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Home My WebLink About2001-09 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 22 No. 5Tukwila Village site takes first steps toward development As you travel Tukwila International Boulevard or South 144th, you've cer- tainly noticed that the former site of the South City Motel is now a vacant field, and the former Fantasy Express Adult Entertainment Club across the street is a Mexican restaurant. The City of Tuk- wila now owns both properties, as well as several surrounding properties. Many of our citizens have inquired as to what the plans are for this site. After assembling the properties, the City has begun working with prospective devel- opers to create a possible public/private venture that will see a mixture of office, retail, governmental services and possi- bly housing. The project is known as Tukwila Village. Its objective is three- fold: define and encourage a specific architectural style on the Boulevard, encourage economic re -development, and create a "sense of place" for our community — a place where our citizens can gather, shop and enjoy public art, in a pedestrian -friendly environment. The Mayor and Council have deter- mined this project to be their highest priorities within the approved capital development plan. Progress has been somewhat slow, but deliberate. Mayor Mullet has declared that "we will not rush this project and sacrifice our vision. Quality will be the first consideration in the development." A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business community VOLUME 22, NUMBER 5 SEPTEMBER 2001 That's the way the money flows - whatever the economy When I joined the City Council in 1992, the City Of Tukwila and the greater Seattle area was entering an economic flat spot. Sales tax revenues were decreasing, property values were depressed, and it was necessary to shift money from capital projects into operations and maintenance just to continue our current programs. Fortunately, this lasted only a couple of years and we were able to return to the replacement of infrastructure and improvement of programs designed to keep Tukwila in the 20th century. Bridges were replaced, a community center built, sewer systems put in, water lines upgraded, fire hydrants installed, streets resur- faced, and utilities undergrounded. These projects were tangible and clearly visible; other efforts weren't as noticeable. We were gaining control over crime but, even with the addition of six new police officers, we were still reacting to — rather than preventing — crime. The Community Center was a great success with a more than 500% increase in activities. With this success, expectation levels were raised and we initiated a whole new level of programming for kids, seniors, teenagers and young adults. Our neighborhood programs began to pay off: new homes were built, many older homes were remodeled, and families began to see Tukwila as a safe and nice place to live. (continued on back page) Tukwila's volunteerism soars to a new high Volunteers for City -sponsored projects turned in a remarkable 7,105 hours for the first two quarters of 2001. This is an increase of more than 2,600 hours from last year's 4,464. Contributing to this increase were more volunteers participating in existing activities, as well as the addition of new volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are appreciated! As a thank -you to these volunteers and others from community groups, the City sponsored the Sunsational Celebration, a community picnic held August 23 at the Tukwila Community Center (indoors, due to the sudden moisture content of our summer weather). Volunteers enjoyed good company, a catered barbecue dinner, and great musical en- tertainment pro- vided by jazz guitar- ist Michael Powers. This group's hard work is vital to the City's success. Thanks again! Come meet the candidates at Foster Library! Here's your chance to become more informed about who you would like representing you in our city and county govern- ments before the primary election on Sept. 18. On Sunday, September 1 6th, from 2:00-4:OOPM, candidates for Tukwila City Council, Tukwila School Board and the 5th District King County Council have been invited to attend, to meet you and answer your questions. Refreshments will be served. There are important issues on the horizon; make your vote count. Zimmimma Tukwila City Council Actions: July, August 2001 All positions are non-partisan, 4 -year terms expiring in 2005 COUNCIL CANDIDATES Position #1 Byron L. Saunders, David B. Fenton Position #3 Kasey Clay, Joseph A. Tice, Pamela Linder Position #5 Samuel Udom, Joe Duffie Position #7 Jim Haggerton General and special elections are Tuesday, November 6. To be eligible to vote in the General Election — Last day to register: — by mail: Saturday, October 6, 2001 — in person at Elections Office: Monday, October 22, 2001 Adopted/Approved: • Authorized Mayor to sign consult- ant contract with Certified Land Ser- vices Corporation for $115,500.00, for provision of right-of-way acquisi- tion services for Tukwila Interna- tional Boulevard Project, Phase I. • Awarded contract to J. Harper Con- tractor, Inc., for $108,646.15, for Cascade View Park Demolition Project. • Adopted Ord. 1963, authorizing and providing for acquisition of land for purpose of constructing Tukwila In- ternational Boulevard, Phase I; and providing for condemnation, appro- priation and taking of land and prop- erty rights necessary therefor. • Adopted Ord. 1964, establishing a Sign Code appeal fee. • Approved additional contribution of $50,000 to Airport Communities Coalition (ACC). • Approved Final Plat for Foster Heights. • Authorized Mayor to sign Cascade Water Alliance (CWA) Memoran- dum of Understanding with Puget Sound Energy, regarding water rights for Lake Tapps Reservoir. • Approved Res. 1467, considering sewer annexation of 42nd Avenue South service area by Val Vue Sewer District. 