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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 24 No. 3A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 24, NUMBER 3 MAY 2003 Mayor appreciates opportunity to discuss City's future and finances at Vision Tukwila meetings Thanks to everyone who took the time to join us at the recent Vision meetings. The staff showed off the many neighborhood and business projects, and we were pleased at the response to our presentation on City revenues past, present and future. For those who were unable to attend, let me give you a brief recap. Since the early 90's — when the annexations were com- pleted and the City began to expand services to meet the needs of 10,000 additional citizens and five additional square miles of territory — we have actually lost about $1.8 million per year in both property and sales tax revenue. Fortunately, the new growth we've experienced has offset these losses and allowed us to maintain the services expected, as well as meet the in- creased costs due to inflation. Unfortunately, the additional $1.5 million per year tax shortfall during this current recession is another story altogether. It doesn't require a math major to realize that a $3.3 million reduction of revenue translates to a lot of services left unfilled. To offset these losses, the City has reduced staff wherever pos- sible in relation to the lessening of service needs. As a result we are approximately at the same level today as we were in the mid -90's. We also implemented a small utility tax to replace enough revenue to stabilize the six-year planning model as we spend down some of the 2000-2001 surpluses generated by a very healthy building climate. Whether you believe the glass is half empty or half full, the reality is that the majority of our service demands — dealing with public safety (46% of our General Fund Budget) — have not decreased. Our roads and bridges have not begun to mi- raculously repair themselves, and the needs for recreation, hu- man services and utility assistance have increased as we deal with more of the population being unemployed. (Continued on back cover) Annual Clean-up Coupon in this issue! Look on the back cover Road to open soon at South 180th Street grade separation project Pre -construction photo — taken in January 2002 Photo taken 4/27/03. The project nears completion; the ends are paved, and the middle section is being finished now Final paving is slated for early June, to be followed by striping, signing and the long-awaited road opening. For the most up-to-date information, call 206-433-0179. Artist's computer rendering of finished overpass COUNCIL CORNER The Council would like to thank all of you who took the time to attend one of the recent Vision Tukwila meetings. We enjoyed chatting with you and meeting new people as well as seeing familiar faces. The comments from these meet- ings will help provide guidance for fu- ture City programs and projects. We hope you also appreciated seeing the latest plans for Tukwila Village, Cascade View Community Park, and the new clubhouse at Foster Golf Course. In a recent joint work session, the Coun- cil and the Planning Commission re- ceived an update on the Tukwila Urban Center and Longacres Transit -Oriented Development planning effort. Two years ago, in response to the recommenda- tions of the Tukwila Strategic Economic Development Task Force, the City be- gan work on a redevelopment strategy for the Southcenter business district and the Longacres station area. Our goal is by Pam Carter, Council President to ensure the economic vitality of these areas by encouraging a broader mix of uses, relieving congestion, and creating a more attractive urban center. Phase 1 consisted of developing an un- derstanding of current conditions in- cluding market forces, land use, and the transportation system. With the aid of a $1.5 million federal grant, our consult- ants will develop recommendations for a "blueprint" for future development. In order to get a plan that will work, we need your input. A series of eight public workshops (four sessions each for the Southcenter and Longacres areas) will help shape the recommendations. Watch for meeting announcements in future editions of the Hazelnut. The timeline calls for a draft plan to be ready by mid -2004. If you have any questions, please call Senior Planner Lynn Miranda at 206-433-7162. Coundl Email Address: tukcounc@dtukwila.wa.us Arbor Day celebration In Tukwila The City of Tukwila was the site of the statewide 2003 Arbor Day Celebration, held at the Tukwila Community Center on April 9. Representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Nursery Association, Puget Sound Energy, De- partment of Agriculture and the City of Tukwila were present. The City of Tukwila received their first Tree City USA award; Mayor Mullet was presented with a plaque, a Tree City USA flag and road signs by Doug Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands. Puget As the Council focuses on the business of governing the City, we also share your concern for loved ones involved in the war in Iraq. Several members of the "family" of City employees have already been called to active duty, and several others face possible call-up. In order to show support for them and to lessen their stress, the City will continue to provide medical benefits to their depen- dents who remain behind. As these costs have already been included in the budget, it will not negatively affect our bottom line. We know that all of you, regardless of your personal feelings about the conflict, share our fervent hope that all will return home safely. Remember: The "Special Recycling Event" will be held at Foster High School on July 19; Spring Clean-up will be June 20-29; dump pass coupons will be available beginning Monday, June 16. Message Line - 206-431-3652 Agenda