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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-11 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers City Hall April 11, 2005 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Pamela Linder, Council President, called the Committee of Whole meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. All Councilmembers were present. OFFICIALS: Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer; Joyce Trantina, Code Enforcement Support; Brandon Miles, Assistant Planner, Community Development; and Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Proclamation desianatina April 13. 2005 as "Arbor Dav" in the City of Tukwila Council President Linder read from and presented the original proclamation to Bruce Fletcher, Director of Parks and Recreation. Proclaiming April 13, 2005 as "Arbor Day in the City of Tukwila, Washington," all Tukwila community members were urged to celebrate the day, support efforts to protect trees and woodlands, and plant trees to "gladden the heart and promote the well being of this, and future generations." CITIZEN COMMENT /CORRESPONDENCE: Dan Aragon. 4610 South 124 Street. Tukwila, invited all to attend the Duwamish Improvement Club meetings on the third Thursday of each month, at the Tukwila Community Center. He stated club members need the support of Council and staff. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Proposed resolution reiectina all bids submitted for the Allentown /Foster Point Water and Sewer Improvements Proiect Councilmember Fenton reported review of this item at the April 5 Utilities Committee meeting. He noted an inevitable must to reject all bids. It's the fiscally sound and responsible thing to do. The committee was not in favor of cutting additional monies /jobs from the item and being re -bit. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, noted the original scope was already reduced and the project already re -bid. The bids came in nearly $1.55 million over budget. Also, he noted higher project costs are anticipated due to increased diesel fuel prices since January, 2005, increases in ductile iron piping, increases in PVC piping and increased costs of steel to be used in conjunction with the project. It is now anticipated that construction of the project could begin in 2006 with completion being slated for sometime in 2007 (if a loan is approved). City staff considered many options. In the end, they believe it best to return to the Public Works Trust Fund and apply for additional loan dollars. It was confirmed that the loan rate on PWTF loans is 2 Should the City receive an additional PWTF loan, the original scope of services would be included (back) into the project to include sidewalks, curbs and gutters. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes CITIZEN COMMENT: Page 2 of 8 April 11. 2005 JoAnne McManus. 5610 South 133 Street. Tukwila. spoke of being frustrated at the length of time she (as a community member) has had to wait to receive sewer service. She stated the Council's priorities are wrong and is spoke against Council caring more about citizens than businesses in Tukwila. Todd Heisteman, Tukwila resident, a practicing architect for 30 years, understands the situation as he deals with tight budgets every day. He spoke of the Councilmembers having their "hearts in the right places," and spoke in favor of trying to obtain more funding from the PWTF program. Dan Araaon. Duwamish Club President. stated common sense dictates that the longer the City waits to begin the project, the more it will cost. He also spoke out of concern for the Green /Duwamish River and the fish which call the river home. He does not want septic systems going into the river. Finally, Mr. Aragon invited anyone from the Council to speak at the April 21 Duwamish Club Improvement meeting on the issue. Bill Toon. Tukwila resident. stated the City's engineer is not in sync with current cost factors, including materials and other pricing factors. He encouraged City staff to "do more homework to determine why their own estimates are so low, versus the reality" of those which are indeed higher. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, understands the frustrations and concerns. He noted the City cannot begin construction and "hope shortfall monies" will be provided. Cost estimates have been reviewed and re- reviewed. No matter what is cut from the proposed project, the City simply does not have enough money to pay for the project. The best opportunity known to City staff is to apply for and obtain additional PWTF loan monies. That led to Council discussion on the pros and cons of applying for additional monies. Councilmembers Duffie, Hernandez, Carter, and Fenton spoke in favor of applying for additional loan monies. Councilmember Robertson is not opposed, yet spoke in favor of receiving additional information before proceeding further. Bill Toon offered assistance to the City in receiving a loan of $2 million to cover the shortfall. Mr. Morrow thanked Mr. Toon for the offer yet reported the Public Works Trust Fund loan program is a very competitive process where a project is score against criteria established by the board. Receiving outside funding (from a private citizen even) could hinder receipt of the loan funds. For staff action, consensus existed to pursue additional funds from the Public Works Trust Loan fund. b. Ordinance Vacating Maule Avenue South from the Southerly margin of South 143 Place to the Northerly margin of South 144`" Street Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, reminded Council a public hearing was held on the proposed vacation December 6, 2004. Since that time, all provisions, easements and a quit claim deed have been received the a final ordinance may be approved. Councilmember Hernandez asked staff to review and revised the third whereas clause within the proposed ordinance relative to "...Council inquiry..." Mr. Morrow assured her that would be done. For consideration, consensus existed to forward the proposed ordinance to the April 18, 2005 Regular meeting. c. Briefina on 2004 Code Enforcement activities. Councilmember Duffie reported receipt of this briefing at the March 15 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Council thanked Ms. Trantina for her diligence and efforts to clean up Tukwila. d. Using Code Enforcement to improve housina stock. Page 3 of 8 April 11. 