HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-14 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. was Pam Carter, Council President, who also led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
COUNCIL ATTENDANCE:
Present were Council President Pam Carter; and Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim
Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton and Richard Simpson.
Councilmember Joe Duffie was (absent) representing the City in Ikawa, Japan.
OFFICIALS:
Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City
Clerk; Keith Haines, Police Chief; Sgt. Bruce Linton, Police; and Frank Iriarte, Public Works Coordinator.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
a. Tree City, USA Award
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
April 14, 2003 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
Bruce Fletcher, Director of Parks and Recreation, announced Doug Sutherland, Washington State
Commissioner of Public Lands, recently presented a plaque naming Tukwila "Tree City U. S. A."
Additionally, he had a proclamation (signed by Governor Gary Locke) in recognition of this award and
Tukwila's Arbor Day observance and celebration.
Paul Surek, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, reported Tukwila earned recognition as "Tree City U.
S. A." after meeting several criteria. To qualify, a City must have a Tree Board or Tree Program in place,
a tree ordinance, a re- forestation program (tree maintenance and planting), and an Arbor Day or Earth
Day observance each year. To qualify for future years, the City must apply each year as they keep up
with these requirements.
At Tukwila's recent Arbor Day observance, a Grand Fir tree was planted at the Tukwila Community
Center. Mr. Surek reported the Cities of Tukwila and Wenatchee were chosen at State -wide Arbor Day
sites.
Kudos were given to all staff members involved with the planting and maintenance of all trees in Tukwila.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: None.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Update on Reaional Solid Waste Issues
Frank Iriarte, Public Works Coordinator, announced that in light of poor economic conditions in King
County, the Solid Waste Division has begun work on a long -term solid waste business plan to address
cost reductions, efficiencies and productivity improvements, while executing policies of the King County
Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (hereinafter referred to as "business plan
Although there will be a reduction in the King County Solid Waste Division workforce, improvements in
technology and work process changes will be seen. To that end, the business plan addresses two
significant elements. The first is investment in an intermodal facility. Since Cedar Hills Landfill will close
within the next decade, a new solid waste disposal system must be identified. The proposed intermodal
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
facility will broaden the access to a greater number of remote landfills. King County (currently) has an
option to purchase an industrial site (on Harbor Island) for the intermodal facility.
Secondly, due to the fact the Cedar Hills Landfill property is owned by King County and not the Solid
Waste Enterprise Fund, the Solid Waste Division will begin paying rent to the County's Expense Fund for
the use of the landfill beginning in January 2004. Rent is $7 million annually, with a potential increase of
(approximately) 6% per year thereafter. Since rent was not collected between 1992 and 2003, the Solid
Waste Division must now deal with retroactive rental obligations.
One of the most significant issues under consideration (as a money- saving measure) is the reduction of
self -haul services at the transfer stations. Since the City of Tukwila has one of the highest self -haul rates
in King County, changes in self -haul operations and programs will definitely affect Tukwila residents.
With 90,309 transactions per year, 80% are self -haul at the Bow Lake Transfer Station. The high volume
of such activity significantly impacts the daily operations of the King County transfer station.
Potential impacts to Tukwila self haulers are (1) consolidation of self -haul services at transfer stations;
(2) reduction of self -haul hours; and (3) surcharges (rate increase) to self haulers to offset the true cost
of services at transfer stations.
Councilmember Linder broached the subject of mandatory garbage service and explained disagreement
among Council members during the January Council Retreat. The advantages were discussed and
Councilmember Simpson indicated several citizens will object to idea of mandatory garbage.
A work group will continue to discuss alternatives and solutions to the challenges of the self -haul
program. Additionally, City staff will continue to participate in the County workgroup to provide input
prior to final implementation of the Solid Waste Division's business plan.
b. An Ordinance establishina "Stay Out of Areas of Racina Orders"
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
CREATING A NEW CHAPTER OF THE TMC, CHAPTER 8.72, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL RACE
ATTENDANCE; CREATING A NEW CHAPTER OF THE TMC, CHAPTER 8.73, RELATING TO
"STAY OUT OF AREAS OF RACING ORDERS PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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April 14, 2003
Keith Haines, Police Chief, introduced Sgt. Bruce Linton, one of Tukwila's Night -Shift Supervisors. Sgt.
Linton has conducted research, worked in the field and is working on solutions to the growing problem of
street racing in Tukwila.
Sgt. Linton confirmed an "alarming increase" in street racing activity in Tukwila. Often during the
evenings (from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.) racers accumulate in numbers from 70 to 100 (mainly in the Segale
business complex). Racers and observers are coming from as far away as Kitsap County (Bremerton,
Silverdale, etc.). These individuals range in age from 12 to 25.
