HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-03 Regular MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor, called the Regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Jane Cantu, City Clerk, called the roll of Council. Present were Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan
Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pamela Linder, Dennis Robertson and David Fenton.
OFFICIALS:
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst;
Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Alan Doerschel and Kevin Fuhrer, Finance
Directors; David Haynes, Acting Police Chief; and Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers City Hall
January 3, 2005 7:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
Update 2004 -2005 Activities of the Kina County Council
by Councilmember Julia Patterson
Julia Patterson, King County Councilmember, provided a year -in- review of her Council's actions and
achievements.
Among many issues covered, Ms. Patterson shared news regarding an Arts and Culture summit that took
place in South King County which resulted in the creation of the South King County Cultural Coalition.
That coalition has created a website (www.sococulture.orq) which highlights and advertises arts and
cultural events in South King County. Councilmember Carter spoke in favor of ensuring the Rainier
Symphony concert dates were included. She also suggested the inclusion of local high school events, as
they are typically less costly to the public.
Another area of importance for the King County Council is the South King County Food Bank Coalition.
For the purpose of purchasing "Christmas chickens," in 2004, $5,000.00 was contributed to the coalition.
Ms. Patterson noted food banks (on the whole) are facing financial difficulties and noted King County is
looking for ways to offer more assistance.
For the third straight year, the partisan body has passed a balanced budget with a unanimous (13 -0) vote.
The 2005 budget includes a $539 million General Fund, which includes such items as Human Services,
Jails, Courts, Records and Elections, and Auditor services.
One point raised which resulted in much discussion by the Council was the result of the November 2004
General Election. At that time, King County voters approved a measure to reduce the size of the King
County Council from 13 to 9 members. As a result of that action, a redistricting committee has been
named and is working to create newly proposed redistricting maps (legislative districts). Those maps will
be released in the January 4, 2005 edition of The Seattle Times.
New map lines are to be drawn according to Washington State guidelines. It is anticipated that each
legislative district will be comprised of 198,000 to 200,000 community members each. In order to achieve
desired results, lines may have to be drawn in a north -south direction, versus an east -west direction.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 3, 2005
The four King County Councilmembers to lose their seats will be decided by voters in the next election. If
one district has two sitting Councilmembers, each must run for the seat/position.
Relative to animal control within Tukwila, Ms. Patterson noted she is the proper person (of contact) to
discuss issues. Councilmember Duffie will speak with Ms. Patterson at a later time to discuss issues.
Transportation issues were also discussed. Ms. Patterson informed the Council of Sound Transit's
interest in preparing a study related to linking the Sounder Station in Tukwila to a station at/near the
SeaTac Airport. Additionally, the Councilmember noted a determination has been made for a "need to
finish" 1 -509. In connection with that goal, she noted the State's gas tax has only been raised one time in
the past 13 years. An increase may need to be considered "just to" defray the financial backlog for
maintaining and expanding current roads within King County.
In the area of Human Services, Ms. Patterson noted King County is working to find stable, long -term
revenue sources. She provided statistics and figures relative to the number of refugees in the South King
County area (in general) and Tukwila (specifically). She spoke of the need to keep Human Services on
the forefronts of our minds and not the "back burner."
Before closing, Ms. Patterson informed the Council she visited Tent City in Tukwila recently and called it a
"sad, yet wonderful experience." She spoke of the people who live together peacefully, of their hopes and
their dreams. The 80- member community supports one another and works together to co- exist. They
welcome visitors to their site near Cascade View School. Ms. Patterson expressed appreciation to the
City Administration and Council for welcoming the members into the community. And, finally, she noted
the absolute need for donations of straw and sawdust at the Tent City site, in efforts to minimize the
effects of mud.
CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE:
Tom Morris. 15109 Sunwood Boulevard. Tukwila, spoke of the Council's recent adoption of the
International Fire Code (IFC) [August 2004]. The adopted IFC references certain permits and associated
fees; one of which Mr. Morris spoke against was a ($100) fee for permitting existing clubhouses or
cabanas to serve as places of gathering or meeting. Mr. Morris wants to know "from where the IFC
derives its authority" to impose such a fee for previously existing structures versus that of newly
constructed buildings. In spite of conversations he's had with other municipalities (both in and out of the
State), no one is able to answer his question.
A resident of the Sunwood Condominium community, Mr. Morris noted the Homeowners' Association has
been assessed a $100 fee by the Tukwila Fire Department for such a permit.
Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk, informed the Mayor and Council of a pending Request for Public Record,
filed by Mr. Morris, currently being handled by Fire personnel. Mr. Baker understands the imposed fee
(referred to by Morris) is relative to either an inspection or re- inspection fee, not a permit fee for assembly.
Councilmember Fenton acknowledged he owns a cabana and is not required to pay the fee mentioned by
Mr. Morris. Thus, his desire for more information on the subject.
