, safe. • Provide smoke detectors, inspect an- nually for proper working conditions. • Keep unit insect/rodent/pest-free. • Keep rental in good repair. • Provide locks/keys/deadbolts on entry doors. • Keep electrical/plumbing/heating in good repair. • Keep unit weathertight. • Provide for trash removal. • Provide heat, hot/cold water. • Keep exit ways unobstructed. Tenant's Obligations • Pay rentals in full and on time and comply with rental agreement. • Keep their part of premises clean and sanitary. • Properly dispose of garbage/waste. • Properly use and operate electrical, gas, plumbing fixtures. • Do not intentionally/negligently de- stroy or damage any part of structure. • Don't permit nuisance or common waste. • Don't engage in drug-related activity. • Maintain smoke detector. Whenever a tenant has a concern, the first point of contact should be the man- ager on-site. You are more likely to get a favorable response from your landlord if you take the following actions: • Be sure to always pay your rent in full and on time. • If there is a problem in your unit, notify the landlord, in writing, about the problem. Include: — the approximate day and time you noticed the problem, — what you expect the landlord to do to resolve the problem, • Allow the landlord a reasonable pe- riod of time to do the repairs. • Request a time schedule for the re- pairs so that you can provide access to the unit. • Keep a copy of any letter you send to the landlord. • If there is no response from the land- lord, send a follow-up letter, request- ing a solution. If you have questions relating to land- lord/tenant rights and responsibilities, there are several resources you can use: • Attorney General's Consumer Line Information Service (1-800-692- 5082) • State's Landlord/Tenant Act is on the web at http://ww.leg.wa.gov/rcw (RCW Title 59, Landlord and Tenant) • Tukwila's Code Enforcement Divi- sion can help if you believe there are life -safety issues, such as major elec- trical deficiencies, major plumbing deficiencies, or major structural de- fects. • Tukwila's Human Services Depart- ment at 206-433-7180. If the landlord does not respond at all, you can call the Tenants Union, which assists tenants with various issues (206- 723-0500), or Tukwila's Code Enforce- ment Division to discuss other remedies. Property owners and managers want to ensure that their complex is attractive to current and potential renters and that property values are maintained. Ten- ants want to live in a clean, safe envi- ronment. By working together, everyone's needs are satisfied, helping to make Tukwila a great place to live! A neighborhood problem, with a happy ending In October the Delta Masonic Hall, located on 41st Avenue South in Tukwila, sent out a letter to homes in the neighbor- hood. As a rental facility, the Hall had been used regularly by a group whose behavior generated a great number of com- plaints — often to Tukwila Code Enforcement — from the neigh- bors. In his letter, Delta Temple Board President Robert Ludbrook apologized for the inconvenience, and promised that all future renters will "treat you, your property, our streets, the park, and your guests with the utmost respect. We will not tolerate excessive noise, litter or trash, trespassing, van- dalism, or any other damaging behaviors from our tenants..." To begin the renewal of a good relationship, the Delta Ma- sonic Hall's neighbors — as well as Tukwila Police and Fire staff — were invited to a pancake breakfast at the Hall. Sometimes an area's serious code enforcement problems can be resolved with quick response, good communication, and a genuine desire to be a good neighbor. NOVEMBER 2003 9 WHAT'S NEW(5) IN HUMAN SERVICES Human Services Office Evie - 206-433-7180 Stacy - 206-433-7181 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 Understanding cultural terminology Often we see the words "refugee" and "immigrant" being used interchangeably. The terminology actually describes very different status between these two words. Eager to gain a better understanding, the International Rescue Committee, a local resettlement agency, shared knowledge about these terms and others. What is the difference between a refugee and an immigrant? A refugee is a person forced to flee his or her country of origin, unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political belief. Refugees are carefully screened through an extensive interviewing process, and must pass a rigorous security clearance and medical screening prior to resettling in the U.S. An asylee flees his or her home country under the same circumstances as a refu- gee, but is already present in the U.S. when he/she requests political asylum. An immigrant voluntarily leaves his or her country, most often for economic or family reasons. All refugees are resettled in the U.S. through a voluntary agency, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a non-profit refugee relief organization. Resettlement agencies provide refugees cultural orientation, assistance securing housing and employment, school enrollment for youth, and other social services. The government grants refugees