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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-23 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 Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton and Richard Simpson. OFFICIALS: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL JUNE 23, 2003 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers MINUTES Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Don Tomaso, Fire Marshal; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; and Minnie Dhaliwal, Senior Planner. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Joanne McManus. 5610 So. 133 Street. Tukwila, stated appreciation for the newly installed multi- plexer at the Neighborhood Resource Center on Tukwila International Boulevard. This new piece of equipment and repairs to currently existing equipment allows volunteers to watch five cameras simultaneously. Noteworthy, Ms. McManus reported the individual who installed the multi- plexer returned one day after installation with a large bag of stuffed animals for the Police Officers "Teddy Bear Patrol." Finally, she reported the Volunteer Traffic Truck is back in service and has been used for the past week. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. CODE AMENDMENTS 1) An Ordinance amending the Sian Code Reaulations reaardina animated signs AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 1274, 1892, 1913 AND 2004; AND VARIOUS CHAPTERS OF THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 19, "SIGN CODE," RELATING TO ANIMATED OR ELECTRONIC SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE 7:05 p.m. Council President Carter opened the public hearing. Steve Lancaster, Department of Community Development Director, was present to review the proposed ordinances for the public hearing. The proposed ordinance amending Sign Code regulations has been to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee, Planning Commission and City Council Committee of Whole. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on this issue and has forwarded recommendations to the City Council. There was no public testimony on this issue at the Planning Commission's public hearing. Mr. Lancaster reported this proposed ordinance essentially does four things. First, it revises the definition of animated signs. Second, it provides a definition for electronic signs. Third, it specifies the frequency that messages or advertising copy (on a sign) can be changed. And, fourth, it specifies the brightness, or illumination levels, for electronic and other signs. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes CITIZEN COMMENT: Tim McLean, 1122 Jackson Way. Delta, British Columbia, principal of a company from Everett, and manufacturer of electronic signs, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance. Addressing the issue of frequency that messages or advertising copy can change, Mr. McLean reported casinos (for example) are trying to exude a level of excitement when ordering and erecting these signs. Under the City's ordinance, this would not be possible, as the advertisements would be required to remain "static" for a period of 24 hours. Further, he argued there is no proof that such signs cause automobile accidents. Speaking in favor of these signs, Mr. McLean noted a reduced amount of sign clutter exists when several businesses (in a strip mall for instance) can share a sign that changes constantly and attracts shoppers. Many municipalities, he reported, are switching to electronic signs for this very reason. Speaking from experience with this subject, Mr. McLean noted prior work experience in developing the City of Everett's sign code (in his professional capacity) along with City staff. Additionally, he argued there is "no documentation" to support comments that these signs cause automobile accidents. Mr. McLean urged the Council to "reflect" upon this issue. He noted a lack of time and review by responsible officials in the sign industry. For the record, it was noted, all sign companies who regularly do business within Tukwila were notified of this proposed amendment. Bill Arthur, Planning Commission member, noted the provision for ample opportunity to consider this issue by community members and businesses. Further, he reported there was "more deliberation" on this issue than commonly conducted on other, similar issues. 