HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-12 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. was Joan Hernandez, Council President Pro Tem, who also led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCIL ATTENDANCE:
Present were Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Joe Duffle, Pam Carter, Pamela Linder, Dennis Robertson
and David Fenton.
Absent was Jim Haggerton, Council President.
OFFICIALS:
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk;
Keith Haines, Chief of Police; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Steve Lancaster, Community
Development Director; D. J. Baskin, Lieutenant, Police Department; Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement
Officer; Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development; Gary Leavitt, Training
Coordinator, Police Department; and Captain David Haynes, Tukwila Police Department.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
July 12, 2004 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
a. Proclamation desianatina July as Voter Reaistration Month.
Mayor Mullet reported League of Women Voter representatives were at Tukwila Days events this year.
Their goal was to assist community members in registering to vote in future elections. In response to a
request from members of the League, Mayor Mullet was pleased to assist with this proclamation.
Mayor Mullet read the proclamation that calls upon all citizens of Tukwila to join the City Council, in
cooperation with the League of Women Voters of King County South, to proclaim the month of July 2004
to be Voter Registration Month.
Councilmember Linder spoke in favor of the work being done by the League of Women Voters.
Additionally, she stated that English is a second language to many Tukwila residents. For that reason,
she is in favor of having publications (such as Landlord Tenant Union information) printed in (perhaps)
the four most spoken languages in Tukwila.
Mayor Mullet suggested the Equity and Diversity Commission consider Ms. Linder's request. Lucy
Lauterbach may schedule such an item on an upcoming agenda for that Commission.
Keith Haines, Chief of Police, introduced Tukwila's newest police officer, Don Ames. Living in Baltimore,
Maryland, for the past ten years, Mr. Ames spent the last four as a police officer. Before that, the
husband and father of four lived in South Carolina and San Diego.
Before taking an Oath of Office, administered by Mayor Mullet, Mr. Ames introduced his wife and other
visiting family members.
b. Swearing in of Don Ames. Tukwila Police Officer
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
None
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING:
STAFF REPORT:
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; and
declaring an emergency
7:12 p.m. Ms. Hernandez, Council President Pro Tem, opened the public hearing.
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July 12, 2004
Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development, reminded Council of renewing
the moratorium three times, modifying it to provide more flexibility in use of the parcels while the TUC
plan is being developed. Further, she reminded Council the ordinance prohibits the filing of all permits
and approvals related to land divisions and such uses or activities as manufacturing, industrial and auto
owned businesses. It exempts the filing of and approvals related to the expansion of existing businesses
on existing lots, sign permits and building permits for tenant improvements, and the extension of a
current land use permit.
As it relates to the TOD plan, public and stakeholder involvement has been completed. A draft plan for
the TUC (incorporating the TOD area) should be available this fall. And, finally, a third joint City
Council /Planning Commission work session to review the completed draft plan will be held in late fall,
2004.
In spite of receiving a request to amend the moratorium to allow for certain uses, City staff is not in favor
of amending it at this time. Ms. Miranda informed Council there are more uses permitted in the TOD
area than uses affected by the moratorium.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Calling for citizen comment twice, none was received.
7:14 p.m. Ms. Hernandez, Council President Pro Tem, closed the public hearing.
COUNCIL DELIBERATION:
None.
For consideration and potential action, consensus existed to forward the draft ordinance to the July 19
Regular meeting.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. South 180 Street grade separation drainaae repair.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, reported a change in the implementation plan for this item. He has
become concerned with the wet spot in the road at South 180 It's becoming slippery due to high iron
content. For that reason and in the interest of time, Mr. Morrow is in favor of contracting this work out
under the small works roster. A list of contractors exists which are all qualified to do the work. Funding
mechanisms will not change.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Morrow reported the road would be jack hammered and all asphalt
surfaces must be removed. Underdrains will be installed and gravel will be used on top of the drains.
Then, the entire surface will be re- asphalted.
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July 12, 2004
Mr. Morrow, in response to additional inquiry, noted the potential for a two -week time frame (from start
to finish) for the project. And, being aware of the potential for location impacts, City staff will work with
the contractor to ensure those impacts are minimal.
As an informational item, the Council requires no further action at this time. As it is achieved, staff will
return with a request for Council to award a related contract.
b. A contract with Commercial Development Solutions in an amount not to exceed
$94,000.00 for annexation and development services.
Councilmember Linder reported review and approval of this item at the June 29 Community Affairs and
Parks Committee. The proposed contract will provide up to 1,560 hours of project management services
for the Tukwila Valley South annexation, EIS and master planning proposal over the next 12 months. It
was in April 2004 that the City Council approved an expenditure up to $100,000.00 for such services.
Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, informed Council that City staff reviewed 25
contract proposals for this work. Staff interviewed three finalists. From the group, Lisa Verner of
Commercial Development Solutions was selected and a proposed contract has been prepared.
With a solid background in public and private sector work (including land use, annexation and master
planning), Ms. Verner brings 25 years experience. City staff is confident of Ms. Verner's experience and
abilities.
Discussion ensued. At question within the Commercial Development Solutions contract was the perceived
absence of requests for such information as contract deliverables, project plans, scope of services,
financial expenditure(s) and status reports. Serving as a direct contact to Ms. Verner, Mr. Lancaster felt
comfortable that these items would be received. He and Ms. Verner will be in constant communication on
the Tukwila Valley South annexation project and each of these elements will be handled by the contractor
(Ms. Verner).
For consideration and potential action, consensus existed to forward the proposed contract to this
evening's City Council Special meeting.
c. A contract amendina AG04 -109. with Charles River Associates. in an amount not to
exceed $30.000.00 for on -aoina technical work involvina Sound Transit (total contract
shall not exceed $80,000.001.
Councilmember Linder reported review and approval of this item at the June 29 Community Affairs and
Parks Committee meeting. She reported the proposed contract amendment covers Dan Brand's on -going
technical work involving Sound Transit. To this point, she reported, Mr. Brand has primarily provided
technical review of the parking and transportation related impacts of the proposed Link Light Rail project.
As the work with Sound Transit on parking issues for the South 154 Street Station has continued, so has
the need for Mr. Brand's expertise.
Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, informed Council that the contract is structured as
a time and materials contract with a "not -to- exceed" amount of $30,000.00. The contract is intended to
cover the issues raised by Ms. Linder and could include implementation of some aspects of the parking
determination and attendance to related public hearings. Mr. Lancaster also responded to Council inquiry
on the issue of funding for this contract.
For consideration and potential action, consensus existed to forward the proposed contract amendment
to this evening's City Council Special meeting.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
d. A resolution allowing for an administrative variance for sians at Dollar Rent -A -Car.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
ALLOWING FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE TO TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTERS 19.12 AND 19.30, ALLOWING FOR THE RELOCATION OF AN EXISTING
NONCONFORMING COMMERCIAL SIGN AND THE REPLACEMENT OF A SECOND
NONCONFORMING SIGN, BOTH LOCATED AT 15858 INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD
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July 12, 2004
Councilmember Linder reported review and approval of this item at the June 29 Community Affairs and
Parks Committee meeting. She noted improvements to International Boulevard (by the City of SeaTac)
have necessitated the relocation of two freestanding signs owned by Dollar Rent -A -Car. An
administrative variance would allow the City of SeaTac to replace the signs in locations acceptable to the
owner.
Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, reported that although located within the City of
Tukwila, Dollar Rent -A -Car's business fronts upon the portion of International Boulevard owned and
maintained by the City of SeaTac. It is SeaTac's right -of -way requirements and street improvements
projects which necessitated the removal or relocation of the two non conforming, freestanding signs.
Tukwila's sign code requires that any modified or relocated sign must be brought into full compliance
with the requirements for new signs. The same code would allow only one freestanding sign on this site
and it would have to be located with a setback equal to its height. As Dollar Rent -A -Car is unwilling to
give up their "grandfather" rights enjoyed for two signs, the City of SeaTac requests Tukwila consider the
proposed resolution, especially in light of the likely cost involved in the acquisition of the signs through
condemnation.
