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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-08-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 26, 2002 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. was Richard Simpson, Council President. COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: Present were Council President Richard Simpson; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder and David Fenton. OFFICIALS: Steven M. Mullet; Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks Recreation Director; and Alan Doerschel, Finance Director. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: None. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: 1. TUKWILA PARKS HOURS OF OPERATION Bruce Fletcher, Director, Parks and Recreation, reported Tukwila's practice relating to park hours to date has been to open at dawn, and close at dusk, unless otherwise posted. After reviewing survey results (on park hours) of 15 area cities, Mr. Fletcher spoke in favor of amending Tukwila's park hours for opening and closing. Councilmember Duffie noted the Community and Parks Committee has reviewed this issue. The Committee is in favor of Option 1, as proposed by Parks Staff. Option 1 denotes an opening time of 5:00 a.m. and a closing time of 10:00 p.m., April through September, and opening time of 5:00 a.m. and a closing time of 9:00 p.m., October through March, unless otherwise posted. Mr. Fletcher noted the importance of adding the verbiage "unless otherwise posted" as it gives staff flexibility for special functions and special conditions sport courts and fields with lighting). Additionally, it was noted signage amendments would cost approximately $1,000.00. Councilmembers spoke in favor of Option 1 as presented. Mr. Fletcher will ensure signs are changed to reflect the desires of the Council. No other formal action is required. 2. RIGHT -OF -WAY USE CODE TITLE 11 TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, informed Council that revisions to this title have been the most researched issue within the Public Works Department in recent history. The right -of -way issue portion of the Tukwila Municipal Code has not been updated since 1969. The code contains general guidelines and statements of policy. As presented, the newly proposed ordinance groups all right -of -way management components together, streamlines the permit process, and provides clear guidelines for the use of the public right -of -way in the interest of public health, safety, welfare, convenience and the operation and protection of public works infrastructure. Mr. Morrow led the Council through a chapter -by- chapter review and discussion of the newly proposed ordinance (presented in codified format). He explained definitions, pointed out proposed amendments and altogether new chapters (such as Chapter 11.32 on telecommunications encompassing requirements City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 26, 2002 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996). This newly written chapter brings the City into compliance with all State and Federal laws. A Joint Transportation and Utilities Committee meeting was held August 12, 2002, for review of the matter by 5 of the 7 City Councilmembers. The newly proposed TMC language includes six different classes of right -of -way permits, including non- profit short term; for profit short term; cutting into the ROW; using ROW for a long period; using ROW in a way that may disturb it; and a blanket permit for utilities or others that need to work in the ROW often for short periods of time. Noteworthy is the fact that all permit fees contained within the current Tukwila Municipal Code as it relates to these issues have been removed and will be put together in one resolution, so that no ordinance changes will be required when desired changes are proposed and /or made. Throughout the review, Councilmembers and Mr. Morrow corrected scribner's errors and readied the draft ordinance for presentation on September 3, 2002. Upon adoption of the ordinance, Mr. Morrow reported a draft resolution setting fees would be presented for consideration. 3. PROPOSED UTILITY TAX OPTIONS Mayor Mullet, identifying a need for future revenues, introduced the subject of a proposed utility tax option to the Council. Without such a utility tax in place, the City could be in great financial jeopardy. The Mayor advised that budget figures to be presented to Council in October of this year would represent a 5% cut within 2 years in departmental budgets, with a complete elimination of the Capital Improvement Plan budget by 2005. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, distributed a draft article to be printed in The Hazelnut. The article notes, in part, that Tukwila has been able to sustain an enviable level of service with only property and sales tax as a primary source of revenue. The current recession, however, coupled with the loss of revenues from voter initiatives, has changed Tukwila's financial standing. Even after a 5% reduction in the City's basic operations, it will be impossible for the City to maintain a balanced budget. Doing nothing (implementing no tax) the City will sustain a $13 million deficit by 2007. It is clear to Mr. Doerschel and City Administration that the City cannot continue to provide the level and quality of service as in past years. Already some discretionary programs and basic services have been reduced. Staff positions are largely being left unfilled when a person terminates employment with the City. Any "extra" program not necessary for health and safety is being closed. By 2005, the City could face a negative cash situation, requiring significant reductions in basic services and the Capital Improvement Plan. Should additional revenues not be sought through a new utility tax, major reductions in service to both Public Safety (Police and Fire) and general government services (i.e., Recreation, Permitting, Parks and Street Maintenance) will be necessary. Although a utility tax is the only significant alternative to prevent the City from having to reduce services to an unacceptable level, several noteworthy facts must be stated. 1. The City of Tukwila is one of the few urbanized cities in Washington that has not already employed a utility tax. 2. The City is not considering a B 0 tax. 3. Further, the City is not considering taxes in the areas of water, sewer, metro or surface water. Informing the public on this issue is vital to all involved. To that end, an article will appear on the front page of The Hazelnut, information will be included in utility bills, press releases will be prepared; community clubs will be informed; and businesses will also be made aware by way of presentations at Chamber of Commerce meetings, etc. Targeted utilities to be taxed include power and telecommunications (i.e., gas, electricity, telephone, cellular phones, internet, cable television). Suggested is a 6% tax. John McFarland, City Administrator, reported a utility tax is really not a surprise to businesses. The City has known cash reserves would be depleted with the annexation of new areas into the City. Additionally, City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 26, 2002 Mr. McFarland noted the City has a "lean staffing model" and that the City puts much of its dollars into services. Without a utility tax, the City's appearance would greatly change in terms of personnel and services to and for the community members. Several questions were asked of Council. 