Understanding the question, Mayor Mullet informed Mr. Morris that City staff would continue working the
issue and respond verbally and in writing. Further, the Mayor agreed to Council's request to receive
copies of the written response to Mr. Morris.
CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Approval of Minutes December 13, 2004 Special meeting
b. Approval of Vouchers #312709 313024, in the amount of $1,107,198.37
DUFFIE MOVED; HERNANDEZ SECONDED; TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
PRESENTED. The motion carried 7 -0.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 3, 2005
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Election of 2005 Council President
Mayor Mullet opened the floor for nominations to the position of Council President.
Councilmember Duffie nominated Councilmember Pamela Linder for the position of Council President.
FENTON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF
COUNCIL PRESIDENT. The motion carried 7 -0.
Mayor Mullet closed the nominations and conducted a vote.
Vote:
Receiving a vote of 6 -0 -1, with Councilmember Linder abstaining, Pamela Linder was elected Council
President for 2005.
Councilmembers individually thanked Jim Haggerton, outgoing Council President, for his year of service.
b. A resolution setting legislative Priorities for 2005
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
SETTING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 2005 LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS OF THE
STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS.
Lisa Verner was present and spoke in favor of Council taking action on the proposed resolution at this
meeting. The intent is to provide direct indication, from the Council's perspective, in relation to lobbying
efforts to begin the 2005 State legislative session on January 10, 2005. Lobbying efforts will begin
immediately.
FENTON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO HAVE THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION READ BY TITLE
ONLY. The motion carried 7 -0.
Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, read the title of the proposed resolution.
DUFFIE MOVED; FENTON SECONDED; TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AS
PRESENTED.*
Discussion ensued.
ROBERTSON MOVED; FENTON SECONDED; TO STRIKE THE WORDS "AND DENSITY" FROM
THE SECOND WHEREAS CLAUSE IN THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION. The motion carried 7 -0.
Further discussion took place. It was noted Mayor Mullet could also share the resolution when meeting
with Senators Murray and Cantwell in an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.
ROBERTSON MOVED TO DELETE THE COMMA, KEEP THE WORD "AND" AND DELETE "UNLESS
SOURCING DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT" FROM SECTION 1 OF THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION. The
motion was withdrawn as no second was received.
Mayor Mullet conducted a vote on the proposed resolution, as amended.
The motion carried 7 -0.
APPROVED RESOLUTION #1569
Council acknowledged Ms. Lauterbach had prepared "several smaller priorities" for consideration and the
need for expression of support or opposition. Those are "largely AWC priorities" yet the City can lobby by
calling legislators if action is imminent. Council agreed to consider those items at the January 10, 2005
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 3, 2005
Committee of Whole meeting. This allows time for Ms. Lauterbach to present written information relative
to each proposed priority.
c. A motion authorizing the Finance Director to include the addition of a Maintenance and
Operations Specialist position, to be split eauallv between the Sewer and Surface Water
Funds.
Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, noted this as a housekeeping item and reported it was overlooked when
final budget detail changes were presented to Council at their December 13, 2004 meeting. The
proposed action represents the addition of a -time position in the Sewer Department and '/z -time
position (split position) in the Surface Water Division.
Clerical note: The amount reflects $33,000.00 in salaries and benefits for each fund with commensurate
reductions in Working Capital.
No changes to the adopted budget are required as the split position was approved during the Council's
November 22, 2004 budget review.
CARTER MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO INCLUDE
THE ADDITION OF A MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST POSITION TO BE SPLIT
EQUALLY BETWEEN THE SEWER AND SURFACE WATER FUNDS. The motion carried 7 0.
CARTER MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO AMEND THE AGENDA BY ADDING AN ITEM "0" TO
NEW BUSINESS KING COUNTY'S PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REDISTRICTING EFFORTS IN
CONNECTION WITH RECENT VOTER APPROVAL TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF COUNTY
COUNCILMEMBERS FROM 13 TO 9. The motion to add the item carried 7 0.
REPORTS:
d. King County Public Hearing on Redistricting Efforts
Pursuant to King County Councilmember Patterson's report this evening, the Tukwila City Council was
made aware of a sole public hearing (Thursday, January 6) wherein testimony will be taken in connection
with newly proposed boundary lines (legislative districts) for the County. In the 2004 general election
(November), voters approved a measure that will reduce the number of County Councilmembers from 13
to 9, thus necessitating new legislative boundaries /districts within the County. Said maps will be made
public on Tuesday, January 4, 2005.
After discussion of the issue by the Tukwila City Council, consensus existed for each Councilmember to
contact Lucy Lauterbach, via e-mail, with individual choices on the proposed redistricting maps that will
be released in Tuesday's The Seattle Times newspaper. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, cautioned the
Council to e -mail Ms. Lauterbach only, and not to carbon copy each other. This would constitute a
violation of the Open Public Meetings Act.
