Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-24 Committee of the Whole MinutesCALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:02 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 Steve Mullet, Mayor; Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL April 24, 2006 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE a. Introduction of new court employee, Amy Halseth Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge, introduced Amy Halseth, the newest member of the court staff. Ms. Halseth is a graduate of Central Washington University holding a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Her education has focused on law enforcement, corrections, and pre -law, and she was also a collegiate cheerleader. Judge Walden conveyed that Amy is an outstanding employee, and an excellent addition to the court staff. The Mayor and Councilmembers welcomed Amy to the City. b. Volunteer appreciation certificates presented to court volunteer Judge Walden and Trish Kinlow, Court Administrator, expressed appreciation for the services provided by Tukwila citizen, Joanne McManus. Ms. McManus works with both the Police and Court staff by contacting defendants to remind them of court dates. This valuable service has provided a cost savings to the City and improved attendance at court proceedings. Ms. McManus was provided flowers and a gift certificate to the Olive Garden for her contributions toward the work of the Municipal Court. a. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for 2007 Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on April 11, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The Office of Human Services seeks to apply for $57,000 ($20,000 for Tukwila, $22,000 for SeaTac and $15,000 for Des Moines) in CDBG funds to cover minor home repair needs. This program targets minor home repairs to low and moderate income homeowners. In 2005 there were 22 households that received assistance with 44 repairs. The application to King County for CDBG funds for 2007 is due by May 31, 2006. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, stated that most of the recipients of this program were at 30% of median income or below. Some of the repairs provided include electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 2 of 6 Aoril 24. 2006 leaks, gutter problems, window replacement, moss removal, and safety and health concerns. Cosmetic related issues are not a part of the repair program. Councilmember Carter inquired as to whether or not all of the money is spent each year. Ms. Boykan indicated all but $1000 was spent last year to ensure all final bills would be covered. Ms. Boykan also conveyed this is a way to handle code enforcement violations for low- income citizens that would otherwise not be resolved. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING TO BE PLACED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. b. Bid award for Council Chambers remodel for cabinetry, carpentry and painting Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 18, 2006. The committee recommends approval. Six contractors were solicited for bids through the Small Works Roster. Corsair Construction submitted the only bid on April 13, 2006 for a total of $176,538.88. This bid came in under the estimated amount by approximately $80,000. References indicated that Corsair Construction has performed well on similar projects. The work to be performed in the Council Chambers includes adding a lip with under mounted lights to the dais, staining the dais and beams darker, adding decorative glass panels, and rebuilding the City Clerk/Bailiff desk to incorporate a movable jury box. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, distributed staining samples to the Councilmembers. He also provided examples of the light panels that will be placed behind the dais along the back wall. The wood working on the dais and beams will be stained. A lighter stain will be used initially and may be darkened if necessary. The final color of the walls will be determined after the wood has been fully stained. Mr. Morrow provided a description of the light panels that will be placed behind the dais and indicated there would be depictions that include mountains, fish, herons, and the City Seal. Mr. Morrow also relayed that the electronic equipment at the center island will not be visible, and a folding jury box will be added to accommodate the needs of the court. Council President Robertson referenced page 12 of the budget and the estimated amount for this project. He noted significant differences between the estimates and the actual dollar amounts. Mr. Morrow stated the architect's estimates were lower in some instances and higher in others. Council President Robertson noted the $167,000 amount for the cabinetry is a high figure. Mr. Morrow stated that the estimates were reviewed. Considering the amount of new cabinetry, re- finishing of walls, staining of woodwork, re- building of the dais, as well as labor, the costs were considered to be reasonable. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Allentown /Foster Point sewer connection charge Councilmember Haggerton provided information regarding this issue which was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 18, 2006. It was forwarded to the Committee of the Whole for discussion. The City awarded the bid for Allentown /Foster Point Water, Sewer, and Surface Water improvements on March 20, 2006. Based on the bid results, calculations can be made to divide the $4,804,982.60 estimated sewer costs by the potential 235 sewer connections. There will be an open house on April 27 to discuss the project's construction schedule, the requirements for hookup to the new system, and the estimated connection fee amount. The following options have been offered for consideration in establishing the sewer connection fee. Option 1: In April of 2005, Staff, City Administration, and Council discussed project costs and the associated sewer connection fee. The original plan was to establish, if possible, a connection fee that would be close to the fee being paid by Allentown Phase I residents that were connecting to the system in 2007 ($10,189.20). It was recognized that due to rising fuel costs, material costs, and labor, the connection fee would have to be raised from the $10,000 to $15,000 if the City hoped to recover the majority of the project's cost. The City also proposed increasing the sewer rates 10% City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes each year through 2010 to offset the increased costs associated with Allentown Phase II. connection charge is only one portion of the total sewer charges. The side sewer connection, permit fee, and King County Metro capacity charge must also be added, and these three charges total approximately $9,136.93. The City was concerned that a resident would be paying $24,137 when the three additional charges were included. The City had little choice if the Sewer Fund was to remain viable. This increased connection fee was then presented to the Allentown and Foster Point residents at two open house events. Option 1 is to set the base year cost at $15,000 and to increase each succeeding year's cost by $750.00. Per State Law, there can be increases for 10 years, and then they must cease. After 2016, there can be no further increase in the connection fee. Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Option 2: The sewer connection fee will be calculated by dividing the total sewer project costs (including construction, contingency, and construction management) by the number of potential sewer connections. This would allow the City to recover the majority of the project's costs if all of the potential connections are made. In order to accelerate neighborhood revitalization, allow a 10% reduction ($2,044.67) to the base fee if the connection is made within the first year. This calculation was used in Allentown Phase I. The fee would be increased each year by 5 Sewer Connection Fee: $4,804,982.60 divided by 235 20,446.73. Increase this base fee by $1,022.34 a year (5% of the base fee) until 2016 in accord with RCW 35.92.025. With the addition of the three additional charges of $9,136.93, the first year's total connection charges would be $27,538.98. Year 2007 (Reduction Offered) 2008 (Base Fee) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Option 1 Sewer Connection Fee ($750.00 increase each year) $15,000 $15,750 $16,500 $17,250 $18,000 $18,750 $19,500 $20,250 $21,000 $21,750 Option 2 Sewer Connection Fee ($1,022.33 increase each year) $18,402.05 $20,446.73 $21,469.06 $22,491.39 $23,513.72 $24,536.05 $25,558.38 $26,580.71 $27,603.04 $28,625.37 Page 3 of 6 Aoril 24. 2006 The City's Tukwila's City policy currently states that connection will only be required in the following circumstances: 1. Septic or health problems are identified by King County Health Department that require repair of the septic tank system, or City of Tukwila Citv Council Committee of the Whole Minutes 2. The home changes ownership, or 3. Remodeling occurs adding a bathroom or bedroom, or 4. New construction. Page 4 of 6 April 24. 2006 Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided background information regarding the project and associated costs. He indicated that a payment plan is available on a 5, 10, or 15 -year plan at an interest rate of 4 A citizen could choose to begin a payment plan and lock in at the current rate, and actually hook up to the sewer system at a future time. These charges are relevant to Tukwila only. Separate fees equaling approximately $9,000 for the side sewer connection, permit fee, and King County Metro capacity charge would also be incurred. At this time the Metro capacity charge cannot be locked in prior to the connection. Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133 indicated the people in this area have been waiting for sewers for a long time. Other areas of the City have gotten sewers and at a much lower cost. There are many senior citizens and lower income people in this area of Tukwila, and the costs associated with the sewer connection will be very burdensome for them. Chuck Parrish, 14120 34 Place South, asked for clarification regarding the bonds as well as allowing someone to lock in a payment plan at the current rate and connect at a future time. The connection being made in the future will be more expensive, and he would like additional information on this issue. Jim Morrow, said under the Public Works Trust Fund loan, the sewer fund must pay for the principal and the interest, which is at 2.5 for a loan of $3,135,000. The City intends to also go out for a revenue bond in the amount of $1,504,982.60 with an approximate 5% or higher interest rate. Looking at the interest charges on both of these, it was found to be reasonable to charge 4% overall. Mr. Morrow conveyed that it may seem to be a disadvantage to the Sewer Enterprise Fund and the City to allow a citizen to begin a payment plan and lock in at a current rate. When the citizen chooses to connect to the sewer sometime in the future, the costs will be higher to the City. This was a policy decision the Council made regarding Allentown Phase 1 and the Duwamish improvements. It is intended the same policy decisions be maintained for this project. Suzanne Seifert, 5630 South 133 Street, asked if discounts were available if the full amount was paid up front. Councilmember Linder responded that a discount is given to everyone who chooses to connect to the sewer system in that $5400.00 is being deducted immediately. The actual cost to the City for the sewer connection is $20,446.73, but the citizens are only being charged $15,000.00. Discussion ensued regarding options for