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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-16 Regular MinutesOFFICIALS: INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES: PROCLAMATION: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL September 16, 2002 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers REGULAR MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Calling the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. was Mayor Steven M. Mullet. ROLL CALL: Calling the roll of Council was Bob Baker, Acting City Clerk. Simpson; and Councilmembers Joan Hernandez; Pam Carter; Fenton. HERNANDEZ MOVED; CARTER SECONDED; TO EXCUSE JOE DUFFIE. The motion carried 6 -0. John McFarland, City Administrator; Bob Noe, City Attorney; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Tom Keefe, Fire Chief; David Haynes, Captain, Tukwila Police Department. 1. James Sturgill Police Officer 2. Matt "Roy" Steinauer Police Officer Present were Council President Richard Jim Haggerton; Pamela Linder and Dave THE ABSENCE OF COUNCILMEMBER Captain David Haynes introduced James Sturgill and Matt "Roy" Steinauer. Mr. James "Jamie" Sturgill spent three years in the Army; enjoys golf and is taking private flying lessons. Mr. Sturgill's fiance presented him with Badge #151. Mr. Steinauer is known to the Council as he has served as a Tukwila volunteer for a number of years. He lives in Tukwila with his wife and four children, and comes to the City from the Red Dot Corporation. Mr. Steinauer's father, a retired police officer himself, presented Roy with Badge #152. Stacy Hansen, Tukwila's Human Services Assistant, provided the Mayor, Council and audience with background information relative to the 11 Annual Day of Concern for the Hungry. This year's event will take place on September 28, 2002. Participating in this year's event will be at least 24 King County cities, over 100 stores and several hundred volunteers. During this time of year (especially) many families spend their discretionary dollars to fund "back to school" needs. Simultaneously, area food bank visits are up, donations are down, and resources are depleted very rapidly. The food collected during the food drive is re- distributed to local, King County food banks. Having multiple foodbanks is vital in keeping our communities healthy. In Tukwila, Larry's Market and the McMicken Heights Safeway will participate in our food drive. Joe Tice, Tukwila Food Pantry, has organized volunteers to be stationed at both stores on the 28 of September. Customers going into stores will receive a "grocery list" of necessary items with a request to purchase (and donate) any number of those items listed. Important to note, every item that is purchased and donated in Tukwila, including cash donations, will remain in Tukwila, with all items going to the Tukwila Food Pantry, located in the basement of the Riverton Park United Methodist Church. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 16, 2002 City of Tukwila employees are also playing an important part in the effort by holding a month -long food drive at City Hall, from September 9 through 27. One barrel of food has already been contributed. Again, all food donated by Tukwila employees will stay in Tukwila. Kathy Foster. President, Board of Directors, Tukwila Food Pantry, was present to receive the proclamation read by Mayor Mullet declaring September 28, 2002, as a DAY OF CONCERN FOR THE HUNGRY, and urging all citizens to join in the Emergency Feeding Program and our food banks to nourish those whom are hungry. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: NONE. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Approval of Minutes September 3, 2002 Regular Meeting b. Approval of Vouchers 238580 238846, in the amount of $940,292.96 HERNANDEZ MOVED; HAGGERTON SECONDED; ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA, AS PRESENTED. The motion carried 6 -0. OLD BUSINESS: Public Meeting Proposed Utility Tax Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, Gary Leavitt, Tukwila Police, utilized a Power Point presentation to give Council a financial overview of the City as well as an economic forecast. Since September 11, 2001, Washington State and Oregon have been identified as having the worst economy in the nation. 7:25 p.m. Councilmember Duffie arrived. Mr. Doerschel informed Council that Northwest recovery forecasters say it will take four to eight years to get to where Tukwila was just two years ago. At this point there are no "real" national forecasts for recovery by individual states. Next, Council saw the estimated revenue /expenditures for 2002 through 2007. The expenditures include all General Government activities and the Bonded Debt Service requirements. Revenues include all General Government Revenues, except those restricted to capital programs. A gap exists between the two starting in 2001, continuing through 2007, resulting in a $3.3 million deficit per year. This deficit does not include the basic capital needs of the City other than dedicated revenues. Stating "business as usual, with no changes, equals a negative fund balance at the end of every year," Mr. Doerschel reminded Council of a 5% reduction in the model for operations and maintenance expenditures (General Fund.) Using a Cash Flow graph, Mr. Doerschel noted that if Tukwila does absolutely nothing, it could face a $21.9 million deficit by 2007 (with no budget reductions). With budget reductions, the figure would be relatively smaller at $13.9 million. Noteworthy, a reduction in budgets equals a reduction in the number of people to do the work. Salaries, wages, and benefits create 72% of the City's budget. Other services (supplies, intergovernmental, capital