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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-06 Regular MinutesTukwila City Council City Hall Council Chambers Start: 6:00 p.m. MINUTES REGULAR MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION Regular Meeting May 6, 2013— 7:00 P.M. Mayor Haggerton announced the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Potential Property Acquisition — Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) It will last no more than 60 minutes, and no decisions will be made during the Executive Session. Attendees: Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Turpin, Assistant City Attorney; Kimberly Matej, Government Relations Manager; Bob Giberson, Public Works Director; Jack Pace, Community Development Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Tukwila City Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Dennis Robertson, Allan Ekberg (via conference call), Kathy Hougardy, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, Kate Kruller. End: 6:55 p.m. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE /ROLL CALL Mayor Haggerton called the Regular Meeting of the Tukwila City Council to order at 7:05 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, Kathy Hougardy, Verna Seal, De'Sean Quinn, and Kate Kruller. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON TO EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER EKBERG FROM THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. CITY OFFICIALS Jim Haggerton, Mayor; David Cline, City Administrator; Rachel Turpin, Assistant City Attorney; Stephanie Brown, Human Resources Director; Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director; Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director; Mike Villa, Police Chief; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Mary Miotke, Information Technology Director; Joyce Trantina, Mayor's Office; Christy O'Flaherty, City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Introduction of Cheryl Thompson, Executive Assistant in the Mayor's Office. Mayor Haggerton introduced Cheryl Thompson to the Council. Ms. Thompson worked previously for the City of Lakewood in the City Attorney's Office. She was also an office manager and legal assistant for 13 years. The Mayor emphasized that she has a positive attitude and is a welcome addition to the Mayor's Office. The Mayor and Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Thompson to the City of Tukwila. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 6, 2013 Page 2 of 6 b. Promotion of Sanjay Prasad to the position of Sergeant in the Police Department. Mike Villa, Police Chief. Mike Villa, Police Chief, introduced Sergeant Sanjay Prasad to the City Council. Sergeant Prasad has worked in the Tukwila Police Department for 7 years in various capacities to include the Civil Disturbance and Crisis Communications Units and as an active supervisor and field training officer. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and has received the Meritorious Service Medal. Chief Villa emphasized his primary reasons for promoting Sergeant Prasad were work ethic, teamwork and leadership. Mayor Haggerton administered the Oath of Office to Sergeant Prasad and his wife pinned on his badge. Sergeant Prasad introduced the members of his family in attendance and thanked them for their support. He also thanked Chief Villa, the Mayor and Councilmembers for this opportunity to serve the City. The Councilmembers offered congratulations to Sergeant Prasad on his promotion. c. Mayor's State of the City report. Mayor Haggerton. Mayor Haggerton expressed that changes occur each year in Tukwila by way of improvements and major projects. These changes help Tukwila stay competitive in business and create benefits for people who live, work and visit our community. To guide these changes and keep the City on a clear path, a Strategic Plan was adopted in December of 2012. After 8 months of conversation, commitment and hard work by community representatives and City staff, the stage has been set for positive change in Tukwila — The City of Opportunity, The Community of Choice. The Strategic Plan will enable the City to draw on and enhance the strengths of individual neighborhoods and groups for the good of each and the betterment of the whole. Together we will focus on 5 key areas: 1. A community of inviting neighborhoods and vibrant business districts 2. A solid foundation for all Tukwila residents 3. A diverse and regionally competitive economy 4. A high performing and effective organization 5. A positive community identity and image Throughout the strategic planning process, the one consistent theme from citizens was the need for greater safety and less crime along Tukwila International Boulevard. This will be a key focus area this year. Efforts will include increased police presence, breaking ground on the Tukwila Village Project, and improving the area by increasing litter pickup, graffiti removal and bus shelter cleaning. Additionally, Code Enforcement staff will address various code violations and issues in that area. Mayor Haggerton highlighted key changes and progress on vital City projects to include: • Completion of the Southcenter Parkway Extension Project. This involved widening a 2 -lane roadway to 5 lanes, making the Tukwila South Development possible and bringing housing and jobs into our region. • East/West Connection between SW 27th Street in Renton and Strander Boulevard in Tukwila. The first phase of this collaborative effort with Renton was completed in 2008. Future phases will extend the roadway under the railroad tracks, and the final phase will widen the road to 4 lanes. • Pedestrian /Bicycle Bridge across the Green River. The design will be completed by the end of 2013, and the bridge will form the backbone of a pedestrian corridor connecting the Tukwila Transit Center to Southcenter. • Removal of sandbags and other flood protection measures along the Green River. • The Boeing Access Road Bridge. This key east/west arterial is nearing the end of its life, and is a critical connector to an important employment center, an international airport, and a regional hub. The City Council accepted a $9.7 million federal grant, and an application has been submitted for a Public Works Trust Fund loan to help fund this project. • Interurban Avenue Improvements. This key north /south corridor will involve construction of sidewalks, pavement restoration, drainage and lighting. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 6, 2013 Page 3 of 6 • Re- opening of the Neighborhood Resource Center on Tukwila International Boulevard. This facility provides a cost effective method for faster response to crime and proactive policing in the area. • Identification and possible condemnation of high -crime hot spots along Tukwila International Boulevard to increase public safety. • Formation of a Metropolitan Park District (MPD) to secure the operation of the Tukwila Pool, an important amenity in our community. • The Museum of Flight became home to the Space Shuttle Trainer, formerly utilized by more than 300 astronauts, and now in close proximity to the new Aviation High School. • Collaboration with Puget Sound Energy regarding relocation of the gas pipeline along South 178th Street. The vacation of South 178th Street would enable the City to construct a new Fire Station to serve the commercial center and future Tukwila South development. • Ongoing efforts to work with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) to mitigate the impacts of the intermodal yard in the Allentown neighborhood. • Tukwila Village groundbreaking at South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard is close at hand. Stakeholders have developed a conceptual site plan for location of the buildings, and parking and key deal terms have been approved by the Council. Mayor Haggerton emphasized that the economic market remains challenging and recovery in our region continues to be slow. However, Tukwila's financial situation is stable. The 2013 -2014 budget reflects a significant investment in our priority areas, helps maintain staffing levels, and improves our reserves. Staff has been diligent about keeping expenses below budgeted levels and make efforts on a daily basis to reduce costs toward making a positive difference to the City's bottom line. d. 2013 first quarter update on the Strategic Plan. Joyce Trantina, Mayor's Office. Joyce Trantina, Mayor's Office, utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an update on the City's Strategic Plan. Ms. Trantina referenced the City's Community Vision and Mission Statement as follows: Community Vision: The City of opportunity, the Community of choice. City Mission: To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting and healthy environment for our residents, businesses and guests. She explained that the vision and mission statements have been framed and placed in City facilities, and put on City letterhead, business cards, email signatures, and the City's website. A tri -fold brochure has been developed and distributed City -wide and to community organizations to ensure the message of the City's Strategic Plan is kept "out front." Six key priorities were established for 2013 and will be the focal point for City business this year: 1. Crime Reduction - Tukwila International Boulevard 2. An Improved Environment For Community Livability 3. Strengthened Financial Fundamentals 4. Updated Plans & Policies Aligned With The Community's Vision 5. Improved Access To City Services And Decision Making 6. Council, Staff and Partners Engaged In A Shared Commitment To The Community's Vision Ms. Trantina expressed that an excellent illustration of the positive changes for Tukwila can be found in the online reference source, Wikipedia. When Ms. Trantina searched for "Tukwila" last fall, the definition came back with various statements about high crime rates and constant criminal activity. The definition for Tukwila in Wikipedia today now contains the following: The City of Tukwila is a community of communities: residents of many diverse origins make Tukwila their home, a large commercial center draws workers and consumers to the city daily and industry thrives with the transportation confluence of rivers, freeways and railroads with close proximity to Seattle- Tacoma International Airport and the Port of Seattle. Ms. Trantina closed by reiterating that the Strategic Plan represents a community- driven, action - oriented plan for making good decisions to foster positive change for everyone in the Tukwila community. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 6, 2013 Page 4 of 6 CITIZEN COMMENTS Brooke Alford, 4724 South 122nd Street, referenced the summary from a recent meeting with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad staff and extended appreciation for the ongoing communication and was thankful for the involvement of Kimberly Matej as a liaison on this issue. The concerns regarding BNSF and the impacts of the railroad to the Allentown neighborhood have been ongoing for over a decade. She is pleased that the issues have been spelled out, as this is a clear and ongoing threat to the neighborhood. She would like to see a consultant hired to look at meaningful mitigation for the Allentown area over the long term. She is hoping that community members can be part of the RFP process and that the Tukwila delegation going to Washington D.C. this week will have good conversations with the state senators on this issue. Lisa Krober, 11830 42nd Avenue South, expressed support for the comments made by Ms. Alford. She is a resident of the Allentown area and asked the Council to be mindful of the long -term effects of BNSF on the neighborhood. It is important that they be held accountable for their impacts to the community. Councilmember Duffie conveyed that this past weekend he had a situation where a wire fell across his vehicle. He would like input from public safety staff regarding the best means to handle this type of issue. Chris Flores, Acting Fire Chief, explained that a charged power line should never be driven over. If a line falls on a vehicle and the driver is unable to ascertain if it is charged or "live," the best thing to do is stay in the vehicle and call 911 or get the attention of someone outside the vehicle to call 911. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approval of Minutes: 4/15/13 (Regular Mtg.) b. Approval of Vouchers: #363240- 363356 & 130501 and #130403 - 130407 in the amount of $1,120,643.16 c Authorize the Mayor to sign an application for Community Development Block Grant funds for the 2014 Minor Home Repair Program to serve the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines and Covington, in the amount of $125,000.00. [Approved for Consent by the Council President.] MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY QUINN THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Haggerton attended the Refugee 101 event on April 29, 2013 at the Foster Performing Arts Center. The event highlighted the challenges associated with families acclimating to life in the United States. On May 3, 2013 the Mayor provided welcoming remarks to those attending the conference of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This was their 112th State Convention, and there were 250 people in attendance. b. City Council Councilmember Duffie reported on items discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting conducted prior to tonight's meeting. Council President Hougardy attended the May 1, 2013 Seattle Southside Tourism Networking meeting and the May 2, 2013 National Day of Prayer event at City Hall. Councilmember Seal reported that the Equity and Diversity Commission will be conducting a Summer Reading Book Drive benefitting students at Cascade View, Thorndyke and Tukwila Elementary Schools. New or lightly used book donations will be accepted between May 1 and May 31, 2013 at the Tukwila School District Administrative Offices, Rainier Cancer Center (Andover Park East), Southwest King Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 6, 2013 Page 5 of 6 County Chamber of Commerce, SeaTac Airport Administration Building, Tukwila Community Center, and Tukwila City Hall. She said Joyce Trantina in the Mayor's Office is the contact, and Councilmember Seal extended thanks for her work on this project. Councilmember Quinn attended and spoke at the Global to Local Health event on April 27, 2013 in the Bartell Drugs parking lot, where free medical screenings were being offered. This event was very well attended, and the health providers, sponsors and Human Services staff should be commended for their work on this effort. Additionally, he attended the East African community forum that same evening. He encouraged the Council to review the Somali Community Services Coalition Report, which outlines the values and challenges of their community. The lack of affordable housing stood out as a key concern. Councilmember Kruller attended the April 25, 2013 Puget Sound Regional Council meeting. That same evening, she participated in the 2013 Vision Awards where 2 award winners were Kingston Village Green and YWCA Family Village at Issaquah. Both seemed similar to Tukwila Village, and she suggested the City consider looking into the criteria for the award. On April 26, 2013 she attended the Sound Transit groundbreaking ceremony for the 200th Street Station, which should provide parking relief to the Tukwila Light Rail Station. King County Councilmember Julia Patterson was also in attendance and made known her intent not to run for re- election. On April 29, 2013 Ms. Kruller attended the Refugee 101 event and will be volunteering to assist students who are working on English language skills. Additionally, she participated as a "victim" in the final drill of the Tukwila Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Councilmember Kruller offered a reminder about the Backyard Wildlife Fair to be held on May 11, 2013 at the Tukwila Community Center. Also, on June 8, 2013 at 1 :00 p.m. at the Tukwila Community Center, there will be "A Civil War Reader's Theater" event featuring Lorraine McConaghy. It is sponsored by the Tukwila Historical Society and Tukwila Arts Commission. c. Staff David Cline, City Administrator, referenced the City Administrator Report and 2013 Work Plan Status Report in the Council packet and offered to answer any questions. Mr. Cline also referenced a follow -up WE (youth empowerment) event at the Tukwila Community Center on May 4, 2013 that was attended by approximately 150 youth. d. City Attorney There was no report. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Council President Hougardy indicated she attended the swearing -in ceremony of Stephanie Bowman as a Commissioner for the Port of Seattle. Additionally, she relayed that the May 13, 2013 Committee of the Whole meeting will be cancelled due to a lack of action items at this time. Tukwila City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 6, 2013 Page 6 of 6 ADJOURNMENT 8:08 p.m. MOVED BY DUFFIE, SECONDED BY ROBERTSON THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING BE ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. Jim Haggerton Chris y O'Flahe y, City Clerk APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 5/20/13 AVAILABLE ON CITY WEBSITE: 5/21/13