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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-23 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin. ATTENDANCE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL January 23, 2006 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Steven M. Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst; Jane Cantu, City Clerk; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk; Jim Morrow; Public Works Director; Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Don Lincoln, Temporary Assistant Chief of Police. CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. An interlocal agreement with the City of SeaTac for a jointly run minor home repair program Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the January 10, 2006 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. The committee recommended the item be forwarded to the Committee of the Whole for discussion and approval. In the past Tukwila and SeaTac contracted separately with King County, making this a joint venture for 2006. Tukwila will take the role as a fiscal agent for accounting purposes, and the money will come from the Community Development Block Grant program. In 2005, 22 households obtained services from this program and 90% of the funding was utilized. Councilmember Carter inquired as to whether Tukwila had to compete for the funding for this project. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, indicated the money is secure for this year. If Tukwila wants to continue the program in 2007, we would have to apply to King County. Chuck Parrish, 14120 34 PI South, asked if this was an interest free loan program. Ms. Boykan clarified there are no loans associated with the minor home repair program, and there is a limit of $2,000 per household per year. Mr. Parrish also inquired as to whether this was the first year of the interlocal arrangement and if the total amount went to Tukwila citizens. Ms. Boykan indicated that last year, the agreement was with King County and Tukwila utilized $18,000. Finally, Mr. Parrish inquired as to the qualifications required for a citizen to apply for this service. Ms. Boykan said an applicant must be a homeowner for one year, have current homeowner's insurance, and have low or moderate income according to Housing and Urban Development standards. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. b. An interlocal agreement with the City of Federal Way for planning, funding and implementing an organizational capacity building pilot program City of Tukwila Page 2 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 23. 2006 Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the January 10, 2006 Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting. In this agreement, the City of Federal Way will act as the fiscal agent. Each agency will choose one pilot, non profit agency to receive assistance toward enhancing their organizational effectiveness. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, has chosen the Tukwila Food Pantry as the agency to receive this benefit. The cost for Tukwila for this program would be $5,250. Councilmember Carter expressed support for the program and stressed the importance of networking and maintaining regional contacts to pursue common interests and enhance efficiency. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Mayor Mullet expressed that this program will be very beneficial to the Tukwila Food Pantry. They have grown from a very small operation to one with increased expenses and equipment needs. This will be a very favorable opportunity for them to acquire some professional assistance. c. A resolution for sole source purchase of Aries pipeline video equipment for sewer /surface water video truck system upgrade Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the January 18, 2006 Utilities Committee meeting. The current truck has outdated video equipment and a cable that is too short to meet work related needs. The advantage of this purchase is to obtain updated technological equipment in the vehicle. It is also essential to acquire a 300 foot cable to handle required tasks efficiently. The total cost to replace the equipment and software is $51,362.80. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, indicated that part of the request before Council is to go out for sole source purchase of the equipment. This will ensure the equipment is compatible with the existing truck. A resolution is required to approve the sole source purchase. Mr. Morrow pointed out the cost savings involved in not having to acquire a new truck in addition to the needed equipment. Currently $50,000 is budgeted for this equipment, and the remaining dollars can be acquired from the Enterprise Funds. Councilmember Hernandez asked if any of the components, such as the video camera, would be transferable to a new vehicle when the old truck requires replacement. Mr. Morrow said the equipment would more than likely be obsolete by the time the truck would need replacing. Councilmember Haggerton pointed out that modifying and updating this equipment saves the City money in various ways. There are times when the City has been challenged regarding problems occurring from underground pipes in businesses or residences. Utilization of this video equipment can prove or disprove issues as they arise and save the City dollars in both time and potential litigation. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. d. Fire apparatus replacement bids aerial ladder truck Nick Olivas, Fire Chief, indicated it is time to replace the aerial ladder truck. Funds for replacement of the truck will be coming from Sound Transit. Two bids were received from Pierce and Ferrara. It was determined that the Pierce vehicle was a better piece of equipment. Washington State has some very strict weight requirements for fire apparatus. Pierce has delivered several aerial trucks to the state over the past few years that have met the weight restrictions. While Ferrara makes a good product, they have not delivered any apparatus to this area. Uncertainty exists regarding their ability to meet the weight restrictions. Pierce also has a service facility in Puyallup. Councilmember Linder commented favorably on receiving $1 million from Sound Transit, but noted a $75,000 gap. Chief Olivas clarified that Tukwila is receiving $1.5 million from Sound Transit, to be spent on the aerial ladder and ancillary equipment. Councilmember Hernandez clarified that the money received from Sound Transit was part of an agreement with the City. Chief Olivas indicated Tukwila had a requirement for Sound Transit to put in stair towers every 2500 feet along the guide way for access and rescue. Sound Transit offered an City of Tukwila Page 3 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 23. 2006 alternate proposal which was to provide Tukwila funds to replace the aerial ladder truck which will be used in rescue operations. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. e. Fire apparatus replacement bids two engines Council President Robertson indicated that bids were received for two engines from Pierce and Ferrara. It is recommended that we award the bid to Ferrara and sign a contract for two engines, taking delivery of one in 2006 and one in 2007 to take advantage of bid prices. This item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting, and Councilmember Carter pointed out the Committee was in favor of the purchase and accepting the bid from Ferrara. However, the cost is more than we have set aside for the purchase. The Committee would like the purchase to proceed if funding can be identified. Fire Chief Olivas explained the City has not purchased a pumper since 1999. The Fire Department has need of two engines, but there are only funds for one. There is a shortage of $252,000, assuming we signed a contract for both engines based on these bid prices. Kevin Fuhrer, Finance Director, indicated he and the Fire Chief have discussed looking at the entire fire fleet to start projecting replacement needs. There is a need to reassess the amount of the Equipment Reserve Fund contribution to accommodate those requirements, so we do not find ourselves in a shortfall situation. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding costs of fire equipment and life span, future purchase costs, and a financial plan for funding the proposal. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO DELAY A DECISION AT THIS TIME. f. A contract for legal services with Kenyon Disend, PLLC for legal services This contract was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting, and Councilmember Carter indicated there is a 4% increase over the 2005 amount. The committee recommends approval. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, said the contract clarifies how City Attorney services will function with Code Enforcement. The day -to -day support of the Code Enforcement Division is part of the base contract. Any items that go forward to a Hearing Examiner would be a separate matter and billed differently. Ms. Berry pointed out that one issue that came up at the committee involved charges under the city's ethics ordinance. It was clarified that issues that arise regarding city employees and the ethics ordinance would be covered by the attorney's office. Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, will be revamping the procedure that relates to the ethics ordinance and elected officials. The cost of the contract is $32,760 per month plus expenses. Councilmember Hernandez spoke in favor of the City Attorney attending Committee of the Whole Meetings. The Councilmembers expressed positive comments about the services provided by the attorney's office. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. g. A contract with Ball Janik, LLP, for lobbying services This contract was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting, and Councilmember Carter indicated it was a 4% increase over the 2005 amount. She conveyed that Ball Janik acts as our eyes and ears in Washington D.C. and provides counsel and points out opportunities. The committee spoke favorably of Ball Janik and recommended approval of the contract. City of Tukwila Page 4 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 23. 2006 Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated the amount of the contract is $9,250 per month. Ball Janik provides support to our elected officials and staff regarding legislative issues. They also represent the City of Burien which is positive for Tukwila in terms of collaborating with a neighboring city on regional issues. Ball Janik will also assist the City in applying for agency grants and garnering letters of support from members of congress or other cities. The Councilmembers expressed positive comments about the services provided by Ball Janik. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. h. A contract with M. J. Durkan, Inc. for lobbying services This contract was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting, and Councilmember Carter indicated there is no increase over the 2005 contract amount. Due to the short legislative session this year, the committee considered both the six month contract option or going for a full year. The committee decided on the full year. They are very pleased with the quality of representation from M. J. Durkan, and they provide services outside the legislative session. They interact with elected officials throughout the year and keep Tukwila informed about important regional issues. Councilmember Linder pointed out a discrepancy between the $50,000 budgeted amount for the contract and the language on Page 66 of the contract document. The $4,000 a month charge and $500 per month in expenses equals $54,000 per year, exceeding the budget by $4,000. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, indicated this issue would be resolved prior to the next Council Meeting. The Councilmembers expressed positive comments about the services provided by M. J. Durkan. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Councilmember Haggerton thanked Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, for getting these consultant contracts completed early in the year. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reminded Council about the AWC conference that begins Wednesday, January 25, 2006 in Olympia. b. City Council Councilmember Duffle attended the City Council Retreat and Employee Banquet and spoke favorably of both. Councilmember Hernandez had a telephone conference with the Affordable Housing Advisory Board members to discuss housing legislation. She conveyed that Tukwila prefers to retain the ability to impose development regulations appropriate for our community. She attended the Transportation Committee on January 23 as well as the City Council Retreat. She congratulated Councilmember Robertson on a very worthwhile event. Councilmember Carter attended the Regional Transit Committee meeting on January 18. She will also be attending the AWC Conference this week. The Sub -Area Transportation board members will be meeting with Representative Murray and Senator Haugen. Councilmember Haggerton attended the January 18 Utilities Committee. On January 19 he attended a meeting at the Cascade Water Office in Bellevue. The meeting members were interviewing for an interim City of Tukwila Page 5 of 5 City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes January 23. 2006 Finance Director for Cascade Water. The position of Interim Finance Director became necessary when none of the applicants for the full time Finance Director position were approved for hiring. Councilmember Linder attended a meeting at Renton City Hall on January 18 where Mayor Mullet served as the representative for the Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee. Councilmember Griffin attended the Utilities Committee on January 18. She received an education as to the many functions performed by the Public Works Department. Councilmember Robertson reported that Jan Lande from the School Board would like to resume annual meetings with the Board and the City Council. The School Board would like the Council to consider one of the following dates for the meeting: April 18, 19, 20, 2006. Councilmember Robertson reported his attendance at the Lodging Tax Advisory Board meeting. He also met with Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, regarding the ethics code as it relates to elected officials and the handling of complaints. Mr. Robertson distributed copies of a memo from the City Attorney regarding the issue and stated it would be discussed at a future Finance and Safety Committee meeting. c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, distributed Planning Commission minutes and assured the Council they would be receiving copies in the future. She also made reference to a Highline Times article regarding franchise fees for Olympic Pipeline. The City has two Olympic pipes going through the City. One is on private property and no fees are collected. The other is on City property and involves an agreement entered into in 1967 with a 50 year term, renewable in 2017. The City receives $520 in revenue per year from that agreement. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental Lucy Lauterbach, Council Analyst, reported that legislation regarding accessory dwellings being mandated in single family residential areas has passed in the House. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Hernandez thanked the Mayor and City Administrator for attending the City Council Retreat. ADJOURNMENT 8:58 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE MEETING ADJOURNED l Dennis Robe on, Council Presiderit riT-- 1., Christy O'Flahertci, Deputy City Clerk