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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers October 8, 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; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner; Jaimie Reavis, Assistant Planner; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, announced the City of Tukwila was named a 2012 "Best Workplace Recycling and Waste Reduction" award recipient. She explained this award is granted on an annual basis by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks' Solid Waste Division. The City has increased recycling awareness by including additional recycling collection bins at various City events, expanded collection of recyclable .Styrofoam blocks, and implemented food recycling and compact fluorescent light bulb programs. She thanked the facilities staff and Roger Running, Facilities Operations and Maintenance Superintendent, for their assistance in the food scrap recycling program. Ms. Fox presented the award to Mayor Haggerton on behalf of the City of Tukwila. Mayor Haggerton accepted the award on behalf of the City, and congratulated Ms. Fox and City employees for their recycling efforts. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Authorize the submittal of a grant application to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Regional Mobility Program in the amount of $6,870,000, committing a 20% match from City operating revenues and park impact fees, for the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge. Councilmember Ekberg indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on August 20, 2012, and at the August 27, 2012 Committee of the Whole meeting. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the Council requested additional information at the August 27, 2012 Committee of the Whole meeting related to the City's opportunity to apply for a State grant to purchase land and construct the Tukwila Urban Center pedestrian /bicycle bridge. The bridge Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 8, 2012 Page 2 of 6 would enhance the Mall -to- Station link, leveraging the Mall, Tukwila Transit Center and Sounder Station investments to promote higher intensity redevelopment. The pedestrian /bicycle bridge is one of the key catalyst projects for the Tukwila Urban Center Plan /Southcenter Plan. The bridge design has been fully funded through federal grant funding, and design is expected to be complete in late 2013. This grant application is due by 4:00 p.m. on October 10, 2012. Staff has received WSDOT approval on the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analysis. Based on Public Works staff analysis, the bridge can reduce vehicle miles traveled by approximately 667,192 within the first year after completion of the pedestrian /bicycle bridge. The City matching funds is listed at 20 so the City's application will be competitive. This is a large project with a large amount for the grant application request. The South 180 Street grade separation project is a very good example of a project where the City applied for a large grant, and the City's match was significantly reduced with other grant awards. The decision options as identified on page 7 of the agenda packet include: (1) Not submit the grant request. (2) Submit the grant request and, if awarded the grant, then decide whether to accept it. (3) Submit the grant request at a reduced level, such as for property acquisition. (4) Submit the grant request for the full amount needed ($6.87 million). Staff recommends option number two, submit the grant request and, if awarded the grant, then decide whether to accept it. The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff and exchanged comments to include: the need for a copy of the VMT analysis to be provided to the Council; clarity regarding the options available to the City if awarded the grant; the significance of establishing priorities for the funding of other projects requiring completion within the City; acknowledgement that submittal of the application shows a commitment to the Tukwila Urban Center; the benefits that come with the project in promoting transit oriented development; concern that the required 20% City match is not fiscally conservative; the benefits associated with a public /private partnership; recognition that the City matching funds could be used for projects along Tukwila International Boulevard; additional information regarding the timeline for the grant award; and the criteria used in determining that this project is critical for new development between the Green River and the Westfield Southcenter Mall. Mr. Giberson commented on the statement relating to prioritization of City projects. He explained the City's draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP) lists projects and their priority. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, addressed the comment relating to the pedestrian /bicycle bridge being critical for new development. He explained that developers have inquired about the walkability of the area, and the proposed project could create the walkable connection for retail and transit services within the Tukwila Urban Center. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING THIS EVENING. b. Acceptance of a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Cascade View "Safe Routes to School" project. Councilmember Ekberg indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on October 1, 2012. The majority of committee members recommended acceptance of the grant. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained, the City applied for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant funding from the Washington State Department of Transportation in 2010. The proposed project did not receive a high enough score to receive an immediate grant award; however, the proposed project was added to the grant funding contingency list. In March 2012, staff was contacted about the possibility of a funding award, and in May 2012, the City received a formal award letter from WSDOT for this project in the amount of $427,588. There is no City match associated with acceptance of this grant. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 8, 2012 Page 3 of 6 Jaimie Reavis, Assistant Planner, explained $29,138 of the grant funding will be used by the Tukwila School District for education, outreach and encouragement activities. The remaining $398,450 is slated for project design, right -of -way acquisition, and construction of the trail. The project includes formalizing the existing connection from South 140 Street to the street end of 32 Avenue South. This project was identified as a high priority project by Cascade View Elementary school staff. The Tukwila School District and Riverton Crest cemetery have indicated initial support for the project. Ms. Reavis utilized a PowerPoint presentation to review the Safe Routes to School Project. Highlights of the presentation included the following: Easement for right of access. o This ensures the walking trail will be preserved for Cascade View Elementary students and neighborhood use. o Students will choose the shortest route; a short, direct, off street connection encourages students to walk. o Easement for recreation waives property owners from liability (RCW 4.24.210). Paved surface of the trail will improve accessibility for non motorized transportation. Trail design will separate trail users from the Riverton Park United Methodist Church driveway area. Construction of a paved trail will address muddy trail conditions and provide an opportunity to improve storm drainage issues in the Riverton Park United Methodist Church parking areas. Jan Bolerjack, 13832 Military Road, stated she is the Pastor at Riverton Park United Methodist Church. She expressed her appreciation for the work completed by the Planning staff on the project, and the intent of the project to provide the safest route for Cascade View Elementary students. The church has some concerns with the project. Without a written document and because the design has not been completed, it would be difficult for the church to support the project at this time. From her standpoint, there is an ethical question associated with spending $427,000 by paving a trail, when there is so much other need, especially with the folks this trail will serve. She feels having a paved trail is not a critical issue for the current users. The church closed the walking path for two weeks, and the kids found other routes to school. Councilmember Kruller asked if the construction of the new trail would have an effect on the gated driveway for the church property, and inquired about the status of the proposed cottage housing development. Ms. Reavis stated the status of the driveway gate will be known after the design of the project has been completed. The original proposal would split the walking trail between the church and cemetery properties, and the driveway gate might need to be relocated to mitigate any impacts the project could have on the church property. The proposed cottage housing development on the church property was approved in September 2011, and the preliminary subdivision is set to expire September 2018. The cottage housing development included a proposed 8 -foot easement along the same route as the proposed trail improvements. Councilmember Quinn asked staff to explain the current drainage issues on the church property. Ms. Reavis explained staff has been told the church experiences water ponding in the church parking lot during the winter months. City staff conducted a site visit, and it was determined there would be an opportunity to provide the church with a connection point to the City's drainage system as part of construction of the project. Councilmember Hougardy inquired as to the width of the proposed trail, and if the width could be reduced. Ms. Reavis stated the trail is proposed at 12 feet wide, with two feet on each side of the trail. The total width for the project would be 16 feet. Staff contacted WSDOT to inquire about the possibility of reducing the trail width, and WSDOT provided information on the trail width deviation process. A reduction in trail Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 8, 2012 Page 4 of 6 width is considered a change to the scope of the project for which the grant was awarded, and that must be approved by WSDOT. Councilmember Ekberg said he would like staff to explore the options for reducing the trail width so the Tukwila Pantry and the church are less impacted by construction of the walking trail. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Utility undergrounding for the 42nd Avenue South Phase III Project (Southcenter Boulevard to South 160th Street). Councilmember Ekberg indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on October 1, 2012. The committee members do not recommend utility undergrounding. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the Council is being asked to direct staff on undergrounding utilities as part of the 42 Avenue South Phase III Project, from Southcenter Boulevard to South 160 Street. The current proposed budget does not include design or construction costs for utility undergrounding. Staff could negotiate a project specific agreement with Seattle City Light that stipulates that utility undergrounding costs for the 42 Avenue South Phase III Project be rate based. At this time, there are no other capital projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that have undergrounding programmed. Councilmember Hougardy referenced the City's current undergrounding policy, and feels the Council should conduct a review of the current undergrounding policy at a future Council meeting. Councilmember Robertson suggested staff explore the possibility of a new negotiated franchise agreement that includes the rate based underground option. Mayor Haggerton explained if all three phases of the 42 Avenue South project had been completed concurrently, the utilities would have been relocated underground. The project area is complicated, due to the shared power service between Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy. He concurs with the Transportation Committee's recommendation of non undergrounding the utilities for this project. After Council discussion, there was Council consensus with the Committee recommendation for no undergrounding of the utilities for this project. d. A resolution fixing the time for a public hearing for vacation of right -of -way within the City of Tukwila dedicated for street purposes, generally described as portions of South 200th Street and Frager Road. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the Council is being asked to consider a resolution setting a public hearing on November 5, 2012 for a proposed amendment to street vacation Ordinance No. 2239 that vacated the old Frager Road right -of -way. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING THIS EVENING. 9:31 p.m. Council President Seal declared a brief recess. 9:38 p.m. Council President Seal reconvened the Committee of the Whole Meeting. e. Review and discussion of the City Facilities Plan. Councilmember Quinn indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on October 2, 2012. The committee members were unanimous in forwarding this item to the Committee of the Whole meeting for discussion. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 8, 2012 Page 5 of 6 Mr. Giberson explained the Council is being asked to review and submit recommendations to the draft facilities plan. Included in the draft facilities plan is a funding option for a 12 -year plan that outlines replacement and retrofit upgrades to City facilities in two phases over 12 years. The start of the 12 -year funding plan has been included in the proposed 2013 -2014 Biennial Budget, which is also currently under review by Council. At the request of the Finance and Safety Committee, this draft facilities plan is being presented to the Council prior to the upcoming budget work sessions as information only. Mr. Giberson stated staff is asking Council whether they agree that a facilities plan is needed, and not asking for approval of the draft plan. The plan in the agenda packet is a draft and if the Council is amendable, staff will return to a future Council meeting with a final facilities plan for review and consideration. Mr. Giberson utilized a PowerPoint presentation to review the draft facilities plan. Highlights of the presentation included the following: Existing facilities condition: Safety deficiencies, building system failures and the costs to fix deficiencies High energy consumption and inefficient operations Seismic stability of facilities Future facility needs: Records storage and Police evidence storage Public Works shops City Hall campus o Fire Stations Future facility options: Option 1 Status quo Option 2 Seismic and function retrofits Option 3 Twelve year Fundina for future facilities v City (General) Funds Energy and Maintenance savings Surplus properties Bond funding Lease /Lease Buyback Levy lid lift Tax increment financing Creative financing Councilmember Robertson commented that he is not ready to move forward with a City facilities plan until after the Council has completed their review of the preliminary proposed 2013 -2014 Biennial Budget. After Council discussion, it was determined the Council would provide staff feedback on the draft facilities plan after the conclusion of the October 9 -11, 2012 budget work sessions. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the October 4, 2012 ribbon cutting event at Total Wine and More. He announced Starfire will host a Lacrosse Tournament beginning on Saturday, October 13, 2012. Due to the lateness of the hour, the Council dispensed with their reports. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Mate;, Council Analyst, reminded the Council of the three upcoming budget work sessions to be held on October 9, 10, and '11, 2012 in the Council Chambers. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes October 8, 2012 Page 6 of 6 MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie requested signs be installed in all City parks that state all dogs must be on a leash. Councilmember Robertson distributed a copy of the 2012 -2017 "Attachment A" and a copy of "Attachment A" as presented in the preliminary proposed budget. He conducted a detailed review of the new version of "Attachment A." He stated the Council has previously requested the format of "Attachment A" include two years of actual revenues and expenditures. The version of "Attachment A" in the preliminary proposed Budget does not follow the Council's requested format. He requested the "Attachment A" that is presented to the Council during the budget work session be converted back to the standard version for this budget cycle. Additionally, he asked that any future proposed changes to the budget format follow the standard process where the proposed changes are reviewed by the Finance and Safety Committee. Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director, clarified the "Attachment A" as presented in the preliminary proposed budget had printing issues, and she directed the Council to the "Attachment A" in the draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Kimberly Matej, Council Analyst, confirmed the understanding of the request by the Council is to have "Attachment A" in the original format for Council review at the budget work session. Councilmember Quinn asked the Council to revisit the Council's participation at the National League of Cities (NLC) Conferences. Councilmember Kruller reminded the Council of the October 12, 2012 Tukwila Pantry Fall Fundraiser to be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the SeaTac Community Center. ADJOURNMENT 10:31 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SEAL DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING. I Vema Seal, Council President Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 10/22/2012 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 10/23/2012