2 • Authorized Mayor to sign WRIA • to WRIA 9 Interlocal Agreement Amendment. • Awarded contract to Western Equip- ment Distributors for $37,043.14, for rotary mower with full flotation, 4 -blade, articulating cutting unit for golf course. • Adopted Ord. 1965, vacating por- tions of Richard St. and Berkshire Pl. S., located southwest of 50th Pl. S. right-of-way in Allentown. • Adopted Ord. 1966, renewing mora- torium on certain land development activities relating to shelters, com- munity residential treatment facili- ties, community treatment centers for prisoners, transitional homes for prisoners, pre-release centers, lim- ited security detention facilities, and similar uses not addressed within City's Comprehensive Plan or Zon- ing Code. • Approved Res. 1468, supporting Highline School District's Capital Facilities Improvement Bond. • Approved Res. 1469, adding posi- tion of Economic Development Di- rector to Non -represented Employ- ees' Compensation Plan. • Approved Res. 1470, authorizing sole source purchase of Traconex signal controllers. • Authorized the Mayor to execute a consultant's agreement with Cosmo- politan Engineering Group for $38,400.00, for Cascade View Park landscape architecture service. • Adopted Ord.7967. grant • 1967, granting tempo- rary, non-exclusive franchise to XO Communications. • Adopted Ord. 1968, granting tempo- rary, non-exclusive franchise to Elec- tric Lightwave. • Adopted Ord. 1969, granting tempo- rary, non-exclusive franchise to MCI Worldcom. • Adopted Ord. 1970, amending street vacation procedures. • Authorized Mayor to sign FAST Cor- ridor Interlocal Agreement for fund- ing between Port of Tacoma and the City of Tukwila, for S. 180th St. Grade Separation Project. • Authorized Mayor to sign agreement with DMJM & Harris for $1,506,517.66, for S. 180th St. Grade Separation Construction Man- agement and Inspection Services. Public Hearings Held: • Request for vacation of portion of Richard St. and Berkshire Pl. S. at Codiga Farm. • Moratorium originally established by Ord. 1902 on certain land develop- ment activities relating to shelters, community residential treatment fa- cilities, community treatment cen- ters for prisoners, transitional homes for prisoners, pre-release centers, lim- ited security detention facilities, and similar uses not addressed within City's Comprehensive Plan or Zon- ing Code. THE HAZELNUT 16th St. Scheduled ; To Be Completed L. About June 2002 on SW .7th St Springbrook Creek Project SW 41st St Location SW 43rd St (7180th St) Scheduled to Be COctober feted2001 About Interurban Avenue bridge widening and trail bridge Federal funding has been approved for the construction phase of two projects on Interurban Avenue at the Green River. The two projects will be accom- plished under one construction con- tract, with advertisement scheduled for early fall. One project will widen the Interurban Avenue Bridge over the Green River to provide two northbound left turn lanes onto southbound I-405. One lane will be restricted to HOV traffic to match the lanes on the on-ramp. The second project will provide a con- nection between the Interurban Trail and the Green River Trail just east of Interurban Avenue and north of the Green River. The trail connection will include a new trail bridge over the Green River, paving of the trail around the Family Fun Center site, and a multi- directional connection point at the two regional trails. South 180th Street project update The City of Tukwila has completed the design of the grade separation on South 180th Street between West Valley Highway and Oaksdale Avenue. Award of the construction contract is scheduled for October of 2001. Construction activity is antici- pated to begin in November. The project will construct an underpass beneath the railroads for four lanes of traffic, an Interurban Trail bridge, a 1 -track Union Pacific Railroad bridge, and a 3 -track Burlington Northern bridge. What it means to you South 180th Street will be closed at the railroad tracks from December 2001 to December 2002. The main detour route will use West Valley Highway, South 196th Street (that opened in March 2001) and East Valley Highway. Please see adjoining map for route. We realize that this project will cause delays for all travelers. Our main objective is to provide a safe and efficient roadway for this heavily traveled corridor. This construction project will elimi- nate the current delays associated with the trains and promote a smoother traffic flow. For more information, please call 206-433-0179, or visit our website at http://ci.tukwila.wa.us. Take advantage of discounts Good news for cable TV and garbage service subscribers. City of Tukwila has negotiated discounts for low-income seniors and low-income disabled citi- zens. If you are a current cable TV or garbage subscriber, and meet the low- income senior or low-income disabled criteria, you may be eligible for a 30% discount on cable TV monthly rates and a 50% discount on your garbage service bill. Please call Frank Iriarte at 206-433- 0179 or email him at firiarte@ ci.tukwila.wa.us for details. T.I.B. Reconstruction Project The reconstruction of Tukwila Interna- tional Boulevard from South 138th Street to South 152nd Street is planned to begin this Fall and be completed in the fall, 2002. The project improvements include pavement overlay and repair of the existing roadway, the addition of curb and gutter, sidewalk, drainage, street lighting, undergrounding over- head utilities, bus pullouts and shelters, and improved pedestrian crossings. Call the Department of Public Works at 206- 433-0179 if you have any questions. South 150th Street improvements between 42nd and 46th Avenue South near Thorndyke Elementary School New curb, gutters, sidewalks, storm drains, pavement, and undergounding are under construction. SEPTEMBER 2001 3 Parks, Goltand -- Recreation Happenings Playing for food THANK YOU ... to all that participated in the "Sports for Hunger" Volleyball tournament on July 17th as part of the Tukwila Days celebration. Seven teams came together in this FUN event to play volleyball, which raised over 3 bins of canned food goods for local food banks. Special thanks to Steve Chin for all of his help, and to BOEING EMPLOYEE'S CREDIT UNION for sponsoring this great event. Park Profile: Bicentennial Park Bicentennial Park is located along the beautiful