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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesTukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall Council Chambers April 8, 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 7:02 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Kathy Hougardy, Council President, Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Bruce Linton, Assistant Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Mike McCoy, Fire Captain; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Carol Lumb, Senior Planner; Dave Johnson, Recreation Superintendent; Nate Robinson, Teen Program Specialist; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Eric Compton, Information Technology Assistant; Kimberly Matej, Government Relations; Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATION a. Introduction of Jennifer Sloan, Street Department. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, introduced Jennifer Sloan, a new Public Works employee with the Street Department. Ms. Sloan was born and raised in Seattle and resides in Burien. She has a background in construction that includes experience with Public Works projects such as the King County Metro South Base and Cedar Hills Landfill projects. Ms. Sloan voiced her appreciation for the opportunity to work for the City. The Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Sloan to the City of Tukwila. b. Teens for Tukwila. Nate Robinson, Teen Program Specialist, thanked the Council for the opportunity for the "Teens for Tukwila" to update the Council on their program. He stated members of the group will introduce themselves and update the Council on the recent activities of "Teens for Tukwila." Tomaz Baskin, thanked the Council for the opportunity to present information on their program and he introduced members of "Teens for Tukwila" who were in attendance this evening: o Sienna Hawkins — Senior, fourth year participant o Kiara Hill — Senior, fourth year participant o Victor Delgado — Senior, first year participant o Mohamed Abdi — Sophomore, second year participant o Alejandra Silva — Sophomore, second year participant o Zane Galoia — Sophomore, second year participant o Daynon Jackson — Sophomore, first year participant o Andrew Hougardy — Freshman, first year participant The following three students are also participants in "Teens for Tukwila," and were not in attendance: Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 2 of 8 o Emma Coleman - Sophomore, second year participant o Almedina Dacic - Sophomore, second year participant o Natalie Moy - Sophomore, second year participant Each participant spoke about "Teens for Tukwila" and they presented the following: Victor explained the group likes the diversity in the City, the number of businesses in the City, fun community events such as the Teen Late Night and Summer Kickoff Festival. He explained those programs provide a place for the local teens to hang out and participate in fun activities. Daynon stated he would be speaking about the changes they would like to see within the City. They would like to see more local jobs, so community members can better themselves; more educational programs for youth and an increase in the number of high school youth attending college; more help for the refugee /immigrant community, and the clean -up and crime reduction (drugs /prostitution) along Pacific Highway South (Tukwila International Boulevard). They would like to see more teen involvement and participation in programs and more teen voice within the community. They hope the group can be advocates for the youth within the community. Sienna highlighted the program's accomplishments over the four -year history of the program. She explained the group conducts workshops that focus on teen leadership and their involvement in politics. For the past three years, the group has been tutoring (6th- 8th grade) students at Showalter Middle School; began a "Pen Pal" program with elementary age youth experiencing forms of homelessness; assisted with dinner service to the Tent City residents; performed yard work for a Tukwila senior citizen who was physically unable to keep her yard up to city code standards; and participated in hikes with the Tukwila Seniors. She voiced her appreciation for being a part of the group since the beginning and she is proud the group has continued to grow. Kiara explained participants from "Teens for Tukwila" attended the most recent Teen Leadership Summit in Auburn; participated in the recent Legislative Action Day in Olympia and the first ever We -Day event; and they visited with multiple youth leadership groups from other Washington cities. Zane stated that on the first day of the Legislative Action Day in Olympia, members of "Teens for Tukwila" met with different leadership groups from around Washington. They heard a story from a Pacific Islander youth who is a straight "A" student and he was advocating for the "Dream Act." He is an undocumented citizen and because of this he is not able to attend college. He believed that attending college will help him secure a better job and then he would be able to provide financial support to his ill mother. On the second day of the event they participated in the following three meetings: The Legislative Process, Activism and accomplishing our goals, and Youth — Adult Partnerships. Andrew discussed the meetings the group had with several Washington Legislators and Representatives. He stated members of the delegation met with Washington State Representative Steve Bergquist, Senator Bob Hasegawa, and Representative Zach Hudgins. They were able to tour the Senate and House Floors and interact with Legislators. Representative Bergquist discussed the issues surrounding education, and updated them on bills that relate to issues and concerns raised by the group. Senator Hasegawa provided a tour of the Senate Floor and posed for a picture with the group. Representative Hudgins provided guidance to the group on how to achieve their vision and empower youth. Alejandra explained Representative Hudgins took additional time to participate in a special meeting with the group. He spent one hour with the group discussing options about education, which is one topic of focus of the group. He also provided answers to questions the group had prepared. During spring break, State Representative Bergquist requested the group visit Olympia again. The group discussed what has been happening in Olympia and he provided them with a VIP tour (of the Capital campus) and conducted introductions to other Legislators. They visited the Rules Committee room and learned how legislative bills are written. She said these meetings have provided the students with the tools necessary to expand and grow a relationship with the Council to ensure the youth of the community has a voice. Mohamed stated the group has prepared a visual presentation to highlight some of the accomplishments of the "Teen for Tukwila" group. He thanked the Council for allowing the group to share their experiences. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 3 of 8 He said the group would like to continue building a relationship with the City Council and they are available as a resource. He invited the Council to attend their group meetings and they hope to partner on any future projects. Councilmember Duffie asked if anyone in the group has considered politics for their future. Alejandra explained these recent activities have piqued her interest in becoming a political analyst and to be more involved in politics. Councilmember Robertson commented that the group had great success in Olympia, and he suggested the group attend the next Legislative Conference with the Tukwila City Council. Councilmember Ekberg commented that the action by the group and the desire to building partnerships is the way to create future leaders. Councilmember Seal expressed appreciation for the comments relating to an increased voice for the youth of the community. She said they each have the ability to use their voice and they should pursue their dreams. She thanked the group for their presentation. Councilmember Quinn voiced his support and appreciation for the growth of the "Teens for Tukwila" program. He stated during a recent visit in Olympia, State Representatives Bergquist and Maxwell commented on the recent visits with the youth group and they stated they were very impressed with meetings they participated in. He suggested anyone interested in politics explore the Page program in Olympia. Councilmember Kruller said she heard three specific requests during the presentation: opportunities for jobs within the community, additional help for refugees /immigrants, and reduction in crime along Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB). She explained the City is currently working on the crime reduction along TIB. She urged the group to continue voicing their comments to the Council on changes they would like to see within the City. Council President Hougardy thanked the group for the presentation, and she supported the recommendation for a joint "Teens for Tukwila" and City Council delegation to Olympia. She announced that the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference will be hosted in Seattle (November 2013), and she said she would work with Mr. Robinson on how the group could be involved in the NLC Conference and to provide information on the Page program. Mayor Haggerton stated the City embarked on the process to develop a Strategic Plan in 2012. In 2013 the City has begun implementation of the Strategic Plan, and he stated the teens can be part of that implementation. He stated the Tukwila American Legion Post provides scholarships to area youth and encouraged them to work with their high school counselors on the scholarship applications. This program focuses on the structure of city, county and state governments. Councilmember Duffie encouraged the students to continue the good work through this program. c. Update on Briscoe /Desimone Levee. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, utilized a PowerPoint presentation to up_ date the Council on the Briscoe /Desimone project. Highlights of the presentation included: Background: ❖ In 2007 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began the process of updating the Flood Insurance Rate Map to reflect up -to -date flood hazards and change the maps to a digital format. ❖ As part of the map update, FEMA is considering changing its policy concerning mapping of flood hazards protected by non - accredited levee systems. Under the proposal, areas protected by non - accredited levees would be analyzed and mapped as if the levee did not exist. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 4 of 8 ❖ The result of the proposed change would result in large areas of the cities of Kent, Auburn, and portions of Tukwila being mapped as a floodplain. ❖ Changes to the flood map will have a dramatic impact on local property value, tax revenue, redevelopment, and vacancy rates. Levee Reach: The City of Kent reviewed the draft FEMA flood map and determined they needed to seek accreditation of the levee system. A total of 7 levee reaches were identified and each one will require an engineering analysis, levee repairs, and certification by an engineer in order for FEMA to accredit the area is protected as outside of the 100 -year floodplain. The Briscoe /Desimone reach located between S. 180th St. in Tukwila and S. 200th St. in Kent protects properties within Tukwila, Kent and Renton. Briscoe /Desimone Levees: Within the Briscoe - Desimone levee reach, four locations were identified by Kent's consultant as substandard and needing repair prior to certification of the levee. Three of the locations are within the city limits of Kent and one is within Tukwila (Segment 1). Since the levee functions as one system, the City of Kent is not able to obtain levee certification until the repair to the Tukwila segment is completed. In order to certify the entire reach of levee, all the deficiencies need to be repaired in order for the levee receive accreditation, as required by FEMA. A breach of the Desimone levee would affect Tukwila businesses such as Grainer and Rainier Canvas. Basic Design Concept: The City of Kent's consultant has recommended that setback floodwalls be installed at the landward toe of the existing sections that require improvements. This design allows the following benefits: ❖ Safety improvements — levee stability by sheet pile reinforcement of soils ❖ Minimize impacts on existing habitat ❖ Opportunity for increased habitat: ➢ Full size trees on riverbank ➢ Roots and animal burrows won't have negative impact ➢ Vegetation is not required to be removed to comply with Corps of Engineers guidelines ❖ Vegetation will provide increased slope stability ❖ Root mat will reinforce surface soils ❖ Reduced riverbank erosion /slumping and associated maintenance ❖ Cost effective solution compared to total levee reconstruction Project Status: ❖ This project will be managed by the City of Kent. ❖ King County Flood Control District approved this project by resolution on February 26, 2013. ❖ The City of Kent has completed 30% design drawings. ❖ Plans will need to be modified for the Tukwila segment to move the planned wall to approximately the back end of the riverward parking stalls per direction from the King County Flood Control District. ❖ Kent is in the process of obtaining a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination. ❖ Kent will be submitting for a Shoreline Substantial Development permit to be approved by the City of Tukwila. ❖ Additional flood protection easements are required from the adjacent property owner for the wall setback. ❖ The project cost estimate is $22 million, with $7.5 million secured by Kent from state grants. ❖ Construction is not anticipated until 2014. ❖ The final design submitted by the City of Kent will be required to comply with the Tukwila's Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The Councilmembers asked clarifying questions of staff and exchanged comments to include: a timeline on when the 30% design drawings will be available for Council review; how to involve Tukwila staff in the design process and ensure design compliance with the City's SMP; the significant issues associated with State Route 181 (West Valley Highway) and the levee; project timelines and next steps of the process; how to get information on the design from the Department of Ecology and local tribes; conducting a work session for review of the proposed levee repair design; information from Bob Sterbank from the City Attorney's Office on issues associated with the proposed repairs; ensuring the Council is not rushed to Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 5 of 8 make a decision on the issue; the importance of this project complying with the new regulations; concern about the levee repairs that have begun within the City of Kent; the importance of keeping the Council informed on this issue; the timing of the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Kent; the risk of the levee failing; the principles behind the repairs in Kent associated with sheet wall construction; the importance of having any materials /drawings provided to the Council include actual distances between buildings /parking and the levee; and a request for a staff report outlining the pro's and con's on the proposed design for the levee repairs. Councilmember Robertson requested clarification on the location of Repair Reach Location No. 2 (as depicted in the PowerPoint presentation). Tim LaPorte, City of Kent Public Works Director, clarified that Repair Reach Location No. 2 is partially located within the City of Tukwila. Mr. Giberson explained City staff has received a copy of the 30% level of design drawings for the proposed levee