HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
OFFICIALS:
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers City Hall
May 23, 2005 7:00 p.m.
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
Pamela Linder, Council President, called the Committee of Whole meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Dennis Robertson was absent.
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker,
Deputy City Clerk; Bruce Fletcher, Director, Parks and Recreation; Kimberly Walden, Judge, Municipal Court;
Steve Lancaster, Director, Community Development; Brandon Miles, Assistant Planner, Community
Development; and Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator.
Cascade Agenda by Cascade Land Conservancy 7:07 p.m.
Derek Birnie, Community Outreach Program Manager, Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC), shared a
PowerPoint presentation entitled The Cascade Agenda 100 Years Forward. The presentation
memorializes the release of The Cascade Agenda, a written work (plan) that calls for "work that will be
needed to reach...goals of significant conservation, livable communities and a strong economy." The
Agenda starts with the belief that the foundation of an outstanding quality of life is a good job, and with
the view that conservation and economic development need each other to succeed.
CLC is a regional land conservation organization working in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kittitas
Counties. In 12 years, they've preserved 110,000 acres in the four counties via a market -based
approach. Staff members of the CLC work to bring innovative approaches to challenging situations
where (land) buyers and sellers don't often find agreement between themselves. Mr. Birnie called this
project a "jewel... in terms of what can be done when elected officials, private citizens and other partners
are involved."
Inspired nearly 1.5 years ago, The Cascade Agenda involved /included conversations with some 3,500
stakeholders, students in 460 classrooms, 50 experts in the fields of science and economics,
engagement of over 100 municipalities and governmental agencies, and a Steering Committee comprised
of some 50 civic, business and environmental leaders. Mr. Birnie cited the "region's population growth"
as the driving force behind the program. He said that growth could double in just one century
increasing by as much as 3.5 million people. Other factors behind the project include transportation
patterns and energy use.
Using satellite imagery to map urban areas, CLC created views of the greater Puget Sound from the
north. The perspective focuses attention on the potential for future growth to consume the rural lands and
the Cascade Foothills. An image (looking ahead to the year 2100) draws a computer -based land -use
model and a State population projection to imagine one potential future where growth is managed and
open space is largely protected.
For more information on The Cascade Agenda and the CLC, community members may view a website
www.cascadeaaenda.ora. Development must be approached in a way that makes areas livable, with
assets, parks, walkability, and a desire to live in a dense community.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL ISSUES:
Page 2 of 5
May 23. 2005
In order to carry out plans in The Agenda, CLC staff will soon call with a need for (more specific) help
from the City Council perhaps as a "partnership" endorsement. Currently, Mr. Birnie is looking for the
name of one Tukwila staff member who may serve as a main point -of- contact person in connection with
e- mails, telephone calls and other correspondence. Mayor Mullet and Rhonda Berry, City Administrator,
will consider the request and be in contact with Mr. Birnie.
Councilmember Carter called The Cascade Agenda, "bold, out there, on the edge and achievable." She
also noted it is a huge undertaking.
In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Haggerton, Mr. Birnie noted local Native American tribes
have been contacted and worked on The Cascade Agenda. In fact, Mr. Birnie reported a quote from the
inside cover of the plan, by Dennis Anderson, Sr., Tribal Councilmember of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe,
which reads, "The Cascade Agenda promotes goals that are important for the Muckleshoot Tribe: to
contain development and retain habitat for our wildlife, fish, plants and our cultural places...We have a
common future and all must work to leave behind us a heritage of abundance."
CITIZEN COMMENT: 7:27 p.m.
Richard and Dolores Simpson. 898 Emily Lane, Camano Island. WA., reported (Camano) "Islanders" are
strong on conservancy and backyard wildlife habitat. He stated the City of Tukwila has inspired Camano
Island in the area of backyard wildlife habitats. Mr. Simpson also reported being accepted as a volunteer
for the Camano Island Sheriffs Department.
a. Consultant's Agreement with Cascade Land Conservancy for Site Development of the
Duwamish Riverbend Hill site. 7:30 p.m.
Bruce Fletcher, Director, Parks and Recreation, provided a brief history behind the Duwamish Riverbend
Hill site wherein a city resident approached him 4.5 years ago with an idea to "save the hill." Georgina
Kerr approached him with the idea as he was putting together his first Parks Plan as Parks and
Recreation Director.
Hearing of the Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC), Mr. Fletcher called the organization for leads,
information and insight. Soon, City officials were working with Michelle Connor (CLC) and Friends of the
Duwamish Riverbend Hill. Together they raised nearly $3 million in grants to purchase the 9 -acre
undeveloped parcel (in March, 2004).
Before introducing Pieter Bohen of CLC, Mr. Fletcher noted Sound Transit (ST) is building a light rail lane
adjacent to the Hill and has entered into an agreement with the City to lease the flatlands portion of the
property for equipment and storage of materials. It is proposed that the net proceeds from the Sound
Transit lease be used for site design, staffing for fundraising, volunteer management and an initial (Phase
I) site development. That's "where CLC comes in." The City needs the assistance of experts in
connection with developing the site.
Pieter Bohen. Stewardship Director. CLC. 930 30 Ave.. Seattle, noted we must "work on the hill to
secure it for safe pedestrian access and securing the habitat." Citing provisions of the proposed contract
for services, Phase I shall be funded over a two -year period with proceeds from the ST lease contract and
shall include the hiring of a landscape architecture firm for site design, including site survey, site plan, and
development of a landscape plan.
Phase I will also include the City's hiring a cultural resources consultant to develop a Cultural
Interpretation plan to include a concept plan for site interpretation and assistance in developing
construction documents for related structures. CLC staff shall draft a scope of services and recommend a
cultural resources consultant for approval by Mr. Fletcher.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meetina Minutes
Page 3 of 5
Mav 23. 2005
CLC will provide a lead role in raising additional funds to complete Phases II and III of the site
development.