2. An ordinance amendina the Zonina Code to allow an increase in maximum heiaht of structures located in the Low Densitv Residential zones where a Public Recreation Overlay aoDiies 7:18 p.m. Council President called this portion of the public hearing to order. Steve Lancaster reviewed this proposed ordinance for Council and the audience. He noted the Planning Commission recommended the code be amended to provide a height bonus of one foot for every additional four feet of setback, up to a maximum of 50 feet; and subject to the approval of the Board of Architectural Review. Further, Mr. Lancaster reminded Council of the June 9, 2003 briefing on this issue. Since that time, he noted, staff discovered the existing LDR /PRO development standards are not clear as it relates to the height of certain ancillary facilities commonly installed in conjunction with recreational uses. City staff, therefore, recommends the Council consider adding language making it clear that certain items (such as light standards and safety netting) are not subject to the underlying district's height restriction, approved through design review. CITIZEN COMMENT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1758, AS CODIFIED AT TMC 18.42.030, RELATING TO BUILDING HEIGHT STANDARDS WITHIN A LOW- DENSITY RESIDENTIAL /PUBLIC RECREATION OVERLAY DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE There was no citizen comment for this portion of the public hearing. Page 2 of 7 June 23, 2003 Questions were asked and answered between Mr. Lancaster and the Council. After consulting with Bill Arthur, Planning Commissioner, and Steve Lancaster, the Council learned there is one circumstance within the LDR that may require design review. The (commercial redevelopment) area is on Tukwila International Boulevard. There, it has been determined by City staff, some residential areas could be City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes (potentially) combined with commercial properties, with planned development to follow. For the most part, however, it was determined these issues were mainly related to schools and parks. The issue of parking lot lights and their height arose. Mr. Lancaster noted that in the past, staff has not considered those structures with respect to height limitations. He noted that perhaps it could be included within the TMC during future revisions. 3) An ordinance amending the Zoning Code to add auto rentals and self storage facilities as separate land use cateaories AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING VARIOUS ORDINANCES AND CHAPTERS OF THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 18, "ZONING," RELATING TO AUTOMOBILE RENTALS AND SELF STORAGE AS PERMITTED USES IN VARIOUS TUKWILA ZONING DESIGNATIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE 7:33 p.m. Council President called this portion of the public hearing to order. Steve Lancaster reported the Planning Commission recommends that companies renting vehicles not requiring a commercial driver's license be allowed in those zones where the sales of automobiles, recreational vehicles, travel trailers and used cars are currently allowed (RC, RCM, TUC, C /LI, LI, HI and TVS). Additionally the Planning Commission suggests including the MIC /L and MIC /H zones in this group. Next, the Planning Commission also recommends that commercial truck and fleet rentals requiring a commercial driver's license be allowed in those zones where sales and rental of heavy machinery and equipment are currently allowed (C /LI, LI, HI, MIC /L, MIC /H and TVS). Finally, as it relates to self- storage facilities, the Planning Commission is in favor of adding a definition for these within the TMC. Further, they suggest allowing these facilities within the RC, RCM, TUC, C /LI, LI, HI, MIC /L, MIC /H, and TVS zones. CITIZEN COMMENT: There was no citizen comment for this portion of the public hearing. Mr. Lancaster noted the TMC is silent on both of these issues and should be addressed to provide clarification to interested parties and for the benefit of staff. The proposed ordinance would memorialize Council's intentions and solidify current practice. Finally, Mr. Lancaster noted the proposed ordinance should not affect any existing business. 7:38 p.m. Council President Carter closed the public hearing. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed ordinances to the City Council Special meeting to immediately follow. b. A resolution adopting the 2004 -2009 Transportation Improvement Proaram A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A SIX -YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AND DIRECTING THE SAME TO BE FILED WITH THE STATE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD. Page 3 of 7 June 23, 2003 7:39 p.m. Brian Shelton, City Engineer, presented the draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), in accord with the Federal and State mandates, relative to the transportation planning process for cities, counties and the State. A summary format (matrix), including "basic ingredients" in the Transportation Improvement Program, was presented to Council. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes Page 4 of 7 June 23, 2003 No new projects were added this year. City staff is currently reviewing and conducting a transportation plan update, wherein deficiencies will be identified, and thus, be the basis for newly identified projects, in upcoming TIP's. City staff has adjusted the 2003 TIP by removing five projects which have been completed or currently under construction. Said projects, which do not need to be considered for future (federal) funding, include: 1. Tukwila International Boulevard (So. 138 So. 152n St.) Phase I 2. So. 180 St. RR Underpass (UP /NBSF) 3. Interurban Avenue Bridge Widening 4. Interurban Trail Bike /Ped. Bridge 5. W. Valley Highway /Strander Mr. Shelton noted TIP projects #10 and #11 [(Southcenter Parkway (So. 180 St.) and Interurban Ave. (So. 143 to Fort Dent)] were moved up in priority as federal funding (formerly to have occurred in 2006) will be available in 2004. CITIZEN COMMENT: There was no citizen comment. 