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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-08 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL September 8, 2003 7:00 p.m. Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Calling the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. was Pam Carter, Council President, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: OFFICIALS: COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Present were Council President Pam Carter; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder, David Fenton and Richard Simpson. Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Barbara Saxton, Recording Clerk; Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, Mayor's Office; Jack Pace, Deputy Director, Department of Community Development; Bruce Fletcher, Director of Parks and Recreation; and Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, arrived at 7:40 p.m. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: a. Tukwila Demoaraphics /Comprehensive Plan Update (Growth Manaaement Act) Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development Rebecca Fox, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development, informed Council that staff is preparing technical revisions to the 1995 Comprehensive Plan, as required by the State of Washington. Hoping to give Council a better picture of Tukwila and how it has changed in recent years, Ms. Fox presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan Measuring Our Progress." Information shared included past and current population figures for the City; ethnicity figures; top 5 languages spoken (Spanish, Bosnian, Somali, Vietnamese, and Cambodian); school district population figures; housing /home- ownership figures; amounts of rent being charged; housing permits; zoning information on single family zones; household incomes; Tukwila's employment base and major employers; and ranking re: tax revenue generators. Calling the Comprehensive Plan "a guiding document or blue print" for how Tukwila will manage its growth and development in the coming years, Ms. Fox noted the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan were defined as follows: 1. To improve and sustain residential neighborhood quality and livability. 2. To redevelop and reinvigorate the Pacific Highway Corridor. 3. To redevelop and reinvigorate the industrial uses along East Marginal Way. 4. To develop a thriving Urban Center as a true regional concentration of employment, housing, shopping and recreational opportunities. During the spring of 2003, Vision Tukwila was created as an opportunity for the public to meet with City representatives in community settings. Participants learned about City projects and finances. Residents and business owners had an opportunity to share what is important to them. In addition to five meetings being conducted between March and April, 2003, a Vision Tukwila Survey form was created and distributed to all residents (via the meetings and The Haze /nut). Respondents revealed what they like best about Tukwila (location, small -town atmosphere, responsive city staff and facilities), and what they like least (noise and congestion, crime rates /lower quality of life, City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes September 8, 2003 lack of local services, and litter /poorly maintained properties). To accommodate growth, respondents suggested a more dense mixture of housing, walkable businesses, living in home /work offices, bringing practical services (grocery stores) to the area, and installation of more sidewalks and walkways. Although the City's vision for Tukwila is still valid and obtainable, technical revisions are required due to changes in Washington State's Growth Management Act (GMA). These revisions are critical for the City to remain consistent with the State's GMA. By December 1, 2004, the City will prepare such revisions and develop codes which are directly related. Budget and staffing issues have shifted the emphasis of the update to be completely on the technical revisions. Key topics include housing targets, best available science in sensitive /critical areas, and employment targets. Ms. Fox described the Comprehensive Plan as "on schedule" and stated all technical revisions must be made by December 1, 2004. Further, she noted a proposed schedule for the remainder of the process. Said schedule includes a 4 quarter 2003 review of the plan; a public /open house during the 1s quarter of 2004; a Planning Commission review during the 2 quarter of 2004; Council review in the 3r quarter; and adoption by Council during the 4 quarter of 2004. Fielding questions from Council, Ms. Fox agreed to provide a timeline memorandum including a summary of monies spent on each step of the planning process. This may assist in alleviating misinformation being shared among community members. She and Mr. Pace also answered inquiries regarding topographical maps, single parent households, top employers and the willingness to keep Council informed regarding any direction changes relative to the Comprehensive Plan. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Robert Neuffer, 13813 37 Avenue South, Tukwila, stated the City does not "communicate very well" in its publications. He spoke in favor of the use of color and the Spanish language as 30% of the City does not speak English. Mr. Neuffer thanked Police Chief Haines regarding his decision for officers not to "chase people" unless a felony has occurred. Finally, Mr. Neuffer asked the Council to "think about the schools" who sell candy each year. By going door to door, children sell candy to earn money for prizes and for the ability to go on field trips. In opposition to this way of earning money, Mr. Neuffer suggested an increase of casino taxes that would then be gifted to school student bodies (not the schools themselves). This would allow all students to go on the trips; not just those who can normally afford it. Councilmember Duffle reported School Superintendent Michael Silver has been opposed to such contributions from casinos. Mr. Neuffer argued it is a tax, not a contribution of books, etc. Additionally, Council President Carter informed Mr. Neuffer children are instructed not to go door -to -door as it is a safety issue. Joanne McManus. 5610 South 133 Street, Tukwila, affirmed Dr. Silver's refusal (in the past) to accept a contribution of books from the casinos. Ms. Carter noted it is the Tukwila School Board that makes the decisions not Dr. Silver alone on issues such as this. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. 2004 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Proiects and Funding Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager and Community Development Block Grant Coordinator, noted this is the time of year when the City is asked to make recommendations for the CDBG funds to be received in 2004. The funds are based on the percentage of low- and moderate income residents in our community. All projects identified must benefit both populations. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes September 8, 2003 Fifteen percent of the funds can be used for human services. Fifteen percent can be used for planning and /or administration projects. The remainder of the funds must be used in connection with capital projects. The recommendations before Council are slightly different from those reviewed in a recent Community Affairs and Parks Committee. One project identified at the Committee meeting (sidewalks in the Southcenter business area) does not meet the criteria of benefiting enough low- and moderate income population. Thus, the amount she recommends for allocation is $20,000.00 less than what we can (technically) recommend. King County prefers the City identify a need for the additional $20,000.00. This is not always an easy task as projects either don't work with the County process or do not meet strict guidelines for their use. In the public service area, there is a request to continue funding the Nutrition Coordinator position in the Senior program. In the area of Planning and /or Administration, staff recommends continued funding of the South King County Domestic Violence Service Planner. In the area of capital projects, staff recommends continued work with two housing repair programs for single family homeowners and includes King County Major Home Repair program and the Minor Home Repair Program (operated out of Senior Services of King County). Finally, Ms. Boykan noted recommendation to replace play structures at Crystal Springs Park and Duwamish Park. It's been at least 10 years since they have been replaced and they are not up to current guidelines. Both fit into the area of neighborhood parks which exceed the threshold criteria of serving populations which are over 51% low- and moderate income residents. Ms. Boykan fielded questions and provided clarification to Council on several points and noted a public hearing will be held on this issue on September 15, 2003. b. An ordinance relating to contracting indebtedness; providing for the issuance of limited tax general obligation bonds re: Foster Golf Course Clubhouse AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RELATING TO CONTRACTING INDEBTEDNESS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $9,850,000 PAR VALUE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2003A OF THE CITY FOR GENERAL CITY PURPOSES TO PROVIDE FUNDS WITH WHICH TO REIMBURSE ITSELF FOR A PART OF THE COST OF TRANSFERING 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) FOR OTHER CITY PURPOSES, AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2003A BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $2,200,000 PAR VALUE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2003T (TAXABLE) OF THE CITY FOR GENERAL CITY PURPOSES TO PROVIDE FUNDS WITH WHICH TO MAKE CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FOSTER GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2003T (TAXABLE) BONDS; FIXING THE DATE, FORM, MATURITIES, INTEREST RATES, TERMS AND COVENANTS OF THE BONDS; ESTABLISHING A 2003A BOND FUND, A 2003T BOND REDEMPTION ACCOUNT, A 2003A PROJECT ACCOUNT AND A 2003T PROJECT ACCOUNT; PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOND INSURANCE; AND APPROVING THE SALE AND PROVIDING FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE BONDS TO LEHMAN BROTHERS INC. OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. c. Authorize Mayor to sign a Bond Purchase Contract between Lehman Brothers Inc., and the City of Tukwila, for $9,850,000.00 Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds, Series 2003A: and $2,200,000.00 Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds Series 200T (taxable). Alan Doerschel, Finance Director, noted the presence of Alice Ostdiek from Foster Pepper Sheffelman and Shawn Keatts from Lehman Brothers. These two authored the documents currently before Council. Mr. Doerschel was proud to announce an A+ rating from the Fitch Rating system, on the City's $12.1 million, limited tax general obligation bonds. Fitch also affirmed the A+ rating on $15.2 million of outstanding limited tax general obligation bonds. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes September 8, 2003 Alice Ostdiek, Foster Pepper Sheffelman, serves as bond counsel to the City on this issue. Two major pieces of this ordinance and work are a taxable portion to finance the restaurant improvements at Foster Golf Course and a tax exempt portion to be used to re -fund Foster Golf course improvements. Some arterial street improvements and reimbursement to the City for monies spent on the King County bridge transfer will be recognized as well. Council sought clarification from Ms. Ostdiek on conditions of the bonds. Sean Keatts, Bond Underwriter, Lehmann Brothers, reported entry into the bond market and sales (today) in a public offering. The bonds were sold to various people in such states as Connecticut, New York, and California. Discussion then centered between Council, Mr. Doerschel, Ms. Ostdiek and Mr. Keatts. Mr. Doerschel reported an upcoming re- funding of projects by issuing lower bonds (to be used for the Tukwila Community Center and Tukwila Fire Station #51). Councilmember Hernandez asked for a breakdown of costs (of the $12.1 million) for arterial street improvements, the Clubhouse restaurant, golf maintenance improvements, new clubhouse, new parking lot, etc. Mr. Doerschel will provide such information to Ms. Hernandez. Council consensus existed to forward both items to the 09 -08 -03 Special meeting for consideration. 8:49 p.m. Council consensus existed to hold reports until after consideration of the City Council Special meeting. Council President Carter recessed the Committee of Whole meeting to consider the Special meeting. 8:56 p.m. Council President Carter reconvened the Committee of Whole meeting to consider Reports. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet had no report. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle had no report. Councilmember Hernandez attended a recent Tukwila Business and Government Committee at Noon; the September 3 Utilities Committee meeting; September 4 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting; the September 5 Community Affairs and Parks Committee; and today's celebration of the one -year anniversary of Tukwila Self Storage. Council President Carter noted her intent to copy a letter of inquiry to all Councilmembers relative to Sound Transit issues. As it is a routing issue, a formal response may not be made to the sender. Ms. Carter noted her attendance to the August 27 Tukwila Community Cares Network meeting. Councilmember Haggerton reported a recent meeting with Asaad Hassan, City Grocery, wherein it was learned Mr. Hassan believes there to be a widening gap in Somali families in Tukwila wherein children go to school and learn English during the day and go home and speak to their mothers in Somali at night. The mothers cannot speak English at the same speed, thus creating the perceived widening gap between mother and child. Closing discussions centered around loss of parking for businesses due to the Tukwila International Boulevard improvement projects. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes September 8, 2003 Councilmember Linder thanked Lucy Lauterbach for a "capsule summary on the items Cascade's working on." Ms. Linder asked if others had received an e-mail from a local casino relative to moratorium(s). Council President Carter will respond, in writing, informing the writer that there is not currently a moratorium in place. No other response would be appropriate at this time. Councilmember Fenton had no report. Councilmember Simpson attended the September 8 Transportation Committee meeting. c. Staff Rhonda Berry noted recognizable challenges of Somali sub communities within the overall Somali community in Tukwila. Some may be separated by religion or by tribe. Additionally, there is a high percentage of single- mother families. These issues make it difficult for all to meet and agree on issues. d. City Attorney None present. e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach reported working to organize a lunch between Tukwila City Councilmembers and area Legislators in October. The next budget retreat is Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m., at Tukwila Community Center. ADJOURN: 9:22 p.m. FENTON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE. The motion carried 7 -0. Pam Carter, Council President Barbara Saxton, Recor ing Clerk J Date Minutes Signed: September 30, 2003.