this project. The Councilmembers expressed concern for those citizens who would be adversely impacted by the charges required to connect to the sewer system. They also relayed comments regarding the benefits to the community in that property values will increase, the sewer infrastructure will be upgraded to current standards, and the $5400.00 discount will help to defray costs to Tukwila citizens. UNANIMOUS COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO DIRECT THE STAFF TO PROCEED WITH OPTION 1 REGARDING THE ALLENTOWN /FOSTER POINT SEWER CONNECTION CHARGE. d. New Drinking Water Requirement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Councilmember Haggerton indicated this item was discussed at the Utilities Committee meeting on April 18, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has recently mandated the City must monitor for disinfectants and water quality. The initial report, IDSE, will be due October 1, 2006. It is necessary to enter into an agreement with HDR Engineering in the amount of $66,358.00 for a recommendation on the preliminary monitoring sites to be sampled and assessment of the implications of water quality blending from the City of Kent's Intertie. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, clarified this is an unfunded mandate from the federal government. Tukwila purchases water that has been previously treated, but we are a water purveyor. The City sells water to residents and businesses, and we are not exempt from this mandate. Councilmember Carter stated that once the consultant report has been completed and costs to Tukwila have been assessed, the City may want to communicate the impacts of this unfunded mandate to members of congress. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. REPORTS a. Mayor Mayor Mullet reported on a court decision regarding Kent's wetland boundaries where expansion was refused due to growth management concerns. Tukwila will be dealing with shoreline related issues in the future, and this ruling may affect the City. He also reported on the new LIFT tax increment financing proposal that municipalities may be considering. If a city has new property and /or sales tax revenue increases, then the State would match those from a portion of their share of state sales tax to pay for bonds, etc. An issue of concern is there can only be one RDA district where this tax increment financing can be counted. Only one RDA can be counted in each county, and larger counties will be at a disadvantage. b. Council c. Staff Page 5 of 6 Aoril 24. 2006 Councilmember Duffie reported on the Transportation Committee's recent tour of the Traffic Operations Center at the Minkler Shops. He also attended the April 20, 2006 Suburban Cities dinner that was attended by Ron Sims, Patty Murray, and Julia Patterson, as well as the Joint School Board meeting that evening. Mr. Duffie also attended the tour of the Kent Station. Councilmember Hernandez reported on April 18, 2006 she was invited to be a judge at the Senior Arts Academy at Foster High School. On April 19, 2006 she attended the Crime Hot Spots meeting. She also attended the April 20, 2006 Suburban Cities dinner, Joint School Board meeting, and tours of the Kent Station and Traffic Operations Center. Councilmember Carter distributed a written report from her attendance at the April 18, 2006 SCATBd meeting. An important issue of consideration was regarding the competition for regional funds. SCATBd nominated 5 projects, and one of those was Tukwila's Klickitat project. On April 20, 2006 she attended the State Traffic Safety Committee meeting in Olympia. This committee focuses on safety on the roadways rather than construction related issues. Councilmember Haggerton attended the April 19, 2006 board meeting of the Cascade Water Alliance. He distributed two resolutions that were passed at that meeting. He also attended the Finance Resource Planning meeting for Cascade Water Alliance on April 20, 2006. He also attended an April 22, 2006 Cascade Water Alliance Board Retreat at the Mercer Island Community Center. Councilmember Griffin participated in an NLC conference call regarding the involvement of Parks Recreation Department's to combat childhood obesity. Councilmember Robertson reported he had been invited to a 3 -day Fire Academy 101 event. This was sponsored by the State Fire Chief's Association and the International Firefighter's Association. Approximately 35 elected officials from a three -state region participated in the event. Mr. Robertson also provided an update on the hiring process for the Council Assistant position. Two finalists will be meeting the Councilmembers in an informal social setting on April 25, 2006 beginning at 6:00 pm. No official, policy decisions will be made during this period. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported there will be an open house at the Tukwila Community Schools Collaboration (TCSC) on April 26, 2006. There will also be a groundbreaking ceremony on May 11, 2006 at 9:00 am for the Westfield expansion. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie stated that on May 4, 2006, there will be prayer at the City Hall flagpole. Councilmember Hernandez referenced the Foster High School electronic reader board proposal will be coming forth on the Community Affairs and Parks Committee agenda. She also indicated that Section 8 is opening for applications on April 26, 2006 for two weeks. Applications can be downloaded from the King County Housing Authority website. Councilmember Linder conveyed there may be an article and picture in the April 29, 2006 Seattle PI newspaper in the HOMENOW section regarding the upcoming Backyard Wildlife Fair. ADJOURNMENT 9:43 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE MEETING ADJOURNED Dennis R ertson, ouncil Pres 7 Christy O'Flah rty, Deputy City Clerkl Page 6 of 6 Aoril 24, 2006