HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. was Pamela Linder, Council President, who also led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
COUNCIL ATTENDANCE:
Present were Council President Pamela Linder; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam
Carter, Jim Haggerton, Dennis Robertson and David Fenton.
OFFICIALS:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob
Baker, Deputy City Clerk; David Haynes, Acting Chief of Police; Frank Iriarte, Deputy Director of Public
Works; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; and Lynn
Miranda, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
January 10, 2005 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
a. Uodate/Briefina Hal Hiemstra and Michelle Giauere, Ball Janik
Hal Hiemstra and Michelle Giguere, representatives of Ball Janik (a Washington, D.C. firm), provided
Council with a year in review and discussed potential priorities for 2005.
Successful in their requests (in 2004) the City of Tukwila received budget appropriations for the Klickitat
project. For that particular project, $1 million was received. Another $1 million was received for the
Southcenter Parkway project. Those monies would not have been received without the assistance of the
Ball Janik firm and visits to elected officials in Washington, D.C., by Mayor Mullet and various Council
members. Ms. Giguere noted this "reflects the attitude of the congressional delegation on the importance
of Tukwila" and their understanding of the City's needs.
As the 109 Congress begins, Mr. Hiemstra noted appropriations should be publicized by October 1,
2005, with funds actually being made available within eight months thereafter. A February 7, 2005
deadline exists for requests.
Relative to appropriations, both Ball Janik representatives have met with congressional delegates and
City of Tukwila officials since 2004. Areas of financial need have been discussed and include social
services, infrastructure and other potential projects. Since 2004, discussions have centered on narrowing
the list to focus on the Southcenter Parkway project due to the associated aggressive timeline. Plans are
to move into construction by 2006. To that end, all efforts must now take place to secure related funds.
Council agreed to put forth a proposal to seek $3 million (from Congress) with the upcoming
appropriations bill. This, Giguere noted, emphasized that "the City is absolutely serious and focused"
about this project.
The ability to vie for and receive discretionary funds was also discussed. Mr. Hiemstra spoke highly of
written materials and presentations by Tukwila staff (and their ability to "make a huge difference as they
make the rounds in Congress and when meeting with various staffs.
In closing, Council thanked the representatives for attending and it was noted Mayor Mullet would be in
Washington D.C. in one week for the U. S. Congress of Mayors meeting. That will mark the "first punch"
for appropriations, with a second to follow in March, 2005.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 10, 2005
b. Final presentation Connectivity Project David Luman, Asset Analvtics, Inc.
Frank Iriarte, Deputy Director, Public Works, provided a brief history of Mr. Luman's contract with the City
and the work performed to date, and introduced Mr. Luman to present a final report.
Reviewing a previously distributed Connectivity Report, David Luman spoke of the "block of deliverables"
being performed, especially those surrounding the City's "business model." This being his final report, Mr.
Luman stated Tukwila must decide "whether or not we can afford" the project and whether or not we want
to move forward.
Calling for questions from Council, Mr. Luman addressed issues of Wi -Max, bandwidth, costs, security,
inscription costs, and where to first deploy. Discussed at length (on deployment) was the central
business district (CBD). Although "hired to deploy gigabit Ethernet," Mr. Luman noted Council could
adjust the plan and deploy wireless solutions in the CBD. Currently, the business models include a
wireless -only deployment with fiber as a backbone.
Also discussed were potential providers (Verizon and Qwest) for voice and data for residential customers.
One alternative included the ability to either lay conduit or make space available to businesses to do it.
With the goal of getting connectivity to businesses, the City must determine the lowest cost and lowest
risks with the potential providers.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Iriarte reported City crews have either already attended classes, or will
attend classes, to learn how to do "splices for our own camera systems." While the City could do more to
assist with operations and maintenance, Mr. Iriarte noted it would necessitate additional full -time
employees to work directly with connectivity issues. Mr. Luman proposes those two additional staff in the
job- costing plan.
Before leaving, Mr. Luman offered to make himself available at the upcoming Council retreat where he
proposed additional information would be made available. He also plans to answer questions in greater
detail (including costs of the business model project) for Council to make an informed decision.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
Roger Baker. 11663 42 Avenue South. Tukwila, spoke of being approached several months ago
regarding the potential addition of a National Guard Memorial at the Tukwila Community Center. He
asked if the City is interested in funding the proposition. Costs are currently unknown.
Council President Linder referred the request to the Community Affairs and Parks Committee. She also
noted Mr. Baker would be informed of the meeting date, place and time. She also asked Mr. Baker to
have financial information prepared for that meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A proposed ordinance renewing a moratorium relative to transit- oriented development areas
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
RENEWING A SIX -MONTH MORATORIUM ON THE 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.
Lynn Miranda, Senior Planner, Department of Community Development, explained the proposed
ordinance would further restrict development which is inconsistent with the City's long -term vision in the
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area. The current moratorium expires January 24, 2005. Further,
City staff recommends renewal with no modifications.
8:44 p.m. Council President Linder opened the public hearing and called for citizen comment.
None was received.
8:45 p.m. Hearing no citizen comment, the Council President closed the public hearing.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 10, 2005
Upon review of the proposed ordinance, Councilmembers Carter and Robertson suggested updated
whereas clauses. Further, Ms. Carter noted this is not a permanent moratorium. Rather, she said, staff
continues to work the issues and the moratorium will indeed end.