Info Line - 206-431-3656 Sound Energy also received a Tree Line USA award. The Department of Agriculture presented Bonsai Northwest with a special Arbor Day award, recog- nizing them for discovering and reporting the Citrus Longhorn Beetle in August 2001. Their early detec- tion and quick action helped prevent an outbreak and the establishment of the destructive, tree -eating beetle. A grand fir tree donated by the Department of Agri- culture was planted at the Community Center. Board member needed The Community -Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board (COPCAB) is an offi- cial City board comprised of nine members — five residents, two business people, one school representative, and one student. The Board meets monthly with the Chief of Police and makes recommendations on issues of public safety and commu- nity policing. The COPCAB is currently seeking a residential board member. The applicant needs to be a current resident of the City of Tukwila. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Marja Murray, Tukwila Police Department Administra- tive Secretary, at 206-433-7175. 2 Citizenship classes offered Tukwila's Equity and Diversity Commis- sion will hold low-cost citizenship classes for Tukwila residents starting June 5, 2003. To be eligible for citizen- ship, you must have lived in the USA for five years and speak some English. To enroll or for more information, please call Lucy at 206-433-1834. THE HAZELNUT Ready to take an active roll in your City's government? Filing for Mayor, three Council positions opens in July Many good citizens explore ways they can take part in the workings of their local government. And now, the time for ultimate govern- mental participation grows near. For those interested in serving their com- munity by running for office, several op- portunities are available this year in Tukwila. Election dates for 2003 are: Primary Election — September 16 General Election — November 4 Local elections This year the position of Tukwila Mayor (currently held by Steve Mullet) and three Council positions (#2, #4 and #6 — currently held by Pam Carter, Rich- ard Simpson and Joan Hernandez, re- spectively) will be open for election in Tukwila. Candidates are elected at large from among Tukwila's citizens. The Mayor is elected at large to a four- year term and serves as the City's chief executive and administrative officer, in charge of all departments and employ- ees, with authority to designate assis- tants and department heads. The Mayor is responsible for seeing that the City's laws and ordinances are faithfully en- forced, and has general supervision of the administration of all City govern- ment and all City interests. He/she shall prepare and submit to the Council a proposed budget, and serve as the offi- cial and ceremonial head of the City. The Mayor attends and presides over City Council meetings. The Mayor is assisted in all of his duties by the City Administrator. A Councilmember serves a four-year term and attends four regularly sched- uled City Council meetings per month. sub -committees, each of which meet twice monthly to deal with specific is- sues like transportation, utilities, parks and recreation, community affairs, fi- nancial matters, personnel policy issues, matters related to police and fire pro- tection and emergency services. In ad- dition, most Councilmembers also serve on regional committees as well. To compensate for the time and effort required of effective government offi- cials, the Mayor's salary for 2004 is $80,000. Beginning January 1, 2004, these Council positions will be paid $1,000 per month. Elected officials also receive medical benefits. Would you like to serve? Candidate filing will be the week of July 28—August 1, 2003 from 8:30AM until 4:30PM in Room 553 of the King County Administration Building. Candidates must be verified registered voters in the City of Tukwila. All candidates are re- quired to file a Declaration and Affida- vit of Candidacy form, and to pay the filing fee, equivalent to 1% of the 2003 salary ($82.20 for Council, $780.00 for mayor) at the time of filing. In addition, all candidates are required to file the Public Disclosure Commis- sion Financial Affairs Statement and Campaign Finance Reports within two weeks of becoming a candidate. (These forms are available from King County Records and Elections and can be picked up when you file your candidacy.) You become a candidate when you make a public announcement that you're a can- didate, when you begin collecting or spending money for a campaign, when you contract for campaign goods or services, or when you file for office, whichever occurs first. For those interested in filing, a detailed information packet is available in the City Clerk's office at Tukwila City Hall. Voter registration If you are not currently a registered voter, this is a good time to take care of your registration. You must be a United States citizen, a legal resident of the state of Washington, and age eighteen or older by the day of the election to qualify for registration to vote in the upcoming fall elections. This year the primary elec- tion will be held on Tuesday, Septem- ber 16 and the general election will fol- low on Tuesday, November 4. For your convenience, voter registration is done by mail. Call the King County Department of Records and Elections at 206-296-1565 for information about registration or voting locations. The summer travel season approaches; apply for your U.S. Passport at City Hall The City of Tukwila is a Passport Acceptance Facility, which allows us to accept applications for U.S. passports. By U.S. regulation, only Federal, State or local govern- ment officials may serve as passport acceptance agents. Acceptance agents receive applications from the public and review them to ensure all necessary information and citizenship evidence is