indefinite legal immigration status, as well as in- state residency upon arrival in the U.S. An asylee is granted the same privileges as of the date the application is approved. All refugees and asylees are authorized to work in the U.S., and are thus immediately employable. Refugees and asylees are also eligible for government -funded refugee cash assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, and employment services. Immigrants, on the other hand, come voluntarily to the U.S., and are therefore eligible for only limited public benefits prior to becoming U.S. citizens. For more information about the U.S. refugee resettlement program, or to help welcome newly -arrived refugees to Tukwila, please contact Ashley Marcus at the IRC at 206-623-2105, or email ashleyAsea.theirc.org. Advisory Board needs business representative The Tukwila Office of Human Services seeks a Tukwila business representative to serve on Tukwila's Human Services Advisory Board. Want to learn about human service needs and resources in the Tukwila community? Would you like to better understand how the City decides what to fund to assist people in need? We meet every two months for 1-1/2 hours during the day at the Office of Human Ser- vices. You'll be joined by six other members who bring a wide range of experi- ence on human service issues. Experience with human services is helpful, but not required. We would be especially interested in a person who works for a business located in Tukwila. For more information or an application, please con- tact Evelyn Boykan at 206-433-7180. 10 Kinship Care Givers meet Are you a Kinship Care Giver? What is that? A Kinship Care Giver can be a grandparent, aunt, step-parent, friend, godparent, or other adult who serves as a primary care giver for children. Come join a support group meeting just for you! Meet other Kinship Care Givers like yourself, and find new and exciting ways to nurture your child and your- self. If you need resources and infor- mation, support, fellowship with other kinship providers, trainings on school services, behavioral issues, overcoming obstacles, etc., please come join. Meetings: 3rd Thursday, every month Time: 6:00-8:00PM Where: Bring: Cost: Thorndyke Elementary 4415 S. 150th St., Tukwila Your questions, concerns, ideas, your children, and an empty stomach Your time, attention and dedication to your children Sponsored by UJIMA Community Ser- vices and the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (UJIMA means Collective Work and Responsibility for OUR Children). Food and child super- vision will be provided. For more infor- mation, please contact Danielle Clayton at 206-760-3456, or email her at Danielle@ococujima.org. THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA Holiday Treecycling Here's some information on how to re- cycle your holiday tree. SeaTac Disposal Customers: Residential customers will be able to set out their Christmas trees during the week of January 5-9 on their normal garbage pick-up day. Trees should be cut into 4 -foot lengths and tied into bundles no more than 2 feet wide. All tinsel, garland and ornament hangers must be removed. Flocked trees are not recyclable. There will be no charge for this special pick-up. King County Treecycling: King County is phasing out its special treecycling programs, but is likely to pro- vide some type of service this year. No information was available at press time. Residents may phone 206-296-4466 in December to learn more. Self -haul: Residents may bring their holiday trees to the Factoria Transfer Station, located at 13800 SE 32nd Street in Bellevue. Hours are 5:30 to 11:30PM Monday through Friday. Trees must be no more than 8 feet long, with a trunk diameter less than 4 inches. Remove tinsel, etc. No flocked trees. Regular fees will ap- ply ($12.75 for up to 340 pounds of yard waste recycling). REPORTER Ask the Roving Recycler Q. Are there ways to recycle old athletic shoes to get them out of our waste stream? A. One program to help with this issue is the "Reuse a Shoe" program operated by Nike. (Thinking of some of the well- worn and less -than -fresh smelling ath- letic shoes, makes even the Roving Re - cycler wonder what value could be found for these items.) It turns out that Nike has recycled approximately 13,000,000 pairs of athletic shoes into surfaces such as sports courts, play- ground tiles and floor tiles. The pro- gram accepts all athletic shoes as long as they don't contain metal. You can drop shoes off at: Niketown (at 6th & Pike) 1500 - 6th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 For more information about this pro- gram, check out the Nike website at: www.nikebiz.com/reuseashoe Q. How come 1 can recycle my aluminum cans but not aluminum foil? A. Good question. When recycled, alu- minum cans are melted down and re- shaped into new cans and other items. The big difference between recycling aluminum foil and aluminum cans is in the processing; the foil needs a much higher temperature to melt than is needed for aluminum cans, and the excessive heat can cause fires in the processing plant. BTW, did you know that every minute of every