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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-22 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL May 22, 2006 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President, Dennis Robertson, called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. OFFICIALS Present were Dennis Robertson, Council President; Councilmembers Joe Duffie, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, and Pam Linder. Councilmembers Hernandez and Griffin were not present. ATTENDANCE Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Nick Olivas, Fire Chief; David Haynes, Police Chief; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge; Bruce Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Mullet was not present. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. A Proclamation designating the period of May 21 to May 27, 2006 as National Public Works Week Council President Robertson read, a proclamation, in its entirety, designating May 21 through May 27, 2006, with this year's theme "Public Works: The Heart of Every Community," as National Public Works Week in the City of Tukwila. Mr. Robertson presented the proclamation to Jim Morrow, Public Works Director. b. Presentation by Kimberly Behymer, Kent Fire Department, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) Nick Olivas, Fire Chief, introduced Kimberly Behymer from the Kent Fire Department. Ms. Behymer utilized a Powerpoint presentation to provide an overview and information relevant to the City of Kent's Emergency Management Program. She indicated the program has been in effect since 1999, and the first program was offered to City employees, Councilmembers, and Fire District Commissioners. Currently over 700 people have graduated from their program. The coursework focuses on basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills, designed to improve the ability of citizens and businesses to survive until responders or other assistance can arrive at the scene. They offer two programs per year in the Spring and Fall. The class for businesses and city employees is offered in the afternoon, and the citizen course is available in the evening. The class meets once a week for eight weeks, and each session is 3 hours long. Most of the sessions are taught by Kent Fire Department personnel. Citizens are not charged for the courses, and due to grant funding, the training is also offered to businesses at no charge. Ms. Behymer stated there are typically 20 -25 people in each class, but there have been as many as 40 students at one training session. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes The Councilmembers asked Ms. Behymer to provide additional information on some facets of the presentation and thanked her for coming to the Council meeting to give an overview of Kent's program. CITIZEN COMMENT Page 2 of 6 Mav 22. 2006 Darryl Doak, Doak Homes, commented on recent changes to the City's storm drainage specifications. He indicated a product called Fast Patch is required to be used when working on the City's storm drains. He stated that while using the product to install catch basins in Tukwila, both of his arms brushed up against it, causing burns that are still visible after six days. He relayed that this material is dangerous for people to use and could be a problem for wildlife. He would like the City to allow use of the Jet Set product. Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133` Street, indicated she observed a recent Tukwila Court proceeding and was very impressed with Judge Kimberly Walden. Ms. McManus stated the judge was knowledgeable as well as fair and impartial. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on May 1, 2006. The committee forwarded this topic to the full Council for discussion and requested the presentation this evening. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are members of the neighborhood who are trained to respond to immediate needs after a disaster. CERT members augment emergency service's capabilities and have been extremely helpful in other parts of the country after earthquakes, hurricanes, and large forest fires. There is a need for a Public Education Officer who can train and certify our citizens, who can then help themselves in an emergency situation. The courses need to be taught by a full -time, trained professional and refreshed on a regular basis. The logical assignment for this training responsibility is Tukwila's Fire Department and would entail an annual expense of $65,000. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, emphasized the goal with this program is to train individuals to become better prepared in a disaster situation. Those individuals can, in turn, lend support in training others in their neighborhoods, businesses or multi family complexes to assist themselves in an emergency situation. In the first 72 hours after a disaster, first responders will be overwhelmed, and community members need the tools and training to assist themselves until help can arrive. The Councilmembers expressed positive comments about the CERT program and the need for a staff member to implement and maintain the required objectives. The necessity to involve the non English speaking members of the community was also emphasized. The Council conveyed they would like to see the program implemented as soon as possible. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO SUPPORT THE HIRING OF AN ADDITIONAL STAFF PERSON FOR THE CERT PROGRAM, TO BE INCLUDED AS A PRIORITY FOR THE 2007 BUDGET PROCESS. b. Concurrency Modeling Consultant's Agreement Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on May 8, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The contract is for transportation modeling services in conjunction with the City's concurrency management program. Concurrency is "how much capacity we have that exists within our transportation system associated with the level of service." At least once per year, a traffic model update will be done with existing and projected levels of service calculated. Mirai Transportation Planning and Engineering will validate the new base year model with 2006 traffic counts and prepare a concurrency status report. WIG Properties at the JC Penney warehouse location is the first applicant, and they have paid $33,383.03 for traffic analysis. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, explained that when applicants come before the City for a development project, they must do a traffic impact study. The City will take on the responsibility of City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 3 of 6 Mav 22. 2006 handling the traffic impact study, with fees paid by the developer. This would be done by utilizing the services of Mirai Transportation Planning and Engineering. This agency has developed the model for all of Tukwila's City streets. A fee schedule will be established for applicants to utilize to determine the cost to obtain a Certificate of Concurrency. This would inform the applicant whether or not the system has enough capacity to absorb their development and if mitigating measures will be required. This will also speed up the development process and shorten approval times for new applications. This is similar to the method used at this time to determine traffic impact fees. There is no lengthy study required by the applicant since the City is handling the study with fees paid by the developer. WIG Properties has offered to be the test case and provide the money for the impact analysis for their development. This is a partnership opportunity to test the system previously endorsed by the Council. Councilmember Linder referenced the CAS form on Page 11 of the agenda packet. She asked for clarification as to why the expenditure- required amount shown is $38,364.00, and the comment section shows a fee of $33,383.03. Mr. Morrow said the difference is relevant to traffic count costs which are already budgeted. The two amounts are shown to clearly identify the dollar amount contributed by WIG Properties toward the process. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Interlocal agreement for cooperation in acceptance and use of Department of Justice /Cops More grant funds Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on May 15, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The grant allocation of $98,723.00 is earmarked for a valley cities regional wi -fi network feasibility study. The study will focus on public safety usage as well as economic development and general public access. The interlocal agreement must be signed in order to release the funds to the Valley Cities group, which includes the cities of Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Algona, Pacific, Fife, Sumner, and Puyallup. The City of Auburn will be the lead agency on this project. Council President Robertson inquired if the deliverable product from this grant will be a feasibility study. Mary Miotke, IT Manager, replied in the affirmative and indicated the intent is that a team from each City be formed to assist in decision making. Ms. Miotke conveyed that most of the cities in the valley corridor are at different places with their wi -fi projects. The feasibility study would assist in determining what information is already available; the needs of the various municipalities; and where the group wants to go as a region. Council President Robertson asked for clarification as to when the feasibility study would be completed. Ms. Miotke relayed that a consultant has made a proposal to the City -group to provide the study, and it is intended that it be completed by year -end 2006. Further grant funding is available in 2007, and the results of the study will assist the City -group in determining future needs and funding requirements. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE CONSENT AGENDA OF THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Contract with Securitas Security Services for court security Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on May 15, 2006. The committee recommends approval. Securitas Security provides continuous daily security services for the Tukwila Municipal Court. The contract needs to be renewed for 2006 at a cost not to exceed $45,000.00. The only change from the 2005 contract is a cost of living adjustment that results in an increase of $3,078.40 that can be absorbed in the current budgeted amount. Kimberly Walden, Municipal Court Judge, indicated that the court security has and continues to be very valuable. Some court proceedings can become contentious, and assurance that weapons not make it into the courtroom is essential. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. e. Volunteer Coordinator position Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on May 15, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting to move forward with the recruitment process for a .75 FTE Volunteer Coordinator position. Currently the position is approved at a .50 FTE level, and it is requested to be increased to .75 FTE to accomplish the expanded vision of the position. No additional funding is required for 2006, but the .25 increase in 2007 will require an additional $17,000 plus benefits. The Councilmembers expressed support for the position and relayed concern that the tasks involved may require a full time job as opposed to .75 FTE. Councilmember Carter conveyed that it was explained at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting that support staff at the Community Center will be providing some assistance to this new position. Joanne McManus, 5610 South 133 Street, expressed her satisfaction with Tukwila's former Volunteer Coordinator. Ms. McManus and her husband are both volunteers, but many individuals expect to get paid and do not return after an initial contact. It is her hope a person will be selected for the position that can get people excited about volunteering in the City. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. f. Interlocal Agreement with City of Seattle for Hearing Examiner Services Page 4 of 6 May 22. 2006 In the absence of Councilmember Hernandez, Councilmember Linder indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on May 9, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The City's interlocal agreement with the City of Seattle for Hearing Examiner services is up for renewal. The proposed agreement renews the commitment for two years with some minor modifications. Councilmember Linder stated both the City Attorney's Office and the Department of Community Development staff have spoken very favorably toward renewing this contract for a two year period. There is a fee increase from $70.00 to $75.00 per hour and a $15 flat fee for travel and mileage reimbursement. A half hour minimum is also being requested for drug forfeiture cases. It was pointed out that the Hearing Examiners travel to Tukwila to meet the timelines and needs of the staff. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. g. Subdivision Code Changes Ordinance In the absence of Councilmember Hernandez, Councilmember Linder introduced this item. It was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on March 28, 2006 and at the Planning Commission on April 27, 2006. The Community Affairs and Parks Committee recommends approval. Two sets of changes to the Subdivision Code have been included in the draft ordinance. The first is clarification of City policy regarding completion of infrastructure improvements prior to final short plat or subdivision approval. The second implements the Council's decision to have the Planning Commission take over as the hearing body for subdivision preliminary plats. Councilmember Carter requested clarification as to the issue of preliminary plat decisions being rendered by the Planning Commission. Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director, stated that earlier in the year the Council reviewed a number of quasi judicial decisions made by various bodies. Upon review, the Council made the determination to transfer responsibility from the City Council to the Planning Commission regarding public City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 5 of 6 May 22. 2006 hearings on subdivisions. At that time, those amendments were made to the Zoning Code to implement the change in Council policy. The same changes are required in the Subdivision Code, and the proposed ordinance will provide consistency regarding the Council's intent. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR (1) A PUBLIC HEARING AND (2) CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE. REPORTS a. Mayor The Mayor was not present. b. Council Councilmember Duffie reported that coyotes have returned to the area near the Tukwila Elementary School. Councilmember Carter reported that she attended a Regional Transit Committee meeting on May 17, 2006. The need for additional bus shelters was a topic of discussion at the meeting. She also attended the May 20, 2006 recycling event. Ms. Carter distributed an information memo regarding issues addressed at the May 16, 2006 SCATBd meeting. Councilmember Haggerton attended the Cascade Land Conservancy meeting on May 16, 2006 at the Westin Hotel in Seattle. There were approximately 1400 attendees, and the organization received $550,000 in contributions. Mr. Haggerton also attended the Peace Officer's Memorial event at City Hall the same day. On May 24, 2006 he attended the Cascade Water Alliance Board Meeting. Councilmember Linder indicated she has heard that Sound Transit stopped work in Tukwila and asked for information regarding this issue. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, stated there were protestors at some of the Seattle sites and work schedules were modified. Ms. Berry was not aware of sites in Tukwila being affected by this issue. Ms Linder also noted the websites of other municipalities have a link on their main page to information regarding coyotes from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rhonda Berry indicated she would look into the possibility of a link being created on Tukwila's website. Council President Robertson attended the May 17, 2006 Library Advisory Board. The meeting was attended by Bill Ptacek from the King County Library System. The main topic of discussion involved the Tukwila Library. Mr. Ptacek indicated discussion regarding the Tukwila Library has begun recently due to the Library Board bringing the topic forward. The contract for the library is nearing the termination date, and the Library Board will conduct a public meeting in the summer to receive input regarding usage issues. Mr. Ptacek indicated usage of the Tukwila Library is lower than many other King County libraries. Mr. Robertson stated staff from the library system also commented about possibly putting a regional library near the Sound Transit station. Council President Robertson also attended the Crime Hot Spots meeting on May 17, 2006. The issue of safety in overnight lodging was discussed, and changes may be needed to the current ordinance. Mr. Robertson inquired as to who would be attending the AWC annual meeting as a voting delegate. Councilmember Carter stated she is a voting delegate and will be attending the meeting. Council President Robertson reported that the Council has utilized 59.82% of its annual budget. It is his intention to produce a quarterly report to assist with monitoring the budget. The BAR system does force the allocation of expenses in a manner that may be confusing. Mr. Robertson stated that each Councilmember has $2,500.00 to utilize toward City related business. He will prepare a report that will provide assistance with the Council's budgetary recordkeeping. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes c. Staff Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, reported that the May 20, 2006 special recycling event may have had lower attendance due to a policy change at the Bow Lake Transfer Station. During Tukwila's spring clean -up, the transfer station accepted appliances this year, which has not occurred in the past. Citizens typically took appliances to the special recycling event, but were able to take them to the transfer station this year. This may have resulted in decreased attendance at the May 20, 2006 event. d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Linder relayed that she has invited a local drug store business manager to attend the Highway 99 Action Committee meetings. The drug store is experiencing crime related problems, and she encouraged them to share pertinent information regarding the incidents at the meeting. One of the committee's goals is to troubleshoot issues and facilitate solutions to crime related problems in the business community. Councilmember Haggerton asked Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, to express appreciation to Hal Hiemstra from Ball Janik for his work on the telecommunications issue. The Councilmembers expressed interest in acquiring statistics on the costs to operate the two libraries in Tukwila. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a local library with a variety of good reading material. ADJOURN TO SPECIAL MEETING Page 6 of 6 Mav 22. 2006 9:32 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robrrtson, Council Presi C/'k) Christy O'Flahert Deputy City Clerk