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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-10 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL October 10, 2005 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Calling the meeting to order and leading the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. was Joe Duffie, Council President Pro Tem. Pamela Linder, Council President, was absent. OFFICIALS: Present were Councilmembers Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton and David Fenton. Dennis Robertson, Councilmember, was absent. ATTENDANCE: Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Kevin Fuhrer, Director of Finance; Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator; Lisa Pacini, Consultant; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Cyndy Knighton, Senior Engineer; Maggi Lubov, Commute Trip Reduction Coordinator; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Tracy Gallaway, Recreation Superintendent; David Haines, Chief of Police; and Bob Baker, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: a. Introduction of new employee Jennifer Marshall, Permit Technician, DCD Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, introduced Jennifer Marshall. The Washington native grew up in Renton and has worked with the cities of Newcastle, WA and Roseville, CA. b. Report Tukwila International Farmers' Market Derek Speck Lisa Pacini Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator, introduced Lisa Pacini, consultant and coordinator of the Farmers' Market; Tracy Gallaway, Recreation Superintendent; and Alvin Tapic, Public Works Department. He cited success of the Market is also owed, in part, to the Fire Explorers, Sister Cities Committee members, City staff, City Council and others who gave of their time and energy. Some, like Mr. Tapic, volunteered every week of the Market. The first ever Tukwila International Farmers' Market lasted 10 weeks in duration, occurring every Wednesday, from 3 to 7 p.m. The market began with 30 vendors in the first week and varied in number, eventually decreasing to 19 vendors on the last day. A core group of those vendors is expected to return in 2006. With the assistance of radio spots, written promos, posters, and other marketing efforts, sales (per week) ranged from a low of $2,000 to a high of $3,300. Although a fluctuation was experienced, the greatest decrease came after Labor Day. Marketing efforts and increased sales are anticipated for 2006. Information gleaned this year serves as an excellent reference point for future analysis and /or reporting. Citing the benefits of any farmers' market, Mr. Speck noted Tukwila's focus was neighborhood revitalization, community connections, and getting people out of their homes and into the community. An City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes October 10. 2005 unexpected and much appreciated benefit was 50 boxes of produce being donated to the Tukwila Food Pantry. Looking ahead, Mr. Speck reported opportunities for growth and enhancements will be considered especially in the areas of location, length of the market, marketing efforts, increased revitalization of neighborhoods, operators of the market and more. Announcing the receipt of a $10,000.00 grant from King County, Mr. Speck noted those monies would be used in conjunction with the 2006 Tukwila International Farmers' Market. Additional grants, such as the Ford Foundation Grant, may be sought. Using a PowerPoint slide show presentation, Mr. Speck shared photographs and memories of Tukwila's first -ever farmers' market. And, in closing, he thanked the Council for their support at the meetings, in person and at the market. c. 2006 Proposed Budget— Kevin Fuhrer Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, reported review of the Proposed 2006 Budget began earlier this evening at the City's Transportation Committee meeting. With "a long way to go," review of the proposed budget will continue for the next six weeks at various City Council sub committee meetings. From there, a review will be conducted by the Committee of the Whole, with eventual review and approval being done by the Council at a Regular meeting. Staff anticipates a November 21 Public Hearing on the Proposed 2006 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, proposed amendments to the 2005 budget on November 28, consideration of a draft ordinance adopting the documents on December 5 and subsequent adoption at a December 12 City Council Special meeting. Highlights of the Proposed 2006 Budget include a "target goal of 4% growth" in expenditures; preparing for premium increases with medical, dental and vision care; fuel and energy costs; proposed staffing enhancements and closing of two line -item funds (from 2005 Budget) including the VNET and Water /Sewer Construction (403) Fund. Proposed staffing increases for 2006 include increasing a Code Enforcement Officer position from .5 FTE to 1 FTE, creating a Probation Work Coordinator position, adding 1 FTE Volunteer /Special Events Coordinator (could be beneficial in planning for the City's Centennial Celebration), and adding one FTE to the Administrative Services Department (.5 FTE City Clerk's Office; .5 FTE Information Technology "as technology grows in the City, so grows the demand Component makeup of General Fund revenue elements include service charges, fines, miscellaneous, other financing sources, intergovernmental, permits, and taxes. Taxes are by far the largest revenue generator for the City. General Fund expenditure elements include intergovernmental services, capital expenses, salaries and wages, "other services and charges supplies, and personnel benefits. Councilmember Carter spoke in favor of including the "Mayor's Message" in the adopted budget. Little discussion and no decision occurred. Councilmember Fenton asked if the Mayor and City staff had reviewed all requests from department directors for new positions or those which seek increases in FTE status. Mr. Fuhrer and Mayor Mullet both answered in the affirmative and noted everyone is unable to "get what they want." Monies are still tight in the City. Councilmember Haggerton spoke in favor of City staff developing a plan to "talk with U. S. senators and others" who may attempt to divert grant funds already promised to jurisdictions. Currently being discussed by senators and other politicians is the potential to divert grant funds to assist in relief efforts in conjunction with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Mayor Mullet said that work has already begun and will continue. City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Meeting Minutes October 10. 2005 CITIZEN COMMENT: Bill Arthur. 5811 Seaale Park Drive. Tukwila, spoke on behalf of his employer, Mario Segale. For the past 18 years, Mr. Segale and his corporation (Segale Properties, LLC) have provided Christmas trees and poinsettias to City Hall and other buildings where City staff work. In light of recent work, discussions and /or a lack thereof (between Segale Properties and City staff) relative to the La Pianta issue Mr. Segale is seeking an indication (in writing) that the City is willing to once again accept the donated items. In the past, City staff has thanked Mr. Segale in various ways (after receipt of the items). This year, however, he would like an indication as to City staff being willing to accept and /or appreciate the items. Council briefly discussed a resolution or proclamation. They are willing to sign either of those items, yet wondered if we should first speak with the City's Attorney as to the best approach (none were present at this meeting). That suggestion was agreed upon. Mr. Arthur noted a letter would suffice. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, informed Mr. Arthur she would speak with Ms. Kerslake to determine what is necessary. Verna Griffin. 3833 South 132 Place. Tukwila, o /b /o the Tukwila Children's Foundation, presented Mayor Mullet with a $15,000 check (grant monies) from Starbucks for the Macadam Winter Garden. SPECIAL ISSUES: a. Tukwila Urban Access Improvement/Klickitat Proiect 1. Road Closure Citing the need to correct major congestion at Southcenter Parkway and Klickitat Drive, Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, reported an improvement design is at the 30% completion stage. After an engineering study (to review the proposed design and look for ways to improve the project's value to the public) in July 2005, a major cost saving measure recommended closing Southcenter Parkway, Klickitat Drive and the southern 1 -5 off -ramp. This would allow construction to be completed in just one construction season with a costs savings of (up to) $5 million. Mr. Morrow is confident the work could be completed in one construction season and the roads would be re- opened by November 1, 2006. No entrance or exit (to the mall) would be closed. Like any other major construction project, "an education process with the public" will occur. Extensive signage (including electronic reader boards) and alternative routes would be posted. Written materials would be printed and /or presented as well. INFORMATIONAL ONLY. NO DIRECTION WAS GIVEN EXCEPT TO ALLOW STAFF TO CONTINUE WORKING TO ACHIEVE DESIRED RESULTS. 2. Feasibility Study Local Improvement District (LID) In relation to forming a Local Improvement District (LID), an attorney with Foster Pepper Shefelman recommended consideration of conducting a feasibility study on whether an LID would be financially beneficial for a specific project. LID's are funding mechanisms which legally restrict assessing more monies than the project would increase property values. Thus, making sure a project increases property values is essential. The same attorney (Lee Voorhees) suggested a certified appraiser do such a study. Three appraisers are listed on the City's small works roster. Each was contacted. Macaulay Associates was selected as they demonstrated the best understanding of the desired goal and had the shortest proposed time for project completion. City staff is in favor of selecting that firm for the work. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Meetina Minutes October 10. 2005 FOR ACTION, CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THE PROPOSED CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH MACAULAY ASSOCIATES TO CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY LID FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE KLICKITAT PROJECT TO THE OCTOBER 17 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. b. Commute Trip Reduction (CTR' Implementation Contract with WSDOT Maggi Lubov, Commute Trip Reduction Coordinator, presented the biennial CTR contract (2005- 2007). The money is already being received in connection with the contract, and there are no financial impacts to the City. This money pays her salary and pays her to administer the program. The purpose of Commute Trip Reduction is to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion and energy consumption. With that explanation, Ms. Lubov distributed a packet of information and invited Council to review the contents and contact her (directly) with questions or comments. She noted a proposed re -write of the State's CTR laws in 2006. Further, she noted the State's CTR Task Force meets twice monthly at the Tukwila Community Center. She thanked Bruce Fletcher and staff for their "in- kind" donation to CTR by providing space and staff time. Questions relative to affected work sites and other particulars were asked by Council and answered by Ms. Lubov. Currently, there are 21 affected worksites, including the City of Tukwila. Ms. Lubov praised the work of Kathy Rohlena in getting City staff enthusiastic about the program. FOR ACTION, CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE OCTOBER 17 REGULAR MEETING CONSENT AGENDA. REPORTS: a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reminded Council they are encouraged to participate in the Walk Across Washington event on October 12 and of Joint Planning Commission /City Council meeting at 6 p.m. October 12 and the King County Council Transportation Committee meeting (to discuss Southwest Airline's proposed move) also at 6 p.m. on October 12. b. City Council Councilmember Joe Duffie announced he would attend the October 11 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting as well as the King County Council's Transportation committee meeting October 12. Councilmember Hernandez attended the October 4 Chamber /Tukwila Government Affairs meeting and an Emergency Preparedness meeting on October 5. Councilmember Carter (along with Mayor Mullet and Derek Speck) attended the Seattle Chamber's Leadership Conference October 6 and 7. Councilmember Haggerton attended the Chamber /Tukwila Government Affairs meeting on October 4 and this evening's Transportation Committee meeting. Councilmember Fenton attended the Chamber /Tukwila Government Affairs meeting on October 4. He also attended the Foster High School Site Council meeting last week. c. City Staff Rhonda Berry had no report. City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of Whole Meetina Minutes October 10. 2005 d. City Attorney Neither the City Attorney nor her representative were present. e. Legislative Analyst Lucy Lauterbach reminded Council no dinner would be served at the October 12 Joint Planning Commission /City Council meeting. She also informed Council that the Equity Diversity Commission and various police officers would attend a "Virtues" training session on October 13. ADJOURNMENT: 8:44 p.m. Joe Duffie, Council President Pro Tem adjourned the Committee of Whole meeting. Joe Duffie, Council President Pro Tem J,.m otk -LLEactiaA, Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk Date minutes signed: November 19. 2005.