day, Americans recycle an av- erage of 123,097 aluminum cans. Reuse those styrofoam packing peanuts Although styrofoam packing peanuts are non -recyclable, they are completely re- usable. Use them again when you send gift packages for the holidays. In addi- tion, styrofoam peanuts can be added to the bottom of planters or broken up and mixed with potting soil to provide aeration and drainage, or to take up space in large planters. For a list of local mailing centers that will reuse your styrofoam and corn- starch (biodegradable) packing peanuts, please visit www.resourceventure.org/ database.htm. Check for "packing pea- nuts." Bag, bundle or box the peanuts for easy loading and unloading, and to prevent litter. And, if you find you want to ship a pack- age, but don't have any plastic peanuts, try using air popped popcorn for filler. Just remember to say "No butter, please!" 4 Bin sales a success On Saturday, September 20, the City of Tukwila Recycling Program teamed with Burien and Normandy Park to of- fer recycling bins and worm bins to the public at the Burien Park and Ride. Tukwila residents purchased 97 com- post bins and 37 worm bins. By using the bins to recycle yard and food waste, residents will prepare compost to enrich and amend their yards. Want more information about recycling or composting in Tukwila? Contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox at 206-431-3683, or email to rfoxAci. tukwila. wa.us NOVEMBER 2003 11 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30uv-5:00PM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: http://www.cLtukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Pam Carter, Pres. 206-244-0558 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #/ 206-994-7229 Dave Fenton 206-246-4980 Jim Haggerton 206-244-7846 Joan Hernandez. 206-248-0260 Pamela Linder 206-439-2473 Richard Simpson 206-243-7715 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst 206-433-1834 Council Message Line 206-431-3652 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings 1 st/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor Steve Mullet 206-433-1805 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Human Services 206-433-7180 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Dir 206-433-1838 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Fire Department Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. 206-431-3671 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Parks/Recreation Department Bruce Fletcher, Dir 206-767-2342 Police Department Keith Haines, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Jim Morrow, Dir 206-433-0179 Dept. of Administrative Services VikiJessop, Dir 206-433-1831 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Emergency Fire, Police 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2323 TUKWILA CITY POOL 4414 S. 144th Street 206-267-2350 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 Restaurant 206-241-5784 THE HAZELNUT is a bimonthly newsletter published by the City of Tukwila and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris Summary of 2004-2009 Proposed Financial Planning Model and Capital Plan Excluding the Enterprise Funds (see right), the General Government Rev- enue and Expenditure six-year projected totals are shown below. REVENUES Sales tax $99,693,000 Property tax 64,444,000 Other revenues 106,195,000 Taxes, charges for services, grants, interest, transfers, etc. Capital grants and mitigations 31,022,000 Total 2004-2009 Revenues .... $301,354,000 EXPENDITURES Operations and Maintenance ...$222,263,000 CAPITAL: Residential streets 1,665,000 Parks and trails 2,953,000 Bridges* 2,495,000 Commercial streets* 36,681,000 General government 13,500,000 Debt service (bond payments) 12,722,000 Administration/Engineering 6,367,000 Ending balance projected 2,708,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $301,354,000 Of these, $21,022,000 is grant -funded. ENTERPRISE FUNDS Totals for the Enterprise Funds for the 2004-2009 period are shown below: Water $ 6,024,000 Sewer 7,038,000 Surface water 10,796,000 Foster Golf Course 2,580,000 TOTAL $26,438,000 The capital programs for Enterprise Funds are funded by operating revenues and grants/developer contributions. SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS, ALL FUNDS, FOR 2004 • Grandmothers Hill Park • Completion of Tukwila Intl Blvd project • South 144th (42nd to Military Road) • Completion of Tukwila Village • Allentown/Foster Point - Water, sewer, surface water • Cascade View - Surface water improvements • Strander pipe replacement - Surface water • Completion of Foster Golf Clubhouse Further information Copies of the preliminary 2004 Budget and Proposed 2004-2009 Financial Planning Model and Capital Plan are avail- able at the City Clerk's office at Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Boulevard. For more information concerning the details of either document, please contact Financial Director Alan Doerschel at 206-433-1838. THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 POSTMASTER: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 206-433-1800.