Present to answer Council questions were Dale Schroeder, Public Works Director, City of SeaTac, and
Assistant City Attorney for SeaTac, Julie Elsensohn.
For consideration and potential action, consensus existed to forward the proposed resolution to this
evening's City Council Special meeting.
e. An ordinance adopting the 2003 edition of the International Prooertv Maintenance Code.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
ADOPTING THE 2003 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MAINTENANCE CODE;
REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1593, CERTAIN SECTIONS OF ORDINANCE NO. 1837
REGARDING NUISANCES, NO. 1838 SECTION 5, AND NO. 1845; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Councilmember Linder reported review of this item at several recent meetings, including Community
Affairs and Parks (June 29, 2004) and the May 24 City Council Committee of Whole. Ms. Linder also
reported the City of SeaTac adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) nearly one year
ago.
Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer, has worked on this project and proposed ordinance for nearly
10 months. City staff is in favor of adopting the IPMC as an added feature or enhancement to the
recently adopted Building and Mechanical codes. The proposed IPMC would replace most of the City's
current Nuisance code (contained in TMC Chapter 8.28) and the entire Housing Code (Chapter 16.06).
The proposed ordinance covers such issues as trash, debris, weed overgrowth and other items in various
nuisance codes.
For information, Ms. Stetson informed Council about what other local cities are doing in connection with
adopting the IPMC. She also answered questions regarding that which is being proposed to Tukwila's
Council.
Reviewing the draft ordinance (section by section), Ms. Stetson used provided (written) materials to show
differences (and similarities) between the current code and that which is proposed. The Code
Enforcement Officer also reminded Council they could adopt the ordinance as presented, or they could
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
adopt it with changes, so long as items amended are more restrictive (stringent), and not less restrictive
than what is contained within the IPMC.
Questions arose for Julie Elsensohn, the City of SeaTac's Assistant City Attorney, regarding SeaTac's
success with the IPMC. Also questioned were the number of lawsuits or liability issues facing SeaTac as a
result of adopting the IPMC. Ms. Elsensohn informed the Tukwila City Council that the City of SeaTac has
not been sued and she reported the IPMC seems to be working well for the City, whose Code
Enforcement Officers work on a proactive basis, versus that of Tukwila, which works on a reactive basis.
Anna Bernhard. 14241— 59 Avenue South, Tukwila. noted that she is not in opposition to the proposed
IPMC, yet stated it "sounds a lot like Big Brother" is watching. Kathy Stetson reminded Ms. Bernhard and
the Council that Tukwila does not go out looking for potential problems and that they respond to calls for
services or requests for action. There are standards wherever a person goes and each of us, as a
society, must deal with those standards.
After considerable discussion occurred on many specific items within the draft ordinance and the IPMC
itself, Mayor Mullet reminded Council they are not acting on the proposed ordinance at this meeting.
Additional work to the proposed draft must be completed.
Ms. Stetson and Mr. Lancaster reported a newly proposed draft ordinance would not be ready for the July
19 Regular meeting. Citing the need for additional time to refine language and create necessary
amendments, it may be several weeks before Council is able to review a new draft ordinance.
f. A resolution indicatina the Citv's intent to apply for Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
LLEBG) funds to reduce crime and improve public safety.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
INDICATING THE CITY'S DESIRE TO APPLY FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE FORMAL APPLICATION TO THE
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
D. J. Baskin, Lieutenant, Tukwila Police, explained the proposed resolution (and the entire issue) did not
go to a City Council sub committee due to timing. The Tukwila Police Department did not receive
(timely) advanced notice of the grant application process, which would have allowed for sub committee
review, COW review, and approval at a City Council Regular meeting.
Lieutenant Baskin further explained the City qualifies for the funding, yet is required to apply for them
(via the grant process) in order to receive them. Matching funds (in the amount of 10 must be made
by the City. The police lieutenant noted use of the funds would be the same as in past years to assist
with the funding of the Domestic Violence Advocate position. Additionally, he reported LLEBG funds are
being decreased each year as monies being spent (at the federal level) are going to other
projects /programs.
