HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-28 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers January 28, 2013 — 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council President Hougardy called the Tukwila City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OFFICIALS
Present were Kathy Hougardy, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson,
Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller.
Councilmember Ekberg was not present.
CITY OFFICIALS
Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director;
Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Chris Flores, Assistant Fire Chief;
Don Tomaso, Fire Marshal; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director;
Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Derek
Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Joyce Trantina, Project Analyst; Mary Miotke, Information
Technology Director; Evie Boykan, Human Services Program Manager; Richard Takechi, Fiscal
Coordinator; Kimberly Matej, Government Relations; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Public Outreach and Engagement Liaison Program (POEL).
Joyce Trantina, Project Analyst in the Mayor's Office, introduced Becca Meredith and Skye Schell, with
Forterra.
Skye Schell, with Forterra, explained they have worked with the City for many years. In 2012, the City
received technical assistance from Forterra as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Building
Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program, to explore strategies for achieving its commitment to more
inclusive outreach with the City's diverse residents. Forterra met with City staff and several community -
based organizations to assess the existing outreach and engagement efforts. Forterra was requested to
research community liaison program models, based primarily on Seattle's Public Outreach and
Engagement Liaison Program, and they provided recommendations and materials for a similar program in
Tukwila.
Becca Meredith, with Forterra, explained Goal Five of the City's Strategic Plan states: "Improve the City's
ability to build trust and work with all members of the Tukwila community." Ms. Meredith utilized a
PowerPoint presentation on a suggested inclusive outreach and engagement program in Tukwila.
Highlights of the presentation were:
• Community Liaison Model:
o White Center Trusted Advocates
o City of Seattle
• Public Outreach and Engagement Liaison (POEL) Program
o St. Paul, Minneapolis
• Why Implement the Program:
• Long -term bridges to Tukwila communities
o Increased City transparency
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 28, 2013 Page 2 of 5
o Capture metrics
o Evaluate success
o Establish greater institutional knowledge
• Liaisons:
o Example of project implementation: Rainier Valley Neighborhood Plan Updates
• Historical outreach
■ Revised outreach with community liaisons
• 13 liaisons hosted events
• 1,200 participants at 41 workshops
o Tukwila program could be used for the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update:
■ Hire and train liaisons
• Each liaison could host 5+ meetings
• Gather information
■ Report findings to the City
• City considerations for implementation:
o Interdepartmental Team
o One point of contact
o Liaison contracting specifics
o Management of liaisons
o Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Training
o Program questions:
• What is the timing of the project and outreach activities?
• What is the goal of engaging historically underserved groups?
• What are the priority groups for outreach, and why?
• How important is the issue to the identified communities?
• What kinds of outreach activities are already planned?
• Budget:
o One -year pilot program with two liaisons: $23,950
o Annual program with 5 liaisons: $47,688
o Annual program with 10 liaisons: $81,625
Councilmember Robertson asked staff to provide the Council with next steps in the process.
Ms. Trantina explained the next step in the process could be to create a task force comprised of City staff
from various departments. The City has budgeted for implementation of a pilot program. She explained
that a program such as this will take some time to implement.
Mr. Schell feels the City should begin by implementing a pilot program to continue the outreach that
began with the Strategic Plan.
Pam Carter, 4115 South 139th Street, commented that the report in the agenda packet was very detailed,
and she voiced her support for implementation of a pilot program of this nature within the City.
The Councilmembers exchanged comments on the above topic, and thanked Mr. Schell and
Ms. Meredith for the information provided in the agenda packet and the PowerPoint presentation.
b. Legislative update.
Kimberly Matej, Government Relations, introduced Hal Hiemstra and Michelle Giguere, representatives
from Ball Janik, LLP.
Mr. Hiemstra thanked the City for the opportunity to represent the City in Washington DC. He
congratulated the City on the successful completion of several key transportation projects. He shared
information on the fiscal disarray in Washington, including the fiscal cliff conversation, which has ended
for the time being. However, a deadline is now looming for the continuing resolution that funded the
federal agencies for the first six months of the fiscal year. The resolution expires on March 27, 2013,
which will lead Congress to discuss what they will plan on doing for agency budgets for the remaining six
months of the fiscal year. Additionally, the sequestration issue will take effect on March 1, 2013.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 28, 2013 Page 3 of 5
Sequestration will cause 1.2 trillion dollars in across - the -board budget cuts. By the end of March,
Congress could reach a deal on a budget, which may result in retroactive adjustments to the budgets of
the affected agencies. The federal agencies will be told in April what their budgets will be for the
remainder of the fiscal year, and those agencies that have been conservative should have discretionary
funds available. At that time, since Congress is not ear - marking funds, municipalities will need to apply
for discretionary grants that become available.
Mr. Hiemstra stated Ball Janik will look at ways to find funding to help address the crime along Tukwila
International Boulevard. Another area of concern for the City appears to be with the Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Intermodal facility. He commended the City on the open lines of communication created with
Tukwila's delegates and Burlington Northern Santa Fe. City staff also requested they follow the issue of
online sales tax collection. He explained the incoming Chair of the Energy Commerce Committee is
against online sales tax, and that issue might not move forward.
Michelle Giguere expressed appreciation for the continued communication they receive from the City.
She commented that over the last couple of years the situation with the federal budget has been
extraordinarily difficult. The budget situation in Washington will not get easier, even with a radical
overhaul to the federal tax code.
Mr. Hiemstra and Ms. Giguere indicated the City Council, Administration and staff are key players in
lobbying efforts. Ball Janik is the City's representative in Washington DC, with the goal of providing early
information about opportunities that would benefit Tukwila. Their understanding of the timing and
document flow required for legislative matters aids in successful outcomes for the City.
Mayor Haggerton referenced the importance of the work done by Ball Janik in Washington DC toward
ensuring that Tukwila is in a position to take advantage of essential funding opportunities.
Mayor Haggerton and the Councilmembers thanked Mr. Hiemstra and Ms. Giguere for the high level of
service they provide for the City.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
SPECIAL ISSUES
a. An ordinance regarding the water and sewer leak adjustment policy.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee
meeting on January 23, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
The City established the Utility Leak Adjustment Policy in October 2009, City Administrative Policy No.
300 -14. The policy was also incorporated into Ordinance Nos. 2313 and 2314, adopted by the City
Council in October 2010. After three years of utilizing this policy, it has become necessary to clarify and
update language in several sections of the policy and to repeal certain sections of Ordinance Nos. 2313
and 2314. The notable changes include adding the definition of a leak, time limit to apply for relief,
change in calculation of adjustments, new dollar adjustment limit, and removing the Utilities Committee as
the appellate body. Additionally, administrative policies are operational in nature, and not usually adopted
via ordinance. Adoption of the leak policy by Council previously is dissimilar to how other administrative
policies are adopted.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
b. A contract with BERK & Associates for Strategic Plan implementation.
Councilmember Robertson indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee
meeting on January 23, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 28, 2013 Page 4 of 5
BERK & Associates provided excellent leadership and guidance as the City embarked on developing its
first Strategic Plan. As a result of the significant amount of time spent working with stakeholders in the
community, BERK staff has an excellent understanding of the unique challenges and expected outcomes
by the various groups. They are uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition as Tukwila moves
forward into the next phase of this important work.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
c. An Interlocal Agreement regarding solid waste.
Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on
January 22, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval.
Frank Iriarte, Deputy Public Works Director, explained the current 40 -year Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with
King County Solid Waste needs to be updated to reflect policy changes, address critical needs, and
provide a mechanism that will help protect the City and King County general funds from environmental
liability. After extensive negotiations, City and County teams successfully reached consensus on a new
and improved ILA that provides greater accountability, collaboration, and transparency. The Council is
being asked to approve the Amended and Restated Solid Waste Interlocal Agreement.
The Council asked clarifying questions and exchanged comments on the above topic.
Mr. Iriarte directed the Council to page 135 of the agenda packet. He stated King County has requested
that interested parties sign and return the non - binding statement of interest by January 31, 2013. There
was Council consensus to have the Mayor sign the non - binding statement of interest.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.
d. Discussion on the Council Analyst position description.
The Council President would like the full Council to approve the Council Analyst position description so
that recruitment for the position can begin.
The Council exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic.
After Council discussion, it was determined the position opening will be advertised for three consecutive
weeks.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE SPECIAL MEETING THIS
EVENING.
REPORTS
a. Mayor
Mayor Haggerton attended the ribbon - cutting event at the new Sears Outlet store in Tukwila located at
18340 Olympic Avenue on January 26, 2013. He announced that on January 25, 2013, Jim Fogarty, King
County Emergency Medical Services Director, visited the Tukwila Fire Department. Mayor Haggerton
read an email from Mr. Fogarty expressing his appreciation to the Fire Department during his visit.
8:52 p.m. Councilmember Duffie left the Council Chambers.
On January 23, 2013 Mayor Haggerton attended the Cascade Water Alliance Board meeting.
8:53 p.m. Councilmember Duffie returned to the Council Chambers.
Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes
January 28, 2013
Page 5 of 5
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie attended the January 18, 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. assembly at Tukwila
Elementary School.
Councilmember Kruller attended the Sears Outlet grand opening event on January 26, 2013.
Council President Hougardy participated in a Community College Initiative (CCI) Program class at
Highline Community College on January 28, 2013.
c. Staff
David Cline, City Administrator, announced City Department Directors will be participating in a strategic
planning workshop on January 30, 2013.
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 announced that he reviewed information from the Association of Washington
Cities (AWC) relating to House Bill (HB) 1045 that would allow the City to reduce speed limits within a
residential neighborhood to 20 MPH without conducting a speed study. He asked the Council if there was
support to have the Council President direct Council staff to monitor the progress of the bill, and provide
AWC with notice that the City is in support of HB 1045. Council consensus existed to move forward with
Councilmember Robertson's proposed plan.
Councilmember Seal explained she has been contacted by several residents about accessory uses
(mother -in -law units). She asked the Council if there was support to have staff update the Community
Affairs and Parks Committee on the accessory uses within residential neighborhoods. There was Council
consensus for Community Development staff to prepare a report on accessory uses and provide that
information at a future Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting.
Ms. Seal reminded the Councilmembers to provide her with comments relating to the Council Analyst's
annual review by February 1, 2013.
ADJOURNMENT
9:07 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING ADJOURNED TO CONVENE A SPECIAL MEETING.
rl�
Kathy Ho
rd ,C ncil Pre j nt
Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 02/11/2013
AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 02/12/2013