HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-13 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Calling the meeting to order and leading in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:01 p.m. was Pamela Linder,
Council President.
OFFICIALS:
Present were Pamela Linder, Council President; and Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam
Carter, Jim Haggerton, Dennis Robertson and David Fenton.
ATTENDANCE:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Derek
Speck, Economic Development Administrator; David Haynes, Chief of Police; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance
Director; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Steve Lancaster, Community Development
Director; Nora Gierloff Planning Supervisor, Community Development Department; Dennis McOmber,
Lieutenant, Police Department; Jim Morrow, Director, Public Works Department; Katherine Kertzman,
Tourism and Marketing Program Director; Bev Willison, Civil Service Examiner; Frank Iriarte, Deputy
Director, Public Works; and Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk.
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, introduced his parents, Sam and Sharon Speck,
visiting from out of state.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
b. Trip Review Ikawa. Japan
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
June 13, 2005 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers City Hall
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
a. Oath of Office Dennis McOmber. Lieutenant. Police Department
Introducing Dennis McOmber was Police Chief David Haynes. Chief Haynes noted Mr. McOmber began
as a Patrol Officer in 1983 and was promoted to the position of Sergeant in 1990. Since that time, he has
served in many capacities including Field Training Officer, Crisis Communication Team Leader and most
recently as a Major Crimes Sergeant.
Mayor Mullet administered the Oath of Office to Lieutenant Dennis McOmber. Mr. McOmber's father was
present and pinned on his new badge.
Addressing the Council, Lieutenant McOmber noted his familiarity with many in the department and
recognized their dedication and professionalism in their positions. He thanked his colleagues for their
"unfailing support" and his family for their "unshakable love, tolerance and encouragement."
Mayor Mullet informed the Council that Tukwila and Ikawa are celebrating 26 years of friendship which
began with the approval of a formal resolution in 1979. To date, 10 Ikawa delegations have visited
Tukwila and 9 Tukwila delegations have visited Ikawa.
Providing an overview of administrative divisions and a map of Japan, Mayor Mullet shared many facts
regarding Ikawa (specifically, and Japan generally). He then provided an overview of the recent trip to
Ikawa, including places visited. He also shared pictures of many of the sites.
Noting that Ikawa is just one of six cities to be consolidated into one large city, the future with Ikawa is
unclear. The merge will take place in November 2005 and will result in a City Council of 38 members
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 8
June 13, 2005
six from the (former) City of Ikawa. That number will be reduced to 26 in 2009. Ikawa officials have been
told they may continue their Sister -City relationship with Tukwila.
Mayor Mullet called this a "very successful program" and noted it has changed the lives of those who
have participated. He spoke in favor of preserving the program however possible.
Noteworthy, the Mayor informed Councilmembers that officials have approached his office from Bosnia
and Romania to establish like programs.
Not knowing what the future holds, Mayor Mullet noted it may be as long as 24 months before one
delegation travels from one country to the other (relative to Ikawa). Conversely, he reported one young
man would like to travel to Tukwila for as much as one year to job shadow /work. That man currently
serves as City Clerk in Ikawa.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
c. Update Connectivity Issues
7:40 p.m.
Ms. Linder noted this is more of a reminder than an update as the last review occurred during the
Council's retreat in January 2005. Much of the information remains unchanged.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, noted the January presentation outlined several options. The cost of
the program is roughly $10 to $12 million. Covering just the Central Business District (CBD) could cost
approximately $2.2 million.
There are no budgeted monies to move forward at this time. On a positive note, the Signal Interconnect
project is currently under design and will close all gaps for conduit systems in the CBD.
The Public Works Director shared two sample sleeves which will go into two different sized conduits to
assist with system flexibility. Each sample shown contains three sleeves and when placed into the
ground, is filled with lubrication and a pull -tab. Tracing tape is also used and is beneficial when locating
breaks in the conduit.