Finally, Lt. Baskin spoke in favor of the proposed resolution setting a July 19 public hearing date. It is
then that the Council may consider any public testimony (pro or con) and vote to allow the Mayor's
signature on the grant application.
For consideration and potential action, consensus existed to forward the proposed resolution to this
evening's City Council Special meeting.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet thanked everyone who participated in Tukwila Days and 4 of July events.
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b. City Council
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July 12, 2004
Councilmember Duffie thanked City staff for doing an outstanding job on Tukwila Days and Family Fourth
at the Fort. He especially enjoyed the All Tukwila- Church gathering at Fort Dent Park on July 4, 2004
Councilmember Hernandez participated at Tukwila Days and then went to SeaTac to attend a dedication
ceremony and open house for their new senior housing facility (Angle Lake Court). Ms. Hernandez also
attended this evening's Transportation Committee meeting.
Councilmember Carter attended the July 7 Utilities Committee meeting, the July 8 Transportation Policy
Board meeting and a streamlined sales tax meeting on July 9.
Councilmember Linder reminded Council of the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting
scheduled for July 13. A special starting time of 4:00 p.m. was selected so that all could attend the
invitation -only event at Gordy's restaurant at the Foster Golf Clubhouse.
Councilmember Robertson spoke of researching issues and concerns relative to the David Evans contract
amendment. He's working with staff to get facts and figures and will report findings to Council at a later
date.
Next, Mr. Robertson raised the possibility of Councilmembers having their (home) personal computers
subpoenaed in court cases or hearings. Such a situation recently occurred with King County personnel.
For that reason, Mr. Robertson spoke in favor of Council discussing the potential for obtaining "cheap,
small laptops" for use in connection with City business, versus use of personal equipment. This may be
necessary to eliminate the reality of having home pc's subpoenaed which include all personal documents
and financial information contained on a person's personal computer.
Although potentially a big- budget issue, Rhonda Berry informed Council that it's currently being
investigated. As it relates to the issue of e-mail boxes, Ms. Berry reported those must be purchased in
blocks (of a given number) versus just one or two at a time.
Finally, Councilmember Robertson spoke of a shooting on his street on July 11. In spite of many children
in the immediate area and seven shots being fired, no one was injured.
Councilmember Fenton had no report.
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry reminded those present of the opening of Gordy's restaurant at Foster Golf Clubhouse on
July 13. Additionally, she reported the first of several Citizens' Advisory Committee meetings will take
place in Council Chambers on July 13 on the issue of tent cities. This meeting is hosted by King County.
Next, the City Administrator reported that as a result of a recent investigation, a touch -key pad will be
installed on the back entrance (closest to Mr. Morrow's office) of the 6300 Southcenter building. Access
gates will also be installed defining the difference between public versus private areas in the "front
counter" area of Public Works and Community Development.
Mayor Mullet also spoke of investigating the issuance of keycards and City ID cards which must be worn
daily by all employees. Also being reviewed is a metal detector for the entrance(s) to the
Courtroom /Council Chambers. Finally, the Mayor noted City staff is moving forward with Council
Chambers remodel issues after a brief interruption in the process.
d. City Attorney
Shelley Kerslake was not present.
e. Legislative Analyst
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Minutes
Lucy Lauterbach commented favorably on the outcome of Tukwila Days and the parade.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Lucy Lauterbach informed Council of the need for a briefing on proposed substantive changes to the
sensitive areas ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission. Community Development staff is in
favor of holding a meeting on the fifth Monday in August at 7:00 p.m.
Discussion with Councilmembers revealed the need to hold the 2.5 -hour long meeting on another date /time.
After working with Community Development staff, Ms. Lauterbach will report back to Council with other
proposed dates /time.
ADJOURN:
9:14 p.m.
ROBERTSON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF WHOLE
MEETING AND TAKE A FIVE MINUTE RECESS BEFORE CONVENING THE SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING. The motion carried 6 -0.
Joa Council President Pro Temp
Bob Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Date Minutes Signed: July 19, 2004
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