HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order at 7:00 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 and Richard Simpson.
Absent was Councilmember David Fenton.
OFFICIALS:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst;
Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Bruce Fletcher, Director Parks and Recreation; Alan Doerschel, Director,
Finance; Steve Lancaster, Director, Community Development; Brian Shelton, City Engineer, Public
Works; and Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
a. Arts Commission Bruce Fletcher Parks Recreation Director
Bruce Fletcher introduced Russell Bradley, Chair of the Tukwila Arts Commission. Mr. Bradley
acknowledged a "time of economic crisis and shrinking revenues" and on behalf of the Arts Commission,
thanked the Council for their support for the Arts.
The Commission, he reported, believes art enhances the quality of life in any community by affording
opportunities for self expression, preservation of heritage and aesthetic enrichment of the environment.
For that reason (in part), the Commission spoke in favor of continued support and looks forward to
cooperative efforts "toward the betterment of Tukwila."
Mr. Bradley noted the unveiling of artwork at Cascade View Park on October 29, 2003. Local artist Lydia
Aldredge was commissioned for this project.
Bill Gorjance, Arts Commission member, presented two framed paintings, on large plates, done by local
artist, Anne Griffith. The framed paintings were commissioned at the most recent Tukwila Days Art Show
and both will be hung in the City's building located at 6300 Southcenter Boulevard.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
October 27, 2003 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
Frank VandenBos, 14435 22 Avenue SW, Seattle, read a letter into the record as it relates to "the
preservation of a garden that not only has a cultural value but also has a potentially significant economic
benefit to the City of Tukwila." The garden at issue is the Seike Peace Garden, at the former Des Moines
Nursery.
Mr. VandenBos noted the garden was acquired by the Port of Seattle as part of the acquisition activity for
the third runway. Concern exists in that no solid plans have been developed to preserve this Japanese
Peace Garden. To that end, the Cities of SeaTac and Burien have both contributed financially toward
"minimal maintenance with the hope that the garden can be moved."
In its present configuration, the garden covers about one half acre, and would cost nearly $1 million to
move and restore. The Highline Botanical Garden has shown an interest in providing space for the
garden (in SeaTac), yet cannot provide funds for the move. Relocation of the garden would require an
estimated $400,000.00.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
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October 27, 2003
Mr. VandenBos noted that if "Tukwila were to contribute five or ten thousand dollars toward the
preservation of the Seike Peace Garden, we would have a voice in the future plans for the garden." It is
his intent that a "peace garden would send a special message to tourists of the current Japanese
generations. While the Ikawa Park is a good indication of friendship, it serves a purpose different from
that of a peace garden."
Finally, it was noted that if funds cannot be raised for moving the garden, a piecemeal auction of the
plants and stonework is planned.
Jackie Carol. 16241 49 Avenue South, founding Boardmember of the Highline Botanical Gardens
(HBG), spoke in favor of placement of the Seike Garden at their SeaTac location. While not having the
financial means to move the peace garden, HBG is able to commit manpower. Upkeep of the garden,
once moved, is estimated at $100,000.00 per year.
Council President Carter, with agreement from Council, forwarded the item to the Parks Commission and
Community Affairs and Parks Committee, under the direction of Bruce Fletcher.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Interactive Voice Response Telephone Program
Councilmember Hernandez reported review and approval of this item at the October 14, 2003 Community
Affairs and Parks Committee meeting.
Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, reminded Council of the Department's
commitment to improve services to customers, contractors and homeowners. Purchasing this (upgrade)
program is just one way to improve service.
Permits Plus is the City's automated development permit management system. This upgrade would allow
permit holders to schedule or cancel inspections, obtain inspection results and communicate via voice
message with a building inspector 24- hours per -day.
Speaking in favor of the interactive voice response system, Mr. Lancaster noted funds ($34,900) were set
aside in the 2003 budget to implement the upgrade.