repairs. This level of design is very early in the process, with detailed conceptual level plans. The plans are to scale, and the 30% design will change to meet Tukwila and King County standards. He explained staff is currently working on the issues surrounding the project design and compliance with the City's SMP. The next steps include the City of Kent and King County finalizing their Interlocal Agreement in order for Tukwila and Kent to move forward with the Interlocal Agreement for the levee repairs within Tukwila. In regard to the comments surrounding levee repairs and State Route 181 (West Valley Highway), this issue was addressed in the King County approval. King County stated there cannot be an assumption that a state highway is the levee. There are several areas within the Valley where a highway as a levee is an issue. Councilmember Robertson asked when the City would receive a copy of the design drawings that comply with the City's SMP. Mr. LaPorte stated the City of Kent is pursuing levee certification. However, Kent is not able to achieve certification without cooperation from the City of Tukwila. He said the design of the levee repairs in Tukwila will comply with Tukwila's SMP. Mr. LaPorte explained that the conditional letter of map revision process is the process by which a private engineering firm can certify a levee, which then makes the levee safe. The City of Kent was required by FEMA to submit the 30% design plans for this project approximately two years ago. He clarified that City of Tukwila staff were advisors to Kent during this process and FEMA will review and approve the design. Once the design has been approved, Kent will move forward with the repairs. Upon completion, FEMA will provide the required levee accreditation, which can take approximately 3 to 4 years. Kent has been working on the State Route 181 issue for several years; they have been in discussions with the Governor's Office, Washington State Department of Ecology and the Federal Highway Administration, which gives guidance to the State Department of Transportation, and they have made significant progress in this area. Mr. LaPorte stated this has been a long process because on a national level, there are very few cities that have certified levee systems. This is a huge problem throughout the nation, since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed themselves from the levee certification process. Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, stated that the King County Flood Control District approved the project, with conditions, at their February 2013 meeting. Mr. Speck introduced Kjristine Lund, King County Flood Control District Executive Director. Ms. Lund explained the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) did reach an agreement relating to the design of the repairs associated with the Briscoe /Desimone levee. The conditions established by KCFCD will be outlined in the pending Interlocal Agreement between the King County Flood Control District and the City of Kent. Some of the conditions include ensuring the tie -in between the levee and the new walls is constructed in a secure way to ensure levee slope stability, and that the levee wall that touches Tukwila be re- designed to ensure conformity with the other sections of the Briscoe /Desimone levee. The idea behind the re- design is that the consistency will make the levee stronger. She stated the current work in Kent is taking place at the Boeing levee; and a grant for that project was previously Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 6 of 8 awarded and the repairs are just beginning. They are proceeding with a new grant for the repairs to the Briscoe /Desimone levee. Mr. Speck explained City staff and Kent staff need to conduct a meeting to discuss how revisions to the proposed design would affect FEMA's review and the timeframe for any revisions required due to the City's SMP. He stated the design of the repairs will need to comply with the City's SMP, and staff will need time to review the design and determine the impacts. Council President Hougardy stated there is Council interest in a special work session to discuss this item. She suggested a Council sub - committee begin this process. She asked that Councilmembers interested in participating in the sub - committee contact her to begin moving forward. CITIZEN COMMENTS Vanessa Zaputil, 15171 52nd Avenue South #5, stated she is speaking on behalf of the "Sustain Tukwila Pool" (STP) group. The grand re- opening of the Tukwila Pool will be held in conjunction with April Pool's Day, Saturday, on April 20, 2013. STP will be selling raffle tickets for a "walk the plank" event to raise money for the scholarship program. Ms. Zaputil stated STP members will be selling the raffle tickets before and after the Council meetings, at the Council Coffee Chat and other various meetings. Joan Hernandez, 15224 Sunwood Boulevard, stated the Equity and Diversity Commission will be conducting a book drive May 1 — 31, 2013 to benefit the local elementary school students. Jami Balint, Segale Properties, referenced the presentation this evening to the Council regarding the proposed repairs to the Briscoe /Desimone levee. She stated Segale Properties is supportive of the levee repairs, with the caveat that attention be given to a possible rise in the base flood elevation as mapped by FEMA. She noted that the west side of the river is the Tukwila South development area and local farms, and the U.S. Army Corps 205 Levee does not extend far enough south. Segale obtained a grading permit that will allow fill for the area, based on their calculation for the base flood elevation. If the base flood elevation will increase based on the proposed Briscoe /Desimone levee repairs, Segale will need to have this information quickly in order to obtain an additional permit to increase the fill for the Tukwila South development area. SPECIAL ISSUES a. A supplemental agreement to contract #13 -036 with KPG, Inc., for emergency storm pipe repair on East Marginal Way South. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 1, 2013. The committee members were unanimous in recommending approval. Bob Giberson, Public Works Director, explained the investigation determined that the failing three segments of the system should be replaced as soon as practical due to various deficiencies. The Council is being asked to approve the supplemental design agreement with KPG, Inc. in the amount of $138,049.94 for the East Marginal Way South Emergency Storm Pipe Repair Project. The Councilmembers exchanged comments and asked clarifying questions of staff on the above topic. After Council discussion, there was consensus to have the Utilities Committee review the surface water rates at the next Utilities Committee meeting. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 7 of 8 REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton stated the blackberry removal began at the property located at South 158th Street and 42nd Avenue South, and the project should be complete by the end of April. A delegation from Standard and Poor's (S &P) visited the City on April 3, 2013, in preparation for issuing a bond rating for the Local Improvement District No. 33 bonds. He distributed a copy of the meeting materials and updated the Council on the items discussed at that meeting. On April 4, 2013 he and Police Chief Villa met with the owner of the Grande Terrace Apartments to discuss the issues associated with the apartment complex. At the most recent Valley Communications Board meeting, three executives from Tiburon attended the meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the development of the new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for Valley Comm. The Board of Directors has been working with Tiburon since 2008 on the new system, and they must provide deliverables by April 29, 2013 or the board will move forward with other options. Mayor Haggerton thanked Councilmember Kruller for submitting an application for appointment by Sound Cities Association (SCA) to the King Conservation District. He attended the SCA nomination committee meeting on April 8, 2013. He announced that SCA has decided to establish term limits for serving on the SCA committees, and due to the new term limits, there will be several committee openings. b. City Council Councilmember Seal attended the LEOFF 1 Board meeting on April 3, 2013. She announced that Councilmember Quinn will be chairing the April 15, 2013 MPD Board meeting. Councilmember Kruller recently participated in a meeting in Olympia with Councilmember Quinn relating to Sound Cities Association called "Keep King County Moving." On April 6, 2013 she attended the City of Seattle's Open House events. Council President Hougardy reminded the Council of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 12, 2013, and that Councilmember Ekberg will be hosting the April 13, 2013 Council Coffee Chat. She asked staff to update the Council on the status of the Council laptops. Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director, announced that four Councilmembers reviewed the sample laptop and staff will be placing an order for the new laptops. Once the order has been placed, she can provide the Council with an estimated delivery date of the equipment. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, reminded the Council of the Tukwila Community Center Open House events on May 1, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. d. City Attorney The City Attorney's presence is not required at Committee of the Whole meetings. e. Intergovernmental Kimberly Matej, Government Relations, announced the State Legislative session ends on April 28, 2013. Ms. Matej updated the Council on the State Budget, relating to early information on the Streamlined Sales Tax, and Senate Bill 5895 relating to redirection of funding away from the Public Works Trust Fund Loan. Additionally, she reminded the Council of the April 11, 2013 Special Meeting beginning at 5:00 p.m. to interview the final three candidates for the Council Analyst position. Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes April 8, 2013 Page 8 of 8 ADJOURNMENT 9:20 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HOUGARDY DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Kathy Houg a.0 _ ` Au A ••unci ' ,esident Melissa Hart, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED AND SIGNED BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON 04/22/2013 AVAILABLE ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 04/23/2013