Business owners have begun requesting Tukwila Police presence on their property to keep the activity
level at a minimum. Additional problems associated with racing (trashing of parking Tots, auto theft and
even deaths) have occurred in neighboring cities. Therefore, City staff believes in the importance of
addressing the problem right now.
Although a slight decrease in activity has occurred with the temporary closure of South 180 Street,
other racers are congregating on East Valley Highway and 180 The proposed ordinance, based upon a
similar ordinance in Kent, would assist Tukwila Police in curbing the problem.
Sgt. Linton reported two "classes" of racers exist. The first are those kids who can buy a car, or whose
parents buy their cars. The second class is comprised of those who steal the cars, race them and then
park them to be found.
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April 14, 2003
Bill Arthur, Seaale Business Park, speaking in favor of the proposed ordinance, noted Segale's
location is "prime" for racing activity.
Questions and answers between staff and the Council ensued. Clarifications were made and
changes were suggested to the proposed ordinance, slated for approval at the April 21, 2003
Regular meeting.
c. Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce 2003 Contract
Nancy Damon, Director of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, was present and ready to
answer questions from the Council. She reported the contract is very similar in nature to those in recent
years. The contract amount of $20,000.00 also remains constant. The fund source for the contract is
the Hotel /Motel Tax Fund budget.
Answering Council inquiries, Ms. Damon reported her staff is now working more closely with that of the
Seattle Southside (Tourism Marketing) staff. This is especially true when telephone calls are received
relative to travel and /or travel planning.
Council consensus existed to forward the contract to the April 21, 2003 Regular meeting.
d. An Ordinance settina Council Procedures and Repealing Ordinance Numbers 1637. 1431,
1421 and 1311
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
SETTING COUNCIL MEETING PROCEDURES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 1637,
1431, 1421 AND 1311; AND SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE 1770; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst, briefed the Council on this issue. To demonstrate the current
practices of the Council and to update procedures, a new ordinance was proposed.
On a page -by -page review, Ms. Lauterbach led Council through all suggested changes from the April 7
Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Councilmembers then suggested other changes to be made
before final adoption of the ordinance on April 21, 2003.
While many changes are grammatical in nature, a small number of substantive alterations were made.
Such changes include, but are not limited to, adding language relative to filling vacancy of Council
President, re- naming "Old Business" to Unfinished Business on Council agendas, and the deletion of
Section 2.04.195 Council Compensation, Review, Benefits and medical plan eligibility.
Additionally, Ms. Lauterbach noted several ordinances which must be included to the ordinance title and
the repealer list, including 1345, 1851, 1955 and 1956.
Council consensus existed to forward this item to the April 21, 2003 Regular meeting.
e. An Ordinance Fixing the Amount of Compensation for Councilmembers through 2007
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING SECTION 2.04.230 OF THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE TO FIX THE AMOUNT
OF COMPENSATION FOR COUNCILMEMBERS THROUGH 2007, REPEALING ORDINANCE
1956; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Councilmember Simpson reported review of this item by the Finance and Safety Committee on April 7,
2003. In light of the fact Section 2.04.195 shall be separated out from the Council Procedures ordinance,
this newly proposed ordinance is being brought forward.
It was reported future Council salaries and benefits (for 2006 2007) were discussed at the 2003 City
Council retreat. There, a consensus was reached to leave salaries unchanged for those years. This is
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
One important note made by Lucy Lauterbach is the fact that the Tukwila City Attorney's Office has
opined that benefits are supposed to be added to Council salaries for income calculations. Additionally, it
has been determined benefits cannot be raised for sitting Council members by sitting Councilmembers.
They can only be made for those to be elected in future years.
Council President Carter spoke in favor of small escalators for 2006 and 2007. A percentage, such as
5 makes more sense those larger jumps in compensation levels.
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April 14, 2003
based, in part, on the fact the current economy warrants a conservative compensation that does not rise
beyond the current scale.
Council consensus existed to forward this item to the April 21, 2003 Regular meeting.
f. Discussion of Budaetina Additional $50,000.00 to Airport Communities Coalition (ACC)
Councilmember Haggerton informed Council of the need for a consensus on this issue when reporting to
members of the Airport Communities Coalition. ACC has presented a request to member cities for an
additional contribution in 2003. Being sought from the City of Tukwila is $50,000.00, in addition to the
$50,000.00 already paid (for a total of $100,000.00).
Presented to Council was a "point paper" outlining the main points of ACC's Motion for Summary
Judgment. That motion asks the Court to vacate, reverse and remand the Third Runway 404 Permit.
Their argument, in favor of the summary judgment, exists in their belief that the final action is arbitrary,
capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with local, State and Federal laws.
Councilmember Haggerton is not in favor of the City contributing an additional $50,000.00 in 2003, in
light of recent economic downturns.