included. They administer the re- quired oath and witness the applicant's signature, then forward the application to the Passport Services Agency for issu- ance. Acceptance facilities also provide the public with general information on passport procedures and serve as a liaison between applicants and the Passport Services Agency (U.S. Dept. of State). Tukwila's Office of the City Clerk accepts applica- tions onMondays from 9:OOAM to 4:OOPM. For more information, please call the City Clerk's office at 206-433-1800 or www.travel.state.gov. MAY 2003 3 Solid Waste and Recycling Rate Increase Effective April 1, 2003, residential, multi -family and commercial solid waste and recycling services have been in- creased 1.90%. This rate increase rep - These examples show the impact of the 2003 rate increase: resents an 80% change from the CPI (Consumer Price Index). If you have any problems with your solid waste/recy- cling services or bills, or have questions regarding the rate increase, please call Frank Iriarte, Tukwila Public Works Department, at 206-433-0179 or send an email to firiarte@ci.tukwila.wa.us. RESIDENTIAL MULTI -FAMILY COMMERCIAL Description Current Rate New Rate Description Current Rate New Rate Description Current Rate New Rate 10 -Gallon Mini Can $6.46 $6.56 1 -Yard Container $11.66 $11.78 1 -Yard Container $10.20 $10.30 20 -Gallon Mini Can $7.62 $7.71 2 -Yard Container $20.84 $21.04 2 -Yard Container $17.92 $18.06 32 -Gallon Can/Toter $1D.29 $10.40 4 -Yard Container $39.22 $39.57 4 -Yard Container $33.98 $34.23 64 -Gallon Toter $14.76 $14.89 6 -Yard Container $54.91 $55.36 6 -Yard Container $47.42 $47.73 90 -Gallon Toter $21.33 $21.51 10 -Yard Container $67.85 $69.14 10 -Yard Container $58.99 $60.11 Upcoming series of workshops to discuss Can you picture Southcenter looking like today's downtown Bellevue? Join us at a workshop to discuss this question. Picture downtown Bellevue 20 years ago; our Southcenter business area looks like that today. Now, picture downtown Bellevue as it is today - Southcenter has the potential to look like that 20 years from now. In 20 years, what should Southcenter be like? What actions should the City take to get us there? 4 future of the City's urban center To help us answer this question, we're inviting you to the City's first public workshop on the Tukwila Urban Center plan. This plan will be a "blueprint for development", guiding the con- tinuing growth of the Southcenter area over the next 20 years. We want to make the area a better place to work and do busi- ness, and create opportunities to live and play. We're striving to achieve these goals as we move into the future: • Enhance the Southcenter area's competitive edge within the region in attracting and retaining businesses. • Foster a more attractive center, and broaden the mix of uses to include more office and housing, as well as the types of retail services needed to serve these populations (such as grocery stores). • Support the growth of existing businesses and the needs of the business community. • Relieve congestion, and make it easier travel into and circu- late within the Southcenter area. We want to hear from you as we move through this planning process. The first of four public workshops on the Tukwila Ur- ban Center is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 from 1:00 to 3:30PM. The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree Guest Suites at Southcenter, located at 16500 Southcenter Parkway in Tukwila. Learn how existing land use, economic and trans- portation conditions, and opportunities could shape the vari- ous directions that the urban center area can begin to grow and change. Based on your comments, we'll craft some future "what -if" scenarios for the area, and bring these back for dis- cussion at future workshops. Questions or comments? For information or dates of the other public workshops, contact Lynn Miranda, Project Manager, at 206-431-3670 or email ImirandaAci.tukwila.wa.us. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you Wednesday, May 21 at Public Workshop #1 on the Tukwila Urban Center Plan! THE HAZELNUT Bridge projects on Interurban Avenue to start this summer A contract has been awarded to the C.A. Carey Corporation in the amount of $1,993,618 for the construction of two projects on Interurban Avenue at the Green River. Construction is expected to take one year, with completion scheduled for the summer of 2004. These two projects are primarily funded with federal grants. The main project will widen the Interurban Avenue Bridge over the Green River, just west of the Family Fun Center. Construction will provide two northbound left turn lanes onto southbound I-405. One lane will be restricted to HOV traffic to match the lanes on the I-405 on-ramp. The second project includes a new trail bridge over the Green River, providing a connection between the Interurban Trail and Green River Trail. It also includes trail paving and a multidirectional connection point of the two regional trails. For more information, please call Senior Engineer Robin Tischmak at 206-433-0179. Interurban Trail Bridge Comfort Inn Suites ' "Before Construction Interurban Bridge Widening Salmon Habitat Restoration Project and Park Tukwila's long-awaited Salmon Habitat Restoration Project, located along the Duwamish River near 51st Place South and South 129th Street, is finally under- way. The project will begin with the demolition of the Codiga barn and its associ- ated structures. This will be the first phase of the joint project by the City, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and WA State Department of Natural Resources. This new park will incorporate recreational and educational features. These in- clude interpretive signage on habitat restoration and historical uses of the area, an observation platform, a paved parking lot, and a short path