HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesCOMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and leading the Pledge of Allegiance was Pam Carter, Council
President.
COUNCIL ATTENDANCE:
Present were Council President Pam Carter; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Jim
Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton and Richard Simpson.
OFFICIALS:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator; Barbara Saxton, Recording Clerk; Jim
Morrow, Public Works Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Dave Haynes, Acting Police
Chief; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Pat Brodin, Public Works Operations Manager; and Lynn
Miranda, Senior Planner.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
August 11, 2003 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
Introduction of New Employee Dee England. Aauatics Proaram Specialist
Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Dee England. Originally from Berkeley,
California, Dee holds a degree in Art History. Spending the last six years with the Seattle YMCA, Mr.
Fletcher described Ms. England as becoming "an expert in just about everything that has to do with
water."
Dee looks forward to bringing diversity to the programs offered at the Tukwila pool. She enjoys working
with stroke victims and would enjoy bringing in children with Downs Syndrome as well. Another of Dee's
goals is to offer a senior citizen arthritis program.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
Bob Salisbury 25038 110 Place SE #C, Kent, reported completion of teaching an 8 -week,
United States Citizenship class last week to 10 students. Held at Tukwila City Hall, Mr. Salisbury stated
thanks and appreciation for Council's participation and the use of the building. After testing and an
interview, these students could become citizens within the next six months. Mr. Salisbury gave special
thanks to Lucy Lauterbach and Joan Hernandez for their time, energies and efforts.
Councilmember Hernandez provided the names of each student as well as their nation of origin. At a
recent ceremony, each student expressed their appreciation for Mr. Salisbury and the work he did in
assisting them in their efforts to become citizens.
Mac McDonald 4246 South 146 Tukwila, stated appreciation for the citizenship classes. He
attended the July 4, 2003, swearing -in ceremony in Seattle. There, 429 people took the oath and stated
their pledge of allegiance for the very first time as U. S. citizens.
Anna Bernhardt 14241 59 Avenue South, Tukwila, reported surprise with the new color of
Fire Station #52. Calling it "a shame," Anna and her husband believed this was a primer color only; yet
have learned it is the final color of the building.
PUBLIC HEARING:
AN ORDINANCE RENEWING A MORATORIUM ON CERTAIN LAND DIVISIONS AND
LAND USES IN THE TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) PLANNING AREA
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development, reviewed the history of this
issue. Since September of 2002, a moratorium has been in place on the acceptance of applications for
certain land divisions, development activities and land uses within the transit- oriented development
(TOD) area, around the Longacres Commuter Rail /Amtrak station.
As the planning process for the TOD area began (over a year ago) the moratorium was put in place to
preserve the land for future development and to restrict the development of new uses that could have
been inconsistent with the overall vision of the area. Since that time, steady progress has been made by
holding three public workshops, developing proposed land use and transportation scenarios, and
anticipating that all plans will be developed /done "early, in 2004."
Reporting on the provisions of the existing moratorium, Ms. Miranda reminded Council it will expire on
August 30, 2003. To that end, City staff recommends renewal of the moratorium for another 6 -month
period. The ordinance being proposed (renewing the moratorium) contains no substantive changes over
that which now exists.
Attendance to the first Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) Workshop was approximately 70 people. The second
TUC workshop had approximately 45 attendees; and approximately 35 persons attended the TOD
workshop, held later.
7:14 p.m. Council President Carter declared the public hearing opened.
Tom Kalil. 15415 Nelson Place South, asked if City Administration is prepared to spend monies in
order to move power lines and /or railroad tracks. Mr. Kalil believes that in order to make this a
residential or retail area, both must be moved. He sees no reason to continue the moratorium if these
issues are not being considered.
7:15 p.m. Council President Carter declared the public hearing closed and reported action would
take place at the August 18, 2003 Regular meeting.