Duwamish/ Green River Trail in the heart of Tukwila's Business District. Facilities at this two -acre site include a restroom, playground, log cabin picnic shelter, picnic area and landscaped areas. This site is heavily used by both daytime employees and local residents. It is also the location of the Parks & Recreation free Music in the Park series every summer. We sell Entertainment Books! Help us to help others. The Tukwila Community Center is selling 2002 En- tertainment Books to raise money for the Scholarship Fund. 20% of all sales go directly to the scholarship fund, which allows participants to enjoy the benefits of parks and recreation when they may not be able to afford it otherwise. Books can be purchased at the Tukwila Community Center (12424- 42nd Ave. S.) or online atwww.entertainment.com (account #659977). WE CAN KEEP YOU BUSY... Be sure to check out the new Fall/Winter 2001 Recreation Activities Brochure! You'll find new programs, old favorites, and a very full schedule of special events for the next four months. Tukwila's winning softball teams CONGRATULATIONS ... to the Champions of the Adult Softball Leagues. This summer, we had 37 teams competing in five different leagues. We'd like to thank all of the teams for a super season, and congratulations to these champions: Men's National Division Men's American Division Women's Division Co -Ed Cascade Division Co -Ed Olympic Division DV UNLOADING SUNNYDALE MUFFLER SEATTLE HAWKS LARRY'S MARKET THE TEAM Saturday, September 29 is the Mayor's Day of Concern for the Hungry The Tukwila Food Pantry will be participating in the Mayor's Day of Concern for the Hungry on September 29. This day is designated to increase awareness about hunger needs, as well as increase donations to local foodbanks and pantries. Local food stores will be participating and donation barrels will be set up at the stores. Shelf tags will be set up on store food items that are useful for donations. Volunteer teams and individuals are needed to work donation barrels in front of the store as well as place shelf tags. Volunteers will hand out flyers to persons entering the store and transfer donated food to receiving vehicles. If you or your work team would like to assist, please call Joe Tice at the Tukwila Food Pantry at 206-431-8293. 4 Fair Housing Center can help The Fair Housing Center of South Puget Sound, located in Tacoma, Wa, serves as a full service non-profit organization, dedicated to ending illegal discrimina- tion and enforcing the Fair Housing Act of Western Washington residents. The agency takes a focus on complaint inves- tigation, advocacy, information/refer- ral and education. They are currently accepting fair housing complaints. They can be reached at 253-274-9523. THE HAZELNUT The City of Tukwila Department of Parks and Recreation presents IIV� P1-41f041111411(ic 111 TU1IWIIJI "You're traveling to another dimension: a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a won- drous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. At the signpost up ahead, your next stop... THE TWILIGHT ZONE" — Rod Serling Many of us remember the Twilight Zone on television in our youth. Well, now the Twilight Zone is coming to Tukwila thanks to Seattle's best fringe theatre, Theatre Schmeater. Join their own Rod Serling, the effervescent Miss Intermission and the cast as they explore "the dimension of imagination". Theater Schmeater has produced 71 episodes of the Twilight Zone since 1993 in their alternative theater space on Capitol Hill. The Theater's mission is to produce great plays simply and foster a love of theater as an art form in future audiences. Saturday, October 13 — 7:30PM Foster Performing Arts Center Tickets: $5:00; under age 18, Free E1RTAIN SMARTYPANT3 Captain Smartypants has but one goal: to make you laugh while creating exquisite harmony. This vocal octet has shared the stage with such luminaries as Nell Carter, Megan Mullally, Lea Delaria, Rosemary Clooney, Kristin Chenoweth and, of course, Seattle Men's Chorus. Their stylistic range includes swing, doo-wop, psychedelic rock, Motown, technopop, bar- bershop, and just about everything in between. Their songs take aim at such comedy targets as unfaithful lovers, cell phones, bad grammar and finding that ever -elusive parking spot. Captain Smartypants was formed in 2000 by Seattle Men's Chorus Assistant Artistic Director Erik Lane Barnes. They are featured on "Fruit of the Month Club," Seattle Men's Chorus' newest CD. Sunday, November 4 — 2:OOPM Foster Performing Arts Center Tickets: $5:00; Kids under 13 Free Performances at the Foster Performing Arts Center, 4242 South 144th Street Ticket sales at the door one-half hour prior to performance. For more information, call 206-767-2342. Sponsored by the Tukwila Arts Commission and the King County Performance Network TU.kwila.'s Arts Cowu issiortipresents the Rainier iyotiatosti SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 at 3:OOnm Foster Sclwoi Perforwthc9 Arts Center 4242 South, 144t1, Street, Tukwwiia, in,its first perftrwaitce, of he 2001-2002 conzert season,, "Take Fives" Tickets: Adalti$12; Sekior or Student/$7 Order tickets otclirce at www:ra.ieciersywcphory. or9 For wore, ihftrwatiohj piease cath 206-781-5618 FeaturWg: Verdi, Overture to La, Forza. dei Dest w Waitoiv iw Coerto f soloist r Viola, aia Orchestra, — Heather gently, R A 1 NI I L , Beet/um/eh Sywr�iior2y No. 7 SEPTEMBER 2001 5 VOLUNTEER! TUKWILA ('ITIzENs REATING OMMUNITY Agencies offer opportunities for volunteering outside 8 to 5 Are you looking for a volunteer opportu- nity during the evening hours or on weekends? If so, The King County Library System (KCLS) and the Mu- seum of Flight can use your services. KCLS needs your help for Words on Wheels, a program that recruits volun- teers to bring books and other materials to people who can't get to their local library. For more information, call Vol- unteer Coordinator Susan LaFantasie at 425-369-3235 or send an e-mail to slafanta@kcls.org. The Museum of Flight is seeking volun- teers for a variety of positions, particu- larly that of docents and family week- end programs. Call Cheryl Fairfax, Vol- unteer