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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-25 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: OFFICIALS: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL August 25, 2003 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Calling the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. was Pam Carter, Council President, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Council President Pam Carter; and Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton and Richard Simpson. Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Recording Clerk; Jack Pace, Deputy Director, Community Development; Jim Morrow, Director, Public Works; Bruce Fletcher, Director, Parks and Recreation; and Minnie Dhaliwal, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: None. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Briefing on Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendments Minnie Dhaliwal, Senior Planner, presented background information on three proposed comprehensive plan and zoning code amendments. After a March 17, 2003 public meeting on the issues, the City Council forwarded the proposed items to the Planning Commission for review. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 26, 2003 and forwarded the recommendations to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on August 12, 2003. Those recommendations were approved at the Committee level and are now before the Council. A City Council public hearing date of September 2, 2003 has been set. At that time, Council will allow public testimony /comment on the three requested amendments (and Planning Commission recommendations). Those amendments are: 1. L02 -062 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Allowing Office use in the MIC /H zone L02 -063 Zoning Code Amendment Allowing Office use in the MIC /H zone At the recommendation of the Planning Commission to allow such a use, City staff has prepared a draft ordinance for Council consideration. The use is subject to two restrictions: a. Limit the size to 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, per lot; and b. No new offices shall be allowed on lots that abut the Duwamish River and North of the turning basin. (Prior to December 11, 1995) Those established before the date cited, will be allowed to exceed the maximum size limitations, and /or convert to a stand -alone office use, subject to obtaining a Conditional Use permit. Discussion, questions and answers took place between City staff and Council. Ms. Dhaliwal noted a 10- year update to the Comprehensive Plan will begin in 2004. Jack Pace, Deputy Director of Community Development, noted that due to workload issues, staff is considering a limited focus for the 2004 Comprehensive Plan update, based upon State requirements City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 25, 2003 under the Growth Management Act (GMA). A Comprehensive Plan briefing update has been scheduled (before the Council) on September 8, 2003. The second proposed amendment: L02 -064 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Revising Sensitive Areas Policies L02 -064 Zoning Code Amendment Revising Sensitive Areas Policies A request was submitted to approve a placeholder amendment for the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to include "best available science" and other issues per Washington State GMA requirements. The placeholder was requested in the event all work could be performed and amendments would take place in 2003. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendment, stated it did not make sense at this time without further information, and suggested deferral of consideration until the 2003 -2004 GMA update. Responding to Council inquiry Jack Pace stated that in Tight of the Planning Commission recommendation, staff intends to brief the Council and Planning Commission in the fall of 2003. This will be followed by a Planning Commission review of amendments in early 2004. Discussion, questions and answers took place between City staff and Council. Continuing, Ms. Dhaliwal advised Council the third proposed amendment was initiated by the property owner and included: L02 -067 Rezone LDR to 0 (Barghausen /Robb) L02 -068 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Approving Rezone from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Office (0) The rezone request is specific to 6550 and 6542 Southcenter Boulevard, from LDR to 0. The Planning Commission reviewed a traffic analysis and the existing situation and recommends denial of the request, with an understanding the applicant may reapply for consideration if they are able to resolve existing access and encroachment issues before the end of 2003. Discussion, questions and answers took place between City staff and Council. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, noted issues with the property in question on 66 Avenue. Problems exist with a driveway that exceeds a 15% (steep) grade. Increased traffic, with the proposed change of use, may not support the use, and sight distance issues exist with respect to ingress and egress on the driveway. For the record, Councilmember Hernandez noted Shaunta Hyde, Boeing Corporation, attended the Community Affairs and Parks Committee when this issue was discussed. There, she presented a letter which was provided to Council. Subsequently, Ms. Hyde indicated (via telephone call to Ms. Hernandez) of her inability to attend this evening's meeting, yet noted she would attend the September 2, 2003 Public Hearing. This matter is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2, 2003. b. Grant Applications for Transportation Improvement Board Fundina Councilmember Simpson noted review of this item at the August 11, 2003 Transportation Committee meeting. Jim Morrow reported the Transportation Improvement Board (a State agency) makes an announcement for available grant monies. Long before the announcement was made, City staff met with Transportation City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 25, 2003 Board staff and reviewed those projects believed far enough along to bring to Council for approval and submittal to the Board for available grants in 2004. The four projects taken to the Transportation Committee included: 1. Tukwila International Boulevard Phase III (remaining section from 132n to 138 completing the Highway) 2. Southcenter Parkway /Klickitat Intersection (Options to improve entire intersection) 3. Traffic Signal Interconnect Control Center (to hardwire all traffic signals together, located within the urban center) 4. South 144 Street Phase II (Phase I currently under design in conjunction with Tukwila International Boulevard and Cascade View Park from Tukwila International Boulevard, east to 42 Upon review of the merits of each project with the staff on the Transportation Improvement Board (T. I. B.), projects 1, 3 and 4 were noted as those for which the City should seek grant funds. The T. I. B. staff highly endorsed those projects cited. The reason for excluding project 2 is to provide City staff time to arrive at all options, by consensus of the Council, and to have more information regarding potential funding partners, other grant opportunities and make known how the City would intend to fully pay for the project's completion. No form, other than Council's acceptance of the plan, is required by staff in order to submit projects by the end of August, 2003. Council President Carter reported SCATBd has written a letter of support for the three projects mentioned. Responding to Council inquiry, Jim Morrow noted staff is seeking a multi purpose resolution to problems relative to access to the Southcenter area. City staff will review proposed solutions with the bottleneck created from the I -5 off ramp and on ramp, getting through the intersection, allowing left-hand turns down Strander, and right hand turns on Southcenter Boulevard. Several existing suggestions include expansion of the intersection with turn lanes, plus installation of a fly -away (a dedicated lane which goes over I -5, to swing in and allow a driver to proceed south on I -5). This would also improve the situation with people taking an exit off Highway 518 onto Southcenter Parkway. It fits into the City's long -range plans with respect to the I -405 project. Mr. Morrow also reported the Washington State Department of Transportation has "nothing at all" within their planning package or Regional Transportation Improvement District to handle any of these efforts. This despite their interest of trying to improve the situation with the Klickitat exit. Council consensus existed to "bless the submission of these three items for T. I. B. grants." c. Sewer Utility Rates 1. Proposed Resolution Amending the Public Works Fee Schedule A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A PUBLIC WORKS FEE SCHEDULE 2. Proposed Ordinance Amending the Permit Inspection Fees; and Rates for Sewer Services and Penalties AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING TMC CHAPTER 14.12, RELATING TO PERMIT AND INSPECTION FEES; AMENDING TMC CHAPTER 14.16, RELATING TO THE RATES FOR SEWER SERVICE AND City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 25, 2003 PENALTY CHARGES; REPEALING ORDINANCE NOS. 936 AND 1776; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilmember Linder reported review of these items at the Utilities Committee on two separate occasions. It is being brought to the Committee of Whole for all to be informed Tukwila has not raised their portion of the sewer rate since 1996. The current rate of $5.00 does not cover costs of infrastructure growth, aging pipes or pump facilities. In order to supplement that fund and not be in arrears, the City must increase our portion from $5.00 to $7.00. When done, we are still below the average of other cities. The average bill is $30.40 for Tukwila residents and $31.62 for Val Vue customers and those in neighboring cities. The Utilities Committee recommended the $2.00 increase (at this time) and a biennial review of the fees to alleviate future shortfalls. Jim Morrow reported a $194,000.00 withdrawal from reserve funds in 2002, representing funds taken from the ending fund balance. If withdrawals of that amount continued over the next seven years, the sewer fund would become insolvent and unable to carry on with any sort of maintenance or repair. Staff is proposing a resolution and an ordinance. The resolution seeks to remove (from the ordinance) that portion which relates to rates. This is similar to what was done in connection with the right -of -way use ordinance. Council then would be called upon to review the fee resolution on a regular basis. Additionally, the proposed ordinance reflects removal of those fees. Discussion, questions, clarifications and answers took place between City staff and Council with regard to this issue. Noteworthy, Mr. Morrow indicated the rates would go into effect January 1, 2004, allowing time for businesses and community members to be notified of the Council- approved increase. Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst, raised the issue of those who consistently pay their bills late. This was discussed during a Utilities Committee. To eliminate habitually late payers, the late fee may be raised beyond the current $2.00 fee. Mr. Morrow was asked by Council to do further research regarding this issue. If favorable, an additional increase may be made to that specific fee. Proposed for increase (within the resolution) are: 1. Residential Sewer Service (single dwelling unit) 2. Residential Sewer Service 3. Commercial Industrial Sewage Service 4. Sewer Late Charge Flat rate of $7.00 per month. Flat rate of $7.00 per month, per each dwelling. Flat rate of $12.00 per month, and in addition any usage over 750 cubic feet of water per month shall be at the rate of $12.00 per 750 cubic feet. $5.00 per month on sewer accounts, more than 30 days in arrears. Council President Carter stated the first whereas clause of the resolution does not "fit with what we're doing." For that reason, she suggested amending the clause to read, "WHEREAS, Tukwila's sewer rates have not been increased since 1996, and The proposed fee schedule will be posted on the City's website and information is provided to each applicant as well. Council consensus existed to forward this item to the September 2, 2003 Regular meeting for consideration of newly received information (late fees from neighboring jurisdictions), the proposed resolution and the proposed ordinance. d. Aauatics Facilities Operation Technician City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 25, 2003 Councilmember Duffle noted review and approval of this item at the August 18, 2003 Finance and Safety Committee meeting. Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, noted this item was also reviewed at a Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. When King County turned over the pool to the City of Tukwila, it was a revenue negative proposition. Since that time, City staff has turned the management around, has gained repeat users, has continued offering swim lessons, and involved the community into the aquatics programs. Staff has been successful with those efforts. The success being enjoyed by the City was not originally planned for this early on in the process. With increases in rates and increased use of the pool, staff approximates an income of nearly $190,000.00 in 2004. Lacking, however, is maintenance work for the pool. The current Aquatics Facilities Operation Technician (hereinafter referred to as "pool operator works a .5 (half -time) position. After reviewing King County operations, City staff has realized /learned a full -time position is required. Thus, staff requires an increase of the half -time position to full time. This position will perform increased maintenance and operations at the pool, in addition to working in the restroom facility at Fort Dent Park, the Golf Maintenance Facility and the Tukwila Community Center. The cost impact for this position is $25,000.00, representing salary and benefits. Discussion, questions, clarifications and answers took place between City staff and Council with regard to this issue. Council consensus existed to forward this item to the September 2, 2003 Regular meeting agenda for action /consideration. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet had no report. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle, referring to recent nuisances at local parks, spoke favorably of the results achieved (clean -up, organization, etc.) by City staff in keeping the parks peaceful and clean after each bbq, party or scheduled use. Mr. Duffie noted the first day of school at Tukwila Elementary School is September 2, 2003. Councilmember Hernandez attended an August 19, 2003, "Building Bridges" leadership meeting at Foster High School. One of the participants from that meeting, Tukwila Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Silver, will make a presentation at the next Equity and Diversity Commission meeting. Also attended was the August 23 Highway 99 Action Committee BBQ. Council President Carter reported attendance to the August 19 "Building Bridges" leadership meeting at Foster High School, an August 21 ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Thai restaurant in Tukwila, and the August 23 Highway 99 Action Committee BBQ. Councilmember Haggerton spoke of a newspaper article regarding the Airport Communities Coalition (ACC). Citing a U. S. District Court decision, Judge Barbara Rothstein has ruled against ACC on unmentioned issues. The next meeting for ACC is set for September 3, 2003. Mr. Haggerton reported receipt of an e-mail (today) from Lucy Lauterbach which relayed community member Paul Willoughby will write and submit an article(s) for "the local newspaper" pertinent to ACC City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes August 25, 2003 issues. Mr. Willoughby is reportedly seeking information and a written response from Mr. Haggerton through the newspaper. As an ACC representative, Mr. Haggerton has already responded to previously received and similarly related inquiries from Mr. Willoughby. Next, Mr. Haggerton also attended the Highway 99 Action Committee BBQ on August 23, 2003. Councilmember Linder had no report. Councilmember Fenton had no report. Councilmember Simpson attended the August 23 Highway 99 Action Committee BBQ. He reported cancellation of this evening's Transportation Committee meeting. c. Staff Rhonda Berry reported receipt of a Thank -You letter from the City of Renton for allowing them to host a banquet for their Sister -City banquet at the Tukwila Community Center, when original plans fell through. d. City Attorney Neither Mike Kenyon nor his representative were present. e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach had no report. ADJOURN: 8:35 p.m. DUFFIE MOVED; HERNANDEZ SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE. The motion carried 7 -0. Pam Carter, Council President A N. Ba.�u u 10 Barbara Saxton, Recording Clerk Date Minutes Signed: September 2, 2003