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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers May 14, 2012 7:00 P.M. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Seal called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Seal announced in order to complete the business of the Metropolitan Park District (MPD), the Council will adjourn at this time and will reconvene at 7:45 p.m. to handle the business of the Committee of the Whole. 7:05 p.m. Council President Seal adjourned the Committee of the Whole meeting, which will be reconvened after the MPD meeting has concluded. 8:00 p.m. Council President Seal reconvened the Committee of the Whole Meeting. OFFICIALS Present were Verna Seal, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Brandon Miles, Senior Planner; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Kim Gilman, Human Resources Analyst; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments PUBLIC HEARING a. An ordinance updating and expanding the Sign Code. 8:01 p.m. Council President Seal opened the Public Hearing. Brandon Miles, Senior Planner, explained the City Council adopted the new Sign Code in August 2010 replacing the code that was in place for 25 years. In January 2012, staff updated the Council on the Sign Code. Through that process, staff identified areas of the code that should be amended. The amendments range from minor policy changes to general housekeeping issues that provide greater clarity. Mr. Miles conducted a detailed review of the staff proposed Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC) Title 19, Sign Code, amendments as follows: 1. Commercial Signage on Fuel Canopies: The current code does not address signage on fuel canopies, and the proposed amendment addresses this issue. 2. Streamline Permit Process for Conforming Freestanding Signs: The proposed amendment clarifies that a permit is not required for copy changes or sign refacing if the work complies with the provisions of Title 19, Sign Code. 3. Electronic Plan Submittal: Staff is proposing to reduce sign permit fees by $50.00 if applications for permanent signs are submitted electronically. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 14, 2012 Page 2 of 5 4. Annexation Areas: The proposed amendment would allow a 10 -year grace period for established businesses incorporated into the City due to an annexation. 5. Billboard Receiving Area: The area along Airport Way was not included in the current "Billboard Receiving Area" of TMC Section 19.08.067. The amendment would correct that oversight. 6. Pole Banners Fee and Expansion of Allowable Zones: The proposed amendments would address the fee for pole banners (initial permit fee and permit renewal) and the allowable zones for pole banners. Currently pole banners are allowed in the Tukwila Urban Center, and the proposed amendment would allow pole banners in areas of the City that are subject to the Public Recreation Overlay. This change would also allow pole banners to be installed at all Tukwila schools, most City parks, the Tukwila Community Center and Fort Dent Park. 7. LEED Certification Sign Allowance: The City has very few incentives for encouraging the construction of Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) and Built Green buildings. As part of LEED certification, developers are required to install educational signage relating to the environmental benefits of LEED or Built Green buildings. The proposed amendments would provide an avenue for rewarding developments in the City that are built to reduce environmental impacts. 8. Title 19 Sign Code Housekeeping: Staff proposes adding "Illustrative Purposes Only" to the 2 maps identifying the "Billboard Receiving Areas" within the City and correcting a scrivener's error in TMC Section 19.20.050(4). Council President Seal called for public comments. Rune Harkestad, 845 NE 106 Avenue, Bellevue, stated he owns the property along Tukwila International Boulevard and South 144 Street where Bartell Drugs is located. The existing sign for Bartell Drugs is very large and under the current code, any sign improvements would require him to remove the large sign and install a smaller sign. His tenants are not in agreement with that option. Blockbuster Video was a tenant of the same complex. When new tenants were found, they were informed the current wrap- around signage on the east side of the exterior wall was non conforming and the sign had to be removed. He asked the Council to change the Sign Code to allow property owners to update and modify existing signs without having to tear them down and start over. In reviewing the proposed updates to the Sign Code, he finds it interesting that signage is allowed for a fuel center with wrap- around signage, when an established business is not allowed to install the same type of signage on a building. 8:10 p.m. Council President Seal closed the Public Hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An ordinance updating and expanding the Sign Code and associated fee resolution. Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meetings on March 26, 2012 and April 23, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. This ordinance includes minor amendments to Tukwila Municipal Code Title 19 to allow signage for fuel canopies, expand billboard receiving areas in the City, provide a sign area increase for LEED certified buildings, expand the location for the display of light pole banners and other minor housekeeping updates. Additionally, staff is proposing to reduce Sign Code permits by $50.00 if they are submitted electronically. The Council is being asked to approve the draft ordinance and fee resolution. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the draft ordinance and fee resolution. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 14, 2012 Page 3 of 5 b. A resolution creating a Tukwila Tree and Environment Advisory Committee Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on April 23, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Jack Pace, Community Development Director, explained the draft resolution would create a Tukwila Tree and Environment Advisory Committee. The Committee would provide guidance on updating the natural environment goals and policies from the City's Comprehensive Plan and provide input on new goals and policies related to management of the City's urban forest. The Committee would meet monthly, beginning in August 2012, and conclude its work after 6 to 8 meetings. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. A lease for the Neighborhood Resource Center. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on May 8, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Mike Villa, Police Chief, explained the Police Department would like to re -open a Neighborhood Resource Center on Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) to increase police visibility and effectiveness along the TIB corridor. The Council is being asked to approve 1) the lease agreement for the building located at 14862 Tukwila International Boulevard and 2) the use of seizure funds to cover one -time costs of approximately $74,071 in tenant improvements and installation of camera monitoring infrastructure and equipment. If the Council approves the lease, it is anticipated the City will be able to move into the facility July 1, 2012. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked questions of staff on the above topic. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. A resolution regarding the non represented employees salary schedule. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on April 17, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Mr. Quinn explained that at the April 17, 2012 Finance and Safety Committee meeting, the committee members reviewed and discussed four proposals relating to non represented employee wages and benefits. After discussion they considered a fifth proposal, which combined the Mayor's original recommendation with several key changes offered by the Committee with the proviso that, if City Administration has a recommendation differing from the Committee's recommendation regarding adjustment to a particular band, Administration may provide written justification for providing an alternate option for Council review. The committee members would like the City to embark on a full review of employee compensation plans and the related philosophy behind current wage practices and review all options for position reclassifications. Based on Committee recommendation, staff has prepared and the City Attorney has reviewed a draft resolution for Council consideration regarding the 2012 Non Represented Employees Wage and Benefit package for Council consideration. Anthony Murrietta, 14675 Interurban Avenue South, stated he is with Teamsters Local 763. He voiced support for the draft resolution updating non represented employees' compensation. He explained during the tough economic times, it could appear controversial to give employees cost of living increases and conduct market adjustments. The Teamsters represent many cities, and from his perspective, the City has been fiscally responsible. The Department Heads and non represented staff have worked to ensure the City has thrived during the recession. The City has kept growing, and the way to maintain that growth as a City is to compensate and maintain the good leadership currently in the City. He urged the Council to support and approve the draft resolution. Councilmember Ekberg requested the last whereas of the resolution be amended to add the words "by the end of 2012." The amended "whereas" shall read as follows: "WHEREAS, the City Council requests Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 14, 2012 Page 4 of 5 that City Administration conduct a thorough review of employee compensation and benefit methods used by other employers and present a recommendation to the Council regarding whether the current compensation methodology should be changed and the reasons for the recommendation by the end of 2012;" Council President Seal thanked City Administration, Human Resources and the Finance and Safety Committee for their work on this issue. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM AS AMENDED TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Two ordinances for the Tukwila Urban Center Transit Center and Andover Park West Project for acquisition of right -of -way and easements. Councilmember Ekberg indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on May 7, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the original Ordinance No. 2364 did not adequately cover all of the property needed for the Tukwila Urban Center Transit Center and the street improvements for the Andover Park West project. The-draft ordinances relate to one section of right -of -way, seven temporary construction easements, and one permanent easement that are necessary for the proposed improvements. It is anticipated the design should be complete by July, with advertisement for construction bids sometime in August 2012. Public Works staff is trying to work cooperatively with all property owners relating to right -of -way acquisition and necessary easements for both projects. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton reminded the Councilmembers of the National Peace Officers Memorial Day on Tuesday, May, 15, 2012. He announced that the City has received notification from the King County Flood Control District that the proposed 75!25 cost sharing proposal related to the removal of the flood control devices has been approved. This is great news for the valley cities of Auburn, Kent and Tukwila. The Flood District will fund 75% of the total removal costs, and the other 25% will be paid by the 3 valley cities. Mayor Haggerton also reported that last week he traveled to Washington DC with Council President Seal, Councilmember Quinn and Council Analyst Kimberly Matej as part of a congressional delegation to provide an update on Tukwila's federally funded projects. The delegation met with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, staff from Representative Adam Smith's Office, the Department of Justice, Surface Transportation Board and Economic Development Agency. During the delegation visit he attended local events including the Washington State Society Potlatch on May 11, 2012. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie is participating in the first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training sessions. He thanked City Administration for the training opportunity and urged residents to participate in these types of preparedness trainings. Councilmember Robertson is also participating in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training sessions. Councilmember Ekberg participated in the Sister Cities fundraising breakfast event at the May 12, 2012 Backyard Wildlife Festival. He also attended the Sustain Tukwila Pool meeting, and later that morning he hosted the Council Coffee Chat. Councilmember Hougardy attended the Backyard Wildlife Festival on May 12, 2012 Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes May 14, 2012 Page 5 of 5 Councilmember Quinn was a member of a congressional delegation that traveled to Washington DC May 9 through 11, 2012. Councilmember Kruller is participating in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training sessions. On May 9, 2012 she attended the Suburban Cities Public Information Committee (PIC) meeting for the Mayor and the Backyard Wildlife Festival on May 12, 2012. She reminded the Council of the Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center Gala Event on May 19, 2012. Council President Seal was a member of the congressional delegation that traveled to Washington DC May 9 through 11, 2012. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, explained he will be participating in the Fire Ops training d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Robertson explained he met with the Kent Regional Fire Authority Chief, Jim Schneider on May 4, 2012 relating to a potential Tukwila Fire Authority. Chief Schneider stated they are not able to continue the discussions due to current work load and the negotiations with the City of SeaTac for fire services. ADJOURNMENT 9:35 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SEAL DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOU ED. Verna Seal, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 06/04/2012 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 06/05/2012