Council Deliberation /Discussion:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUWKILA,
WASHINGTON, RENEWING A SIX -MONTH MORATORIUM ON ACCEPTANCE OF
APPLICATIONS FOR CERTAIN LAND DIVISIONS, AND DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES AND LAND USES WITHIN THE AREA DESIGNATED FOR TRANSIT
ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE TEMPORARY COMMUTER
RAIL /AMTRAK STATION AT THE LONGACRES SITE; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
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August 11, 2003
Councilmember Hernandez, unable to attend the TOD workshop, asked if the issue of moving power lines
and /or railroad tracks was raised. Ms. Miranda responded in the affirmative. In fact, it was a major
focus for the workshop. Additionally, opportunities associated with redevelopment of the area were
discussed. Costs will be significant to move the power lines and the railroad track and this is all part of
the planning process. Thus, there is a need for a renewed moratorium to gather additional information
and report back to the community and Council.
Councilmember Haggerton did attend one of the workshops. He noted several people held different
views as to the vision of the TOD area. Some were in favor of residential areas and moving power lines,
yet there was, and is, nothing definitive about those ideas. He asked if anyone has stated complaints
with regard to the current moratorium or the proposed ordinance to renew the moratorium. Ms. Miranda
has not received any telephone calls.
For action, Council consensus existed to forward this item to the August 18 Regular meeting.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 11, 2003
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Wet- Floodproofinq of the Starfire Maintenance and Concession Facility
Councilmember Linder reported review of this item at the August 5 Utilities Committee meeting. She
reminded Council that a very similar variance request was received (and approved in June, 2003) to wet
floodproof the main Starfire) structure at Fort Dent Park.
The current request is to wet- floodproof the maintenance /concession facility by allowing floodwaters to
enter the structure and elevate all of its components at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
The building contains restrooms, a concession area and storage.
Clerical note: The remainder of the structure (under the one -foot elevation) would be allowed to flood
and will be constructed of materials that withstand flood damage. Since this is not the standard
established by the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA), a variance must be issued.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, reported Starfire has requested the City, by way of petition,
approve a variance to our existing flood ordinance, to allow wet floodproofing. Staff seeks support of the
variance to the ordinance. Certain conditions will be placed on the permit in the event the variance is
granted. Such conditions include the execution of a Hold Harmless Agreement (for the City); continuous
insurance is to be in place, along with certification from the insurance company that wet floodproofing
procedures will be used during construction; and a request to install a manual shut -off valve for the
sewer system. The City does not want floodwaters to inundate the sewer system. Finally, a condition
will be placed on the permit that all potentially- dangerous materials stored in the maintenance shed,
must be kept at least one foot above the flood plain elevation.
Mr. Morrow noted a small area within Fort Dent Park is above the flood elevation. City staff asked
Starfire if the facility could be placed within that area. With a desire for stadium seating and the
concession stand, the location is not compatible with the proposed architecture of the building.
The Public Works Director, responding to an inquiry by Councilmember Haggerton, reported separation of
the two requests by Starfire was a choice made by the group. Starfire's primary concern, upon
submission of the first request for variance, was the main athletic center. They wanted to begin
earthwork in the Spring of 2003, thus the City got their permit ready within the goals established.
Weekly meetings are held with Starfire on this, as well as other efforts associated with the development.
Ms. Linder reported a conversation with Starfire representatives wherein it was learned a preliminary
request for insurance coverage was made and approved.
For action, Council consensus existed to forward this item to the August 18 Regular meeting.
b. Cascade Water Alliance (CWA) Supply Contract and Costs
Councilmember Linder reported review of this item at the August 5 Utilities Committee meeting.
Committee members recommended a "yes" vote at the upcoming Cascade Water Alliance meeting. She
noted CWA recently completed contract negotiations to purchase a wholesale block of water from the
City of Seattle.