7:44 p.m. Council President Carter closed the public hearing. Council discussion, questions and answers occurred. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed ordinance to the City Council Special meeting to immediately follow. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Proposed ordinance amendina the 2003 Budaet AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING THE 2003 BUDGET ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 2008, PROVIDING FOR BUDGET TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE ARTERIAL STREET FUND AND THE FACILITIES FUND; INCREASING THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE BOND PROCEEDS AND CLUBHOUSE BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR BOND PROCEEDS FOR ARTERIAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilmember Joe Duffie reported this proposed ordinance was reviewed at the June 16, 2003 Finance and Safety Committee. There, it was agreed the Committee of Whole should consider the item. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, noted there are two elements to the proposed ordinance. The first is that the City is changing the Tukwila Village borrowing bond funds and moving it to the arterial streets fund bond monies. The arterial street fund is transferring cash to the 302 Fund for Tukwila Village. These are both general government revenues. An issue in borrowing money exists when private activity occurs (taxable bonds), versus public activity. By moving general fund money from one fund to the other, money will actually be saved. The second element to the proposed ordinance is that since the bond issue has been finalized (and changes to the amount of the bond issue have occurred) changes are reflected. All of the numbers presented are a result of "making the final budget mirror the bond issue." The amount saved, as reported by Mr. Doerschel (over the life of the bonds), could be as high as $200,000.00. The proposed ordinance allows the bonds to be "bank qualified" and result in lower, 20- year bond interest costs. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes Page 5 of 7 June 23, 2003 Mr. Doerschel spoke of a potential "short term" rate decrease within the next 24 hours. If the decrease is approved, timing for this issue could be perfect. The downside to the rate decrease is that investment earnings made by a City are minimal, in spite of inexpensive borrowing. Council consensus existed to forward the proposed ordinance to the City Council Special meeting to immediately follow. b. Proposed ordinance reaardina bond issue AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO CONTRACTING INDEBTEDNESS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $9,850,000.00 PAR VALUE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2003A AND $2,200,000.00 PAR VALUE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2003T (TAXABLE) OF THE CITY FOR GENERAL CITY PURPOSES TO PROVIDE FUNDS WITH WHICH TO REIMBURSE ITSELF FOR A PART OF THE COST OF TRANSFERRING CERTAIN PROPERTY BETWEEN THE CITY AND KING COUNTY, TO PAY OR REIMBURSE ITSELF FOR A PART OF THE COST OF MAKING VARIOUS ARTERIAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS, TO REDEEM THE CITY'S OUTSTANDING LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE, 2000 (FOSTER GOLF COURSE), TO MAKE CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE, FOR OTHER CITY PURPOSES, AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS; FIXING THE DATE, FORM, MATURITIES, INTEREST RATES, TERMS AND COVENANTS OF THE BONDS; ESTABLISHING A NOTE REDEMPTION FUND AND A PROJECT FUND; AND APPROVING THE SALE AND PROVIDING FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE BONDS TO LEHMAN BROTHERS INC., OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilmembers Hernandez and Linder pointed out errors /omissions within the title and body of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Doerschel noted corrections will be made before the ordinance is considered in final format. Final approval will be slated in July, 2003. Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, explained the difference between the bonds mentioned in the ordinance. Simply put, the Series 2003A Bonds are tax exempt bonds; and the Series 2003T bonds are taxable bonds. City staff's goal was to make the Series 2003T bond numbers as small as possible as those will be borrowed at a higher interest rate. Debt schedules will be reviewed with Council at a later date. At that time, however, Council will realize the City will pay off the 2002 Bonds in as little as 5 to 7 years. And, although there will be an even debt service over a period of 20 years, the City will pay off the Series 2003T bonds first. The taxable bonds will be used for the Foster Golf Clubhouse restaurant and the ($350,000.00) equipment to be used inside. Those are taxable bonds because of the concessionaire's agreement (thus, private activity bonds, similar to that at Tukwila Village where a concessionaire's agreement exists for someone to buy the land for private use). Other facets of the proposed ordinance were discussed between Mr. Doerschel and Council. In the end, Mr. Doerschel noted current evaluation of water /sewer bonds and a potential savings of those, to be rolled into this proposed ordinance as well. At this point, a final determination is yet to be made. Council consensus existed to consider this item when next presented for action (July, 2003). 8:02 p.m. Council consensus existed to recess the COW meeting and hold the Special meeting, before reconvening the COW meeting and considering reports. 8:32 p.m. Council President Carter reconvened the Committee of the Whole. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes REPORTS: a. Mayor Page 6 of 7 June 23, 2003 Mayor Mullet reported attendance to the Association of Washington Cities Conference June 18 -20. He also noted departmental review of proposed budgets has begun so that staff will be ready to address Council at the July 15 budget (Special) meeting. Mayor Mullet noted a Tukwila Children's Foundation meeting June 24 at 5 p.m. and an upcoming meeting with Dwight Pelz to discuss City/County issues. Finally, Mayor Mullet reported the resignation of Bob Noe from the law firm of Kenyon Disend; and thus, his resignation as the City's contract attorney. The Mayor and Council spoke highly of Mr. Noe and stated he has represented the City well in his tenure. Various Councilmembers asked to be invited to any "going away" events the City may plan for Mr. Noe. Mr. Noe's last day of employment is July 11, 2003. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle reported Tukwila schools are out and encouraged everyone to drive with a great degree of caution through residential neighborhoods. Councilmember Hernandez attended the June 17 Utilities Committee and officiated over the June 19 Todd Anderson Memorial Tree Planting ceremony at Crystal Springs Park. Council President Carter noted prior distribution of a written SCATBd report. The Council President attended the June 11 Lodging Tax Advisory Board meeting and the June 12 Streamlined Sales Tax meeting. She, too, attended the AWC Conference June 18 20. There she was re- elected to the Board for another two -year term. Councilmember Haggerton likewise attended the AWC Conference June 18 20 in Spokane. He reported on the various workshops, educational sessions and networking opportunities. Councilmember Linder attended the June 17 Utilities Committee meeting and reported on items from that agenda. Councilmember Fenton sought clarification on whether or not news clipping services within the City were discontinued. Acting City Administrator Rhonda Berry and Mayor Mullet responded the task was indeed discontinued as it proved very time consuming for staff. Councilmember Simpson reported he will be on vacation from June 24 to August 13, 2003. Additionally, he spoke of a problem existing on Tukwila International Boulevard wherein police action will be required to bring it to a stop. He spoke against the problem of urinating in public. c. Staff Rhonda Berry ,reported ongoing discussions with personnel from the Police Firing Range revealed times are set aside for (training purposes) explosive device demolition (destruction of bombs). The City Attorney is working this issue as this may not be an acceptable use for the range. Ms. Berry also reported dump pass coupons are being distributed for one more week. The number of distributed coupons is above that which was given out in 2002. d. City Attorney Neither the City Attorney, nor his representative were present. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Minutes e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach had no report. MISCELLANEOUS: Councilmember Hernandez will be away from City Hall until July 7, 2003, on vacation. Councilmember Duffle will leave Tukwila on July 27 to attend his high school reunion. Council President Carter reported an intent to send correspondence to Maria Cantwell re: triple length trucks. Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator, reported Gary Locke, Washington State Governor, will sign SB 6088 (related to prescription drug legislation) at the Tukwila Community Center on Thursday, June 26, 2003. Signing will occur between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. ADJOURN: 8:56 p.m. DUFFIE MOVED; FENTON SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE. The motion carried 7 -0. a tz-7.) Pam Carter, Council President gdity fi &dim) Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Signed: July 3. 2003 Page 7 of 7 June 23, 2003