As part of the next budget cycle, Council is faced with difficult choices with regard to this project. Council
must decide whether or not they want to move forward. Many issues must be decided, including how
much in -house work should be done, how much work will be outsourced and potential locations to be
included with the project (i.e., residential and /or CBD).
The financial planning model is greatly affected with the results of these decisions. The Council must
make rate structures, revenues, support and other decisions as staff moves forward with the signal
interconnect project.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Morrow noted David Luman's contract (Asset Analytics) expired after
his presentation at their January retreat. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, noted no monies are currently
set aside or anticipated for further contracting with Mr. Luman.
Among other considerations for the Council, Mr. Morrow commented "market take rates" are at issue.
Also, he noted this is not just a project it's a service. When issues arise with this service, City staff must
promptly respond. As it is a service, customers are free to choose other providers if they are unsatisfied.
With that in mind, it is paramount that the City must make sure it is able and capable to respond to
complaints anytime day or night.
Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, addressed connectivity and its importance to the
business community in Tukwila. Having fiber in the CBD would be a benefit and Council is faced with the
question of what makes the most sense, as the industry is rapidly changing.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 8
June 13, 2005
The Economic Development Administrator spoke about the types of companies that benefit from high
rates of fiber connectivity. Some operate globally (and exchange data and video) while others are
headquarter companies who also need more data and data exchange capabilities. Such businesses are
office, insurance, software development, E- Commerce companies, media firms, medical offices and
physicians, video game companies and biotech companies. The service is greatly desired by police
services, banking and defense services.
Large companies can afford to have such services provided, whereas smaller companies may not have
the expertise or the money. Some companies are on tight time frames and may not want to waste time
installing fiber optic themselves.
Fiber may help Tukwila's image yet he cannot give a clear answer on specifics. A truism is the demand
for connectivity is going to grow. The demand will grow and the benefits will be there as well.
Frank Iriarte, Deputy Director of Public Works, is in the process of exploring a public /private venture. It's
in its infancy and cannot yet be discussed. If it gels, it will be brought to the Council for consideration.
Mayor Mullet noted staff has worked the issue and pointed out the recession and the annexation process
tying the hands of staff. This is a broad project with many questions. We are getting segments of
connectivity accomplished and we're trying to work within our available resources. He encouraged
Council to review the item during the next budget cycle. Further, he encouraged them to keep their
options open and to pursue things as monies allow for the wave of the future.
Councilmember Robertson spoke in favor of bringing on a staff member similar to the position currently
filled by Lisa Verner for this project, if Council believes it necessary in (perhaps) August. If we truly
want to do something, we've got to have staff dedicated to doing it. This person should be experienced in
this very work and should possess solid credentials.
Ms. Hernandez called it "wise" to consider all other things on the City's proverbial plate as money is an
issue. In order to be a successful venture, Ms. Hernandez is also in favor of the City entering into a
public /private partnership.
Councilmembers spoke individually on their viewpoints. Many spoke in favor of the proposed
public /private partnerships to avoid potential pitfalls and minimize risks.
Council President Linder called for citizen comment on the issue. None was received.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Joanne McManus. 5610 South 133 Street. Tukwila, spoke against an allegedly illegally parked truck
near her home which is an eyesore and potential hazard to others. Ms. Lauterbach was aware of the
issue and reported police had been to the scene and determined the truck is not a danger and is not in
violation of the Tukwila Municipal Code or the Revised Code of Washington.
Next, Ms. McManus spoke out of concern for an out -of- control dog (type unknown) in her neighborhood
which recently chased a young boy. The exact house number is unknown. Conversely, she does know
King County Animal Control has been contacted (in the past) regarding this same dog. One of Ms.
McManus' concerns lies in the fact it is difficult to reach a King County Animal Control Officer via
telephone on the weekend. Ms. Lauterbach and Ms. Berry will confirm schedules of the Animal Control
Officers and ensure officials at CenCom are aware of contact phone numbers and schedules.
Clerical note: 8:50 p.m. Councilmember David Fenton left the meeting due to illness.
PUBLIC HEARING:
2006 -2011 Transportation Improvement Program
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, noted the Transportation Improvement Program is essentially a
financial planning document which must be updated annually. Projects are identified for the next six
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
years and given priority within the overall TIP. The City may then apply for state and federal grants. He
pointed out page 15 of the packet the draft TIP summary.
8:53 p.m. Council President Linder opened the public hearing and called for comments. Calling a
second time for comments, none were received.
8:53 p.m. Council President Linder closed the public hearing.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
Page 4 of 8
June 13, 2005
Mr. Haggerton noted review of this item at Transportation Committee on May 23, 2005. Three new
projects appear from those presented in 2005. He praised the written work of staff as being done in a
simple format which is clean and easy to understand.
For consideration /action, consensus existed to forward the proposed resolution to the June 20
Regular meeting.
a. Proposed resolution approving the 2006 -2011 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
ADOPTING A SIX -YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AND
DIRECTING THE SAME TO BE FILED WITH THE STATE SECRETARY OF
TRANSPORTATION AND THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD
Councilmember Haggerton reported review and approval of this item at the May 23 Transportation
Committee meeting.
The TIP is required by Washington State law to be updated annually. It is adopted by resolution after a
public hearing and incorporated into the Regional and State TIP's. The TIP is primarily a financial
planning document for projects which are competing for grants.
For consideration /action, consensus existed to forward the proposed resolution to the June 20
Regular meeting.
b. Award a construction bid to Western Asphalt, Inc., in the amount of $635.847.09.
for the 2005 Overlay Program
Councilmember Haggerton reported review and approval of this item (also) at the May 23 Transportation
Committee meeting.
Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, noted this project will provide roadway repairs and overlays on city
street segments. Advertised on May 4 and 11, the project netted three bids which were opened May 18,
2005. Roadway repairs and overlays will take place on the following street segments:
South 164 Street (Military Road to 51 Avenue South)
49 Avenue South (South 164 Street to North cul -de -sac)
Macadam Road South (South 144 Street to South 150 Street)
Southcenter Boulevard (61 Avenue South to 66 Avenue South)
42 Avenue South (South 124th Street to Duwamish Bridge)
Mr. Morrow explained the budget and bid summary numbers located on page 25 in response to an inquiry
from Mr. Robertson and spoke in favor of awarding the bid to Western Asphalt, Inc.
For consideration /action, consensus existed to forward the bid award to the June 20 Regular
meeting.
c. Authorize Mayor to sign Supplement #1 to AG05 -039. with W H Pacific. Inc.. in
the amount of $50,970.85, for construction management services related to the
2005 Overlay Program
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
Jim Haggerton said this item, too, was reviewed and approved at the May 23 Transportation Committee
meeting and goes hand in hand with item b (above). Citing W H Pacific, Inc. as experienced and
qualified, Mr. Haggerton noted we do not have in -house staff to handle the work.
This supplemental agreement is for W H Pacific, Inc. to perform construction management services for
the overlay program.
For consideration /action, consensus existed to forward the contract amendment to the June 20
Regular meeting.
d. Proposed Seattle Southside staffing considerations.
Dennis Robertson reported consideration and approval of this item at the June 6 Finance and Safety
Committee meeting. He noted there is no net budget impact.
The proposal includes 1) increasing the Marketing and Communications Coordinator position from .6 time
to full -time; and 2) eliminating the Administrative Support Assistant position and replacing it with an
Administrative Support Specialist position.
Katherine Kertzman. Tourism Marketing Program Director, reported on last weekend's open house
at their new facility. Nearly 200 people were in attendance. She reported the directional signage "off 1 -5"
has proved beneficial as the program has experienced a 9% increase in Lodging Tax revenues and that
is in the "off season." Noteworthy, there are 16,000 hits to the Seattle Southside website per month.
Ms. Kertzman spoke in favor of the proposals as her office is staffed seven days per week during summer
months and they are currently short of staff (by two). Costs of increased payroll may be covered by
increased Lodging Tax dollars.
For consideration /action, consensus existed to forward the staffing considerations to the June 20
Regular meeting.
e. Proposed "Community Pride" award
1. Home and grounds must be visible from the street.
2. Home and grounds must have a pleasing and aesthetic appeal.
3. Home and grounds must be seasonally maintained.
4. Home and grounds must enhance the surround environment.
Page 5 of 8
June 13, 2005
Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director, Cynthia Chesak, Arts Commission Chair. Ms. Chesak
reported Arts Commission members are proposing a new award for the Tukwila Community. Given
yearly, the award would go to a community member whose residence is selected "as an outstanding
house and yard that demonstrates the owner's pride" in the upkeep of the home and grounds.
Ms. Chesak noted some of the most artistic work done in the community is by homeowners and the
upkeep of their surroundings. Members of the Arts Commission feel it important to recognize the efforts.
Prizes for the award winner will be donated by local area businesses.
The winner will be selected based solely on nominations from members of the Arts Commission, Parks
Commission or City Councilmembers. And, a committee comprised of one Arts Commissioner, one Parks
Commissioner, and one Councilmember will choose the winners. Nomination criteria will include the
following:
The award winner will receive a gift basket by a surprise visit to the home. And, the winning residence
will be "spotlighted" in the City's publication, The Hazelnut.
Councilmembers spoke in favor of the proposed award. Mr. Fletcher noted a proposed resolution would
follow, establishing creation of the annual award.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
Page 6 of 8
June 13, 2005
For consideration /action, consensus existed to forward a proposed resolution to the June 20
Regular meeting.
f. Proposed Zoning Code amendments (nine total)
Nora Gierloff, Planning Supervisor, Department of Community Development, presented (a group of) nine
proposed Zoning Code amendments ranging from "minor housekeeping or clarification to policy decisions
about allowed uses and development standards." Already considered by the Community Affairs and
Parks Committee as well as the Planning Commission, the proposed amendments must now be decided
by Council.
The Planning Supervisor noted eight of the proposed amendments are fairly straightforward, non-
controversial and approved by those who have already reviewed their contents. One issue which is not
so straightforward or easy to settle deals with manufactured homes in residential zones and their related
roof pitches.
Ms. Gierloff informed Council that in 2004, the Washington State Legislature passed a law which requires
manufactured houses to be treated similarly to stick -built or modular homes. This means the City of
Tukwila cannot exclude manufactured housing from individual lots in the LDR, MDR or HDR zones as is
currently the practice. What the City may do, however, is impose design standards which would apply to
all new single family houses.
Relative to this issue, Council considered the recommendation of the Community Affairs and Parks
Committee relative to the following design standards:
1. A one -car or larger attached garage unless the lot has alley access, in which case the
garage could be detached in the back yard.
2. A front door facing the front yard setback.
3. A minimum roof pitch of 5:12.
Discussed at length was the issue of roof pitch. Several offered personal opinions. Pitches of 5:12 and
3:12 were discussed until someone raised the idea of a 4:12 pitch. That option will be further explored.
Also discussed was personal preference /opinion on detached garages versus those which are attached.
Council spoke in favor of being flexible on the garage issue.
Pictures presented to Council for this meeting on potential roof pitches were difficult to read as they did
not copy well. For that reason, Ms. Gierloff was asked to present others at the public hearing in July.
Council consensus existed to retain requirements specific to manufactured housing (as set by the State)
which include:
1. only new manufactured homes may be used outside of mobile home parks;
2. manufactured homes must be set on a permanent foundation with the space from the
bottom of the home to the ground enclosed by concrete or approved concrete product
which is either load bearing or decorative;
3. manufactured homes must be thermally equivalent to the State Energy Code; and
4. manufactured homes must be at least "double" wide
The Planning Supervisor then briefly reviewed the remaining proposed amendments relative to residential
short plats in commercial zones, condominium conversions, expiration of expired permits, kennels as
conditional uses in the TUC, administrative planned residential developments, lot of record changes,
minor corrections in TMC cites and use definitions.
