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Home My WebLink About2012-08-06 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council Regular Meeting City Hall Council Chambers August 6, 2012— 7:00 P.M. Start: 6:01 p.m. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Haggerton announced the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Pending /Potential Litigation— Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). It will last no more than 60 minutes, and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session. Attendees: Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Mike Villa, Acting City Administrator; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Tukwila City Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller. Council President Seal was not present. End: 6:56 p.m. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, called the roll of the Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn and Kate Kruller. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO EXCUSE COUNCIL PRESIDENT SEAL FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; Mike Villa, Acting City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Nora Gierloff, Community Development Deputy Director; Mary Miotke, IT Director; Ted Rutt, Police Training Officer; Wendy Butterworth, Police Records Specialist; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Fifth grade poster contest winners. Wendy Butterworth, Community Relations Committee, Police Department. Mike Villa, Police Chief and Acting City Administrator, introduced Wendy Butterworth, Police Records Specialist, who has oversight of the Police Community Relations Committee. Ms. Butterworth explained that the purpose of the committee is to foster positive relationships between the Police Department and community members. One of the outreach activities was the Fifth Grade Poster Contest involving students from Thorndyke, Cascade, and Tukwila Elementary schools. The theme of the contest was "help build a stronger and safer community" for the National Night Out Against Crime. There were 58 entries and 3 winners, with all participants receiving a certificate of appreciation, and the top 3 winners receiving gift cards from Office Depot and Target. The intent is to make this an annual event. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 6, 2012 Page 2 of 5 Ms. Butterworth introduced the following winners of the Fifth Grade Poster Contest, who displayed their posters to the Mayor and City Council: First Place: Andrew Ferrer from Thorndyke Elementary Second Place: Calvin Le from Tukwila Elementary Third Place: Natalia Arana Herrer from Cascade View Elementary Additionally, Ms. Butterworth and Officer Ted Rutt, Police Training Officer, extended appreciation to Office Depot and Target for their support of the poster contest, plus school supply drives and other projects involving the needs of the community. Ryan Merrick from Target was in attendance to accept a certificate of appreciation. The Mayor and Councilmembers extended congratulations to the poster contest winners and to the Police staff and community partners for their outreach and contributions to the Tukwila community. CITIZEN COMMENTS Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52 Avenue South, relayed that she is offering testimony as to the character of Councilmember Kruller, having known her for 20 years. She is impressed with her dedication and is grateful to have supported her in the Council election. From her standpoint, Councilmember Kruller possesses exuberance, openness and honesty, and she is disturbed there was no attempt to resolve this complaint before it damaged her reputation. She would like to see the code changed regarding how issues such as this are handled, by striving toward resolution and not a rush to judgment. Robert Neuffer, 13813 37 Avenue South, conveyed that Councilmember Kruller is honest and forthright, and he does not believe she would intimidate anyone to get what she wants. He is concerned that a City employee could make a complaint that is then decided by an arbitrator, and he feels the Council should govern themselves. He has had negative interactions with staff at the community center, and some Councilmembers cannot get anything done due to resistance from employees. These are serious allegations, and it looks like retaliation to him. In his view, this looks like a slap toward a junior Councilmember and Democrats. Christine Neuffer, 13813 37 Avenue South, admires and respects Councilmember Kruller as a person of action and straight -talk who is a thoughtful public servant. She expressed concern about a process that would leave the Councilmembers vulnerable to ethics charges from another branch of City government. She suggested an immediate review of the process, which she thinks is costly and lacking in expediency. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 7/16/12 (Regular Mfg); 7/23/12 (Special Mtg.) b. Approval of Vouchers #361095- 361099; 361100- 361211; 120704 120707 in the amount of $1,219,276.54 MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. An ordinance renewing a 12 -month moratorium on the establishment, location, operation, licensing, maintenance or continuation of medical cannabis collective gardens or dispensaries, asserted to be authorized or actually authorized under E2SSB 5073, Chapter 181, Laws of 2011, Chapter 69.51A Revised Code of Washington, or any other laws of the State of Washington. MOVED BY HOUGARDY, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 6, 2012 Page 3 of 5 Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk, read the proposed ordinance by title only. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RENEWING A 12 -MONTH MORATORIUM WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA ON THE ESTABLISHMENT, LOCATION, OPERATION, LICENSING, MAINTENANCE OR CONTINUATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS COLLECTIVE GARDENS OR DISPENSARIES, ASSERTED TO BE AUTHORIZED OR ACTUALLY AUTHORIZED UNDER E2SSB 5073, CHAPTER 181, LAWS OF 2011, CHAPTER 69.51A REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON, OR ANY OTHER LAWS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2348; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOVED BY QUINN, SECONDED BY DUFFIE THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED AS READ. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 2379. b. Acknowledge receipt of Councilmember Kruller ethics investigative findings and disposition. For information only pursuant to Tukwila Municipal Code Section 2.95.040. MOVED BY ROBERTSON, SECONDED BY DUFFIE TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO A REGULAR MEETING FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL.* Councilmember Robertson relayed this item is under appeal, and it would be inappropriate to move forward until the appeal process has run its course. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, explained the hearing had been set for August 22, and a request has been made for a continuance for an additional month to retain counsel. The motion for a continuance will likely be granted, with the hearing to occur sometime in September. *MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton will be the speaker at the upcoming Government Affairs committee meeting where he will provide an overview of the City's sales tax from 2007 to May of 2012. At a recent Lodging Tax Advisory Board meeting, there were comments made that because hotel room occupancy rates were high, then sales tax must be excellent. This can be misleading because sales tax receipts are not affected by hotel room occupancy rates. The sales tax receipts in Tukwila were the highest in 2007 prior to the economic downturn. Mayor Haggerton attended the Valley Com Administrative Board meeting on August 3, 2012, and a retirement celebration for firefighter Steve Rydeen on August 4, 2012. He offered a reminder that the ribbon cutting event for the Neighborhood Resource Center will be August 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. The Mayor acknowledged the Tukwila Fire Explorers who received accolades at the recent National Conference in Colorado where they placed in 7 of 15 competitive categories, including 6 first place finishes. The Fire Explorers are very active in community events and bring a great deal of pride to the City. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie attended the All Nations Cup Orchestra concert at Cascade View Park on July 28, 2012. Councilmember Ekberg indicated that the Transportation Committee has forwarded an ordinance to a future Council meeting to reduce the speed limit on a portion of Tukwila International Boulevard from 40 mph to 35 mph. Additionally, the Transportation Committee discussed a request for short-term parking in the area of Friendz Cafe (corner of East Marginal Way and South 133` Street) that will facilitate 3 stalls of short term parking (15 -20 minutes) in the near future. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 6, 2012 Page 4 of 5 Councilmember Hougardy attended the Highline Forum on July 25, 2012, where she conveyed that she did not want to see the South King County Economic Development Initiative (SKCEDI) and /or the South County Transportation Board (SCATBd) be absorbed into the Highline Forum. She also attended the Strategic Planning meeting that same day. Councilmember Kruller attended the All Nations Cup Orchestra concert at Cascade View Park on July 28, 2012. She spoke with the All Nations Cup organizer who was discouraged with Starfire regarding use of the facility for future events. She relayed that City Administration may want to make contact with the organizer as the events reflect favorably on the City. Additionally, Ms. Kruller visited Starfire on the weekend and noticed there was a $5.00 parking fee. After discussion with Parks and Recreation staff, who did research on this issue, it was relayed that citizens of Tukwila are allowed to park for free at Starfire by providing identification that shows they are a current Tukwila resident. She suggested that contact be made with Starfire requesting that they ask if people are citizens when they come through to park. Ms. Kruller thanked the Mayor and Police Chief for the bike patrols and reiterated the significance of the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) to the citizens. She referenced the issue with dead trees along the fence line near the school district bus parking lot. She suggested that there be a liaison with the school district to share issues of concern. A citizen expressed concern to her about the park near the reservoir on 42 Avenue South (Crestview Park) as it relates to individuals congregating after dusk and inappropriate activities. The park backs up to a daycare, and the low hanging tree limbs might need trimming so they do not hide individuals who may be lurking in the area. Councilmember Robertson said the trees are evergreens growing in front of the daycare that may not be conducive to de- limbing until they are taller. Of greatest significance is the unwanted presence of individuals in that area both during the day and at night. c. Staff Chief Villa, Acting City Administrator, suggested that citizens call the Police when they see activities at Crestview Park. Councilmember Kruller said the activity is difficult to see from the road and it may be happening at other elementary schools. Chief Villa attended the COPS Conference in Washington DC August 1 -2, 2012. He had interactions with officials from the COPS organization and chiefs from other jurisdictions throughout the country. He attended many excellent workshops that also validated the efforts being put forth in Tukwila to reduce crime. He also offered a reminder of the National Night Out Against Crime events to be conducted on August 7, 2012. Comments and Questions regarding the City Administrator's Report. Councilmember Robertson referenced information in the City Administrator Report that LaTricia Kinlow, Court Administrator, participated on the interview panel for the recruitment of a new State Court Administrator. Her participation was at the request of Chief Justice Barbara Madsen of the Washington State Supreme Court. Councilmember Robertson asked that the Finance and Safety Committee consider a discussion of the crime reduction strategies under consideration by the Police Department referenced in the City Administrator Report. Councilmember Quinn, Chair of the Finance and Safety Committee, concurred with a discussion of this issue by the Finance and Safety Committee. Councilmember Robertson relayed that Tent City will be coming to Tukwila. While Tent City residents were in Tukwila the last time, there were reports of drinking and petty crime. He asked that representatives from the United Methodist Church and Tent City be contacted to ensure the neighborhood does not experience higher incidents of crime related activities. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 6, 2012 Page 5 of 5 Chief Villa, Acting City Administrator, conveyed that Police staff is in close communication with representatives from Tent City. Councilmember Ekberg inquired as to the basis for the 2 Planning Commissioner vacancies. Mayor Haggerton indicated it was due to one person relocating out of the City and another having time constraints. Councilmember Kruller appreciates the reference in the City Administrator Report regarding the dead trees along the fence line near the school district bus parking lot. She reiterated the concept of a liaison with the School District. Councilmember Ekberg explained that the City Administrator and the school district Superintendent work together on issues. Mayor Haggerton commented that there is a close relationship with the school district, and he has recently met with the Interim Superintendent. A program involving interns is being discussed to increase collaborative efforts between the City and the school district. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental The Council Analyst is not required to attend Regular Meetings. MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Haggerton stated that a notice to proceed on the removal of sandbags and Hescos along the Tukwila levee will be forthcoming on or before August 13, 2012. ADJOURNMENT 8:07 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. ii F,6)d�' Christy O'Flahert�,&ity Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR: 8/20/12 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 8/21/12