1. Q: Is a tax needed for City operations in future years? A: All answered in the affirmative. 2. Q: Does the City agree not to tax water, sewer, surface water and refuse? A: All answered in the affirmative. 3. Q: Should an initial tax be 6 or should a tax be phased in at 4 5% and then 6% in later years? A: Councilmember Duffie spoke in favor of phasing the tax. Council President Simpson and Councilmembers Carter, Haggerton, Linder and Fenton spoke in favor of an initial 6% tax; and Councilmember Hernandez spoke in favor of waiting to make such a decision until after such time as public meetings have been held on the issue. 4. Q: Is the public information plan adequate? A: All answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Carter suggested a banner be placed on the City's website in addition to the suggestions made. 5. Q: Shall a low income exemption be offered, similar to other fees imposed by the City? A: All answered in the affirmative. Two public meetings will be held on this issue. The aim of the meetings will be to inform, educate and take testimony from community members. The public meeting dates are September 16, 2002 7:00 p.m. and September 24, 2002 6:00 p.m. 4. REFERENDUM 51 DISCUSSION Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst, reported on Referendum 51 for the benefit of Council. The referendum represents the Washington State Legislature's 10 -year transportation plan. It includes a gas tax of .09 cents to be phased in over two years. Freight mobility is a priority for the funds, as are ferries, rail and public transportation. Washington State cities, with a population of 10,000 plus, are slated to receive a share of the funds. Based upon population, the City of Tukwila is slated to receive approximately $44,000.00 per year, for 10 years, if the referendum is successful. Proponents of the referendum assert it would fix the worst bridges and other high- accident roads and highways in the State. It includes $296 million to improve congested city and county roads; traffic safety near schools and freight mobility. Although this referendum cannot fix all the region's problems, it is a badly needed component to begin fixing problem areas. Finally, the way the referendum is written would hold government accountable every step of the way to ensure money is properly spent and results are delivered. Opponents of the referendum claim it is bad for the environment because it will build roads over wetlands. Additionally, opponents do not believe building more roads will solve congestion; not to mention that it costs too much to all citizens. They assert that expanding Interstate 405 by two or three lanes would actually cause more congestion. Further, Washington State Department of Transportation figures show that adding four lanes to 1 -405 would increase average speed by about 1 mph. Although supported by the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association, Washington Council for Police and Sheriffs, Firefighters, League of Women Voters, and Association of Washington Businesses, Ms. Lauterbach reported it does not appear to have a large support system. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 26, 2002 Councilmember Carter spoke in favor of the referendum. She noted gas taxes in Washington State have not been raised since 1991. In spite of the proposed tax increase, Ms. Carter called this a "pro- business measure." Councilmember Haggerton spoke in favor of the referendum, as did audience member Mac McDonald. Councilmember Fenton also spoke in favor of the referendum and noted it should have been done years ago. Finally, rioting support of the referendum by the Association of Washington Cities, Ms. Lauterbach asked Councilmembers if there was a consensus on whether or not they would like to review a proposed resolution also supporting the measure. All responded in the affirmative. Ms. Lauterbach will finalize a draft resolution and forward it to the September 3, 2002 agenda for Council consideration. REPORTS: a. MAYOR Mayor Mullet reported the need for City representatives for the City versus City canoe paddling contest. Slated for September 15, 2002, at 8:00 a.m., Mr. Mullet noted one practice session will take place on September 7, 2002. This race is sponsored by the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association and pits City staff and officials against other City staff and officials. All were invited to contact the Mayor if interested in participating. Next, Mayor Mullet noted an August 27 meeting, in Olympia, wherein a "Thank You" gathering will be held for Norm and Suzie Dicks for their efforts related to the environment. Mayor Mullet will be attending in his capacity of WRIA 9 Chairman. b. CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Duffie asked if the City plans to do anything recognizing the upcoming anniversary of the tragic events of 9 -11. Mayor Mullet answered in the affirmative and reported flag ceremonies will be held at each of the City's four fire stations, at 9:45 a.m. on September 11. Additionally, a candlelight vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m., at the Tukwila Community Center, where the Mayor will read a prepared proclamation. Councilmember Hernandez appeared as a representative of the City at the August 20 Love Your Country. Vote. Tour at Westfield Shoppingtown Southcenter. This is a nation -wide, aggressive voter registration drive. Council President Simpson had no report. Councilmember Carter attended a SCATBd meeting last week and will attend a Tukwila Community Cares Network meeting this week. Finally, she reported her pleasure with the way the Sammamish City Council record of events is recorded within their City's news publication. She will copy and distribute to all and hopes for feedback either pro or con on whether Tukwila could consider similar reporting styles. Councilmember Haggerton had no report. Councilmember Linder attended this evening's Transportation Committee meeting. Councilmember Fenton had no report. c. CITY ADMINISTRATOR John McFarland reported a newly discovered room within the Brock house which must now be tested for contamination. If it is determined no contaminants are present, the City will proceed to lien the property. From there, marketing and sales of the property will follow. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 26, 2002 d. CITY ATTORNEY Neither the City Attorney, nor a designee was present. e. LEGISLATIVE ANALYST Lucy Lauterbach made no report. MISCELLANEOUS: Paul Gully is reportedly recovering well, after open -heart surgery at Providence Hospital in Seattle. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None. ADJOURNMENT: 9:44 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT SIMPSON ADJOURNED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. Richard Simpson, Counciy# resident Lai3a alz Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date minutes signed: September 3. 2002