providing access to a new picnic shelter and a hand boat launch for canoes and kayaks. At the river, the project will construct a large aquatic habitat area in the form of an off -channel slough. It will also create a small 1 /2 -acre estuarine marsh, which is important for juvenile salmon. Approximately 1.6 acres of new plantings will pro- vide cover and support wildlife. A split rail fence dividing the habitat restoration features from the park will help minimize park users into the restored area. For information, contact Ryan Partee at 206-433-0179 or email rparteec ci.tukwila.wa.us. New source of help for owners of smaller businesses Highline Community College is pleased to announce the opening of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a new resource center open to small and medium-sized businesses in SW King County. The SBDC was created and funded by the Southwest King County Economic Development Initiative — a partnership of the cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila, King County, the port of Se- attle, and Highline Community college to promote economic development in SW King County. The SBDC's mission is to help entrepreneurs build profitable businesses, strengthen the local business community, and stimulate regional eco- nomic growth. The SBDC will offer free, confidential, one-to-one counseling and business ad- visory services with a business develop- ment specialist on issues such as expand- ing, stabilizing, selling or buying a busi- ness venture, business planning, improv- ing marketing techniques/efforts, ana- lyzing financial data and information, and or starting a business that is past the pre -development stage In addition, it will provide access to business re- sources, research, lenders/financing and workshop/training. Entrepreneurs can receive assistance in developing a business plan, marketing strategy and/or pricing strategy, identi- fying and solving costing, debt and com- pensation problems, gathering market research, identifying industry trends, analyzing costs, developing personnel policies and procedures, and gaining in- formation about SBA loan packages. The Center is open from 8:OOam to 5:OOpm Monday through Friday. It is located at the Omni Executive Building, Room 311, 23830 Pacific Highway in Kent, just one block east of the college campus in Des Moines. For further in- formation or an appointment, please call 206-878-3710 ext. 5151. MAY 2003 5 TUKWILA PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS ❖ RECREATION ❖ GOLF ❖ AQUATICS Tukwila Arts Commission issues Call to artists In conjunction with "Tukwila Days", the Arts Commission is sponsoring its Seventh Annual Art Competition and Show on Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12. The entry submittal date is Thursday, July 10 from 2:00 to 5:OOPM. Entry catego- ries are oil painting, watermedia, and graphics (drawing, printmaking & mixmedia). Monetary prizes of $200, $100 and $50 will be awarded in each category. Up to three en- tries are accepted. The fee for the first entry is S10; second and third entries are $5 each. Artwork must be current within the last two years. If you'd like to receive an entry form or for further informa- tion, please call 206-767-2342. Entry forms are also avail- able on the City's website at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us; check "Spe- cial Notices" at bottom of page for "Art Show" information. If you just want to appreciate the entries submitted this year, please plan to attend the art show reception and show to view all the wonderful art pieces on display. The reception will be on Friday evening, July 11th from 6:00 to 7:00PM, with entertainment provided by the Leggiero String Quartet. The show runs all day on Saturday, July 12th. The reception and the show will be held in the Banquet Room of the Tuk- wila Community Center. This is a great opportunity to see some fine work from local artists. Purchases may be made directly with the artists. STRICTLY FOR TEENS Late Nights For 6th -12th graders - featuring open gym basketball, mov- ies, music, games, or just a place to hang out with friends. Fridays: May 23 and 30, & June 6 8:00-11:OOPM at the Community Center Cost: $1 with ID, $2 without SOME SENIOR SELECTIONS Whale Watching Learn about marine mammals, birds, area history, geology, weather, tides, botany, and more. In recent years whales have been sighted on 98% of the trips. The Island Mariner tour company boasts of its outstanding orca spotting service. The 110 -foot Island Caper -one of the west coast's finest tour boats - has ample inside seating complete with heat for your omfort, and its spacious top deck provides the necessary el- evation to maximize your whale watching experience. Wednesday, June 11 Pick up: 8:30AM Depart: 9:00AM Cost: Resident, $55; non-resident, $60 End -of -the -Year Hawaiian Luau! For 6th -12th graders only - Celebrate the Hawaiian style... grab your Hawaiian gear and join us for music, limbo contest, festive food, and more! Call 206-768-2822 for more information. Friday, June 20 - 8:00 to 11:OOPM At the Tukwila Community Center Cost: $4 Admission includes food! LOOKING AHEAD - COMING IN JULY: • Family Fourth at the Fort • Tukwila Days 2003 • Free "Music in the Park" Performances THERE'S SO MUCH TO SEE... CHECK US OUT!! Tulalip Casino Grand Opening Be one of the first to enjoy the newly renovated and expanded Tulalip Casino in Marysville. Join the Tulalip MVP Club and add another casino membership card to your wallet. Then join the fun winning money and earning points towards vari- ous promotional items. Space will be limited! Wednesday, June 25 Pick up: 8:00AM Depart: 8:30AM Cost: $5 (lunch on your own) 6 THE HAZELNUT Local businesses lend support to recreation programs The Tukwila Parks & Recreation Teen Programs would like to give a very spe- cial THANKS to the following busi- nesses that donated items for our an- nual Tukwila Community Center's "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" and Flashlight Egg Hunt for Teens. These programs were quite a success because of their generosity: • Bartell Drugs • Blockbuster • Doubletree Suites • Evergreen Food Services • Gametown Family Fun Center • Oberto Sausage Company • Pizza Time • Rings Restaurant at Embassy Suites • Skyway Park & Bowl • Starbucks Coffee Company • Tukwila Rotary • Wendy's International, Inc. • Winner's Restaurant The Department also recognizes and THANKS the following businesses for making generous prize donations for the Emerald Master's Volleyball Tourna- ment held on April 17. By getting in- volved, they truly made a difference! A BIG Thanks to: • Pizza Hut • Pancake Chef • True Value • Azteca • Starbucks • Tukwila City Pool • Foster Golf Links • Family Fun Center • Angelo's • Gehl's Florist • Applebee's Program seeks helping hand Help our community. Volunteer with our Meals -on -Wheels Program. The hours are 8:30-10:OOam every Thurs- day morning. Tukwila Meals on Wheels can be contacted at: Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Tukwila, WA 98168 206-767-2323 Summer �\ Camps The Tukwila Community Center is now accepting registrations for our various summer camps for youth and teens. Our camps are popular, so reserve your space now! Descriptions are listed below, but for a complete summer schedule with regis- tration fees and information, refer to the Spring/Summer Recreation Guide avail- able online at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us or call the Tukwila Community Center at 206- 768-2822. Camp Tukwilly Camp Tukwilly is a high-energy program that provides a variety of benefits to you and your children during the summer months. Activities include swimming, weekly field trips, games, arts & crafts, camper day, and a place to meet new and old friends. Camp is open to chil- dren entering grades K-5 at the start of the 2003/2004 school year. Camp hours are Monday thru Friday, from 6:30AM to 6:OOPM. Maximum enroll- ment is 100 participants. Adventure Camp Adventure Camp is a unique and excit- ing summer program for kids entering Grades 5 & 6 in the 2003/2004 school year. This is an advanced camp where kids can expect to spend almost every day traveling around the Greater Seattle area, meeting new people and partici- pating in many exciting adventures. All we ask is that campers come with a "can -do" attitude ready to face a new day of challenges and fun. Although many of the camp activities have already been planned, the schedule is subject to change based on popular opinion. Camp hours are Monday thru Friday, 6:30AM to 6:OOPM. Maximum enroll- ment is 50 participants. Teen Camp If you want somewhere fun to be this summer and will be attending Grades 7-9 in the 2003/2004 school year, this is your place! Sign up for one or all 10 weeks, and you're sure to be on the run, havin' fun! Weekly themes, special ac- tivities, tons of day trips, and even a few overnighters and camping trips will pro- vide non-stop teen entertainment all summer long! Camp hours are Monday thru Friday, 6:30AM to 6:00PM. Team Tukwila Sign up now for the hottest team in town... Team Tukwila Sports Camps offer a variety of athletic opportunities for youth. Camps are taught by skilled coaches who will ensure your child has fun while learning new skills. Week- long camps will include Baseball, Soc- cer, Basketball, and Tennis. Call the Tukwila Community Center at 206- 768-2822 for registration information and specific weeks/times of camps. Adventures in Nature for 6th -8th Graders August 25-29 Tukwila's Parks and Rec Teen Program is teaming up with neighboring cities and the Olympic Park Institute to pro- vide 6th -8th graders with a unique camp experience and opportunity to explore the natural world in an amaz- ing, diverse place — the Olympic Na- tional Park. You'll spend five days jour- neying into ancient forest, discovering wild waterfalls, canoeing pristine lakes, and building closer relationships with nature and each other. Each day will be interspersed with hands-on activities, including crafts, new games, science ex- ploration and personal reflection. The fee is $260 (scholarships are avail- able). Space is limited to 14 students; sign up now!! Please call Alicia at 206-768-2822 or email abennettAci.tukwila.wa.us for more details on this wonderful opportunity. MAY 2003 7 VISION TUKWILA: What do YOU see in the City's future?e, The Mayor and City Council wants to hear from residents and businesses about Tukwila's future and what is most important. This survey was distributed at Vision Tukwila meetings in April 2003. If you did not have a chance to complete a survey at a Vision Tukwila meeting, we would really like to hear your thoughts! Results will be summarized and made available later in the year. What do you like best Best: and least about Tukwila? Least: How do you think our lives will change over the next 20 years? (For example, what are some new inventions, social changes or changes in the way we live, work and shop that you see coming?) If you could create your PREFERRED future in the City of Tukwila, how would you respond to the following issues? How do we accommodate our growing population? What will our housing and neighborhoods look like? What do we want our business districts to be like and where should they be located? What kinds of workplaces will we have? What kinds of shops and services will we need? How do we want our growing population to get around? (by car, transit, bike, on foot, others?) What changes in City services and facilities do we want? (parks, recreational programs, police and fire protection, roads and pathways) How do we pay for them?) What degree of protection should we have for our streams, wetlands and trees? How will these be affected by our need to accommodate our growing population and transportation systems? Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Whether you had ideas about just one item or on every issue mentioned, your opinion is very important and will be noted. Mail your responses to: Or fax this page to: Or send an Email to: City Of Tukwila Dept. of Community Development 6300 Southcenter Blvd., Suite 100, Tukwila, WA 98188 206-431-3665 rfoxAci.tukwila.wa.us 8 THE HAZELNUT Tukwila Freeway Route Open House Tuesday, May 20 - 3:30 to 6:OOPM at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 - 42nd Avenue S. or Wednesday, May 21 - 6:00 to 8:30PM at Foster High School, 4242 S. 144th Street Sound Transit is holding two open house events to present the latest information about the design and schedule of the Tuk- wila segment of the Link light rail line. Plans for the trackway will be shown, as well as plans for the station at S. 154th Street and International Blvd. Come learn about the construction method that Sound Transit will use that reduces con- struction and environmental impacts. Since the format is Open House, you may drop in at any time. Sound Transit staff and design consultants will be present to explain the displays and answer questions. The format is the same for both meetings, so please plan on attending the one most convenient for you. ************************* Attention, history buffs! Doolittle Raiders "Fly In" for the Museum of Flight's Memorial Day commemoration The Museum of Flight will honor the Doolittle Raiders through three days of special programs during Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 24, Sunday May 25, and Monday, May 26, 2003. Members including Edward Saylor (a resident of Puyallup), Frank Kappeler, Chase Nielsen, and David Thatcher will be present throughout the weekend to participate in the events. The Doolittle Raiders are a group of Army Air Corps flyers who, in April 1942 — under the command of Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle — launched a daring air strike at the heart of Japan in the first U.S. offensive action of World War II. The weekend's activities will include special panel discussions, author presen- tations, tours, book and autograph signings, hands-on Family Fun Workshops, live music, and a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26. Memorial Day Weekend activities are complimentary with Museum admission unless speci- fied otherwise. And on Memorial Day Monday, May 26, museum admission is free to veterans and cur- rent U.S. military personnel. For more informa- tion, call The Museum of Flight at 206-764-5720 or visit their website at www.museumofflight.org. The Museum's Memorial Day Weekend programs are sponsored by the City of Tukwila. ************************* Retired City Administrator bids farewell I want to express my appreciation to the Tukwila Commu- nity for the privilege and pleasure of serving as your City Ad- ministrator for the past 15 years. Tukwila has been my home for over 30 years, so working for the city that I call home has made it more than just an "employment opportunity". Upon assuming the position of City Administrator in 1988, we began immediately to plan for what became five annex- ations that would re -define the city. We grew from a popula- tion of 4,500 to 18,000; from four square miles to over eight; from an economic model based on Southcenter to one that included Boeing Corporate headquarters. With that growth came significant challenges. Code enforcement issues, crime on Highway 99, substandard housing, and more. In the en- suing 13 years since those annexations, the Mayor's Office, City Council and staff have met those challenges. I can say with pride that I have been a part of a great team that has built new parks, a community center that is the envy of the region, improved water and sewer systems, reduced crime dramatically and made the community a safer place to live and work. Perhaps the greatest achievement was the cre- ation of an environment wherein citizens can interact with and participate in their government. While that is not an easy task at the County or State level, "community building" is a homegrown and nurtured ideal in the City of Tukwila. It is, however, the very essence of democracy. While we continue to have many challenges, I would suggest that we should be thankful for the many things we do enjoy. Responsive and sensitive elected officials, a professional and dedicated staff, and a group of great citizens who understand that community -building starts in their own front yard. Our Volunteer Program and citizen Board and Commission mem- bership is testimony to the number people that are ready and willing to dedicate their time to being part of the solution. Thanks for the opportunity to serve. The past 15 years have truly been professionally fulfilling, and personally fun. While my wife Linda and I are preparing to embrace a more rural life-style as small acreage farmers, Tukwila will always re- main in our hearts as the town where we raised our children and experienced a great sense of community. J0 McFa ad MAY 2003 9 WHAT'S NEW(5) IN HUMAN SERVICES Human Services Office Evie - 206-433-7180 Stacy - 206-433-7181 Home repair help available What happens when you neglect a needed home repair? It can get worse, drive you crazy, sometimes it increases costs in other areas, and sometimes someone can get hurt. Can't fix it your- self? Call the Minor Home Repair pro- gram. If you are a Tukwila low- to mod- erate -income homeowner, you are eli- gible to receive minor home repair ser- vices for the discounted cost of $10.00 per hour for labor, plus materials. Some eligible repairs include - but are not lim- ited to - replacement of deadbolts, bro- ken window replacement, repair of leaky faucet, broken toilets, broken and missing stairs and railings. Generally, repairs