HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers July 23, 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.
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; Bob Giberson, Public
Works Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director;
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager;
Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Acting City
Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
a. Presentation from Bhutanese community members.
Mike Villa, Police Chief, introduced Chuda Dahal, Dal Diyali and Ram Bhandari, community members
from the Tukwila Bhutanese community. Mr. Dahal provided a brief history and background information
on his home country of Bhutan. He explained that due to the extreme conditions in their country, most
Bhutanese people left Bhutan in 1990. Several families arrived in Washington in 2008, and there are
approximately 80 -90 Bhutanese families that have resettled in Tukwila. Mr. Dahal announced community
members have created a Bhutanese Community Resource Center where they are working to connect the
Bhutanese community that have settled in Kent, Seattle, SeaTac, Burien and Tukwila.
The Councilmembers thanked Mr. Dahal for the information he presented and encouraged them to
continue attending City Council meetings.
b. Presentation from 4Culture regarding public art and cultural art. Jim Kelly, Executive Director,
and Charlie Rathbone, Art Program Manager.
Stephanie Gardner, Parks and Recreation Executive Secretary, stated 4Culture attended the June 2012
Tukwila Arts Commission meeting where they delivered a public arts presentation and discussed
programs being implemented throughout King County. The Arts Commission felt 4Culture should provide
the presentation to the City Council. Ms. Gardner introduced members of 4Culture: Jim Kelly, Executive
Director, Cath Bruner, Public Arts Program Director, Eric Taylor, Heritage Program Manager, and Charlie
Rathbone, Arts Program Manager.
Mr. Kelly explained 4Culture interacts with the City through three areas: arts, heritage and preservation.
Public Art is funded through King County's 1 for Art Program, where funds are generated by capital
construction projects.
Cath Bruner, Public Arts Program Director, began her presentation with a quote from Jack Mackie, public
artist. "In the 70s public art was about art in public places. Today, it's about the art of making places
public." Ms. Bruner explained that over the years the skill level of the artists, the compassion of the
community, and dedication of Public Works Directors and elected officials have resulted in the art of
making places public.
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July 23, 2012 Page 2 of 5
Ms. Bruner utilized a PowerPoint presentation to depict art in public places such as: pedestrian bridges,
freeway underpasses, artful sewer manhole covers, utility boxes updated with paint and vinyl, functional
art sculptures, area photos used on billboards and as wall murals, and interior hallways made inviting with
the use of art. Public art builds unique community identities, by adding layers of interest and meaning to
public infrastructure and space.
Jim Kelly, Executive Director, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Council on how 4Culture is
advancing the Tukwila community through culture. Highlights of the presentation were:
ARTS SUSTAINED SUPPORT:
Peanut Butter and Jam Summer Concert Series
CASTT: Community Summer Actors Theatre in Tukwila
Interpretive Storytelling Duwamish Hill Preserve
Entertainment at Backyard Wildlife Festival
2011 Plein Air Paint Out
Entertainment at Family Fourth at Fort Dent Park
HERITAGE CULTURAL FACILITIES:
Construction of the Duwamish Hill Preserve to include:
o Archaeological Survey
o Benches and Kiosks at the Preserve
o Additional Land Acquisition
Tukwila Heritage and Cultural Center
o Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restroom remodel
HERITAGE COLLECTION CARE
o Catalog and Preservation Collection
o Enrollment in Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations (StEPs)
program
HERITAGE CULTURAL EDUCATION
Stories of New Immigrants
Youth Leadership and Cultural Heritage Project Somali Community Services Coalition
All Nations Cup Performance Series
Mr. Kelly announced 4Culture and the All Nations Cup Performance Series are sponsoring a free concert
July 28, 2012 at Cascade View Park.
The Council exchanged comments and thanked Mr. Kelly and 4Culture for the presentation and update
on the programs they provide.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Brent Barrett, 7310 21 Avenue NW, Seattle, stated he is speaking on behalf of Teamsters Local No. 117
who represent the Waste Management Recycling drivers. He explained Waste Management will be the
City's solid waste hauler beginning November 1, 2012, and he asked the Council to contact Waste
Management and request Waste Management continue contract negotiations.
PUBLIC HEARING
An ordinance renewing the moratorium on medical cannabis collective gardens or dispensaries.
Jack Pace, Community Development Director, stated the purpose of the draft ordinance is to extend the
moratorium on medical cannabis collective gardens or dispensaries for another year. The request to
extend the moratorium is based on the uncertainty relating to the authority for local governments and their
responsibilities. Initiative 502 is scheduled for the November 6, 2012 ballot, and should the initiative
pass, it would likely require that the legislature intervene and provide needed clarification on the laws
governing collective gardens and dispensaries.
7:46 p.m. Council President Seal opened the Public Hearing.
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July 23, 2012 Page 3 of 5
There were no public hearing comments.
7:46 p.m. Council President Seal closed the Public Hearing.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An ordinance renewing the moratorium on medical cannabis collective gardens or
dispensaries.
Councilmember Hougardy indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks
Committee meeting on July 9, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending
approval.
On August 15, 2011, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2348, which established a one year
moratorium on medical cannabis collective gardens and dispensaries. The established moratorium is set
to expire on August 14, 2012. Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) issued a risk management
bulletin emphasizing the need for cities to proceed cautiously in dealing with collective gardens and
dispensaries. Staff recommends extending the moratorium another year to allow the State Legislature to
provide greater clarity for municipalities on the local government authority and responsibilities surrounding
medical cannabis collective gardens and dispensaries.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. Southcenter Parkway Extension Project:
Councilmember Quinn indicated these items were discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on
July 17, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
1. A contract for construction management services with Anchor QEA, LLC.
Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained additional construction management firms are needed to
finish and close out the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project (that is near substantial completion) due
to the construction management dispute with KBA, Inc. Anchor QEA will provide inspection services for
the project, and the Council is being asked to approve the contract with Anchor QEA, LLC in the amount
of $79,218.00.
2. A contract for construction management services with David Evans and Associates.
Mr. Giberson stated the second proposed construction management contract is with David Evans and
Associates. This firm was the design consultant for the project and this contract will provide for the final
project surveying and review the as -built drawings for completeness and prepare the record drawings.
The Council exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topics.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THESE ITEMS TO THE SPECIAL MEETING THIS
EVENING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton reported that City Administration, Council President Seal and Councilmembers Quinn
and Ekberg met at City Hall with representatives from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) on July 17,
2012. Representatives from BNSF included John Hovland, Director of Marketing Facility Development;
Sandra Bye, Director of Acquisitions and Development; Colleen Weatherford, Director of Public- Private
Partnerships; and Terry Finn, Director of Government Affairs. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss
mitigation relating to issues with the BNSF Intermodal Facility in the Allentown neighborhood. Mayor
Haggerton felt the meeting provided open lines of communication and was much more positive than
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July 23, 2012
Page 4 of 5
previous meetings. The group discussed several items relating to the BNSF Intermodal Facility and Mr.
Hovland stated the City would receive a response from BNSF within 45 -days.
On July 23, 2012 the City conducted a briefing with 3 representatives from the Allentown community to
update them on the July 17, 2012 meeting with BNSF.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie participated in a tour of King County's Bow Lake Solid Waste Transfer Station on
July 20, 2012. He explained the information provided during the tour was very helpful and informative,
and addressed the issues he experienced during his first visit to the facility.
Councilmember Robertson requested Mayor Haggerton confirm with BNSF that they do not intend to
transport coal through the City.
Councilmember Ekberg participated in the BNSF meetings on July 17 and July 23, 2012. He stated that
BNSF has committed to no expansion of the Tukwila Intermodal Facility within the next 5 years. On July
19, 2012 he attended the Block Watch Community Meeting, and the "Sustain Tukwila Pool" (STP)
meeting on July 21, 2012. Mark Wahlstrom, Tukwila School Board President, attended the STP meeting,
and he indicated he would discuss with the School Board the possibility of adding swimming as part of the
curriculum in the school district.
Councilmember Hougardy attended the most recent Southwest King County Economic Development
Initiative (SKCEDI) meeting. She feels the City's support of SKCEDI is very beneficial to the community,
and recently there have been discussions about blending SKCEDI and the Highline Forum. Ms.
Hougardy stated she will attend the next Highline Forum meeting for Councilmember Robertson.
Councilmember Quinn participated in the BNSF meetings on July 17 and July 23, 2012.
Councilmember Kruller attended the July 21, 2012 "Sustain Tukwila Pool" meeting where a concerned
citizen again addressed the issues relating to the dead trees near the Tukwila School District bus barn.
She reminded the Council of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the City's Neighborhood Resource Center
that will take place at 10:00 a.m. on August 7, 2012 at 14862 Tukwila International Boulevard, and of the
free concert on Saturday, July 28, 2012, that will be at Cascade View Park.
Councilmember Robertson commented on the issue relating to the Highline Forum. He currently attends
the Highline Forum meetings, where members of the Forum have discussed the purpose of the
organization and how they can best serve the communities they represent.
Council President Seal participated in the BNSF meeting on July 17, 2012, and the July 23, 2012
residential activity group update. On July 18, 2012 she attended the LEOFF 1 Board meeting, and she
participated in the 2012 CASTT performances July 20 and 21, 2012 at the Foster Performing Arts Center.
Ms. Seal thanked Cynthia Chesak for her work in the community, with the actors for the annual CASTT
performances, and her service to the City.
Cynthia Chesak, Arts Commission member, stated she has been in the Tukwila community for the past
34 years, and she has a lot invested in the City of Tukwila. Establishing roots in a community allows one
to see all there is within the community, and today she is working with the children of former students.
She enjoys working in the arts community, serving on the Arts Commission and she expressed
appreciation for the City's continued support of the arts within the City.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, explained he attended the July 23, 2012 King County Council meeting as
the Chair of the King County Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Advisory Committee. He
explained the King County Council has voted to place an initiative on the November 6, 2012 ballot relating
to a continuation of the levy that supports the AFIS program. Mr. Cline expressed interest in having a
conversation with the Council regarding the future of the Highline Forum.
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July 23, 2012 Page 5 of 5
d. City Attorney
The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings.
e. Intergovernmental
Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the upcoming Strategic Plan work session to be
held Wednesday, August 8, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Tukwila Community Center.
Additionally, she stated there is a possibility that the recent "Save the Date" notification for the August 23,
2012 work session may need to be rescheduled. Ms. Matej announced to the Council she will be out of
the office July 26 through August 3, 2012.
ADJOURNMENT
8:21 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SEAL DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING.
t
Verna Seal, Council President
Melissa Hart, Acting City Clerk
APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 08/13/2012
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 08/14/2012