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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-26 Committee of the Whole Minutes6:36 p.m. 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL ATTENDANCE: OFFICIALS: Executive session began. Executive session ended. CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL January 26, 2004 Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers Executive Session 6:30 p.m. Potential Litigation 30 minutes Pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING 7:00 p.m. Calling the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. was Jim Haggerton, Council President, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were Council President Jim Haggerton and Councilmembers Joe Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Pamela Linder, Dennis Robertson and David Fenton. Rhonda Berry, Assistant City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Steve Lancaster, Director, Department of Community Development; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Stacy Hansen, Human Services Specialist; and arriving at 7:33 p.m. was Jim Morrow, Director of Public Works. a. Export Promotion Allison Clark Export Promotion Coordinator Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, reported the Southwest King County Economic Development Initiative (SWKCEDI or Initiative) is a partnership (Tukwila is a member) dedicated to business development in the southwest King County area. The Initiative aims to create business /financial opportunities for local and regional growth. That being said, Mr. Lancaster introduced King County Export Promotion Coordinator Allison Clark to report on an upcoming event. Ms. Clark informed the Council of a February 4, 2004 Export Promotion Symposium. Organized by SWKCEDI, the half -day symposium will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 18740 Pacific Highway South, SeaTac. The Export Promotion Coordinator explained exporting of goods and services is important both locally and regionally. Noting the trade deficit is at its lowest point in recent history, Ms. Clark reported now is a great time to engage in exports and business sales outside the United States. Citing statistics Ms. Clark informed the Council that exporting increases sales potential since over 95% of the world's population and two- thirds of its purchasing power lie outside the United States. Exports diversify market risk by expanding markets, offsetting lags in domestic and seasonal demand variations. Additionally, she relayed exports extend product life cycles during major technology changes. Less developed economies may still utilize those goods and services in the process of becoming obsolete in the domestic market. Exports allow for higher margins than domestic sales and overseas firms are willing to pay a premium for goods made in the United States. City of Tukwila Page 2 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 26, 2004 The Keynote speaker is Jeff Ake, a nationally recognized export authority, entrepreneur and president of Equipment Express, a packaging equipment manufacturing company. Mr. Ake will demystify the exporting process and make known the importance and value of exporting not only for small businesses, but for 1,200 small to medium sized businesses in Tukwila and the rest of the King County region. Special guests will include King County Executive Ron Sims and Port of Seattle Commissioner Pat Davis. Also expected to attend are 20 protege companies, 5 mentor companies and a customized trade mission (perhaps in Asia) where one or two companies can participate and learn to expand their exporting capabilities. b. Human Services Update Evelyn Bovkan Human Services Manager Citing the need to deal with complex topics (by human services staff and providers), Evelyn Boykan, noted her goal (for this presentation) was to be uplifting and /or brief. Recalling "glum" faces several years ago after presenting a human services plan, Ms. Boykan decided that in spite of many challenges, negativity and problematic issues would not be the focus for this presentation. To the contrary, Ms. Boykan invited several representatives from the City's contracting agencies to provide brief updates on trends and successes within each of their programs. This is one way for Councilmembers to realize how the dollars provided make a difference in people's lives. Relating to just one example of short-term success, Ms. Boykan spoke of funding a food bank. With that issue, you must measure a short-term success on whether or not someone was able to get their nutritional needs met. Since mobility exists within our community, it is hard to gauge long -term effects with human services programs. Ms. Boykan reported some families would begin receiving certain services and subsequently move. That situation poses a challenge of determining what effect the service has made. There are other ways, however, to make that determination. Client perception, self report, provider perception, established research, and housing stability as well. Along with the requirement to meet critical performance objectives, each provider reports outcomes. These outcomes show how their services make a difference. Those outcomes are what Ms. Boykan is proud to have presented to Council. As it relates to contracting and assistance on working towards common goals and identifying needs, the coordination of services continue to improve among sub regional groups in South King County cities. Ms. Boykan spoke of the favorable relationships which exist among all City (of Tukwila) departments. Each department, she noted, has had the occasion to refer individuals and /or families to the Human Services Division. Ms. Boykan also noted several non profit organizations are working together more closely now than in the past. This working together and coordinated efforts result in benefits to the recipients as well as the agencies; i.e., English as a Second Language program, with an added benefit of allowing parents to become more comfortable about being in a school setting. Parent involvement is a key focus. Ms. Boykan spoke highly of the responsiveness to need within the Tukwila Community. One such example is the Tukwila Food Pantry. This grass- roots, volunteer- driven effort has grown to be successful in obtaining resources and serving the community. Approximately 2,200 individuals (adults and children) were served by the Tukwila Food Pantry in 2003. Sharing information regarding services as well as success stories from 2003 were the following: Dipti Sarnaik. Clinical Program Director. Renton Area Youth Family Services. Erin Rogich. Child and Family Therapist. Renton Area Youth Family Services. Tamara Brown, Family Services Program Manager, Catholic Community Services. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 26, 2004 Amina Ahmed. Family Support Program Manager, Refugee Womens Alliance. Karen Hendrickson, Program Coordinator. Apple Parenting Baby and Me Programs. Councilmembers were invited to ask questions of the presenters and Ms. Boykan. Several made reference to doing more (services) with less (money). Ms. Boykan spoke of stretching the dollars as far as possible and networking between non profit agencies to maximize their use in getting services to community members. Although funds run out, "we must be careful" about being fair and reviewing individual circumstances to ensure a wise use of funds. Councilmember Robertson spoke of his desire to review and affect change to the Human Services program goals stated within the annual budget; specifically with respect to removing the word "affordable" from the goal on housing. Speaking of stability and Tess mobility, Mr. Robertson spoke of owner /occupied housing. Ms. Boykan noted changes are possible and also stated changes are a multi departmental (and outside agency) effort. The housing effort (alone) involves the Police Department, the Planning Department, Public Works Department, and the Tukwila School District. Each of these is a "stakeholder" and input should be allowed to achieve a team approach result and success. CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Dwayne "Skip" Traynor, 14910 58 Avenue South, Tukwila, speaking of cost overruns on the Tukwila International Boulevard project (as a whole) asked when the overruns would stop. Mayor Mullet responded the City is making attempts to find outside funds to offset the potential purchase of a library and erection of a parking garage. Those are the two items which affect the cost overruns. Mr. Traynor then asked who monitors the roster of the City's boards and commissions. He asked who is responsible for ensuring they are run properly and adequately staffed (specifically the Library Board). Rhonda Berry, Acting City Administrator, noted City staff is appointed to assist each board or commission in a clerical function. Additionally, she noted each staff member is responsible for notifying the Mayor when vacancies occur, or when terms are expired. Finally, Mr. Traynor asked the Council for "the cost per square foot, or an average, for that property we're buying up there on 99." He spoke in favor of fiscal responsibility. Councilmember Robertson offered a spreadsheet containing information sought and reported a cost (to the City) of $33.00 per square foot. Councilmember Carter informed Mr. Traynor that the City is required by law to pay fair market price for property and that the City cannot control property values. Ms. Berry noted the City purchased property as well as businesses. She reiterated the City pays according to assessment and fair market value price. PUBLIC HEARING: An ordinance 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 (TOD) around the temporary commuter rail /Amtrak station at Longacres AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, 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 LONGACRES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE 8:22 p.m. Council President Haggerton opened the public hearing. Steve Lancaster, Department of Community Development Director, presented a staff report and spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance. Council was reminded of adopting three six -month moratoriums on the acceptance of applications for certain land divisions and development activities and land uses within the area designated for transit- City of Tukwila Page 4 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 26, 2004 oriented development (TOD) around the temporary commuter rail /Amtrak station on Longacres. The adoption of Ordinance #2014 allowed more interim use of properties during the planning period, while maintaining a moratorium on activities and uses which would have significant Tong -term impacts on the ability to successfully develop a transit oriented development. While planning the TOD continues, a need still exists for keeping the moratorium in place until a master plan for the area is accepted. In February 2004, City staff will recommend extension of an Unclassified Use Permit for the construction and operation of the temporary Sounder Commuter Rail Station. The extension sought (for the Unclassified Use Permit) will allow staff time to design the permanent Sounder station in conjunction with the final TOD. Finally, Mr. Lancaster recommended renewing the ordinance with a modification to allow for the extension of current land use permits. No citizen comment or correspondence was received. Councilmember Linder reported review and approval of the proposed ordinance at the January 13, 2004 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. Councilmember Hernandez reported proposed ordinance WHEREAS clauses 11 15 are identical. Staff noted one will be omitted from the ordinance that will come to Council for consideration at their February 2 Regular meeting. Geoffrey Puett. 