2005 Joyce Trantina, Code Enforcement Support, provided a PowerPoint slide presentation to give an overview of current activities in the Code Enforcement division of the Community Development Department. Currently, Code Enforcement personnel work on a complaint (versus proactive) basis. Working closely with many departments within the City, Code Enforcement staff works to improve the conditions and appearances of Tukwila neighborhoods and businesses. In 2004, a total of 320 new complaints were reported and investigated. A total of 77% of those were resolved and closed (most within 90 days). Staff was also able to bring about and Council adopted four new ordinances. Showing a pie chart, Ms. Trantina reviewed the various types of complaints received. The categories were broken down into trash, signs, housing, use, building, vehicles, landscape and other. The largest number of complaints received in 2004 came under "Building." The geographical area with the most reported complaints was the Cascade View with 50. The area with the lease reported complaints was 2 in the Allentown /Duwamish area. Ms. Trantina went on to report 36 unresolved cases. Before closing her presentation, Ms. Trantina reported efforts for the proposed 2005 Work Plan. Such efforts include resolving outstanding cases, providing public awareness /education on currently existing and new ordinances and working on a procedures manual to help educate staff, as well as continue streamlining administrative processes and utilize resources efficiently. Kathy Stetson, Code Enforcement Officer, noted Council has previously reviewed and openly accepted ideas which allow Code Enforcement staff to proactively handle situations which would provide for improved neighborhoods. Ms. Stetson noted that improvements to the overall housing stock in Tukwila would benefit the community by attracting long -term residents and encouraging more community involvement. Citing deterioration of housing conditions, increased debris, junk vehicles and other nuisances, the Code Enforcement Officer noted such conditions lead to high turnover rates, less community investment/involvement and perpetuate an increased cycle of deterioration. Based on such facts, Ms. Stetson asked the Council if they want to implement a more proactive approach to resolving code enforcement issues within the City. Each Councilmember answered her request with a resounding, affirmative yes. The Code Enforcement Officer spoke in favor of staff being able to proactive address issues such as building without required permits; unsecured /unsafe buildings /unfit for habitation; trash and debris /abandoned materials on private properly; junk vehicles; illegal parking on residential property (over three months); and graffiti. Consensus existed to agree with staff recommendations with no deviation. Next, Ms. Stetson asked if code enforcement should be done on a city -wide basis (by violation) or geographic region basis. Discussions ensured. Consensus existed to agree with staff recommendations that work be performed neighborhood by neighborhood on a geographic region basis. Much discussion then centered on issues connected with multi family housing and rental properties. Most serious issues with multi family dwellings concern the conditions inside the units themselves. That being said, exterior premises emphasis can be easily accomplished proactively by regularly driving through complexes and handling situations seen. Pending litigation with the City of Pasco regarding required inspections (internal) of apartments for housing code violations must be determined before the City of Tukwila decides how best to deal with a proposed mandatory inspection of such premises. City of Tukwila Citv Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8 April 11. 2005 Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units ADU's), the Code Enforcement Officer asked Council to "think about it." Currently, ADU's are permitted as an accessory use in many zones. They can be used as rentals, provided the owner resides in one of the units. Some restrictions apply as these are an important part of the overall housing stock in Tukwila, providing an alternative for some residents. It was suggested that the City may consider the potential for requiring an annual license for such units. Upon receipt of Council approval of staff ideas, Ms. Stetson noted proactive approaches may be implemented with the list of suggestions made earlier. And, staff will work by geographic neighborhood starting with South 144 Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. Apartments in that area are in need of assistance. City residents will be informed of the changes via community education efforts i.e., Hazelnut articles, mailings or other widely distributed media available. Consideration of this approach (a long -term and complicated process involving changing expectations, and a commitment to the needed changes are required for the health of our neighborhoods. To adequately handle the issues, staff is in favor of increasing Code Enforcement Staff by one .5 full time employee (mid year). Additionally, one more full time employee would be hired in 2006, bringing the total number of employees in Code Enforcement from 1.5 to 3.0. Money for the position is anticipated to come from the Mayor's budget. Anticipated costs associated with the .5 FTE are $30,000.00. And, for the FTE to be hired in 2006, anticipated costs are $86,000.00 for salary /benefits, $22,000.00 for the purchase of a new vehicle and $20,000 for miscellaneous hard assets, including computers, hardware and other equipment. Consensus existed to hire one .5 FTE for the remainder of 2005; and one additional FTE in 2006. As this will be a budget line item, no formal action /approval is required by the Council. e. Proposed changes to TMC Title 19 regarding certain types of signage within the City. Brandon Miles, Assistant Planner, reminded Council the sign code was adopted in the early 1980's. With zoning code amendments, "things don't always match up" between the two documents. Trying to address such issues and other housekeeping measures, Mr. Miles presented Council with six proposed changes, to result in the future adoption of six ordinances. The proposed changes were considered by the Planning Commission on November 18, 2004 and the Community Affairs and Parks Committee on February 15, 2005. Such amendments address the following areas of the sign code: 1. Scoreboards would be permitted at sports fields located in the LDR zone with a public recreation overlay. 