Councilmember Hernandez stated her support for ACC; yet spoke against an additional contribution in
2003.
Council President Carter spoke against another $50,000.00 contribution for 2003.
Councilmember Linder noted ACC "is so close" yet she is dismayed with recent actions of ACC members
and does not support another contribution for 2003.
Councilmember Fenton spoke of continually being against supporting ACC. Speaking of his fiduciary
responsibility to the community members of Tukwila, there is no way he can, in good conscience,
approve another contribution in 2003, especially in light of the current economic situation.
Councilmember Simpson advised Council to stop and think and wait for the outcome of the Motion for
Summary Judgment before approving another $50,000.00 contribution.
Councilmember Haggerton reported there might not actually be enough ACC funds to pay for Counsel to
present the Motion for Summary Judgment to the Courts. Conversely, however, other cities have yet to
inform ACC whether or not they intend to contribute additional funds for 2003. The responsibility cannot
rest solely on the shoulders of the Tukwila City Council.
Joanne McManus, Tukwila, reminded Council of their decision to implement a utility tax. She told
them to "stop and think about the citizens." She spoke in opposition to providing any additional funds to
ACC.
Paul Willouahbv, Tukwila. noted there is a "political solution" to this issue and it is unable to be
solved within the Courts. He informed Council of State Senate Bill 5787 (in favor of the 3r Runway) has
already passed through the Senate. He closed by speaking against any additional funding to ACC.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
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April 14, 2003
Anna Bernhard, Tukwila, spoke in opposition to spending any more money on ACC. She, too, spoke
of difficult economic times and stated, "there must be an end to this." Ms. Bernhard stated money is not
the answer to this problem; nor has it ever been.
Having heard from all members of the Council as well as from community members, Councilmember
Haggerton will report (to ACC) of the consensus not to contribute an additional $50,000.00 at this time.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor Mayor Mullet was (absent) representing the City, in Ikawa, Japan.
b. City Council
Councilmember Hernandez attended the April 8 Utilities Committee meeting and the April 11 Arbor
Day ceremony at the Tukwila Community Center.
Council President Carter attended the April 8 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting; April 9
Suburban Cities Association meeting (written report distributed); April 10 Transportation Policy Board;
and the April 11 Chamber lunch. Ms. Carter reported an upcoming (May 21, 2003) workshop,
"Challenging Assumptions Lessons in Transportation and Land Use from Vancouver, B. C." This brown
bag presentation will feature a presentation from Gordon Price, former Vancouver, B. C., councilor.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the April 9 Cascade Water Alliance Board meeting. Additionally,
Mr. Haggerton reported CWA Boardmembers would interview four land use attorneys on April 16 to
handle certain (Lake Tapps water) legal issues.
Councilmember Linder attended the April 8 Utilities Committee meeting and (later the same day)
Highway 99 Action Committee meeting. Ms. Linder also attended an April 9 Southwest King County
Economic Development Initiative Group meeting and April 11 Arbor Day event at the Tukwila Community
Center.
Councilmember Fenton met with Bob Noe, City Attorney, on April 10, 2003 to review (California's
Highway Patrol) information on their anti auto -theft laws. Mr. Fenton hopes to have a Bill introduced (in
Olympia) to "put some teeth in the law" as it relates to auto theft in Washington. Mr. Fenton attended
today's Transportation Committee meeting and will attend the April 17 Auto Vehicle Theft Committee
meeting.
Councilmember Simpson attended the April 8 Highway 99 Action Committee meeting; the April 11
Chamber lunch and Arbor Day event at the Tukwila Community Center.
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry reported receipt of e-mail from one of Tukwila's Sister City travelers. The trip is going as
planned and all visitors are doing well. Additionally, Ms. Berry reported on recent allegations that cricket
players are being ejected from Fort Dent Park.
d. City Attorney
Bob Noe was not present.
e. Legislative Analyst
Lucy Lauterbach reminded Council of recently distributing a summary of Legislative bills. An item to
note from that summary is several items have been placed in an "X- File" in the Rules Committee. This is
where Bills (House and Senate) go before being placed on the floor. The Chair of the Rules Committee,
Frank Chopp, can pull any given Bill and place it in the "X- File" which is his "garbage can Mr. Chopp
then decides whether or not to pull and /or introduce items or to leave them in the "X- File."
City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes April 14, 2003
MISCELLANEOUS:
Councilmember Hernandez spoke of the need for a replacement to her April 4 issue of the AWC
Legislative Bulletin.
Councilmember Linder reported speaking (today) with retired City Administrator John McFarland.
ADJOURN:
9:52 p.m. FENTON MOVED; HAGGERTON SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF
WHOLE. The motion carried 6 -0.
Pam Carter, Council President
L, Jane E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
Date Minutes Signed: April 22, 2003