under $1,000 are eligible for this service. Categories include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and access retrofits. The program is sponsored by Senior Services of Seattle/King County. You don't need to be a senior citizen to take advantage of this program, funded through Community Development Block Grant funds. Call 206-448-5751. Crisis Clinic I (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 e Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review Domestic violence (DV) takes a significant toll in human lives each year. DV - related fatalities account for at least 20% of all murders in Washington State annu- ally. At least 30% of female murder victims in Washington are killed by a current or former intimate partner. Between 1997 and 1999, 70 women were killed by their intimate partners. An additional 28 people who were the children, friends, family members and new boyfriends of abused women were murdered by homi- cidal abusers. In about 25% of the domestic violence homicide cases, the abuser commits suicide after murdering one or more people. Learning more about when abusers become homicidal and identifying the points at which interventions could be more effective could potentially save lives. The Washington State Fatality Review brings together experts - law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, community corrections officers, court and community-based advocates, medical professionals, batterers' intervention program providers, child protective services and other social service agencies - to take a detailed look at the public records regarding DV -related homicides, in order to identify gaps in the community response to domestic violence and barriers to effective interventions. Information from fatality reviews will be combined with other sources of informa- tion about domestic violence fatalities and entered into a database which will even- tually allow for the identification of patterns in domestic violence fatalities. The Fatality Review project is conducted by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For more information, contact Kelly Starr, Fatality Review Coordinator at 206-389- 2515, ext. 114, or YWCA Domestic Violence Services at 425-226-1266, ext. 1017. Seniors find prescription savings and other benefits through web -based eligibility tool The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) has launched a comprehensive, web -based service to connect older adults with over 240 public and private prescription savings programs covering nearly 800 prescription drugs. BenefitsCheckUpRx is a free screening tool that is a major expansion to NCOA's www.BenefitsCheckUp.org website. To date, over 7,000 seniors in Wash- ington State have completed a BenefitsCheckUp screening. In addition to the prescription drug savings pro- grams, over 50 federal and state ben- efit programs are included in BenefitsCheckUp for Washington State. BenefitsCheckUp.org allows older Americans, their families, caregivers, and community organizations to quickly and easily determine what federal and state benefit programs a senior qualifies for and how to claim them. The site is confidential; users do not enter their name, social security num- ber, or any other identifying information. BenefitsCheckUp helps older Americans find Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, food stamps and 1,000 other government programs. The website can provide visitors the infor- mation they need to access services such as healthcare programs, property tax re- lief, financial assistance, affordable hous- ing, in-home services, energy assistance, legal services, meal programs, and em- ployment opportunities, in addition to the prescription drug savings programs. Previously this kind of comprehensive search could have taken weeks to com- plete. With BenefitsCheckUp, it can be done in 15 or 20 minutes. A coalition of agencies and community organizations that serve seniors has launched a statewide outreach effort to take BenefitsCheckUp to low-income seniors who do not have access to com- puters or the Internet, with a focus on elderly people living in rural communi- ties. This statewide outreach is being supported by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A Spanish language version of the BenefitsCheckUp website will be avail- able midyear. 10 - THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA RESOURCE REPORTER Green all over... think Natural Lawn Care! Spring means it's time to think about how we take care of the yard. Our yards are our outdoor homes: fun, beautiful, great spaces for relaxing. But in taking care of them, we often use water ineffi- ciently, produce a lot of yard waste, and overuse chemicals that are bad for the environment and our families' health. The good new is that, by making some simple changes in how we care for our yards, we can: • Save money– on water, waste disposal and chemicals. • Save time – since working with nature is easier. • Save the environment. • Protect our families' health. • Put nature to work... so we won't have to work too hard for a healthy, beautiful yard. The best suggestions: • Build healthy soil with compost and mulch. • Be sure to plant right for your site. Here's how to keep your soil healthy: • Feed your soil with compost. Dig 1-4 inches of compost into beds when planting • Make compost at home, or buy it in bags or in bulk. • Mulch it! Spread 1-3 inches of compost, leaves, grass, bark, or wood ships to conserve water, prevent weeds, and feed the soil. • Need fertilizer? Go organic! Or ganic fertilizers feed plants longer and are less likely to wash off into our streams. Remember: Healthy plants grow in healthy soil. Here's how to plant right for your site: • Get to know your yard. Where is it sunny or shady? Is the soil dry or soggy? Then choose the right plant for the right place – select plants that grow well in the Northwest, and in the conditions in your yard. • Pick plants that resist pests and use less water • Group plants by their needs for water, sun and soil. • Lawns and vegetables are picky. They'll only grow in sunny, well drained, level sites. • Give plants a good start by preparing the soil with compost. • Make space for wildlife by using trees and native plants. In upcoming issues, we'll talk more about natural lawn care. More infor- mation is available at the websites be- low, or call the Natural Lawn and Gar- den Hotline at 206-633-0224 between 8:30AM and 5:OOPM weekdays. Natural lawn and garden care— Look under "landscaping" at www.cityofseattle.net/util/rescons Soil and composting— www.metrokc.gov/ soils Wise computer recycling Wondering how to get rid of that old, incredibly slow computer? Hoping to recycle the tiny monitor surrounded by many inches of beige plastic? Computer monitors and circuit boards (as well as televisions) contain many materials that are hard to get rid of safely. The average 60 -pound computer con- tains almost 14 pounds of plastic, four pounds of both lead and copper, and 8+ pounds of aluminum, according to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. Small amounts of mercury, beryllium and ar- senic are present, too. Released into the environment, some of these chemicals can harm people or wildlife. When environmentally conscious con- sumers turned in their outdated elec- tronics for recycling about a year ago, many of the items were shipped over- seas to developing countries. Once there, workers without protective gear used strong chemicals in unventilated work space to remove small amounts of gold found in the equipment. The caustic waste was dumped into rivers. Three Puget Sound area companies, in- cluding RE -PC located in Tukwila, have pledged to safely recycle hazardous materials from computers and not send them to developing countries or land- fills. This gives people a responsible option for disposing of their computers. To recycle or repair computers, mo- dems, circuit boards, printers, or to pur- chase refurbished computers and pe- ripherals in Tukwila, please contact: RE -PC 510 Andover Park West, Tukwila Hours: 10:00An,-7:00PM, Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday) Phone: 206-575-8737 Email: repc@repc.com JULY 19: Special Recycling Collection Day at Foster High School JULY 26-27: Tukwila Community Garage Sale JULY 25-27: Household Hazardous Wastemobile in Tukwila MAY 2003 11 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8:30AM-5:OOPM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Pam Carter, Pres. 206-244-0558 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #1 206-994-7229 Dave Fenton 206-246-4980 206-244-7846 206-248-0260 206-439-2473 206-243-7715 Jim Haggerton Joan Hernandez Pamela Linder Richard Simpson Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst 206-433-1834 Council Message Line 206-431-3652 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Mtgs 1 st/3rd Mondays Work Mtgs 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, Dir206-433-1835 Tourism/Marketing206-575-2489 Fire Department Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. 206-431-3681 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 Viki Jessop, Dir 206-433-1831 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Emergency Fire, Police, Aid Car 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-768-2822 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 (Continued from front page) Nevertheless, the City's future is not that bleak. We are keeping up. Many Public Works projects funded by grants and developer contributions continue. Several private developments are in the works, including a new Federal Homeland Secu- rity Building, a major mall expansion, and several potential new projects. Our City government works every day to explore more efficient ways to get the job done. Your Council remains committed to protecting the neighborhoods while looking for even more innovative ways to deal with density in the commercial areas. Even though no one likes to deal with this type of economy, we remain convinced that there are many opportunities still available to make this City a better place to live and work, every day. Steve Mullet, Mayor Those three little words everyone loves to hear: Free Dump Passes! It's that popular time of year again, for demonstrating your neighborhood pride. Make your home — and our community — more livable by taking advantage of this opportunity to get rid of useless clutter in the garage, junk on the patio, trash around the yard... whatever your mess, the City of Tukwila is proud to help its citizens make their neighborhoods cleaner by providing a FREE COUPON for ONE TRIP to the dump! Free disposal passes for Tukwila residents will be available June 16-27, at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall. City residents may claim one pass per household, with proof of residence (driver's license or recent utility bill with Tukwila address) AND the coupon on the back of this Hazelnut newsletter. Between June 20-29, items may be taken to the Bow Lake Transfer Station (18800 Orillia Road S., at S. 188th and I-5). Dump pass for transfer station is applicable to privately -licensed vehicles only (rio contractor waste accepted). Regular restrictions apply regarding what the transfer station will and will not accept. Disposal passes will be good for 1 load of 2 tons or less; residents will be billed charges for disposals in excess of that amount. COUPON Bring this coupon — with mailing label intact — to City Hall for your FREE transfer station pass. This offer is for our RESIDENTIAL community only. Coupon pick-up dates: June 16-27 only. Coupon in effect: June 20-29. Print your name here: 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.