For action, consensus existed to forward the item to the January 18 Regular meeting.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, spoke in favor of the proposed contract and said it
is related to the Tukwila Urban Center (TUC) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning
processes. The proposed contract would allow for the preparation of the (TUC) Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Planned Action ordinance. At a cost of $39,072.00, the
contract will be funded by the TUC /TOD federal grant.
In order for the City to designate the "TUC Plan" as a planned action, they must first complete an SEIS
addressing likely significant adverse environmental impacts. The City must also designate (by ordinance)
those types of projects qualifying for planned action review, including mitigation measures to be required.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Lancaster noted the plan being reviewed by staff proposes the primary
focus be on the mall -to- station alternative.
For action, consensus existed to forward the item to the January 18 Regular meeting.
Lucy Lauterbach noted most of the AWC legislative priorities are general "wishes" that the Association of
Washington Cities will lobby for in the Legislature this session. The Council Analyst asked Council if they
would be able to support (or not) many issues. Discussion was held on each of the following issues.
Streamlined Sales Tax
Direct Gas Tax Distribution Council gave a "strong yes" for this item
To Washington Cities
Local Transportation Options Council will not "actively push for it," yet will not oppose it.
Street Lighting Authority Council referred to this as a "lukewarm" yes.
Municipal Court Issues Just as AWC opposes unfunded mandates, Councilmembers oppose
them. Many spoke in opposition to contracting with district courts.
Councilmember Carter suggested all keep an eye on public duty doctrine and liability reform.
Additionally, she encouraged them to be mindful of Growth Management Act provisions especially the
Best Available Science issue.
9:38 p.m.
9:45 p.m.
REPORTS:
a. Huckell Weinman Associates, Inc. (HWA) Preparation of a supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement and planned action ordinance for the Tukwila Urban Center Plan
b. Discussion of Leaislative Priorities for 2005
a. Mayor
Without question, the City Council and staff are in opposition unless
compensation will be made for lost revenues and it does not take effect
until the Federal government institutes a tax on Internet sales.
Ms. Linder called a 5- minute recess.
Ms. Linder reconvened the meeting.
Mayor Mullet reported the Allentown /Foster Point Sewer project would be re -bid in late February or early
March, with construction to begin in April, 2005.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 10, 2005
The Mayor noted Cynthia Chesak, Foster High School Dramatics coach, has a class which has performed
a re -write of the play "Our Town" to include facts and historical information about Tukwila. To that end,
the class would like to perform the play for the City Council or do a reading at an upcoming COW
meeting. Council agreed to such a reading and beginning the Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. to
accommodate the same.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie attended the January 5 Grand Opening Ceremony of the Homeland Security
building.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the January 4 Tukwila Business and Government Affairs
Committee and the January 5 Grand Opening Ceremony of the Homeland Security building.
Council President Linder reported receipt of a request from the Segale group to have out -of -state
consultants address the Council on urban design and answer questions of a general nature. Potential
dates /times were discussed. Council agreed upon the date of February 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The Council President attended the January 4 Tukwila Business and Government Affairs Committee
meeting, the January 5 Grand Opening Ceremony at the Homeland Security building and her first
Lodging Tax Advisory Board meeting (as Council President) on January 6.
Councilmember Carter, speaking about a previously distributed memorandum (re: PSRC priorities in
connection with transportation issues), is in favor of supporting freight mobility funding.
Ms. Carter announced access -key cards are now available to those who request them for use at the
Foster High School stadium.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the January 4 Tukwila Business and Government Affairs
Committee meeting and his last Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting (as Council President) on
January 6.
Councilmember Robertson had no report.
Councilmember Fenton reported on a sneak -peek tour of the Homeland Security building and spoke
favorably of their use of state -of- the -art equipment and most current technologies.
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry, referring to a citizen comment received last week from Tom Morris, reported the
International Fire Code adopted (by the City of Tukwila in June 2004) provides for a Place of Assembly
Permit. The building to which Mr. Morris referred (Sunwood Condominium Cabana) does not require
such a permit and previously requested permit fees have now been refunded to Mr. Morris.
Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, spoke regarding a proposed grant application. He
informed the Council of an opportunity to seek monies, with no match being required, to update the City's
Shoreline Management Plan. The $60,000.00 Department of Ecology grant request would be used for
consultant services and inventories. It's a two -year grant and the City may apply for another in 2007.
Council had no objection.
d. City Attorney
Neither the City Attorney, nor the Assistant City Attorney were present.
e. Legislative Analyst
Lucy Lauterbach reminded Council of the January 21 Council Retreat.
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City Council Committee of Whole Minutes January 10, 2005
MISCELLANEOUS:
10:17 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
10:19 p.m.
10:39 p.m.
ADJOURN:
FENTON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO RECESS THE COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE MEETING TO CONVENE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
POTENTIAL LITIGATION, PURSUANT TO RCW 42.30.110(1)(C), FOR A PERIOD NOT
TO EXCEED 30 MINUTES. The motion carried 7
Executive session began.
Executive session ended.
10:39 p.m. Council President Linder adjourned the Executive Session, reconvened and
immediately adjourned the Committee of Whole meeting.
(C�YV1�L z
Pamela Linder, Council President
Pc/mkt Ati3tildit
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Date Minutes Signed: March 7, 2005