Reviewing page 33 of the Council packet for this meeting, Ms. Linder reported a model has been put
together comparing costs between members of the CWA and those such as Water District 125 who are
on the direct service contract. Rates through the block contract will be lower than the full service
contract in the near term (47 years), yet will raise by the year 2020 due to the new supply and water
treatment plant work at Lake Tapps.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, stated Pat Brodin, Operations Manager, Public Works, has done
a terrific job sifting through all the issues surrounding this agreement. Mr. Morrow also reported that the
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Council discussed the time and staff was able to provide clarification where necessary.
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August 11, 2003
City of Tukwila has no near -term, significant growth projects which would put a huge demand on the
water supply systems which serve the City (the part of the City which is served by the Tukwila utilities),
therefore, consideration of the agreement came down to one issue who is going to provide the
cheapest water rates for the City in the near- and long -term. Additionally, staff must ask if we need to
be concerned about the costs of looking for a second water source. While we need to be cognizant of
the implications, we must also ask who is going to guarantee us the best costs over the near term.
For clarification, it was noted the proposed contract has an exit clause that allows a member who was
previously a Seattle Wholesale customer to withdraw from the Cascade Water Alliance if they so choose.
Then, the Cascade Block will be decreased proportionately by the amount of allocated water to that
member.
Pat Brodin, Operations Manager, Public Works, added the consultant (for CWA) has projected costs
out to the time Lake Tapps is projected to come on line. In 2007, the second supply project is
anticipated to come on line and a surplus may come from that source. That cost is believed to be less
than the Seattle rate.
The RCFC charge was intended for growth to pay for growth. If that growth does not happen, the City
may have to pay some debt service, which would have to be supplemented by increased rates. The City
of Tukwila does not anticipate seeing such growth as is being experienced by some eastside
communities.
Reported was a September 3, 2003 meeting at Sumner City Hall, for all Pierce County communities to
discuss the Lake Tapps project. Mayor Barbara Skinner has invited all elected officials, community
members, CWA members and the general public to attend this information exchange.
While the CWA contract is set to expire in 50 years, the contract in place with Seattle will dissolve in
2011.
For action, Council consensus existed to forward this item to the August 18 Regular meeting.
c. Kina County Animal Control Interlocal Aareement Amendment
Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator, presented a draft proposal that articulates additional
accountability provisions, previously requested by the Council. Once discussed, the agreement will be
taken back to King County for consideration and /or approval.
King County knows the City of Tukwila will not pay the new (increased rate) for the first 6 months of
2003. The new rate ($60.00 per hour), beginning July 1, also includes provisions of tracking dates of
services, calendaring dates of service, type- coding services provided, etc. while in Tukwila. Currently, the
City contracts for 12 hours of enhanced services per week.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Berry reported the City of Tukwila is giving King County 6 months to
comply with the provisions of the amended contract (for enhanced services). Beyond that, either party
may terminate this agreement with 30 -days notice to the other. Additionally, the City can cut back on
the number of hours being requested (per week) from the County.
No invoices or statements have been received in 2003, as negotiations were underway. Since discussions
and negotiations have begun, staff has witnessed a perceived increase of presence by County staff in the
area of animal control; yet no written verification of such can be accurately provided.
Tukwila's costs, without enhanced services, are zero. King County works in Tukwila by virtue of the fact
they receive sales tax from the City. Without enhanced services, Tukwila is only offered response to
telephone calls; no patrol for animal control, etc.
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Council spoke of the need for accountability on behalf of the Animal Control Officers of King County, and
thus, the need for the provisions being proposed. City staff is working on the issue of personal contact
with the officers (while on duty) via cellular phone or other method. In the past, it has been difficult, at
best, to contact officers for assistance. A telephone number for weekends and holidays may also be
requested and distributed.
Anna Bernhart. 14241 59 Avenue South. Tukwila. reminded Council the Contract could be
reviewed on a yearly basis. Concerns could be raised when performing that review.
For action, Council consensus existed to forward this item to the August 18 Regular meeting.
d. Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (V-Net) Seizure Fund
Councilmember Duffie announced consideration of this item at the August 4 Finance and Safety
Committee meeting.
Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, reported the need to approve a budget motion allowing
disbursement of $240,000.00 among six member cities of the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team
(VNET). Said amount has amassed over the past "few" years.
Seized funds from VNET are only allowed to be expended on police overtime or brand new programs
within VNET. Therefore, when the amount of funds escalates (such as to the amount of this transaction)
a motion is made and monies are distributed to member cities for use on such items as in -car cameras
for police, highway cameras, and other police related activities /programs.
For action, Council consensus existed to forward this item to the August 18 Regular meeting.
e. Update on Connectivity and Tukwila Villaae Proiects
1. CONNECTIVITY ISSUES
Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, presented a potential $10 million figure on connectivity efforts and
as much as $14 million "to acquire all the land" associated with the Tukwila Village project.
While the Tukwila Village project has been worked on in some fashion since 1998, the connectivity
project is still in its infancy in terms of a full commitment to proceed.
Related to connectivity issues, much study has been completed to date. For cabling, $25,000 has been
spent, and another $30,000 has been spent on survey to determine levels of use. Nearly one year has
been spent investigating content providers and system configurations.
The next step for this project is to seek Council approval to renew the contract with David Luman d /b /a
Asset Analytics, currently set to expire July 31, 2003. As significant progress has been made toward a
final decision to build the infrastructure necessary and because the work Asset Analytics will do is more
specific than that in the past, it is beneficial to the City to pay an hourly rate, versus a monthly fee. The
Finance Director spoke in favor of:
Extend Mr. Luman's contract through December 2003, at the rate of $165 per hour, at
least through the end of 2003. If the City decides to proceed further, the contractor
could be reviewed as a potential project manager.
Fund design and Engineering System design of the entire City. This effort would provide
both an estimated cost to build the infrastructure necessary to bring connectivity to
every business and residence and have the specific actions necessary to go out for bid in
2004.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
2. TUKWILA VILLAGE
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August 11, 2003
In order to reach these goals by the end of 2003, it may cost between $80,000 and $90,000 (to be taken
from the Ending Fund Balance). When all studies are done and information is received, the City will
determine whether or not it can proceed. If the City decides to move forward at that point, we will
acquire short-term bonding. The cost of building the basic infrastructure for the entire City could cost
between $5 -8 million. We'II learn what types of arrangements are feasible with content providers and
we'll learn cost of their involvement in the entire project.
Councilmember Fenton noted 145,000 feet of conduit is already in place (in the ground) that the City did
not even know existed. This is a plus. After visiting Provo, Utah where a very similar project has been
completed, Mr. Fenton is sure the City of Tukwila is proceeding in a proper fashion. He spoke in favor of
contacting would -be partners for the project (AT &T, Verizon, Qwest and Comcast) to determine who may
desire tying into the network.
Questions and answers were exchanged and clarification was made regarding contracts and would -be
service providers.
Mayor Mullet, referring to a spreadsheet prepared by Alan Doerschel, noted the City has spent $7.869
million through the end of July, 2003. This included purchases of the Newporter Property (Carwash site),
South City Motel, nine houses, District 125 property, Fantasy Express, Yoshikawa property, King County
Housing Authority property, and Country Vittles Restaurant.
Remaining properties to be acquired, at an estimated $5.8 million, include the Southgate Mobile Home
Park; the Ben Carol Motel; the X- Car /Butters property; and paying a share of building a new Carwash.
The Mayor also pointed out a projected sale of 12.2 acres of land $15 per square foot, for a total of
$7,971,500.00. The approximate total for properties ($13,669,000.00), minus the approximate amount
for land ($7,971,500.00), equals a net contribution by the City in the amount of $5,697,500.00.
The City is reviewing the potential for purchasing the Foster Library building for a teen center or other
uses. This Library could only move if a buyer exists, and the potential cost is $1.2 -$1.3 million. Whether
or not a teen center is actually established is a policy decision for the City Council and such a decision has
not yet been made.
Questions and answers were exchanged relative to properties already purchased, to be purchased,
permits, costs of infrastructure, and proceeding further.
Mayor Mullet left Council chambers at 8:35 p.m.
Councilmember Haggerton asked, in light of the current economic situation, how the City could afford "all
these dollars." Mr. Doerschel noted, with the exception of connectivity, the City has funded all
expenditures. He also noted that if the City could build Tukwila Village for the anticipated approximate
amount of $5.8 million, the City would actually make money. Of monies required ($8.5 million is
allocated), the City would have $2.5 million remaining in the Financial Planning Model to help pay for a
parking garage and site improvements.
Further discussions centered on Foster Library, purchases to be made, the motel, parking garage, and
the general welfare of the City. Mr. Doerschel spoke favorably of continuing with this project. And, in
light of an increasing deficit, gambling revenues are up and sales tax revenues are "holding steady."
Mr. Fenton raised awareness of received grants from the Pubic Works Trust Fund (PWTF). Mr. Doerschel
informed Council that approximately $3 million (plus) for Cascade View Park has been received, with an
interest rate of 1 2 creating a savings of nearly $2 million in interest payments, over the life of the
bonds. Other monies received from the PWTF include $7 million for use in Foster Pt. and Allentown's
storm and surface water and sewer hookups. Thus, the City is borrowing money, yet at a very low rate.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 11, 2003
Rates must be reviewed and nominally increased, and the CIP must be readjusted. These require no
matching monies.
Other grants have been received and will be used for Phase III of Tukwila International Boulevard and
other projects. These require matching monies at 20
More information will come to a Committee of Whole meeting to be determined. Mr. Doerschel reported
additional information could be relayed at the August 26 Budget Review meeting, within the Financial
Planning Model. Additional information regarding the City's financial position and Ending Fund Balance
will be presented at that August 26 meeting.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Rhonda Berry, on behalf of Mayor Mullet, reported the recent discovery of a methamphetamine lab at a
local lodging establishment wherein State Patrol was called in to clear the scene and investigate the
situation. Tukwila's Police Department is working with hotel management to try and prevent the situation
from occurring in the future.
David Haynes, Acting Police Chief, reported hotel management has been very helpful during the
investigation of this situation. More information will follow.
Next, Ms. Berry informed Council that the one year resolution related to family health care benefits for
personnel on active military duty is about to expire. She sought consensus of Council to add the item to
the August 18 Finance and Safety Committee and subsequent City Council Regular meeting (same night).
Consensus existed to allow the items for consideration at the August 18 Regular meeting.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffle recently went to Fire Station #53 with Mr. Mrs. Gully to remove bees from
the premises. Additionally, Mr. Duffie participated in the August 5 National Night Out.
Councilmember Hernandez participated in the August 5 National Night Out events; and attended the
August 6 (Senator) Patty Murray's Tennis Shoe Awards ceremony, as well as this evening's Community
Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. Additionally, Ms. Hernandez attended last week's completion
ceremony for those involved with the United States Citizenship classes.
Council President Carter attended the August 5 Tukwila Government Affairs luncheon, and later the
same evening, participated in events associated with the National Night Out. Ms. Carter announced Jim
Morrow will take her place this week at the SCATBd meeting.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the August 5 Tukwila Government Affairs luncheon, and later the
same evening, participated in the National Night Out events.
Councilmember Linder participated in the August 5 National Night Out events.
Councilmember Fenton had no report.
Councilmember Simpson had no report.
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry had no additional report.
d. City Attorney
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
Neither the City Attorney, nor his representative was present.
e. Legislative Analyst
The Legislative Analyst was not present.
ADJOURN:
9:21 p.m. Council President Carter adjourned the Committee of Whole meeting.
tJ
Pam Carter, Council President
arbara J. Saxton Recording Clerk
Date Minutes Signed: August 18, 2003
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