In e- mailing individual preferences for the redistricting maps, Ms. Lauterbach can gather the information
and ensure it goes with any Councilmember who chooses to attend the public hearing. Council was
reminded that is the only meeting wherein public testimony would be considered in connection with
redistricting efforts. Ms. Patterson informed Council that testimony presented by the Mayor and Council
would be given considerable "weight" during King County Council's discussions /debate on the issue.
a. Mayor
Mayor Mullet reported on upcoming meetings and events. Said events will be reported in more detail
after they are held. He noted the Foster High School Site Council meeting (previously scheduled for
January 6) must be rescheduled. Additionally, he noted nominations for regional committees, with the
Suburban Cities Association, are due on /by January 11, 2005. Nominations may be submitted to him or
Alice, in the Suburban Cities Association office.
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b. Council
Councilmember Joe Duffie reported receipt of a voluntary notice to return to the military service. If he so
desires, Mr. Duffie's return to military service could begin as early as February 5, 2005. He has decided
against returning.
Councilmember Joan Hernandez reported attendance to the December 15 Affordable Housing Board
meeting.
Council President Pamela Linder attended the December Parks Commission Holiday meeting as well as
the Highline Forum. The newly elected Council President also reported receipt of a telephone call
regarding the installation of sewer service in the "Foster area." Upon investigation, she was saddened to
learn (yet understands current City staff workload) the project will not go out to bid (again) until mid
March, 2005. For future reference Ms. Linder asked that the Council be apprised of such information in
the event of telephone inquiries from community members.
Councilmember Pam Carter reported a call from the same caller as Ms. Linder. She, too, would like such
information, and explained to the caller that City staff is being asked to do more with less. Next, Ms.
Carter reported attendance to an AWC Board meeting. Finally, she thanked Lucy Lauterbach for
distributing an issue paper on the issue of Streamlined Sales Tax and noted Mr. Doerschel continues to
passionately work the issue.
Councilmember Jim Haggerton participated in a December ribbon cutting at the X Chiropractic Center on
Interurban Avenue. He also attended the children's Christmas program at the Tukwila Community
Center, sponsored by the American Legion and City of Tukwila's Parks and Recreation Department.
On December 25, Mr. Haggerton represented the American Legion and visited a nearby Veterans'
hospital where each patient received socks, a shirt, a gift certificate for the commissary in the hospital,
phone calling cards, $25 cash, and chocolates.
On December 29, he visited the Tukwila Library and agreed that signing the new Interlocal Agreement
was a good idea. Several new racks of adult books and videos and audio books have been placed within
the library. Mayor Mullet said there is currently a daily average of 35 -40 people and his desire to see the
figures (at least) double.
Councilmember Dennis Robertson had no report yet asked for an update on the Tukwila Village project at
an upcoming meeting. Mayor Mullet noted nothing has recently occurred, especially in light of the holiday
season.
Councilmember David Fenton had no report.
c. Staff
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, had no report.
d. City Attorney
Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, reported on a recent Superior Court decision with regard the City of
Kenmore's moratorium on gambling. Said moratorium has been renewed eight times since 1999. The
Court ruled Kenmore had not changed its opinion on the issue and allowed them just 6 more months on
the moratorium. In effect, the City of Kenmore understands they must make a decision to ban gambling
and gambling facilities altogether or allow it. Ms. Kerslake noted the City of Tukwila must keep this ruling
in mind to ensure we do not run afoul of the moratorium rules. The City of Kenmore is undecided on
whether or not it will appeal the Court's decision.
Zack Hudgins, 11 District Representative, was in the audience and acknowledged.
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e. Intergovernmental
Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst, noted three Fridays in January will be busy for all Councilmembers
and will include a retirement dinner for Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; a dinner for Councilmembers
and spouses, and the annual Employee Appreciation Banquet.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Ms. Hernandez asked for a status update on the Council chambers upgrade. With no construction
timetable, Mayor Mullet reported the final design has been completed and was amended to meet the
desires of Council. Equipment, parts, and supplies have been ordered and the City is awaiting arrival of
those things before installation may begin.
Council President Linder asked for input on desired Committee assignments (for 2005) from each of the
Councilmembers.
Councilmember Carter suggested Requests for Travel also be submitted very quickly.
Councilmember Fenton asked the Mayor for an update on the filling of the Police Chief position. The
Mayor reported he and Rhonda Berry will work the issue this week and spoke of his confidence in the
work of Acting Police Chief David Haynes.
ADJOURNMENT:
8:37 p.m. FENTON MOVED; DUFFIE SECONDED; TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING.
The motion carried 7 -0.
f\T �1 tI�QSGQ Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
Date minutes approved by Council: January 18, 2005.
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk