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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-26 Committee of the Whole MinutesTUKWILA CITY COUNCIL June 26, 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, Joan Hernandez, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton, Pam Linder, and Verna Griffin. ATTENDANCE Steve Mullet, Mayor; Kevin Fuhrer, Acting City Administrator; Darrell Baskin, Assistant Police Chief; Steve Lancaster, Community Development Director; Jim Morrow, Public Works Director; Brian Shelton, Sound Transit Project Manager; Mary Miotke, IT Manager; Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager; Diane Jenkins, Council Assistant; Christy O'Flaherty, Deputy City Clerk. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Street closures associated with Sound Transit construction. Jim Morrow, Public Works Director, provided an overview of street closures relative to Sound Transit Light Rail construction. Over the next 18 months, construction of Sound Transit's light rail guideway will be crossing public streets. In order to ensure public safety, the streets will be closed to traffic, except local access. Mr. Morrow's presentation focused on plans for closing Southcenter Boulevard, 51 Avenue South, and 52 Avenue South. Mr. Morrow indicated the first street closure will involve Southcenter Boulevard, and traffic will be rerouted to the following streets: 42 Avenue South, South 144 Street, 51 Avenue South, South 151 Street, and 52 Avenue South. Traffic will flow in both directions. The period of closure for Southcenter Boulevard will be from June 30 to July 25, 2006. The second closure involves 51 Avenue South with detour routes on 42 Avenue South, South 144 Street, South 151 Street, and 52 Avenue South. The period of closure for 51 Avenue South will be from July 6 to July 31, 2006. The third closure will be 52 Avenue South. Rerouting of traffic will be to 42 Avenue South, South 144 Avenue, 51 Avenue South, and Klickitat Drive. The period of closure for 52 Avenue South will be from July 25 to August 18, 2006. Mr. Morrow conveyed that Sound Transit has emphasized to the contractor, PCL Construction, that the hours for construction are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If work is required on the weekends, the hours are 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sound Transit's Community Outreach program is responsible for notifying businesses and residents within the closure zone. Reader boards will also be going up with notifications of the street closures. The next Sound Transit community meeting regarding construction progress will be held on September 7, 2006 at the Foster Library. Councilmember Linder relayed the importance of the Council being notified as soon as possible through each phase of the construction process with regard to related street closures. Council President Robertson inquired as to whether buildings will be evacuated when the gantry is moved around the corner on 52 Avenue South. Mr. Morrow stated Sound Transit is investigating that issue, and it has not yet been determined if buildings will need to be evacuated. If it becomes necessary, Sound Transit will incur the expense of the notification and evacuation process. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Mr. Robertson also inquired how long construction will continue in Tukwila regarding this project. Mr. Morrow responded it would take approximately 18 -24 months. Cathie Desjardin, 3826 South 116 Street, indicated she had not yet received notification from the City regarding a previous request on an application from PCL to work extended hours in her neighborhood. She had also asked for soil borings and plans and specifications that have not been received. She stated she has not heard from the Sound Transit Community Outreach staff, and they do not return phone calls. Mr. Morrow indicated he would ensure Ms. Desjardin receives the requested documents, and he will provide information on how to reach Sound Transit staff members. Mayor Mullet clarified that if it becomes necessary to close SR599, there may be some night work required. Additional communication with the Washington State Department of Transportation will be necessary before that determination can be made. Councilmember Linder requested that Ms. Desjardin advise the City Council office once answers to her questions have been received. CITIZEN COMMENT There were no citizen comments. SPECIAL ISSUES a. Council technology (devices). Page 2 of 6 June 26. 2006 Councilmember Carter indicated this item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting on June 5, 2006. The committee recommends approval of the purchase of 2 -3 laptops and peripheral items for Council use. Councilmember Carter referenced prior information provided by Shelley Kerslake, City Attorney, regarding the liability involved when Councilmembers conduct City business on their personal computers. Creation of a single folder on a personal computer for City related business would provide a higher degree of protection against the entire computer" being taken as part of a legal discovery process. Guidance from the State Attorney General's Office regarding use of this process, with respect to public disclosure issues, would place the City in a more secure position. However, there is no guarantee the personal computer of an elected official could not be subpoenaed. Discussion ensued regarding various hardware devices, and it was determined laptops were the preferred tool for use by the Councilmembers and the Council Assistant. The Councilmembers discussed the possibility of acquiring one of the laptops from the 2006 budget to accommodate the Council Assistant, and then purchase two more in 2007. Mary Miotke, IT Manager, relayed that purchasing the laptops at different times could mean they would not be identical models which may present some inconsistencies with regard to training. Kevin Fuhrer, Acting City Administrator, indicated one laptop could be purchased in 2006. He also conveyed he would be doing a mid -year review of the budget, and it may be possible to purchase the other two laptops out of the 2006 budget as well. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO REQUEST THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO REVIEW THE BUDGET TO DETERMINE A TIMEFRAME FOR PURCHASE OF THREE LAPTOPS AND PERIPHERAL ITEMS FOR USE BY THE COUNCIL; WITH THE INTENT THAT A MINIMUM OF ONE LAPTOP BE PURCHASED IN 2006. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 3 of 6 June 26. 2006 b. Amendment to Organizational Capacity Building Interlocal Agreement between the City of Tukwila and the City of Federal Way. Councilmember Hernandez indicated this item was discussed at the Community Affairs and Parks Committee meeting on June 13, 2006. The committee recommends approval. The organizational capacity building agreement between the cities of Tukwila and Federal Way must be amended to include participation by the City of Burien and the addition of $14,000 in grant funds from United Way of King County. The Council must authorize the Mayor to sign the amended agreement. Evelyn Boykan, Human Services Manager, expressed the importance of United Way's contribution to this program. This will enable the City to provide continued assistance to the Tukwila Pantry by providing additional coaching and training from the consultant of the Non Profit Center of Tacoma. The additional funds will also allow Tukwila to begin work on another program, and options are being explored for possible inclusion. Councilmember Carter referenced page 35 of the agenda packet. In the 3 paragraph "the present capacity of two human services organizations," should be "six human services organizations." Ms. Boykan concurred. Ms. Boykan also conveyed that the City will not be contributing any more than $5,250, and the United Way funds will help supplement Tukwila's portion. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. c. Consultant Agreement for Standby Power Upgrades. Councilmember Duffie indicated this item was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting on June 12, 2006. The committee recommends approval. This contract is for design services for the Standby Power Upgrade project. Currently the four fire stations, City Hall, and the 6300 Building do not have adequate standby power resources. The pre design report will analyze the existing conditions of the distribution systems of the six facilities, provide recommendations for standby power upgrades to those systems, and note budget and priorities. Abacus Engineered Systems was selected out of a competitive interview process to perform the design services associated with the Standby Power Upgrade project. This agency has conducted work on Tukwila's Emergency Operations Center and performed well on that project. Councilmember Linder commented that it would have been appropriate for this item to have gone to the Utilities Committee as opposed to the Transportation Committee. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO FORWARD THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING. d. Council operating procedures review of Ordinance No. 2024. Council President Robertson introduced this topic and stated it had been discussed at the Council Retreat. It was decided at that time, that consideration of current Council operating procedures would come before the Committee of the Whole when time for discussion was available. The Councilmembers began review of Ordinance #2024 and discussion took place regarding the current operating procedures. Section 2.04.030 Committee of the Whole Meetings, Paragraph B. "Meetings of the Committee of the Whole shall be held primarily for the purpose of considering current issues of the City, coordinating the work of the City Council, and discussing draft ordinances, resolutions and policy issues in detail. The Committee of the Whole will have no power to take final actions including, but not limited to, adopting ordinances or passing motions or resolutions." City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Section 2.04.090 Agenda for Regular or Special Council Meetings Section 2.04.110 Miscellaneous Agenda Procedures Section 2.04.120 Speaking Procedures Section 2.04.130 Voting Section 2.04.180 Council Committees and Representatives Page 4 of 6 June 26. 2006 Some Councilmembers conveyed the desire to deviate from only asking clarifying questions at a Committee of the Whole meeting to ensure open dialogue and idea sharing among the Council. There was some concern about "going around the table" in rigid order and withholding remarks about what another Councilmember may have shared. It was felt this could restrict problem solving and a clear understanding of the issues. Other members of the Council conveyed satisfaction with the current method of discussion and stressed the importance of an orderly and respectful meeting. All Councilmembers recognized the necessity of conducting professional, orderly meetings, and being acknowledged by the Council President before sharing comments. They also stressed the importance of not having any one individual monopolize a discussion. It was determined that no amendments to the ordinance were required in this section. The Council President is at liberty to facilitate the meetings by recognizing Councilmembers wishing to speak without "going around the table" in exact order. The Council President may refrain from recognizing an individual out of sequence who may be dominating a particular discussion. Council President Robertson referenced a notation from the retreat indicating the Councilmembers' request to be notified if the Council President removes an item from the agenda. Currently an email, phone call, or notices placed in the Council boxes are among the methods of communication when an item is pulled from the agenda. Councilmember Haggerton asked that items be placed on the agenda in an order to accommodate those staff members who may only have one, short item for consideration. This alleviates staff members from staying late into the night. Councilmember Linder indicated that oftentimes last minute items affect the order in which topics are placed on the agenda. Councilmember Carter inquired as to whether presentations should go to a committee before coming to the full Council. On some occasions, presentations come before the committees, but it does not appear to be consistent. Council President Robertson conveyed he has asked the City Clerk's Office not to schedule presentations during Committee of the Whole meetings. The intent of the Committee of the Whole is to allow Councilmembers time to thoroughly discuss agenda topics, and presentations can cause the meetings to be too lengthy. The Councilmembers discussed this issue and concluded it would be determined on a case -by -case basis. Some presentations are made by elected officials or staff from other agencies, and it may be difficult for them to appear on multiple occasions. Councilmember Haggerton suggested that when a person is speaking from the podium that the individual be allowed to answer questions from the Council without interruption. "C. Confirmations of appointments by the Mayor, budget transfers, personnel levels, and formal motions, resolutions, ordinances and amendments thereto shall require the affirmative votes of four Councilmembers." Council President Robertson inquired as to whether "contracts" should be added to the above list, and it was determined that contract approval would fall under formal motions. Councilmember Linder reiterated her request to be provided the original documentation and staff recommendations that go to committees. In some situations, the committees may make substantial changes. A better understanding of an issue is achieved when each Councilmember is provided the initial information as well as the end result. Councilmember Griffin indicated it is beneficial for new Councilmembers to be provided some history on issues coming forward from committees. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes REPORTS a. Mayor b. Council c. Staff Page 5 of 6 June 26. 2006 Councilmember Carter emphasized the need for staff to provide information for committee meetings in a timely manner to allow adequate time for review. Council President Robertson referenced comments at the Council retreat regarding item removal from committee agendas. When a chairperson pulls an item off a committee agenda, the members will be notified as to what topic has been pulled and the basis for the decision. COUNCIL CONSENSUS EXISTED TO MAKE NO TEXT AMENDMENTS TO COUNCIL OPERATING PROCEDURES ORDINANCE #2024. OPERATIONAL PROCESSES MAY BE ALTERED PER THE ABOVE DISCUSSION. Mayor Mullet indicated that he will be out of town for three weeks beginning June 28, 2006. He reported that information will be forthcoming regarding the new County -wide flood control zone district. He also indicated there are some issues with the King Conservation District and a funding allocation proposal that is unacceptable to the City. This is a draft document, and the Mayor will keep the Council informed on the matter. The Mayor referenced the recent conflict associated with the Westfield project and Renton Landing and development timelines that could affect the customer base for each company. Councilmember Duffie reported he will be out of town from June 30 to July 9, 2006 to attend his high school's 44 class reunion. Councilmember Hernandez attended the Affordable Housing Advisory Board meeting on June 21, 2006. One of the attendees at the event was former Tukwila Planning Director, Brad Collins. She also attended the Friends of the Duwamish Riverbank Hill summer solstice event on June 21, 2006. King County Councilmember Dow Constantine also attended this event. He informed Councilmember Hernandez that the Tukwila Council will be receiving invitations to an open house on July 11, 2006 in the Tukwila School District board room at 7:00 pm. On June 22, 2006 Ms. Hernandez attended the Tukwila Historical Society meeting and stated the members intend to be very active in the Tukwila Days event. Councilmember Carter presented the Well -City Award that she received at the recent Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Conference. She distributed a memo providing an overview of her attendance at the AWC Conference in Spokane. Ms. Carter referenced 1 -933, the Property Rights Initiative. If adopted this initiative would present negative impacts to the City due to zoning related issues. Councilmember Carter also distributed information regarding a recent ruling that voids 1 -747, the law that limits annual increases in property taxes to one percent. Council President Robertson indicated there is no Council Meeting scheduled in the first week of July. Councilmember Haggerton reported that he has recently returned from the National League of Cities (NLC) Convention in Florida. This event involved a joint meeting with the NLC Public Safety Committee and the Central Cities Council. Some of the discussions involved broadening horizons to include involvement in standardized voting across the country and elevating the interest of local governments in technology issues. The members hope to increase involvement between local elected officials and representatives and senators throughout their entire state. Councilmember Haggerton toured emergency facilities in Florida that will be able to sustain Hurricane 5 conditions. Councilmember Griffin complimented Mayor Mullet on a very informative presentation he gave at the Tukwila Rotary Club meeting. Ms. Griffin also met with a member of the Historical Society and had an opportunity to view information that will be presented at the upcoming Tukwila Days event. Kevin Fuhrer, Acting City Administrator, reported that Rhonda Berry, City Administrator, will be returning on June 29, 2006. City of Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes d. City Attorney The City Attorney was not present. e. Intergovernmental There was no report. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Duffie indicated that during this time of year, it is important to remind children about drowning related issues and watching for traffic when crossing the street. Councilmember Linder indicated that teenagers swimming in the Duwamish River are throwing trash into the water. ADJOURNMENT 9:56 p.m. COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERTSON DECLARED THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURNED. Dennis Robertson, Council President Ch sty O'FI p Deputy City Clerk c7 Page 6 of 6 June 26. 2006