15701 Nelson Place. Tukwila. representing Bayview Limousine, sought clarification from Mr. Lancaster relative to the proposed ordinance's intent to prohibit all permits and approvals related to such uses /activities as Manufacturing Industrial auto related businesses or auto oriented businesses. Mr. Puett asked how his business is labeled and how it would be affected by adoption of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Lancaster responded that Mr. Puett's business would fall under the category of "auto- oriented- business." That being said, he noted any business that is limited by the ordinance would still be allowed to apply for and obtain such things as sign permits, tenant improvement permits, extension of land use permits and expansion of existing businesses. Council consensus existed to forward the item to the February 2, 2004 City Council Regular meeting agenda. 8:33 p.m. Council President Haggerton closed the public hearing. SPECIAL ISSUES: Authorize the Mayor to sign a Consultant's Agreement with AHBL, Inc., in the amount of $58,354.00 to perform design work for the Fort Dent /Interurban Avenue South Sewer Project Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, reminded Council of (Starfire Sports') construction of a soccer facility within the boundaries of Fort Dent Park. When that facility is complete, the existing sanitary lift station will not have enough capacity to accommodate proposed sewage flows. That being said, staff investigated available options to provide the additional flows. There are two lift stations near Fort Dent. Lift station 5 is located to the south of the bridge going into Fort Dent Park. Lift station 6 is within the park and that line goes directly into the King County Metro sewage plant. The flows coming into Lift Station 5 are primarily from Fort Dent Industrial Park Office complex and the Family Fun Center. With the addition of the sports complex sewage, there would be a lack of pumping capacity and inappropriately sized lines, thus the need for improving Lift Station 6 as well as the line going from Lift Station 6 to Metro. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 26, 2004 Staff encountered problems when performing analysis of the project such as the fact it is under the railroad tracks. A larger sized sewer line would require the City to bore underneath the tracks. Although insignificant, the time involved in receiving permission from Burlington Northern and Union Pacific would be great. Further, staff is aware of the tight time schedule being kept by Starfire Sports. Additionally the same sewer line lies within the toe of the Duwamish River levee system. In order to provide a larger line, the City would be required to obtain permission from King County. That, too, would take a great deal of time and effort. Recognizing those problems, City staff proposes the designing of a sewer system which will go from Lift Station 5 (west) out of Fort Dent Park to Interurban, and then north, up Interurban Avenue. Since this is a City-owned facility and does not enhance the entire sewer system, the project will be (initially) funded by either the City's Sewer Fund or the 303 Facilities Fund. Those funds will be replenished as a result of placing a condition on Starfire's permit for the complex that they must reimburse the costs that would have been incurred if the City would have upgraded Lift Station 6. Councilmember Carter noted review of this item at the January 21 Utilities Committee meeting. Design of the project may take four or five months. City staff will return later with a proposed construction contract. Discussion and consideration took place between Council and staff and consensus existed to forward this item to the February 2, 2004 City Council Regular meeting agenda. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet plans to attend the AWC Conference in Olympia during the current week. Finance Director Alan Doerschel distributed an "Action Alert" on streamlined Sales Tax, relative to HB 2500/SB 6544. This position paper will prove useful at the AWC Conference when Councilmembers meet with legislators as well as general citizen inquiry. Council and staff are encouraged to state the bottom line is that 1) we should not move ahead with major changes to local sales tax sourcing unless we fully compensate impacted cities; and 2) it makes most sense to time the implementation of sourcing in a way that is linked to federal action or "concurrent implementation." b. City Council Councilmember Duffie had no report. Councilmember Hernandez attended the January 21 Affordable Housing "Myth vs. Reality" dialogue with Suburban Cities and this evening's Transportation Committee meeting. Council President Haggerton attended a January 23 fund raising event for Patty Murray. The Council President reminded Council of the January 31 Council Retreat and the potential need for continuing the retreat on February 1. The January 31 Retreat will be held at the Tukwila Embassy Suites and the February 1 continuation (if needed) will be held in Council Chambers. Mr. Haggerton directed the City Clerk's Office to prepare Public Notices for both dates. Councilmember Carter attended the January 21 Streamlined Sales Tax meeting with Alan Doerschel, a Regional Transit Committee meeting, and a Suburban Cities South meeting (in the evening). Ms. Carter announced her reappointment to the Regional Transit Committee and Transportation Policy Board. Finally, Ms. Carter received notice of being appointed to the AWC Legislative Steering Committee (a subset of the Board members). City of Tukwila Page 6 of 6 City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 26, 2004 Councilmember Linder attended the January 21, 2004 Southwest King County Economic Development Committee meeting. Councilmember Robertson had no report. Councilmember Fenton had no report. c. Staff Rhonda Berry had no report. d. City Attorney Shelley Kerslake was not present. e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach encouraged carpooling for the five individuals planning to attend the upcoming AWC Conference. ADJOURN: 9:23 p.m. FENTON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE. The motion carried 7 -0. aggert Council President A cA Bibb Baker, C.'`MC, Deputy City Clerk Date Minutes Signed: February 2, 2004