Consensus existed to forward this item to July 18 for a public hearing.
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
REPORTS:
a. Mayor
Removing his suit coat, Mayor Mullet proudly showed his "Museum of Flight dress shirt" worn June 4,
where he and Mrs. Mullet had the rare privilege of serving as companion /guide to astronaut Neil
Armstrong and his wife. An annual fundraising event took place for the museum and those present
honored the ground and sky crews of Apollo 13.
Mayor Mullet was proud to announce the City will host (for the first time) a Farmers' Market in Tukwila.
Under the direction of Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, the first "shopping day" will be
July 27 and will boast a grand opening as well. Lisa Pacini, former Seattle Southside employee, will take
over the project and see it through its first season.
Finally, the Mayor shared many gifts presented to the City and Council from the recent trip to Ikawa,
Japan.
b. City Council
Councilmember Duffie reported a neighbor is in protective custody after an alleged attempt to burn his
home. The Councilmember praised the quick response of Tukwila Police and Fire in preserving his
neighbor's life and home.
Councilmember Hernandez attended the June 7 Tukwila Government Affairs Committee meeting; the
June 8 Suburban Cities Association meeting; the June 9 Equity and Diversity Commission meeting and
subsequent Joint Council /Planning Commission meeting.
Council President Linder had no report.
Councilmember Carter attended the June 9 Transportation Policy Board meeting; the June 10 graduation
ceremony at Foster High School; and the June 11 Seattle Southside Open House.
Councilmember Haggerton attended the June 7 Tukwila Government Affairs Committee meeting, the
June 8 Suburban Cities Association meeting, and the June 9 Cascade Water Alliance Joint
Finance /Resource Planning meeting.
Councilmember Robertson reported attendance to the June 9 WRIA -9 meeting.
c. City Staff
d. City Attorney
Neither the City Attorney nor her representative were present.
e. Leaislative Analyst
Ms. Lauterbach had no report.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Page 7 of 8
June 13, 2005
Rhonda Berry, on behalf of Councilmember Dave Fenton, reported he provided opening remarks and
official City welcome to the June 12 convention of the Washington State Convention of Ushers.
Ms. Berry also invited Council to a June 22 educational presentation at the Tukwila Community Center,
from 9 a.m. to Noon, entitled "Meth. 101."
Mayor Mullet reported the Tukwila Food Pantry has "fallen on hard times" and may be out of money by
mid -July. Truck repairs, gas purchases and other items are expenses which take up funds which would
otherwise be used. He sought potential solutions and fundraising ideas from the Council and encouraged
City of Tukwila
City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes
them to contact his office if they come up with ideas. Calling the Tukwila Food Pantry a "valuable asset"
within the City, Mayor Mullet confirmed the Des Moines Food Bank is no longer serving Tukwila residents.
Councilmember Duffie reported the family of Victoria Hays is upset that all flowers, pictures, notes and
stuffed animals have been removed from the site of her accident. Victoria is a former Tukwila Elementary
School student, recently killed in a bicycle /automobile accident. Her family would like to know the location
of the items and would like to receive them in her honor.
Council President Linder noted (that within three days) Animal Planet Television is seeking a special
guest from the Tukwila Community to appear on their channel to teach children about animal life
including woodpeckers. This may be an opportunity for taping to occur at the Tukwila Community Center.
The guest teacher has not yet been selected.
ADJOURNMENT:
10:44 p.m. Council President Linder declared the meeting adjourned.
J
(1/b -,„v.j 4
PAil, ela Linder, Council President
bat Fia
Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Date minutes signed: June 27, 2005
Page 8 of 8
June 13, 2005