Manager, at 206-768-7117 or e- mail volunteers@museumofflight.org. And last but not least... Thanks goes out to Frank Kos of the Bluebills, the Boeing Retiree Volunteer Program. Frank has used his woodwork- ing expertise to make several projects for Tukwila's Recreation Program. Just recently he completed several self -stand- ing display boards used for the 2001 Tuk- wila Days celebration. An earlier project was a large Easter egg with which chil- dren posed for special photos to com- memorate the City's annual Easter Egg Hunt. We hope there's more to come! b City offers multi-lingual access guide Do you know someone new to the City of Tukwila who speaks only Spanish, Bosnian, Somali, Russian, Vietnamese, or Arabic? If so, the City's Equity and Diversity Commission is asking your help in dis- tributing the recently produced Tuk- wila Community Access Guide. The Access Guide, with text translated into the aforementioned languages, explains how to access essential City services such as police, fire, and human services, as well as offering information on schools, employment, taking the bus, and more. The Commission—partnering with the Boeing Company, EthnoView, and the Port of Seattle produced the Access Guide to help the non-English speaking populations in Tukwila and surround- ing areas. Now we want to get the Guide to the people who need it. The Access Guide is available at Tuk- wila City Hall, the Neighborhood Re- source Center, Tukwila School District, WorkSource-Renton, and Airport Jobs Employment Information Center. Fu- ture distribution locations will include area churches. The Guide is also avail- able on two websites: the City's (www.ci.tukwila.wa.us) and Ethno- View's (www.keylinkconcepts.com). Call Roberta Nelson at 206-433-7182 for questions regarding the Access Guide. The Equity and Diversity Commission promotes mutual acceptance and appre- ciation among the races and cultures in the Tukwila Community. The Commis- sion meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5:15PM at Showalter Middle School, 4628 South 144th Street. For more information, call Lucy Lauterbach at 206-433-1834. Come and join us! Volunteer today! Call Roberta Nelson at 206-433-7182, or look us up on the City's website at http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us Teenagers to senior citizens help with City projects Tukwila's volunteer force is a good ex- ample of the old adage that we can all learn from and help one another. Read on about how volunteers of all ages lent a hand to a variety of City -sponsored volunteer projects. Renton National Honor Society Even though it's summer vacation, stu- dents from Renton National Honor Soci- ety are still volunteering. At the recent 2001 Tukwila Days celebration, eight students donated two hours each to help set up and/or monitor booths. They also created a colorful balloon arch, marking one of the festival's main entrances. The City sends a big thanks to student volunteers Alicia Allen, Ryan Brown, Kassie Dyckhoff, Linda Hoang, Cortney Lee, Scott McDowell, Megan Keenehan, and Kimberly Reid. Special Clerical Assistants Volunteers from the City's Neighbor- hood Resource Center (NRC) and the On -Call Program recently helped with a variety of clerical projects. The On -Call volunteers – who periodically assist City departments – prepared large mailings, destroyed outdated cassettes as part of the City's records policy, and provided extra help on several one-time tasks. Those volunteers included Joan Ander- son, Thelma Cameron, Lydia Kiehlbauch, Joanne and Bob McManus, Dorothy Plueger, and Ruth White. The NRC volunteers also assisted with large City mailings in addition to ongo- ing Municipal Court projects and their primary responsibility of staffing the Resource Center. NRC volunteers in- clude Rebecca Harlan, Mike Fowler, Alice Jones, Jerry LaPlant, Victoria McCarthy, Joanne McManus, Peter Okicich, Al Patterson, Matthew Roy Steinhauer, Janet Tolland, and Russell Trader. For information about the NRC, please contact Crime Prevention Officer Bob Abbott at 206-243-6506 or Roberta Nelson at 206-433-7182. THE HAZELNUT Tukwila Station Sound Transit Update Several citizens have inquired as to the status of the Light Rail project in Tukwila. Short answer: we don't really know the answer. The Sound Transit Executive Board continues to wrestle with the decisions on design, final alignment and beginning and end points of the line. What we do know is that the Board has indicated that the Light Rail will not be placed on Tukwila International Boulevard. This decision caps a two-year battle with that agency and the citizens, businesses and governmental leaders of this city. Special thanks goes to State Senator Julia Patterson and State Representative Shay Shual-Berke who traveled to Washing- ton D.C. as part of a contingent of City leaders that included former Mayor Rants, Mayor Mullet and Councilman Dave Fenton. It was through their efforts that we were able to gain the support and understanding of Representatives Adam Smith, Norm Dicks, Jennifer Dunn, and Senators Murray and Gorton. They in turn made it clear to Sound Transit decision makers that the concerns of the citizens of Tukwila must be considered with respect to alignment of the light rail. But most of all, thanks goes to those of you that took the time to voice your opinions to the elected officials of the Sound Transit Executive Board. Our work to ensure that a light rail transit system and alignment is designed and built that best serves Tukwila and the region has not stopped. Your Mayor, Council and staff continue strong lobbying efforts to bring light rail service to the urban center, to avoid disruption to our neighborhoods, and to maximize ridership and economic development potential. One very positive piece of news is that we have recently completed our sixth month of service by Sounder Commuter Rail at the Tukwila station. AMTRAK has also begun service to Tukwila with daily stops. The Tukwila Station is located on South 158th behind the Embassy Suites Hotel. Information for both AMTRAK and the Sounder Commuter Rail service can be found at www.amtrak.com and www.soundtransit.org, respectively. Should you have any questions concerning the project as it relates to Tukwila, please contact the Mayor's Office at 206-433-1850, or email at tukmayor@ci.tukwila.wa.us Help Tukwila become Washington's #1 city! Tukwila can become Washington's first city certified as a Wildlife Habitat Community - but the deadline looms near! Tukwila's #1: Tukwila's outstanding leadership on this project is well recognized. Newspaper, radio and television stories have covered Tukwila's efforts to achieve Community Certification. The Washington State Senate applauded our city and its citizens with Resolution 8671, "for the support and organization of wildlife conservation." The National Wildlife Federation touts Tukwila's efforts in press releases and on their national website. King County Executive Ron Sims says that with this project, Tukwila has once again set the standard for other communities. Awards, Honors, Accolades... and Deadlines: Tukwila is making a difference! The all -volunteer Tukwila Wildlife Habitat Committee has worked hard for two years. They've accom- plished a great deal: garnering publicity, awards and honors on behalf of Tukwila and its citizens. Now they need your help to complete project goals. The deadline is September 21, and dozens of additional supporters are needed to certify their backyard as a wildlife sanctuary. Tukwila cannot achieve its goals without your help. Quick & Easy: It's easy to get your backyard certified. If you have any trees, shrubs or flowering plants on your property, chances are you are providing good resources for birds and butterflies — and therefore qualify for certification. The Backyard Wildlife Habitat Committee is helping Tukwila citizens get certified by underwriting half the cost; through September 21, certification costs only $10 instead of $20. Also, committee members will help you fill out the easy application form — it takes about 15 minutes. (Certifying your yard is an informal volunteer activity; it has no bearing on homeowner rights and does not limit selling or development of your property.) Fun and Prizes: Participants receive an outdoor sign from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, a certificate from the National Wildlife Federation, and quarterly newsletters. Plus, the first 250 Tukwila residents to certify their backyards will be eligible to receive a fantastic gift through the Grand Prize Raffle at the Celebration Party, once community certification is complete. Next Steps: To certify your property (and be eligible for the prize), call project volunteer Michelle Roedell at 206-244-6394. Businesses: The Tukwila Wildlife Habitat Project also seeks business participants - to certify the workplace OR for donations. The project committee is a small volunteer group with big ideas but little - to -no funding. Please consider making a donation. Call Michelle Roedell at 206-244-6394 for contest rules (hurry!). SEPTEMBER 2001 7 Sign program, Tukwila International Boulevard will be two subjects discussed at Planning Commission Meeting Sign Amortization Update The City Council recently authorized several incentive programs for businesses, to assist them in efforts at marketing their business and installing code compliant signage. These incentives will be available up until the amortization deadline. In addition, there is a recent court decision regarding the amortization process for signs along State highways (West Valley Highway and Tukwila International Boulevard.) That decision, which has significant implications, has been appealed and the City is awaiting the appellate court decision. Your input is desired. Should the Sign Code Amortization deadline be extended by nine months? Attend the Planning Commission meeting to voice your opinion or send them your ideas. Tukwila International Boulevard Revitalization — New Options Tremendous social change is happening on the Boulevard — criminal activity is down, business cohesiveness, action and pride is up, and trash pick-up and maintenance have accelerated. The next phase of improvement is investment of money in improved properties and new buildings. How does the community instill a willingness to take risks, the confidence that there are willing renters or buyers of new or improved commercial and residential space? A City proposal is being considered to create a demonstration program. The program would offer code flexibility for a limited number of test developments in the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor. The goal of the program is to encourage infill development that creates a high quality pedestrian -oriented model of development. Any test projects would be subject to a public hearing and design review before the City Council, and would be subsequently evaluated to determine success and appropriateness for permanent code changes. This effort, as well as other planning work, supports the City's evolution of policies and standards as it searches for the means to create more intensive, walkable places that support Tukwila's sense of community. Your input is desired. Should the City create an "Infill Innovations Program"? This program will provide opportunities for the City Council, during a public review process, to exempt new developments or redevelopments from existing standards such as height, setbacks or recreation space. Attend the Planning Commission meeting to voice your opinion or send them your ideas. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: Thursday, September 27, 2001 TIME: 7:OOPM LOCATON: Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers ADDRESS: 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Email questions to Moira Carr Bradshaw, Associate Planner, at mbradshaw@ci.tukwila.wa.us, or call 206-431-3651. 8 Council Corner by Joan Hernandez, Council President Fighting litter with ideas At the recent Tukwila Days festival, the City Council held a contest, looking for the best suggestion for reducing litter in Tuk- wila. Twenty-three people submitted their ideas, which were reviewed by the Com- munity Affairs & Parks Committee and then the full City Council for their decision. It was not easy to select a winner from all of the excellent ideas submitted but, after much discussion, the Council awarded the first place prize to Carrie Stern, and a "close" second place to Joyce Bistline for her suggestion. Carrie commented that she has two boys and, whenever they go to a park or playground, "we bring a bag and pick up garbage before we leave. If every- one did this, it would help control the litter problem." Joyce suggested we have a "pride in community contest" that would include offering help to senior citizens that may need some help cleaning up their yards, and providing permanent garbage cans around neighborhoods. Since many of the suggestions carried a similar message, the Council hopes to uti- lize a combination of all the ideas submitted — along with other possibilities — as a multi- faceted approach to addressing the issue of litter in Tukwila. The bottom line is that each one of us needs to take some personal responsibility for controlling litter. Just like our first -place winner who teaches her chil- dren at a young age that everyone must do their share, we all need to work together to help improve the cleanliness of our streets and neighborhoods. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions by contacting us at our council website or information line: ZZi Council Email Address tukcounc@ci.tukwila.wa.us Message Line — 206-431-3652 Agenda Info Line — 206-431-3656 THE HAZELNUT IJI How to lose your home in Tukwila (but we don't really think that you want to) Did you know that much of King County is suffering an epidemic, which poses a life-threatening danger to entire neighborhoods? Itis the epidemic of Methamphetamine Labs. Commonly known as Meth Labs, this illegal drug can be fairly easily manufactured without benefit of any sophisticated equipment or material. It is an extremely dangerous drug when used, and creates a highly toxic and even explosive environment where manufactured — so toxic that, in many cases, the building (or house) where it is manufactured must be torn down and the property decontaminated. Your Police Department has declared war on Meth Labs. The Mayor has directed that any home or property where the production of Meth is taking place, be seized by the City, cleaned up and sold, with the profits of that sale going to further drug abatement activities by the Police Department. This is important for you to know because: 1) you can feel confident that the Tukwila Police Department is vigilant and serious about illegal drug activity in our community; and 2) if you are a property owner or a landlord, and a Meth Lab or any illegal drug activity is occurring on your property, you run a very good chance of losing that property. At a minimum, you will be charged for all clean up and decontamination costs, which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. How sure are we of this? The Tukwila City Attorney is presently processing two actions in Superior Court to seize two residen- tial homes in Tukwila— one for Meth production and the other for the growing of marijuana. If successful, the City will take ownership, clean up the properties, and sell them. As a property owner, you WILL be held accountable for what is occurring on your property. If you want information on how to determine if criminal activity is occurring on your property or in your neighborhood, please call a Tukwila Police Depart- ment Crime Prevention Officer at 206-242-8084 or 206-243- 6506. It is very likely that any landlord reporting this illegal activity will not suffer a property seizure action. SEPTEMBER 2001 Pet licensing canvassing comes to Tukwila r i. Pet Licensing Services of King County announced that its Pet Licensing Canvassing Program will soon be providing pet license sales and information services in the City. Canvassers are on a mission that is beneficial to you and your pet, as well as the County's Animal Services program which supports the adoption of 5,000 homeless pets to new families every year, investigation of animal neglect or cruelty, spay/neuter pro- grams to reduce pet over -population, and community educa- tion services. Starting in September, canvassers will be going door-to-door throughout residential areas. Fall canvassing hours are gener- ally Saturdays, from 9:OOAM to 6:OOPM; Sundays, from 11:OOAM to 6:00PM; and Monday through Friday 4:30-9:OOPM. Pet licensing canvassers have official King County photo identifi- cation and wear bright blue polo shirts or windbreakers with the pet licensing logo. (In inclement weather, these may be under raincoats.) Canvassers ask homeowners if they have any dogs or cats and explain the important benefits of licensing and identifying pets (like prompt notification, free ride home, and longer care period for licensed pets). Last year, King County Animal Control returned over 2,500 lost dogs and cats to their owners because of the license identification. It is also the law — county and municipal codes require licenses for dogs and cats. Canvassers can accept payment and issue license tags for your dogs and cats on the spot: a great convenience to you and a great protection for your pets. (The canvasser can take care of the renewal for already -licensed pets as well.) There are great special incentives for pet owners: for example, with each new license purchased, the pet owner can receive a free microchip, or a "buddy license" (for a second pet) for only $5.00. Types and costs of licenses The price of a license for a spayed or neutered dog or cat is only $15 per year. Licenses for unaltered pets are $55 each, which includes a $25 spay/neuter voucher. A juvenile license for a puppy or kitten under six months of age is $5, and lasts for 6 months. Senior citizens can obtain a license valid for the lifetime of the pet; the one-time cost to license an altered dog is $20, for an altered cat at $12. If you have any questions or want to know more about all the benefits of pet licensing, please contact us by e-mail at pets@metrokc.gov or telephone at 206-296-2712. Or visit us on the web at www.metrokc.gov/pets. 9 lUhaf S 1'kJt) /s) Euian Services Human Services Office 206-433-7180 206-433-7181 Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 Meals on Wheels provides food for homebound seniors Do you know someone that is age 60 or over and has difficulty grocery shopping or preparing meals for themselves? Would having meals delivered help a senior that you may know? If so, the Tukwila Meals on Wheels program is seeking customers to participate in this beneficial community program either periodically or on a regular basis. We would like you to call us. To be eligible, persons must be age 60 and over and be homebound (defined as those needing assistance when leaving their home). There is no income requirement to participate on this program. Our goal is to help seniors help themselves by providing them with excellent nutritious meals and resources. Participants of this program get to choose from a menu of 35 entrees, including beef, pork, fish, chicken, pasta and five breakfast -type dishes. All meals include milk and a roll with margarine, or juice with breakfast. The cost of this service is a suggested donation of $3.00 per meal. Participants decide for themselves what if anything they wish to confidentially contribute. Nobody is ever denied meal service if they are unable to pay. Meals on Wheels participants are also eligible to purchase liquid supplements through Tukwila's Mobile Market program. For more information on either of these programs or to apply, call Tukwila Meals on Wheels at 206-768-2822. This is a program of Senior Services, with additional funding provided by the City of Tukwila. Registration open for free parenting classes Registration is now open for the fall A.P.P.L.E. Parenting Classes in Tuk- wila. APPLE offers an opportunity for parents to learn some parenting tricks and discipline and communication tools to make parenting easier and more fun. It's also a great way to meet other parents, win door prizes, and to have a good time! Day and evening classes are available. Both the day and evening programs provide children's program for children through age eight during the time that parents are in class. The children's programs provide nurturing care, lots of play, a snack, and a chance for preschool and early school aged children to work on social skills such as sharing, turn taking, and making friends. Both morning and evening classes are available. Call Karen at 206-764-5801 for information and registration. 10 Free class for babies and parents at Foster Library Baby and Me is for children through the age of eighteen months and their par- ents. For babies, there will be music, toys, parent-child activities and baby friends. For mom and dad, there will be parent-child activities, new contacts with other parents of young children, prizes and information on such topics as early brain growth and helping baby learn, safety, nutrition issues such as weaning and beginning solid foods and more. Each parent will make a "memory book" with pictures taken at baby's "first class"! Baby and Me Classes begin September 26th at the Foster Library. Call Karen, 206-764-5801, for registration and in- formation. Seattle Habitat For Humanity Seattle Habitat for Humanity is a non- profit organization that builds homes in partnership with low-income families (between 25%-50% of the King County median income, based on family size). Homes are sold to families at no profit, financed with a zero -interest mortgage. Average monthly payments are $450- $700 including taxes and insurance, spread out over 25-30 years. Homebuyers are selected once each year based on their need for housing, their ability to make payments, and their willingness to partner with Habitat. Applicants must live or work in King County for at least one year and must be legal permanent residents of the U.S. If you are interested in applying, you must attend an orientation which lasts about 1.5 hours. Upcoming dates are: 9/13 Rainier Community Center 4600 - 38th Ave S 206-386-1919 9/15 New Holly Family Center 7054 - 32nd Ave S 206-760-3280 9/19 Southwest Community Center 2801 SW Thistle St 206-684-7438 Job Corps helps youth Job Corps has job placement services for low-income youth ages 16-24. Admin- istered by the U.S. Department of La- bor, the program offers vocational, aca- demic and social skills training as well as job placement services. Youth accepted in the program live on Job Corps cam- puses that have everything they need including dormitories, classrooms, din- ing halls and recreation facilities. Orientations are held every Tuesday at 2:OOPM in the downtown office at 810 Third Ave., Suite 180. If you know a youth interested in this program please pass this on. For more information, call Lor Kozlowski at 206-622-6593. THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA RESOURCE Take another look at pesticide and fertilizer use During the spring, the City of Tukwila mailed residents three photo postcards with information about healthy gardening and pesticide disposal. Let's recap these important messages for human, plant and wildlife health. • Ask your nursery for ideas about plants that are pest - and disease -resistant and adapted to our climate. • Use less toxic pest control. EPA is phasing out pesticides like Diazinon and Dursban because they pose harm to children. Their run-off damages salmon habitats. Try other options — for example, you can control aphids on roses by hosing them off with water and using insecticidal soap. • Kick the week and feed habit. Weed and feed is overkill. Do you really need to spread herbicides on every inch of your lawn to kill a few dandelions? • Use a "natural organic" or "slow-release" fertilizer. The last better, are better for plant and soil health, and are less likely to run off. Fertilize moderately in May and September. • Pull or spot spray the pesky weeds and leave the others alone. Cover, for example, helps fix nitrogen in the soil, making a healthier lawn. • Get unwanted pesticides out of the garage. Take them to the Wastemobile or a hazardous waste shed for safe disposal. Here are some additional steps toward a "natural" lawn: • Mow high - 2 inches for most lawns, about 1 inch for bent grass — and leave the clippings on the lawn. This is "grasscycling". • Water deeply and infrequently. Don't water if rain is expected. • Improved poor lawns with aeration and overseeding. • Consider alternatives to lawns. To find out more about health gardening and pesticide disposal, visit www.metrokc.gov/hazwaste/card.html, or call 1-888-860-5296. Want more information about recycling or composting in Tukwila? Contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox at 206-431-3683, or email to rfox(E ci. tukwila. wa. us SEPTEMBER 2001 REPORTER Bow Lake Transfer Station tries out a new service King County's Solid Waste Division has begun a pilot project at Bow Lake to collect selected appliances for recycling, including: • Washers • Stoves and ranges • Water heaters • Dryers • Dishwashers • Furnaces The following are not accepted: • Refrigerators • Freezers • Air conditioners • Other appliances with Freon coolant King Countywill charge the regular garbage disposal tonnage rate for recycling the appliance listed above. A limit of two appliances per customer, per load, is accepted. Questions? Please call 206-296- 4466, or 1-800-833-6388 (TTY). What happens when you recycle... newspaper? While most of us recycle at home and at work, few of us know what actually happens to the products that we recycle. This month, in the first of an occasional series, we'll look at newspaper. How is recovered newspaper processed into a useful product? Shredded magazines are added to the newspaper so that their clay content will separate the ink from the newspaper fibers, which are then turned to pulp and washed. Screens remove contaminants. The pulp is bleached and mixed with pulp from wood chips to strengthen it. The pulp is poured on a screen to drain, then flattened and dried as it passes through the steam -heated rollers. It is trimmed and rolled to be reused as newspaper. What products are made from recycled newspaper? It is reprocessed into newsprint and wrapping paper, manufactured into molded packing, shredded and fireproofing added for blown -in cellulose insulation, or manufactured into sheet rock surfacing. How much energy does recycling newspaper save? Recycling one ton of newspaper saves three tons of wood pulp. It saves the equivalent of 3,000 -kilowatt hours of electricity, or 23% of the energy required to process a ton of newsprint from new pulp. 8th Community Garage Sale The Eighth annual Tukwila Community Garage Sale, held during Tukwila Days on July 21 and 22, included over 100 participating households and many more interested buyers. Residents and shop- pers mingled, as bargains and "treasures" changed hands. Partici- pants said they liked the tie-in with Tukwila Days, so watch for next year's Garage Sale in July, 2002! 11 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8:30AM-5:00PM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@citukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Joan Hernandez, Pres. 206-248-0260 Pam Carter 206-244-0558 Joe H. Duffle (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Dave Fenton 206-246-4980 Jim Haggerton 206-244-7846 Pamela Linder 206-439-2473 Richard Simpson 206-243-7715 Lucy Lauterbach, Analyst206-433-1834 Council Message Line 206-431-3652 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Mtgs 1st/3rd Mondays Work Mtgs 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor Steve Mullet 206-433-1805 City Administrator John McFarland 206-433-1832 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Human Services 206-433-7180 Finance Department Alan Doerschel, Dir206-433-1835 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Fire Department Tom Keefe, Chief 206-575-4404 Dept. of Community Development Steven Lancaster, Dir. 206-431-3680 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, 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 That's the way the money flows (continued from page 1) Growth = changes = more expenses We are making the transition from a community characterized by blackberries, farm animals in back yards and a "leave me alone" attitude, to one of sidewalks, no parking zones, and families who understand the need to pay the taxes that come along with increased property value. Costs associated with enforcement of nuisance and zoning codes have become a larger part of the City's budget, but our constituents have told us it's a price they are willing to pay. For me, twelve years seems like an eternity, and I am often frustrated that we haven't done enough. We are now into the 21st century and yet there are still many neighborhoods without sewers; miles of sidewalks unbuilt; many surface water problems to be solved; and litter everywhere. Tukwila International Boulevard, aka Highway 99, is virtually crime -free compared to 1992, but it is unchanged physically. These opportunities are amplified by the fact that our economy is entering another one of those "flat spots". Where, oh where, is our share? Next year we will take a critical look at our capital projects. Contrary to popular belief, there is NOT enough money in a city to fund locally all of the services being requested by its citizens. But King County, in financial difficulty, is systematically pulling out of providing services in incorporated cities. Tukwila property taxes provide about $10 million annually each to the County and the State, and about the same amount remains in our City. While we know that our share is being spent at home, we are seeing less and less of the State and County share being spent in Tukwila. The lion's share of the sales tax (6.5%) goes to the State, the County gets 0.95% and the City gets 0.85%. Our share is just a sliver of the pie, and we are being forced to spend more and more of our sliver on services formerly provided by the State and County. Don't be fooled by the "overtaxed and underserved" rhetoric of the day. Services are alive and well in Tukwila. We will survive this downturn; we will clean up our streams, Tukwila International Boulevard will be physically changed, Tukwila Village will be built, and our neighborhoods will see the infrastructure they need to make them great places to live. �- J Steve Mullet, Mayor 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.