Approval of this item by the Council includes entering into a Professional Services Agreement, a Software
Licensing Agreement and Support and Maintenance Agreement with Selectron Technologies, Inc. All
contracts, in their draft format, appeared within the Council packet for review and consideration.
For action, consensus existed to forward the item to the November 3, 2003 Regular meeting.
b. Contract with Charles River Associates for Peer Review of Sound Transit's Proposals
Councilmember Hernandez reported review and approval of this item at the October 14, 2003 Community
Affairs and Parks Committee meeting.
Ms. Hernandez reported Charles River Associates has been a consultant to the City for the past two
years and has provided technical review of the parking and transportation related impacts of the proposed
Link Light Rail project.
Supporting the proposed "Consultant Agreement for Transportation Consulting Services" contract, the
Committee of Whole was advised this is a "time and materials contract" not to exceed $25,000.00. The
scope of work is to provide technical review, analysis and advice regarding parking demand and
transportation impacts related to the proposed Link Light Rail System. These services include, but are
not limited to reviewing reports from Sound Transit, participating in technical review meetings, providing
expert testimony at public hearings, performing independent parking demand forecasts and making
recommendations on the City's parking requirement determination for the 154 Street Station park and
ride.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
Mr. Lancaster informed Council that previous contract amounts have been exhausted, yet the project has
evolved. With that, the need for Dan Brand's expertise is ongoing. Monies for this contract are within the
2003 budget.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Lancaster noted this contract has nothing to do with the routing of Link
Light Rail, yet due to its nature in conjunction with that project, may limit the amount of discussion Council
may hold regarding those efforts.
For action, consensus existed to forward the item to the November 3, 2003 Regular meeting.
7:27 p.m.
c. Review of Proposed 2004 Budget
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October 27, 2003
Leading Council on a review of the proposed 2004 Budget and Proposed 2004 -2009
Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program was President Pam Carter.
Present to answer Council inquiry and provide necessary clarification was Alan
Doerschel, Finance Director; Brian Shelton, City Engineer; and Gail Labanara, Public
Works Analyst.
As suggested by staff, the City Council considered the following pages of the Proposed 2004 Budget:
1 -33; 37 and 40.
As suggested by staff, the City Council considered the following pages of the Proposed 2004 -2009
Financial Planning Model and Capital Improvement Program (water, sewer, surface water):
75 -134.
9:27 p.m. Review of the proposed documents ended for this meeting.
Further consideration and review of the proposed documents will be held at future meetings.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet reported attendance to (last week's) Auburn Chamber luncheon, American Legion Dinner;
Tukwila Children's Foundation and King County Mayors' meeting. The Mayor also participated in a WRIA
9 Management Committee meeting.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffle reported receipt of a telephone call from a concerned citizen regarding the use of
jake brakes on 124` He also received a call relative to "sweeping" the railroad yard at 3 a.m. Callers
asked him to look into these issues and asked for whatever help he could offer. Mayor Mullet took notice
of both items and will assign their consideration to staff.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the October 21, 2003 Candidates' Forum.
Council President Carter spoke of upcoming meetings and will report on them as they occur.
Councilmember Haggerton chaired the October 22, 2003 Cascade Water Alliance Board of Directors
meeting.
Councilmember Linder attended last week's Utilities Committee meeting as well as the Candidates'
Forum.
Councilmember Simpson attended last week's Candidates' Forum and this evening's Transportation
Committee meeting.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry informed Council the Tukwila Police Department is investigating an issue for another
police department as part of a mutual -aid agreement. She also reported a temporary closure of the City
of Tukwila pool due to mechanical difficulties. The pool is to reopen on /by November 1, 2003.
d. City Attorney
Shelley Kerslake was not present.
e. Legislative Analyst
Lucy Lauterbach had no report.
ADJOURN:
9:42 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT CARTER DECLARED THE MEETING ADJOURNED.
Pam Carter, Council President
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Date Minutes Signed: November 3, 2003
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October 27, 2003