Initial site development shall include development of trails; replanting native vegetation; trail construction
and enhancement, including slope stabilization and erosion control; and fencing and Olmsted style gate
installation on the NE corner entrance. It may also include the creation of two parking stalls for those
working on the site at any given time.
Mayor Mullet made an inquiry regarding potential geotechnical expenses as Phase I begins. Mr. Fletcher
noted language may be included into the draft agreement to address such an issue, and cautioned such
costs are typically quite high.
FOR ACTION /CONSIDERATION, CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THIS
EVENING'S SPECIAL MEETING.
b. Court Security Services Contract Securitas Security Services, USA, Inc. 7:47 p.m.
Councilmember Fenton reported review and support of the proposed contract at the February 7 Finance
and Safety Committee meeting. Since February, the contract has been negotiated and refined between
the City Attorney and attorneys for Securitas.
By way of background, the Court is seeking a contract with a private security firm to operate a metal
detector arch located at the Court's entrance. Additionally, that person will screen individuals through the
use of a hand -held metal detector and visual inspection.
Kimberly Walden, Judge, Municipal Court, was present to answer questions from Council. Suggested
edits to the Court Security Officer's Manual were made to Judge Walden. Additionally, she answered
questions and explained various aspects of the proposed services agreement.
Judge Walden noted the person working in this position will not have the "powers of arrest" as issues of
liability preclude it. She stated when unlawful acts are observed, the officer (who will have a land
[telephone] line) may contact police immediately for assistance. A camera has been installed in the lobby
and a panic alarm button will also be installed.
FOR ACTION /CONSIDERATION, CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THIS
EVENING'S SPECIAL MEETING.
c. Proposed chanaes to TMC Title 19 Sianaae
Councilmember Duffie noted review and recommendation of the proposed amendments at the April 26
Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting.
Brandon Miles, Assistant Planner, Department of Community Development, noted Council was briefed on
these issues in March at a Committee of Whole meeting. Originally presented as six proposed
amendments, Council bifurcated them and two were remanded back to the Community Affairs and Parks
Committee for additional review. Since being remanded, staff has re- worked the issues and created the
proposed changes presented in writing for this meeting.
Mr. Miles noted proposed grammar changes and edits for the items and answered Council inquiries
relative to the scoreboards being permitted at sports fields located in the LDR zone with a public
recreation overlay and video displays (on scoreboards) being permitted at sports stadiums with a seating
capacity of greater than 2,000 people.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 5
May 23. 2005
As the original four items (presented in March) have not yet come back to Council for adoption, Mr. Miles
noted all six will be encapsulated into one ordinance and returned to Council for public hearing (at an
unspecified June, 2005 date).
On an unrelated issue, Councilmember Duffie raised the legality and use of (human) A -board signs and
large, tall signs in the City's business district. He finds them disturbing and potentially dangerous to
passersby.
Both Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development and Mr. Miles reported recent legal
challenges opposing allowance of "human signs" have been lost by the City of Redmond and Kitsap
County. Citing "first amendment" rights, the use of such signs are typically permitted. Both agreed legal
decisions are against cities in regulating such signs.
In another unrelated issue, it was suggested that Code Enforcement Officers be allowed to retrieve
illegally posted signs and requiring businesses to pay for their return. Council agreed that paying to
retrieve signs "sounds like a good idea." Finally, Mr. Lancaster noted the use of illegal signs often occurs
on the weekends when Code Enforcement personnel do not work. If staff numbers are increased in that
division, he would anticipate /expect them to rotate and work proactive patrol of various (not all)
weekends.
FOR ACTION /CONSIDERATION, CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS TO THE NEXT
REGULAR MEETING.
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Steven M. Mullet reminded all of the upcoming Memorial Day events at the Museum of Flight.
b. Council
Councilmember Joe Duffie attended a recent groundbreaking ceremony at the Universal Design House.
Councilmember Joan Hernandez attended the May 19 meeting of the Duwamish Improvement Club
and the May 23 Rainier Symphony.
Council President Pamela Linder will soon greet a delegation of Asian Pacific I.R.S. employees as they
convene for a training and leadership convention.
Councilmember Pam Carter attended the recent Universal Design House groundbreaking ceremony,
the May 17 SCATBd meeting, the May 20 PSRC Vision 2020 20 meeting and last week's AWC meeting
in Kennewick.
Councilmember Jim Haggerton attended the May 18 Seattle Mariners' game with members of the
Cascade Water Alliance and, in the interest of ethics, declared a self -pay for the game. The
Councilmember also participated in the May 22 spaghetti dinner sponsored by the American Legion as
well as the May 23 Transportation Committee meeting.
Councilmember David Fenton watched a local ARCO (gas) station be torn down this morning. He then
reported a problem with cars parking in front of his property which belong to residents of Normandy Court.
He's tried working with the owners to have them moved to no avail. Ms. Berry took note of the issue
and will look into it.
City of Tukwila
Citv Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
c. City Administrator
Rhonda Berry had no report.
Page 5 of 5
May 23, 2005
d. City Attorney
Shelley Kerslake was not present.
e. Legislative Analyst
Lucy Lauterbach noted a May 25 picture- and story- sharing event at Showalter relative to the recent
Sister Cities trip to Ikawa, Japan. She'll send a reminder via e -mail on May 24.
Additionally, Ms. Lauterbach noted correspondence has been sent to area legislators to learn of potential
dates for lunch between them and Councilmembers. More information will follow.
ADJOURNMENT:
8:37 p.m. Council President Linder adjourned the meeting.
Pamela Linder, Council President
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Date minutes approved: June 6. 2005