outlays and others) are necessary to keep the City running. The City constantly looks for ways to decrease costs and services. For example, jail costs are down over 25% from that which was paid just 5 years ago. Relative to budget reduction efforts, Mr. Doerschel reported City Administration would exceed a 2% cut in 2002. It may actually hit as high as 3% for 2002. That being the case, a positive cash carryover would result for 2003. In 2003, the budget reduction goal is 3.5 with a 4% reduction in 2004; and 5% by the end of 2005. By way of attrition, approximately 12 positions will not be funded in 2003. Citing financial options for the City, Mr. Doerschel reported we could reduce the service levels "across the board, along with the C.I.P." Additionally, we could increase options for revenue builders such as a B 0 Tax, Property Tax Lid Levy lift, and /or implement a utility tax. At this point, John McFarland, City Administrator, reported on the "lean staffing levels" of each City department. Noting City staff provides City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 16, 2002 excellent service to the community with fewer employees than other cities of comparable size, Mr. McFarland reiterated the need to maintain staffing levels where they are. Mr. Doerschel then discussed the utility tax option. He reported the tax is proposed to be levied against energy and communications. This would include services such as cable, internet access, gas, electricity, brokered natural gas, telephones, and cellular telephones. At a rate of 6% tax, the City could expect to receive approximately $3.5 to $4.0 million, per year. The largest impact of the new tax would be "felt" by the business community. Residents in Tukwila may expect to pay somewhere between $5.00 and $10.00 (total) per month for the proposed tax. Beyond receipt of the utility tax revenues, Mr. Doerschel noted the City might be able to fund the remainder of the shortfalls, after making necessary reductions. Creation of the proposed utility tax would minimize the need to reduce City services beyond the 5% by the end of 2005. Responding to inquiries from Councilmembers and community members in the audience, Mr. Doerschel noted receipt of one telephone caller who wanted education on the proposed tax as well as one business member who understands the need, yet wishes it were not necessary. Paul Willoughby asked if a hiring freeze had been considered. Mr. Doerschel responded a freeze could only be performed on non union, exempt employees. Additionally, Mr. Willoughby reported seniors and "young folks" need a break from all the taxes. The finance director assured Mr. Willoughby that seniors and qualified persons would be eligible for a discount and /or a waiver from this tax, just as with other fees imposed by the City. Anna Bernhard asked if the tax is "permanent." Mr. Doerschel noted there has been discussion to include a sunset clause in the proposed ordinance. Councilmembers Haggerton and Carter both noted ways the City has been trying to save money and cut costs (behind the scenes). Mr. Doerschel reminded all present that the next public meeting would be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., in Council Chambers. NEW BUSINESS: a. Proposed Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on Certain Land Development Activities AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, CREATING A SIX -MONTH MORATORIUM ON ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, LAND DIVISIONS, AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND LAND USES WITHIN THE AREA DESIGNATED FOR TRANSIT- ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE TEMPORARY COMMUTER RAIL /AMTRAK STATION AT LONGACRES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FENTON MOVED; LINDER SECONDED; READING OF THE SUBSTITUTE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY. The motion carried 7 -0. City Attorney Bob Noe read the title of the proposed ordinance. DUFFIE MOVED; CARTER SECONDED; ADOPTION OF THE SUBSTITUTE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AS PRESENTED.* *Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, noted a substitute proposed ordinance had been placed at the dais before the meeting began. This substitute proposed ordinance takes a less restrictive approach to managing development of the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning area, over that which was provided in the Council packet. It has no effect on the majority of uses currently allowed in the Longacres TOD area. Most retail, service, office and lodging uses would be unaffected. The ordinance would apply only to those uses and developments that are typically highly dependent on auto use (fast foods, service stations), or that have a very low level of foot traffic activity compared to the amount of land they require (warehousing and manufacturing). City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 16, 2002 The proposed ordinance establishes a temporary moratorium on the acceptance of applications for development activities, land divisions, and land use decisions within the TOD area around the commuter rail /Amtrak station at Longacres. An emergency exists in that while the TOD master plan is being prepared, immediate steps must be taken to preserve the land available for development or redevelopment until the TOD master plan and associated implementing regulations are complete. *Vote on the motion to adopt the substitute proposed ordinance as read carried 7 -0. APPROVED ORDINANCE #1996 b. Proposed Ordinance Amending the 2002 Budget AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE 2002 BUDGET ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 1985, PROVIDING FOR UNANTICIPATED REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND TRANSFERS IN THE GENERAL, HOTEL/MOTEL TAX, FIRE EQUIPMENT CUMULATIVE RESERVE, FACILITY REPLACEMENT AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL FUNDS; ESTABLISHING THE VALLEY NARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT TEAM (VNET) FUND -102, ALONG WITH INITIAL REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR 2002; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE DUFFIE MOVED; CARTER SECONDED; READING OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY. The motion carried 7 -0. City Attorney Bob Noe read the title of the proposed ordinance. DUFFIE MOVED; CARTER SECONDED; ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AS PRESENTED.* Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, noted the need to insert a $50,000.00 contribution to ACC, under the heading of General Fund /Other Services Charges; and to amend the estimated ending unreserved fund balance to <$1,045,000.00 CARTER MOVED; HAGGERTON SECONDED; TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION BY INSERTING A $50,000.00 CONTRIBUTION TO ACC, UNDER THE HEADING OF GENERAL FUND /OTHER SERVICES CHARGES; AND TO AMEND THE ESTIMATED ENDING UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE ADJUSTMENT TO <$1,045,000.00 The motion carried 6 -1; with Councilmember Duffie voting NO. *The motion to adopt the main motion, as amended, carried 7 -0. APPROVED ORDINANCE #1997 c. Purchase and Sale Agreement Surplus Property 4501 So. 134 Street. commonly known as the McLees Property Councilmember Haggerton noted this item was reviewed and considered at an earlier Finance and Safety Committee meeting. As Council agreed in principle to do this (earlier in 2002) it was brought forth to this meeting without first going through Committee of Whole. John McFarland, City Administrator, reported Council reviewed a purchase offer in Executive Session, and authorized City Administration to move forward on preparing a Purchase and Sale Agreement with OPUS Northwest L.L.C. Since the property appraised at $695,000.00, the purchase price offer of $700,000.00 met the City's requirement to sell the property for its appraised value. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the purchase and sale agreement and has approved it as to form. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 16, 2002 There is a 180 -day earnest money contingency agreement on the property. Additionally, there are five, one -month periods of extension of that contingency period at the cost of $2000.00 per month, by the buyer. Those monies do not apply to the purchase price. HERNANDEZ MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO AUTHORIZE MAYOR MULLET TO SIGN A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH OPUS NORTHWEST, L.L.C., FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4501 SO. 134 ST., FOR THE AMOUNT OF $700,000.00. The motion carried 7 REPORTS: a. Mayor Mullet The City of Tukwila placed 2nd at last weekend's Dragon Boat Race in Tacoma. The Mayor encouraged everyone to consider participating in next year's race. At the last Valley Communications Executive Committee meeting, they accepted Vashon Island Fire Department dispatch duties, as presented by their Fire Commission, Chief and Administration. Some community residents of Vashon Island were not in favor of the effort. E -mails and rumors are beginning to "get rather nasty" with threats of "ousting" the commission members, Chief and Administration members. This information was provided to Council in the event they needed to respond to any inquiries. b. City Council Councilmember Joe Duffie attended the September 10 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting; and the September 11 flag raising and lowering ceremony at Tukwila Fire Station 52. Councilmember Joan Hernandez attended the September 10 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting and a Finance and Safety Committee meeting earlier this evening. Council President Richard Simpson attended a Highway 99 Action Committee meeting on September 10; a Lodging Tax Advisory Board meeting on September 12, and the Renton Farmer's Market on September 14. He also invited all to attend the Duwamish Improvement Club's Spaghetti dinner on September 22, at the Tukwila Community Center. Councilmember Pam Carter attended the Puget Sound Regional Council's Transportation Policy Board meeting on September 12. Councilmember Jim Haggerton attended a Finance and Safety Committee meeting earlier tonight. Councilmember Pamela Linder attended the September 10 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting and the September 12 South King County Human Services Forum (during the day) and the Sister Cities Orientation meeting later the same day. Councilmember David Fenton attended the September 10 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting and the September 11 flag raising and lowering ceremony at Tukwila Fire Station 54. Later the same evening he attended the candlelight vigil at the Tukwila Community Center. c. City Staff John McFarland reported a September 18 Mountain View Open House as well as a Washington State Department of Agriculture sponsored workshop on tree planting and landscaping, at the Tukwila Community Center. d. City Attorney Bob Noe had no report. City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 16, 2002 e. Intergovernmental Lucy Lauterbach had no report. ADJOURNMENT: 9:20 p.m. FENTON MOVED; HERNANDEZ SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING. The motion carried 7 -0. Steven M. Mullet, Mayor aaktyy Robert H. Baker, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Approved: September 23, 2002 (Special Meeting)