2. Video Displays on scoreboards at sports stadiums would be permitted with a seating capacity greater than 2,000 persons. The placement of which would require permission for the Director of Community Development. 3. Clarify that certain signs are not regulated under the City's sign code clarifying that signs not legible from the public right of way, adjacent properties, or other businesses are not regulated. 4. Increase the number of permanent signs permitted at public facilities, conditional uses, and churches in residential zones to be consistent with what is allowed for commercial properties. 5. Allow for greater signage at museums. 6. Delete all references to the Uniform Business Code (UBC). Noteworthy, the Planning Commission's public hearing (November, 2004) yielded no public comment. Additionally, the definition of the State's Building Code will take place of all references made to the UBC. Councilmember Robertson spoke in favor of remanding items 1 and 2 to Committee. Discussion was held. Since those issues are not time sensitive and there are no emergent requests associated with them, consensus existed to remand items 1 and 2 to Committee. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 April 11. 2005 Mr. Miles although not "cast in stone," a public hearing (now on issues 3 -6) is currently set for May 2. f. Renton /Tukwila /Sound Transit discussion regarding Strander extension project and Sound Station. Councilmember Haggerton noted review of this item at the February 28 Transportation Committee. By way of background, the City of Renton and Sound Transit are negotiating the reallocation of Sound Transit funds from the North East 8 Street/I -405 Direct Access Project to other transit projects in Renton. The proposed reallocation of funds directly affects the Longacres Sounder Station. A meting has been rescheduled among elected officials from Tukwila, Renton and Sound Transit's Board to discuss a proposed agreement on the reallocation. Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development, noted $19 million is available for transportation improvements in Renton. They have elected to allocate $4 million to the Strander Extension Project a trop priority for the neighboring City. Tukwila staff supports this project as Renton's partner. Sound Transit staff will recommend $4 million be reallocated to the project. They will also recommend a sizeable contribution to Renton's Rainier /Hardie Avenue South West Transit Improvements. Questions concerning a second access of Strander. Council was advised that is a very expensive proposition and should be eliminated. Due to costs, a secondary plan is to "cut the underpass off." For emergency purposes, access would be granted to police and fire, yet not to the general public. In place of that second access, City staff will seek assistance from Sound Transit to secure a future access from West Valley Highway. This would aid in Tukwila's plans for a "mall to Station" access corridor. Current Sound Transit policies makes it unclear whether or not money could come from Renton as the station is in the south sub area and Renton is in the east sub area. Amendments may be proposed which would allow money from one sub area to another. Consensus existed to continue participating in the resolution of related issues and to attend an upcoming meeting between elected officials and the three named agencies. REPORTS: a. Mayor Steven M. Mullet was not present. b. Council Councilmember Joe Duffie attended a meeting with a Romanian delegation on April 5. Citing an invitation to Romania in 2007, Mr. Duffie noted this could be the start of a new Sister -City relationship. Additionally, he spoke in favor of working through unresolved issues in connection with our current Sister City Committee. He spoke in favor of set practices and /or policies to benefit City staff assigned to assist in this area of expertise. Additionally, Mr. Duffle attended an April 5 AWC- sponsored course on Open Public Meetings and Public Disclosure. Councilmember Joan Hernandez attended the April 5 Tukwila Business and Government Affairs Committee meeting; (same day) tour of an archaeological site at an undisclosed location; the Aril 7 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting; the April 8 Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting; and the April 9 Mayor's breakfast, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Council President Pamela Linder spoke of upcoming meetings and related a police related telephone call received over the weekend. The telephone call came from a neighbor who spoke of having his home paint balled. She contacted Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, for additional information and to clarify the incident. No action is required on the incident and Ms. Linder will call the neighbor and "fill in the blanks" for him on the full story of the incident. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 April 11. 2005 Councilmember Pam Carter reported a recent conference call on Streamlined Sales Tax issues. She also noted King County has reported losses in its jail services. Finally, she reported attendance to an April 7 AWC business meeting. Councilmember Jim Haggerton attended the April 5 Tukwila Business and Government Affairs Committee meeting and the April 8 Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting. Finally, Mr. Haggerton reported on this evening's Transportation Committee meeting. Councilmember Dennis Robertson attended the April 5 AWC- sponsored course on Open Public Meetings and Public Disclosure. He noted a policy on e-mail retention and disclosure must be written and implemented. City staff will address the issue with the City Attorney's office. Councilmember David Fenton had no report. c. City Administrator Rhonda Berry reported on upcoming "Spring Break" events to be held in conjunction with the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC). She also informed the Council that Bev Willison, Civil Service Secretary, has been appointed to the AWC Wellness Advisory Committee for non -trust member cities. d. City Attorney Neither Ms. Kerslake nor Mr. Beckwith were present during this portion of the meeting. e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach reported just two weeks remain for in the current legislative session. ADJOURNMENT: 11:00 p.m. Council President Linder adjourned the meeting. Pamela Linder, Council President Date minutes approved: June /2005 Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk